Side sleeping is the most common sleep position among adults — and that includes our expert panel of mattress testers. So of course we know what side sleepers need in a mattress to stay comfortable at night: ample pressure relief for the hips and shoulders plus spine-aligning support.
Our mattress methodology consists of seven robust tests conducted in our Sleep Lab to capture objective data on the areas of a mattress that most affect your sleep comfort: pressure relief, temperature regulation, motion isolation, and edge support. One of our testers also sleeps on a mattress for at least three weeks and gathers feedback from a broader panel of expert testers. For this guide, we focused on mattresses that support a neutral spine and sufficiently cushion the shoulders, hips, and knees.
While this year's best mattress guide isn't short of beds for side sleepers, 2026 has seen mattress tariffs push MSRPs higher and shrink the number of quality budget options. Plus, the market has become oversaturated with beds that claim to be ideal for side sleepers making it tricky to figure out which ones are telling the truth.
That's why we've spent hundreds of hours conducting our own in-house lab testing on over 70 budget, mid-range, and luxury beds to bring you the eight best foam and hybrid mattresses for side sleepers. Read this guide before browsing this year's Labor Day mattress sales so you can land the bed of your dreams on the first try.
August 2026: We've updated this guide to reflect current Labor Day sale prices for applicable mattresses. We also included details about the side sleeper mattresses we're currently testing for possible inclusion on this list.
1. The best mattress for side sleepers overall
A hybrid made from five comfort layers of memory foam and a tier of individually wrapped coils, the Helix Midnight Luxe was tailored for side sleepers and has a luxury design that reflects its premium price tag. The Midnight Luxe juggles support and comfort well, encouraging proper spine alignment while providing our side-sleeping testers with the ultimate cushioning at the pressure points at the shoulders and hips. Overall, its high-quality construction, targeted support, and plush comfort make the Midnight Luxe the best mattress for side sleepers.
When testing, we follow a strict mattress methodology that focuses on key areas that affect sleep comfort. For temperature regulation, the Midnight Luxe maintains a comfortable sleep temperature, which is reflected in its strong temperature control score of 4/5. Edge support achieved the same score, as the pillow top caused some compression when sitting on the edge, though testers said they always felt stable and supported while sleeping. Motion isolation achieved a pretty decent 3.5/5, but the area that the Midnight Luxe excelled in was pressure relief. With a near-perfect score of 4.5/5, the Midnight Luxe's ability to provide sink-in relief for the shoulders and knees is why we crowned it as the best mattress for side sleepers.
The Helix Midnight Luxe is medium-firm, so you may want to go with its softer sibling, the Helix Sunset Luxe (see our Also Tested section) if you prefer something plusher. While the Midnight Luxe's temperature regulation is pretty strong, those who experience night sweats may need something with a faster cooling rate, such as the Bear Elite Hybrid (#6 on this list).
All sizes of the Midnight Luxe are 25% off during Helix's Labor Day sale, which is one of the best offers we've seen for the brand's flagship model. Expect to pay a premium, as a queen-size is $1,874 after discount. There is a possibility of our semi-exclusive 27% discount making a return between now and Black Friday, but that'll be as good as it gets.
Still, we think the Helix Midnight Luxe is great value for money because it's a durable, beautifully made bed that will give most side sleepers the balance of support and cushioning they need. It also comes with a lifetime warranty and a 120-night trial.
2. The best mattress under $300 for side sleepers
Compared to the Midnight Luxe at the top of this list, the Zinus Green Tea has a much simpler design that mirrors its budget price. Its build consists of foam layers only, including a high-density base and a green tea-infused memory foam top, but testers were surprised how the simple build packs plenty of body-hugging comfort for pressure points. With an affordable price tag of between $100 and $300 for a queen and a feel that our lead tester described as "a big hug from a marshmallow", the Zinus Green Tea is our top choice for best mattress under $300 for side sleepers.
As you'd expect from a budget mattress, there were areas where the Zinus performed quite poorly. For example, our lead tester awarded edge support a meager 2.5/5, as she found it impossible to balance the weight on the edge of the Zinus without it sliding off. Temperature regulation (3 out of 5) could've been better, too, as its soft, dense foams trap body heat. However, in terms of providing sleep comfort for side sleeping, the Zinus delivered where it mattered. For instance, we awarded it 4 out of 5 for pressure relief due to its "cradling effect", making it perfect for cushioning shoulders and hips. Plus, its slow-moving foam dampened restless sleepers' movements, leading to a score of 4.5 out of 5 for motion isolation.
As a budget bed, the Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress is unlikely to hold its own against mid-range mattresses and luxury hybrids in terms of performance. For instance, our top memory foam pick, the mid-range Nectar Premier, has better temperature regulation and support. We also found that one of the best cheap mattresses, the EGOHOME Black 12" Memory Foam (see Also Tested section), is a more supportive (albeit slightly pricier) competitor.
You'll rarely find a good-quality bed under $300 for a queen, but thanks to third parties, you can often catch a queen-sized 10" Zinus for under $200. (It's currently available for $191 at Amazon, although we've seen it for even less there.) That said, be aware that warranties and return policies can get a little fuzzy when shopping from third parties. Buying directly from Zinus will set you back $499 for a queen-size in the Labor Day sales.
3. The best mattress for side sleepers with hip pain
As a premium-priced innerspring hybrid and the best luxury mattress on the market, the Saatva Classic would have beaten the Midnight Luxe to the top spot if it had a more side sleeper-focused design and a fraction of an inch more of sink-in comfort at the hips and shoulders (it's available in three firmness levels, so choose Plush or Luxury Firm if you're a side sleeper). Still, it provides plenty of soothing relief at these key pressure points, with our lead tester amazed at how her hip pain melted away when testing the Classic — making it the best mattress for side sleepers with hip pain.
During our tests, the Saatva Classic excelled in almost every area. Pressure relief, edge support, and temperature regulation all received perfect 5 out of 5 scores (the only mattress in this guide to gain a perfect score in more than one area). Out of all the mattresses we rigorously tested, the Classic absorbed the least amount of body heat, while the edges remained sturdy during weight tests.
As for pressure relief, the Saatva Classic scored high in both objective and subjective tests, the latter of which found that the Classic reduced aches and pains. We tested the Luxury Firm version of the Classic, and it provided great sink-in softness at the hips and shoulders, but testers suggest choosing the Plush version for maximum side-sleeper comfort. The only area where the Saatva Classic didn't achieve a flawless rating was motion isolation, but it still managed a strong score of 4 out of 5.
It's hard to beat the Saatva Classic, but there are some mattresses that outperform the best hybrid mattress in certain areas. For example, the top choice Midnight Luxe offers softer cushioning for your joints, while the Bear Elite elsewhere on this list offers a faster cooling rate for hot sleepers. If the luxury price tag is also a turn-off, a worthy luxe alternative is the mid-range DreamCloud Classic Hybrid at $699 for a queen.
The Saatva Labor Day sale cuts up to $375 off all sizes of the Saatva Classic, but use our exclusive discount link to save $400 across the board and drop the price of a queen-size Saatva Classic to $1,829. Saatva also includes free White Glove Delivery, a lifetime warranty, and a one-year trial in the cost, making it an excellent value for a luxury bed.
4. The best memory foam mattress for side sleepers
If you like the sound of the Zinus at #2 but are willing to pay a mid-range price for more support and less heat build-up, then the Nectar Premier is the best memory foam mattress for side sleepers that we've ever tested, as it offers everything you'd expect from an all-foam design: pressure relief, the ability to dampen a restless partner's movements, and a body-hugging feel without the heat build-up.
We tested the Nectar Premier in all key areas, and we found the mattress provided the best support for side sleeping. We awarded it a pressure relief score of 3.24 out of 5, as it let stomach sleepers down (Nectar says it's good for any sleeper, so we had to deduct points in this area), but our objective and subjective tests found it provides body-hugging pressure relief for side sleepers.
