9 Best Soft Mattresses for Side Sleepers (November 2026)
The best soft mattresses for side sleepers include the Signature Design by Ashley 12 Inch Memory for balanced cushioning, the Niagara Sleep Solution Full Ultra Soft Mattress for a softer feel on a full bed, and the BEDLORE Queen Mattress Topper for adding a plush queen layer.
On this page (7 sections)
- Best Soft Mattresses for Side Sleepers
- How we chose a soft mattress for side sleepers
- Best soft mattress options for side sleepers
- How soft should a side sleeper mattress feel?
- Should you buy a soft mattress or a topper?
- What should side sleepers check before choosing a plush mattress?
- Which soft mattress should side sleepers choose?
Best Soft Mattresses for Side Sleepers
The Amazon Basics Soft Plush Feel Memory Foam is the clearest fit for side sleepers who want a soft mattress: it has a plush feel and a contouring memory foam top. If you prefer less sink, consider Novilla's medium-plush feel or the medium-firm Ashley; a topper can add softness to a bed you already own.
Side sleepers often feel the firmest contact at the shoulders and hips. A softer surface may cushion those areas, but softness alone doesn't tell you whether a mattress will feel supportive to you.
This roundup compares mattresses with soft, plush, medium-plush and firmer feels, along with toppers that can change the surface of an existing bed. For a wider overview of which mattress to buy, start with the full buying guide.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for balanced cushioningSignature Design by Ashley 12 Inch Memory
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for a softer feel on a full bedNiagara Sleep Solution Full Ultra Soft Mattress
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
- 4
Check itNovilla Bliss Mattress Queen Size
Best for medium-plush foam comfort - 5
Check itGeneric Queen Size 12 Inch Hybrid Mattress
Best for a cushioned hybrid feel - 6
Check itUniPon 14 inch Queen Size Mattress
Best for zoned shoulder support - 7
Check itAmazon Basics Soft Plush Feel Memory Foam
Best for a clearly plush mattress - 8
Check itCOOL GEL Chill Memory Foam 14-Inch Mattress
Best for a thicker foam profile - 9
Best for cushioning a king mattressCheck it
How we chose a soft mattress for side sleepers
The best soft mattress for side sleepers should offer cushioning at the surface while matching your preferred level of support. We compared the stated feel, construction, comfort layers and practical fit details, with higher scores for products that more directly match a soft or plush preference.
Our scores weigh specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. A mattress described as medium firm or firm remains in the roundup when its materials or design may suit someone who wants cushioning with more resistance, but it ranks below the clearer soft-feel matches.
A topper is a different kind of choice: it adds a layer to a mattress rather than replacing it. We included full, queen and king toppers for readers who want to adjust an existing bed, and labeled them clearly so they aren't confused with standalone mattresses.
If you want a broader comparison of beds for this sleep position, see our best mattress for side sleepers guide.
| Product | Best for | Feel | Construction | Height | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Signature Design by Ashley 12 Inch Memory | balanced cushioning | Medium firm | Memory foam | 12 in | 9.7 |
| Niagara Sleep Solution Full Ultra Soft Mattress | a softer feel on a full bed | 9.6 | |||
| BEDLORE Queen Mattress Topper | adding a plush queen layer | 2 in after expansion | 9.3 | ||
| Novilla Bliss Mattress Queen Size | medium-plush foam comfort | Medium plush | Memory foam | 14 in | 9.2 |
| Generic Queen Size 12 Inch Hybrid Mattress | a cushioned hybrid feel | Medium firm | Pocket springs and memory foam | 12 in | 9.1 |
| UniPon 14 inch Queen Size Mattress | zoned shoulder support | Medium firm | Pocket springs and gel memory foam | 14 in | 9.1 |
| Amazon Basics Soft Plush Feel Memory Foam | a clearly plush mattress | Plush | Memory foam | 12 in | 9.0 |
| COOL GEL Chill Memory Foam 14-Inch Mattress | a thicker foam profile | Firm | Gel memory foam | 14 in | 9.0 |
| NightHug King Mattress Topper | cushioning a king mattress | 8.5 |
Best soft mattress options for side sleepers
The Amazon Basics mattress is the clearest plush pick, while toppers help soften a mattress you already own. The other mattresses here offer different levels of contouring, thickness and resistance.
Signature Design by Ashley 12 Inch Memory: Best for balanced cushioning
- 12 in memory foam
- Medium-firm feel
- Pressure-relieving design
- Compatible with most frames, including adjustable bases
A memory foam layer contours to the body, while the medium-firm feel offers a more balanced option for side sleepers who don't want a deeply plush surface.
