9 Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers (October 2026)
The best mattresses for side sleepers include the Lucid 10 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress for medium feel, the MLILY EGOHOME Queen 14 inch Memory Foam for a deeper foam profile, and the EGOHOME Queen Mattress 10 Inch for green tea gel foam.
On this page (6 sections)
The best mattress for side sleepers should cushion your shoulders and hips while keeping your body supported. If you are choosing between a full and queen, see our full vs queen mattress guide.
The Lucid has a medium feel, while the Novilla offers a medium plush surface; the UniPon hybrid adds zoned support around the shoulder area.
Side sleeping puts more of your weight on a narrower set of pressure points than back sleeping. A mattress that feels too firm can make the shoulder feel compressed, while one that lets your hips sink too far may feel misaligned.
We compared the materials, stated feel, support features and setup details for these options. Use the product details and your own comfort preferences to narrow the choice, since firmness can feel different from one person to another.
If you're still deciding what feel or construction might suit you, start with What Kind of Mattress Do I Need? A Quiz to Find Out.
Our guide to the types of mattresses explains common foam and hybrid designs.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
-
2
Best for a deeper foam profileMLILY EGOHOME Queen 14 inch Memory Foam
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
- 4
Check itZinus 12 Inch Queen Green Tea Memory
Best for zoned pressure relief - 5
Check itGeneric Queen Size 12 Inch Hybrid Mattress
Best for pocket spring airflow - 6
Check itNiagara Sleep Solution Queen Ultra Soft Mattress
Best for adding a soft layer - 7
Check itNovilla Bliss Mattress Queen Size
Best for medium plush contour - 8
Check itUniPon 14 inch Queen Size Mattress
Best for zoned shoulder support - 9
Check itZinus 8 Inch Full Cooling Essential Memory
Best for a compact full bed
How we chose mattresses for side sleepers
The best mattress for side sleepers balances pressure cushioning with steady support. We compared each option's stated feel, materials, construction and features connected to shoulder or hip comfort.
A soft surface can feel pleasant at first, but side sleepers also need the mattress to support their body rather than letting the hips drop too far. Consider your usual position, body shape and whether you prefer a close foam contour or a more responsive hybrid feel.
The scores reflect how closely each option's features match side sleeping, along with its stated feel and support details. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
| Product | Best for | Feel | Height | Material | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lucid 10 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress | medium feel | Medium | 10 in | Gel memory foam | 9.7 |
| MLILY EGOHOME Queen 14 inch Memory Foam | a deeper foam profile | Medium firm | 14 in | Memory foam | 9.6 |
| EGOHOME Queen Mattress 10 Inch | green tea gel foam | Medium firm | 10 in | Green tea gel memory foam | 9.6 |
| Zinus 12 Inch Queen Green Tea Memory | zoned pressure relief | Medium firm | 12 in | Memory foam | 9.5 |
| Generic Queen Size 12 Inch Hybrid Mattress | pocket spring airflow | Medium firm | 12 in | Pocket springs and memory foam | 9.4 |
| Niagara Sleep Solution Queen Ultra Soft Mattress | adding a soft layer | Ultra soft | 9.3 | ||
| Novilla Bliss Mattress Queen Size | medium plush contour | Medium plush | 14 in | Gel memory foam | 9.3 |
| UniPon 14 inch Queen Size Mattress | zoned shoulder support | Medium firm | 14 in | Gel memory foam and pocket springs | 9.0 |
| Zinus 8 Inch Full Cooling Essential Memory | a compact full bed | Medium | 8 in | Cooling gel memory foam | 9.0 |
Mattress picks for side sleepers
These mattresses cover a range of feels and constructions, from medium foam to medium plush foam and pocket spring hybrids. Choose the surface feel that gives your shoulder room to settle while keeping your hips supported.
Lucid 10 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress: Best for medium feel
- 10 in profile
- Gel memory foam
- Medium feel
- Compatible with adjustable bases
The medium feel balances contouring comfort with steady support. Its 3 in gel foam layer cushions pressure points above a transition layer and high-density base.
Pros
- Medium feel balances contour and support
- Gel foam comfort layer
- Works with adjustable bases
Cons
- Medium may feel too firm for sleepers who want a plush surface
Lucid's 10 in gel memory foam mattress has a medium feel that balances contouring comfort with steady support. Its 3 in gel foam comfort layer sits above a 1.5 in transition layer and a 5.5 in high-density base.
