Best Mattress for Side Sleepers 2023

Side sleepers are living the dream… until their shoulder starts sending strongly worded emails at 3 a.m.
The reality is simple: when you sleep on your side, your hips and shoulders take the brunt of your body weight,
and your spine needs enough support to stay aligned instead of turning into a gentle banana.
The “best mattress for side sleepers” isn’t about hypeit’s about pressure relief, spinal alignment, and choosing the right feel for your body type.

This 2023-focused guide pulls together what major U.S. sleep and product-review outlets consistently test forpressure relief at the hips/shoulders,
stable support through the midsection, cooling (because night sweats are not a personality), motion isolation, and real-world usability like edge support.
You’ll see familiar names because they keep showing up in testing and editor picks year after yearand for side sleepers, that consistency matters.

Quick Picks: The Best Side-Sleeper Mattresses (2023)

If you want the shortlist first (we love efficiency), start here. Then keep reading to match the right bed to your body weight,
pain points, and “I run hot” lifestyle.

• Best Overall for Most Side Sleepers: Helix Midnight Luxe (balanced cushioning + zoned support)
• Best for Pressure Relief + Plush Comfort: Nolah Evolution 15 (pillowy top, great contouring options)
• Best Hybrid for Side Sleepers: Leesa Sapira (hybrid feel with strong pressure relief)
• Best Luxury Innerspring Feel (with cushion): Saatva Classic (choose Plush Soft for lighter side sleepers)
• Best “Firm-But-Still-Side-Sleeper” Option: Bear Elite Hybrid (support-forward with pressure relief)
• Best for Hot Side Sleepers: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe (cooling-focused hybrid)
• Best for Couples Who Side Sleep: WinkBed (choose the softer feel if you want more shoulder give)
• Best Foam “Hug” Without the Sinkhole Feeling: Nectar Premier (contouring memory foam style)
• Best for “My Shoulder Hates Me” Nights: Layla Hybrid (pressure-relief-forward design)
• Best “Different Feel” Option: Purple PurpleFlex (GelFlex grid cradles pressure points differently than foam)

What Side Sleepers Actually Need (Not Just “Soft”)

1) Pressure relief at hips and shoulders

Side sleeping concentrates force on narrower contact pointsmainly the shoulder and hip. A mattress that’s too firm can create pressure buildup
that feels like numbness, tingling, or “why is my arm filing a complaint with HR?”
A mattress that’s too soft can let your midsection sink, pulling your spine out of alignment.
The sweet spot is usually a medium to medium-firm feelsoft enough to cushion, supportive enough to keep you level.

2) Spinal alignment through the midsection

Side sleepers commonly need extra support under the waist/lumbar area so the spine stays neutral.
That’s why you’ll see “zoned support” or firmer coils/foams in the center of many top side-sleeper hybrids.
Think of it as the mattress doing gentle posture coaching while you do absolutely nothing (the best kind of coaching).

3) The right feel for your body weight

“Medium” is not universal. Lighter sleepers often experience the same mattress as firmer, because they don’t sink in as much.
Heavier sleepers may compress comfort layers more deeply and need sturdier support to prevent sagging.
Your weight changes the way the bed “shows up” for youlike a friend who becomes dramatically different at karaoke.

4) Temperature and motion control

Side sleepers often hug pillows, curl up, and stay in one spot longerso heat buildup and motion transfer matter.
Many review labs weigh cooling (breathable covers, coil airflow, cooling foams) and motion isolation (foam layers, pocketed coils),
especially for couples.

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers 2023: Top Choices, Explained

Helix Midnight Luxe Best Overall for Side Sleepers

If there’s a “default great choice” for side sleepers, it’s usually a medium-feel hybrid with strong pressure relief and targeted support.
The Helix Midnight Luxe fits that profile with a cushioned top and zoned support meant to keep your hips and shoulders comfortable
without letting your waist drop too far.

