Best Mattress For People Who Sleep on Their Side

Sleeping on your side is not only comfortable for many people, but it can also help relieve heartburn and promote healthy digestion. For pregnant individuals, side sleeping is often recommended, especially in the third trimester, as it allows for optimal blood flow through the inferior vena cava.

The best mattresses for side sleepers are designed to cushion pressure points—such as the knees, hips, and shoulders—while supporting proper spinal alignment. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly or luxury option, there are excellent choices available in 2026.

Top Mattresses for Side Sleepers

1. Purple Mattress

   The Purple Mattress is a medium-firm bed-in-a-box designed for both back and side sleepers. It arrives compressed and fully expands within 24 hours.

   • The comfort layer features a two-inch grid of proprietary hyper-elastic polymer. This material remains firm until enough pressure is applied, then collapses to provide targeted support and pressure relief—delivering a unique feel that is both soft and supportive.
   • A 3.5-inch high-density poly foam transitional layer helps bridge the comfort and base layers, while the SoftFlex cover is thin, stretchy, and comfortable without interfering with the gel grid’s performance.
   • Motion isolation is a strong point, with the Purple Mattress scoring 7.5/10 for minimizing movement transfer between sleepers.

   Learn more about the Purple Mattress.

2. Nectar Mattress

   The Nectar Mattress stands out for its memory foam feel and medium firmness. Its top layer is three inches of cooling gel-infused memory foam, which helps channel heat away from your body for a cooler night’s sleep.

   • The transitional layer and support core keep the surface flat and increase pressure relief for all sleep positions.
   • Back and stomach sleepers up to 230 pounds should find adequate support; heavier sleepers may notice more sinkage and might prefer hybrid options like Casper or Avocado mattresses.
   • Nectar offers a generous 365-night trial. If you’re not satisfied, they’ll arrange pickup for donation or recycling and provide a full refund, usually within 2-4 business days.

   How to test a Nectar Mattress.

3. Sealy Posturepedic

   The Sealy Posturepedic is an orthopedic hybrid mattress combining pressure relief and support. It is a strong choice for side sleepers who want both cushioning and bounce.

   • The top layer features soft, slow-reacting gel memory foam to relieve pressure on shoulders and hips.
   • An innerspring core adds support and airflow, helping keep the mattress cool.
   • Available in various firmness levels and models, including all-foam and hybrid designs.
   • The mattress is delivered compressed in a box for convenience.
   • Sealy offers a 10-year warranty for models thicker than 8 inches.
   • Note: Some users report durability concerns and sagging after short-term use.

4. Serta iComfort

   The Serta iComfort line offers both plush and firm hybrid mattresses, making it easy to find the right fit for side sleepers.

   • Multiple foam layers provide a range of comfort options, from soft to firm.
   • Serta’s cooling technology promotes airflow and helps regulate temperature. The Max Cool cover uses high-performance fibers for a cool-to-the-touch feel, and carbon fiber memory foam channels heat away from your body.
   • The plush iComfort Blue 300 is ideal for those who want extra cushioning at the shoulders and hips. Firmer models like the CF4000 offer more contouring and pressure relief.
   • Serta is a trusted brand with a long history of designing and manufacturing quality mattresses.

   Find Serta mattresses in New Jersey.

5. Tempur-Pedic

   Tempur-Pedic mattresses are renowned for their contouring support, relieving joint and muscle pressure while maintaining spinal alignment. Their memory foam models are highly rated for side sleepers.

   • The Tempur-Cloud mattress is one of the more affordable options in the Tempur-Pedic line, offering quality construction and support for side sleepers.
   • Its base layer and two additional cushion layers are designed to support the curves of your body and provide plush comfort.
   • Three inches of slow-responding gel memory foam cradle the hips and shoulders, relieving pressure points.
   • Certified as CERTIPUR-US and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Class 1, making it an eco-friendly choice.
   • Available in twin XL, queen, king, California king, and split California king sizes.
   • Can be paired with the Tempur-Ergo Extend adjustable power base, which includes preset positions like Zero Gravity to help relieve pressure on the back and knees.

   Learn more about Tempur-Pedic sleep solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of mattress is best for side sleepers?

Side sleepers generally benefit from a mattress that offers pressure relief at the shoulders and hips while supporting spinal alignment. Medium-firm memory foam, hybrid, or mattresses with a soft comfort layer are often recommended.

How firm should a mattress be for side sleepers?

A medium or medium-soft mattress is typically ideal for side sleepers. This firmness level allows the mattress to cushion pressure points without letting the body sink too deeply and misalign the spine.

Are hybrid mattresses good for side sleepers?

Yes, hybrid mattresses can be excellent for side sleepers. They combine the contouring of foam with the support and airflow of innersprings, providing both pressure relief and support.

How long is the trial period for most mattresses?

Many leading mattress brands, such as Nectar, offer generous trial periods—often up to 365 nights—so you can test the mattress at home and return it if it’s not a good fit.

What should side sleepers look for in a mattress?

Side sleepers should look for:

• Pressure relief at shoulders and hips
• Support for proper spinal alignment
• Good motion isolation if sharing the bed
• Cooling features if you sleep hot
• Trial period and warranty for peace of mind