Best Mattress for Side Sleepers (2026 Guide)

If you’re a strict side sleeper and are having trouble finding the right mattress, you’re going to want to read this.

It’s 2026, and finding the right mattress is still really difficult for a lot of people. That just shouldn’t be the case anymore! Unfortunately, there are a million different mattress choices out there, which makes deciding ever so difficult, and of course very confusing.

What makes it worse is that almost all of these mattress brands, especially the ones that are rolled and delivered in a box, claim that their mattress is the best for everyone. It’s absolutely crazy! Every single one of them claims that their mattress is perfect for all sleep positions. We’ve even seen some labelled “Best mattress in Canada”… said who?!

Anyway, that’s my little rant over, let’s get to business.

Why Side Sleepers Need a Specific Type of Mattress

If you’re a side sleeper, the two main parts of your body that apply the most pressure onto the mattress are:

Shoulders
Hips

Because of this, your mattress must provide proper pressure relief and contouring, especially in these areas. Without it, you’ll likely experience discomfort, poor spinal alignment, and restless sleep.

Best Materials for Side Sleepers (Pressure Relief Matters)

It really doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure this out:

👉 You need a mattress with pressure-relieving comfort layers

The best options are:

These materials contour to your body and help reduce pressure points, making them ideal for side sleepers.

Choosing the Right Firmness Based on Body Weight

Firmness is just as important as material. Here’s a simple rule:

Lighter sleepers (under ~175 lbs): Softer mattresses work best
Average sleepers (175–225 lbs): Medium to medium-plush
Heavier sleepers (225+ lbs): Slightly firmer support is needed

⚠️ Important:
Don’t go too firm. If your mattress is too firm, your shoulders and hips will feel like they’re pushing against the mattress—and that’s exactly what we want to avoid.

The Non-Negotiable Rule for Side Sleepers

Before we go any further, let’s make one thing clear:

👉 You NEED a pressure-relieving comfort layer (memory foam or organic latex) on top.

From there:

Lighter = softer
Heavier = firmer
Average = somewhere in between

Simple as that.

Memory Foam vs Organic Latex: Which Is Better?

Now let’s help you decide between memory foam and organic latex.

Choose Memory Foam If You Want:

A cooler sleep surface (especially with gel or copper-infused foam)
Less motion transfer (great if your partner moves a lot)
A more body-hugging feel

(Quick note: most modern memory foams are cooling—this isn’t the old-school heat-trapping foam anymore.)

Choose Organic Latex If You Want:

A more natural, organic mattress
Fewer synthetics or chemicals
A bouncier, more responsive feel
A material that holds its shape longer

Why We Recommend Hybrid Mattresses

At Sleep Masters Canada, we are not big fans of fully foam mattresses for most people.

👉 We strongly recommend hybrid mattresses.

These combine:

Pocket coil support cores (for durability and support)
Memory Foam or latex comfort layers (for pressure relief)

This gives you the best of both worlds:

Support + comfort
Durability + pressure relief

Best Hybrid Memory Foam Mattresses for Side Sleepers

Lightweight Sleepers (125–175 lbs)

Average Sleepers (175–225 lbs)

Heavier Sleepers (225+ lbs)

Best Hybrid Organic Latex Mattresses for Side Sleepers

Lightweight & Average Sleepers (125–225 lbs)

Dreamstar Double Life Latex Plush Flippable Mattress

Heavier Sleepers (225+ lbs)

Organic Meadow Hybrid Firm Mattress

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

There you have it.

I’m not going to step over the line and tell you that these are the best mattresses for everyone, but if you fall within these categories, the chances are very high that you’ll be happy with one of these options.

If you’re still unsure, and would like help choosing the best mattress for your needs, feel free to use our Mattress Selector Tool, and we’ll get back to you with a personalized recommendation.

Bottom Line

Finding the best mattress for side sleepers really is not rocket science.

👉 All you need is:

A good quality pressure-relieving mattress
The right firmness level for your body weight

That’s it.

Author: Ali Yalbirdak (Owner of Sleep Masters Canada)