Side sleeping is a common preference for a lot of people. It’s one of the healthier sleeping positions, especially compared to sleeping on your stomach which generally has your spine out of alignment. A few benefits of side sleeping that you might not know about are that it can reduce snoring and help with lower back pain.
On the other hand, if you’re sleeping on a mattress that is too soft or too firm, side sleeping can become uncomfortable. The right mattress and pillow will help keep your spine aligned and relieve pressure points, so you wake up feeling rested and pain-free.
Memory foam and similar products are usually good for side sleepers because the mattress forms to the contours of your body, providing a mixture of firmness and comfort. After carefully reviewing and researching several dozen mattresses of research we found that the Nectar Mattress was the best bed for side sleepers for durability, comfort and price.
Quick Facts About Side Sleeping
- Laying on your left side has additional health benefits
- Pregnant women often need to lay on their sides later in their pregnancy
- Medium firmness is best for most side sleepers, especially if you sleep with a partner
- Some side sleepers prefer softer, plush beds to get relief for hip and shoulder pain
- Side sleepers should avoid firm mattresses because they don’t support the natural curves of the body, which can lead to pain and unsupported joints
If you’re in the market for a new mattress, the best thing to do is learn about the different options available to you and check out reviews. Reviews can tell you a lot about how satisfied customers are and indicate if the mattress you’re considering is right for your needs.
Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers
1. Best Overall: The Nectar Mattress
The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress is so confident in their mattresses that they offer a 365-night trial with free shipping and returns. You can basically sleep on one of their mattress for a year with no strings attached. If you decide that you love it, it comes with a forever warranty. This high quality, affordable mattress is shipped to your door in a reusable bag and sleeps great even on the first night.
Customers love that this mattress doesn’t smell funny when opened unlike a lot of other memory foam products. Nectar’s mattresses are soft, but firm – perfect for side sleepers, pregnant women, and couples who have a hard time finding a mattress that does everything that they need. This firmness tends to target that “ideal firmness range” and meet the needs of both side and stomach sleepers. Nectar’s mattresses are also CertiPUR-US® Certified and work with all bed types. Nectar mattress is made in China but designed and assembled in the US.
Nectar mattresses are built with 5 different layers, including gel memory foam for weight distribution and pressure relief along with a layer of adaptive hi-core memory foam for support and bounce. If you’re looking for a mattress that will help regulate your body temperature and give you a blissful night’s sleep and help alleviate lower back or spinal problems, Nectar comes highly recommended by satisfied customers, experts and the media.
2. Best for Pressure Points Relief: Leesa Mattress
Leesa’s 10-inch memory foam mattress comes with a 100-night trial and a 10-year warranty, which can give you peace of mind when it comes to making a big purchase online. If you’re in the market for the best mattress for side sleepers with shoulder or hip pain that also keeps you cool and comfortable at night (while also supporting the natural contours of your body) this might be the mattress for you.
Customers love this mattress because it is proudly made in the USA. It’s designed with 3 layers of foam to provide cooling bounce and contouring pressure relief every night. If you tend to wake up with joint or lower back pain, are a side sleeper, or tend to sleep hot at night a Leesa mattress can help you finally get a better night’s sleep.
This direct-to-consumer mattress was made to compete with leading memory foam mattresses for only one third of the cost. The mattress is shipped for free to your doorstep. Keep in mind that it takes most people a few nights to break in the memory foam before their sleep quality improves. Some people find this mattress hot, but overall, Leesa mattresses are comfortable, convenient, and well-made. For more unbiased Leesa Mattress side sleeper reviews head onto their website.
3. Least Expensive: Tuft and Needle Mattress
Tuft & Needle Mattresses are made with high-quality T&N Adaptive Foam. This foam is perfect for all types of sleepers, providing just the right amount of support and ‘localized bounce’ so movement on one side of the bed doesn’t wake a sleeping partner. If you want a mattress that’s like memory foam but cooler, softer, and more supportive, Tuft & Needle has you covered.
Tuft & Needle is proudly ranked #1 for company culture by Entrepreneur magazine and their mattresses are proudly made in the USA. You don’t have to worry about inferior quality materials or unreliable overseas manufacturing; this award-winning company keeps their production close to home. They offer a no risk 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.
This mattress can be purchased in 6 sizes from Twin to California King and come with or without a pillow bundle. For side sleepers an important question to ask is – are Tuft and Needle mattresses firm? No, this is a great option if you’re looking for a mattress that’s not too soft or too firm, just right. Some customers take time adjusting to their new mattress, but many agree that Tuft & Needle offers great, personal customer service that makes the entire process worthwhile.
So, Which is the Best Side Sleeper Mattress for You?
Buying a new mattress is a big decision. You might be wondering if you really need to do it, or if buying a mattress pad will do the trick for now. If a new mattress can’t wait, at least now you know a few companies that sell high-quality mattresses for side-sleepers.
Mattresses are expensive. It’s important to find the right mattress or you could risk being stuck with one that makes sleep torture for you. If you’re interested in memory foam but leading memory foam mattresses are out of your price range, remember that there are direct-to-consumer mattress sellers online who offer cheaper options that ship right to your door! Just check reviews before you buy.
As a side sleeper, this means you finally get a comfortable night’s sleep without your arm going numb or waking up sore from sleeping on a mattress that’s too firm. These mattresses are designed to support the body’s natural curves and relieve pressure points for a more rejuvenating sleep. They also help regulate your body temperature, so you’re cool and comfortable throughout the whole night.
The Nectar Sleep rose to the top as the best of the lot with the Leesa, coming in at a close second. Leesa is only slightly more expensive than Tuft and Needle, but both memory foam mattresses are excellent value and high quality.
Top Pick: Nectar Sleep, read more reviews and check for current prices.