7 Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers (November 2026)
The best mattresses for side sleepers include the Signature Design by Ashley 12 Inch Memory for medium-firm contouring, the Zinus 12 Inch Queen Green Tea Memory for zoned cushioning, and the EGOHOME Queen Mattress 10 Inch for breathable foam.
On this page (6 sections)
- How we chose these mattresses for side sleepers
- The best mattresses for side sleepers
- How should side sleepers compare foam and hybrid construction?
- What firmness should a side sleeper choose?
- What else should you check before choosing a side sleeper mattress?
- Which mattress should a side sleeper choose?
The best mattress for side sleepers is the Signature Design by Ashley 12 Inch Memory, with medium-firm memory foam that contours to the body. Choose Zinus Green Tea for zoned pressure relief, Novilla for a medium-plush feel, or UniPon if you want pocketed coils with foam.
The right side sleeper mattress should cushion the shoulder and hip while supporting the rest of your body. Your preferred feel, body build and how often you change positions all affect which construction feels comfortable.
Use this guide to compare foam and hybrid options, along with their stated firmness and features. For broader help deciding which mattress to buy, start with your sleep position, preferred feel and bed setup.
Our picks at a glance
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1
Best for medium-firm contouringSignature Design by Ashley 12 Inch Memory
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
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3
- 4
Check itNovilla Bliss Mattress Queen Size
Best for a medium-plush feel - 5
Check itLucid 10 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress
Best for adjustable bases - 6
Check itUniPon 14 inch Queen Size Mattress
Best for pocket-coil airflow - 7
Check itZinus 8 Inch Full Cooling Essential Memory
Best for a compact full-size bed
How we chose these mattresses for side sleepers
We compared each mattress's stated feel, materials and features against the needs of side sleeping. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
A contouring foam layer can cushion pressure points, while a medium or medium-firm feel may offer a balance of cushioning and support. Softer and firmer options are included because comfort varies, and some side sleepers share a bed or change positions.
The products appear in score order. Product scores are based on fit for this search, not a claim that every side sleeper will prefer the same feel.
| Product | Best for | Construction | Feel | Profile | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Signature Design by Ashley 12 Inch Memory | medium-firm contouring | Memory foam | Medium firm | 12 in | 9.7 |
| Zinus 12 Inch Queen Green Tea Memory | zoned cushioning | Memory foam | Medium firm | 12 in | 9.7 |
| EGOHOME Queen Mattress 10 Inch | breathable foam | Memory foam | Medium firm | 10 in | 9.6 |
| Novilla Bliss Mattress Queen Size | a medium-plush feel | Memory foam | Medium plush | 14 in | 9.2 |
| Lucid 10 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress | adjustable bases | Memory foam | Medium | 10 in | 9.1 |
| UniPon 14 inch Queen Size Mattress | pocket-coil airflow | Pocket spring hybrid | Medium firm | 14 in | 9.1 |
| Zinus 8 Inch Full Cooling Essential Memory | a compact full-size bed | Memory foam | Medium | 8 in | 9.0 |
The best mattresses for side sleepers
The strongest options here pair pressure cushioning with a stated feel that may work for side sleeping. Compare the details below, since a product's material and firmness label can matter more than its profile height.
Signature Design by Ashley 12 Inch Memory: Best for medium-firm contouring
- 12 in memory foam
- Medium-firm feel
- Stretch-knit cover
- Compatible with most frames, including adjustable bases
A medium-firm memory foam option with a thick layer that contours to your body. Its pressure-relieving design may suit side sleepers who want cushioning without choosing a plush feel.
Pros
- Contouring memory foam
- Medium-firm feel
- Compatible with most frames, including adjustable bases
Cons
- Foundation or box spring sold separately
The Signature Design by Ashley 12 Inch Memory has medium-firm comfort and a thick memory foam layer that contours to your body. That combination makes it a useful starting point if you want pressure cushioning without a plush feel.
Ashley says the pressure-relieving design adapts to pressure points to help ease tension. Its stretch-knit cover and compatibility with most frames, including adjustable bases, add flexibility to a bedroom setup.
This queen mattress arrives compressed and can take up to 48 hours to expand fully. A foundation or box spring is sold separately, so check what your bed frame needs before ordering.
Choose it if you want a medium-firm foam mattress with a stated contouring layer. If you're specifically looking for a firmer feel, compare our guide to the best firm mattress for side sleepers.
Zinus 12 Inch Queen Green Tea Memory: Best for zoned cushioning
- 12 in memory foam
- Medium-firm feel
- Zoned pressure relief
- Breathable knitted cover
Zinus combines a medium-firm feel with zoned pressure relief intended to provide targeted cushioning and support. It may suit side sleepers who want one foam mattress for changing sleep positions.
