Imagine climbing into bed right now. Do you curl up on your side and drift off to dreamland? You’re not alone — side sleeping is the most common sleeping position. (And, as a bonus, it’s associated with a slew of good health outcomes.)
But it requires a Goldilocks mattress — not so soft that your spine will be bent out of shape, but not so firm that your shoulders and hips will be squeezed.
That’s why side sleepers, in general, should like a medium-soft to medium mattress, although some may prefer something a bit firmer if they tend to roll onto their back or stomach. And, of course, what feels soft or firm will feel different for each person.
We have five mattress recommendations for side sleepers, pulled from our guides to the best memory foam mattresses, the best hybrid mattresses, the best innerspring mattresses, and the best cheap mattresses, as well as our overall guide to the best mattresses.
What makes a good side-sleeper mattress
Spinal alignment
Side sleepers should look for a mattress that aligns the spine and offers good support.
Pressure relief
Side sleepers put pressure on their shoulders and hips. Look for a mattress with a cushiony top layer to relieve this.
Soft but supportive
Most dedicated side sleepers will sleep best on a medium-soft to medium mattress. If you shift to your back or stomach, you may prefer a firmer bed.
Solid trial period
You shouldn’t be stuck with the wrong mattress. We considered options with at least 90-day trials.
