Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers in 2022

Best Overall Mattress: Helix Midnight

BUY IT, $999 FOR A QUEEN (WAS $1,099)

• Mattress Type: Hybrid (foam and coils)
• Mattress Advisor Score: 8.9/10
• Firmness: Medium-firm (6/10)
• Delivery: Free shipping; delivered within 10 days of order
• Coverage: 100-night sleep trial; 15-year warranty

Who it's best for: Side sleepers will benefit from the durable edge support; the breathable cover and hybrid construction provide adequate airflow for hot sleepers; combination sleepers will appreciate the bed's responsiveness.

Not recommended for: Sleepers who prefer memory foam and people who consciously shop at companies with robust social initiatives (Mattress Advisor gives Helix a 5 out of 10 for social impact).

How it feels: Due to its construction of memory foam and innerspring coils, the Helix Midnight feels bouncy and is easy to move around on.

Pros: If you toss and turn at night, you'll find that the Helix Midnight is responsive to your movements. For side sleepers, the bed relieves pressure at the ankles, knees, hips, and shoulders (it scored an 8.5 out of 10 for pressure relief).

Cons: According to testers, there is a slight off-gassing smell when you first open the mattress. Still, the Helix Midnight uses certified non-toxic foams, and reviewers said the odor dissipated once the mattress aired out.

What it's made of: Under the soft-touch cover is a layer of memory foam. Beneath it, a tier of sturdy polyfoam sits atop individually wrapped coils. At the bottom, a dense layer of foundational foam secures the entire mattress.

The Helix Midnight is the most popular hybrid bed in Helix's mattress lineup. Its mix of memory foam and individually wrapped coils make for a comfortable yet supportive sleep surface that's ideal for side sleepers, according to Mattress Advisor testers. The memory foam layer provides pressure relief while the pocketed coils help limit motion transfer.

In the Mattress Advisor testing lab, the Helix Midnight scored an 8.75 out of 10 in the spine alignment category and a perfect 10 for edge support. Superior edge support means the perimeter of the bed is stable, so side sleepers and combination sleepers who roll around during the night should feel more secure.

From the sleep lab: "The Helix Midnight is a great mattress for couples. During the motion transfer test, when I situated myself on the bed by a glass of red wine, the liquid hardly moved, as in little to no motion transfer. So couples shouldn't disturb each other moving around during the night."

Best Mattress for Pressure Relief: Saatva Classic

BUY IT, $887 FOR A QUEEN (WAS $1,695)

• Mattress Type: Hybrid (foam and coils)
• Mattress Advisor Score: 9.3/10
• Firmness: Plush-soft (3/10), luxury-firm (6/10), and firm (8/10)
• Delivery: Ships for free; complimentary white glove delivery; delivered within 21 days of order
• Coverage: 180-night sleep trial; 15-year warranty

Who it's best for: The Saatva Classic is ideal for those who want a high-quality mattress they can customize to their preferences. This mattress is also a great choice for individuals with back pain because of its ability to keep the spine in alignment.

Not recommended for: Saatva Classic may be out of reach for shoppers on a budget. Additionally, sleepers unfamiliar with innersprings may find that they prefer the feel of an all-foam mattress.

How it feels: The Saatva Classic has plenty of bounce like an innerspring mattress, but the cushy pillow top provides just the right amount of memory foam to sink into. Still, one tester explained you will feel like you're sleeping "on" the mattress rather than "in" it.

Pros: Extremely durable, eco-friendly, and American-made, the Saatva Classic also scored well in the Mattress Advisor sleep lab for its solid perimeter, earning a 10 out of 10 on the edge support test.

Cons: If you're on a budget, it's important to note that the Saatva Classic falls in a "luxury" price range—a queen costs over $1,500. It's also not the best choice for couples or those who sleep with pets because the innersprings allow for some motion transfer across the surface.

What it's made of: The Saatva Classic features a quilted organic cotton cover atop a 3-inch Euro pillow top. Beneath that lies a dual set of innerspring coils. Micro coils provide support while thicker steel coils offer an even higher degree of stability.

The Saatva Classic delivers the pressure relief that side sleepers often crave (testers gave it an 8.75 out of 10 in this category) in the form of a luxury mattress. You can choose between two heights and three different firmness levels, including plush-soft, which is geared more toward side sleepers. With a perfect score from Mattress Advisor testers for durability (10/10), this mattress comes with a 15-year warranty and should last you for many, many years.

Saatva also earned a perfect 10 out of 10 for customer service, due in part to its complimentary white glove delivery. Your new mattress will be set up and your old one removed at no extra charge.