• Feel: Medium to medium-firm (often described around the “not too soft, not too firm” zone)
• Why side sleepers like it: Balanced contouring + support, designed with side sleeping in mind
• Best for: Most average-weight side sleepers; combo sleepers who rotate between side/back
• Watch-outs: If you want very plush, consider a softer model or add a topper

Nolah Evolution 15 Best for Plush Pressure Relief and Spinal Alignment

Side sleepers who want that “hotel pillow-top” vibewithout losing supportoften end up happiest on a plush-topped hybrid
with structured support underneath. The Nolah Evolution is frequently highlighted for combining cushioning with zoning that supports the middle
of the body, which can help keep the spine from dipping.

• Feel: Typically available in multiple firmness options (so you can avoid guessing)
• Why it works: Plush surface comfort + support structure designed to keep you aligned
• Best for: Side sleepers who wake with shoulder/hip sensitivity; people who want “soft on top, supportive below”
• Watch-outs: Thicker, taller builds can require deep-pocket sheets

Leesa Sapira Best Hybrid for Side Sleepers Who Want a Balanced “Bounce”

Some side sleepers love the gentle hug of foam. Others want more responsiveness (easier movement, less “stuck” feeling).
A well-built hybrid like the Leesa Sapira aims to deliver both: contouring comfort up top with supportive coils underneath.

• Feel: Medium-ish hybrid feel (comfort + spring support)
• Why it works: Pressure relief with a more responsive surface than classic all-foam beds
• Best for: Side sleepers who switch sides often; couples who want a blend of comfort and mobility
• Watch-outs: If you want ultra-plush, you may prefer a softer pillow-top style hybrid

Saatva Classic Best Luxury Innerspring Feel (Choose Plush Soft for Many Side Sleepers)

Prefer a more traditional “luxury hotel mattress” feel? The Saatva Classic is a common pick in editorial testing for people who want a buoyant,
supportive surface with optional plushness.
Side sleepers often do best with the softer comfort choice (especially if they’re lighter) because it helps reduce shoulder pressure.

• Feel: Multiple firmness options; “Plush Soft” is often the side-sleeper-friendly choice
• Why it works: Supportive structure + cushion options for pressure points
• Best for: Side sleepers who want a classic feel; hot sleepers who like coil airflow
• Watch-outs: If you need deep contouring, foam-forward hybrids may feel gentler

Bear Elite Hybrid Best for Side Sleepers Who Like a Firmer, Support-Forward Feel

Not every side sleeper wants “plush.” Some want a more supportive, stable surfaceespecially if they also deal with back issues or prefer a firmer feel.
The Bear Elite Hybrid shows up in multiple “best for side sleepers” lists that emphasize support and structure while still providing pressure relief.

• Feel: Can run firmer depending on option
• Why it works: Support-first design that still addresses pressure points
• Best for: Side sleepers who dislike deep sink; combo sleepers; people who want a sturdier surface
• Watch-outs: Very lightweight side sleepers may prefer something plusher

Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Best Cooling Pick for Side Sleepers

If you wake up warm or sweat easily, cooling features can matter as much as pressure relief.
Cooling hybrids often combine breathable coil cores with cooling covers/foams to reduce heat buildup.
Aurora Luxe is frequently cited as a cooling-focused hybrid that still comes in comfort options that can work for side sleepers.

• Feel: Often offered in multiple firmness choices
• Why it works: Cooling-forward build without giving up support
• Best for: Hot sleepers who still need shoulder/hip cushioning
• Watch-outs: Cooling is also about sheets, room temp, and pajamassadly, the mattress can’t do everything

WinkBed Best for Couples and “I Want Support, But Don’t Hate My Shoulder”

Couples often need a mattress that balances motion isolation, edge support, and comfort preferences.
WinkBed is commonly referenced as comfortable and supportive, and many side sleepers do best with a softer feel option if shoulder pressure is a concern.

