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Side sleeping is a common sleeping position for adults. In fact, a 2017 study found that participants spent an average of 54.1 percent of the time lying on their side.
When it comes to choosing a mattress for a side sleeper, you’re going to want a combination of pressure-relieving cushioning and responsive support. This will make sure your spine, shoulders, and hips stay in a neutral position.
Hybrid mattresses — which are a combination of classic innerspring and foam mattresses — can be an amazing option for side sleepers looking for that happy medium. A spring coil base is topped with layers of foam for a bed with a blend of cushion and support.
Luckily, we did the research to find some great options to consider as you look for the right hybrid mattress for sleeping on your side.
People can experience the same mattress in different ways depending on body type.
“It’s such a personal thing,” said Dr. Andrew Williams, president of the California Chiropractic Association. “Every person is a little different when they sleep, depending on body styles and body types. Side sleepers need entirely different support than someone sleeping on their back.”
Though mattresses can be different for everyone, there’s a general guideline for side sleepers that we followed when choosing our picks for best hybrid mattresses for side sleepers:
Support: Side sleepers typically want a mattress that will cushion the curves of their shoulders and hips, so we looked for options with enough foam to allow cradling but not so much that you’ll sink. Different coil systems (e.g., connected coils or individually pocketed coils) also offer different levels of support and responsiveness, so we made sure to include those options as well.
Safety: All of our picks listed comply with the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Federal Flammability Standard to ensure safety.
Customer reviews. We looked for stellar reviews from side sleepers on platforms like Google Shopping, Amazon, and company websites. When someone feels compelled to write a 5-star review of their new mattress, it likely means they consider it top tier.
Company reputation and transparency. All the companies we recommended adhere to federal safety standards and receive great feedback for their customer service and transparency.
Company policies. Each mattress has at least a 100-night trial period and a 10-year warranty so you can make sure it’s the right fit.
When shopping for your new hybrid mattress, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Materials
Hybrid mattresses are made of both coil support and foam comfort elements. Most hybrid mattresses feature multiple layers of foam — usually memory foam or latex — over a pocketed coil (aka individually wrapped coil) base.
Memory foam gives more of a “sinking” feeling and can be great for pressure relief, while latex is a natural alternative that’s more responsive.
In newer mattresses, the coil support layer is usually made up of hundreds — or even more than that — of individually encased coils that give the mattress most of its support. The support prevents you from sinking, helps with spinal alignment, and also helps minimize motion transfer when you move around.
Firmness
Williams typically recommends medium firmness to his side sleeper patients because it’s easy to add foam mattress toppers versus correct a mattress that’s too soft.
“You don’t want something that’s extra soft because you’re going to sink into it. A lot of people may like that initially, but their bodies react poorly to it over a 4- to 6-week period,” he says.
On the other end of the spectrum, a mattress that’s too firm can put added stress on the spine and aggravate pressure points.
Pressure relief
Side sleepers should look for options that relieve pressure at the areas that press deeper into the mattress: the shoulders and hips.
Hybrid mattresses can have great pressure relief depending on the foam layers, so make sure you’re checking out product descriptions and customer reviews to find mattress picks known for incorporating pressure-relieving foams.
Other mattress performance considerations
Take into account other qualities that are important to you. If you sleep with a partner, motion isolation is important to avoid disturbing them during the night. Some mattresses also feature cooling technology through special fabric covers or special gels integrated into the foam layers.
Company policies
A reputable company will offer you an extended at-home trial — look for at least 100 nights — and a warranty. In case the mattress doesn’t work out, look for companies that offer hassle-free return and refund policies.
Not only is sleeping on your side common, but it can also have some health benefits. When done correctly, or with the added benefits of a pillow between the knees, it can reduce lower back and joint pain.
It has also long been thought that side sleeping helps reduce snoring, a common symptom in obstructive sleep apnea.
In addition, a 2015 study found that lying on the left side — in addition to elevating the head and torso — reduces esophageal acid exposure, which may help relieve symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or acid reflux.
However, it’s possible sleeping on your side can result in shoulder pain or numbness, since you’re putting increased pressure on that area. That’s why choosing a mattress that adequately contours to your curves is key.
The best kind of mattress for side sleepers is one that’s soft to medium firm. In other words, a mattress that’s a 4.5 to 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale.
A plusher mattress like this will help provide pressure relief and support to the neck, hips, and shoulders.
A side sleeper needs a pillow that is tall enough to cradle their head and neck but not so tall that it pushes the neck out of alignment.
Pillows made from latex, shredded foam, memory foam, or other polyfoams can help provide consistent and stable support by responding to the varying pressures of the head and neck.
Additionally, a mattress topper may be a good addition to add plushness to your mattress if the one you chose still ends up feeling too firm for you.
A 2021 review of studies suggests that a mattress that supports proper spinal alignment will provide more quality sleep.
So, consider hybrid mattresses that include a supportive coil system and zoned support layers with softer foam around the shoulders.
Ensuring proper spinal alignment is an important consideration in any sleeping position, including the side.
Shoulder pain can be an issue for side sleepers, so look for a hybrid mattress with materials designed for pressure relief and contouring.
Latex or memory foam can both be good options.
Mattresses designed with softer foams around the shoulder area are also a good option.
A hybrid mattress can offer the blend of plushness and support that side sleepers crave. Look for options that support your shoulders, spine, and hips so you can rest easy and pain-free.
Last medically reviewed on August 22, 2023
How we reviewed this article:
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