If you’re a side sleeper, not just any bed will do — the best mattresses for side sleepers are designed to cushion pressure points, align your spine, and keep you comfortable all night long.
Side sleeping is one of the most common and recommended sleep positions, offering benefits like improved spinal alignment and reduced snoring. But finding the right mattress is essential to making this position work for your body. If you’re a side sleeper, not just any bed will do — the best mattresses for side sleepers are designed to cushion pressure points, align your spine, and keep you comfortable all night long.
Common Issues Faced by Side Sleepers
If your mattress is too firm, it can create tension in your shoulders and hips. If it’s too soft, you might sink too deeply, throwing your spine out of alignment.
Side sleepers often report:
- Sore joints due to excessive pressure
- Lower back pain from misalignment
- Interrupted sleep due to constant adjustments
- Discomfort in the shoulder area, especially if using flat or unsupportive pillows
To reduce strain on the shoulders, many side sleepers also benefit from using pillows that are 5 to 6 inches thick, depending on their shoulder width.
The Importance of Mattress Firmness for Side Sleepers
When shopping for mattresses for side sleepers, firmness level is one of the most important considerations. The right firmness ensures both comfort and spinal support, which are key for getting high-quality sleep.
Soft vs. Firm Mattresses
- Soft Mattresses (Firmness Level 3–6): These allow side sleepers to sink slightly, which helps relieve pressure from hips and shoulders. Over 90% of side sleepers prefer mattresses in this range due to the comfortable “hugging” feel they offer.
- Firm Mattresses (Level 7 and above): While great for stomach sleepers or heavier individuals, these may feel too stiff for side sleepers, causing discomfort and a lack of contouring.
Finding the Right Balance
For most side sleepers, a medium-soft to medium-firm mattress — rated between 4 and 6 — provides the ideal combination of cushioning and support. This range allows the mattress to conform to your body while keeping your spine aligned throughout the night.
Memory Foam Mattresses for Side Sleepers
Memory foam is a top choice when it comes to mattresses for side sleepers. Here’s why:
- Pressure Relief: Memory foam distributes body weight evenly, which reduces pressure on the hips and shoulders — key pain points for side sleepers.
- Motion Isolation: If you share your bed, memory foam helps prevent your partner’s movements from disturbing your sleep.
- Firmness Variety: Memory foam beds come in a range of firmness levels, so it’s easy to find one that suits your comfort needs.
- Cooling Features: Many newer memory foam mattresses incorporate cooling gels or breathable foam to prevent overheating at night.
Whether you’re looking for a luxury option or a budget-friendly solution, there’s a memory foam mattress tailored for side sleepers at every price point.
Hybrid Mattresses: A Great Option for Side Sleepers
If you want the best of both worlds, hybrid mattresses offer a blend of foam comfort and innerspring support. These mattresses for side sleepers are becoming increasingly popular due to their balanced design:
- Support and Comfort: The foam layers contour to your body while the coil base adds structure and responsiveness.
- Pressure Relief with Bounce: Hybrids are great for those who want cushioning without feeling “stuck” in the mattress.
- Airflow and Durability: Innerspring systems improve airflow and increase longevity, making hybrids ideal for hot sleepers and long-term use.
For side sleepers seeking a mattress that relieves hip pressure while offering full-body support, a hybrid mattress is often the ideal solution.
At Mattress Peddlers in Lewes, Delaware, we’ve been helping customers find the perfect mattress since 1994. If you’re looking for the best mattresses for side sleepers, our knowledgeable team can guide you through our top selections of memory foam and hybrid options designed with your comfort in mind.
Stop by our showroom today and experience what a good night’s sleep really feels like!
A GOOD NIGHT OF REST WITH MATTRESS PEDDLERS
When doing your research on Mattress Peddlers, you’ll find we match up to top-quality mattress company criteria, and even go beyond it! We’ve been a family-owned business providing quality mattresses and furniture throughout Delaware and even beyond since 1994. We love working closely with our customers to figure out their needs and also offer free shipping throughout Lewes, Millsboro, Rehoboth Beach, Harbeson, and the surrounding areas of Delaware.