Best Memory Foam Mattress for Side Sleepers | Top 5 Picks & Comparison

The preference of choosing a particular sleeping position totally lies with sleeper. Hence one should look for the most suitable mattress that adapts to the body’s shape and support the sleeper according to their sleeping positions (back, side and stomach).

Today our focus will be primarily on side sleepers.

To begin with, here are some advantages of side sleeping position:

• Side sleepers snore less,
• Experience low back pain and 
• Observe an excellent respiratory and digestion system.

Now to ripe the above benefits, one can’t just pick up any mattress. Before you select any mattress, you should know the sleeper’s body type, weight, unique preferences, etc. there are many options available on the market that are considered suitable for side sleepers. 

Is a memory foam mattress good for side sleepers?

Memory foam is among the best mattress type for side sleepers. It fits most of the requirements that they need to have a deep and uninterrupted sleep.

Memory foam mattresses incorporate unique features. Its firm and supportive design help contour the body and offers proper alignment and pressure pain relief as per its natural curves. 

Further, the correct thickness and different layers of memory foam padding will offer a more stable experience while sleeping.

Additionally, the availability of plant-based or gel-based memory foam mattresses also helps in regulating temperature and more air.

Memory foam naturally lifts and sinks the body as per the pressure applied.

Overall, Memory foam is a great mattress material for those who sleep on their sidesbecause it tends to have a soft, squishy feel, offers plenty of contouring, motionless cradling of shoulders and hips while sleeping, and fills in space between. 

Top 5 Memory Foam Mattresses for Side Sleepers: By Best Performing Feature

How to Choose the Perfect Memory Foam Mattress for Side Sleepers?

Sleeping comfortably is the key to many health benefits. So Selecting a good mattress requires careful consideration.

Before we assist you in your quest to find the top five memory foam mattress for side sleepers, we would like you to inform about certain crucial factors that need to be considered while selecting the best memory foam mattress for side sleepers.

These key factors to be considered are:

1. Foam construction

There is various kind of memory foam mattress. Traditional, gel-based, plant-based. As a natural healing process and our body’s metabolism, we inadvertently produce some heat while sleeping. This process may sometimes interrupt our sleep.

A traditional memory foam mattress may get heated up quickly, so it has a less coolness quotient. Still, on the other hand, the gel-infused memory foam has air-cool technology that keeps our bodies cool and comfortable. So select the type of foam as per your body temperature. 

2. Check the Layering

Most of the mattresses on the market have different material layers to incorporate the best features in one. A good-quality memory foam mattress should have 2-3 layers of other foam materials.

Dense quality foam is found in the middle and bottom layer, whereas the top layer may consist of thin gel-infused memory foam.

This construction method correctly supports the body and also keeps it cool. Moreover, this arrangement will keep the memory foam mattress sturdy, durable, and firm.

Pro tip: If you pick up a hybrid or mixed-layer mattress for a side sleeper, then at least the mattress’s top layer should be memory foam. This is because the texture of memory foam material supports the spine’s natural curvature, evenly distributes body weight in the side sleeping position. 

3. Firmness range

Side sleeper should go for either soft or medium firm memory foam mattress. The firmness range should ideally lie between 3 to 6. While sleeping on your side, the pressure is channeled and concentrated in one direction and a small space.

But it is advisable not to pick a foam mattress with a soft bottom layer, especially for heavier weight people (male body), as it gets the body from sinking towards the bed frame. 

Pro tip: Neither opts for a very soft mattress as it won’t offer the structure to maintain proper spine alignment nor too firm as it may cause soreness and joint tension.

4. Pressure relief capacity

Side sleepers tend to put high pressure on their shoulders and hips. You also have a risk of improper spine alignment, causing back pain.

You’ll need a mattress that’s going to support and relieve this added pressure on your hips and shoulders, thereby preventing the development of any hip and shoulder pain or also restricts its getting worsen.

Hence, as a side sleeper, you’ll want a contouring mattress and cushions your hips and shoulders that usually dig into the bed when you doze off.

Memory foam is a pressure-relieving material that has flexible, supportive, and holds up well over time. It has a slow response to pressure.

Pro tip: If you are suffering from Shoulder Pain or hip pain, opt for a memory foam mattress that scores a 5.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale or lower. 

Top 5 Memory Foam Mattresses for Side Sleepers: Deep Dive

1.    Nectar Queen Mattress – Gel Memory Foam Mattress

Best Layering

The best memory foam mattress for side sleepers. Firstly it comes with a year-long trial period that makes quite a risk-free purchase. It also shows the brand’s confidence in its quality and assurance.

Secondly, Nectar’s Queen-sized mattress is designed with a unique cooling Tencel cover that absorbs moisture from the air and makes the mattress more breathable and softer. That’s is absent in most of the standard mattress covers.

The third outstanding feature is the five-layering construction model. Apart from the top and bottom cover, the two individual layers consist of gel and adaptive Hi-core memory foam, easily remove any heat retention issues.

And provide uninterrupted and pleasing sleep. There is a breathable base layer below the third layer. Overall you get maximum support to the spine and back along with comfort. 

This mattress suit all sleeping positions. To top it all, the brand gives a lifetime warranty which is almost a never-before offer in this segment.

Key Specifications of Nectar Queen Mattress

• Size availability: Twin, TwinXL, Full, King, Queen, California King Size
• Firmness: Medium 
• Foam type: Gel and adaptive hi-core memory foam
• Number of Layering: 5
• Item thickness: 11 inches
• Cooling Tencel cover 
• Warranty: lifetime
• CertiPUR-US Certified

Key Benefits (What We liked) in Nectar Queen Mattress

• Incredible year-long trial period
• It comes with two premium pillows covers
• Cooling effect even on hottest nights
• No slippage issue as it comes with a top and bottom cover.
• Provide relief on all pressure points.
• Works with all frames

Drawbacks we Noticed in Nectar Queen Mattress

• It is costly.

2. Vibe Gel Memory Foam Mattress | CertiPUR-US Certified

Value for Money

This mattress is a perfect choice for side sleepers by all means. The gel-infused hypoallergenic memory foam mattress is resistant to all forms of dust, molds, and bacteria.

Making it suitable for all those who may have an allergy problem. Talking about Its quality and build, this is a CertiPUR-US certified product with the top 2″ layer with cooling gel and a 3-inch open-cell memory foam layer.

The top layer has perfect visco-elastic properties, and the middle layer is porous, making the mattress more breathable and high in cooling quotient.

The bottom 7 inches layering is made of conforming high-density base foam. This provides colossal support and responsive relief.

Vibe Gel Memory Foam mattress gives you a highly refreshing sleep with optimal orthopedic support.

Key Specifications of Vibe Gel Memory Foam Mattress

• Size availability: Twin, TwinXL, Full, King, Queen, California King Size
• Firmness: Medium 
• Foam type: High-quality memory foam 
• Item thickness: 12
• Number of Layering: 3 plus cover
• CERTIPUR-US certified
• Adjustable Base Friendly
• Warranty: 10 years

Key Benefits (What We liked) in Vibe Gel Memory Foam Mattress

• Highly durable due to the stretch-knit quilted fiber cover 
• Low motion transfer
• Easy cleaning.
• Effective in pressure pain relief. 
• Low-cost solution

Drawbacks we Noticed in Vibe Gel Memory Foam Mattress

• It needs around long hours to decompress 

3. Classic Brands Cool Gel Chill Memory Foam Mattress

Best Pressure Relief

Classic brands have some uniquely designed mattresses. This Cool Gel Ultimate Gel Memory Foam Mattress has three individual layers.

The 3.5-inch top layer also has a cooling gel-infused foam to set out the heat away from your body. The 2. inch middle is a plush support poly-foam layer, and the 8.5-inch base is made of high-density memory foam for ultimate support.

The construction of this medium-firm mattress helps in spine alignment and better pressure relief for the stress points.

The outstanding feature of this mattress is the use of the latest Gel Memory Foam Technology. Easily adjust your body temperature and contours to offer complete, luxurious, and stress-free support. It also reshapes quickly as per your side sleeping posture. 

This self-ventilating mattress by Classic brands has been CertiPUR-US certified and can be adjusted as per the bed or base.

Apart from the above, the mattress is hypoallergenic and resistant to allergens. The brand uses smart packaging techniques to reduce carbon emulsions.

Shipped in a compressed form with two (free)shredded Memory Foam Standard Pillows, it is the best pressure pain relief memory foam mattress for side sleepers.

Key Specifications of Classic Cool Gel Chill Memory Foam Mattress 

• Size availability: Twin, TwinXL, Full, King, Queen, California King 
• Firmness: Medium 
• Foam type: Gel memory foam
• Number of Layering: 3
• Adjustable base friendly
• CERTIPUR-US certified
• Warranty: 10 years 

Key Benefits (What We liked) in Classic Cool Gel Chill Memory Foam Mattress

• Easy delivery and fast setup.
• The mattress is durable and flexible.
• It offers support and highly breathable 
• Unique design
• Smart packaging

Drawbacks we Noticed in Classic Cool Gel Chill Memory Foam Mattress

• Edges are very soft, so that they may be a cause of concern for side sleepers.
• The fire retardant layer is of fiber glass, so be cautious.

4. Ashley Chime Medium Firm Memory Foam Mattress – CertiPUR-US Certified

Best Firmness

Ashley sleep mattresses by Ashley furniture is a renowned name in the global market. The mattresses come in hybrid, traditional, and all memory foam construction.

The Ashley Chime 12 Inch Medium Firm Memory Foam Mattress is constructed with various combinations of gel and other types of foam materials.

They are very conforming with no motion disturbance. The mattress minimizes pressure points. The layering is thick to provide fantastic support.  

If we talk about layering, the 2-inch top layer is made out of the gel, activated charcoal memory foam, and the bottom/base with 10-inch thick green tea ventilated foam for quality comfort and good support.

There is a stretch knit cover on the top to increases durability (not removable). The dimensions for Queen size is about 59” W x 79” D x 12” H. the brand recommends using a vacuum cleaner and a mattress protector for cleaning and maintenance.

Key Specifications of Ashley Chime Medium Firm Memory Foam Mattress

• Size availability: Twin, Full, King, Queen, California King 
• Firmness: plush 
• Foam type: gel memory foam
• activated charcoal and green tea extract
• Number of Layering: 2
• Certipur-us certified
• Ten years non prorated Warranty

Key Benefits (What We liked) in Ashley Chime Medium Firm Memory Foam Mattress

• Compatible with most full bed frames.
• Comfortable  for all types of sleepers
• Affordable
• Highly durable 

Drawbacks we Noticed in Ashley Chime Medium Firm Memory Foam Mattress

• It’s not flippable
• It takes two days to expand to a full size

5. Sweetnight  Gel Memory Foam Mattress

Best Price

Brand Sweetnight mattresses help people to sleep better and comfortably. This 10″ gel-infused Queen Size Mattress is one such good product manufactured by Sweetnight.

Designed to be used on both sides, this mattress is also suitable for side sleepers who suffer from neck, back, and shoulder pain. It perfectly contours your body.

This mattress has a top 2” gel memory foam base that keeps your body cool while you’re asleep.

Then there is 1-inch ventilated comfort foam followed by a 4” of open-cell air-flow comfortable foam that keeps your body balanced and relieve pressure pain points.

The bottom base layer is 3” high-density foam that offers edge-to-edge support. The sturdy base provides high durability and a relaxing experience.

Another attractive feature of this mattress is hypoallergenic, safe, healthy, and suitable for everyday use. There is also a breathable Rayon cotton fabric cover that is ergonomically designed to prevent stains etc. 

Key Specifications of Sweetnight  Gel Memory Foam Mattress

• Size availability: Twin, Full, King, Queen
• Firmness: Medium 
• Foam type: Gel-infused memory foam 
• Item thickness: 10
• Number of Layering: 4
• CERTIPUR-US certified
• Warranty: 10 years

Key Benefits (What We liked) in Sweetnight  Gel Memory Foam Mattress

• It is a flippable queen mattress
• Suitable for all type of sleeping positions
• Skin-friendly cover
• Proper body alignment with motion isolation feature.
• Fits all frames

Drawbacks we Noticed in Sweetnight  Gel Memory Foam Mattress

• The brand lacks in a bigger size -California king
• It takes around three days to decompress.

Comparison of above 5 memory foam mattresses for side sleepers

	Nectar Mattress	Vibe Gel Memory Foam Mattress	Classic Brands Cool Gel Memory Foam Mattress	Ashley Chime	Sweetnight Mattress
Firmness	Medium	Medium-firm	Medium	Plush	Medium
Number of layers	5	3	3	2	4
Cooling technology	Great	Great	Great	Good	Good
Trial period	Yes	No	No	No	No
Warranty	lifetime	10 years	10 years	10 years –non prorated	10 years

Final Comments:

From the above analysis, it is clear that just sleeping on any mattress may not prove beneficial. One may encounter several drawbacks while sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress, even though it’s made from high-quality materials.

From disturbed sleep to joint pains, it could lead to numerous kinds of problems. List down your requirements, sleeping positions, and body weight and then analyze the factors accordingly. Buy a mattress from a good brand that incorporates the latest technology and offers a good trial or warranty period.