Best Memory Foam Mattress for Side Sleepers

When we climb into bed, there’s something many of us have in common. 75% of us sleep on our side. If you’re a side sleeper, you need to find a mattress that will relieve pressure and cushion your joints while you sleep.

Are you a side sleeper on the hunt for a new mattress? We can help you choose the best memory foam mattress for cushioning support and a better night’s sleep.

Why Does Sleeping Position Matter?

People assume three standard positions when they lie down for a snooze: front, back, and side. Even if you tend to toss and turn, you’ll pick one common position to achieve that deep sleep. Whether it’s the right or left, most people are side sleepers.

If you are a side sleeper, sleeping on the left side is preferable because it can help digestion and prevent heartburn.

The position you sleep in is important because it affects your pressure points. Pressure points are the places on your body where weight rests when you are lying down. For side sleepers, these points take extra pressure:

• Neck
• Shoulders
• Hips
• Knees

As long as you’re getting a good night’s sleep and not suffering from any sleep-related side-effects, the position you sleep in ultimately doesn’t matter. But it is essential to choose the right mattress and pillow for side sleeping to avoid aches and pains in the morning.

What is a Memory Foam Mattress?

Also known as viscoelastic foam, memory foam is made from polyurethane (a type of plastic).

NASA designed it to help astronauts with the extreme pressure related to passing through the Earth’s atmosphere. Mattress makers soon adopted the innovation.

Memory foam mattresses are known for conforming to the shape of your body and bouncing back slowly when you get up. Over time they’ll “remember” your body shape and position, which is why they get the name “memory foam.”

A good memory foam mattress will have enough bounce-back so that you’re not sleeping in a permanent molded impression each night. If this becomes the case, you need a new mattress STAT.

There are three main types of memory foam used for mattresses today: traditional viscoelastic, open-cell, and gel-infused. You can find a good mattress of each material - or a combination - for side sleeping. The type you choose will depend on your preferences.

Most memory foam mattresses are composed of multiple layers of foam. Hybrid mattresses will have a traditional innerspring core. Side sleepers may find this ideal because they provide the best of both worlds while regulating temperature better.

The Benefits of Memory Foam Mattresses

Since memory foam mattresses conform to the shape of your body, you get that made-just-for-me feeling each night when you slip into bed. For any sleeping position, some great benefits of memory foam mattresses are that they:

• Provide optimal spinal support
• Relieve pressure points
• Reduce motion transfer
• Can help with temperature control
• Resist dust mites
• Are hypoallergenic

What Makes a Good Memory Foam Mattress for Side Sleepers?

The primary function of a mattress is to support your spine while you sleep. After all, you’ll be spending about seven hours or more on it. Your spine should stay in good alignment during that time.

For side sleepers, a good memory foam mattress will provide ample support for your neck and waist. It will evenly distribute your weight to relieve those pressure points on your shoulders and hips.

A medium-firm memory foam mattress is the best choice. This is about a six on the 10-point scale used to rate mattress firmness.

A medium-firm mattress provides an even balance of sink and support. A good memory foam mattress will:

• Conform to the curvature of your neck and head for better joint support

• Provide enough padding to relieve the load on pressure points

• Provide enough firmness to avoid sinking in and crushing pressure points

• Facilitate spinal alignment

What are the Best Memory Foam Mattresses for Side Sleepers?

Many side sleepers prefer memory foam mattresses for their contouring qualities. When choosing an all memory foam mattress, make sure that it’s firm enough to support your pressure points while you sleep. You should also feel that “hug” sensation that stabilizes your body.

Some of our top choices for memory foam mattresses for side sleepers include:

• GhostBed Classic
• WinkBeds GravityLux
• Puffy Lux
• Nectar Premier
• Sealy Cocoon Chill
• Casper Original

What are the Best Hybrid Mattresses for Side Sleepers?

All side sleepers should choose mattresses with at least one layer of memory foam. But some may require a little extra support, too. Hybrid mattresses have individually wrapped coils to provide additional support for spinal alignment.

The best of both worlds, our top choices for hybrid mattresses include:

• Layla Hybrid
• Saatva Classic
• Helix Midnight
• DreamCloud
• Purple Hybrid
• Brooklyn Signature

Conclusion

While side sleeping is excellent for your digestion, breathing, and spinal alignment, it can also have the most negative impact on your joints. The right mattress can help avert that pressure.

A good memory foam mattress will help prevent soreness and pain in your neck, shoulders, hips, and knees. It will evenly distribute your weight while giving you that comfy feeling of sleeping on a cloud.

When you shop for a new memory foam mattress, it’s always best to try a couple out to get a feel for them. But if shopping online is more your style, here are a few tips:

• Think about size: Side sleepers tend to take up more room than back or stomach sleepers. If you sleep with a partner, consider ordering a queen mattress or bigger.

• Don't forget about support: Think about how much support you need. An all memory foam mattress may be more cushioning, but a hybrid mattress can give you more support.

• Consider your budget: Today you can find memory foam and hybrid mattresses in a wide price range. Brands like Puffy and GhostBed offer high-quality mattresses at affordable prices.

• Check the return policy: Most reputable mattress companies like Nectar and Panda offer extended trial periods so that you can see if the mattress is right for you.

• Read the reviews: See what other side sleepers are saying for an idea of what you might be in for.

• Compare your choices: Look at your options side by side so you can get a good idea of how they stack up against each other. You can compare our favorite memory foam mattresses here.