Side sleeping is the most common sleep position and one of the healthiest—provided you’re on the right mattress. The best mattress for side sleepers keeps your spine in a neutral position and reduces pressure on your shoulders and hips. However, what works best for you depends on several factors. In this article, we’ll explain what to look for and help you choose the ideal mattress for side sleeping.

Why is a good mattress important for side sleepers?

Over 60% of Europeans prefer sleeping on their side. This position can help reduce back pain, is beneficial for older adults and pregnant women, and may even help with snoring. However, it’s crucial to ensure your body stays well-aligned, which is why a good mattress for side sleepers is essential.

Side sleepers often put more pressure on their shoulders and hips, leading to pain and stiffness. The right mattress relieves this pressure perfectly, offering a balance between softness and support to keep your spine aligned and your muscles relaxed.

Read more tips on how to reduce hip pain after sleeping.

Key factors when choosing a mattress for side sleepers

Several factors determine the best mattress for side sleepers. Let’s take a closer look at the most important ones.

1. Firmness and support

Side sleepers typically benefit from a slightly softer mattress compared to back or stomach sleepers. This softness helps relieve pressure on the shoulders and hips while providing enough support to keep the spine aligned. The ideal firmness level often depends on your body weight.

2. Pressure relief and point elasticity

Pressure relief is crucial, as side sleepers experience more pressure on their shoulders and hips. Look for a mattress with high point elasticity, meaning it conforms precisely to the body’s pressure points. High-quality foam mattresses are often a great choice.

You can test point elasticity by pressing your finger into the mattress—if only the area around your finger responds, and it molds around the pressure, the point elasticity is high.

3. Durable materials

Durable mattresses retain their shape and firmness longer. High-quality materials extend the mattress’s lifespan, providing long-lasting comfort and support.

4. Personal preferences

Consider your personal needs: if you tend to sleep hot, choose breathable materials. If you have allergies, go for hypoallergenic options with a removable, washable mattress cover.

Best mattress materials for side sleepers

The material of your mattress plays a significant role in how well your body is supported and how comfortable you feel. Here are the best options for side sleepers:

Memory foam

Memory foam molds closely to your body, offering excellent pressure relief on shoulders and hips. Variants like Serene foam are also temperature-regulating, ideal for hot sleepers.

Cold foam

This material provides firm support and good ventilation thanks to its open-cell structure, making it perfect for side sleepers who want to combine firmness with breathability.

Hybrid foam

A hybrid mattress combines different types of foam, such as memory foam and cold foam, for a balanced mix of support, pressure relief, and ventilation.

Latex

Latex is a responsive material that adapts quickly, making it suitable for restless sleepers. It offers excellent pressure relief and natural breathability, though it often comes with a higher price tag.

Pocket springs

Pocket spring mattresses offer good support and ventilation. However, for side sleepers, a hybrid combination with foam is recommended, as springs alone may not provide enough pressure relief.

What mattress firmness is best for side sleepers?

Side sleepers generally benefit from a medium-soft to medium-firm mattress, but the ideal firmness depends on your body weight and personal preference.

  • Lighter sleepers may feel too much pressure on a hard mattress, so a softer option helps relieve pressure points on the shoulders and hips.
  • Heavier sleepers may sink deeper into the mattress. A firmer option prevents sinking too much, ensuring better spinal support and pressure relief.

mattress firmness for side sleepers

Best mattress for side sleepers with back pain

As mentioned, side sleeping is often considered a healthy position for those with back pain. For side sleepers with back issues, a mattress with high-quality, adaptive comfort layers is recommended. Look for materials with high point elasticity—such as Serene foam—to relieve pressure on your hips, shoulders, and back. A supportive core prevents excessive sinking.

Additionally, a good side sleeping pillow is also important. It should fill the gap between your neck and the mattress, alleviating neck and back strain. When your pillow keeps your spine in a straight line while side sleeping, you’ve achieved the ideal sleeping posture to prevent back pain.

Check out our full article on the best mattresses for back pain.

The Morningstar Stellar mattress for side sleepers

The Morningstar Stellar mattress is an excellent choice for side sleepers, offering adjustable firmness and customizable zones. This ensures that sleepers of all weights receive tailored support and pressure relief. The adaptive zones accommodate different body shapes, alleviating pressure on the shoulders and hips.

The top layer of Serene foam and Hypersoft Naturalis foam provides precise adaptability, distributing pressure effectively for side sleepers. Meanwhile, the cold foam core prevents excessive sinking, making it an excellent option for side sleepers with back pain.

Looking for a mattress for other sleeping positions? Check out our guides for: