7 best mattresses for side sleepers in 2026, tested & reviewed
Finding the best mattresses for side sleepers has been a revelation. I’ve always been a side sleeper. Apparently, more than half of us are — which makes sense, because curling up on your side feels instinctively comforting. The problem? My old mattress had other ideas. After years of waking up with a stiff neck and dull back pain, I finally realised my sleeping position wasn’t the problem — my mattress was. A quick upgrade later, and I’ve discovered that the best mattress for side sleepers can genuinely change how your body feels by morning.
When you sleep on your side, your shoulders and hips carry most of your body weight, so the right mattress needs to balance pressure relief with firm support. Too soft, and you sink in too far, losing that all-important spinal alignment. Too firm, and you’ll end up with hip pain or shoulder pain from too much tension on your pressure points. The sweet spot? A medium-firm mattress that cushions your curves while keeping your posture in check — one that feels supportive yet forgiving, sculpting gently around the body without swallowing you whole. And while you're at it, you'll need to invest in a decent pillow for your posture, too.
Among the different types of mattresses on the market, the pocket-sprung mattress remains a solid favourite among side sleepers. The pocket springs move independently, contouring to your shape and offering zoned support exactly where you need it most. Meanwhile, memory foam mattresses bring their own perks — think tailored pressure relief and minimal motion isolation (ideal if you share your bed). The downside? Some can trap heat, so if you’re prone to overheating, a hybrid mattress might be a great option — combining pocket springs for airflow with a memory foam layer for that signature comfort.
- My full reviews.
- How I tested
- Why you can trust me
- What mattress type is generally best for side sleepers?
- How important is breathability in a mattress for side sleepers?
- Is foam or spring better for side sleepers?
- What is the ideal mattress firmness for side sleepers?
- What mattress do chiropractors recommend?
Meet the experts:
| Rebecca Mayes | Industry Expert at luxury British bedmaker Harrison Spinks |
| Jon Moore | Marketing & E-commerce Director at Simba. |
How I tested
I have spent several months working closely with a team of editors at Glamour to rigorously assess an extensive selection of mattresses, ranging from cooling models with advanced temperature regulation to eco-conscious designs that include free delivery and old-mattress collection. Each product in this guide has been evaluated against a strict testing criteria including comfort, structural design, performance, price, and thermal control to determine which mattresses genuinely support the needs of side sleepers.
Every mattress included in this guide has undergone a testing period of at least 30 days, with many reviewed over a considerably longer duration (sometimes over a year), to ensure that the insights provided reflect meaningful, first-hand experience. What's more? I have carried out showroom visits and attended exclusive industry events to remain fully informed about the latest advancements in sleep tech.
Alongside practical testing, I have analysed hundreds of customer reviews to address common mattress questions and concerns, so you can have a balanced and comprehensive overview before you buy. Learn more about how I test mattresses here.
Why you can trust me
I have spent the past five years testing mattresses and other sleep-enhancing products, from advanced hybrid builds to eco-friendly models and innovative cooling designs. My work keeps me closely attuned to the newest launches, the brands worth investing in, and the technologies that genuinely improve night-time comfort. Over the years, I have worked closely with sleep specialists, product designers, and brand reps to understand how different constructions and features best support a wide range of sleeping positions, body types, and personal comfort preferences. So, whether you’re after the contouring comfort of a bestselling hybrid or the craftsmanship of a high-quality pocket sprung mattress, this roundup covers every angle — and every sleep surface –especially catering to side sleepers.
Looking for more sleep content? We've got guides to the best mattress, best cheap mattress, and best cooling mattress.
What are the best mattresses for side sleepers? Keep scrolling to discover our top picks for 2026.
Specifications:
- Sizes available: Single, small double, double, king, super king, EU single, EU double, EU queen.
- Mattress type: Spring foam hybrid.
- Firmness: Medium-firm.
- Thickness: 25cm.
- Trial period? Yes — 200 nights.
- Guarantee? Yes — 10 years.
- Mattress-in-a-box? Yes.
- Tested by: Mayola Fernandes, Commerce Writer.
Mayola's review: The winner in our best mattress guide, the Emma Hybrid Premium Mattress, is a bestseller for a reason. Standing apart from the standard Emma Original Mattress, the Hybrid Premium features seven unique zones of pocket springs for superior comfort. The advanced Infinity pocket springs add extra height to the mattress, enhancing airflow and keeping you cool and dry.
At first, the mattress felt a little firmer than I expected, but it’s softened slightly over time and turned out to be much more supportive than a softer option would be. I used to get the occasional ache or pain, but since switching to the Emma Hybrid Premium Mattress, I feel much looser, less strained, and, most importantly, properly well-rested.
Although it was delivered to my upstairs bedroom, I still found the mattress easy to move and handle afterwards, which is really helpful, since I’ll need to rotate it for maintenance. It also does a great job of isolating movement, which makes a huge difference as I’m usually a very light sleeper.