• Feel: Often available in multiple firmness levels
• Why it works: Supportive hybrid feel + options to dial in comfort
• Best for: Couples; side sleepers who want stability with some cushion
• Watch-outs: Pick firmness carefullytoo firm can be a shoulder-pressure trap

Nectar Premier Best Foam Feel for Side Sleepers Who Want a “Gentle Hug”

Foam fans usually care about contouring and motion isolation. Side sleepers can benefit from that pressure relief,
especially at the shoulder and hip, as long as the mattress still supports the midsection.
Nectar Premier is often highlighted as a side-sleeper-friendly foam option that aims to balance softness and support.

• Feel: Contouring, foam-forward comfort
• Why it works: Pressure relief + reduced motion transfer
• Best for: Side sleepers who share a bed; people who like memory-foam style contouring
• Watch-outs: Some foam sleepers still prefer the added airflow and bounce of a hybrid

Layla Hybrid Best for Pressure Relief Seekers (Especially Shoulder/Hip Sensitivity)

If your top priority is easing pressure at contact points, look for comfort layers designed to cushion without collapsing.
Pressure-relief-focused hybrids can be a great compromise: they contour, but the coil system prevents “bottoming out.”

• Feel: Pressure-relief oriented, hybrid support
• Why it works: Side sleepers often report comfort improvements when pressure points get real cushioning
• Best for: Shoulder and hip sensitivity; people who want contouring with support
• Watch-outs: If you want very firm, pick a firmer model instead

Purple PurpleFlex Best “Different Feel” for Side Sleepers Who Don’t Love Foam

Not everyone likes the slow-melting feel of memory foam. Purple’s GelFlex grid is a different experience:
it can cradle pressure points while still feeling more buoyant than classic foam.
If foam makes you feel stuck or too warm, a grid-style comfort layer can be worth trying.

• Feel: Unique grid cushioning (not classic foam)
• Why it works: Cradles pressure points around shoulders/neck in editor testing
• Best for: Side sleepers who want pressure relief without the foam “hug”
• Watch-outs: The feel is distinctivesome people love it instantly, others need an adjustment period

How to Choose the Right Side-Sleeper Mattress (A Practical Matchmaker)

Match firmness to your body weight

• Under ~130 lbs: You’ll often prefer softer comfort layers so your shoulder and hip can sink in enough.
• ~130–230 lbs: Medium to medium-firm tends to hit the best balance of support and cushioning.
• Over ~230 lbs: Look for stronger coil systems and thicker comfort layers that relieve pressure without sagging.

Match the mattress type to your preferences

• Hybrid (foam + coils): Great all-around choice for side sleepers who want pressure relief plus support and airflow.
• All-foam: Often excellent for motion isolation and contouring, but can run warmer for some sleepers.
• Latex or latex-hybrid: Typically more responsive and breathable than memory foam, with a buoyant feel.
• Innerspring: Can work if there’s enough cushioning on top (pillow-top, foam, latex, microcoils).

Common side-sleeper problems (and what to buy for each)

• Shoulder pain: Prioritize plush pressure relief; avoid overly firm surfaces.
• Hip pain: Look for contouring at the hip plus midsection supporthybrids with zoned support often help.
• Lower back pain: Spinal alignment is the boss here; zoned support and stable coils matter.
• Sleeping hot: Choose cooling-focused hybrids, breathable covers, and consider airy bedding.
• Couples: Look for strong motion isolation + edge support so nobody gets pushed into “cliff mode.”

How to Test a Mattress at Home (Without Overthinking It)

A mattress can feel “amazing” for 10 minutes and then betray you after 10 nights. When you test at home, keep it simple:

1. Give it time: Your body may need a short adjustment period, especially if the old mattress was sagging.
2. Check alignment: Lie on your side and see if your waist feels supported or if you feel like you’re tilting.
3. Check pressure points: After 15–20 minutes, do you feel shoulder/hip pressure building?
4. Track morning feedback: If you wake with consistent soreness in the same spot, that’s a clue.
5. Fix the easy stuff: Sometimes a new pillow height (to keep your neck aligned) changes everything.

Side Sleeper FAQ

Is memory foam good for side sleepers?

