For side sleepers, finding the right mattress is crucial for a good night’s rest. This sleeping position requires a surface that can cushion the shoulders and hips while maintaining proper spinal alignment. Memory foam mattresses are often the top choice, as they excel at contouring to the body’s curves and relieving pressure points.
This roundup focuses on the best memory foam options designed to provide the comfort and support side sleepers need. We’ve evaluated features like cooling technology, firmness levels, and motion isolation to help you find the perfect mattress for undisturbed, rejuvenating sleep.
Our Recommended Memory Foam Mattresses
- Novilla 12 Inch Queen Mattress in a Box
- DEHIJU Queen Size Mattress, 10 Inch Hybrid Memory Foam
- ZINUS 12 Inch Green Tea Essential Memory Foam Mattress
- Lucid 10 Inch Memory Foam Mattress
- Signature Design by Ashley Chime 12 Inch Mattress
- Cool Gel Chill 14 Inch Memory Foam Mattress Queen
- Olee Sleep 10 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress
- Tuft & Needle Original Medium Queen Mattress
- Novilla 10 Inch Queen Size Memory Foam Mattress
- Linenspa 8 Inch Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress
Novilla 12 Inch Queen Mattress in a Box
The Novilla 12-inch mattress is engineered for a cooler night’s sleep, a key benefit for side sleepers who may experience pressure build-up. It incorporates 30% more NanoGel into its memory foam, which significantly increases its heat absorption capacity and promotes better airflow. This technology works to provide a refreshing cooling effect throughout the night.
This model features a three-layer foam construction designed for comfort and support. The high-density foam base offers balanced support to maintain spinal alignment, while the gel memory foam and comfort foam work in tandem to relieve pressure points at the shoulders and hips. Furthermore, its superior motion absorption means you are less likely to be disturbed by a partner’s movements.
DEHIJU Queen Size Mattress, 10 Inch Hybrid Memory Foam
The DEHIJU 10-inch hybrid mattress combines the contouring benefits of memory foam with the responsive support of pocket springs. This design is particularly effective for side sleepers, as the cooling gel memory foam works to eliminate joint discomfort and relieve stress at key pressure points. The result is a comfortable and peaceful sleep experience that can help reduce insomnia.
An outstanding feature of this mattress is its independent pocket spring system, which ensures weight is evenly distributed from head to toe. This provides excellent motion isolation, effectively absorbing movement and noise so you and your partner can sleep deeply without interfering with each other. The medium firmness offers a perfectly balanced feel with multiple support layers.
ZINUS 12 Inch Green Tea Essential Memory Foam Mattress
The ZINUS 12-inch mattress is designed for fresher sleep, thanks to its green tea-infused Airflow memory foam. This natural infusion is present in every layer to keep the mattress feeling fresh night after night. For side sleepers, the breathable foam is key to maximizing airflow while the mattress conforms to the body’s shape.
This mattress focuses on breathable pressure relief, which is vital for maintaining circulation and decreasing stress on the shoulders and hips. The open-cell design of the foam helps to enhance airflow, preventing heat buildup. As a fiberglass-free and CertiPUR-US certified option, it provides a safe and comfortable sleeping environment.
Lucid 10 Inch Memory Foam Mattress
The Lucid 10-inch mattress is a temperature-regulating option that arrives compressed in a box for easy setup. It is infused with both cooling gel and bamboo charcoal, a dual-action approach that helps you sleep cooler while capturing odors to maintain a fresh sleeping environment. This is beneficial for side sleepers who need a cool, comfortable surface.
This all-foam mattress is built with layers of comfort foam and memory foam that contour to your unique shape. The pressure-relieving memory foam works to align the spine by cushioning the shoulders and hips, which is essential for side sleepers to avoid morning stiffness and discomfort.
Signature Design by Ashley Chime 12 Inch Mattress
Signature Design by Ashley offers a 12-inch gel memory foam mattress designed for sound sleep. Its body-contouring properties deliver excellent support and pressure relief, making it a strong candidate for side sleepers. The thick plush layers of memory foam are engineered to cradle the body’s contours.
With a medium support level, this mattress strikes a balance between soft cushioning and firm support. The layers of memory foam work to relieve pressure while the support foam core reduces motion transfer. This fiberglass-free construction ensures peaceful, undisturbed sleep for you and your partner.
Cool Gel Chill 14 Inch Memory Foam Mattress Queen
The Cool Gel Chill 14-inch mattress stands out with its generous height and advanced cooling gel technology. It features a 3.5-inch ventilated cooling gel memory foam layer that conforms to your body while enhancing airflow and temperature regulation. This open-cell design is crucial for preventing overheating throughout the night.
This mattress provides pressure-relieving medium firm support, which cradles pressure points and promotes spinal alignment. This makes it suitable for side sleepers who need extra cushioning for their shoulders and hips. As a bonus, this package includes two CoolGel memory foam bed pillows to complete your sleep setup.
Olee Sleep 10 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress
The Olee Sleep 10-inch mattress is constructed with a thoughtful four-layer system. This includes a top layer of cooling gel memory foam that disperses body heat and regulates temperature, creating a pleasant sleeping experience. Proper temperature regulation is a significant advantage for side sleepers who may be prone to feeling too warm.
The combination of different high-density foam layers provides both immediate comfort and deep, supportive structure. The convoluted high-density foam layer further enhances airflow and support. This layered approach works to maintain the right body temperature and provide the pressure relief that side sleepers require.
