Are you a side sleeper looking for a new mattress? If so, you are not alone. Side sleeping is one of the most common and comfortable sleep positions, but it also comes with some challenges. You need a mattress that can provide adequate pressure relief, spinal alignment, and support for your shoulders, hips, and back. A mattress that is too firm or too soft can cause pain, stiffness, and poor sleep quality.
Fortunately, there are many mattresses on the market that cater to the needs and preferences of side sleepers. In this article, we will review some of the best mattresses for side sleepers in 2024, based on expert testing, research, and customer feedback. We will also share some tips on how to choose the right mattress for your sleeping style, budget, and lifestyle.
What to Look for in a Mattress for Side Sleepers
Before we dive into our top picks, let’s go over some of the key factors that side sleepers should consider when shopping for a mattress.
- Firmness level: This is how soft or hard a mattress feels. Most side sleepers prefer a medium-soft to medium-firmness level, which can offer a balance of cushioning and support. A mattress that is too firm can create pressure points on the shoulders and hips, while a mattress that is too soft can cause the spine to sag and curve. However, firmness preference can also vary depending on your body weight, shape, and personal comfort.
- Pressure relief: This is how well a mattress can contour your body and distribute your weight evenly, especially around the shoulders and hips. This can help reduce pressure, pain, and inflammation in these sensitive areas. Memory foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses are known for their excellent pressure relief properties, as they can adapt to the curves of the body and relieve tension.
- Spinal alignment: This is how well a mattress can keep your spine in a neutral and healthy position, without causing it to bend or twist. A mattress that is too firm or too soft can cause the spine to misalign, which can lead to back pain, neck pain, and other issues. A mattress that offers good lumbar support and zoned support can help maintain proper spinal alignment for side sleepers.
- Mattress type: There are different types of mattresses available, each with its pros and cons for side sleepers. Here is a brief overview of the main types:
Mattress Type | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Memory Foam | Conforming, pressure-relieving, motion-isolating, noise-free | Heat-trapping, sinking, off-gassing, heavy |
Latex | Responsive, resilient, pressure-relieving, breathable, durable, eco-friendly | Expensive, heavy, bouncy, allergic |
Innerspring | Traditional, bouncy, airy, affordable | Noisy, prone to sagging, lack of pressure relief, motion transfer |
Hybrid | Balance of comfort and support, pressure-relieving, breathable, bouncy, durable | Expensive, heavy, hard to move, off-gassing |
Our Top Picks for the Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers in 2024
Based on our research and analysis, here are some of the best mattresses for side sleepers in 2024. We have considered the factors mentioned above, as well as the latest trends, updates, and news in the mattress industry.
Best Overall: Helix Midnight Luxe
The Helix Midnight Luxe is our top pick for the best overall mattress for side sleepers in 2024. This hybrid mattress is designed specifically for side sleepers, as it has a medium firmness level, a plush pillow top, and a zoned support system. The Helix Midnight Luxe can provide optimal pressure relief, spinal alignment, and comfort for side sleepers of all shapes and sizes.
- Why we love it: The Helix Midnight Luxe has a 14-inch profile, which is thicker than the average mattress. It consists of five layers: a breathable and soft cover, a gel-infused memory foam layer, a transition foam layer, a pocketed coil layer, and a high-density foam base. The gel-infused memory foam layer can conform to the body and offer pressure relief, while the transition foam layer can provide extra cushioning and support. The pocketed coil layer can add support, bounce, and airflow, while the high-density foam base can enhance the durability and stability of the mattress. The Helix Midnight Luxe also features a zoned support system, which means that the coils are arranged in different zones to provide more or less support depending on the area of the body. This can help keep the spine aligned and prevent sagging or sinking. The Helix Midnight Luxe also has a plush pillow top, which adds a layer of softness and luxury to the mattress. The cover of the mattress is made of Tencel, a natural and eco-friendly fabric that is breathable, moisture-wicking, and hypoallergenic.
- What customers say: The Helix Midnight Luxe is one of the most popular and highly rated mattresses on the market, with thousands of positive reviews from satisfied customers. Customers love the comfort, support, and quality of the mattress, as well as the customer service and delivery of the company. Customers also appreciate the customization and personalization options that Helix offers, such as the sleep quiz, the split or dual firmness option, and the accessories.
- The details: The Helix Midnight Luxe is available in six sizes, from twin to California king. It comes with a 100-night sleep trial, a 15-year warranty, and free shipping and returns. The price of the Helix Midnight Luxe ranges from $1,099 to $2,349, depending on the size.
Best Budget: Nectar Premier Mattress
The Nectar Premier Mattress is our top pick for the best budget mattress for side sleepers in 2024. This memory foam mattress is affordable, comfortable, and durable, making it a great value for money. The Nectar Premier Mattress can offer excellent pressure relief, contouring, and cooling for side sleepers who want a cozy and supportive mattress.