Often, yesbecause it contours and relieves pressure at the shoulder and hip. The key is ensuring the foam doesn’t let your midsection sink too far.
Many side sleepers do best with either supportive foam designs or hybrids that add coil support underneath.

What firmness is best for side sleepers?

Many side sleepers land in the medium to medium-firm zone, but body weight changes the experience.
Lightweight sleepers often need softer comfort layers, while heavier sleepers often need stronger support with enough cushioning to prevent pressure buildup.

Do side sleepers need a pillow-top mattress?

Not always, but many side sleepers love the extra surface cushioning because it reduces pressure at the shoulder.
A pillow-top can be helpful as long as the mattress still supports the spine and doesn’t sag in the middle.

Can a mattress topper help side sleepers?

Yesespecially if your mattress is supportive but slightly too firm at the shoulder/hip. A quality topper can add pressure relief.
But if your mattress is sagging or lacks support, a topper is basically putting a bandage on a broken chair.

Conclusion

The best mattress for side sleepers in 2023 is the one that keeps your spine neutral while cushioning your shoulders and hips.
That usually means a hybrid or foam-forward design with real pressure relief and enough midsection support to prevent sagging alignment.
If you want a safe, widely recommended starting point, the Helix Midnight Luxe is a consistent top pick for side sleeping comfort.
If you crave plush pressure relief, Nolah Evolution is a strong contender. If you want a classic luxury feel, consider Saatva Classic
in a side-sleeper-friendly firmness choice.

Your perfect mattress match comes down to your body weight, how sensitive your shoulders/hips are, and whether you run hot or share the bed.
Nail those variables, and you’ll stop “collecting pillows” like they’re rare Pokémon.

Side Sleeper Experiences (): What It Feels Like When You Get It Right

Side sleepers tend to describe the “right” mattress in the same way: it feels like the bed is meeting them where they are,
rather than demanding they sleep a certain way. When the comfort layer is doing its job, your shoulder can sink in just enough to avoid pressure,
but not so much that your neck cranes downward. Your hip feels cushioned instead of jammed, and your lower back doesn’t feel like it’s floating
unsupported in the gap between ribcage and pelvis.

A very common side-sleeper experience on a too-firm mattress is the slow build of discomfort: you fall asleep fine,
but you wake up a few hours later with a “dead arm,” a sore shoulder, or a sharp hip point that makes you rotate like a rotisserie chicken.
People often assume that means they need a softer bed, but the better explanation is “you need better pressure relief.”
Sometimes that means softer comfort layers. Other times it means a mattress with smarter zoningso your shoulder sinks,
but your waist and midsection stay supported.

On the flip side (pun fully intended), side sleepers also talk about what happens on a mattress that’s too soft.
It can feel cozy at first, like you’re being gently huggeduntil you notice your hips sinking lower than your ribs.
That’s when you wake up with lower back tightness, as if you slept in a question mark shape. If you’ve ever thought,
“Why does my back feel worse on the soft bed?”this is usually why. The best side-sleeper mattresses aren’t just plush;
they’re plush in the right places and supportive in the right places.

Hot side sleepers have their own storyline. They’ll often report that foam felt great for pressure relief, but warm by 2 a.m.
When they switch to a breathable hybrid (or a cooling-focused model), the first noticeable change isn’t always “I sleep cold now.”
It’s more subtle: fewer wake-ups, less flipping the pillow, and less of that half-asleep negotiation where you’re trying to find
“the cool spot” like it’s hidden treasure. Bedding choices (breathable sheets, lighter comforters) often amplify this benefit.

Couples who side sleep usually describe their win in one sentence: “I don’t feel them move anymore.”
That’s motion isolation doing its thing. The second win is edge support: it’s easier to use the full mattress surface
without feeling like you’re sliding off the side. And then there’s the underrated experienceless decision fatigue.
Once you stop waking up sore, you stop obsessing over sleep hacks, buying four new pillows, and watching mattress videos at midnight
like it’s your second job. The best side sleeper mattress doesn’t just feel goodit gives you your brain back.