Question 1

What type of mattress is best for side sleepers?

Accepted Answer

Memory foam and hybrid mattresses are generally considered the best mattress types for side sleepers. Memory foam contours closely to the body, cushioning pressure points at the shoulders and hips. Hybrid mattresses combine contouring comfort layers with coil support, offering both pressure relief and breathability. Latex provides similar contouring with added durability and a more responsive feel. Rooms To Go carries mattresses from brands like Tempur-Pedic, Beautyrest, and Stearns & Foster that are well-suited to side sleepers.

Question 2

What firmness level should side sleepers look for in a mattress?

Accepted Answer

Side sleepers typically sleep best on a medium-soft to medium firmness mattress. This level of firmness allows the shoulders and hips to sink in enough to relieve pressure while still supporting spinal alignment. Lighter sleepers may prefer a softer feel, while heavier sleepers often need a medium or medium-firm option to avoid sinking too deeply. Options like plush pillow tops and medium hybrid mattresses available at Rooms To Go are designed with this balance in mind.

Question 3

Is memory foam or a hybrid mattress better for side sleepers?

Accepted Answer

Memory foam mattresses offers deep contouring and excellent pressure relief, making it a strong choice for side sleepers who prioritize cushioning at the shoulders and hips. Hybrid mattresses add a coil support layer beneath the foam comfort layers, which improves airflow, edge support, and overall responsiveness. Hybrid options are often preferred by those who sleep hot or share a bed, since the coil system promotes better air circulation. Both types are widely available across mattress brands at Rooms To Go.

Question 4

Why do side sleepers wake up with shoulder pain?

Accepted Answer

When a mattress is too firm, it does not allow the shoulder to sink in appropriately, creating concentrated pressure on the shoulder joint. This pressure can build up overnight and result in pain, numbness, or stiffness by morning. A mattress with adequate cushioning in the comfort layer helps the shoulder settle in while keeping the spine properly aligned. Choosing a medium-soft or plush mattress is often the most effective way to reduce shoulder pain for side sleepers.

Question 5

How does mattress thickness affect side sleepers?

Accepted Answer

Mattress thickness affects how well a mattress can accommodate the compression that occurs at the shoulders and hips during side sleeping. A mattress that is too thin may not have enough comfort material to cushion pressure points before bottoming out on the support core. For most side sleepers, a mattress with a substantial comfort layer above the support core provides the best pressure relief. Heavier sleepers generally benefit from a thicker overall profile to ensure the comfort layers do not compress fully under their weight.

Question 6

Do side sleepers need a special pillow?

Accepted Answer

Yes, side sleepers need a thicker, more supportive pillow than back or stomach sleepers. Because the shoulder creates a significant gap between the head and the mattress surface when lying on one's side, a low-loft pillow can cause the neck to tilt downward, creating misalignment. A pillow with enough height to keep the head level with the spine is essential for reducing neck and upper back strain. Even the right mattress for side sleeping cannot fully compensate for poor pillow support.

Side Sleeper Mattress

therapedic

Therapedic Alder Twin Mattress (3.9)

kingsdown

Kingsdown Turnbull Twin Mattress (4.3)

tuft & needle stitch

Tuft & Needle Stitch TN3.1 Queen Mattress (3.8)

posturepedic

Sealy Posturepedic Brierwood Queen Mattress (4.5)

beautysleep

Beauty Sleep Oceana Mist Medium Hybrid Queen Mattress (4.7)

therapedic

Therapedic Glasgow Full Mattress (4.8)

therapedic

Therapedic Hamel Full Mattress (4.6)

therapedic

Therapedic Aurora Queen Mattress (3.4)

beautyrest select

Beautyrest Select Broad Peak Medium Hybrid Queen Mattress (4.5)

therapedic

Therapedic Bahia Twin Mattress (4.2)

kingsdown

Kingsdown Hawke Twin Mattress (4.4)

casper

Casper Dream Queen Mattress (4.5)

therapedic

Therapedic Baldwin Twin Mattress (3.8)

therapedic

Therapedic Carrolton Queen Mattress

sealy

Sealy Correct Comfort Bradford Hill Twin Xl Mattress (4.6)

casper

Casper Cloud One Twin Xl Mattress (4.3)

stearns and foster

Stearns & Foster Lux Hybrid Elite Medium Twin Xl Mattress

casper

Casper Snow 2.0 Queen Mattress (4.5)

tuft & needle kids

Tuft & Needle Kids Glee Full Mattress

beautyrest world class

Beautyrest World Class Level Three Medium Pillow Top King Mattress (3.8)

beautyrest world class

Beautyrest World Class Level Four Plush Pillow Top King Mattress

beautyrest black

Beautyrest Black Series Four Plush Summit Pillow Top King Mattress (4.7)

beautyrest black

Beautyrest Black Series Three Plush Pillow Top King Mattress (4.7)

beautyrest black

Beautyrest Black Series Three Medium Pillow Top King Mattress (4.7)

Frequently Asked Questions About Mattresses for Side Sleepers

Frequently Asked Questions About Mattresses for Side Sleepers

Therapedic Alder Twin Mattress
(3.9
)

Kingsdown Turnbull Twin Mattress
(4.3
)

Tuft & Needle Stitch TN3.1 Queen Mattress
(3.8
)

Sealy Posturepedic Brierwood Queen Mattress
(4.5
)

Beauty Sleep Oceana Mist Medium Hybrid Queen Mattress
(4.7
)

Therapedic Glasgow Full Mattress
(4.8
)

Therapedic Hamel Full Mattress
(4.6
)

Therapedic Aurora Queen Mattress
(3.4
)

Beautyrest Select Broad Peak Medium Hybrid Queen Mattress
(4.5
)

Therapedic Bahia Twin Mattress
(4.2
)

Kingsdown Hawke Twin Mattress
(4.4
)

Casper Dream Queen Mattress
(4.5
)

Therapedic Baldwin Twin Mattress
(3.8
)

Sealy Correct Comfort Bradford Hill Twin Xl Mattress
(4.6
)

Casper Cloud One Twin Xl Mattress
(4.3
)

Casper Snow 2.0 Queen Mattress
(4.5
)

Beautyrest World Class Level Three Medium Pillow Top King Mattress
(3.8
)

Beautyrest Black Series Four Plush Summit Pillow Top King Mattress
(4.7
)

Beautyrest Black Series Three Plush Pillow Top King Mattress
(4.7
)

Beautyrest Black Series Three Medium Pillow Top King Mattress
(4.7
)