"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
If you sleep on your side, your mattress shouldn't feel stiff or unyielding. It's important that your shoulders and hips sink into the bed ever so slightly to keep your spine comfortably aligned, but not every mattress does that.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, our scientists and engineers have tested over 250 mattresses with hundreds of at-home consumer testers to find the best mattresses available. Our top recommendation for side sleepers is Tempur-Pedic's TEMPUR Cloud because of its exceptional pressure relief and precise support.
Our top picks:
Best overall: Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud
Best value: Allswell Luxe Hybrid
Most supportive: Saatva Classic Mattress
Most comfortable: Bear Elite Hybrid
Best for back and hip pain: Nolah Original
Best soft: Puffy Lux Mattress
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud
Mike Garten / Good Housekeeping
Who it's best for
Side sleepers who need pressure relief around the shoulders and hips, couples who want motion isolation, or anyone who prefers the cradling feel of memory foam
Who should avoid it
Users who prefer a firmer surface over the sinking-in feel of memory foam or those who need a taller bed; this one stands at 10 inches.
There's nothing quite like a Tempur-Pedic mattress. The foam is designed to adapt precisely to your body for tailored support and relief. And while it certainly comes at a higher price, this option is shipped straight to your door for a lower cost than the brand's other models with the same proprietary foam.
How it performed in our tests
Molds to your body for precise support: While the brand says the bed may feel firm when you first lie down, our testers confirmed that it quickly contours to your body for personalized support. "I feel like my entire body is supported in a very gentle way," shared one of our consumer testers.
Top-notch pressure relief: Side sleepers in our tests especially liked how the foam cradled their hips and shoulders. One even compared it to "sinking into a warm hug."
Impressive motion isolation: Survey panelists and testers shared that they couldn't feel their partners move or get up at all while lying on the bed.
Hot sleepers said it trapped heat: Memory foam is prone to trapping heat, and this was no exception. I'd recommend that hot sleepers who love the feel of foam opt for a mattress with cooling technology, like one from Tempur-Pedic's Breeze line.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud
- Tempur-Pedic foam at a lower price
- Adapts to your body shape
- Excellent motion isolation, according to couples
- 10-inch height may feel too low for some users
Allswell Luxe Hybrid
Mike Garten / Good Housekeeping
Who it's best for
Price-conscious shoppers who are hoping to spend under $500 will appreciate the cushy comfort of this pick. In our tests, this bed was favored by younger adults in their 20s for its quick shipping and DIY setup.
Who should avoid it
Older users or those with limited mobility may find the edge support and DIY setup unideal.
If you have a limited budget, I'd recommend the Allswell Luxe Hybrid. In our tests, it has impressed us when compared to mattresses in a similar price range and even some more than twice the price. The first time I tried it out, I was pleasantly surprised by its comfy feel: The top felt pillowy and supported my hips without sinking in too much.
How it performed in our tests
It offers an excellent value for its price: Hybrid mattresses (like this one) are the most popular in our tests, but they're often pricey. Theaverage cost of a Queen-size hybrid mattress was $2,050 in 2023. We like that this one balances comfort with sturdy support: The top is cushy, but you'll still feel like you're lying on top of your bed rather than in it. One survey panelist even compared it to a luxe hotel bed.
Conforms to your body for cradling comfort: Though it's listed as Medium Firm, the top layers make it feel plush, so it conforms to your hips and shoulders for pressure relief. Several side-sleeper testers praised this. One said, "I like that it forms to your body." Another commented, "I love that it is comfortable and doesn't sag in the middle when I sleep on it."
Lackluster edge support: The main complaint testers had was that the edges sank down more than they expected.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW:Allswell Luxe Hybrid
- Affordable yet comfortable
- Plush pressure relief
- Supportive coils
- Users noted less edge support
Saatva Classic Mattress
Mike Garten / Good Housekeeping
Who it's best for
Side sleepers who prefer the support (and breathability) of a traditional innerspring mattress
Who should avoid it
Users who like the cradling feel of memory foam; this bed may feel too firm for their liking
If you tend to prefer a firmer bed, I'd opt for the Saatva Classic. It's a traditional innerspring mattress and comes in two heights and three firmness levels. I'd primarily recommend the Plush Soft or Luxury Firm options for side sleepers: The softer top will cushion your pressure points but still has a "lifted" feel compared to most foam-centric models. Plus, the edge support is exceptional.
How it performed in our tests
Testers praised it supportive feel: Our survey panelists and testers gave Saatva mattresses top scores for comfort and sleep quality. One told us, "I like that it's soft and supportive. Other mattresses cause me back pain, but this one does not." Still, a few users found it ran a bit firm, but many welcomed the supportive feel.
It uses two layers of coils for extra breathability: Hot sleepers were impressed by how cool it slept, especially compared to other innerspring mattresses and hybrids, which typically feature one coil base. There's also minimal foam, which is notorious for trapping in heat.
Excellent customer service: Saatva consistently received top praise from users for its customer service and especially stood out for its short wait times on the phone. The brand also offers free white-glove delivery and mattress removal with a generous 365-day trial, though you'll have to pay a $99 pickup fee if it's not the right fit.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Saatva Classic Mattress
- Top-rated for comfort and support
- Three firmness levels
- Free delivery and setup
- $99 return pick-up fee
Bear Elite Hybrid
Mike Garten / Good Housekeeping
Who it's best for
Anyone who has struggled to find a truly comfortable mattress. The Plush iteration is ideal for many true side sleepers while combination sleepers will appreciate the Medium firmness.
Who should avoid it
Shoppers who need a low-profile bed: This is one of our taller recommendations at 14 inches.
Bear's Elite Hybrid combines cushiony foam with coils for a balance of comfort and support. It's designed with zonal support, meaning it provides precise cushioning around targeted areas like the hips and back to promote spinal alignment. This helps your body stay in a neutral position, so you aren't doing extra work to get comfortable.
How it performed in our tests
All testers unanimously agreed it improved the quality of their sleep: One called it the "most comfortable mattress" she has ever slept on. Another shared, "I find myself genuinely looking forward to lying down at the end of the day—and not just because I'm tired, the mattress is that comfortable."
Testers also loved the zoned support: The ergonomic design earned top scores across the board from our testers, especially for how the bed felt pressure-relieving yet notably supportive. One commented, "It feels like my entire body is being supported, regardless of my position."
Has mostly held up well over time: This model is on the newer side (it was first launched in 2022) but has held up well over time, according to our testers. Though one noticed some pilling on the outer cover after two years of use.
Note: Bear makes some claims about using natural minerals to promote recovery that we weren't able to verify in our evaluation.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Bear Elite Hybrid
- Users reported improved sleep quality
- Pressure-relieving zones throughout
- High praise from testers for overall comfort
- Our experts couldn't verify the brand's energy recovery claims
Nolah Original
Good Housekeeping/Jillian Sollazzo
Who it's best for
Side sleepers with back and hip pain who need pressure relief and alignment
Who should avoid it
Those who prefer a taller mattress, especially for getting in and out of bed, or want a truly plush feel
This pick from Nolah consistently wins over side sleepers and back pain sufferers in our tests for delivering pressure relief and cradling comfort with responsive support. Our panelists and testers reported that it eased their discomfort, helping alleviate both lower back and hip pain.
How it performed in our tests
The responsive foam doesn't sink in too much: Compared to conventional memory foam, Nolah injects tiny pockets of air into its foam for a more responsive feel. Some users told us it took time to adjust to, but they ultimately reported less back and shoulder pain and appreciated being able to easily change positions if desired.
Testers with shoulder, hip, and back pain and sciatica reported relief. One panelist told us this mattress "has been significantly helpful in relieving back pain for my husband, who has scoliosis," and noted that it "offers back support while still cradling pressure points." Another side-sleeping tester said, "I don't feel crushed from sleeping on my side all night long."
It's not the tallest: The 10-inch depth may be a bit low for those who have trouble getting in and out of bed (though some testers appreciated that they could pair it with a Murphy bed). Nolah also offers taller models with the same foam.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW:Nolah Original
- Pressure-relieving memory foam
- Testers noted quick pain relief
- Top scores for comfort and support
- Lower height than other models
Puffy Lux Mattress
Mike Garten / Good Housekeeping
Who it's best for
Side sleepers who want a soft, cushy mattress that still feels supportive
Who should avoid it
Those s who prefer a little extra firmness or hot sleepers looking for a cool mattress
Softer mattresses are often recommended for side sleepers to avoid putting any additional stress on their shoulders, hips, or knees, but some might feel too soft for comfort. Testers who prefer softer mattresses agreed that this hybrid pick from Puffy has a comfortable, plush feel that feels supportive without sagging under their weight.
How it performed in our tests
Testers compared it to a cloud:Many highlighted how the cushioning foam conformed to their bodies without sinking in or leaving indents.One panelist told us, "I don't wake with any soreness with the Puffy, yet I feel supported." Our testers agreed: One said, "It's not too hard and not too soft," while another noted, "I am able to sleep more deeply on it."
It retained its shape well over time: Testers told us it not only conformed well to the shape of their bodies, but it also held up well without noticeable indents or lumps.
It doesn't sleep as cool as we'd like: The main caveat is that, despite the brand's cooling technology, some users commented that they still found themselves overheating at night.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW:Puffy Lux Hybrid
- Supportive and plush comfort
- Foam doesn't sink in when sleeping
- Users said it held up well over time
- Testers and panelists didn't notice any cooling effects
How we test mattresses
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has been testing home products for over 125 years. In the last five years, we've tested over 250 mattresses and surveyed 10,000 mattress owners on our survey panel.
Each year, our team of scientists, engineers, and product experts research and evaluate dozens of mattresses. We match each mattress to at-home consumer testers based on preferences, sleep position, and needs. Our testers then provide feedback on their experience from setup to long-term use. We also routinely survey Good Housekeeping readers on the mattresses they own.
RELATED: How We Test Mattresses at Good Housekeeping
Here's a preview of some key aspects we take into account from our feedback surveys:
Hearst Owned
Ordering and delivery: Consumer testers and survey panelists provide ratings and comments about the ease of ordering, how quickly the mattress arrived, and whether there were any issues throughout these steps.
Setup: Whether it's DIY or white-glove delivery, we explore how easy the process was and whether the mattress took shape quickly.
Jillian Sollazo
Firmness level: Oftentimes, the perceived firmness doesn't match up to the brand's specified level. This helps us gain insight into how soft or firm it feels in real life.
Comfort: Testers weigh in on whether they liked sleeping on the mattress immediately and again later in the review period. They're able to provide a comfort rating as well as detailed comments.
Support: Similarly, testers share their thoughts on the level of support over time.
Temperature: We ask users whether they stayed at a comfortable body temperature throughout the night so we can note whether any cooling features were observed.
Hearst Owned
Edge support: Users let us know whether the bed sinks when they sit on the edges or if it holds the shape well under weight.
Sleep quality: Testers share if the mattress had any effect on their sleep, whether they wake up sore, and whether they are satisfied with the mattress overall. They also have the opportunity to compare the mattress with other models they've owned.
Additional feedback: Through a series of open-ended questions, testers can share any likes, dislikes, and further comments about their experiences.
Good Housekeeping/Jillian Sollazzo
What type of mattress should side sleepers use?
Memory foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses are ideal for side sleepers because they offer pressure relief for proper alignment, whereas innerspring mattresses can't contour around pressure points. If you prefer the bouncy feel of an innerspring mattress, make sure there's some sort of relief for your hips and shoulders, whether it's a pillow-top or a layer of memory foam, latex, or micro-coils near the surface. You can also add a mattress topper for a layer of pressure relief.
Hearst Owned
What firmness level is best for side sleepers?
Side sleepers typically need a Soft mattress or one with Medium firmness. If it's too firm, you'll be putting pressure on areas like your hips and shoulders, which may cause you to wake up with pain. That being said, you don't want the mattress to be too soft either; if you sink in too much, then there won't be enough support to maintain a neutral spine.
Hearst Owned
More side-sleeper mattress shopping tips
Besides the mattress type and firmness level, here's what else you should think about before you buy:
Body type: Consider your body type when choosing your bed's firmness. If you're heavier, you may need a firmer mattress to prevent sinking, while those with smaller frames should opt for a softer surface for alignment.
Delivery: Many mattresses you buy online are shipped compressed in a box for you to set up at your own convenience. If you prefer to have a service set it up for you (and haul away your old mattress), make sure you choose one that offers white-glove delivery.
Trial period: Regardless of what type of mattress you choose, it's a good idea to check what you can do if you don't love it. Most companies—especially ones that sell online—allow you to sleep on the bed for several months and then return it for a full refund if it's not a good fit.
Cooling features: Most side-sleeper mattresses contain memory foam for pressure relief, but foam can trap body heat and cause hot sleepers to sweat at night. To find a mattress with cooling properties, look for foam with phase change technology, gel, or copper particles to help keep you at a comfortable temperature. Hybrid mattresses with coils also allow for more airflow.
Hearst Owned
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
At the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we've been testing home products for 125 years. We've closely followed the online mattress industry's rapid expansion since 2014 and tested dozens of mattresses each year to find the best of the best.
Senior Textiles Analyst Grace Wu currently oversees mattress testing at Good Housekeeping. She regularly evaluates mattresses herself, coordinates consumer testing, reviews new sleep studies, and writes about beds for every type of sleeper. Wu holds a Master of Engineering in materials science & engineering and a Bachelor of Science in fiber science from Cornell University.
Lexie Sachs, the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute, previously wrote this story. She has been actively researching and reporting on mattresses since online bed shopping hit the mainstream in 2014.
This story was reviewed for accuracy by Cynthia Stein, M.D., M.P.H., MMSc. Dr. Stein is a sports medicine physician at Boston Children's Hospital, where she sees patients of all ages. She is the director of the Medical Sports Medicine Fellowship and an assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at Harvard Medical School. In addition to her clinical work, she is involved in teaching and research. She's especially interested in concussion management, overuse injuries in performing arts athletes, and injury prevention.
Hearst Owned
More mattress guides
Hearst Owned
You Might Also Like