Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

Helix Midnight Luxe Performance Scores

To be called the best of the bunch for side sleepers, a mattress has to totally nail both pressure relief and support while also scoring big across the board. The balanced Helix Midnight turned out to be a total favorite among our testers thanks to its steady performance in those two key areas—pulling off an almost flawless 4.5 out of 5 for pressure relief.

The Helix Midnight shows off plush, body-hugging foam layers right near the top that mold softly around whoever’s lying on it. It honestly felt like I was being tucked into a cozy hug. However, before you sink in too deep and twist your spine into some weird angle, the strong steel coils underneath step in to hold you up and keep things lined up. For larger side sleepers, like our tester Ryan, tracking down a bed that hugs the body but still holds you up can be a real headache. But after trying out the Helix Midnight, he said, “The Midnight’s top memory foam layer gave a little, but it still felt like a great fit for me.”

After running through hundreds of mattresses, my fellow reviewers and I usually get a solid sense of how good a bed will be at easing pressure. However, we also like to check that with a pressure map that gives us colorful thermal images showing where stress builds up. As for the Helix Midnight, my read on its pressure relief totally matched what the images showed—mostly blue with little pops of green, meaning low pressure all around.

Dr. Laura Kim, our Chief Medical Product Tester, also gave this mattress major props. She rated it a straight-up 5 out of 5 for side sleeping, saying, “This mattress is awesome for side sleepers. It’s soft and has tons of cushion and give around the hips and shoulders.” She went on to suggest it for folks dealing with hip or shoulder pain, pointing out that its hybrid setup adds just the right amount of lift while still cradling those tender pressure points.

Although this mattress grabbed its best-overall-for-side-sleepers crown by working well for all sorts of body shapes, heavier sleepers might lean toward the firmer, sturdier vibe of the Helix PLUS, which was built with bigger folks in mind. This one also didn’t top the charts in cooling, scoring about a 3.5 out of 5 in our testing.

 you want even more details on the Midnight, though, read our comprehensive Helix Midnight review.

Nectar Classic Performance Scores

Mattresses made entirely of foam with a medium-firm feel usually end up being awesome picks for side sleepers. Dr. Kevin Patel backed that up, saying, “If you’re after a mattress that hits the sweet spot between support and pressure relief, go for something around medium-firm on the scale, with contouring materials like memory foam.”

With that in mind, I went with the Nectar Premier as the top medium-firm mattress for side sleepers. This bed crushed it when it came to easing pressure around the shoulders and hips while still giving solid support to keep the spine nice and straight—key stuff for folks who snooze on their sides.

But this mattress didn’t stop showing off — it also scored a 4 out of 5 or higher in cooling, motion isolation, and edge support. If those features top your list, you might not even care that it doesn’t have much bounce.

Average-weight testers like me noticed that we just wanted to sink right into this thing because the slow-sinking memory foam hugged us tight, kinda like being wrapped up in a warm tortilla. However, bigger sleepers might want something firmer than the Nectar Premier. Ryan, our lead reviewer, stands 6’7″ and weighs about 270 pounds, so a bed always feels a bit different for him than it does for me.

Although Ryan and I agreed that the Nectar Premier is a killer option for a medium-firm mattress for side sleepers, he did mention that people in his weight range (and serious stomach sleepers) might prefer something with a bit more firmness. However, he added, “When I was lying on my side, I only felt a touch of pressure on my shoulders and hips, so I can totally see this bed working for folks dealing with chronic back pain or arthritis.”

Fortunately, you don’t have to search far for something that fits bigger bodies — Ryan and I both recommend the Nectar Classic for heavier side sleepers. This one also hits the mark for lightweight and average-weight back sleepers.

WinkBed Performance Scores

Crashing next to someone you love can feel super cozy and safe. However, couples should really keep an eye on a few big mattress details to make sure both of you get some solid shut-eye. You’ll wanna go for a bed with strong edge support, since having sturdy sides lets you spread out and actually use the whole surface. Sexually active couples usually like a bed that bounces back fast—it makes moving around and switching positions way easier. And of course, side-sleeping pairs should look for a contouring mattress that melts around the body and eases pressure for both people.