Edge support scored 4 out of 5, as it had low compression at the side of the bed and testers felt stable when sleeping close to the edge. As expected from an all-foam build, the Nectar Premier also scored a 4 out of 5 for the way it dampened movements. Its temperature control scored 3 out of 5, as it regulates temperature better than many traditional memory foam beds.
The Nectar Labor Day sale is no different from its evergreen offers, but prices are still competitive, with a queen-size Nectar Premier going for $999. It includes a lifetime warranty and a 365-night risk-free trial, as well. It's an excellent, affordable alternative to Tempur-Pedic, although if you're looking for a more luxurious feel at a lower price, try the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid instead.
5. The best value mattress for side sleepers
The DreamCloud Classic is a great choice if you want the luxury hotel-style designs of the Saatva Classic and Helix Midnight Luxe but don't want to pay a premium price. The best mattress in a box offers a luxurious hybrid design for a mid-range price, with its plush pillow top cushioning side sleeper-pressure points and its coils providing ample support. While it doesn't have the level of sink-in softness as the Midnight Luxe, the contrast between its luxury design and sub-$700 queen price tag makes the DreamCloud Classic the best value mattress for side sleepers.
The DreamCloud scored a near-perfect 4/5 score for edge support, pressure relief, and temperature control. Side-sleeping testers reported no pressure buildup around the shoulders, hips, and knees. We felt it was much softer than the "Firm" rating that DreamCloud gave it, with the plusher feel helping relieve tension at key contact points. As for edge support, testers felt comfortable sitting and sleeping right up to the edge without feeling like they would roll off, even though the edges showed some expected sinkage under the weights. The hybrid construction helped to maintain a well-neutral sleep temperature, even if it had a slower cooling rate during our thermal tests than other hybrid mattresses we've tested. Motion isolation scored 3.5 out of 5, with testers noticing some motion transfer; overall disturbance remained low enough for most couples to sleep comfortably.
Despite DreamCloud's assertion that the Classic is a firm mattress fit for stomach sleeping, we disagree and feel it's far too soft for the position. However, the DreamCloud Classic was a hit with side sleepers of our testing panel, but back sleepers were pleased, too. However, if you want a plusher feel from your prospective mattress, you may have to look for something in the luxury category, such as the premium DreamCloud Ultra Hybrid Mattress or the Saatva Classic elsewhere on this list.
The DreamCloud Labor Day sale is a rebranding of its evergreen deals, with a queen-size DreamCloud Classic available for $699. It's not the lowest price it's been — we spotted it for $649 at various points of the year — but it's still an excellent deal for a hotel-quality bed that comes with a lifetime warranty and a 365-night risk-free trial.
6. The best cooling mattress for side sleepers
The Bear Elite is a specialist cooling hybrid mattress and the best cooling mattress on the market overall. We were blown away at how refreshing the Bear Elite's cooling Celliant cover felt during our at-home tests and how quickly it dissipated heat during our lab-based tests, while its chiropractor-endorsed design also made sure side-sleeping testers were both comforted and supported. This pressure relief combined with advanced temperature regulation means the Bear Elite is without a doubt the best cooling mattress for side sleepers.
As our favorite cooling bed, the Bear Elite earned an impressive 5 out of 5 in the temperature regulation portion of our tests as it showcased a lightning-fast cooling rate in our thermal tests. There are three firmness options available, so we tested the Medium version. Side-sleeping testers found that the medium model cradled the shoulders and hips comfortably while still maintaining healthy spinal alignment, earning it a 4.6/5 score for pressure relief.
Our tests found that the Bear Elite Hybrid absorbed smaller movements reasonably well, but larger movements can travel noticeably across the mattress, which contributed to its 3.2/5 motion isolation score. Edge support is one of the weaker areas of the Bear Elite Hybrid, and we ultimately gave it a relatively low 2.5/5 — owing to the fact that the edges weren't strong enough to perform an objective test.
