I'm a bedding expert and side sleeper — here's how I'd build my dream sleep setup

TG bedding writer Becky George testing the Purple GridCloud Pillow sleeping on her side
(Image credit: Future)

I take my sleep very seriously and no, it’s not just because that’s what my work revolves around. I’ve now amassed a wealth of knowledge around sleep health ever since I took on the role of sleep writer, from investing in the right products through to tweaking my nighttime routine to maximize my sleep quality.

Over time I've come to understand that when you're choosing one of the best mattresses of 2025, you need to prioritize the models that are best suited to your preferred sleep style. By lying on the right mattress for your position, you’ll not only be supremely comfortable but also doing your body a favor, by giving it the targeted support it needs for well-rested sleep all night long.

After reviewing and researching beds and also the best pillows for a year, I’ve now curated my dream sleep list. Being a combination sleeper who rolls over to create my sleep cocoon in the middle of the night, I’ve focused on adding a supportive mattress that cushions my shoulders and hips, a plush yet pressure relieving pillow and more. If you’re a sleeper like me, look no further than products below for a good night’s rest, and remember that the upcoming Labor Day mattress sales could get you a solid discount when you buy.

My ideal mattress for combination sleeping (side and back)

Helix Midnight Luxe: twinwas $1,436.25now $1,149 at Helix

Helix Midnight Luxe: twin was $1,436.25 now $1,149 at Helix
I had the chance to test the upgraded version of the Midnight Luxe at our sleep studio once, and I've never stopped thinking about it. The plush quilted pillow-top design felt soothing for my tired back (thanks to all the hours I spend hunched in front of a keyboard) while the zoned coil technology felt like a thousand hands were just gently holding me and telling me to rest. While the 4lb titanium and graphite-infused memory foam layer gives that much needed extra support to your back muscles, the bed also expertly absorbs movements so you can have an uninterrupted night's rest, even if you're prone to toss and turn in your sleep. It regulates temperature well, but if you're a hot sleeper there are two GlacioTex Cooling cover options available. You can learn more in our full Helix Midnight Luxe review, but what you really need to know is that we rate it as the best mattress for side sleepers. You can now get a 20% off on the Midnight Luxe which takes the price of a queen down to $1,919 (was $2,398.75) in Helix's early Labor Day sale. This also includes a 100-night sleep trial, lifetime warranty and free shipping.

A plush down-alternative pillow with squidgy support

Purple GridCloud Pillow: double pack was $298 now $268 at Purple

Purple GridCloud Pillow: double pack was $298 now $268 at Purple
I'm very excited to test the newly-launched Purple GridCloud Pillow, since it combines hypoallergenic down-alternative fibers with the brand's signature honeycomb GelFlex Grid. It promises contouring comfort, plush yet responsive support and a cool breathable feel. Yes, it looks largely like the Purple Harmony Pillow we've reviewed, but the fill is entirely different. All in all it sounds like a dream for combination sleepers like me, with a simple, non-fussy ready-to-sleep design. You can now get the Purple GridCloud pillow in a double pack with 10% off, which reduces the price to $268; a single pillow will cost you $149. Sleep benefits include a 30-night trial, one-year warranty and free shipping.

When my neck and shoulders need some love...

Tempur-Pedic Tempur Neck Pillow: double pack was $178 now from $169 at Tempur-Pedic

Tempur-Pedic Tempur Neck Pillow: double pack was $178 now from $169 at Tempur-Pedic
I've reviewed the Tempur Neck and I can tell you that it's tester-approved to be 100% pressure-relieving for your neck and shoulders for both side or back sleeping. It is made from a single block of firm Tempur-Material crafted in a unique design that follows the natural curve of your neck. My first impression? It felt like an indulgent neck massage. This is why we rate the Tempur Neck as the best side sleeper pillow for neck pain. I reach for the Tempur Neck whenever I feel the muscle tension creeping up, and it effectively banishes all discomfort (read more in my Tempur Neck Pillow review). It is available in three sizes to suit your body type and sleeping preferences. You can now save up to $39 on a double pack, which means two medium Tempur Neck pillows will cost you $179 (was $218). This also comes with a five-year warranty and free shipping.

For sleep posture correction and spinal alignment

Coop Adjustable Knee Pillow: from $45 at Coop Sleep Goods

Coop Adjustable Knee Pillow: from $45 at Coop Sleep Goods
This is yet another product that I use in every night after testing and writing a hands-on. I was one of those people who frankly didn't understand the point behind a knee pillow, but this Coop Adjustable model changed my opinion after one night. As a dominant side sleeper, I tend to curve my back and sleep in my cocoon which isn't great news for my body alignment and sleep health. This knee pillow, made with removable CertiPUR-US certified memory foam inserts, helps with correcting my posture and maintaining the right alignment while reducing the strain on my knees and hip. You can find these as part of the sale events but they're sometimes out of stock. Right now, it's available at its very reasonable MSRP: $45.

Budget-friendly alternatives

Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid: twinwas $865now $648.75 at Brooklyn Bedding

Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid: twin was $865 now $648.75 at Brooklyn Bedding
Want the benefits of the Helix Midnight Luxe but within a smaller budget? I'd go for the Signature Hybrid from Brooklyn Bedding, featuring similar specs such as high-density foam, innerspring coils and an optional cooling pillow-top layer. It is also customizable, which means you can choose from three firmness levels (soft, medium and firm) to suit your sleeping preferences (explore our Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid review for more info). You can get 25% off on the Signature Hybrid right now, which means a queen is $1,599 (was $1,732), making it $320 cheaper than the Midnight Luxe. You can also enjoy a 120-night sleep trial, lifetime warranty and free shipping.

Beckham Hotel Collection Down Alternative Pillow: queenwas $79.99now from $59.99 at Amazon

Beckham Hotel Collection Down Alternative Pillow: queen was $79.99 now from $59.99 at Amazon
This is our top budget pillow pick, and one that would work well for combination sleepers like me, who enjoy a plush comforting feel while lying on their side and a comforting back support when switching. Like the Purple GridCloud, the Beckham is made with hypoallergenic down-alternative fibers that mimic the comfort of natural down. Our tester also noted in our Beckham Hotel Collection Down-Alternative Pillow review that she slept cool throughout the night, never waking up due to overheating or night sweats (also thanks to the moisture-wicking soft cotton cover). These are only available as a double pack and right now, a pair of queen pillows is 25% off.

Downcool Body Pillow: from $26.99from $24.29 at Amazon

Downcool Body Pillow: from $26.99 from $24.29 at Amazon
Here's an Amazon bestseller which can work like the Coop Knee pillow. This however is specifically designed to provide side sleepers with full body support. It is made from 100% polyester fibers and so expect a soft plush addition to your sleep setup. Without the pillowcase, you can now get up to 10% off on the pillow which reduces the price from $26.99 to $24.29.

Becky George
Sleep Staff Writer

Becky is a Sleep Staff Writer at Tom’s Guide covering all things sleep-related including product reviews, research studies, news and explainers. She works on specialist bedding content and is responsible for buyer’s guides like the best pillows for all sleepers and best mattress protectors focusing on popular brands such as Tempur-Pedic, Avocado, Coop Home Goods and more. Becky is a PPA accredited journalist who is keen to explore the intricacies of sleep, its effects on skincare, mental wellbeing and work performance. While not thinking of sleep, she can be seen reading in cosy bookshops or learning about global food culture. 

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