OUR RATING: 10/10Pros & ConsPros- Comfortable for side sleeping.
- Long trial and 10-year warranty.
- Good cooling and airflow features.
Cons- None here.
DUSK Memory Foam 2,000 Pocket Sprung Hybrid Mattress
Specifications:
- Sizes available: UK Double, UK King, UK Super King.
- Mattress type: Hybrid — memory foam and pocket springs.
- Firmness: Medium-firm.
- Thickness: 25cm.
- Trial period? Yes — 100 nights.
- Guarantee? Yes — 1 year.
- Mattress-in-a-box? Yes.
- Tested by: Neamh Randall, Commerce Photo Editor.
Neamh's review: Not just a place to buy gorgeous bedding and bedroom furniture, DUSK also sells a super small range of affordable mattresses. This one is made up of a layer of heat-tempered pocket springs that help keep the body in an optimum position all night, and layers of memory foam for added comfort.
The mattress comes with a removable cover that’s machine washable at 30 degrees, which is ideal for dealing with accidental spills or stains, as cleaning a mattress can be an overwhelming task. With 2,000 individually encased springs surrounded by foam, you’ll avoid that uncomfortable poke-through sensation, and the springs will stay in place, providing steady support without shifting under your weight.
I used this mattress throughout my entire pregnancy, even with a 7-pound baby adding extra pressure to my body, and I found it really helped ease my back pain. The memory foam contours beautifully to my body, giving me a comfortable and supportive night’s sleep. The only downside? I wish there were more size options available, and the one-year guarantee isn’t ideal. However, if you're looking for an affordable bed-in-a-box, it's a great choice.
Save when you shop for a new mattress with these DUSK discount codes.
OUR RATING: 9/10Pros & ConsPros- Memory foam offers a plush feel, making it great for side sleepers by relieving pressure on the body.
- Removable cover, machine washable at 30°C.
- Budget-friendly pricing.
Cons- Shorter warranty period than competitors.
- Unavailable in UK single size.
THE SIMBA Hybrid® Pro Mattress
Specifications:
- Sizes available: UK Single, UK Double, UK King, UK Super King.
- Mattress type: Hybrid - Aerocoil springs and Simbatex foam.
- Firmness: Medium-firm.
- Thickness: 31cm.
- Trial period? Yes — 200 nights.
- Guarantee? Yes — 10-year guarantee.
- Mattress-in-a-box? Yes.
- Tested by: Bianca London, Former Co-Website Director.
Bianca's review: I love the sinking into bed sensation this mattress offers, which makes winding down at the end of the day feel like a treat. It helped me through pregnancy with sciatica, and now a few years on I actually still look forward to going to bed – even as early as 7pm (yes, really).
What truly sets it apart is its impressive ten layers of meticulously crafted design, incorporating cutting-edge technology to allow you to experience your best slumber yet. It’s intelligently engineered to adapt to all body types, so there’s no need to worry about your specific mattress preferences — comfort is guaranteed in every sleeping position.
It offers impressive airflow and cooling features, thanks to a bamboo wool layer that helps prevent overheating, keeping you cool and comfortable throughout the night. It also uses graphite particles to draw heat away from your body. The springs are equally noteworthy— made from 40mm high-carbon steel, they’re built to resist wear and maintain their shape, ensuring you won’t experience any sagging or dips even after years of use. If quality sleep matters to you as much as it does to me, it’s definitely worth the upgrade.
Use our exclusive Rem-Fit discount codes for savings on the best mattresses in 2026.
OUR RATING: 8/10Pros & ConsPros- Excellent pressure relief which is ideal for avoiding aches and pains.
- Features Simbatex foam and wool layers that help regulate temperature.
Cons- Expensive compared to other hybrids.
Nectar Premier Hybrid Mattress
Specifications:
- Sizes available: UK Single, UK Double, UK King, UK Super King.
- Mattress type: Hybrid — CertiPUR™ foam and steel springs.
- Firmness: Medium-firm.
- Thickness: 28cm.
- Trial period? Yes — 365 nights.
- Guarantee? Yes — a forever warranty.
- Mattress-in-a-box? Yes.
- Tested by: Debora Donato, Director, Commerce Britain.
Debora's review: Perhaps the best thing about buying a Nectar mattress is that you can try it out for up to a year, not to mention that it comes with a forever warranty, too. If it's not right, the brand will pick it up for free, and offer you a full refund.
Made up of eight layers of pocket springs, memory foam, and micro springs, this adaptive memory foam mattress has been designed to relieve common pressure points beneath the shoulders, hips, and legs — while also ensuring maximum motion isolation between you and your partner. Plus, its clever breathable layers have been designed to maximise airflow, and wick away moisture while you snooze.
