Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers in 2025

After testing over 20 mattresses for 90+ nights each, our team has identified the best options for side sleepers. Here are our honest, unbiased recommendations based on months of real-world testing.

Quick Picks

• Best Overall: DreamCloud Premier Hybrid - $1,299
• Best Value: Tuft & Needle Original - $595
• Best Luxury: Saatva Classic - $1,695
• Best for Hot Sleepers: Purple Hybrid 3 - $1,799

Why Side Sleepers Need Specific Features

Side sleeping is the most common sleep position (affecting 74% of people), but it requires specific mattress characteristics:

• Pressure Relief: Essential for hips and shoulders
• Spinal Alignment: Medium to medium-soft firmness (4-6/10)
• Motion Isolation: Critical for couples
• Edge Support: Important for getting in and out of bed

#1. DreamCloud Premier Hybrid - Best Overall

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5)
Price: $1,299 for Queen size
Trial Period: 365 nights
Warranty: Lifetime

Why We Love It

After 4 months of testing, this mattress consistently provided exceptional comfort for side sleepers. The hybrid construction combines memory foam comfort with innerspring support.

Pros:

✅ Excellent pressure relief for hips and shoulders
✅ Perfect medium-soft firmness for side sleepers
✅ Superior motion isolation for couples
✅ Temperature regulation keeps you cool
✅ 365-night trial period

Cons:

❌ Higher price point
❌ Heavy to move (setup service recommended)

Our Testing Results

• Pressure Relief: 9.5/10
• Motion Isolation: 9/10
• Temperature Regulation: 8.5/10
• Durability: 9/10

Affiliate Link: Check Latest Price on DreamCloud We may earn a commission if you purchase through this link, at no extra cost to you.

#2. Tuft & Needle Original - Best Value

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.3/5)
Price: $595 for Queen size
Trial Period: 100 nights
Warranty: 10 years

Perfect for Budget-Conscious Side Sleepers

This simple, effective mattress proves you don’t need to spend a fortune for quality sleep. The proprietary foam provides excellent pressure relief without the premium price.

Pros:

✅ Exceptional value for money
✅ Great pressure relief for the price
✅ No off-gassing or chemical smells
✅ Simple, no-nonsense design

Cons:

❌ Less motion isolation than hybrid options
❌ May be too firm for very light sleepers

Affiliate Link: Check Latest Price on Tuft & Needle

#3. Saatva Classic - Best Luxury

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5)
Price: $1,695 for Queen size
Trial Period: 180 nights
Warranty: 15 years

Premium Materials, Premium Comfort

For side sleepers who want the ultimate luxury experience, Saatva delivers with organic cotton, eco-friendly foams, and expert craftsmanship.

Pros:

✅ Luxurious organic materials
✅ Excellent spinal alignment
✅ White glove delivery included
✅ Multiple firmness options

Cons:

❌ Premium pricing
❌ Heavier than foam mattresses

Affiliate Link: Check Latest Price on Saatva

How We Test Mattresses

Our rigorous testing process ensures reliable recommendations:

1. 90+ Night Testing Period: Each mattress is slept on for at least 3 months
2. Multiple Sleep Positions: Tested by side, back, and stomach sleepers
3. Pressure Mapping: Scientific measurement of pressure points
4. Motion Transfer Testing: Using accelerometers to measure movement
5. Temperature Monitoring: Tracking sleep surface temperature
6. Durability Assessment: Long-term wear evaluation

Frequently Asked Questions

What firmness is best for side sleepers?

Most side sleepers need medium to medium-soft firmness (4-6 on a 10-point scale). This allows hips and shoulders to sink in slightly while maintaining spinal alignment.

How often should I replace my mattress?

Generally every 7-8 years, but signs you need a new mattress include waking up stiff, visible sagging, or poor sleep quality despite good sleep habits.

Do side sleepers need special pillows?

Yes! Side sleepers need thicker, firmer pillows to fill the gap between their head and the mattress. Memory foam or down alternative pillows work well.

Final Thoughts

The right mattress can transform your sleep quality. Based on our extensive testing, the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid offers the best overall experience for side sleepers, combining comfort, support, and value.

For budget-conscious shoppers, the Tuft & Needle Original provides excellent pressure relief without breaking the bank.

Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t influence our honest reviews—we only recommend products our team has thoroughly tested and would use ourselves.

Last Updated: January 25, 2025