Which Mattress Is Best for Side Sleepers?

✅ Quick Summary: Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers

Best Overall for Side Sleepers: Dreamstar Royal Riviera
Best Mattress for Lighter Side Sleepers: Serta iComfort Zeta Plush Mattress
Best Mattress for Average Side Sleepers: Beautyrest Harmony Lux Medium Pillowtop
Best Mattress for Heavy Side Sleepers: Serta iComfort Vista Firm Mattress

What Type of Mattress Is Best for Side Sleepers?

The best mattress for side sleepers is medium to medium-soft with strong pressure relief, especially around the shoulders and hips. Look for:

Contouring support to relieve pressure points
Responsive foam or latex to maintain spinal alignment
Zoned support systems for targeted comfort
Good motion isolation if sharing the bed

️ Top 4 Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers in Canada (2025)

1. Dreamstar Royal Riviera Mattress – Best Overall

Type: Memory Foam + Pocket Coils + Nano Coils
Why it’s great: Offers the perfect balance between plush pressure relief and targeted pocket coil support.
Ideal for: Side sleepers who may be anywhere between lighter to average sized, and want great motion isolation.
Bonus: Super durable.

2. Serta iComfort Zeta Plush Mattress – Best for Lighter People

Type: All-Foam with various layers of cooling memory foam
Why it’s great: Delivers deep pressure relief around the shoulders and hips while keeping you cool at night with graphite and gel memory foam.
Ideal for: Side sleepers who are on the lighter side, and love a hugging, body-contouring feel.
Bonus: Made with sustainable materials.

3. Beautyrest Harmony Lux Medium Pillowtop – Best for Average Sized People

Type: Pillowtop Hybrid with Gel Foam + Pocket Coils
Why it’s great: Pillowtop layer cradles pressure points while the precision coils support the spine.
Ideal for: Side sleepers who either like to shift positions, or need slightly more support to prevent excessive sinkage at the hips.
Bonus: Breathable and cool for hot sleepers.

4. Serta iComfort Vista Firm Mattress – Best for Heavier People

Type: Completely Foam with Gel Memory Foam
Why it’s great: Provides much needed firm support for heavier individuals, whilst still providing excellent pressure relief for the shoulders and hips at the surface.
Ideal for: Side sleepers over 250 lbs needing extra durability.
Bonus: Cooling for hot sleepers.

Why Do Side Sleepers Need a Different Type of Mattress?

Side sleeping naturally places more pressure on the hips and shoulders, which can cause pain or numbness if the mattress is too firm. A mattress that’s too soft, however, can let your spine sag, causing lower back discomfort.

Key needs for side sleepers:

Cushioning around joints
Spinal alignment
Medium-soft to medium firmness
Pressure-relieving materials (memory foam, latex)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What mattress firmness is best for side sleepers?

Most side sleepers do best with a medium or medium-soft mattress. This firmness level provides enough cushioning for shoulders and hips without compromising spinal alignment.

Is memory foam or hybrid better for side sleepers?

Both can be excellent. Memory foam excels at pressure relief and contouring. Hybrid mattresses add better airflow and bounce, making them a good choice for combination sleepers who shift positions.

Should side sleepers use a pillowtop mattress?

Yes, pillowtop mattresses can provide additional plushness for side sleepers, especially those who need extra relief around the shoulders and hips.

Tips for Side Sleepers to Sleep Better

Use a contoured pillow to support your neck.
Place a pillow between your knees to keep your spine aligned.
Rotate your mattress every 3–6 months to prevent body impressions.

Final Thoughts

Side sleepers need a mattress that supports the spine, relieves pressure, and matches your body weight and sleep preferences. Whether you choose a latex hybrid, gel memory foam, or plush pillowtop, Sleep Masters Canada offers a wide range of side-sleeper-approved mattresses you can try in-store or order online.