From Purple to Tempur-Pedic, these are the mattresses that Redditors recommend if you prefer sleeping on your side.
BEST MATTRESS FOR Larger sleepers
Sleep On Latex
Its thick build and springy structure are best suited for people over ~225 pounds, although sleepers of all shapes, sizes, and sorts can appreciate this company’s commitment to all-natural materials.
When it comes to online mattress reviews, “it seems like side sleepers complain universally.”
At least, that’s the observation Redditor productive_monkey made on r/Mattress while scouring the internet for bed advice, and it’s true. If you’re in the habit of sleeping on your side, as the majority of people are, you’re not going to be satisfied by most mattress models on the market. You’re essentially looking for the Goldilocks of mattresses — one that’s not super-firm and not super-soft, but just right. (Not picky? Go here.)
Side sleepers need a bed with that rare mashup of balanced plushness and support to keep their spine adequately aligned throughout the night. If your vertebrae aren’t properly positioned as the result of your pelvis sitting too high (on a too-hard mattress) or too low (on a too-squishy mattress), you’ll put unnecessary pressure on your shoulders and/or hips while you sleep in that lateral position. You’ll likely wake up feeling sore, or toss and turn throughout the night as a result of that annoying “dead arm” feeling stemming from the pressure.
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To be sure, there are lots of ways to improve one’s sleep quality besides investing in a new and improved mattress. You can avoid caffeine in the late afternoon and evening, for instance, or get more exercise throughout the day, invest in a pair of blue light blocking glasses, or simply put down your phone a few hours before bedtime to start reaping some of the benefits of a good night’s sleep. (Those include reduced stress, a decreased risk of depression, and boosted memory, to name a few.)
Still, those methods will only help to an extent, and they don’t address one of the average side sleeper’s main sources of slumber woes, which is a lack of sufficient spinal alignment. Therefore, looking into a better bed is definitely the route to go if that’s your preferred sleeping position.
So, just as productive_monkey took to Reddit in hopes of finding the best mattress for their side-sleeping needs, so too have we rummaged through the front page of the internet to find the community’s favorite models. Below, you’ll find Reddit’s top eight picks for side sleepers who are lightweight, heavy, sweaty, on a budget, boo’d up, and beyond.
Tuft & Needle Mattress
There are very few products that are universally loved by Reddit; this medium-firm mattress is one of them.-
Type:
Foam -
Trial:
100-night sleep trial -
Warranty:
10-year limited warranty -
Weight limit:
500-pound weight limit per sleeper
T&N mattresses contain three different layers of material: just-bouncy-enough T&N Adaptive® Foam for optimal pressure relief; a breathable cover for cool sleeping; and a high-quality support layer for all-night comfort. They’re designed to fit on virtually any box spring, platform, or frame, but can also be placed directly on the floor (if that’s your thing) without losing their shape.
One Redditor writes:
“3 years sleeping on a queen Tuft and Needle mattress here. Still love it just as much as the first night I had it. My husband, who had back pain, also loves it. Super easy process/delivery, affordable and comfortable. 10/10 would sleep again.”
Buy it here starting at $350 for a twin.
Leesa Mattress from Leesa
A remarkably breathable bed-in-a-box that pairs a good night’s sleep with a feel-good mission.-
Type:
Foam -
Trial:
100-night sleep trial -
Warranty:
10-year limited warranty -
Weight limit:
300-pound weight limit
Specs aside, you’ll sleep even better on a Leesa once you find out what it does beyond the bedroom: The company donates one mattress for every 10 they sell, and has contributed more than 30,000 units to date.
If a Leesa sounds like the right mattress for you, head over to their website ASAP: One of their current deals will give you 10% off the model of your choice plus a free memory foam pillow.
Redditor Jonah-the-cat writes:
“My wife and I purchased a Leesa during their Black Friday sale and it has been wonderful from night one. [I am] a side sleeper and I sleep hot so I was worried about the temperature being too warm but I have not noticed it at all. We have a Malouf Sleep Tite protector on the mattress and that doesn’t seem to make it sleep hot either.”