From the sleep lab: "I'm a back sleeper, and I love the Saatva Classic's balance of comfort and support. I could feel the lift from its innerspring coils, especially at my lower back. And my hips didn't sink too deeply into the pillow top. I gave it a 10 out of 10 for spine alignment."

Best Hybrid Mattress: DreamCloud

BUY IT, $999 FOR A QUEEN (WAS $1,598)

• Mattress Type: Hybrid (foam and coils)
• Mattress Advisor Score: 9.1/10
• Firmness: Medium-firm (6.5/10)
• Delivery: Free shipping; delivered within 2–5 business days
• Coverage: 365-night sleep trial; lifetime warranty

Who it's best for: As the highest-ranked hybrid bed in the Mattress Advisor sleep lab, the DreamCloud works for most sleep positions and body types—there is no set weight limit. Breathable hybrid mattresses like the DreamCloud are also a great choice for those who sleep hot, and its pressure relief capabilities should help ease back and hip pain.

Not recommended for: While DreamCloud accommodates a variety of sleep styles, some stomach sleepers might prefer a firmer mattress.

How it feels: Testers reported that the DreamCloud feels like a luxury hotel mattress. First, you sink into the soft memory foam cover, and then you'll experience the support and responsiveness of the innerspring coils.

Pros: According to testers, the DreamCloud is easy to move around on, which is what combination sleepers like to hear. Experts gave it an 8.75 out of 10 for cooling and a near-perfect score for spine alignment (9/10).

Cons: Those on a budget may find the DreamCloud to be a bit out of their price range. And couples might prefer an all-foam mattress that'll absorb motion better than an innerspring model.

What it's made of: The standout materials in the DreamCloud are the plush quilted foam and cashmere used in the cover. Beneath that lies a tier of cooling gel memory foam, followed by a foam transition layer atop a bed of support coils. A high-density foam layer at the bottom provides additional stability.

Its five-layer system of memory foam and innerspring coils earned the DreamCloud top marks among its fellow hybrid mattresses. This system provides side sleepers with excellent pressure relief—in fact, Mattress Advisor testers gave the DreamCloud an 8.75 out of 10 in that category. It also earned a 9 out of 10 for responsiveness, meaning you can easily switch sides throughout the night. Plus, DreamCloud offers a generous one-year sleep trial, giving you enough time to determine whether it's the right mattress for you. We're surprised that this bed isn't well over $2,000 given its cashmere blend cover, gel-infused foam, and pocketed coils.

From the sleep lab: "I like to sleep along the edge of the mattress, so that's one of the first things I test. I was pleasantly surprised to find it hardly budged. That's why I gave it a 9.75 out of 10 for edge support."

Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress: GhostBed Luxe

BUY IT, $1,677 FOR A QUEEN (WAS $2,395)

• Mattress Type: Memory foam
• Mattress Advisor Score: 9/10
• Firmness: Medium-firm (6.5/10)
• Delivery: Free shipping; typically delivered 2–5 business days after ordering
• Coverage: 101-night sleep trial; 25-year warranty

Who it's best for: Side sleepers who alternate between lying on their right and left sides will appreciate the GhostBed Luxe's high degree of responsiveness.

Not recommended for: Stomach sleepers, who may need a firmer mattress to keep the hips in alignment.

How it feels: On top of those layers of gel-infused memory foam is a quilted cover that's cool to the touch. You'll experience a slight sinking sensation on the surface, but not enough to impede your ability to move around.

Pros: The GhostBed Luxe is a uniquely responsive and cool memory foam mattress. Testers said the bed also keeps the spine in proper alignment.

Cons: The GhostBed Luxe is on the pricier side of bed-in-a-box mattresses. Another caveat: It only comes in one firmness level.

What it's made of: The "luxe" in GhostBed Luxe is inspired by the bed's construction. The cover is made of special cooling fabric, and beneath it lie two layers of memory foam that provide pressure relief. A third foam layer performs like latex to give the bed a bit of bounce. Finally, a high-density foam base offers plenty of stability.

Side sleepers tend to gravitate toward memory foam for its ability to contour to the body, but rarely do they seek out the material for its cooling factor. With the GhostBed Luxe, you get both, according to Mattress Advisor testers. The team of reviewers awarded the bed an 8.5 out 10 for pressure relief and a 9 out of 10 for cooling, which is due to the layers of gel memory foam stacked underneath the surface. The GhostBed earned an even higher score (9.25/10) for spine alignment. Basically, this seven-layer, 13-inch-tall mattress is pure bliss.

