Best mattress for side sleepers
Hi, we’re John and Mimi. Most people sleep on their side at least part of the night, and side sleepers are the ones most likely to tell us their old mattress feels “too hard on the shoulders.” Here is what a side sleeper should look for, which firmness to pick, and our favorite side-sleeper mattresses at today’s prices: same factory models, lower price than other online retailers.
The short answer
- Go medium to medium soft. Your shoulders and hips need to sink in a little so your spine stays straight.
- Look for a thick comfort layer of memory foam on top: 2" or more.
- Zoned support is a bonus: softer under the shoulders, a bit firmer under the hips.
What side sleepers need
On your side, all your weight rests on two narrow points: the shoulder and the hip. A mattress that is too firm pushes back on those points, and a mattress that is too soft lets the hips sag. The sweet spot lets the shoulder and hip sink in just enough that your spine looks straight from head to tailbone, like it does when you stand.
- Lighter sleepers (roughly under 130 lbs) often like medium soft or plush, because they don’t sink as far.
- Average sleepers usually love a true medium.
- Heavier sleepers often do best on a medium hybrid or a thicker 12"–14" mattress, so they sink in without bottoming out.
Memory foam or hybrid for side sleepers?
Both work. Memory foam gives the deepest, most cradling feel and isolates motion well if you share the bed. A hybrid with pocket coils feels a little bouncier, makes it easier to roll over, and sleeps cooler. If you also run hot, see our gel memory foam vs. hybrid guide.
Our picks for side sleepers at today’s prices
| Pick | Best for | Model code | Queen | Twin XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12" ActiveAlign Copper Zoned | Best overall: zoned support for shoulders and hips | 12REACTIVE-Q |
$609 | $489 |
| 14" ActiveAlign Zoned Hybrid | Medium soft hybrid, great for heavier side sleepers | 14REACTIVE-Q |
$689 | $539 |
| 12" EcoCore Hybrid Deluxe | Medium plush hybrid with 2" gel memory foam | 12HSOY-Q |
$609 | $459 |
| 12" Copper Gel (medium) | Our best-known copper model, back and side sleepers | 12BNCOPPER-Q |
$529 | $409 |
| 12" iSwitch Flippable | Medium soft side, flip to medium firm if you change your mind | 12ISWITCH-Q |
$569 | $449 |
| 12" Essentials Plush | Soft and simple, for lighter side sleepers on a budget | 12ESS-Q |
$469 | $359 |
Prices are today’s prices, read live from our catalog, with free FedEx shipping included.
12" ActiveAlign Reactive Copper Zoned Memory Foam Mattress - Medium
The one we recommend most to side sleepers. The zoned foam is softer under the shoulders and a little firmer under the hips, which is exactly what side sleeping needs.
- 12" copper-gel memory foam
- Zoned support + cooling gel zone
- Medium feel, bends well on an adjustable base
From $489 (Twin XL) · Queen $609 · See sizes & details
12" iSwitch Flippable Two Sided Mattress - Medium Firm/Medium Soft - 12ISWITCH
Not sure between medium soft and medium firm? This one has both. Sleep on the softer side, and if it isn’t right, just flip it over.
- Two sides: medium soft and medium firm
- Gel memory foam on both sides
- 12" all foam, ships in a box
From $449 (Twin XL) · Queen $569 · See sizes & details
Side sleeping tips
- Pillow height matters. Side sleepers need a thicker pillow than back sleepers so the neck stays level with the spine.
- A pillow between the knees keeps the top leg from pulling the hips out of line.
- Couples: if one of you sleeps on your side and the other on your back, a split king lets each of you pick your own mattress feel.
Questions we hear a lot
What firmness is best for side sleepers?
Medium to medium soft suits most side sleepers. The shoulders and hips need to sink in a little so the spine stays straight. Lighter people often prefer softer, and heavier people often prefer a true medium or a thicker hybrid.
Is memory foam or hybrid better for side sleepers?
Both work. Memory foam gives the most cradling, pressure-relieving feel and isolates motion. A hybrid is bouncier, makes rolling over easier, and sleeps cooler.
What is a zoned mattress and does it help side sleepers?
A zoned mattress is softer under the shoulders and a little firmer under the hips. That matches the way side sleepers press into the bed, which is why our 12 inch ActiveAlign Reactive Copper Zoned is a favorite.
How thick should a mattress be for a side sleeper?
Ten to fourteen inches suits most side sleepers, with a comfort layer of 2 inches or more on top. Very thin mattresses often feel too firm at the shoulder.
What if my partner likes a firmer bed?
Try the iSwitch flippable, which has a medium soft side and a medium firm side, or a split king with a different mattress on each side. Questions? Text John at 805-617-6878.
Still deciding? Just ask us
Tell John your height, weight range, how you sleep and your budget, and he will tell you honestly which one fits. Text or call 805-617-6878, 6 AM to 9 PM Pacific, take the 60-second mattress quiz, or compare every model on the mattress comparison chart. See our Purchase Policy & Warranty for the details.
Written by John & Mimi, MimiJohn. Specs from the manufacturer; prices update automatically.