Pros
- Memory foam contours to pressure points
- Low motion transfer
- Compatible with most frames
Cons
- Medium firm rather than soft
- Foundation or box spring sold separately
The Signature Design by Ashley 12 Inch Memory uses a thick memory foam layer that contours to the body. Its medium-firm feel makes it a better match for side sleepers who want some cushioning without the deeper sink of a plush mattress.
Ashley describes the foam as pressure relieving and designed to cradle pressure points. Its stretch knit cover adds a surface layer, and the mattress is compatible with most frames, including adjustable bases.
The 12-inch mattress ships compressed and expands after unboxing. Allow up to 48 hours for full expansion, and remember that the foundation or box spring is sold separately.
Choose this if you want foam contouring but don't want a fully soft feel. If you need a larger size, compare our guide to best king mattress for side sleepers.
Niagara Sleep Solution Full Ultra Soft Mattress: Best for a softer feel on a full bed
- Full size, 54 x 75 in
- Rayon derived from bamboo fiber
- Fits mattresses 8–20 in deep
- Machine washable
This ultra-soft full-size topper adds cushioning to an existing mattress. Its deep pocket and stretchy sides help it fit mattresses from 8 to 20 inches deep.
Pros
- Ultra-soft feel
- Machine washable
- Deep pocket with stretchy sides
Cons
- A topper, not a mattress
- Full size only
The Niagara Sleep Solution Full Ultra Soft Mattress is a full-size topper, not a standalone mattress. Its rayon-derived bamboo fiber surface and extra cushioning offer a way to make an existing full bed feel softer.
The deep pocket fits mattresses from 8 to 20 inches deep, and stretchy sides help hold it in place. It is machine washable, which can be useful if you want a removable layer that can be cleaned.
After opening the compressed package, shake and pat the topper, then leave it for 48 hours or tumble dry on low for 20 minutes. Choose it when the mattress underneath is still supportive and you mainly want a softer surface.
BEDLORE Queen Mattress Topper: Best for adding a plush queen layer
- Queen size
- 2 in thick after expansion
- Bamboo viscose and polyester fabric
- Machine washable
This queen topper adds a 2-inch soft layer to a mattress. The deep elastic pocket fits mattresses from 6 to 18 inches deep.
Pros
- Soft feel
- Deep elastic pocket
- Machine washable
Cons
- A topper, not a mattress
- Needs time to expand after unpacking
The BEDLORE Queen Mattress Topper adds a 2-inch soft layer after full expansion. Its bamboo viscose and polyester fabric, deep elastic pocket and machine-washable design suit shoppers who want to change a queen mattress surface without replacing the bed.
The pocket fits mattresses from 6 to 18 inches deep. BEDLORE recommends allowing 48 hours for natural expansion, or using a low-heat tumble dry for 20 minutes to fluff it faster.
A topper can soften the surface, but it won't change the support or firmness of the mattress below. Pick this if your queen mattress feels too firm at the shoulders or hips and its underlying support still works for you.
Novilla Bliss Mattress Queen Size: Best for medium-plush foam comfort
- 14 in memory foam
- Medium-plush feel
- Three foam layers
- Breathable knit cover
Novilla's three-layer foam design combines a contouring gel memory foam layer with comfort and support layers. Its medium-plush feel offers cushioning without being described as fully soft.
Pros
- Medium-plush feel
- Pressure-relieving design
- Motion absorption through the layers
Cons
- Not described as a soft or plush mattress
- Allow up to 72 hours for full expansion
The Novilla Bliss Mattress Queen Size has a medium-plush feel and a three-layer foam design. Its gel memory foam layer contours to the body, while the other layers are described as comfort and support layers.
A breathable knit cover and gel memory foam are intended to help manage heat, according to Novilla. The brand also describes the layers as absorbing movement, which may matter if a partner's movement wakes you.
This is a queen mattress in a box that typically regains its full shape within 72 hours. Choose it if you want a cushioned feel with more support than the clearly plush Amazon Basics option.
If queen size is your priority, compare our best queen mattress for side sleepers picks.
Generic Queen Size 12 Inch Hybrid Mattress: Best for a cushioned hybrid feel
- 12 in hybrid construction
- Pocket springs and memory foam
- Medium-firm feel
- Slatted base compatible
This hybrid combines pocket springs with responsive memory foam for contouring and support. Its medium-firm feel may suit side sleepers who want cushioning but not a deeply soft mattress.