From the sleep lab: "The first thing I noticed about this bed is that it is actually cool to the touch. I'm a back sleeper, and I'm surprised by the amount of support I felt from this all-foam bed, yet it's also comfortable."

Best Value Mattress: Nectar

BUY IT, $899 FOR A QUEEN (WAS $1,298)

• Mattress Type: Memory foam
• Mattress Advisor Score: 8.7/10
• Firmness: Medium-firm (6/10)
• Delivery: Free shipping; delivered within 2–5 business days of order
• Coverage: 365-night sleep trial; lifetime warranty

Who it's best for: The Nectar mattress is best for side-sleeping couples due to its memory foam layers that absorb movement across the surface of the bed. It's also a great pick for those on a budget.

Not recommended for: Hot sleepers who prefer a more breathable mattress (like an innerspring or hybrid) over an all-foam bed.

How it feels: As with other all-foam mattresses, you'll immediately sink into the soft foam layers and feel the bed closely hugging your sides.

Pros: Unlike most memory foam beds, the Nectar has an impressive 365-night sleep trial and comes with a lifetime warranty. Also rare for memory foam, this mattress adapts to your movements and boasts a solid perimeter, so you'll feel secure sleeping along the edges.

Cons: Since this memory foam bed contours to your body, it tends to trap in heat. Hot sleepers may want to try a more breathable style like a hybrid or an innerspring.

What it's made of: The Nectar features a breathable cover situated atop 3 inches of gel memory foam. To keep it from being too soft, a 2-inch support foam layer transitions into a sturdy 7-inch standard foam base.

At less than $1,300 for a queen size, the Nectar is one of the more affordable beds on this list. Scoring an 8.5 out of 10 for durability—and paired with a lifetime warranty—this memory foam mattress is built to last.

Nectar's gel memory foam is designed to hug and stabilize your body as you sleep. The Mattress Advisor review team found that the Nectar is also great at motion isolation (8.5/10), meaning you're less likely to be disturbed by a partner who's moving around in the middle of the night. Plus, its medium-firm firmness level makes it a solid choice for side sleepers.

From the sleep lab: "The Nectar's high degree of pressure relief is perfect for side sleepers. It feels like the quintessential memory foam mattress with that sink-into-the-surface cradling sensation."

Best Affordable Luxury Mattress: The WinkBed

BUY IT, $1,499 FOR A QUEEN (WAS $1,799)

• Mattress Type: Hybrid (foam and coils)
• Mattress Advisor Score: 8.6/10
• Firmness: Soft (4.5/10), luxury-firm (6.5/10), firm (7.5/10), and plus (8/10)
• Delivery: Ships for free; delivered within 7–14 days of order
• Coverage: 120-night sleep trial; lifetime warranty

Who it's best for: Thanks to its hybrid build, the mattress earned a 9 out of 10 for responsiveness, which is great for sleepers who switch sides throughout the night. The coil construction also promotes airflow, a bonus for individuals who struggle with night sweats.

Not recommended for: Ardent memory foam lovers may want to avoid any mattress with innersprings, even hybrids. The WinkBed is also a luxury mattress that may be cost-prohibitive to shoppers on a budget.

How it feels: The WinkBed sleeps like a traditional innerspring bed, meaning you can feel the bounciness of the innerspring coils. While the mattress has a thick pillow top, it's still easy to move around on and change positions.

Pros: Hybrid beds are the combination of multiple mattress types, and, in The WinkBed's case, consist of foam that cradles the hips, shoulders, and neck, and breathable, supportive coils that help you maintain a healthy posture (The WinkBed earned an 8.75 out of 10 in the spine alignment test).

Cons: Motion isolation was rated a lukewarm 6.4 out of 10 by testers. Exceptionally light sleepers may prefer a mattress that better minimizes their partner's movements.

What it's made of: A breathable cover made with eucalyptus envelops a quilted Euro pillow top infused with gel for cooling. The pillow top provides pressure relief for the shoulders and hips, and individually wrapped coils offer targeted back support.

Customizing your mattress doesn't have to cost a fortune. The WinkBed lets you choose from four different firmness levels, all of which cost less than $2,000 for a queen size. The Mattress Advisor team tested the luxury-firm model, which translates to medium-firm, and said the hybrid system of coils, foam, and plush pillow top create top-notch pressure relief and support that's ideal for side sleepers.

From the sleep lab: "I could definitely feel the zoned support in The WinkBed, adding a nice lift to my lower back. Its Euro pillow top gives it that luxe hotel feel, especially given that it's taller than most mattresses at 14 inches."

