Mattress Buyer's Guide

A new mattress is a worthwhile investment if you're interested in upgrading your sleeping experience. Modern mattresses are specially designed to promote max comfort, support, and restfulness.

When you invest in a new mattress it's best to ensure that you purchase a mattress that is properly sized and designed such that it supports your sleeping style. Additionally, you'll want to confirm that the mattress is supported by a sturdy base, and includes an acceptable warranty as well as reasonable shipping costs. Once you've weighed out those considerations, you'll be able to determine whether a innerspring, foam, hybrid, or latex mattress is the best fit for your sleeping needs.

Visit our overall top pick for Mattresses for Side Sleepers, DreamCloud.

Our Top 3 Mattress Picks

1. DreamCloud - 10.0

DreamCloud combines premium materials into a luxury hybrid mattress and is a strong competitor in the world of enhanced deep sleep. Rather than leaning to an all-foam or innerspring construction, they’ve incorporated a mix of innovative materials that support, cool, and soothe you while you sleep. DreamCloud has accomplished the trifecta of mattresses with their model: dynamic comfort, affordable price, and high-quality construction. Since each person sleeps differently, we’ve taken a look at the key reasons the DreamCloud is reviewed as one of the best mattresses around. Read our full DreamCloud review.

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2. Nectar - 9.9

Nectar uses high-quality materials like cooling gel memory foam in its mattresses. Nectar also gives you the freedom to try its mattresses risk-free for 365 days. Read our full Nectar review.

Up to 50% Off Mattresses + 66% Off Bundles

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3. Helix - 9.8

Helix has joined the mattress market with a new approach that doesn't subscribe to the one-size-fits-all model. Helix offers over six different mattress models that align with your specific nighttime habits, body type, and sleeping positions. Because of this personalized mattress pairing, you'll find a bed that fits your sleeping style without spending too much money in the process.  Read our full Helix review.

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Choosing the Right Mattress for Side Sleepers

Side sleepers require a mattress that provides enough cushioning to relieve pressure at the shoulders and hips while still maintaining proper spinal alignment. The ideal mattress should contour to the body without allowing the midsection to sink too deeply, which can lead to discomfort over time. Materials, firmness, and support layers all contribute to how well a mattress performs for side sleeping and overall comfort.

FAQs About the Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers

1. What type of mattress is best for side sleepers?

The best mattresses for side sleepers are typically memory foam or hybrid models that provide a balance of contouring and support.

Hybrid models are especially popular because they combine:

• Supportive coils for alignment
• Cushioning foam for pressure points

Tip: Mattresses that combine soft comfort layers with a supportive base tend to perform best for side sleepers. This combination helps reduce pressure at the shoulders and hips while preventing the midsection from sinking too deeply.

2. Is a soft or firm mattress better for side sleepers?

Most side sleepers benefit from a soft to medium-firm mattress, typically in the 4–6 out of 10 firmness range.

For most people:

• Medium-soft to medium = best balance
• Too firm = pressure buildup
• Too soft = poor alignment

Tip: Firmness alone is not the determining factor—overall balance is more important. A mattress that contours slightly while still supporting your body will typically provide better comfort throughout the night.

3. Why do side sleepers need pressure relief?

Side sleeping concentrates body weight on smaller areas like the shoulders and hips, which can lead to discomfort without proper cushioning.

This makes pressure relief important to:

• Reduce strain on joints
• Prevent numbness or soreness
• Improve overall sleep comfort

Tip: Materials like memory foam are especially effective because they contour closely to the body. Without proper pressure relief, discomfort can build up quickly and disrupt sleep quality.

4. What firmness level is best for side sleepers with shoulder or hip pain?

Side sleepers with pain typically benefit from a medium-soft to medium mattress that provides extra cushioning at pressure points.

This helps:

• Relieve pressure on sensitive areas
• Maintain proper spinal alignment
• Reduce tossing and turning

Tip: Softer comfort layers can reduce strain where it matters most, while a supportive base keeps your spine aligned. This balance is key to avoiding both pressure buildup and long-term discomfort.

5. Are hybrid mattresses good for side sleepers?

Yes, hybrid mattresses are often an excellent choice because they combine supportive coils with pressure-relieving foam layers.

They provide:

• Strong underlying support
• Targeted pressure relief
• Better airflow than all-foam options

Tip: The coil base helps maintain alignment, while the foam layers cushion the shoulders and hips. This combination makes hybrids one of the most versatile options for side sleepers.

6. How do I know if my mattress is too firm for side sleeping?

If you feel pressure in your shoulders or hips, or wake up with soreness in those areas, your mattress may be too firm.

Common signs include:

• Tingling or numbness
• Shoulder or hip pain
• Frequent repositioning during the night

Tip: Side sleepers should feel gentle contouring around their curves rather than pressure buildup. If the mattress feels hard or unyielding, it likely isn’t providing enough cushioning.

7. What features should side sleepers look for in a mattress?

Key features include pressure-relieving foam layers, medium to medium-soft firmness, and strong support for spinal alignment.

Additional helpful features:

• Zoned support
• Cooling materials
• Motion isolation

Tip: These features help ensure the mattress performs well over time and across different sleep positions. A balanced design will provide both comfort and durability.

8. Do side sleepers need a different mattress than back or stomach sleepers?

Yes, side sleepers generally need more cushioning to accommodate pressure points, while back and stomach sleepers often require firmer support.

The difference comes down to:

• Weight distribution
• Spinal alignment needs
• Pressure point sensitivity

Tip: Choosing a mattress designed for your primary sleep position can significantly improve comfort and reduce the likelihood of waking up with aches or stiffness.

9. How often should side sleepers replace their mattress?

Most mattresses should be replaced every 7–10 years, depending on wear and material quality.

You may need to replace it sooner if you notice:

• Sagging
• Reduced support
• Increased discomfort

Tip: If your mattress no longer provides consistent cushioning and support, it can negatively impact alignment and pressure relief. Replacing it at the right time helps maintain sleep quality.

10. What is the best mattress overall for side sleepers right now?

Most experts recommend medium to medium-soft hybrid or memory foam mattresses that provide both pressure relief and support.

These mattresses offer:

• Contouring comfort
• Proper spinal alignment
• Long-term durability

Tip: These mattress types consistently perform well because they address the two most important needs for side sleepers—cushioning at pressure points and proper alignment.

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