Gel-Infused Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress from Zinus
An awesome deal that promises years of fresh, sag-free sleeping and plenty of support.-
Type:
Memory foam -
Trial:
100-night sleep trial -
Warranty:
Five-year limited warranty -
Weight limit:
250-pound suggested weight limit for twin; 500-pound suggested weight limit for full, queen, king, and California king
Designed to be as calming and cozy as a mug of green tea, Zinus’ 12-inch medium-plush mattress contains a two-inch layer of gel-infused memory foam featuring natural green tea extract and active charcoal for lasting comfort and freshness. This material upon several inches each of cloud-like comfort foam; body-conforming high-density foam; and durable, high-density base support foam, all of which is enveloped by a knit jacquard cover. Zinus recommends you place its mattresses on a box spring for extra support, but they’ll do just fine on the floor or a platform, too.
Redditor keepfrozenthissideup writes:
“I ordered a zinus gel foam mattress from amazon for about 300$ a little over a year ago- I love the thing! My old mattress was killing my sides, I would wake up with really bad hip pain that would linger through the day- this mattress has fixed that issue and is suuuupeer comfy :)”
Buy it here starting at $163.99 for a twin.
Purple.3 12-inch Cushion Firm Mattress
Lightweight side sleepers will see the world through violet-hued glasses after a great night’s sleep on this body-hugging mattress.-
Type:
Hybrid -
Trial:
100-night sleep trial -
Warranty:
10-year limited warranty -
Weight limit:
300-pound suggested weight limit per sleeper
The medium-firm Purple.3 is the model considered to be best for side sleepers, as it conforms rather close to the body while maintaining a supportive density. Act fast, and you can take advantage of Purple’s limited-time offer that includes a free Purple pillow or sheets with every purchase.
Redditor tayblossom says she’s 124.3 pounds and 5’4”; she writes:
“when I woke up I KNEW THIS MATTRESS WAS STAYING!!! No pain anywhere and granted I moved alot throughtout [sic] the night but I still felt like I had a good nights rest.”
Buy it here starting at $1,899 for a twin XL.
Sleep On Latex
Its thick build and springy structure are best suited for people over ~225 pounds, although sleepers of all shapes, sizes, and sorts can appreciate this company’s commitment to all-natural materials.-
Type:
Latex -
Trial:
100-night sleep trial -
Warranty:
10-year limited warranty -
Weight limit:
None
You’ll find a two-inch comfort layer and a six-inch base layer of Pure Green® latex inside every SOL model, each of which comes with a soft, airy cover made from organic cotton and organic New Zealand wool. SOL’s Medium mattress is ideal for side sleepers who weigh more than 225 pounds or so, as it provides thickness and firmness without being rigid or overly bouncy, and doesn’t sag with use.
Redditor bbelch writes:
“We purchased a King mattress from Sleep on Latex a little over a month ago and couldn’t be happier. I’m 6’2” and 230 lbs, and so far it’s been amazing compared to our old worn out spring mattress.”
Buy it here starting at $595 for a twin.
The Original Mattress by Casper
Comfort, durability, and versatility make The Original Mattress by Casper a great pick for all types of sleepers.-
Sleep factor:
Sleepers of all kinds who want both support and cooling
Great for back, side, and stomach sleepers, this Casper mattress has three foam layers — each one adding extra full-body comfort. The top layer is soft and made with cooling, breathable Airscape material to keep the night sweats at bay, the second zoned support layer minimizes aches and pains by cradling your natural curves and supporting pressure points, and the base layer rounds out the comfort factor by reinforcing the layers above, minimizing sinking and sagging while you doze off. Its durable construction means that out of all the online memory foam mattresses out there, it’s a bit firmer than other options you’ll find — so be mindful if you want a super soft mattress that has a lot of give. If that’s you, Casper may not be the best pick.
The high-quality memory foam layers aren’t the only perk of the Casper mattress. It has a tough, removable cover made from recycled water bottles that’s built to withstand wear and tear for years to come (and a 10-year warranty if it doesn’t). Need assistance with mattress assembly? Casper offers in-home setup, where their team will hand-deliver the mattress to you, set up any products that require assembly, and remove all the packaging once they’re done so you can use your mattress right away.