Best Flippable Mattress: Layla

BUY IT, $949 FOR A QUEEN (WAS $1,099)

• Mattress Type: Memory foam
• Mattress Advisor Score: 8.8/10
• Firmness: Soft (4/10) and firm (7/10)
• Delivery: Ships free; delivered within 5–10 business days of order
• Coverage: 120-night sleep trial; lifetime warranty

Who it's best for: The Layla memory foam mattress is for people who like options. The soft side works best for side sleepers and the firm side works best for back sleepers. Both sides are a good fit for couples given the bed's motion isolation capabilities.

Not recommended for: Sleepers who will only use one side of Layla's flippable mattress throughout the bed's lifespan.

How it feels: If you prefer to sink into your mattress and feel the foam hug your curves, Layla's soft side will appeal to you. The firm side doesn't create that sinking sensation.

Pros: The option of a soft side and a firm side is a huge pro. The mattress is infused with cooling gel memory foam, so you should sleep cooler on the Layla than on a classic memory foam bed, which tends to trap in heat. This model also offers extraordinary pressure relief at the shoulders and hips, making it a great pick for side sleepers with hip pain.

Cons: According to testers, those who require greater support for their back may be more comfortable on a traditional innerspring mattress. And those who sleep exceptionally hot may prefer an innerspring or a hybrid bed for their increased breathability and airflow. The experts at Mattress Advisor say that although the Layla is infused with cooling materials, it's still an all-foam mattress, meaning it will sleep warmer than a bed made with coils.

What it's made of: The Layla features a solid support foam core in the middle of the mattress. On either side, layers of gel-infused memory foam offer pressure relief, with more inches of foam built-up on the softer side. Both covers are made with cooling fabric and can be removed.

The Layla is a unique memory foam mattress infused with gel to help keep you cool. Featuring both a soft side and a firm side, the mattress can be flipped to suit your preference—a rarity for online mattresses. (Note: Those who prefer a medium-firm mattress may want to look elsewhere.)

For side sleepers, keeping the spine from sinking into the mattress is essential, and Mattress Advisor found that the Layla offers solid spinal alignment and support. Reviewers gave the Layla high marks in responsiveness and pressure relief, two areas that are sure to keep your hips and shoulders happy. If you're not a memory foam fan but like the idea of a flippable bed, then check out Layla's newest model, the Layla Hybrid.

From the sleep lab: "For me, the soft side was a bit too soft and the firm side was a bit too firm. Personally, I prefer a medium-firm firmness level, but I love the flippable concept. The Layla wasn't too hard to flip because it weighs about 70 pounds."

Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora

BUY IT, $1,312 FOR A QUEEN (WAS $1,749)

• Mattress Type: Hybrid (foam and coils)
• Mattress Advisor Score: 8.9/10
• Firmness: Soft (3/10), medium (5/10), and firm (7/10)
• Delivery: Ships for free; typically delivered within 3–5 business days
• Coverage: 120-night sleep trial; 10-year warranty

Who it's best for: Available in three different firmness levels, this mattress is a match for every sleep position. Testers who are also hot sleepers appreciated the Brooklyn Aurora's breathable coil base. Couples will love its motion isolation capabilities, meaning the two of you won't wake each other up when you move around.

Not recommended for: Sleepers accustomed to the cradling feel of an all-foam mattress.

How it feels: For those who like a little bounce in their bed, the Aurora will not disappoint. A layer of responsive foam atop innerspring coils allows for easy maneuvering. One tester said you'll feel as if you're sleeping on top of the mattress rather than sinking into it.

Pros: Given its hybrid construction, it's no surprise that the Aurora excels at cooling and responsiveness. Experts also gave it a high score for spine alignment (8.5/10), making it an exceptional choice for those with back pain.

Cons: If you like the cradling effect of memory foam, the innersprings and polyfoam may throw you off.

What it's made of: The Aurora features a combination of comfortable foams and supportive coils for an overall bouncy, responsive feel. The first layer of foam contours to the body while the second layer provides stability. A tier of gel memory foam sits atop innerspring coils for added pressure relief. Finally, an 8-inch coil core is zoned to be firmer in the center of the mattress, offering extra lumbar support.

Side sleepers need a balance of comfort and support to help keep their joints pain-free. That's where the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora comes in. This hybrid bed is made with a temperature-regulating cover, responsive foam layers, and individually encased coils. Earning high marks in pressure relief, the Brooklyn Aurora provides targeted support to the hips and shoulders so side sleepers can rest easy.

Mattress Advisor testers were impressed with this hybrid mattress's cooling technology, awarding it a near-perfect 9.5 out of 10. Cooling beads fill the first layer of foam, making the mattress surface cool to the touch.