The WinkBed got picked as the best mattress for side-sleeping couples because it scored a 4.4 out of 5 for edge support and a 4 out of 5 for cooling, plus a 3.83 out of 5 for pressure relief. We’d expect that number to be even higher if you went for the Plush version, since we tested the Luxury Firm. Additionally, it was our lightweight tester who noticed some pressure spots on the bed—average-weight and heavier sleepers should feel just fine lying on their sides.

Our mattress tester Ryan loved how steady and safe he felt around the edges, saying, “When I ran my tests, the WinkBed had awesome edge support. That’s great news for couples. Both people can actually use the full surface of the mattress.” Fellow tester Emily Ward felt the same, saying, “It had amazing edge support no matter how I slept. Even when I was on my side—usually when I feel the most wobbly near the edge—I stayed completely supported, and it felt the same as lying in the middle.”

She wasn’t quite as blown away by the WinkBed’s bounce, which felt a bit muted because of the thick foam layers sitting above the coils. It’s also worth noting that this mattress is one of the pricier ones in our lineup. If you’re after something easier on the wallet, check out the Silk & Snow.

For a closer look, read our full WinkBed review.

Leesa Original Performance Scores

When we can, we like to bring in a mix of testers to get a real sense of how a bed feels for different body shapes and sizes. The Leesa Sapira Chill turned out to be a total crowd favorite, thanks to its spot-on mix of plush comfort and solid support. It also showed off some serious consistency, scoring at least a 4 in almost every test category (except motion isolation), which helped it land an overall score of 4.3.

All of that made picking the Leesa Sapira Chill as our top hybrid for side sleepers a no-brainer. Dr. Kevin Patel really likes this type of mattress, saying, “Hybrid beds blend soft foam with sturdy coils to create a cozy yet supportive vibe. These mattresses usually make a comfy and dependable pick for most sleepers, especially folks who lie on their side.”

The Sapira Chill comes in three firmness levels; I tested the medium-firm version and thought its cushy pillow top felt a bit softer than the typical mattress surface, which really helped ease pressure on my body. The pressure map test showed little to no pressure buildup for most people. Smaller side sleepers might feel a bit of pressure near the shoulders, but we don’t think that’s a dealbreaker.

Ryan pointed out, “The surface of the Leesa Hybrid mattress has a nice balanced foam feel. Thanks to the combo of coils and dense foam layers, this thing is bouncy and super responsive. It’s easy to move around on, and you get that kind of lifted, floaty vibe from the springs underneath.” Also, like the name hints, this bed nails temperature control, keeping things nice and cool.

Although we think this bed is totally worth the splurge, we get that it’s on the pricier side and might not fit everyone’s budget. If you’re hunting for something more affordable, I’d point you toward the Helix Midnight.

Nolah Evolution Performance Scores

When my husband and I—both combo sleepers who spend most of the night on our sides—were hunting for a new mattress, I asked him to name his top three “must-haves.” He said, “Cooling, cooling, and cooling.” As the resident mattress tester and sleep coach in our house, I knew exactly what he meant, and we ended up going with the Nolah Evolution.

With cooling features like an ArcticTex cover that pulls heat away from your body, special graphite-infused airy foam, and pocketed coils that keep air moving so heat doesn’t get stuck inside the bed, it’s no wonder the Evolution scored a 4 out of 5 for cooling. It also landed a 4 or higher in every other category (including a 4.5 out of 5 for pressure relief), giving it an overall standout rating of 4.6.

I grabbed my trusty thermal temperature gun to check how warm the surface was before lying down, and then again after five minutes of resting on it. Even with my body heat added in, the temperature only went up by about seven degrees.

Ethan, our lead reviewer, said after dozing off on it, “As someone who tends to sleep hot, I usually wake up in a sweat. That’s why the Nolah Evolution was a total game changer—it passed the nap test with flying colors. Its thick coils and dense foam layers kept me well-supported, and the cooling fabric and foam let me nap comfortably without overheating in our Austin, TX mattress studio.”

The one thing the Nolah Evolution could definitely improve on is its packaging and unboxing. The boxes we got from the brand showed up a bit roughed up, with some scratches and small holes on the sides (though the mattresses inside were totally fine). It’s also more of a premium-priced bed than a budget one, so we suggest keeping an eye out for sales when they pop up.