While nothing beats the Bear Elite if overheating is your main sleep concern, other hybrids offer excellent temperature control at a mid-range price, such as the DreamCloud Classic and the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Pro Hybrid (see our Also Tested section) at $999 for a queen. Another lower-mid range pick is the Cocoon by Sealy Chill Mattress (see Also Tested), an all-foam bed kitted with Phase Change Material.
However, if you're willing to spend a little extra for a top-notch cooling mattress for side sleepers, the Bear Elite is just that. Its durability is backed up by a lifetime warranty. Better yet, use our code TOMS40 to knock 40% off the MSRP, dropping the price of a queen Bear Elite Hybrid to $1,370. And that's not all — as part of the Bear Labor Day sale, you'll also get a terry mattress protector and pair of pillows free with purchase.
7. The best organic mattress for side sleepers
We've tested plenty of the best organic mattresses, but their latex constructions often make them too firm for side sleeping — until we tested the premium-priced Naturepedic Concerto Pillow Top mattress. Its plush medium pillow top makes it ideal for side sleepers, with our lead tester praising how it provides "deep cushioning and pressure relief from organic materials that cradle side sleepers". Its body-hugging comfort mixed with an organic latex hybrid design (also featuring organic wool batting and an organic cotton cover) makes it the best organic mattress for side sleepers.
Our lead tester scored the Naturepedic Concerto a solid 5 out of 5 for side-sleeping pressure relief, as it leaves you waking up "without any shoulder pain or complaints from the lower back". Edge support scored 4 out of 5, meaning we could sleep closely to the edge without feeling like you’ll roll off, though the softer pillow top still exhibits more compression than firmer hybrids.
Thanks to the natural bounce of buoyant latex, light sleepers will feel larger movements, but overall we awarded the mattress a motion isolation score of 4/5. Meanwhile, temperature regulation received a perfect score thanks to its breathable cotton, wool, latex, and dual-coil airflow system, with testers noting consistent temperature neutrality even during changing weather conditions.
The Concerto Pillow Top Mattress is much plusher than its fellow latex mattresses, but it's not the only organic bed that's suitable for soothing side sleepers. The Nolah Natural 11 (see Also Tested section) also provided our side-sleeping tester with enough give for relieving pressure buildup in the arms and shoulders. It's cheaper than the Naturepedic Concerto, too, with a regular price of $1,364 for a queen. The Concerto, on the other hand, is a whopping $2,399.20 for a queen (and that's when it's 20% off; its queen MSRP is $2,999). The Saatva Classic is another luxury hybrid that should be on your shortlist if natural, non-toxic materials are a priority. The Classic isn't a fully organic mattress, but it uses plenty of chemical-free natural materials, such as an organic cotton cover and a natural thistle flame barrier.
While the Naturepedic Concerto Pillow Top Mattress has a hefty price tag compared to all the other luxury hybrid mattresses on this list, we still feel it's the best organic choice for side sleepers thanks to its ultra-plush cushioning that blew away our testers. Still, it's worth grabbing this mattress during the brand's sporadic sales. In fact, it's 20% off for Labor Day right now, bringing a queen-size Naturepedic Concerto Pillow Top Mattress to $2,239.
8. Best luxury mattress for side sleepers
While the DreamCloud Classic offers a luxury build for a mid-range price, the DreamCloud Ultra Hybrid is a luxury mattress through and through. It has a much softer, luxurious feel than the Classic, making it the better choice if your main goal is to provide your shoulders and hips with ultra-plush five-star-hotel cushioning. Its 15" hybrid design consists of five comfort layers of foam (two more than the Classic) that our lead tester praised for providing "sink-in support", making the DreamCloud Ultra Hybrid the best luxury mattress for side sleepers.
Don't be fooled by the 3.5/5 pressure relief score that we gave to the DreamCloud Ultra; we had to deduct points for how restrictive the squishy foams felt, but the DreamCloud Ultra is ample with cushioning for your shoulders, hips, and knees. Temperature control also scored 3.5, as we observed a relatively low heat absorption rate and a relatively quick heat dissipation rate, but it's not for chronic hot sleepers.
