1. Best overall
2. Best for firmness options
3. Best for heavier bodies
4. Best for combination sleepers
5. Best premium
Having the best mattress for side sleepers means that you won't wake up with a bad back and sore joints if you sleep predominantly on your side. Most of us sleep on our sides to some extent, and consequently the majority of the best mattresses are a safe option for side sleepers. But to save you having to comb through all the details to make sure you'll get a comfortable night's sleep, we've listed a selection of the top options right here.
It's not too hard to pick out the best mattress for side sleepers once you know what features to look for. Ideally you'll find a bed that has a softer top layer that'll keep your hips and shoulders cushioned, and firmer and more supportive lower layers (preferably with zoned support) so that your spine is nicely aligned. If you're looking at softer mattresses (particularly ones with a lot of foam), you should try to find a bed with cooling features such as breathable covers, temperature-regulating foam and airflow-enhancing spring layers.
Our list of top mattresses includes top sleep brands such as Emma, Tempur and Nectar, and covers a range of budgets. Mattress deals are a regular thing, which means that if you time things right you shouldn't have to pay the RRP for your bed; we've provided shopping information with each product entry to let you know about the best prices. Now, let’s look at the top beds for side sleepers, all of which offer outstanding comfort and support to keep you sleeping soundly night after night.
The quick list
Best for side sleepers overall
The Emma Original is a well-priced all-foam mattress that that contours to your body and cushions your joints when you sleep on your side.
Best for comfort options
There's a version of the Brook + Wilde Elite for every sleeper as it comes in three firmness options; side sleepers should opt for medium or soft.
Best for heavier bodies
Heavier side sleepers will get on well with the all-foam Nectar, as it has a firmer feel that provides support without you sinking in too much.
Best for combination sleepers
The DreamCloud hybrid delivers a firm but luxurious feel at a surprisingly reasonable price, and it'll keep you supported in all sleep positions.
Best premium option
The high-end Tempur Hybrid features high-end materials and a luxury feel, with NASA-developed foam, a layer of micro-coils and a choice of two firmness options for custom comfort.
The mattress for side sleepers in 2024 - as chosen by experts
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Best overall
As one of our best mattress and best memory foam mattress picks, the Emma Mattress is a trusted bed-in-a-box for side sleepers, with the all-foam layers providing plenty of cushioning at the hips, knees and shoulders. In the middle is a Halo Memory Foam layer that adapts to your body shape to help align the posture, also adding enhanced pressure relief. And at the base is a super-durable foam layer with five cut-out zones that evenly distribute your body weight to further reduce the pressure on your posture.
As mentioned in our in-depth review, the Emma mattress has a softer feel to provide maximum cosiness for pressure points. While this means extra comfort, if you are heavier in weight or tend to swap position from side to front or back as you sleep, then you might require a little more firmness. If you’re not sure whether the Emma Mattress is a good fit for you, then take advantage of the generous 200-night trial to see for yourself.
- Read more: Emma Mattress review
Best for firmness options
If you're choosy about the firmness of your bed, the Brook + Wilde Elite is worth investigating as it comes in three comfort options: there's a firm (7 out of 10), medium (5) and soft (3), enabling you to choose a firmness level that goes best with your body type and sleep style. Our reviewer tested the firm option, however if you tend to sleep you your side you'll get on much better with the medium or soft version, which will give your shoulders and hips the cushioning they need while still providing plenty of support.
Thanks to two layers of springs – 2,000 mini springs and an extra 1,000 taller springs to provide even more bounce and push-back – the Elite is thoroughly breathable and won't leave you hot and bothered in the night. It also delivers superior edge support as well as very good motion isolation, which bodes well for co-sleepers who don't want to be disrupted by their partner's movements.
It's usually on offer with around 50% off, but bear in mind that it's made to order which means it'll take up to four weeks to arrive, You’ll have 200 nights to try it out, and there's a 10-year guarantee for peace of mind, and you'll also get free premium delivery and set-up included.
