How to Choose the Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

Last Updated 27th August 2025

How to Choose the Best Mattress for Side Sleepers: Expert Tips & Mattress Types Explained

Quick Answer: The best mattresses for side sleepers are memory foam, latex, or pocket spring designs. These offer pressure relief at the shoulders and hips while supporting the spine’s natural alignment.

Sleeping on your side creates specific pressure points, particularly on the shoulders and hips. Without proper support, side sleepers can experience neck, shoulder, or lower back pain. In this guide, we’ll break down what side sleepers should look for in a mattress  including firmness, materials, support zones to help you sleep comfortably and wake up pain-free.

What Side Sleepers Should Look for in a Mattress

Pressure Relief

Side sleepers place most of their weight on their shoulders and hips. This makes pressure relief one of the most important mattress features. Look for a mattress that cushions these joints and evenly distributes weight. Memory foam and latex are ideal materials for this.

Firmness Level

A medium-soft to medium-firm mattress is usually best. If it’s too firm, it won’t contour to your body. If it’s too soft, you may sink too far and lose support. The right firmness depends on your weight and personal preference.

Mattress Materials

Memory Foam: Adapts closely to the body’s shape. Excellent pressure relief and motion isolation. May trap heat unless infused with cooling gel.

Latex: Bouncy and breathable with good pressure relief. A natural alternative that’s also hypoallergenic.

Pocket Spring: Combines springs for support with foam or latex for comfort. Good for sleepers who need both contouring and structure.

Support & Comfort Layers

Mattresses for side sleepers should have strong base layers to maintain spinal alignment, plus comfort layers on top that offer cushioning. Multi-layer construction is ideal to combine support with softness.

Edge Support

If you move around in your sleep or share a bed, good edge support keeps the mattress from sagging and lets you use the full surface without slipping off.

Best Mattress Types For Side Sleepers

There isn't a single perfect mattress for side sleepers, but below are three types we've selected that have the essential features mentioned above.

Memory Foam Mattress

Memory foam mattresses are often recommended for side sleepers because they contour to the body, helping to relieve pressure points.

Key Benefits:

• Cushions and supports the shoulders and hips
• Promotes proper spinal alignment
• Minimises motion transfer — ideal for couples.

Keep in Mind:

Memory foam can retain heat. If you tend to sleep hot, look for gel-infused or open-cell foam options for better cooling.

Latex Mattress

Latex mattresses provide a firmer, more responsive feel compared to memory foam, while still easing pressure points. They’re perfect for sleepers who want extra bounce and breathability.

Key Benefits:

• Naturally breathable and cooling
• Long-lasting and eco-friendly
• Hypoallergenic for sensitive sleepers

Types of Latex Mattress:

• Natural Latex – premium comfort with sustainable materials
• Blended Latex – a more affordable mix of comfort and performance

Pocket Spring Mattress

Pocket spring mattresses use individually wrapped coils for support, paired with foam or latex comfort layers for pressure relief. They’re ideal for side sleepers who want both softness and structure.

Key Benefits:

• Zoned support that adapts to body shape
• Strong edge support and durability
• Excellent for combination sleepers or couples

Additional Sleep Tips for Side Sleepers

In addition to choosing the right mattress, your sleep habits and accessories can significantly improve your comfort and spinal alignment for a better night's sleep:

• Use the right pillow: A medium to high-loft pillow supports the neck and prevents strain. Contoured or memory foam pillows are especially beneficial for side sleepers.
• Try the foetal position: Curling up slightly with your knees bent reduces hip pressure and promotes spinal alignment.
• Place a pillow between your knees: This keeps your hips level and reduces stress on the lower back.
• Add a mattress topper: If your mattress feels too firm, a soft topper can reduce pressure points without compromising overall support.

Des Kelly Interiors: Your Sleep Experts

At Des Kelly Interiors, we know side sleepers have unique needs, from easing pressure on the hips and shoulders to choosing the right firmness for proper spinal alignment.

We stock a wide range of mattresses designed with side sleepers in mind, including:

• Pressure-relieving memory foam
• Naturally breathable latex
• Supportive pocket spring options with contouring comfort layers
  

With over 50 years of expertise, our friendly sleep specialists are here to help you find the mattress that’s perfect for your body and sleep style.

Visit your nearest Des Kelly Interiors store and chat with our team — let our experts guide you toward your best night’s sleep.

Contact us to find your perfect mattress ensuring a comfortable night’s sleep.

FAQ’s: Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers

What type of mattress should a side sleeper use?

Side sleepers should look for mattresses that provide pressure relief at the shoulders and hips while keeping the spine aligned. The best options are memory foam, latex, or pocket spring mattresses. Memory foam contours closely to the body, relieving pressure points. Latex offers more bounce and breathability while still supporting the body. Pocket spring mattresses combine responsive coil support with foam or latex comfort layers, making them a versatile choice for side sleepers.

Is a softer or firmer mattress better for side sleepers?

For side sleepers, a medium to medium-firm mattress is generally the best choice. A mattress that is too soft may allow the body to sink in too deeply, causing the spine to curve unnaturally, while one that is too firm may create excess pressure on the shoulders and hips. A medium to medium-firm feel provides the right balance of support and cushioning, promoting comfort and proper spinal alignment throughout the night.

What is the best mattress thickness for side sleepers?

The ideal mattress thickness for side sleepers is typically between 10 and 14 inches. A mattress in this range provides enough depth to include supportive base layers and pressure-relieving comfort layers on top. Thicker mattresses give extra cushioning to the shoulders and hips, which helps reduce joint pressure and prevents morning stiffness. This makes them especially beneficial for people who spend most of the night on their side.

What is the best firm level for side sleepers?

The best firmness level for side sleepers is medium to medium-firm. This level of firmness supports the natural curves of the spine while still offering enough softness to cushion the shoulders and hips. It helps maintain healthy alignment, reduces pressure points, and ensures a more restful sleep without the discomfort that can come from a mattress that is either too soft or too hard.