As for the 3.5/5 edge support score, the DreamCloud Ultra Hybrid is stable at the foot of the bed, but the sides were a little weaker (stronger sides matter more than a stronger foot, as the sides directly impact sleep comfort). Motion isolation was the most disappointing area with 3 out of 5 points, as the DreamCloud Ultra has a higher initial absorption rate (IIA); the higher the IIA, the more motion you'll likely feel.
While possessing a higher price tag than the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid, the DreamCloud Ultra Hybrid is by no means the superior mattress. The DreamCloud Classic's foams can feel less restrictive, even if it does lack the luxury-hotel style feel of the Ultra Hybrid. Though the Ultra Hybrid delivers a softer, more indulgent sleep surface, there are several luxury hybrid mattresses (such as the Saatva Classic and the Bear Elite) in the same price bracket that prioritize stronger and more advanced cooling technology.
However, the DreamCloud Ultra Hybrid is still your top choice if you're prioritizing that sink-in, medium-soft feel of a five-star hotel bed. There's been a slight price bump ahead of the Labor Day sales, with a queen-size DreamCloud Ultra Hybrid now going for $2,099 (was $1,999), But it still comes with industry-leading benefits including a 365-night sleep trial, lifetime warranty, and free shipping and returns.
How we test the best mattresses for side sleepers
The Tom's Guide mattress review process is editorially independent and not influenced by third parties. We conduct market research to see which mattresses are being released, then contact the brands for review samples.
Every mattress in this guide has been selected by our editorial team based on the results of our objective in-house lab tests and at-home subjective feedback.
For side sleepers, in particular, we sought out mattresses that are a medium to medium-firm tension that promote a straight spine from head to tailbone, with sufficient cushioning for the shoulders, hips, and knees. This relates to the pressure relief pillar of our testing methodology, also known as 'comfort and support.'
To objectively test a bed's pressure relief, we use a 25kg (55lb) weight to simulate the heaviest points of the human body, measuring indentation depth (how much the mattress sinks after five minutes) and recovery time (how long it takes the mattress to return to form).
We also perform an alignment check on a tester's spine using a laser level and a tripod, looking for any signs of hammocking (deep sinkage) or bowing (arching). Our testers give verbal feedback about their level of comfort, as well.
The remaining pillars of our mattress testing methodology include...
- Temperature regulation: We use a thermal imaging camera to measure passive cooling (amount of heat buildup) and active cooling (efficacy and speed of heat dissipation), while also feeling for any hot spots that develop as our testers lie.
- Motion isolation: To simulate a partner moving, we drop a weighted ball on one side of the mattress and record the initial impact absorption and motion-dampening speed — in other words, how well a mattress can accept impact. We also have one tester physically get in and out of bed while the other one lies still.
- Edge support: We place the same 25kg (55lb) weight from the pressure relief test on the side of the mattress and measure the vertical sink after five minutes. Our testers also sit on and lie near the perimeter to assess a bed's stability.
- Value for money: This encompasses longevity and assurance (usually indicated by the warranty), build quality and materials, pricing relative to competitors, and overall brand reputation.
When choosing a mattress for side sleepers, we'd argue that pressure relief (comfort and support) is the most important quality to consider. Sturdy edges, efficient temperature regulation, and minimal motion transfer are also key, but those performance points are likely to be prioritized according to your sleep situation. (For example, motion isolation won't be as important to a solo sleeper as it would be for a couple.)
Also tested and recommended
We've tested so many great mattresses for side sleepers that we couldn't possibly fit them into one guide. So, here are some honorable mentions that didn't make the final cut, but still impressed us with the comfort they offered side sleepers.
Side sleeper mattresses we're currently testing
The testing never stops for us. Below are three mattresses that are advertised for side sleepers. Stay tuned for our complete reviews of each, and whether they make the cut for this list.
Best side sleeper mattress FAQs
Got some questions about what side sleepers should look for in a mattress? In this section, our experienced team will answer the most frequently asked questions from side sleepers looking to buy a mattress to help you make the perfect choice.