Pros
- Zoned pressure relief
- Medium-firm feel
- Compatible with adjustable bases
Cons
- Allow 24–72 hours for full expansion
Zinus Green Tea combines medium-firm memory foam with zoned pressure relief. Its zones are designed to respond differently to weight and pressure, which may suit side sleepers who want targeted cushioning.
The mattress also has a breathable knitted cover and durable base foam. Zinus says the foam is CertiPUR-US certified and the cover meets OEKO-TEX Standard 100; these certifications describe materials, not a promise of comfort.
The queen size is compatible with adjustable bases, platform beds and box springs. Allow 24 to 72 hours for the mattress to expand after unboxing.
Choose this model if zoned support is a priority. If you want a narrower comparison of foam options, see our guide to the best memory foam mattress for side sleepers.
EGOHOME Queen Mattress 10 Inch: Best for breathable foam
- 10 in memory foam
- Medium-firm feel
- Green tea gel
- Bubble-hole structure for airflow
This 10-inch medium-firm foam mattress combines body-contouring memory foam with a bubble-hole structure and green tea gel. It may fit side sleepers who prefer a moderate profile and want airflow-focused features.
Pros
- 10 in profile
- Medium-firm feel
- Green tea gel and airflow-focused structure
Cons
- No detailed layer measurements
EGOHOME's 10-inch mattress uses medium-firm memory foam with a bubble-hole structure for airflow. The brand also describes its green tea gel as a way to help regulate temperature.
The body-contouring foam is designed to adjust as your sleeping position changes. That can be useful if you move between your side and back during the night, though the maker does not give detailed layer measurements for this model.
Choose this queen mattress if you want a moderate profile and airflow-focused features. Side and back sleepers comparing shared-position options can also read our guide to the best mattress for side and back sleepers.
Novilla Bliss Mattress Queen Size: Best for a medium-plush feel
- 14 in memory foam
- Medium-plush feel
- Three foam layers
- Gel memory foam
A 14-inch, medium-plush foam design uses three layers and gel memory foam to contour and distribute weight. Its softer stated feel may appeal to side sleepers seeking extra cushioning.
Pros
- Medium-plush feel
- Three-layer foam design
- Gel memory foam
Cons
- Allow up to 72 hours for full shape
Novilla Bliss has a medium-plush feel and a 14-inch, three-layer foam design. Its NanoGel memory foam contours to the body, while the brand says the layers distribute weight and ease tension at pressure points.
A breathable knitted cover and gel memory foam are included in the design. Novilla says the mattress arrives compressed and typically regains its full shape within 72 hours.
This is the softer-feeling foam pick in the group, which may appeal if you want more sink than a medium-firm mattress provides. For additional soft options, compare the best soft mattress for side sleepers.
Lucid 10 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress: Best for adjustable bases
- 10 in memory foam
- Medium feel
- 3 in gel foam
- Compatible with adjustable bases
The medium version has 3 inches of gel foam over a transition layer and high-density base. It may fit side sleepers who want a defined foam-layer layout and adjustable-base compatibility.
Pros
- Three stated foam layers
- Gel foam comfort layer
- Compatible with adjustable bases
Cons
- The medium feel may be firmer than plush-seeking side sleepers prefer
Lucid's 10-inch mattress has 3 inches of gel foam, a 1.5-inch transition layer and a 5.5-inch high-density base. The medium version balances contouring comfort with steady support, giving side sleepers a defined layer layout to compare.
Lucid says its gel infusion draws heat away from the body. The mattress is compatible with adjustable bases, platform frames and slatted frames, and the brand backs it with a 10-year limited warranty.
Choose Lucid if you want a medium feel and clear foam-layer measurements. Its medium feel may be a closer fit for side sleepers who share a bed or change positions than for those seeking deep plush cushioning.
UniPon 14 inch Queen Size Mattress: Best for pocket-coil airflow
- 14 in hybrid construction
- 760+ pocket springs
- Gel memory foam
- Zoned shoulder and lumbar support
UniPon pairs foam with more than 760 pocket springs and describes the design as zoned for the shoulders, lower back, hips and waist. Its firmer feel may suit side sleepers who prefer a more supportive surface.
Pros
- Pocket springs with foam
- Zoned support design
- Gel memory foam
Cons
- Maker describes the feel as firm to extra firm in its product details
UniPon pairs foam with more than 760 individually wrapped pocket springs. Its zoned support design is described as targeting the shoulders, lower back, hips and waist, while gel memory foam adds a cushioning layer.
This 14-inch hybrid may suit side sleepers who prefer a coil base and want airflow through an open-pocket spring construction. However, UniPon's product details give mixed firmness descriptions: one section calls it medium firm, while another describes a firm to extra-firm feel.
