Finding the best mattresses for side sleepers can significantly improve your sleep quality, turning restless nights into a refreshing, energising rest, especially if you’re among the 50% of Brits who prefer sleeping on their left or right side. According to the YouGov Sleep Study, a surprising 32% say they switch up their sleep positions — while only 7% exclusively snooze on their back, and 8% are front sleepers.
If done properly, side sleeping is believed to help reduce snoring, improve gut health, and even boost brain function. But as lovely and cosy as it is to snuggle down on your side, issues like lower back aches and hip and shoulder pain can start to creep in if you don’t have the right kind of support. So — alongside treating yourself to one of the best pillows for side sleepers — picking the right mattress is key.
Whether you lie like a log with your arms outstretched, feel cosiest when curled up in the foetal position, or can’t snooze without snuggling a pillow between your thighs, these comfortable mattresses are guaranteed to ensure you stay properly supported throughout your slumber.
SKIP TO: What mattress type is generally best for side sleepers? | Is foam or spring better for side sleepers? | What is the ideal mattress firmness for side sleepers? | How did we test the best mattress for side sleepers? | Our full reviews.
What kind of mattress should side sleepers get?
A quick Google search will show you that there’s a whole lot of jargon floating around in the magical world of mattresses. But — put simply — most mattresses can be split into broadly three categories: pocket sprung, memory foam, and hybrid. Naturally, the one you choose will depend on your personal preferences and requirements so we’ve broken each one down in more detail below.
Is memory foam or hybrid better for side sleepers? The verdict:
The traditional option, pocket sprung mattresses are made up of steel coils that ensure even weight distribution and support — and typically have a few different firmness options for you to choose from. But a bouncy mattress isn’t for everybody — Simba Marketing & E-commerce Director, Jon Moore, says that memory foam mattresses are a popular alternative for those who favour maximum sinkage.
“Known for their ability to mould to your body shape, memory foam mattresses not only provide pressure-relieving bliss — but they also reduce motion transfer, which is handy if you share a bed,” Jon explains. “Although, one downside of traditional memory foam mattresses is that they don’t have great airflow, and can therefore trap heat.”
So, where do hybrid mattresses sit in the lineup? Made up of a mix of memory foam and pocketed coils or springs, hybrid mattresses are a combination of the two — and are typically seen as the best pick for side sleepers. “They’re particularly well-suited for side sleepers, as they provide the benefits of both types — complete full-body support, as well as targeted cushioning to key pressure points like the shoulders and hips,” John adds.
What is the ideal mattress firmness for side sleepers in the UK?
“Although it’s down to personal preference, a medium-firm mattress is generally seen as the ideal tension for side sleepers — provided that it properly contours to the curves of the body,” John explains.
But it’s also worth bearing in mind that personal factors like weight and height can also come into play when picking the perfect firmness level for a side sleeper. Essentially, the heavier you are, the more well-suited you might be to a slightly firmer mattress — as you’ll sink deeper into the mattress than intended, and end up with misalignment.