What Are the Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers?

Last Updated: March 2026

Sleeping on your side is one of the most common sleep positions and, for many people, one of the most comfortable. It can help reduce snoring, support digestion, and encourage natural spinal alignment. However, side sleepers place more pressure on certain areas of the body, particularly the shoulders and hips.

Because of this, choosing the right mattress is especially important. A mattress that is too firm may create pressure points, while one that is too soft can allow the body to sink too deeply, affecting spinal alignment.

This guide explains what side sleepers should look for when choosing a mattress, including ideal firmness, suitable materials, and common mistakes to avoid.

Why Side Sleepers Need the Right Mattress

When you sleep on your side, your body weight is concentrated over a smaller surface area. The shoulders and hips press more deeply into the mattress than other parts of the body.

A suitable mattress should balance cushioning and support to keep the spine aligned while relieving pressure.

A good mattress for side sleepers should:

Cushion the shoulders and hips
Support the waist and lower back
Maintain natural spinal alignment
Reduce pressure points that can disrupt sleep

Best Mattress Types for Side Sleepers

Different mattress materials offer varying levels of contouring, support, and responsiveness. Some are particularly well suited to side sleepers.

Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam is a popular choice because it contours closely to the body, helping to relieve pressure.

Excellent pressure relief for shoulders and hips
Reduced motion transfer for couples
Even weight distribution

Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses combine pocket springs with foam or latex comfort layers, offering both support and cushioning.

Supportive spring structure
Pressure-relieving comfort layers
Improved airflow compared to all-foam designs

Latex Mattresses

Latex provides responsive pressure relief with a slightly firmer feel than memory foam.

Responsive surface that is easier to move on
Pressure relief without excessive sinking
Breathable materials for temperature regulation

Ideal Mattress Firmness for Side Sleepers

Side sleepers typically benefit from softer comfort layers that allow the shoulders and hips to sink slightly into the mattress.

Soft (1/6): Best for lighter sleepers needing extra cushioning
Medium (3/6): Better for heavier sleepers needing more support

The right firmness helps keep the spine aligned while relieving pressure in key areas.

Recommended Products for Side Sleepers

Here’s a few recommended options that work really well for side sleepers.

Does Body Weight Affect Mattress Choice?

Body weight can influence how a mattress feels and how much you sink into it.

Lighter Sleepers (Under 11 Stone)

Often benefit from softer mattresses (3–4/10) for better cushioning.

Average Sleepers (11–14 Stone)

Typically find medium mattresses (around 5/10) offer a good balance of comfort and support.

Heavier Sleepers (Over 14 Stone)

May need medium to medium-firm mattresses (5–7/10) to prevent excessive sinking.

Pillow Support for Side Sleepers

Your pillow plays an important role in maintaining proper alignment.

Your pillow should fill the gap between your head and the mattress
Your neck should stay aligned with your spine
A pillow between the knees can help keep hips aligned

Common Mistakes Side Sleepers Make

Choosing a mattress that is too firm: Can create pressure points around shoulders and hips
Ignoring body weight: Firmness needs vary depending on weight
Using the wrong pillow height: Can cause neck strain and misalignment

Expert Advice from Land of Beds

When choosing a mattress for side sleeping, pressure relief and comfort layers are just as important as support.

Our experts typically recommend:

Softer comfort layers to cushion pressure points
Medium tension mattresses for balanced support
Materials such as memory foam, latex, or hybrid designs

If you share a bed, it may also be worth considering mattresses with good motion isolation to reduce disturbance from movement.

Summary

Side sleeping can be one of the most comfortable positions when paired with the right mattress. The key is finding a balance between cushioning and support.

In most cases, side sleepers benefit from soft to medium mattresses with pressure-relieving comfort layers. Choosing the right mattress can improve sleep quality and help you wake up feeling more comfortable and supported.

Still Need Help?

If you have questions, our team is happy to help: