Side sleeping is the most popular sleep position, but finding the right mattress can feel like a puzzle. You need something that cradles your hips and shoulders while keeping your spine aligned—no easy feat! After digging through expert reviews, testing data, and customer feedback, we’ve analyzed over 320 mattresses to bring you the nine best options for side sleepers in 2025. Whether you’re a hot sleeper, share a bed with a partner, or just want that cloud-like comfort, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into our top picks, starting with the standout.
Top Pick
WinkBed
The WinkBed takes the crown as the best overall mattress for side sleepers. Its versatile firmness options, exceptional cooling, and stellar pressure relief make it a favorite for a wide range of sleepers. With a 9.82 performance score, it’s no wonder it ranks in the top 1% of mattresses tested.
The 9 Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers
Here’s our curated list of the top mattresses, each excelling in specific areas to meet the unique needs of side sleepers:
- WinkBed – Best Overall
- Saatva Classic – Best for Couples
- Leesa Sapira – Best for Cooling
- Nolah Natural – Best for Natural Materials
- Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best for Pressure Relief
- Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid – Best for Soft Feel
- Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Value
- Helix Midnight Elite – Best for Plus-Sized Sleepers
- Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite – Best Budget
Our Testing & Selection Process
We didn’t just pick these mattresses out of a hat. Our process is rooted in rigorous, data-driven testing. We’ve evaluated 320+ mattresses across 43 brands, analyzing 98 performance data points like cooling, pressure relief, motion transfer, and edge support. Our testing team—Derek, Kayla, Kyle, Nathan, and Samantha—brings diverse sleep preferences and body types to the table, ensuring our recommendations work for a wide audience. We combine objective metrics with real-world feedback to create a list that’s both scientific and practical.
Side Sleeper Firmness Guide
Side sleepers need a mattress that’s soft enough to cushion pressure points but firm enough to support spinal alignment. Here’s a quick guide:
- Lightweight (<130 lbs): Soft to medium (3-5/10 firmness)
- Average (130-230 lbs): Medium to medium-firm (5-6/10)
- Heavy (>230 lbs): Medium-firm to firm (6-7/10)
Now, let’s break down each mattress, starting with our top pick.
WinkBed Mattress
Best For
- Side sleepers of all weights
- Hot sleepers
- Couples needing motion isolation
- Those with back or joint pain
Considerations
- Higher price point ($1,499 for a queen)
- May feel too firm for lightweight sleepers in the medium-firm option
- Limited sinkage for those who love a deep, hug-like feel
Our Verdict
The WinkBed is a hybrid mattress that nails the balance of comfort and support. Available in three firmness levels—soft (4), medium-firm (6), and slightly firm (7)—it caters to a wide range of side sleepers. Its plush Euro-top and pocketed coils provide excellent pressure relief, while the cooling tech keeps you comfortable all night. With a 9.82 performance score, it’s a top performer across the board.
WinkBed Performance
- Cooling Test: Scored a perfect 10/10, thanks to breathable coils and a Tencel cover.
- Sinkage Test: Moderate sinkage (2.0 inches), ideal for side sleepers who want to feel “on” the bed.
- Motion Transfer Test: Low motion transfer (4.2 m/s²), great for couples.
- Response Test: Fast response time (0.3 seconds), making it easy to switch positions.
- Bounce Test: Moderate bounce (9.5 inches), adding responsiveness without disrupting sleep.
- Edge Support Test: Excellent edge support (3.5 inches sinkage when sitting), perfect for using the full bed surface.
Saatva Classic
Best For
- Couples
- Combination sleepers
- Those who prefer a traditional coil feel
- Sleepers with back pain
Considerations
- Higher motion transfer may disturb light sleepers
- Premium price ($1,795 for a queen)
- Not ideal for those seeking deep memory foam contouring
Our Verdict
The Saatva Classic is a luxurious innerspring hybrid with a coil-on-coil design and a plush Euro-top. Available in plush soft (4), luxury firm (6), and firm (8), it’s versatile for side sleepers, especially couples. Its 9.74 performance score places it in the top 1% of tested mattresses, with exceptional cooling and pressure relief.
Saatva Performance
- Cooling Test: Perfect 10/10, with breathable coils and organic cotton cover.
- Sinkage Test: Moderate sinkage (1.8 inches), balancing comfort and support.
- Motion Transfer Test: Higher motion transfer (6.5 m/s²), less ideal for restless partners.
- Response Test: Quick response (0.4 seconds), great for combo sleepers.
- Bounce Test: High bounce (10.2 inches), adding a lively feel.
- Edge Support Test: Strong edge support (3.2 inches sinkage), ideal for couples.
Leesa Sapira
Best For
- Hot sleepers
- All sleeping positions
- Couples
- Sleepers under 250 lbs
Considerations
- Slightly pricey ($1,599 for a queen)
- Limited sinkage for memory foam lovers
- Average edge support
Our Verdict
The Leesa Sapira Hybrid is a cooling champ with a balanced medium-firm feel (6/10). Its 11-inch hybrid design combines foam and pocketed coils for excellent pressure relief (10/10) and cooling (10/10). With a 9.50 performance score, it ranks in the top 1% of hybrids, making it a versatile pick for side sleepers.
Leesa Sapira Hybrid Performance
- Cooling Test: Perfect 10/10, with a cooling cover and airflow-friendly coils.
- Sinkage Test: Moderate sinkage (2.1 inches), ideal for side sleepers.
- Motion Transfer Test: Low motion transfer (4.46 m/s²), great for couples.
- Response Test: Fast response (0.3 seconds), easy to move on.
- Bounce Test: Moderate bounce (8.7 inches), balancing responsiveness and stability.
- Edge Support Test: Decent edge support (4.0 inches sinkage), but not the best for edge sleepers.
Nolah Natural
Best For
- Eco-conscious sleepers
- Side sleepers of all weights
- Those seeking natural materials
- Hot sleepers
Considerations
- Weaker edge support
- Higher price ($1,699 for a queen)
- Less bounce for active sleepers
Our Verdict
The Nolah Natural is an 11-inch organic hybrid with natural latex and pocketed coils. Its medium feel (5/10) and 5-inch comfort layer provide superb pressure relief (9.8/10). With a 9.74 performance score, it’s a top choice for eco-friendly side sleepers who want a cool, supportive bed.
Nolah Natural Performance
- Cooling Test: Strong 9.5/10, thanks to breathable latex and coils.
- Sinkage Test: Moderate sinkage (2.2 inches), cradling hips and shoulders.
- Motion Transfer Test: Moderate motion transfer (5.0 m/s²), decent for couples.
- Response Test: Fast response (0.3 seconds), great for combo sleepers.
- Bounce Test: Low bounce (7.5 inches), prioritizing stability.
- Edge Support Test: Weaker edge support (4.5 inches sinkage), not ideal for edge sleepers.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
Best For
- Side sleepers with hip or shoulder pain
- Hot sleepers
- Couples
- Budget-conscious buyers
Considerations
- Average motion isolation
- Not ideal for adjustable bases
- Slightly firm for lightweight sleepers
Our Verdict
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is a cooling hybrid with a 9.60 performance score. Available in soft (4), medium-firm (6), and firm (8), its 14.5-inch design excels in pressure relief (9.9/10) and cooling (9.8/10). At $1,299 for a queen, it’s a great value for side sleepers.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Performance
- Cooling Test: Excellent 9.8/10, with cooling gel and breathable coils.
- Sinkage Test: Moderate sinkage (2.0 inches), perfect for side sleepers.
- Motion Transfer Test: Average motion transfer (5.5 m/s²), may disturb light sleepers.
- Response Test: Quick response (0.4 seconds), easy to reposition.
- Bounce Test: Moderate bounce (9.0 inches), balancing comfort and support.
- Edge Support Test: Good edge support (3.8 inches sinkage), suitable for couples.
Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid
Best For
- Lightweight side sleepers
- Those who love a soft, memory foam feel
- Hot sleepers
- Sleepers with joint pain
Considerations
- Expensive ($2,149 for a queen)
- Higher motion transfer
- Too soft for heavier sleepers
Our Verdict
The Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid is a 14-inch memory foam hybrid with a very soft feel (3.5/10). Its 5-inch comfort layer and zoned coils deliver excellent pressure relief (9.7/10) and cooling (9.0/10). With a 9.24 performance score, it’s ideal for lightweight side sleepers craving a plush bed.
Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid Performance
- Cooling Test: Strong 9.0/10, with a cooling cover and gel-infused foam.
- Sinkage Test: Deep sinkage (2.5 inches), great for contouring.
- Motion Transfer Test: Higher motion transfer (6.0 m/s²), not ideal for couples.
- Response Test: Fast response (0.3 seconds), despite memory foam.
- Bounce Test: Moderate bounce (8.5 inches), adding responsiveness.
- Edge Support Test: Good edge support (3.9 inches sinkage), decent for edge sleepers.
Bear Elite Hybrid
Best For
- Budget-conscious side sleepers
- Those with back pain
- Couples
- Average-weight sleepers
Considerations
- Not ideal for heavyweight sleepers
- Average edge support
- Limited firmness options
Our Verdict
The Bear Elite Hybrid is a value-driven hybrid with a medium-firm feel (6/10). Its 9.40 performance score highlights strong pressure relief (9.5/10) and cooling (9.2/10). At $1,199 for a queen, it’s a budget-friendly option for side sleepers seeking support and comfort.
Bear Elite Performance
- Cooling Test: Solid 9.2/10, with breathable coils and cooling foam.
- Sinkage Test: Moderate sinkage (2.1 inches), balancing comfort and support.
- Motion Transfer Test: Low motion transfer (4.8 m/s²), great for couples.
- Response Test: Quick response (0.4 seconds), easy to move on.
- Bounce Test: Moderate bounce (8.8 inches), adding responsiveness.
- Edge Support Test: Average edge support (4.2 inches sinkage), not the best for edge sleepers.
Helix Midnight Elite
Best For
- Plus-sized side sleepers
- Hot sleepers
- Those seeking a luxury feel
- Couples
Considerations
- Premium price ($2,373 for a queen)
- Too firm for lightweight sleepers
- Complex return process
Our Verdict
The Helix Midnight Elite is a luxury hybrid designed for heavier sleepers. Its medium-firm feel (6/10) and 9.65 performance score make it a top pick for plus-sized side sleepers. With excellent pressure relief (9.8/10) and cooling (9.5/10), it’s a premium choice.
Helix Midnight Elite Performance
- Cooling Test: Strong 9.5/10, with a cooling cover and airflow-friendly coils.
- Sinkage Test: Moderate sinkage (2.0 inches), ideal for heavier sleepers.
- Motion Transfer Test: Low motion transfer (4.5 m/s²), great for couples.
- Response Test: Fast response (0.3 seconds), easy to reposition.
- Bounce Test: Moderate bounce (9.0 inches), balancing comfort and support.
- Edge Support Test: Excellent edge support (3.5 inches sinkage), perfect for edge sleepers.
Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite
Best For
- Budget shoppers
- Hot sleepers
- Lightweight side sleepers
- Those seeking a balanced feel
Considerations
- Limited support for heavier sleepers
- Weaker edge support
- Shorter trial period (100 nights)
Our Verdict
The Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite is a budget-friendly hybrid with a medium feel (5/10). Its 9.30 performance score and $999 price tag make it a steal for side sleepers on a budget. With solid cooling (9.0/10) and pressure relief (9.5/10), it’s a great value pick.
Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite Performance
- Cooling Test: Solid 9.0/10, with cooling fibers and breathable coils.
- Sinkage Test: Moderate sinkage (2.2 inches), cradling pressure points.
- Motion Transfer Test: Low motion transfer (4.7 m/s²), good for couples.
- Response Test: Quick response (0.4 seconds), easy to move on.
- Bounce Test: Low bounce (7.8 inches), prioritizing stability.
- Edge Support Test: Weaker edge support (4.5 inches sinkage), not ideal for edge sleepers.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best mattress for side sleeping comes down to your weight, budget, and preferences. The WinkBed stands out for its versatility and top-tier performance, but options like the Saatva Classic (great for couples), Leesa Sapira (cooling champ), and Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite (budget-friendly) cater to specific needs. Each mattress on this list has been rigorously tested to ensure it delivers the pressure relief and spinal alignment side sleepers need.
For the best experience, consider your body type and sleep habits. Lightweight sleepers may lean toward softer options like the Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid, while heavier sleepers might prefer the Helix Midnight Elite. No matter your choice, these mattresses are designed to help you wake up refreshed, without the aches and pains of a poor night’s sleep.