That layered build gives side sleepers a clear mix of cushioning and support. Lucid says the gel infusion draws heat away from the body, and bamboo charcoal absorbs moisture.
This can suit you if you want foam contouring but do not want a distinctly plush mattress. The medium feel may be less comfortable if your shoulder needs a softer surface or you prefer a deeper sink.
The mattress is compatible with adjustable bases, platform frames and slatted frames. Lucid backs it with a 10-year limited warranty.
MLILY EGOHOME Queen 14 inch Memory Foam: Best for a deeper foam profile
- 14 in profile
- Medium firm feel
- Copper gel aerofuion memory foam
- Graphene technology cover
This 14 in foam mattress pairs a medium firm feel with a high-density base designed to support the neck and shoulders. Allow 12 hours for it to expand.
Pros
- 14 in profile
- Copper gel aerofuion memory foam
- 10-year limited warranty
Cons
- No trial period; opened mattresses cannot be returned
The MLILY EGOHOME mattress offers a 14 in profile and medium firm feel. If you want a queen at this height, compare these 14-inch queen mattress options.
Its top layer is copper gel aerofuion memory foam, with Adaptifoam and a high-density base below.
The base foam is designed to support the neck and shoulder, while the upper memory foam layer provides contouring. This combination may suit side sleepers who want a deeper foam profile and prefer a firmer surface than medium plush.
The cover uses graphene technology, and MLILY says it is designed to regulate body temperature. Allow 12 hours for the mattress to expand after unboxing.
There is no trial period, and opened mattresses cannot be returned. Check those return terms carefully if you are unsure whether a medium firm feel will cushion your shoulder enough.
EGOHOME Queen Mattress 10 Inch: Best for green tea gel foam
- 10 in profile
- Medium firm feel
- Green tea gel memory foam
- Breathable bubble-hole structure
A medium firm memory foam surface and green tea gel give this 10 in option a balance of contouring and support. EGOHOME says its foam's bubble-hole structure supports airflow.
Pros
- 10 in profile
- Medium firm feel
- Green tea gel infusion
Cons
- No trial period or warranty terms are specified in the product details
The EGOHOME 10 in mattress pairs a medium firm feel with green tea gel memory foam. The foam's bubble-hole structure is designed to support airflow, and the mattress is intended to adapt to changes in sleeping posture.
That medium firm surface may suit side sleepers who want contour without a notably plush feel. The 10 in profile is also a straightforward choice if you do not need a taller mattress.
EGOHOME says the green tea gel helps regulate body temperature. The mattress is made from memory foam and comes in a queen size.
The product details give a 10-year warranty, but no trial or return terms. Check the terms before ordering if a trial period is important to your decision.
Zinus 12 Inch Queen Green Tea Memory: Best for zoned pressure relief
- 12 in profile
- Medium firm feel
- Zoned pressure relief
- Green tea extract and purified charcoal
Zinus uses zoned pressure relief to target cushioning and support across the body. Its medium firm feel offers contouring with a more supportive surface.
Pros
- Zoned pressure relief
- Medium firm feel
- 10-year limited warranty
Cons
- May not suit sleepers who prefer a distinctly soft feel
Zinus gives this 12 in mattress a medium firm feel and zoned pressure relief. The foam is designed to contour to the body, while the zoned system targets cushioning and support in different areas.
For side sleepers, that targeted approach may be useful around the shoulder and hip, where pressure can build. The medium firm feel is a better match for someone who wants support with some contouring than for someone seeking a plush, sinking surface.
Zinus says the foam is infused with green tea extract and purified charcoal to help neutralize odors. The mattress is fiberglass free, and its foam is CertiPUR-US certified.
It ships compressed and expands within 24–72 hours. Zinus backs it with a 10-year limited warranty.
Generic Queen Size 12 Inch Hybrid Mattress: Best for pocket spring airflow
- 12 in profile
- Medium firm feel
- Pocket springs and memory foam
- 100-night trial
This hybrid combines pocket springs with responsive memory foam for cushioning and support. Its medium firm feel is designed to give side sleepers some shoulder softness.
Pros
- Foam and pocket spring construction
- Medium firm feel
- 100-night trial
Cons
- Generic brand; confirm return and warranty terms before buying
This 12 in hybrid pairs independent pocket springs with responsive memory foam. For a closer look at a specific hybrid, read our Nectar Premier Hybrid review.
Its stated medium firm feel aims to leave enough softness for side sleepers' shoulders while maintaining support for other positions.
The separate spring units are described as reducing motion transfer, which can matter if you share a bed. Airflow channels between the springs and foam, along with breathable side fabric, are intended to help reduce heat buildup.
The combination may fit side sleepers who want a more spring-based feel than an all-foam mattress. The brand is Generic, so review the trial and warranty terms before you buy.
It is described as compatible with a slatted base, box spring or floor. Follow its unpacking instructions and allow 24–48 hours for expansion.
Niagara Sleep Solution Queen Ultra Soft Mattress: Best for adding a soft layer
- Ultra-soft mattress topper
- Rayon derived from bamboo fiber
- Fits mattresses 8–20 in deep
- Machine washable
This is a topper, not a mattress. Its extra cushioning may soften a side sleeper's current surface, but it won't change the support underneath.
Pros
- Adds a soft cushion layer
- Fits mattresses 8–20 in deep
- Machine washable
Cons
- Does not replace a mattress or correct inadequate support
This Niagara Sleep Solution item is a mattress topper, not a mattress. Its ultra-soft bamboo-derived rayon surface adds a cushion layer that may make a slightly firm mattress feel softer for side sleeping.
It fits mattresses 8–20 in deep and has a deep pocket with stretchy sides. The topper is machine washable, which can make routine care simpler.
A topper changes the feel of the surface but does not change the support beneath it. If your mattress sags or your hips sink too far, adding a softer layer may not solve the underlying comfort problem.
Consider it when the mattress is otherwise supportive and you only want extra softness at the shoulder. For more options that change the sleep surface, see our best king size pillow top mattress choices.
Novilla Bliss Mattress Queen Size: Best for medium plush contour
- 14 in profile
- Medium plush feel
- NanoGel memory foam
- Three foam layers
The medium plush feel and NanoGel memory foam are suited to side sleepers who want more contouring around the shoulders and hips. Novilla describes its three-layer design as supporting spinal alignment.
Pros
- Medium plush feel
- Gel memory foam comfort layer
- 100-day trial
Cons
- May feel too soft for sleepers who prefer a firmer surface
Novilla's 14 in mattress has a medium plush feel and a three-layer foam design. NanoGel memory foam contours to the body, while the comfort and support layers are designed to distribute weight and ease pressure around areas such as the back and hips.
The softer feel may suit a side sleeper who wants more cushioning around the shoulder than a medium firm mattress provides. Its breathable knit cover and gel memory foam are described as helping manage heat and moisture.
Novilla says the mattress helps promote spinal alignment and reduce movement transfer. Those are design claims, so focus on whether the feel and construction match your comfort needs.
The mattress arrives compressed and typically regains its shape within 72 hours. Novilla offers a 100-day trial and 10-year protection.
UniPon 14 inch Queen Size Mattress: Best for zoned shoulder support
- 14 in profile
- Hybrid pocket spring design
- Zoned support
- Gel memory foam
UniPon describes a zoned system with reinforced support for the shoulders, lower back, hips and waist. Its pocket springs and gel memory foam combine a support layer with surface cushioning.
Pros
- Zoned support includes the shoulder area
- Gel memory foam and pocket springs
- Motion isolation from individually wrapped coils
Cons
- The product details describe its feel both as medium firm and firm to extra firm
UniPon combines gel memory foam with more than 760 pocket springs in a 14 in hybrid. Its zoned system is described as providing reinforced support at the shoulders, lower back, hips and waist.
That shoulder focus makes it a notable option for side sleepers who want targeted support rather than an even feel across the mattress. The pocket springs are also designed to reduce motion transfer and improve airflow.
There is a firmness detail to check: the product title and specs call it medium firm, while its description says firm to extra firm. Those labels point to different feels, so look for current firmness and return details before deciding.
It is compressed in a box for setup. The stated dimensions are 80 x 60 x 14 in, the standard queen size.
Zinus 8 Inch Full Cooling Essential Memory: Best for a compact full bed
- 8 in profile
- Medium feel
- Cooling gel memory foam
- Full size
The medium feel and foam that contours around shoulders and hips make this a simple option for a full bed. Its 8 in profile suits setups where a taller mattress is not needed.
Pros
- Medium feel cushions without a plush sink
- Cooling gel memory foam
- Compatible with platform, slatted and adjustable bases
Cons
- Full size only in this model
The Zinus Cooling Essential has a medium feel and an 8 in profile in full size. Its cooling gel memory foam contours around the shoulders and hips, while the medium surface aims to cushion without too much sink.
This is a compact option for a full bed, guest room or a setup where a taller mattress is not needed. It is not the right choice if you need a queen size, since this model is full.
Zinus says the gel foam pulls heat away from the body. The mattress is compatible with platform beds, box springs, slatted frames and adjustable bases.
It arrives compressed and needs 24–72 hours to expand. Zinus backs it with a 10-year limited warranty.
What should side sleepers look for in a mattress?
Side sleepers should look for enough surface cushioning at the shoulder and hip, paired with support that keeps the rest of the body from sinking too far. A medium or medium plush feel is a useful starting point, though your body and comfort preferences affect the result.
Memory foam can contour closely around pressure points, while a hybrid adds coils under its comfort layers. A mattress with zoned support may target areas such as the shoulder, but check the stated feel as well as the feature name.
If you sleep with a partner, consider motion isolation. Foam and individually wrapped pocket springs are both described as absorbing movement in some of these options.
Is medium firm too firm for side sleeping?
Medium firm is not automatically too firm for side sleeping, but it can feel less forgiving at the shoulder than a medium plush surface. If you prefer a close, cushioned feel, compare the Novilla's medium plush surface with firmer choices.
Your body weight and shape change how much you sink into a mattress. Use the firmness label as a guide, then review comfort layers, return terms and trial conditions before buying.
For a size-specific comparison, see our best queen mattress for side sleepers guide. If you're buying for an older adult, our best mattress for seniors guide covers needs that may shape the choice.
Can a mattress topper soften a bed for side sleeping?
A topper can add surface cushioning if the mattress beneath it still provides sound support. The Niagara option here fits mattresses 8–20 in deep and adds an ultra-soft layer.
A topper is not a replacement for a mattress that sags or feels uneven. Check its dimensions and depth range, and consider whether more surface softness could make your hips sink farther.
If delivery in a box matters, compare the setup details in our best mattresses in a box for side sleepers guide. A separate best mattress for guest room guide can help when the bed must work for different visitors.
How do you choose the best mattress for side sleepers?
Choose a medium or medium plush surface if you want more shoulder cushioning, then compare the support layers and any zoned features. Pick the Lucid for a medium foam feel, the Novilla for a softer medium plush contour, or the UniPon if its shoulder zoning and firmness terms suit you.
The right mattress should feel comfortable at the shoulder without letting the hips sink more than you prefer. Compare dimensions, setup time and return terms before you buy, and talk with a health care professional about ongoing pain or sleep problems.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
-
2
Best for a deeper foam profile
MLILY EGOHOME Queen 14 inch Memory Foam
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Frequently asked questions
What firmness is best for a side sleeper?
Many side sleepers prefer a medium or medium plush feel because it can cushion the shoulders and hips while still supporting the body. Your weight, shape and comfort preference affect how a mattress feels, so use firmness labels as a starting point.
If pain continues or affects your sleep, talk with a health care professional.
Are memory foam mattresses good for side sleepers?
Memory foam can contour around the shoulders and hips, which may help reduce pressure on those areas when you sleep on your side. Compare the feel and support layers, since foam mattresses range from plush to firm.
A mattress that feels too soft may let your hips sink more than you want.
Are hybrid mattresses good for side sleeping?
A hybrid combines foam or other comfort layers with coils, so it can offer surface cushioning along with spring support. Look for clear details about the comfort layer and feel, then consider whether the shoulder area gets enough room to settle in.
The word hybrid alone does not tell you how soft the surface will feel.
Can a mattress topper help side sleepers?
A soft topper can add cushioning to a mattress that feels slightly too firm. It does not replace the support of the mattress below, so it may not help if that mattress sags or feels uneven.
Check that the topper fits your mattress depth and bed size.
How do I choose a mattress for side sleeping?
Start with the feel you prefer, then compare how the comfort layer cushions your shoulders and hips and how the base supports your body. Check mattress height, dimensions, return terms and warranty before choosing.
If you share a bed, consider whether motion isolation matters to you.