From the sleep lab: "This mattress is one of the coolest mattresses we've ever had in the sleep lab. It stayed cool to the touch even weeks after we unboxed it."

Best Mattress for Back Pain: Puffy Lux

BUY IT, $1,699 FOR A QUEEN (WAS $2,449)

• Mattress Type: Hybrid (foam and coils)
• Mattress Advisor Score: 8.3/10
• Firmness: Medium-firm (6/10)
• Delivery: Ships for free; ships within 2–5 business days of order
• Coverage: 101-night sleep trial; lifetime warranty

Who it's best for: The Puffy Lux's pressure relief capabilities suit side sleepers exceptionally well. Those with back pain may also find relief when resting on the memory foam top, which is supported by a sturdy coil base.

Not recommended for: Stomach sleepers who prefer a firmer mattress that offers more support for the hips and lower back.

How it feels: Sleepers will feel cushioned by the mattress rather than cradled. The Puffy Lux's memory foam contours around common pressure points while the coils help to keep the back supported and aligned. A gel-infused top layer of foam also keeps the mattress cool.

Pros: The Puffy Lux is a well-rounded pick for a variety of sleep positions and boasts high scores across several sleep lab testing categories. The bed also comes with a lifetime warranty.

Cons: Plus-size sleepers may prefer the support of a firmer build, and Puffy's sleep trial isn't as long as other trial periods on this list.

What it's made of: The Puffy Lux stacks 5 inches of foam on top of a sturdy 7-inch coil base. The stain-resistant cover is cushioned by 1.5 inches of gel-infused foam. A second foam layer pads pressure points while the third foam layer disperses body heat to help keep you cool. The coil base shores up the edges and stabilizes the entire mattress.

The Puffy Lux won't cure your back pain, but it is designed to help ease it. Mattress Advisor testers gave the hybrid mattress a 9 out of 10 for spine alignment because it promotes good sleep posture, which is important for your back. This means that the Puffy Lux supports the natural "S" curve of the spine while you snooze.

From the sleep lab: "What the Puffy Lux lacks in edge support, it makes up for in spinal alignment. While I sank into the top layers of foam, I could feel the innerspring coils pushing upward and supporting my lower back."

Best Memory Foam Mattress: Leesa

BUY IT, $999 FOR A QUEEN (WAS $1,199)

• Mattress Type: Memory foam
• Mattress Advisor Score: 9.3/10
• Firmness: Medium-firm (6/10)
• Delivery: Ships for free; typically delivered within 2 weeks of order
• Coverage: 100-night sleep trial; 10-year warranty

Who it's best for: Those who prefer the sensation of being hugged by their mattress should enjoy the feel of the Leesa. Side sleepers with aches and pains will appreciate the pressure relief provided by the bed's foam materials.

Not recommended for: Side sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds may find that their hips sink too far into an all-foam mattress like the Leesa. The bed is also not ideal for hot sleepers or those who prefer the feel of innerspring coils.

How it feels: Leesa's medium-firm firmness level suits a wide range of sleepers. The memory foam cradles the body, but it's also responsive, so you feel both the hug of the foam and the support system underneath.

Pros: Side sleeping couples can snooze uninterrupted thanks to Leesa's top-tier motion isolation, which Mattress Advisor testers rated a 9 out of 10. The Leesa also excels in lower back pain relief thanks to its foam base, which helps distribute support evenly (the bed earned a 9 out of 10 for spine alignment).

Cons: Although its durability is well-rated by Mattress Advisor testers, Leesa has a slightly shorter sleep trial and warranty than most other memory foam beds.

What it's made of: The Leesa mattress has four layers: A twill cover wraps around a layer of foam that snaps back quickly when you push your hand into it. Beneath that lies traditional memory foam, which provides pressure relief for sore joints. Finally, a polyfoam base maintains the structure and adds to the overall durability.

The 10-inch Leesa stands out from other foam beds because of its high degree of responsiveness, a quality that's rare for memory foam. Not only can you easily maneuver on the mattress's surface, but you'll also enjoy its cooling features, including the breathable cover and proprietary foam that's designed to sleep cooler than traditional memory foam. The bed earned an 8.5 out of 10 for cooling in the sleep lab. Mattress Advisor testers tell Health that the Leesa accommodates all sleep positions. Plus, Leesa is one of the most affordable mattresses on this list.

From the sleep lab: "I found it easy to move around on the Leesa and get comfortable in new sleep positions. I never felt stuck like with some traditional memory foam mattresses that can hug you too tightly. Combination sleepers should love this mattress."