- Read more: Brook + Wilde Elite mattress review
Best for heavier bodies
Just like the Emma Mattress, Nectar’s mattress also features in our best mattress and best memory foam mattress guides, for comfort, support and value for money. While the full price of the mattress might look a little wallet-busting, there are typically some very good online deals (including up to half-price) – especially when it comes to the larger sizes.
As well as offering excellent pressure-point relief for side sleepers with Nectar’s own adaptive memory foam, the slightly firmer feel makes it a good option for heavier body weights. Co-sleepers will also benefit from the minimal motion transfer on offer. Other perks include decent temperature regulation, a seven-zone supportive base and a cosy-yet-cooling cover.
For the price, Nectar also provides a forever warranty, 365-night trial, and free delivery and returns. If you’re also looking to buy bedding including a duvet and pillows, then you can make even more savings when you buy these together with your mattress as a bundle.
- Read more: Nectar Memory Foam Mattress review
Best for combination sleepers
Rated top bed for relieving back pain in our best mattress round-up, DreamCloud’s Luxury Hybrid Mattress is ideal if you’re a combination sleeper who sleeps on your front and back as well as your side.
The cosy layers in this bed combine memory foam and pocket springs for supreme comfort and exceptional support, with the adaptive foam layers helping relieve pressure points and improve spinal alignment for better sleep. If you sleep hot, then this mattress is also a great choice with the hybrid design offering plenty of breathability and airflow.
With high-quality materials, the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid is durable and built to last – as the generous 365-night trial and ‘forever guarantee’ prove.
Available from single to super king size, this mattress is frequently on offer, with up to 50% off in the sales. Buy it as a bundle with a full set of bedding and you’ll make even bigger savings too.
- Read more: DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid Mattress review
Best premium
With premium materials and a pure-luxury feel, leading sleep brand Tempur has it covered when it comes to comfort. Its Hybrid mattress uses the brand’s own Advanced Tempur material (derived from foam used by NASA) and combines it with a layer of micro-coil pocketed springs to deliver unrivalled cosiness if you sleep on your side.
Available in two versions – Supreme and Elite, which are 21cm and 25 cm deep respectively – the Tempur-material top-layer gives maximum pressure relief, while the sturdy base keeps the mattress stable and supportive as you sleep.
While this top-rated bed is on the more expensive end of the scale, the value for money is excellent, as this mattress is built to last. It also comes with a ten-year guarantee, 100-night sleep trial and free delivery and returns. Added perks include easy maintenance with a washable zipped cover and there’s no need to turn or flip the mattress either.
How to choose the best mattress for side sleepers
If you are looking for a bed that keeps you comfortable while you sleep on your side, then it will need enough sinkage, cushioning and support to keep your spine aligned and in a healthy position for a good night’s rest.
The best mattress firmness for side sleepers is typically medium to medium-firm. Side sleepers of average weight generally benefit from a medium-firm bed with a little added softness, while those with a lighter build might need a touch more cushioning. For all side sleepers, a plush layer is crucial to keep the pressure points at the hips, knees, shoulders and head cushioned to avoid soreness and discomfort – something that can cause you to toss and turn.
Generally speaking, memory foam mattresses or hybrids with a cushioning or gel layer will deliver the softness you need and provide stability too. Choosing a medium-loft pillow will also help your head rest at the correct height and in alignment with the rest of your body. Check out our guide to the best pillow for sleeping to see our top picks.
Is foam or spring better for side sleepers?
Because foam mattresses and hybrid mattresses tend to offer more cushioning comfort, they are generally considered more suitable for side sleepers. However, if you need the support a spring mattress offers, then placing a foam mattress topper on top of your spring mattress, means you can get the best of both worlds.
One of the best – and risk-free – ways to check if a mattress is suitable for you is to choose a mattress with a sleep trial. The body can take around 2-4 weeks to get used to a new bed, and with generous sleep trials of up to 365 nights on the best mattresses, that’s more than enough time to know whether a mattress is the right fit for you.
