As we advise in our guide to choosing a mattress, if the bed you’re eyeing is available in a store, bring your favorite pillow and try out the mattress before you buy. Lie on your side for a good 10 to 15 minutes, paying attention to how your back, shoulders, and hips feel.

Ideal spinal alignment for side-sleepers

Side-sleepers—and sleepers of all positions, really—should look for a mattress that aligns the spine and offers good support. To determine whether a mattress is keeping your body in a neutral position while you sleep, have someone take a picture of you from behind as you lie on your side. You should be able to draw a relatively straight line connecting the midpoints of your ears, shoulders, and hips. If the mattress seems to bottom out at your hips and shoulders, you probably need something firmer.

Side-sleeper pressure points

The second factor for finding a good mattress is pressure relief. Since most people move around a lot at night, pressure relief is not as important as spinal alignment, at least from a medical perspective. But from a comfort standpoint, side-sleepers would do well to pay attention to pressure points. As side-sleepers drift off, they load up most of their body weight onto one shoulder and hip, thereby smooshing those zones against the bed. Buddy Delaney, president of Best Mattress in Columbia, South Carolina, told us that a mattress with a cushiony top layer might be more appealing to side-sleepers.

The mattresses we recommend in this guide, including our list of other side-sleeper mattresses worth considering, will reduce pressure on your hips and shoulders to varying degrees.

Of course, how cushiony or firm a mattress feels is highly subjective and depends on your weight, body proportions, and personal preferences. But we’d say our recommended mattresses for side-sleepers range from medium-soft to medium-firm. If you like a firmer mattress but find that it hurts your shoulders—or if you like a softer one but find that it doesn’t align your spine—check out models designed with a plush top layer that transitions seamlessly to supportive middle and bottom layers, like the Saatva Classic (Luxury Firm), the Loom & Leaf (Relaxed Firm), or Leesa Original. You might also consider a medium-firm to firm mattress with a mattress topper. Or try sleeping higher on your pillow to better cushion your shoulder, as long as your spine remains aligned. Keep in mind, too, that mattresses can soften over time.

Factors such as comfort, pressure relief, and firmness are highly personal, which is why we’ve always recommended trying a mattress in person before you buy. Although that’s still the best way to know whether a specific mattress might work for you in the long run, we know it isn’t always an option. If you decide to take a chance and purchase a bed online without trying it out first, we suggest that you choose a mattress with a good return policy.

For example, we think side-sleepers who tend to change positions during the night (aka rotators) will have good luck with the Leesa Sapira Hybrid, which strikes a nice balance between the cushiony feel of foam and the (slightly bouncy) support of an innerspring. The all-foam Leesa Original has a memory-foam top layer that cradles a side-sleeper’s pressure points, but it also offers an underlying firmness that makes it easy to shift positions. Both Leesa mattresses come with a 100-night trial period; you’re required to try it for at least 30 days, after which you can arrange for a full refund and free mattress pickup.

Foam-loving side-sleepers might consider the affordable, Costco-exclusive Novaform ComfortGrande, a medium-firm mattress that provides a soft cradle for your shoulders, hips, and lower back. Costco’s excellent return policy should offer you some peace of mind, too: If you decide you don’t like the mattress, you can return it for any reason, at any time, for a full refund.

Top pick

Saatva Loom & Leaf (Relaxed Firm)

A foam mattress with a luxe feel, no bounce

With a thick quilted top and the highest foam density we’ve found in an online mattress, this mattress feels more substantial and durable than many of its cheaper counterparts.

Buying Options

$2,095 from Saatva
(queen)

Who it’s for: The Loom & Leaf (Relaxed Firm) will likely appeal to side-sleepers who prefer a surface that cradles the body but doesn’t have the quicksand feel of memory foam. It’s suitable for people of most weights, including those who weigh more than 200 pounds (though be sure to rotate the bed frequently).

How it feels: This all-foam mattress is on the medium end of medium-soft.