Pros
- Foam conforms to body curves
- Pocket springs move independently
- Fits a slatted base
Cons
- Medium firm rather than plush
- Brand is listed as Generic
The Generic Queen Size 12 Inch Hybrid Mattress pairs pocket springs with responsive memory foam. It has a medium-firm feel, so it is a more supportive alternative for side sleepers who want some foam contouring without a plush surface.
The foam is described as conforming to body curves, while the independent springs provide support and reduce motion transfer. Its 12-inch hybrid build is compatible with a slatted base.
It ships compressed and is described as expanding within 24 to 48 hours. Consider it if you share a bed or prefer a spring-supported feel, but choose a softer mattress if deep cushioning is the main goal.
UniPon 14 inch Queen Size Mattress: Best for zoned shoulder support
- 14 in hybrid construction
- Zoned shoulder and lumbar support
- Gel memory foam and pocket springs
- Medium-firm feel
UniPon describes zoned support for the shoulders, lower back, hips and waist. Its medium-firm feel and hybrid build are better suited to side sleepers seeking targeted support than those wanting a distinctly soft bed.
Pros
- Zoned shoulder and lumbar support
- Gel memory foam comfort layer
- Individually wrapped pocket springs
Cons
- Medium firm rather than plush
- No size or firmness customization is described
The UniPon 14 inch Queen Size Mattress combines gel memory foam with pocket springs and a medium-firm feel. Its stated zoned support focuses on the shoulders, lower back, hips and waist, making it an option for side sleepers who want targeted support more than a plush surface.
The open pocket spring construction is designed to promote airflow, and the individually wrapped coils are described as absorbing motion. UniPon says the foam is CertiPUR-US certified and the fabric is OEKO-TEX certified.
This mattress arrives compressed and rolled; allow 24 to 72 hours for full expansion. Its firmness description is at odds with the soft-mattress goal, so choose it only if you prefer a firmer hybrid feel.
Amazon Basics Soft Plush Feel Memory Foam: Best for a clearly plush mattress
- 12 in memory foam
- Plush feel
- Three foam layers
- Breathable holes in the middle layer
This 12-inch memory foam mattress has a plush feel and a top layer that conforms to different sleep positions. It is the most direct match here for side sleepers who prefer a soft mattress.
Pros
- Plush feel
- Memory foam conforms to the body
- Three-layer design
Cons
- Allow up to 72 hours for full expansion
- Softness preference varies by sleeper
The Amazon Basics Soft Plush Feel Memory Foam is the most direct match for a soft mattress in this group. Its 12-inch profile has a plush feel, with a memory foam top layer that conforms to the body.
The mattress uses three foam layers: memory foam on top, a middle layer with breathable holes, and a convoluted foam base. The foam is CertiPUR-US certified, and the top fabric is Oeko-Tex certified.
It arrives vacuum packed and may take up to 72 hours to expand fully. Side sleepers who prefer a soft, contouring surface should start here; those who want more resistance can compare the medium-plush Novilla or medium-firm Ashley.
COOL GEL Chill Memory Foam 14-Inch Mattress: Best for a thicker foam profile
- 14 in gel memory foam
- Cooling gel foam layers
- Pressure relief for shoulders and hips
- Compatible with adjustable bases
This 14-inch gel memory foam mattress has a thicker cushioning profile and is described as firm. It may fit side sleepers who want substantial foam layers but prefer more resistance than a soft mattress.
Pros
- 14-inch profile
- Gel memory foam layers
- Compatible with adjustable bases
Cons
- Firm feel may not suit shoppers seeking plush comfort
- Allow up to 72 hours for full expansion
The COOL GEL Chill Memory Foam 14-Inch Mattress has a firm feel, despite its thick foam profile. Its cooling gel memory foam layers are described as contouring around the shoulders, hips and back, but the firm label may not suit someone seeking a plush side sleeper mattress.
The mattress is 14 inches thick and includes two pillows. It is compatible with platform beds, slatted frames, box springs and adjustable bases, and the foam is CertiPUR-US certified.
Allow up to 72 hours for full expansion after unboxing. This is a better fit for side sleepers who like substantial foam construction with a firm surface than for anyone specifically seeking a soft bed.
Check our guide to what mattresses work with adjustable bases if you plan to pair a mattress with a moving frame.
NightHug King Mattress Topper: Best for cushioning a king mattress
- King size
- Shredded memory foam fill
- Fits mattresses 8–21 in deep
- Spot clean only
This king topper uses shredded memory foam fill to cushion the shoulders and hips. Its medium-firm feel is less plush than a soft mattress, but it can add a foam layer to an existing bed.
