7 Best Mattress For Side Sleepers Consumer Ratings & Reports 2023

You are a side sleeper and feel pain in your shoulder and lower back when you wake up?

Maybe you think it is because I am a side sleeper and sleeping on the side is a bad posture of sleeping that leads to shoulder and lower back pain.

No, it is not the case. There is no issue sleeping on the sides. It is the best posture of sleeping that leads to improved breathing and better digestion.

The culprit behind your lower back pain is the unresponsive mattress. Yes, it is the unresponsive and rigid mattress that makes things worse for you.

Side sleepers require a mattress that provides pressure point relief, contour to their body, and is softer than a regular mattress.

In side-sleeping, your shoulders get the most pressure on your upper body, and if the mattress under the shoulder does not provide contour support, it is going to hurt.

So, in this post, I am going to review the best mattress for side sleepers according to consumer ratings and reports 2023. So without further ado, let’s get started.

Quick Picks

Here are the top-rated products we picked out that you would be interested in, depending on your budget…

Best Mattress For Side Sleepers Consumer Ratings & Reports

1. Nectar Queen Mattress 12 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress
2. ZINUS 12 Inch Cloud Memory Foam Mattress
3. Casper Sleep Element Mattress, Queen
4. GhostBed Classic 11 Inch Cool Gel Memory Foam & Latex Mattress
5. DreamCloud 14″ Gel Memory Foam Luxury Hybrid Mattress
6. BROOKLYN BEDDING 11″ Hybrid Patented TitanFlex Pressure Mattress
7. Sleep Innovations Shiloh Medium Memory Foam Mattress

Best Mattress For Side Sleepers Reviews

I have compiled a list of the 7 best mattresses for side sleepers based on consumer ratings and reports 2023.

1. Nectar Queen Mattress 12 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress

If You are on a budget but still want to buy a quality Mattress with all premium nuts and bolts, I think you will get your question answered by Nectar.

Nectar-designed Queen 12-inch mattress with motion isolation and memory foam is one of the best budget mattresses under a budget price range.

It is a comfortable mattress with body contouring and sinkage you will have a sound sleep in the night even if your partner is turning tossing through the night.

It is not for over-weight users, for lightweight side and back sleepers, it is one of the finest picks to get hands-on.

The top layer of the mattress is made of memory foam gel that provides comfortable contouring and cooling without condensation or overheating.

Your body will have proper sinkage, comfortable support more like constant support when you toss and turn your body for adjusting.

The second layer is made of high-density foam. This layer is to provide reinforced support, and the bottom, a mattress cover to prevent mattress slippage. This mattress is great if you are a back pain or hip pain patient, relieving all of your aches.

It is firm enough to support your body, to make your body not feel stuck. And comfortable or soft enough to be gentle for the areas you are sensitive about, where you are feeling aches or pain. It regulates the heat and maintains an ideal temperature through the night.

If you are a couple, this mattress is the one-stop-shop for you. It has motion isolation features that prevent couples from getting disturbed when any of them gets up, awake or switch sides.

With 365 nights of trial warranty, Nectar hits the ball out of the court and convinces you to buy no one but them.

The only negative side of this mattress is its weight range. If you are over 250-pounds, it is not for you, you might get stuck in it and might feel like sinking through it.

Though the brand does not mention this weight range, most of the customers mentioned this aspect.

2. ZINUS 12 Inch Cloud Memory Foam Mattress

If you have used lots of soft mattresses for your side sleeping, and you are almost tired of testing more products, this ZINUS designed 12-inch Memory Foam mattress is going to change your perception. This mattress makes you feel like sleeping on a cloud.

ZINUS memory foam mattress is the most comfortable mattress you ever come across. It has a four-layer formula which without sinking and stuck provides comfort through the night. You Would not feel stuck in the sand, feeling hard to get up.

It has four layers formula in its construction, the top layer is the Jacquard Knit cover, which is a breathable Knitted cover to provide you with proper airflow preventing condensation.

For hot weather or hot areas, it might feel like a little hot, but for cold areas or in winter, you will have the best out of it.

The second layer is green tea memory foam that keeps the mattress fresh. This memory foam provides a hugging and contouring experience, especially for those struggling with back or hip pain.

It hugs your body’s curves, especially the lower area which gets most of the pressure for side sleeping.

The third layer is of ZINUS comfort Foam mold, it enhances the softness and soothes your body especially joints or high-pressure point areas; shoulder or lower back.

The fourth layer is ZINUS Base Foam which maintains a strong structure and gives edge support. This area is more like giving your body extra support, not to make you feel like sinking.