Why it’s great: The cradling, quilted top of the Loom & Leaf provides additional cushioning between you and the memory-foam layers. One tester, a side-sleeper, tried this mattress for more than a week and liked it because the overall feel was billowy—plush without being too soft or sinky—and in the morning their shoulders and hips felt rested instead of rickety. At 5 pounds per cubic foot, the memory-foam layers are denser than the 3 pounds typically found in cheaper mattresses. So we believe the Loom & Leaf will provide adequate, long-term support for most people.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Some testers noted that they felt a little hot sleeping on this mattress. The Relaxed Firm is Loom & Leaf’s most popular mattress, but we did spot complaints on Reddit about it sagging for people in the 250-plus-pound range—for this reason, we recommend rotating the Loom & Leaf frequently (at least every six months). Alternatively, sleepers who fall into this category could try the Tempur-Adapt (Medium Hybrid) or the Charles P. Rogers Estate SE (a pick in our innerspring-mattress guide). There’s a 365-day “free” trial for the Loom & Leaf, but you’ll pay a $100 "processing" fee to return it. The mattress also has a lifetime warranty.

Saatva recently released a new memory-foam mattress, the Contour5, which will replace the Loom & Leaf. The company says the Loom & Leaf will remain available until sometime in 2025. (Read more about the Loom & Leaf in our memory-foam-mattress guide.)

Top pick

Saatva Classic

A plush, bouncy innerspring

The Saatva, which pairs a classic innerspring bounce with a cushy-but-understated Euro top, appeals to those who want to feel nestled in rather than engulfed. But it doesn’t have the best motion isolation.

Buying Options

$1,795 from Saatva
(queen)

Who it’s for: The Saatva Classic (Luxury Firm) is a great choice for side-sleepers who like a mattress that lets you nestle in yet also provides enough resiliency to easily shift positions. This mattress is suitable for people of most weights, though those who weigh more than 200 pounds should be diligent about rotating the mattress at least every few months.

How it feels: This innerspring mattress is on the medium end of medium-firm, especially once it’s been broken in for several months.

Why it’s great: The upper layers of the Saatva Classic have a little memory foam, so there’s some cuddle to it. The upper layers include more than 800 individually pocketed 14.5-gauge coils, which help the mattress conform to your hips and shoulders. The sturdy, non pocketed coils in the lower layer keep your spine aligned and provide resiliency, so it’s easy to shift positions. Although company reps wouldn’t reveal specifics, they did say the Classic’s memory-foam layer is at least 3 pounds per cubic foot, which should be durable for those who weigh up to 200 pounds (and possibly more) given that the steel coils help prevent sagging. Side-sleepers who prefer truly soft mattresses may want to consider the Saatva Classic in Plush Soft.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Euro tops—mattresses with pillowy padding sewn beneath the surface of the mattress, as in the Saatva Classic—are at greater risk of developing body impressions, but it’s a necessary compromise if you want an innerspring with some cushiness. Body indentations may be a bigger issue if you weigh more than 200 pounds; as with any plush-surfaced mattress, it’s especially important that you rotate it at least every six months. We’ve also noticed that the Saatva Classic offers less motion isolation than the Leesa Sapira Hybrid—if you’re a light sleeper and you share a bed with someone who moves around a lot, this mattress might not be an ideal choice. Finally, the foam encasement makes the Saatva’s edges inherently less durable than those on a mattress with a coil perimeter, but we haven’t yet spotted complaints about sagging edges. As with the Loom & Leaf, the Saatva Classic has a 365-day trial, though a $100 "processing fee" applies to all returns. The mattress has a lifetime warranty. (Read more about the Saatva Classic in our innerspring-mattress guide.)

Top pick

Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress

A cradling foam-on-coil combo with mellow bounce

The Leesa Sapira Hybrid combines the best parts of memory-foam and spring mattresses. It offers better cooling and has a thicker cover than the competition, all at a great price.

Buying Options

$2200 $1300 from Leesa

Use promo code WIRECUTTER (king and Cal king)

$1600 $1100 from Leesa

Use promo code WIRECUTTER (queen)

Who it’s for: The Leesa Sapira Hybrid should appeal to side-sleepers who like that memory-foam sink with some firmness and springiness to it, as well as those who tend to shift positions as they’re falling asleep. It’s suitable for people of most weights, including those who weigh more than 200 pounds.

How it feels: This hybrid mattress is on the firmer side of medium.

Why it’s great: The Leesa Sapira Hybrid’s memory-foam–spring combination relieves pressure on the shoulders and hips without that assertive, sinking-in sensation you’d typically experience in an all-foam mattress. The 1,000-plus pocketed coils offer conforming support, and the 4-pounds-per-cubic-foot memory-foam layer suggests good durability, even for those who weigh more than 200 pounds. One tester found that this mattress provided a foamy hug around their shoulders and hips, while the coils offered a “lifted” feeling. Compared with the Tempur-Adapt (Medium Hybrid), another hybrid worth considering, the Leesa Sapira Hybrid feels much more resilient. You can try it before you buy it in select retail stores. Once you purchase it, the mattress has a 100-day trial, and returns are free. The mattress comes with a 10-year warranty.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Leesa Sapira Hybrid is pricier than most online bed-in-a-box mattresses, but we think the enhanced durability of the components is worth that extra cost. This mattress may not be right for you if you’re looking for a plusher experience, however (if you are, consider any of the above mattresses instead). If you’re searching for something cheaper, consider the Novaform ComfortGrande, which has no bounce. Despite the coils, the Leesa Sapira Hybrid may not feel resilient enough for side-sleepers who are accustomed to innerspring mattresses. (Read more about the Leesa Sapira Hybrid in our hybrid-mattress guide.)

Top pick

Leesa Original Mattress

Cradling memory foam that doesn’t sink

Combining the gentle cradle of classic memory foam with an underlying firmness, this mattress supports pressure points without hampering any movement. And it’s also a great value.

Buying Options

$1000 $825 from Leesa

Use promo code WIRECUTTER (queen)

$1500 $975 from Leesa

Use promo code WIRECUTTER (king and Cal king)

Who it’s for: Side-sleepers who like to feel cuddled by their mattress but don’t want to fully sink into it should try the Leesa Original. It is not recommended for people who weigh over 200 pounds.

How it feels: Medium end of medium-firm, though many of our testers noted that it was noticeably firm. The memory foam provides pressure relief for shoulders and hips, with a hug that doesn’t assertively pull you in yet cradles you. The underlying firmness of the mattress makes it easier to shift positions, compared with other all-foam mattresses.

Why it’s great: The Leesa Original creates a loose cradling sensation, as opposed to the all-out hug that classic memory-foam mattresses offer, and it comes encased in a sturdy polyester-blend cover. For side-sleepers, the mattress offers cushioning and support for pressure points, such as hips and shoulders, while still being supportive enough to keep the spine aligned. One tester noted that the layers closest to the top of the mattress have a “nice squish,” but the mattress was still dense and firm enough to be supportive. At 3 pounds per cubic foot, the memory-foam density of this mattress is the minimum we expect from a good-quality mattress. We think it’s a great value, too. Once you purchase it, the mattress has a 100-day trial, and returns are free. The mattress comes with a 10-year warranty.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Though the mattress has decent motion isolation for partnered sleepers, the edge support was weak compared with that of our other picks. Sitting on or near the edge causes the sides of the mattress to cave under your weight. Sleeping near the edge feels like you may fall off the bed entirely. Furthermore, if you’re a side-sleeper who really prefers a softer mattress, this isn’t the mattress for you. We recommend you try the Novaform ComfortGrande or the Loom & Leaf instead. (Read more about the Leesa Original in our memory-foam-mattress guide.)

Top pick

Novaform 14″ ComfortGrande Advanced Gel Memory Foam Mattress

Best memory-foam mattress under $1,000

This Costco favorite is made from layers of foam that are as dense (and probably as durable) as the foam in mattresses that cost twice as much. Testers loved its cuddly yet supportive feel, though some found it to be too firm.

Buying Options

$580 from Costco
(queen)

Who it’s for: The Novaform ComfortGrande is best for side-sleepers who prefer firmer mattresses or sometimes fall asleep on their stomach or back. This mattress is likely to hold up better for those who weigh less than 200 pounds.

How it feels: The Novaform ComfortGrande comes in one firmness level—medium-firm—and most of our testers agreed with that description.

Why it’s great: With an online price of around $600 for a queen (often on sale for $500 or even less in-store), the Novaform ComfortGrande offers exceptional value. Although it’s medium-firm overall, our side-sleeping testers consistently noted that the surface was billowy enough to cushion their shoulders and hips. The loose cuddle feels like that of the more expensive Loom & Leaf (Relaxed Firm), though the sensation is not as plush, and the top memory-foam layer is not as dense. (Novaform told us that the ComfortGrande’s memory-foam layer is between 3 and 3.5 pounds per cubic foot.) The mattress should hold up well for people who weigh less than 200 pounds—it may be prone to body indentations if you’re heavier, especially if you don’t rotate it diligently. The polyfoam in the bottom support layer has a density that’s around a sturdy 1.8 pounds per cubic foot, which suggests that the bed probably won’t sag outright. Costco’s generous return policy provides full refunds for returns and free mattress pickup, for any reason, at any time.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: If you’re not a Costco member, you’ll have to pay a 5% fee (about $30 extra for a queen when the mattress is not on sale). But even with the fee, the Novaform ComfortGrande is the least expensive of our favorite mattresses for side-sleepers. (If you’re looking for something even cheaper, consider the Zinus Cooling Comfort Support Mattress , a top pick in our guide to the best cheap mattresses, or the Best Price Mattress Memory Foam Mattress, another cheap mattress we liked.) (Read more about the Novaform ComfortGrande in our memory-foam-mattress guide.)

For a number of reasons, we thought the mattresses below would be unlikely to appeal to a wide variety of side-sleepers. But the “ideal bed” is subjective, and it’s possible that you might find the feel of these options appealing enough to outweigh any drawbacks.

The Tempur-Adapt (Medium Hybrid) appeals to side-sleepers who prefer a firmer feel along with an assertive memory-foam sink. Coils make it slightly easier to move around on, but the overall sensation is one that contours to your every curve. Tempur-Pedic’s special foam is 4½ pounds per cubic foot, which suggests that for most people—including those who weigh more than 200 pounds—the mattress should resist sagging and body impressions (though you should rotate it at least every six months, just to be safe). Tempur-Pedic’s higher-end lines offer softer options, but they’re also considerably more expensive. You can return the mattress within 90 days if you don’t like it (you’ll have to sleep on it for at least 30 days), but the shipping cost may exceed $100, depending on where you live. If you tend to shift positions a lot, you’re likely better off with the Leesa Sapira Hybrid or an innerspring.

Mattresses can collect a lot of unwanted nastiness. From dust mites to dead skin to liquids (including water droplets, sweat, and pee), your mattress is susceptible to stains and odors that could drive you to trash it before its expected shelf life is up. According to our guide on how to clean your mattress, a mattress encasement will keep the worst of the unpleasantness out, and it will make routine cleaning as simple as throwing the encasement in the wash once or twice a year. We recommend the Protect-A-Bed AllerZip Smooth Mattress Encasement, which has super-strong seams and a zipper that won’t easily open. A mattress encasement can also make it easier to inspect your mattress for bed bugs; if that’s a problem you’re dealing with, or worried about, check out our advice on how to get rid of bed bugs.)

If you don’t have a mattress encasement, vacuum your mattress once a month using a full-size vacuum cleaner with powerful suction to draw out trapped dust and grime from every crevice. For bigger accidents and spills on a bare mattress, spray equal parts warm water and white vinegar onto the stain and dab it until the stain disappears. Then sprinkle baking soda onto the affected area to absorb the wetness, wait a few hours until it’s dry, and vacuum it up. Dry your mattress completely before dressing and sleeping on it again—dampness invites mildew, and no amount of vacuuming can fix that problem.

Side-sleeping is helpful for people who experience acid reflux or back pain, or those who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea. But side-sleeping also has its disadvantages: A tight fetal position can leave you feeling sore in the morning, especially if you have arthritis, said Ahmed Radwan, DPT, PhD, associate professor of physical therapy at Utica College in New York. If you don’t switch positions frequently, over time you could be vulnerable to sore shoulders and hips. Anecdotally, long-term side-sleeping has also been associated with rotator-cuff tendinitis, an inflammation of the tendon that connects muscle to the bone at the shoulder, and hip bursitis, an inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs between the bone and soft tissues, said Jonathan Braman, MD, then the chief of shoulder surgery at the University of Minnesota Medical Center.

It’s unclear whether side-sleeping, particularly on a too-firm mattress, makes people vulnerable to these conditions or brings out conditions they’re already prone to. Fortunately, most people move around more than they think, Braman told us, and chances are good that any mattress that feels comfortable and supportive for you will be fine in general.

Whatever mattress you choose, be sure to use an appropriate pillow: As we mention in our guide to the best pillow for side-sleepers, a good one should fill that gap between your neck and the mattress, as well as help your spine form a straight line from your neck to your lower back to your knees. That often means placing a thin pillow between your knees, too.