Pros
- Shredded memory foam fill
- Deep pocket fit
- Breathable air layer
Cons
- Medium-firm feel
- Spot clean only
The NightHug King Mattress Topper adds a shredded memory foam layer to a king mattress. Its medium-firm feel makes it less plush than the soft toppers here, but the foam fill may add cushioning around the shoulders and hips.
The integrated elastic pocket fits mattresses from 8 to 21 inches deep, and the breathable air layer is designed to support airflow. Care is spot cleaning only, so it isn't the best choice if you need a washable topper.
Choose it to add a foam layer to a king bed while keeping the underlying mattress. For more pillow-top options, see our guide to best pillow top mattress king.
How soft should a side sleeper mattress feel?
A side sleeper mattress should feel cushioned enough for your shoulders and hips while still keeping you comfortable through the night. The right feel varies by body shape, weight and preference, so use firmness labels as a starting point rather than a guarantee.
The products here range from plush to firm. Amazon Basics is labeled plush, Novilla medium plush, and Ashley, Generic and UniPon medium firm; COOL GEL is firm.
Toppers offer a way to add softness without replacing a mattress, though they don't change its support underneath.
If you also sleep on your back, a softer bed may feel different in that position. Our guide to best mattress for side and back sleepers covers the tradeoff.
Should you buy a soft mattress or a topper?
Buy a soft mattress if you want the entire sleep surface to have a softer feel. Choose a topper when the mattress beneath you still feels supportive and you only want to add cushioning at the surface.
The Amazon Basics mattress is the clearest plush standalone option in this group. For an existing full mattress, Niagara adds an ultra-soft washable layer; for a queen, BEDLORE adds a 2-inch soft layer after expansion.
Check topper dimensions and pocket depth against your mattress before choosing. A topper that shifts or doesn't fit the bed can make the surface less comfortable.
What should side sleepers check before choosing a plush mattress?
Check the stated firmness, comfort layers, size and setup details before choosing a plush mattress. A soft label can help narrow your choices, but construction and your personal comfort preference still matter.
Memory foam can contour around pressure points; hybrid designs pair foam with springs for a different feel. If you share the bed, motion transfer may also matter, while hot sleepers may want to review the surface fabric and cooling features described for each model.
Measure your bed frame and check the mattress height before ordering. For a compressed mattress, leave room for it to expand and follow the brand's setup instructions.
Which soft mattress should side sleepers choose?
Choose Amazon Basics if you want a mattress explicitly described as plush, Novilla if you prefer medium-plush foam, and Ashley if you want memory foam with a medium-firm feel. Pick a topper when you want to soften a mattress you already own, matching the topper size to your bed.
The best soft mattress for side sleepers is the one that gives you the cushioning you prefer while remaining comfortable in your usual sleep position. If discomfort or sleep problems continue, talk with a health professional.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for balanced cushioning
Signature Design by Ashley 12 Inch Memory
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for a softer feel on a full bed
Niagara Sleep Solution Full Ultra Soft Mattress
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Frequently asked questions
Is a soft mattress better for side sleepers?
A soft mattress can cushion the shoulders and hips where side sleepers press into the bed. The right feel depends on your body and comfort preference, so look for enough cushioning while keeping your spine in a comfortable position.
If pain continues or affects sleep, ask a health professional for advice.
What firmness should side sleepers choose?
Side sleepers often look for a softer or medium-plush feel to cushion pressure points at the shoulders and hips. A mattress that feels too soft to you may make it harder to stay comfortable, so consider your body size and preferred sleeping position as well as the firmness label.
Can a topper make a mattress softer?
Yes. A soft or plush topper can add a cushioning layer to a mattress that feels too firm, though it won't change the support underneath.
BEDLORE's queen topper is 2 inches thick after expansion, while Niagara's full topper adds an ultra-soft layer.
Are memory foam mattresses good for side sleepers?
Memory foam can contour around the shoulders and hips, which may help reduce pressure for side sleepers. Feel varies by model: the Amazon Basics mattress is plush, while the Ashley mattress is medium firm.
Check the firmness description and comfort layers together.
Should I choose a soft mattress or a pillow top?
A soft mattress has a softer overall feel, while a pillow top adds a cushioned surface layer. A topper can also add softness without replacing the mattress.
For more on the built-in cushioning style, see our guide to the best pillow top mattress king.