Keep in mind, many buyers mentioned this Memory foam firm, for them, the firm meaning is not rigid or does not provide contouring. This firm means, it would not be like laying on the sand which makes it hard to get up or sink.

3. Casper Sleep Element Mattress, Queen

If you are a side sleeper and have long been struggling with back pain just because of your mattress, this Casper-designed Sleep element Mattress is going to change your life. It is one of the best mattresses for side sleepers for more than one reason.

This mattress shares a construction that lifts your lower back area and gives your body a proper alignment or right posture to your spinal cord.

Keep in mind, proper spinal alignment is the key for relieving back pain or hip pain, if you have the right posture while sleeping, you would not face any of the issues.

This mattress comes with the right softness and support. Without making you feel sinking, it provides softness to your body and boasts a hugging experience. The top layer conforms to your body and relieves the pressure point.

The best thing about this mattress is its layer of AirSpace that is designed for proper airflow.

It is a layer of Perforated breathable foam that enhances the airflow and gives a cooling night experience without condensation or overheating.

The tiny holes in this layer move the hot air particles out of the system leading to the elimination of body heat.

To make your Mattress great for your pressure points especially for lower joint pain, there comes a dedicated durable base foam. This foam layer is engineered to prevent sinking and sagging, supporting your whole body.

Its knitted soft cover has its journey and story to tell. The cover is made of eco-friendly material, recycled materials to make it good for entombment. The knitted top cover has a four-way stretch, to make you have the full benefits of the below layers.

You get a 100-nights free trial, in case you do not like this mattress for no reason, you can send it back and get your money refund.

related: Best Mattress For Stomach Sleepers

4. GhostBed Classic 11 Inch Cool Gel Memory Foam & Latex Mattress

GhostBed designed Classic Cool Gel Memory Foam mattress is the right option to get hands-on if you live in a hot zone and want something with proper airflow features, and good for side sleepers as well.

It is a four-layer formula that has been crafted from high-quality cool gel memory foam. It got high density support foam latex foam that maintains proper airflow, removes hot particles sink from your body to the mattress.

This Latex Foam is non-allergenic, so you would not feel any irritation even if you have sensitive skin.

After the Latex Foam layer there comes a Contouring Gel memory foam. And the last layer is made of a high-density base.

This area provides proper support to the whole body, makes your hip and back area little alleviated, with minimal motion transfer.

If you are a couple and want a Gel memory foam constructed mattress for side sleeping with minimal motion transfer, this got all the boxes tick and make it good for side and back sleepers.

Another best thing I liked about this is its weight range support. If you are a little bulky, around 250-pounds, this mattress provides you support by letting you submerge into it. It is not something that will make it hard for you to get up once laid down.

In total, this mattress is a great value for your hard-earned money. It comes from a reputed brand that has spent years in making people’s lives easier and more comfortable than before, its cooling technology is what makes this mattress strands out, provides a comfortable good night sleep.

5. DreamCloud 14″ Gel Memory Foam Luxury Hybrid Mattress

If you are looking for a Hybrid mattress that is soft to sleep on for side sleepers without sinking or sagging, get your hand on this DreamCloud designed Gel Memory Foam Hybrid mattress.

This is a soft gel memory foam constructed mattress, so one thing is for sure, you would not feel your shoulders or hips aching or soaring after waking up in the morning.

It comes with proper back support, provides relief to pressure point areas of the body such as hip joints or shoulder joints.

This Gel memory foam mattress for side sleepers is a combination of Strong pocketed coils and a cushy Euro Top.

This type of construction is often picked by couples, they want motion isolation so that if one of them turns or switch side or wake up at the midnight, the other one could not be disturbed due to motion.

Plus, the contour top construction is also great for back pain. It provides relief to the pressure points and promotes neutral or aligned spinal alignment, which causes most of the back pain and hip pain issues.

It is a five-layer construction of a mattress; the top layer is made of a Cashmere cover that promotes softness and makes hot air particles transmit through the mattress.

The second layer is made of the Gel Comfort layer, which provides pressure relief and contours to the shape of the body, leading to a hugging experience.

Above the Support coil layer, there is one more Memory foam layer. The coil layer is the real winner which promotes the motion transfer, each coil is separately wrapped to provide customer support to your body, and adjusts itself concerning the pressure inserted upon it.

Proper air circulation and motion transfer along with super comfort and softness are what define this amazing product.

If you are a couple and want something that adds real comfort, and provides you a cool night’s sleep, do not skip this product.