- Why we love it: The Nectar Premier Mattress has a 13-inch profile, which is slightly thicker than the average mattress. It consists of four layers: a quilted cooling cover, a gel memory foam layer, a transition foam layer, and a high-density foam base. The quilted cooling cover can wick away heat and moisture, while the gel memory foam layer can conform to the body and offer pressure relief. The transition foam layer can provide extra support and cushioning, while the high-density foam base can enhance the durability and stability of the mattress. The Nectar Premier Mattress has a medium-firm feel, which can suit most side sleepers. It can also accommodate back and stomach sleepers who like a firmer feel. The Nectar Premier Mattress can provide good spinal alignment and support for side sleepers, without causing them to sink too much or feel stuck. The Nectar Premier Mattress can also isolate motion, reduce noise, and resist allergens and dust mites, making it a good choice for side-sleeping couples and people with allergies.
- What customers say: The Nectar Premier Mattress is one of the most affordable and high-quality mattresses on the market, with thousands of positive reviews from happy customers. Customers love the comfort, support, and value of the mattress, as well as the generous sleep trial, warranty, and return policy of the company. Customers also appreciate the gifts and accessories that Nectar offers, such as pillows, sheets, and mattress protectors.
- The details: The Nectar Premier Mattress is available in six sizes, from twin to California king. It comes with a 365-night sleep trial, a lifetime warranty, and free shipping and returns. The price of the Nectar Premier Mattress ranges from $899 to $1,599, depending on the size.
Best Cooling: Purple RestorePremier Hybrid
The Purple RestorePremier Hybrid is our top pick for the best cooling mattress for side sleepers in 2024. This hybrid mattress is innovative, breathable, and responsive, making it a great option for side sleepers who tend to sleep hot or sweat a lot. The Purple RestorePremier Hybrid can offer exceptional pressure relief, airflow, and comfort for side sleepers who want a cool and refreshing mattress.
- Why we love it: The Purple RestorePremier Hybrid has a 12-inch profile, which is about the average thickness of a mattress. It consists of four layers: a stretchy and soft cover, a Purple Grid layer, a transition foam layer, and a pocketed coil layer. The stretchy and soft cover can adapt to the body and allow air to circulate, while the Purple Grid layer can conform to the body and offer pressure relief. The Purple Grid layer is made of a unique material called Hyper-Elastic Polymer, which is a gel-like substance that forms a grid pattern. The grid can flex and collapse under pressure, creating a cradling and supportive feel. The grid can also create air channels, which can dissipate heat and moisture. The transition foam layer can provide extra support and cushioning, while the pocketed coil layer can add support, bounce, and airflow.
- What customers say: The Purple RestorePremier Hybrid is one of the most innovative and cooling mattresses on the market, with thousands of positive reviews from impressed customers. Customers love the comfort, support, and quality of the mattress, as well as the customer service and delivery of the company. Customers also appreciate the trial period, warranty, and return policy that Purple offers, as well as the accessories and products that Purple sells, such as pillows, sheets, and seat cushions.
- The details: The Purple RestorePremier Hybrid is available in six sizes, from twin to California king. It comes with a 100-night sleep trial, a 10-year warranty, and free shipping and returns. The price of the Purple RestorePremier Hybrid ranges from $1,399 to $2,699, depending on the size.
Best Organic: Avocado Green Mattress
The Avocado Green Mattress is our top pick for the best organic mattress for side sleepers in 2024. This latex hybrid mattress is natural, eco-friendly, and healthy, making it a great choice for side sleepers who care about the environment and their well-being. The Avocado Green Mattress can offer excellent pressure relief, support, and durability for side sleepers who want a green and organic mattress.
- Why we love it: The Avocado Green Mattress has an 11-inch profile, which is about the average thickness of a mattress. It consists of three layers: an organic cotton cover, an organic latex layer, and a pocketed coil layer. The organic cotton cover is soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic, while the organic latex layer is responsive, resilient, and pressure-relieving. The organic latex layer is made of natural Dunlop latex, which is harvested from rubber trees and processed without any harmful chemicals or additives. The pocketed coil layer is supportive, bouncy, and airy, and it is made of recycled steel coils that are individually wrapped.
- What customers say: The Avocado Green Mattress is one of the most natural and eco-friendly mattresses on the market, with thousands of positive reviews from happy customers. Customers love the comfort, support, and quality of the mattress, as well as the environmental and social responsibility of the company. Customers also appreciate the certifications and awards that Avocado has received, such as the GOTS, GOLS, GREENGUARD Gold, and Climate Neutral certifications, and the Best of 2024 award from Good Housekeeping.
