Best mattresses for side sleepers – hands-on performance tests

At times we are compensated for the links you click at no cost to you. Learn more about why you should trust our reviews and view our disclosure page.

---

Side sleepers make up the majority of the population. While it’s true that there’s a wide breadth of side sleeper-friendly mattresses to choose from, you know you deserve the best. We’ve compiled our top 10 picks in this nifty little list to make it easier for you to make an informed decision. Our Editor’s Choice is the Helix Midnight Luxe.

20% off coupon code: SLEEPLINE20

---

Top ten best mattresses for side sleepers and performance test results

---

#1. Helix Midnight Luxe

Pros

• Plush and pressure relieving
• Offers zoned support
• Best for side sleepers and combination sleepers
• Fiberglass-free

Cons

• Not suitable for heavier-set back and stomach sleepers
• Can be heat retentive

20% off coupon code: SLEEPLINE20

Why it’s the best mattress for side sleepers

What makes the Helix Midnight Luxe stand out for me the most is its ability to perform consistently across the board.

From comfort and pressure relief to motion isolation and edge support, the Midnight Luxe gets near-perfect marks which is not something I dole out regularly.

On top of that, it is also cushioning yet supportive enough for those who suffer from back pain.

Note that the Luxe is the mid-priced model. You can downgrade to the core Midnight or upgrade to the Midnight Elite.

Specs at a glance

Helix Midnight Luxe Performance Test Results

The Helix Midnight Luxe sits on a 6 on the mattress firmness scale giving it a medium to medium-firm feel.

This firmness level is good for most sleeper types including side sleepers.

We rate the Helix Midnight Luxe an 8.5 out of 10 when it comes to comfort and pressure relief.

The mattress did a great job at relieving pain from pressure points. It is a very comfortable mattress to sleep on.

We rate the Helix Midnight Luxe a 6 out of 10 when it comes to cooling.

This is where the mattress disappoints me a bit. Due to its thick foam layers, it retains heat more than other hybrid mattresses.

We rate the Helix Midnight Luxe a 10 out of 10 when it comes to motion isolation.

I did not feel any motion transfer whatsoever when I tried the mattress with a partner.

We rate the Helix Midnight Luxe a 9 out of 10 when it comes to edge support.

Reinforced edge coils surround the perimeter of the entire mattress giving it extra edge support.

>> View full Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review for more details

20% off coupon code: SLEEPLINE20

Alternate pick: Helix Plus Luxe

If you’re a heavier-set side sleeper, consider the Helix Plus Luxe instead.

Made especially for those who weigh well over 300 pounds, the Plus Luxe has a reinforced coil support core that makes it more durable than standard mattresses.

As with all Luxe models in Helix’s lineup, this is a mid-range product. You can always downgrade to the cheaper Plus Core or upgrade to the more expensive Plus Elite, depending on your budget.

>> View full Helix Plus Luxe mattress review for more details

20% off coupon code: SLEEPLINE20

---

#2. Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid

Pros

• Good for all sleeper types
• Cooling
• Pressure-relieving
• Provides zoned back support

Cons

• Edge support could be better
• Slight off-gassing

Additional $50 off coupon code: SLEEPLINE50

Why it’s one of the best

Cooling technology is the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid’s standout feature, making it the best option for side sleepers who overheat at night.

I also like that it provides deep compression which cradles the joints which in turn helps relieve joint pain.

Specs at a glance

Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid Performance Test Results

You get to choose from three different firmness options: plush, medium-firm and firm.

Out of these I like the plush version for side sleepers. The medium-firm version is also a good option, since it’s designed for all sleeper types. The firm version should be avoided, since it’s best for stomach and back sleepers.

We rate the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid an 8.5 out of 10 when it comes to comfort and pressure relief.

The multiple foam layers gave me enough comfort and pressure point relief. The coil unit also provides zoned support which helps with proper spinal alignment.

We rate the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid a 9 out of 10 when it comes to cooling.

The mattress doesn’t retain any heat which makes it a good choice for hot sleepers.

We rate the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid an 8 out of 10 when it comes to motion isolation.

The foam layers absorb a good amount of movement. I barely felt any motion transfer when I tried it out with a partner.

We rate the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid a 6.5 out of 10 when it comes to edge support.

The mattress does contain reinforced edge coils but for some reason, they don’t do a good job. The edge support is lacking.

Additional $50 off coupon code: SLEEPLINE50

Alternate pick: Leesa Plus Hybrid

If you weigh well over 400 pounds, you should go with the Leesa Plus Hybrid instead.

Made specifically for heavier-set sleepers, the Plus Hybrid can support a very high weight capacity while still feeling comfortable and, most importantly, relieving pain.

>> View my full Leesa Plus Hybrid mattress review for more details

Additional $50 off coupon code: SLEEPLINE50

---

#3. Bear Elite Hybrid

Pros

• Supports back and relieves pressure on joints
• Excellent edge support
• Sleeps cool
• Good for all sleeper types

Cons

• Might be too thick for those with limited mobility
• Slight off-gassing

35% off coupon code: SLEEPLINE35

Why it’s one of the best

The Bear Elite Hybrid has memory foam layers that reduce pain from pressure points on your hips and shoulders (areas that protrude into your mattress when sleeping on your side).

It also has a coil support core which helps to make it a sag-free mattress.

I also like that it contains Celliant, which not only has been scientifically proven to help with muscle recovery but is temperature-regulating as well.

This means you sleep cool when it’s hot and sleep warm when it’s cold.

Win win.

Specs at a glance

Bear Elite Hybrid Performance Test Results

You get to choose between three different firmness levels: soft, medium and firm.

The soft version is best for side sleepers. The medium version can also work depending on your preferences (since it’s made for all sleeper types). The firm version should be avoided though since it’s really only good for stomach and back sleepers.

We rate the Bear Elite Hybrid a 9 out of 10 when it comes to comfort and pressure relief.

The mattress performed amazingly well in my pressure relief and comfort tests. The memory foam layer provided more than enough pressure point relief while the coil unit provides targeted support.

We rate the Bear Elite Hybrid a 9 out of 10 when it comes to cooling.

It is not only cooling but also temperature-regulating which makes it good for those who sleep hot. It did very well in my cooling tests in the Sleepline Testing Studio (earning near-perfect marks).

We rate the Bear Elite Hybrid an 8 out of 10 when it comes to motion isolation.

Though not the best, the motion-isolating properties should not be scoffed at either. The foam layers still absorbed a good amount of cross-mattress movement during my tests.

We rate the Bear Elite Hybrid a 10 out of 10 when it comes to edge support.

The mattress contains reinforced edge coils which gives it excellent edge support.

>> View full Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review for more details

35% off coupon code: SLEEPLINE35

Alternate pick: Bear Pro Hybrid

If you want something slightly cheaper, check out the Bear Pro Hybrid.

Still containing the same Celliant cover, the Pro Hybrid uses a cheaper material for the comfort foam layers which makes it slightly more affordable (and a bit lower quality) than the Elite Hybrid.

>> View full Bear Pro Hybrid mattress review for more details

35% off coupon code: SLEEPLINE35

---

#4. Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe

Pros

• Plush and cushioning
• Supports back and joints
• Cooling
• Good pressure relief

Cons

• Poor edge support
• Motion isolation could be better

25% off coupon code: SLEEPLINE25

Why it’s one of the best

Aside from being plush and luxurious, the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe did an amazing job in our pressure relief tests making it one of the best choices for side sleepers who suffer from chronic pain.

Another thing I liked a lot about the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is that it is very cooling.

Specs at a glance

Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Performance Test Results

You get to choose between three different firmness options: soft, medium, and firm.

Since you’re a side sleeper you should go with either the plush or the medium (with medium being better for heavier people). The firm version should be avoided as it’s really only meant for back sleepers and stomach sleepers.

We rate the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe a 10 out of 10 when it comes to comfort and pressure relief.

Based on its performance in the Sleepline Testing Studio, the mattress gets perfect marks for comfort and pressure relief. Its multiple foam layers provide deep cushioning, which cradles your joints and reduces pain.

We rate the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe an 8.5 out of 10 when it comes to cooling.

A few of the layers are made up of actively-cooling materials which helps keep the mattress cool.

We rate the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe a 6.5 out of 10 when it comes to motion isolation.

Because of its inherent plushness (even with the firmer options), the the does not absorb movement very well. You will experience a significant amount of motion transfer if you share it with a partner who tosses and turns.

We rate the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe a 6 out of 10 when it comes to edge support.

The reinforced coils are offset by the soft comfort layers; you will find yourself sinking into the edge.

>> View full Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress review for more details

25% off coupon code: SLEEPLINE25

Alternate pick: Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

I recommend the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid over the Aurora Luxe for couples because it did significantly better in my motion isolation tests.

Just like the Aurora Luxe, the Signature Hybrid also earned top marks in my pressure relief tests, making it good for side sleepers whose hips and shoulders tend to project into the mattress.

>> View full Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review for more details

25% off coupon code: SLEEPLINE25

---

#5. Nolah Evolution

Pros

• Relieves back pain
• Good for all sleeper types
• Cooling
• Plush and luxurious

Cons

• Edge support could be better
• May be too pricey for some

$50 off coupon code: SLEEPLINE50

Why it’s one of the best

What makes the Nolah Evolution one of my top picks for side sleepers is that it has the best pain-relieving properties.

I can safely say that it is one of the best mattresses that I have ever tried when it comes to relieving back pain as well as joint pain.

Another thing I liked about the Nolah Evolution is that it is extremely cooling making it one of the best choices for hot sleepers.

Specs at a glance

Nolah Evolution Performance Test Results

You get to choose between three different firmness options: soft, medium, and firm. 

The soft version is best for side sleepers. The medium version is also good for side sleepers (since it’s designed for all sleeper types). Stay way from the firm version because it’s made for the needs of stomach and back sleepers only.

We rate the Nolah Evolution a 9 out of 10 when it comes to comfort and pressure relief.

Even though the comfort layer is plush (which would normally mean it sinks in too much), its coil unit still provides enough zoned support which helps ease back pain.

We rate the Nolah Evolution a 9 out of 10 when it comes to cooling.

Every layer contains actively cooling materials making it one of the coolest mattresses to sleep on on this list. It did very well in my cooling tests.

We rate the Nolah Evolution a 7.5 out of 10 when it comes to motion isolation.

While I can’t say that the motion-isolating properties are bad, you may experience a small amount of movement especially if you share a bed with a partner who is heavier than you are.

We rate the Nolah Evolution a 7 out of 10 when it comes to edge support.

The mattress contains reinforced edge coils giving it enough edge support. During my tests it actively resisted compression when I applied weight to the perimeter of the mattress.

>> View full Nolah Evolution review for more details

$50 off coupon code: SLEEPLINE50

---

#6. Birch Luxe Natural

Pros

• Naturally cooling and hypoallergenic
• Best for back and stomach sleepers
• Offers responsive support
• Certified organic

Cons

• May be too firm for firm side sleepers
• Not good for heavier-set sleepers

20% off coupon code: SLEEPLINE20

Why it’s one of the best

I found the Birch Luxe Natural to be very comfortable and extremely supportive, especially when it comes to spinal alignment.

A lot of organic mattress brands tend to use marketing jargon to fluff up their products but the fact that the Birch Luxe Natural mattress comes backed by practically all the reputable organic organizations is impressive (Greenguard Gold, eco-INSTITUT, GOTS, and GOLS).

Specs at a glance

Birch Luxe Natural Performance Test Results

The Birch Luxe Natural sits at a 6.5 on the mattress firmness scale giving it a medium-firm feel.

This firmness level is very good for side sleepers, although if you’re an extreme lightweight it may be a bit too firm.

We rate the Birch Luxe Natural an 8 out of 10 when it comes to comfort and pressure relief.

The mattress performed excellently during our comfort and pressure relief tests.

We rate the Birch Luxe Natural a 9 out of 10 when it comes to cooling.

Pure latex is naturally cooling. The coil unit measurably increased airflow during the tests in the Sleepline Testing Studio. This is a very cool mattress to sleep on.

We rate the Birch Luxe Natural an 8.5 out of 10 when it comes to motion isolation.

Surprisingly, for a latex hybrid mattress, it performed well in our motion isolation test. They usually tend to be pretty bouncy.

We rate the Birch Luxe Natural an 8.5 out of 10 when it comes to edge support.

The slightly elevated edges did a good job at reducing compression during the weight-bearing portion of the test. Edge support is solid.

>> View full Birch Luxe Natural mattress review for more details

20% off coupon code: SLEEPLINE20

Alternate pick: Birch Natural

For something slightly cheaper, check out the base model Birch Natural.

The Natural is very similar to the Luxe Natural, but is slightly less premium-feeling. It’s still a very comfortable mattress and it’s much easier on the wallet.

>> View full Birch Natural review for more details

20% off coupon code: SLEEPLINE20

---

#7. WinkBeds EcoCloud

Pros

• Cooling
• Great edge support
• Relieves back pain

Cons

• Poor motion isolation

Why it’s one of the best

Certified organic and all-natural, the WinkBeds EcoCloud mattress is one of the best mattresses for side sleepers not only because it offers pressure relief but helps those with lumbar issues as well.

Made from organic latex, I found the WinkBeds EcoCloud to be very cooling as well as having very good edge support.

As an all-natural mattress, the WinkBeds EcoCloud is also fiberglass-free.

Specs at a glance

WinkBeds EcoCloud Performance Test Results

A 6 on the mattress firmness scale, the WinkBeds EcoCloud has a medium-firm feel that’s good for all sleeper types (including side sleepers).

We rate the WinkBeds EcoCloud a 7 out of 10 when it comes to comfort and pressure relief.

The mattress did very well in my pressure point relief tests. I was especially impressed with the lower back support that it provided. I woke up pain-free after my sleep test.

We rate the WinkBeds EcoCloud an 8.5 out of 10 when it comes to cooling.

Latex is naturally cooling and hypoallergenic, so it’s no surprise the mattress did well in my cooling tests. The wool blend cover also adds to the mattress’ temperature regulating properties.

We rate the WinkBeds EcoCloud a 6.5 out of 10 when it comes to motion isolation.

The mattress didn’t do well on my motion isolation test. This is a common problem with latex hybrids, which tend to be much more bouncy than memory foam mattresses.

We rate the WinkBeds EcoCloud an 8.5 out of 10 when it comes to edge support.

Reinforced edge coils surround the perimeter of the entire mattress. I found that the edge support was very good, with minimal compression during the weight-bearing portion of the test.

>> View full WinkBeds EcoCloud mattress review for more details

Alternate pick: WinkBeds GravityLux

The WinkBeds GravityLux is my recommended alternative if you’re buying a mattress as a side sleeping couple because it has much better motion isolation.

Since it’s made out of foam instead of latex, it does a better job at absorbing movement. That means you won’t feel your partner tossing and turning as much as you would with the EcoCloud.

>> View full WinkBeds GravityLux mattress review for more details

---

#8. Puffy Royal

Pros

• Plush and cushioning
• Good for chronic pain
• Pressure-relieving
• Cooling

Cons

• Expensive
• Not the best edge support

Why it’s one of the best

If I had to describe what sleeping on the Puffy Royal feels like, the best descriptor I can give is ‘cloudlike’.

It does a great job of cradling your joints and reducing pressure on your hips and shoulders, which tend to protrude into the mattress when sleeping on your side.

The multiple foam layers absorb movement really well making it good for couples (you won’t feel your partner tossing and turning).

Specs at a glance

Puffy Royal Performance Test Results

The Puffy Royal sits at a 5 on the mattress firmness scale giving it a true medium feel. 

This firmness level is good for all sleeper types, including side sleepers.

We rate the Puffy Royal a 9 out of 10 when it comes to comfort and pressure relief.

During my tests it did a great job at reducing pressure, especially on parts of the body that protrude into the mattress (hips and shoulders for side sleepers). It earned near-perfect marks when it comes to comfort and pressure relief.

We rate the Puffy Royal an 8 out of 10 when it comes to cooling.

Usually mattresses that have multiple layers of foam are sacrificing cooling capabilities for comfort. So I was surprised that this mattress actually did fairly well in my cooling tests. It’s a good choice for hot sleepers.

We rate the Puffy Royal a 9 out of 10 when it comes to motion isolation.

I felt little-to-no motion transfer when I tested it out with a partner. It absorbs movement very well.

We rate the Puffy Royal a 6.5 out of 10 when it comes to edge support.

While the mattress does contain reinforced edge coils, the foam layers of the mattress are too thick and too plush to give proper edge support.

>> View full Puffy Royal mattress review for more details

---

#9. Egohome Tenzura

Pros

• Great for back pain
• Best for back and stomach sleepers
• Good motion isolation
• Cooling

Cons

• Poor edge support
• Not suitable for side sleepers

12% off coupon code: SLEEPLINE12

Why it’s one of the best

The Egohome Tenzura earned a spot on this list mostly because of its price tag: This is one of the cheapest mattresses I tested that’s actually good for side sleepers.

The coil unit and foam comfort layer are almost as good as more expensive brands.

I would normally expect a mattress with this level of quality to cost more than it does.

Specs at a glance

Egohome Tenzura Performance Test Results

While the Egohome website states that the Tenzura is a medium-plush, I actually found it more to be a medium-firm.

This firmness level is good for side sleepers who don’t want a mattress that’s too soft.

We rate the Egohome Tenzura an 8 out of 10 when it comes to comfort and pressure relief.

During testing, I experienced a good amount of pressure point relief. Despite the firmness level, I didn’t feel any pain in my hips or shoulders.

We rate the Egohome Tenzura a 9 out of 10 when it comes to cooling.

There was barely any measurable heat retention during my cooling tests.

We rate the Egohome Tenzura an 8 out of 10 when it comes to motion isolation.

The foam layers did an amazing job at absorbing any cross-mattress movement. I barely felt any motion transfer when I tried the mattress out with a partner.

We rate the Egohome Tenzura a 6 out of 10 when it comes to edge support.

This is where the mattress falls a little short – the edge support on the mattress is pretty much nonexistent.

12% off coupon code: SLEEPLINE12

Alternate pick: Egohome Black

I recommend the Egohome Black instead of the Tenzura if you want a softer mattress.

The construction is very similar to the Tenzura, just with a bit more plushness. If you know that you prefer soft mattresses and you’re on a budget: get this one.

>> View full Egohome Black mattress review for more details

12% off coupon code: SLEEPLINE12

---

#10. SweetNight CoolNest Memory Foam

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Good for those with chronic pain
• Cooling
• Excellent motion isolation

Cons

• Poor edge support

5% off coupon code: SLEEPLINE

Why it’s one of the best

Most mattresses on this list are hybrids, meaning they have both a foam comfort layer and a coil support core.

The SweetNight CoolNest Memory Foam is my top pick for side sleepers who want a mattress without coils.

This is a pure memory foam mattress, yet it feels almost as supportive as hybrid models.

But that’s not the best part.

Waking up on the SweetNight CoolNest Memory foam mattress left me feeling refreshed and thoroughly pain-free.

Specs at a glance

SweetNight CoolNest Memory Foam Performance Test Results

The SweetNight CoolNest Memory Foam sits at a 6.5 on the mattress firmness scale giving it a medium-firm feel.

This firmness level is good for all sleeper types including side sleepers.

We rate the SweetNight CoolNest Memory Foam mattress a 7 out of 10 when it comes to comfort and pressure relief.

The mattress did above-average in my comfort and pressure relief tests. The lack of coil support core is part of the reason why it didn’t earn perfect marks. The unfortunate natural of springless mattresses is that they can’t provide quite as much support as innerspring models.

We rate the SweetNight CoolNest Memory Foam mattress a 8 out of 10 when it comes to cooling.

Memory foam mattresses normally sleep hot. This one is an exception. I don’t know how SweetNight pulled it off, but the mattress retained very little measurable heat during my cooling tests.

We rate the SweetNight CoolNest Memory Foam mattress a 10 out of 10 when it comes to motion isolation.

As with most all-foam mattresses, this one absorbs cross-mattress movement very well. I did not feel any motion transfer whatsoever when I tried the mattress out with a partner.

We rate the SweetNight CoolNest Memory Foam mattress a 6 out of 10 when it comes to edge support.

The mattress does not contain any reinforced edges which unfortunately means its edge support leaves much to be desired.

>> View full SweetNight CoolNest Memory Foam mattress review for more details

5% off coupon code: SLEEPLINE

---

How we chose these mattresses

We picked these mattresses based on a complete list of factors that we believe make up not just a great mattress that’s best for side sleepers . We used the following criteria:

• Pressure relief – Everyone has pressure points and this is important when it comes to choosing the right mattress. Depending on a person’s sleeping position, mattress firmness can greatly affect whether you would get enough pressure relief or not. We chose mattresses that offer maximum pressure relief.
• Cooling – Sleeping hot is the number one cause of sleeplessness. Choosing mattresses that offer superb cooling capabilities is crucial to getting a good night’s sleep.
• Firmness – Mattress firmness correlates to one’s preferred sleeping position and we chose mattresses that can suit most, if not all, sleeping positions from back sleeping to stomach sleeping and side sleeping.
• Motion isolation – Picking a mattress that offers good motion isolation is important if you share a bed with a partner. We chose mattresses that are suitable for couples.
• Edge support – Not only does edge support help (and protect!) those who prefer sleeping close to the edge of the bed, having a mattress with good edge support also provides you with a wider mattress surface.
• Durability – We chose mattresses that we know would last long and ones that come with reasonable return policies.

---

Conclusion

Side sleepers make up the majority of the population.

That means it isn’t exactly hard to find a mattress that meets your needs, as most brands cater to the majority.

But you do have to be careful. ‘Most’ isn’t the same as ‘all’. No all mattresses are good for side sleepers.

That’s why I ran all the leading brands through Sleepline’s series of hands-on performance tests to find out which ones are best for side sleepers. The brands on this list are the ones that made the cut.

I’m certain that you’ll be happy with any one of them.

---

How we rate mattresses

We personally test and rate mattresses using the following strict quantitative criteria:

1. Comfort
2. Structural integrity and durability
3. Firmness and support
4. Cooling capabilities
5. Pressure relief
6. Edge support
7. Motion isolation

Learn more about our mattress rating process and methodology here. 

---

Psst… the sleep review industry is full of liars, sharks, and thieves. It’s a modern-day version of getting ripped off at your local mattress store. So, why should you trust us?