Saatva Classic Performance Scores

For something to earn “classic” status, it has to hold up over time. Saatva’s signature model, the Classic, pulls that off with top-notch materials like a thick, quilted organic cotton cover on its Euro top and an innerspring hybrid build that gives it a fancy, timeless vibe. The coil-on-coil setup keeps the air moving and brings that traditional springy mattress feel, while the soft upper layers make you think of those plush hotel beds you never wanna leave.

The Saatva Classic’s design and materials helped it land a 4.5 for pressure relief. Given that it comes in three firmness levels—Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm—so shoppers can find their perfect fit, it’s no surprise this mattress scored a solid 4.6 overall.

Our tester Ryan, who’s 6’7” and over 250 pounds, thinks average and heavier sleepers will dig how the Luxury Firm model’s soft top layers mold gently to the body while the sturdy coil base lifts the hips and keeps the spine straight.

“The Saatva has that classic innerspring vibe,” he said. “It’s bouncy and quick to respond, but the tufted pillow top adds a soft, cushiony feel. Since I didn’t sink too deep, it felt more like I was sleeping ‘on’ the bed instead of being swallowed ‘in’ it.”

Our chief medical product tester, Dr. Laura Kim, also gave props to the Saatva Classic’s plush Euro-top surface for delivering great pressure relief in the side-sleeping position.

“I feel super comfy lying on my side,” said Dr. Kim. “The Euro-top feels extra soft and really contours around my hips and shoulders. I don’t feel any pressure on my joints at all. I’d say this bed is a great fit for side sleepers.”

We’ve got two folks on the Dweva Review Team who actually own this mattress. One of them first went with the Firm model but traded it for the Luxury Firm after eight months since she spends most nights on her side. She said the softer one “feels perfectly medium-firm, just like they said. It’s plush enough for side sleeping but still has all the bounce and support I want when I roll onto my back.” She’s had the Luxury Firm version for over half a year now and swears she’s found her forever bed.

On the lighter side of things, smaller side sleepers might wanna toss the Plush Soft version in their cart. The extra cushion adds more pressure relief around the shoulders while still keeping that great coil support underneath.

One place the Saatva Classic doesn’t totally shine is motion isolation, scoring a 2.67 out of 5. If you’ve got a partner who tosses around all night, you’ll probably feel it. If you want something that keeps those movements from waking you, check out the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid.

For more information on the Saatva, read our full Saatva Classic review. 

Bear Elite Hybrid Performance Scores

As a not-so-great but very committed middle-aged CrossFit junkie, I’m constantly hunting for mattresses that can help my sore muscles and stiff joints bounce back. The Bear Elite Hybrid gives weekend gym-goers and hardcore athletes something to get excited about. This bed packs a supportive hybrid build that comes in three firmness levels, letting sleepers fine-tune what feels best for their own recovery routine.

It also comes with an optional Celliant cover, which Bear says can boost muscle recovery. While we definitely appreciate how cool this cover feels, we haven’t personally tested the Celliant material for its recovery claims. However, we do know this bed is a total champ when it comes to long-term durability. By pulling off star-player scores of 4.6 out of 5 in edge support, a perfect 5 in responsiveness, and 4 in pressure relief, this mattress earned a 4.4 overall, securing its spot as our top pick for the best bed for side sleepers who want better recovery.

When I tried out the Bear Elite Hybrid in the “Medium” version, I was honestly surprised by how perfectly aligned my spine felt, thanks to the built-in lumbar support. This setup kept me from sinking too deep or sagging in the middle, which can easily lead to hip or back pain over time. The pressure map results showed barely any pressure buildup for most sleepers.

Dr. Laura Kim, our Chief Medical Product Tester, confirmed what the pressure map showed. She gave this bed a 5 out of 5 for side sleeping. When asked if it could help folks with hip or shoulder pain, she said a firm yes: “It really spreads your body weight evenly, and there’s no single point where pressure piles up.”

That said, I think side sleepers under 130 pounds, or those who need extra cushion around the shoulders, should go for the softest of the three firmness options, while heavier sleepers will probably prefer the firmest one. After testing it, our lead reviewer Ryan shared, “As a bigger side sleeper, it’s usually tough for me to find a bed that gives me both comfort and support. I love that this mattress comes in three firmness options. I can go with the firm version, while a smaller person can grab the soft one, and we’d both end up happy.”