6. BROOKLYN BEDDING 11″ Hybrid Patented TitanFlex Pressure Mattress

If you have been using quality mattresses and bedding you would know how big BROOKLYN BEDDING is as a brand.

The brand has established its unique space in the bedding world and is known for a variety of mattress types.

But BROOKLYN Signature is one of the best when it is about side sleeping and extra pressure relief.

For those who are suffering from back pain and hip pain, this mattress comes with individually wrapped up to 1024 coils and memory foams to provide comfortable cool night sleep.

This mattress comes in three comfort levels to fit individual sleep styles. Buy a medium firmness if you are a combination sleeper; side and back.

For the Side sleeper though, I would recommend a soft type mattress. Because for side sleepers, the pressure and weight go to the hip and shoulder areas, and if there is a soft mattress with proper body contouring support for pressure areas, there would be no soreness in the body.

The coziness and comfort level elevates with its elevated Pillow style. The elevated pillow allows you to sink into the comfort of this Gel Infused memory foam mattress and enjoy a good night’s sleep side sleeping as well as back.

It is a four-layer formula, with two memory foam layers, one latex layer, and in the end, there comes a coil layer for motion isolation.

The latex layer provides a contouring property, the memory foam layers provide comfort, and the coil layer provides a firm base as well as reduces motion.

In total, if you want a quality mattress that is firm enough to hold your neck and hip aligned, and soft enough to provide proper contouring to your body and pressure points, buy this mattress.

You can pick the firmness level from the provided 3 different types and get the desired mattress reached your doorstep.

7. Sleep Innovations Shiloh Medium Memory Foam Mattress

If you are on a budget and can’t spend big bills on buying an expensive big brand mattress, but still want the same scale of quality, performance, and comfort, buy Sleep Innovations designed Shiloh Medium Memory foam mattress.

Do not get the word ‘Medium’ to stop you from buying, it might look a little firm and if you go with the showroom test, you might not purchase it, but in the long run, and the morning after you get up sleeping on it, I am sure you will learn the difference.

This mattress is as comfortable as a side sleeper would ask for. With cloudlike memory foam technology and medium support, it provides the proper rest and comfort a back pain patient would ask for. It is a 14-inch mattress, helps you sleep in peace, from head to toe.

The most amazing aspect that many reviewers did mention is that it aligns your spinal cord and makes you have the right posture sleeping, preventing body aches and pains.

It provides comfort in all sleep positions, keeping your body is properly aligned and supported position.

There are three layers to make this mattress stand out. The first memory foam layer gently cradles and relieves pressure points for side sleepers, such as back pain and shoulder joints.

The second layer is of Air channel foam, with tiny perforated holes on them for proper air ventilation, and the last is the base that provides durability, support, and longevity.

And do not forget the knit cover this mattress comes integrated with. Soft to the touch cover provides comfort and makes you feel the difference right away.

Furthermore, it is a USA-made product, not only this mattress but all products that come from the brand are produced and manufactured in the USA including sleeping pillows, mattress toppers, and others.

So, for the budget users who can’t spend big money on buying those premium mattresses, buy this mattress and enjoy a supreme quality without spending arms and legs.

Buying Guide For Side Sleepers

I have seen many people asking, just tell me the product name or brand name for him/her for side sleeping. There is nothing such existence that suits all, it is a journey, you will have to explore it and find the best that suits you the most.

We can tell you about a few top names, maybe some of them work for some of you, and some do not. So the best choice for you will depend on several factors and we have mentioned most of them in our product reviews.

There is no precise or clear-cut answer, every individual has their own set of sleep preferences, but you can find the best at looking at the features the particular mattress comes powered with.

In this section, we are going to pen down some of the most important factors or attributes that make the mattress impressive for side sleepers.

Mattress Types

The first thing you should look into a mattress is the sleeping position. In our case we know we want a mattress for side sleeping, so for side sleeping the pressure is on the hips area and shoulder joints.

The side sleepers face less trouble when it comes to back pain, but the hips or shoulder area can have problems or issues in case if there is not a responsive mattress.

When laying on the side sleeping, you must go with a mattress with a softer surface. The mattress should be soft enough to let you sink into it enough and relieve pressure, but it must not be sinking like in mud or sand, which makes it hard for you to get up or feel stuck.

Memory Foam Mattress

For side sleepers, a memory foam mattress or Hybrid mattress is the best. We will discuss Memory foam mattresses which are popular for their cushy feel and ability to provide a contouring or hugging experience.

Not just the comfort level, memory foams are also famous owing to their motion transfer abilities.

For couples, it is a pro feature that helps them without disturbing their partners, get a good night’s sleep.