Check that firmer description against your comfort preference before choosing it. If the coil-and-foam layout appeals to you, see our comparison of the best hybrid mattress for side sleepers.
Zinus 8 Inch Full Cooling Essential Memory: Best for a compact full-size bed
- 8 in memory foam
- Medium feel
- Cooling gel foam
- Full size
This 8-inch full mattress pairs medium-feel memory foam with cooling gel foam and pressure cushioning at the shoulders and hips. Its full size and lower profile suit smaller rooms.
Pros
- Cooling gel foam
- Medium feel
- Full-size profile
Cons
- Full size offers less room than queen
The Zinus Cooling Essential is an 8-inch full mattress with a medium feel. Its cooling gel memory foam contours around the shoulders and hips, while the brand describes the feel as cushioning without too much sink.
The lower profile and full size may work for a smaller room or guest bed. It is compatible with platform beds, box springs, slatted frames and adjustable bases.
Choose it if a full-size mattress and medium feel suit your space. Side sleepers who want more room can compare queen-size choices in our guide to the best queen mattress for side sleepers.
How should side sleepers compare foam and hybrid construction?
Foam mattresses generally contour more closely, while hybrids combine foam with coils for a different feel and support profile. The best construction depends on whether you prefer close cushioning or a more buoyant surface.
Memory foam options in this roundup range from medium to medium firm and medium plush. Look for a stated layer design or pressure-relief feature that matches how much sink you want around your shoulder and hip.
A hybrid may appeal if you want coils beneath the foam. UniPon has pocketed springs and a zoned design, but its firmness descriptions differ, so factor that uncertainty into your choice.
What firmness should a side sleeper choose?
Many side sleepers can begin their search with medium or medium-firm options, then adjust based on comfort and body build. A softer surface may provide more shoulder and hip cushioning, while a firmer feel may better suit someone who dislikes sinking.
Labels vary by brand, so use them as a guide rather than a guarantee. For a focused comparison of the middle ground, see the best medium firm mattress for side sleepers.
Pain can have causes that a mattress cannot address. If back discomfort continues, speak with a health professional, and compare our guide to the best mattress for side sleepers with back pain.
What else should you check before choosing a side sleeper mattress?
Check the size, height, frame compatibility and setup time along with feel. A mattress that suits your sleeping position still needs to fit the room and bed frame.
If you share a bed, decide how much space you need and whether you want a queen or king. Our guides to the best king mattress for side sleepers and the best queen mattress for side sleepers compare those size choices.
For an adjustable base, verify compatibility for the exact mattress and frame pairing. Several options here identify adjustable bases as compatible, but the base maker's guidance can affect fit and use.
Which mattress should a side sleeper choose?
Choose Ashley for medium-firm contouring, Zinus Green Tea for zoned pressure relief, or Novilla if you prefer a medium-plush feel. Pick UniPon if you want a hybrid, but account for its mixed firmness descriptions before deciding.
For a more specific match, compare the guides to side sleeper mattresses for shoulder pain and side sleeper mattresses for hip pain. Ongoing pain is a reason to ask a health professional for guidance.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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1
Best for medium-firm contouring
Signature Design by Ashley 12 Inch Memory
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
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3
Frequently asked questions
What firmness is best for side sleepers?
Many side sleepers start with a medium or medium-firm mattress that cushions the shoulder and hip while supporting the rest of the body. The right feel depends on your build, comfort preference and sleep position; a label alone can't predict how a mattress will feel to you.
If you have ongoing pain, ask a health professional for advice.
Is memory foam or a hybrid better for side sleeping?
Memory foam contours closely, which may help cushion pressure points at the shoulder and hip. A hybrid adds coils beneath foam, which can create a different balance of support and airflow.
Compare the stated feel and layer design, then choose based on how much contouring or bounce you prefer.
Should side sleepers choose a soft mattress?
A soft mattress can provide extra cushioning, but too much sink may feel uncomfortable or make it harder to change positions. Medium and medium-firm options offer another starting point for side sleepers who want both contouring and support.
Your body and comfort preference matter more than the firmness label alone.
Can side sleepers use an adjustable base?
Yes, if the mattress is compatible with your base. Ashley, Zinus Green Tea, and Lucid identify adjustable bases as compatible options in this group.
Check the base maker's size and weight guidance too.
See our guide to mattresses that work with adjustable bases before pairing the two.
Can a mattress relieve shoulder or hip pain?
A mattress with contouring cushioning may help reduce pressure for some side sleepers, but it can't promise to relieve pain. If shoulder or hip discomfort continues, talk with a health professional.
Compare the options for side sleepers with shoulder pain and side sleepers with hip pain to focus on the features that matter to you.