Tuft & Needle Original Medium Queen Mattress
The Tuft & Needle Original mattress features a medium feel that is designed for all sleeping positions. Its T&N Adaptive foam is a breathable, open-cell foam infused with cooling gel and graphite to help wick heat away from the body. This responsive material provides contouring pressure relief that adapts to your shape.
This mattress is known for its bounce-back support and responsive comfort. The T&N Flex foam firms up the deeper you settle in, offering personalized support, while the T&N Release foam enhances pressure relief. This combination is excellent for side sleepers needing a mattress that supports without feeling too rigid.
Novilla 10 Inch Queen Size Memory Foam Mattress
This 10-inch version of the Novilla mattress also utilizes enhanced NanoGel technology for a cooling and breathable sleep surface. The foam is designed to increase heat absorption capacity and promote airflow, helping side sleepers avoid hot and restless nights. The result is an enhanced sleep experience with all-night comfort.
Similar to its 12-inch counterpart, this mattress features three foam layers that provide balanced support for spinal alignment and effective pressure point relief. The construction also offers superior noise and vibration absorption, ensuring your deep sleep remains undisturbed by movement, which is ideal for couples.
Linenspa 8 Inch Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress
The Linenspa 8-inch hybrid mattress offers a unique combination of memory foam comfort and innerspring support. This design provides the contouring hug of memory foam on top with the traditional bounce and airflow of a spring system below. For side sleepers, this can mean both pressure relief and a cooler sleep.
The hybrid construction helps to prevent the feeling of sinking in too deeply, which some sleepers prefer. The springs add responsiveness and improve edge support, while the memory foam layer cushions the shoulders and hips. This makes it a versatile and supportive option at an accessible profile.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Memory Foam Mattress for Side Sleepers
As a side sleeper myself, I know the struggle of finding a mattress that doesn’t leave my shoulder and hip aching by morning. The right mattress isn’t just about comfort; it’s about proper spinal alignment. When you’re on your side, your shoulders and hips are the heaviest parts of your upper body, and they need a mattress that can cushion them without letting your spine sag. That’s where memory foam really shines. It contours to your body’s unique shape, providing targeted pressure relief exactly where you need it.
The first thing I look for is the feel of the mattress, specifically its firmness level. Most side sleepers do best with a medium-soft to medium-firm feel. A mattress that’s too firm won’t allow your shoulder and hip to sink in enough, creating pressure points. On the flip side, one that’s too soft can let you sink in too deeply, misaligning your spine. A medium feel is often the sweet spot, offering a balance of cushioning and support.
Next, pay close attention to the construction. Don’t just look at the top comfort layer; the support core is just as important. Many of the best memory foam mattresses for side sleepers use a zoned design. This means the foam is firmer in the middle third (to support your lumbar region and prevent your hips from sinking too far) and softer under the shoulders and hips. This targeted support is a game-changer for keeping your spine in a neutral position all night long.
Finally, consider practical factors like temperature regulation and motion isolation. Traditional memory foam has a reputation for sleeping hot, but many newer models include gel infusions, copper, or open-cell structures to improve airflow and pull heat away from your body. Since memory foam is excellent at absorbing movement, it’s also a fantastic choice if you share a bed. Your partner’s tossing and turning won’t disturb your sleep. Taking the time to think about these features will help you find a mattress that supports your body and improves your sleep quality.
FAQ
What firmness level is best for a side sleeper?
I’ve found that most side sleepers, including myself, prefer a medium firmness, which typically falls around a 5 or 6 on a 10-point firmness scale (where 10 is the firmest). This level provides enough “give” to cushion your shoulders and hips, relieving pressure, while still offering sufficient support to keep your spine from sagging. If you are a lighter person, you might lean towards a medium-soft feel, while heavier individuals may need a medium-firm mattress for optimal support.
Why is memory foam often recommended for side sleepers?
Memory foam is highly recommended because of its unique ability to contour precisely to the curves of your body. When you sleep on your side, the pressure on your shoulder and hip is significant. Memory foam reacts to your body heat and weight, softening to cradle these pressure points. This cradling effect helps to evenly distribute your weight, which can reduce pain and improve circulation, leading to a more restful night without those familiar aches.
How can I prevent sleeping hot on a memory foam mattress?
This was a big concern for me, and it’s a common one. The good news is that mattress technology has come a long way. Look for models that advertise cooling features. These can include gel-infused or copper-infused memory foam, which pull heat away from the body, or open-cell foam structures that allow for better airflow. Many mattresses also come with covers made from breathable materials like Tencel or polyester blends designed to be moisture-wicking. This makes finding one of the best memory foam mattresses for side sleepers who tend to sleep hot much easier than it used to be.
Do I need a mattress with a pillow top for side sleeping?
While a pillow top can add an extra layer of plushness, it is not a strict requirement. Many all-foam mattresses are designed with a comfort layer that is soft and conforming enough for side sleepers without a separate pillow top. The key is the quality and thickness of the top comfort layers. A mattress with a several-inch-thick layer of quality memory foam will often provide the pressure relief you need, whether it’s labeled as a pillow top or not.
How important is edge support in a memory foam mattress for side sleepers?
Edge support is more important than you might think, even for side sleepers. Good edge support means you can use the entire surface of the mattress without feeling like you’re going to roll off when you sleep near the edge. It also makes getting in and out of bed easier and more stable. While traditional all-foam beds can sometimes have weaker edges, many newer models include reinforced foam borders or firmer foam encasements to address this issue.