Do Not worry, top brands come with a variety of memory foam mattresses and you can easily pick one from any of them, after doing the research before.

The downside of the memory foam mattress is they tend to get hot. The material traps heat, the heat particles emitted from the body find no way out and make the environment condensed. And if you are living in a Hot region such as Virginia, you will be suffering from heat or condensing issues.

So, some latest products designed by forward-thinking brands come with gel beads feature, graphite or copper, or in some cases coils encased to counteract heat issues.

Hybrid Mattresses

I have seen people with troubled sleeping Issues finding peace in Hybrid mattresses. The reason is obvious, in a Hybrid mattress, the positive aspect of every material type is taken and made an amalgam of a combination of materials. They are designed to offer the best of each.

The most frequent combination in Hybrid mattresses is Memory foam and coil. This combination provides the best of both world, Coil layer produce motion isolation, heat transfer and boasts a cooling sleeping experience.

While the memory foam renders pressure relief and makes the environment comfortable without being hot or condensed.

But this type of bed is often expensive and may have quaky noise when you roll up or toss around.

Latex

Latex type of mattresses is not very common but are coming in trends these days and some brands are doing good in producing latex designs.

This type is unique because of its contour along your sides like memory foam, with springs that back you and provide support with motion isolation as well.

Firmness

In my view, firmness, after the type of mattress, is the most important aspect of any mattress buying. Because it has an overall big impact on your comfort and support.

I have seen many experts, and even users recommending medium-level firmness. The mattress you are buying must not be as cushy to sink you into, and as a firm to provide no comfort. It should be in the middle of the road and provide medium-level comfort.

Well, the firmness level is also impacted hugely by your weight and sleeping preference.

Pressure Relief, Pain Relief

For side sleepers, shoulders and hips are the pressure points where most of the pressure of the body is exerted. These areas press on the mattress more than the rest of the body.

So, these two areas of your body should be felt relieved, and for that, it is good for you if go with a softer mattress.

If you are facing hips, lower back, or shoulder pain, the softness or contouring of the mattress becomes the most important aspect.

The firmness scale of the bed should not be more than 5.5 out of 10 in case you are suffering from any type of pain.

Spinal Cord Alignment

When you lay on your side, your spinal alignment is straight in the line. It is a misconception that laying straight on the back makes the spinal aligned straight but on the side.

So, on the mattress you are laying, it should not be soft enough to sink you into it, to make your spinal bend for a long time.

Temperature

We have learned that memory foam is the right type of mattress for side sleepers. But on the other hand, a memory foam mattress is hot as the heat particles released from your body get trapped into the thick layers and make the environment condensed and overheat.

If you are living in a cold region, that must not be a big issue for you, but for a hot region, it would be.

For them, it is good to go with a memory foam mattress with Springs or coils layers, aka hybrid mattress. In a Hybrid mattress, you will enjoy the memory foam’s comfort and proper ventilation or airflow.

Final Verdict

Sound sleeping heals our bodies and makes us ready for the next day. If you have been facing sleeping issues because of the unresponsive mattress, you might not feel fresh and ready for the next day.

So, buy a mattress that suits the sleeping position, type and preference you have set for yourself.

For side sleepers, we have reviewed the top best mattresses. You can pick any of the mattresses after confirming whether or not they suit your sleeping preferences.

We also have put a detailed buying guide to help you decide the right type of mattress for you. Read through this guide I am pretty sure; you will get an answer and it will narrow down your options.

FAQs About Side Sleepers

What is the best type of mattress for side sleepers?

For side sleepers’ memory foam mattresses are considered the best. But there is no sure-short answer for that, it is more like an individual’s personal preference.

If you toss a lot in the night when sleeping, you would be happy to buy a memory foam mattress with in-springs or coils, as they isolate motion and prevent disturbing sleeping aside.

How should The Arms be for side sleeping?

Arms position is important for side sleepers. If you do not have the right position for your arms, you may feel numbness during sleep, and it might disturb your sleep pattern.

So, for that, keep your arms closer to your body, and try different positions to find an exact position.

How firm should a mattress be for a side sleeper?

The Softness of the mattress for side sleepers matters the most. On a scale of 10, the firmness should be around 5.5, side sleeper requires more cushioning to the heavier parts or pressure points area such as hips and shoulder joints.

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Alex Mitchell

Alex is a passionate expert in the world of mattresses, guiding you on a transformative journey towards the perfect night's sleep. With a deep understanding of the crucial role a mattress plays in our overall well-being, Alex has become a trusted authority in the art of mattress reviews and recommendations. Read Full Bio

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