If you’re a side sleeper, trying to get a good night’s rest your hips and shoulders tend to dip down into a mattress that’s too soft, throwing your spine out of alignment. But a mattress that’s too firm puts too much pressure on those areas, leading to discomfort and pain. I evaluated dozens of top mattress companies to uncover the ones that excel at creating the ideal blend of cushioning comfort and support. Read on for the top mattress picks for side sleepers across all budgets and preferences.
Helix mattress
Helix Sleep makes every mattress model custom to the sleeper. After taking a short quiz that asks you questions like your sleeping position, firmness preference, and any pain issues, Helix matches you up with one of its hybrid mattresses that combines memory foam with pocketed coils. For side sleepers, that likely means you’ll be paired up with the Helix Sunset Luxe, Dusk Luxe, Moonlight Luxe, or Midnight Luxe – all cradling comfort layers over firmer transitional and base foams.
What sets Helix apart is that best mattress for side sleepers get additional lumbar support right where they need it thanks to their zoned construction. Reinforced perimeters also allow you to utilize the entire mattress surface without sagging when sleeping near the edges. Couples with different needs even customize each side of the mattress. With a 100-night trial and 10-year limited warranty, you are sure your customized Helix mattress offers superior side sleeping comfort night after night.
Amerisleep AS3
Amerisleep’s most popular model, the AS3, earns rave reviews from side sleepers thanks to its pressure-relieving memory foam layers. Thick, conforming Bio-Pur® foam cradles the shoulders and hips to cushion pressure points and proper alignment of the head, neck, and spine. The Bio-Pur® layer also contains an advanced open-cell structure so you don’t get overly hot like with traditional memory foam.
Underneath lies the Affinity layer with Active Flex – hundreds of cut-outs that allow flexible movement and increased breathability. This prevents you from ever feeling “stuck in foam,” a common complaint for solid memory foam beds. The base layer utilizes durable, yet responsive Bio-Core® foam to reinforce the edges and provide overall stability as coils would. With its balance of cushioning and support right where side sleepers need it, it’s easy to see why the AS3 earns a five-star rating.
Casper original mattress
The Casper Original constructed the perfect universally comfortable mattress with zoned constructions for all sleep positions. But side sleepers benefit the most from its balanced cushioning comfort and support. Open-cell hypoallergenic foam allows cooling airflow to keep side sleepers comfortable. Grooved zones under the shoulders and hips cushion pressure points while firmer foams under the back, waist, and legs keep your whole body properly aligned – no sagging or stiffness.
That well-balanced feel comes from both softer foam for comfort and durable polyfoam for support. Perforations in the top comfort layer also help distribute body heat and increase breathability. All foams used in the Casper mattress are also CertiPUR-US certified, meaning you get quality materials safe for even sensitive sleepers. Add in its low price point of under $1,000 for a Queen and it’s easy to see why Casper ranks among the best mattress picks specifically accommodating side sleepers.
