Best mattress for side sleepers in 2021 – CNET [CNET]

August 25, 2021 Thomas Giboney technology

Waking up sore and feeling like you haven’t gotten a good night’s rest? It’s probably time for a new mattress. Luckily, there is a wealth of options out there for someone looking to upgrade their sleeping situation. Even better, you don’t even have to set foot in a store.

Shopping online for mattresses is way different than it was just a few years ago. The rise of a “mattress in a box” has flooded the market, and the number of online mattress choices you have now is mind-boggling. The wealth of options are a good thing, however, because you can find a mattress specially suited to your particular sleeping style. And you’re here reading this mattress review because you’re a side sleeper and you’re wondering how to find the best mattress for your sleep needs.

The best mattress for side sleepers offers an ideal balance of support and softness for your sleep position. You’ll want to consider other factors as well, from mattress firmness to whether it reduces motion transfer (critical when you’re sharing a bed). Further, if you’re a combination sleeper, you might want a softer mattress that offers pressure relief and is adaptable regardless of your final sleep position.

But how do you sort through all the mattress options to find the best one? There are just so many kinds of mattresses, not to mention extras such as a mattress topper or an adjustable base for your bed. Seriously, who has time to sort through which mattress company offers the best side sleeper mattress? And who has time to sleep on every memory foam mattress, gel memory foam mattress, latex foam mattress, hybrid mattress, innerspring mattress and everything in between to determine which is the right mattress for a particular sleep position?

Me. I personally slept on more than two dozen models to find the best mattress for side sleepers — here are my findings for all of you new-mattress seekers. We update this mattress review list periodically as we test new products.

Best mattress for side sleepers overall

Saatva Classic

$1,574 at Saatva

Best flippable mattress

Layla Hybrid

$1,499 at Layla

Best mattress for single sleepers

Tuft & Needle Hybrid

$1,440 at Tuft & Needle

Best mattress for pressure relief

Purple Hybrid Premier 4

Read our Purple Hybrid Premier 4 review.

$2,549 at Purple

Best mattress for side sleepers who toss and turn

Leesa Legend

$2,299 at Leesa

Best mattress for couples

Helix Midnight Luxe

$1,749 at Helix

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of mattress is best for side sleepers?

Memory foam is one of the best types of mattresses for side sleepers. It contours to your body shape, relieving pressure points and keeping your spine aligned when you’re lying on your side. Memory foam also disperses weight evenly, which helps reduce aches and pains that can develop from other, usually firmer, types of mattresses. Hybrid mattresses with at least one memory foam layer are another great option.

Do side sleepers need a firm or soft mattress?

There’s not a single right answer to this question, but in general, side sleepers tend to prefer a medium-soft to medium-firm mattress. Mattresses in this range have enough give to alleviate pressure in the shoulders, hips and knees when you’re sleeping on your side, but also hold their shape to keep your spinal alignment so you don’t wake up in pain.

Are firm mattresses bad for side sleepers?

Firm mattresses aren’t necessarily bad for side sleepers, but if your mattress firmness is too hard, it might not have enough give and cushioning for your pressure points. This can disrupt your sleep and cause pain and even numbness and tingling in your extremities. Ultimately, a lot comes down to personal preference and how you feel on the mattresses, but most side sleepers do best with medium-firm or softer options.