How can you choose the right mattress for side sleepers?
First and foremost, when choosing the right mattress for side sleepers, you have to consider how the bed feels when lying on your side. That means ample cushioning at the touch points — the shoulders, hips, and knees — to relieve pressure and prevent waking up with sore spots.
But it isn't all about softness. A decent mattress for side sleepers also requires a strong central support, holding your spine in a neutral position throughout the night. Without this support, the lumbar region can sink, and you'll wake up with lower back pain.
While you might prioritize side sleeping comfort, it's also important to consider your other sleep preferences. Do you need a cooling mattress as you tend to sleep hot? Does a restless partner mean you prioritize motion isolation? Or do you need to press against the bed to move around in the morning and require strong edge support?
The best way to ensure you get the right bed for your side sleeping needs is to opt for a mattress that comes with a sleep trial. This gives you a set period of time within which to try the bed and return it (either for free or with a small fee) if it doesn't meet your needs. Every bed in this guide comes with a sleep trial and suits different budgets.
However, monthly mattress sales mean you can save on many of the best beds for side sleepers right now. Plus, if you don't have the budget for a new mattress, the best mattress toppers can add cushioning at a lower price.
You can also enhance your sleep setup to ensure maximum comfort by pairing up your bed with one of the best pillows for side sleepers, designed to offer superior pressure relief and contouring support for your head, neck, and shoulders while lying on your side.
When is the right time to buy a mattress for side sleepers?
There are pretty much flash deals and mattress sales every month, with some brands never hiking or lowering their prices.
However, there are some major sale events that occur at different times throughout the year that help you save big time. Let's take a look at some of the best times to buy a mattress...
The first major sale event of the year is the Presidents' Day mattress sales, occurring in February (Monday, February 16 in 2026). The next big discounts occur in the Memorial Day mattress sales towards the end of May (Monday, May 25 in 2026).
While summer isn't usually associated with mattress sale events (in fact, summertime is usually seen as a time where mattress brands raise their prices), we've actually seen some great price drops in the 4th of July mattress sales and Amazon's July Prime Day mattress sales.
Another Prime Day occurs in October, but before that we have the Labor Day mattress sales that begin in mid-to-late August and reach their peak in early September (this year, Labor Day falls on Monday, September 7) and typically deliver some great discounts from the likes of luxury brands Helix and Saatva.
Last but not least, we have the Black Friday (November 27 in 2026) and Cyber Monday (November 30 in 2026) sales. The Black Friday mattress sales are considered the apex of mattress sale events, while the Cyber Monday mattress sales follow soon after as a sort of last-ditch attempt to save if you missed Black Friday.
Is a soft or firm mattress better for side sleeping?
Medium feel mattresses are typically best for side sleepers, as these have the cushioning needed to relieve pressure at the shoulders and hips. A medium mattress will contour to the body while supporting the lumbar region.
However, it's important to note that mattress firmness is subjective and is strongly linked to weight and body type. As a heavier body places more force on the mattress, bigger side sleepers should look for a firmer bed. Those with a lighter build should look for a softer feel, which can hug the pressure points.
Personal preference should also be taken into consideration. Some people like a mattress that hugs the body and cradles them in place. If this is you, opt for a medium soft or soft feel. Others like a mattress that's easy to move around on, allowing you to easily shift positions in the night. A medium to medium-firm mattress will be better for this type of side sleeper.
Which mattress is best for a side sleeper with lower back pain?
To soothe or prevent lower back pain, side sleepers should choose a mattress that balances comfort and support. Hybrid mattresses (those that combine spring with foam) are usually great for side sleepers who want to support their backs, as springs and coil tiers add support and keep the spine properly aligned to prevent aches and pains.
Support layers are particularly important for side sleepers who also sleep on their backs, as back sleeping requires more firm support than side sleeping. Look for mattresses that offer medium-firmness and supportive springs, such as the Saatva Classic (#3) or top pick Helix Midnight Luxe (#1)