If you’re not satisfied with your purchase, you can contact Casper for speedy and helpful customer service support, which many claim to be top tier in terms of customer problem-solving.
Paul, a Casper customer, writes:
“From the delivery of the box to the magical unfolding of the king size mattress to the first time laying on the bed, all smiles here! I have traveled for work for years, often sleeping on different beds at different hotels night after night. None of those beds compare to our Casper Mattress and I’ve probably tried them all. Every time I climb into bed I smile and tell my wife I love our mattress. I think you will love it too.”
TEMPUR-ProAdapt™ Mattress (Medium) from Tempur-Pedic
Your bank account won’t be thrilled with this one, but consider your hips, shoulders, neck, and spine on board. You won’t regret the investment.-
Type:
Memory foam -
Trial:
90-night sleep trial -
Warranty:
10-year limited warranty -
Weight limit:
650-pound weight limit
While that $2,500+ price tag is straight-up formidable — and pretty unrealistic for the majority of mattress shoppers, if we’re being honest — Tempur-Pedic tries to make it easier on your wallet by offering a variety of sweet promos on certain orders. When we last visited its site, for instance, you could get a $300 instant credit with a mattress set purchase.
Redditor dolsey01 writes:
“We bought a Tempur Pro-Adapt Medium and I could not be happier. HATED To spend the money but it’s been worth it. I’d keep going but I will sound like a commercial for it.”
Buy it here starting at $2,499 for a twin.
Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress
Loom & Leaf is a well-rounded, eco-friendly memory foam mattress that’ll help those who prefer firmness and support get a good night’s sleep.-
Sleep factor:
Good for all sleep positions and for those who prefer extra support while they sleep
If you’re on the heavier side, you know that memory foam beds are usually a little too soft, leading you to sink into the bed — a one-way ticket to back pain. The Loom & Leaf mattress makes up for this with its special high-density foam construction, keeping the mattress soft, but also adequately supportive, no matter your size. Also, due to its durable design, you’ll find that the bed doesn’t sag or deflate over time, which helps to maintain it’s supportive qualities.
The Loom & Leaf is able to achieve all that support by way of only four layers:
- Quilted Organic Cotton Cover: Soft and flame retardant outer layer to keep you safe and comfortable.
- Cooling Layer: Made from Saatva’s spinal zone gel and breathable foam to keep you cool with optimal lumbar support.
- Eco-Friendly Foam Layer: Five pounds of cozy, supportive, eco-friendly memory foam that is naturally cool.
- Breathable Support Layer: Firm, multi-layer support foam to provide additional deep contouring.
On top of all that, you’ll get free white-glove delivery, a 15-year warranty, and a generous 120-day trial.
Amerisleep AS3
Can’t decide if you prefer support or softness in your mattress? The Amerisleep AS3 offers both with enhanced pressure relief, spinal alignment, and natural cooling.-
Sleep factor:
Great for all sleep positions, as well as those who want something right in the middle of supportive and soft
The AS3 also shines in the overnight recovery department, with great targeted pressure relief that’ll be beneficial to athletes, those whose jobs involve physical labor, and those of us who are simply prone to joint pain from regular daily tasks. It’s more responsive than your run-of-the-mill memory foam, offering better pain relief and bounce-back (keeping you from feeling “stuck” while you rest).
It gets the medium feel just right by evenly blending support and softness with its Hive layer, which contours to your body and soothes pain-causing pressure points. Plus, with added support under your head, back, and legs, you’ll experience enhanced spinal alignment (and extra cushioning under your hips and shoulders).
The Amerisleep AS3 also uses an eco-friendly, plant-based Bio-Pur material that keeps you cool through the night — its open-cell design allows more air to escape than traditional foam, making it effortlessly breathable and effective at wicking away warm air.
The mattress is long-lasting, too — it has an industry-leading 20-year warranty, a 100-night trial, and a guarantee to hold out against forming soft spots or sagging.
If you want a mattress that sits nicely at the intersection of support and comfort, you won’t go wrong with the Amerisleep AS3.