- The details: The Avocado Green Mattress is available in six sizes, from twin to California king. It comes with a 365-night sleep trial, a 25-year warranty, and free shipping and returns. The price of the Avocado Green Mattress ranges from $999 to $1,999, depending on the size.
Best for Back Pain: Saatva Classic Mattress
The Saatva Classic Mattress is our top pick for the best mattress for side sleepers with back pain in 2024. This innerspring mattress is supportive, comfortable, and adjustable, making it a great option for side sleepers who suffer from chronic or acute back pain. The Saatva Classic Mattress can offer excellent pressure relief, spinal alignment, and lumbar support for side sleepers who want pain-free and restful sleep.
- Why we love it: The Saatva Classic Mattress has an 11.5-inch or 14.5-inch profile, depending on your preference. It consists of four layers: an organic cotton cover, a memory foam layer, a coil-on-coil layer, and a high-density foam base. The organic cotton cover is soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic, while the memory foam layer is conforming, pressure-relieving, and anti-microbial. The coil-on-coil layer is supportive, bouncy, and airy, and it is made of two layers of steel coils that are individually wrapped. The high-density foam base is durable, stable, and edge-supportive. The Saatva Classic Mattress also features a lumbar support zone, which is a layer of memory foam that is placed in the center of the mattress to provide extra support and alignment for the lower back. The Saatva Classic Mattress also has an adjustable base option, which allows you to raise or lower the head and foot of the bed to find your optimal sleeping position and relieve pressure and pain.
- What customers say: The Saatva Classic Mattress is one of the most supportive and comfortable mattresses on the market, with thousands of positive reviews from happy customers. Customers love the comfort, support, and quality of the mattress, as well as the customer service and delivery of the company. Customers also appreciate the customization and personalization options that Saatva offers, such as the firmness level, the height, the adjustable base, and the accessories.
- The details: The Saatva Classic Mattress is available in six sizes, from twin to California king. It comes with a 180-night sleep trial, a 15-year warranty, and free white glove delivery and mattress removal. The price of the Saatva Classic Mattress ranges from $799 to $1,999, depending on the size, height, and base option.
How to Choose the Right Mattress for Side Sleepers
Now that you have seen some of the best mattresses for side sleepers in 2024, you might be wondering how to choose the right one for you. Here are some tips and factors that can help you make an informed decision.
- Consider your body weight and shape: Your body weight and shape can affect how you feel on a mattress, as they can determine how much you sink, conform, and support. Generally, lighter side sleepers (less than 130 pounds) prefer softer mattresses, as they can offer more cushioning and pressure relief. Heavier side sleepers (more than 230 pounds) prefer firmer mattresses, as they can offer more support and prevent sagging. Average side sleepers (130 to 230 pounds) prefer medium mattresses, as they can offer a balance of comfort and support.
- Consider your sleeping partner: If you share your bed with a sleeping partner, you might want to consider their preferences and needs as well. You might want to look for a mattress that can accommodate different sleeping positions, such as a hybrid or a latex mattress. You might also want to look for a mattress that can isolate motion, reduce noise, and offer edge support, such as a memory foam or a hybrid mattress. You might also want to look for a mattress that has a split or dual firmness option, which allows you and your partner to choose different firmness levels for each side of the bed.
- Consider your budget: Mattresses can vary widely in price, depending on the type, quality, and features of the mattress. You might want to set a realistic budget for yourself and look for a mattress that can offer the best value for your money. You might also want to look for discounts, coupons, and promotions that can help you save some money. You might also want to look for a mattress that comes with a generous sleep trial, warranty, and return policy, which can give you more peace of mind and protection.
- Consider your lifestyle: Your lifestyle can also influence your mattress choice, as it can reflect your personal preferences and needs. For example, if you are a hot sleeper, you might want to look for a mattress that can offer good cooling and breathability, such as a latex or a hybrid mattress. If you are an allergy sufferer, you might want to look for a mattress that can resist allergens and dust mites, such as an organic or a memory foam mattress. If you are a restless sleeper, you might want to look for a mattress that can offer good responsiveness and bounce, such as a hybrid or a latex mattress.
Conclusion
Side sleeping is a common and comfortable sleep position, but it also requires a suitable mattress that can provide adequate pressure relief, spinal alignment, and support. In this article, we have reviewed some of the best mattresses for side sleepers in 2024, based on expert testing, research, and customer feedback. We have also shared some tips on how to choose the right mattress for your sleeping style, budget, and lifestyle.
We hope that this article has helped you find the best mattress for side sleepers in 2024, or at least given you some ideas and inspiration. Remember, the best mattress for you is the one that can meet your personal preferences and needs, and that can improve your sleep quality and well-being. Happy sleeping!
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