How to Choose the Right Mattress for Side Sleepers

Are you a side sleeper struggling to find the best mattress for a restful night's sleep? Sleeping on your side is common, but if you’ve ever woken up with a sore shoulder or tingling arm, you know it’s not always sunshine and snuggles. The wrong mattress can easily ruin a peaceful snooze.

In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to choosing the best mattress for side sleepers and share valuable tips to enhance side sleeping.

 

 

What Mattress Firmness Is Best for Side Sleepers?

The best firmness for a side sleeper is generally a medium to medium-soft mattress. Here’s why:

• Too firm? You’ll feel like you’re sleeping on a rock, and your shoulders and hips won’t get the necessary pressure relief.
  

• Too soft? You may sink too deeply into the mattress, which can lead to improper spinal alignment, particularly in the lower back.

A medium-plush hybrid or memory foam mattress usually strikes the perfect balance. Bonus points if it includes zoned support: firmer in the center and softer near your shoulders.

Memory Foam vs. Hybrid: What Should Side Sleepers Choose?

This one comes down to your preferences, but here’s a quick comparison:

Memory Foam Mattress

• Great for contouring and pressure relief
  

• Absorbs motion (so ideal if your partner tosses and turns)
  

• Can run warm unless it’s gel-infused or breathable

Hybrid Mattress

• Combines foam layers with pocketed coils for support and bounce
  

• Offers better airflow and durability
  

• Ideal if you want the comfort of foam but a more “lifted” feel

Innerspring Mattress

• Classic coil system with minimal foam on top
  

• Tends to be firmer and more responsive
  

• Great airflow and a bouncy feel
  

• Not always ideal for pressure relief—unless it includes a plush pillow top

👉 Pro tip: If shoulder or hip pain is a recurring theme for you, start with memory foam. If back pain is more of an issue, a supportive hybrid could be a better fit.

 

 

Identify Your Ideal Mattress Firmness Level

The first step in choosing the right mattress as a side sleeper is to get the firmness right. Here are some ways you can identify the exact mattress firmness you need.

Assess Motion Isolation

Sharing your bed with a partner (or a four-legged friend who hogs the blankets)? You’ll want a mattress that isolates motion, so their tossing and turning doesn’t ruin your sleep.

Memory foam and hybrid mattresses are solid choices here. Memory foam absorbs movement, while hybrids add responsive coils without sacrificing motion control.

Our Pick: Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt® Hybrid Mattress (Model: 10746151)

Features:

• Original TEMPUR® material, updated for modern comfort
  

• Dual-layer design adapts to your body’s unique shape
  

• Excellent motion isolation and pressure relief
  

• Cool-to-touch cover helps keep you from overheating

Check Edge Support

Let’s talk edges. If you sleep close to the edge of the bed (or sit there to tie your shoes in the morning), edge support matters more than you think. Poor edge support can lead to sagging and make the mattress feel smaller than it is. Look for mattresses with reinforced sides or high-density edge foam.

Our Pick: Stearns & Foster Reserve Medium Mattress (Model: 53008151)

Features:

• Cool-to-the-touch cover made with sustainably sourced TENCEL® and enhanced cooling fibers
  

• Ventilated innerspring system and AirVents promote airflow
  

• Exclusive innerspring design adapts to different pressure points
  

• Edge-to-edge durability and a luxurious, cool sleep surface

💡 Not sure what size mattress you need? Check out our mattress dimension guide.

Consider Temperature Regulation

Some memory foam mattresses tend to trap heat, but thankfully, 2025 has brought plenty of cooling innovations to the market. If you’re a hot sleeper, make sure to prioritize gel-infused foams, cooling covers, and breathable designs.

Our Pick: Tempur-Pedic Tempur-LuxeBreeze® Hybrid Mattress (Model: 10238251)

Features:

• Advanced TEMPUR-APR® material for pressure relief
  

• SmartClimate® Cover System with a zip-off, cool-to-touch outer layer
  

• Antimicrobial treatment and excellent airflow
  

• Designed for a cool, clean, and comfortable night’s sleep

 

 

Upgrade Your Mattress at Standard

If you’re not sure which mattress is best for your sleeping position, we’ve got you covered. At Standard TV & Appliance, we carry a wide range of mattresses from top brands like Sealy, Tempur-Pedic, and Stearns & Foster to help you find the perfect fit.

Visit one of our mattress store locations in Portland, Beaverton, Bend, and Wilsonville, Oregon, or contact us. We’ll help you find the perfect mattress that will help you sleep better and wake up feeling more refreshed.

👉 Explore mattresses for sale at Standard today!

Related readings from our blog:

• Twin & Twin XL Mattress Sizes Explained

• The Mattress Makeover: How To Refresh Your Bedding

• Why Adjustable Bases Are Worth The Investment

 

 

FAQ: Common Questions About Mattresses for Side Sleepers

1. Is memory foam good for side sleepers?
Yes, especially for pressure relief at the shoulders and hips. Just make sure it’s not too soft, and go for a breathable option if you sleep hot.

2. What type of mattress helps with shoulder pain for side sleepers?
Memory foam or hybrid mattresses with zoned support are great. Look for softer shoulder zones and firmer hip support.

3. Is a pillow-top mattress good for side sleepers?
It can be! Pillow tops add that extra cushioning side sleepers need, but make sure the base layer still supports your spine.

4. Do side sleepers need a special pillow?
Getting the best pillow for your sleeping position is ideal. A medium-loft pillow (not too flat, not too high) helps keep your neck in line with your spine. Down alternative and memory foam are both great picks.