However, if you’re sharing the bed with a stomach sleeper, even the firmest version here probably won’t be supportive enough for them. Those sleepers will be better off with something firmer like the Helix Dawn.

If you think the Bear might help you hit better recovery goals, check out the full deep-dive from the Dweva Review Team on the Bear Elite Hybrid.

Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Performance Scores

If you’re a side sleeper who loves that snuggly, melt-into-it kind of feel, you’ve got to check out the flexible Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe. This mattress comes in three firmness levels: Soft, Medium, and Firm, which makes it super customizable and appealing. We tested the Medium version, and it pulled a total score of 4.6 by crushing it in responsiveness (5/5), cooling (4.5/5), and edge support (4.4/5). The Medium Aurora Luxe hits the sweet spot for average-weight side sleepers, while lighter folks or anyone craving extra softness will want to toss the Soft version into their cart.

The Aurora Luxe’s springy coil layer gives it a lively, bouncy feel. That means side sleepers who roll around or change positions during the night can shift easily without fighting the mattress. When we tested it, the bed snapped right back into shape almost instantly after we dropped a weighted ball on it. We were also impressed with how supportive it felt while still molding nicely to the body.

Ryan, one of our testers, said, “While I was lying on my side on the Aurora Luxe, I could really feel it contouring around my hips and shoulders. That kind of support should ease pressure in those hot spots. But the coils underneath still held me up enough so I didn’t feel like I was sinking way in.” It’s not for anyone chasing the squishiest mattress ever, since it scored a 4 out of 5 in pressure relief instead of a perfect score, but it’s definitely a solid balance between plush and sturdy.

We brought in Dr. Olivia Chen, our head medical product tester and licensed physical therapist, to give us her professional take on the Aurora Luxe. Overall, she thought it was a comfy pick for side sleeping.

“I think it lets you sink just enough, and my shoulder feels totally fine in this position,” said Dr. Chen. “Same for my hip—it really contours to your body shape when you’re lying on your side.”

Its edge support was also impressive. “I could lay right on the very edge of the bed without feeling like it was caving in, even a little. If I were mad at my partner and trying to sleep as far away as humanly possible, this mattress wouldn’t let me down,” said tester Mia Carter.

With that being said, couples where one person tends to toss and turn might want to think twice. Even though the Aurora Luxe has awesome bounce—which makes it a win for intimacy—it doesn’t have top-notch motion isolation. That means your partner’s movements might send little waves across the bed and wake you up. If you’re trying to avoid that midnight ripple effect, check out the Nolah Evolution instead.

If you want to learn more about this soft mattress, you can read our full Brooklyn Bedding mattress review.

Titan Luxe Natural Performance Scores

My teammate and fellow mattress tester, Ryan, is a bigger guy who likes to curl up on his side. Because of that, he totally gets how hard it can be to find the right mattress for side sleepers weighing over 230 pounds. He told me that heavier side sleepers need a mattress with a soft, pressure-relieving top layer that hugs the shoulders and hips while still being firm enough underneath to keep the spine straight. After trying out what felt like hundreds of beds, we landed on the Titan Plus Luxe from Brooklyn Bedding, which scored really well in motion isolation (4.33/5), responsiveness (4/5), and overall customer policies (4.25/5).

This mattress was made specifically for bigger sleepers, so it’s got serious support from a tough coil system. To test that support, Ryan gave it a spin on his side. He liked how the foam layers on top molded nicely around him, while the strong coils underneath held his spine in line and helped keep his back and hips from aching.

Ryan only hung out with this mattress for a few weeks, but he took a close look at how it was built during that time. He pointed out that the dense foams and thick coils should stop it from sagging over time. So if you’re a heavier sleeper who’s worried about wearing out a mattress too fast, the Titan is probably a solid bet.

Another tester, Megan Carter, said she actually liked the Titan Plus Luxe even though she’s around average weight. She did mention one small gripe about the edge support: “The bed dipped a little when I sat right on the edge. I didn’t feel like I was gonna slide off, but I’d probably have to scoot back if I wanted to tie my shoes sitting there.”

Since this mattress was made with bigger folks in mind, it’s not really the best fit for smaller sleepers. Lighter people will probably find it too firm, which can feel uncomfortable and put extra pressure on their shoulders and hips.