I was specifically looking for a mattress for back pain, and while the effects weren’t immediate, I’m certain that switching to this one has eased both my neck and back pain over time – especially since I haven’t made any major lifestyle changes. Nectar describes the firmness of their Premier Hybrid mattress as around 6 to 6.5 out of 10, and I’d say that’s spot on.
OUR RATING: 9/10Pros & ConsPros- Good motion transfer, making it ideal for couples.
- 365 days trial.
- Effective temperature control.
Cons- On the firmer side, it might not be for everyone.
The Simba Hybrid® Original Mattress
Specifications:
- Sizes available: UK Single, UK Small Double, UK Double, UK King, UK Super King, EU Single, EU Double, EU Queen.
- Mattress type: Hybrid — Aerocoil® springs and Open-cell Simbatex® foam.
- Firmness: Medium-firm.
- Thickness: 25cm.
- Trial period? Yes —200 nights.
- Guarantee? Yes — 10 years.
- Mattress-in-a-box? No — but delivered to your chosen room.
- Tested by: Lian Brooks, Senior Audience Development Manager.
Lian's review: With over half a million sold worldwide, it's no surprise that this OG Simba Hybrid is still a major player in the mattress market. Boasting six layers of pressure-relieving Aerocoil® springs, cooling open-cell Simbatex® foam, and a SupportCore™ base that prevents roll-off at the sides, this Hybrid mattress still packs a real punch — and provides a far more affordable way to experience the award-winning Simba Hybrid range.
The mattress is marketed as a medium-firm mattress, and I would agree, rating it a solid 7 out of 10 in firmness. I found it offered the perfect amount of firmness with a bit of give, providing excellent elasticity and cushioning. So, if you're after the sinking feeling typically associated with memory foam mattresses, this might not be the best choice for you.
Thanks to the pocket spring layer, which does an excellent job at isolating movement, I noticed right away that I was less disturbed by my restless partner during the night. As a dedicated side sleeper, I felt well-cushioned and supported in all the right areas. That said, my partner – who sleeps on his back – also found that it relieved pressure in just the right spots, so it worked well for both of us.
Read Glamour's full Simba Hybrid Original Mattress review.
Save when you shop for the best mattresses for side sleepers with these Simba discount codes.
OUR RATING: 10/10Pros & ConsPros- Excellent temperature regulation for hot sleepers.
- Provides edge-to-edge support and spinal alignment.
- Motion isolation is effective at reducing disturbance during sleep.
Cons- Higher cost compared to competitors.
Specifications:
- Sizes available: UK Single, UK Small Double, UK Double, UK King, UK Super King.
- Mattress type: Hybrid.
- Firmness: Medium.
- Thickness: 22cm.
- Trial period? Yes, 100 nights.
- Guarantee? 15-year full replacement guarantee.
- Mattress-in-a-box? Unspecified.
- Tested by: Ali Howard, Freelance Writer.
Ali's review: If you're after a well-balanced hybrid mattress without spending a fortune, the REM-Fit 400 Hybrid Mattress is a solid contender. With medium tension (rated 6/10), it’s designed to offer pressure-relieving comfort while still giving you the support needed for proper spinal alignment. It’s made in the UK and features 2000 pocket springs combined with a layer of breathable, open-cell memory foam – ideal if you tend to overheat at night or simply prefer a cooler sleeping surface.
One thing worth noting is the multi-zoned spring system, which helps tailor support to different parts of the body – so your shoulders, hips, and back are all properly cushioned. It also has reinforced edge-to-edge side support, which prevents that “roll-off” feeling and maximises the usable sleep surface. Motion isolation is another plus, especially if you share a bed – fidgety partners are less likely to disturb your sleep.
At 22cm deep, it’s a little slimmer than many of the newer hybrids on the market, but you can always pair it with a cooling mattress topper for extra height. With a 200-night risk-free trial and a 15-year replacement guarantee, it’s a strong option for anyone looking to upgrade their sleep setup at a reasonable price.
OUR RATING: 8/10Pros & ConsPros- Edge-to-edge support.
- Hypoallergenic materials.
- 100-night trial and 15-year guarantee.
Cons- May feel too firm for some.
Specifications:
- Sizes available: Single, small double, double, king, super king size.
- Mattress type: Hybrid.
- Firmness: Medium.
- Thickness: 31cm.
- Trial period? Yes, 200 nights.
- Guarantee? 15 years.
- Mattress-in-a-box? Yes.
- Tested by: Chrissie Moncrieffe, Former Creative Producer.
Chrissie's review: After five years on sleeping on a £100 mattress I picked up on Amazon, this mattress gave me the much-needed sleep upgrade I was desperate for. Each of the 9 layers have been designed for optimal breathability, pressure relief and support.
The top layer – the Polar Silk Pillow Top – feels dreamily cloud-like, but it doesn't stop there, it’s cooling and cleverly regulates temperature, too. Beneath that, a layer of 100% natural latex has been blended with micro graphite crystals, which can enhance cooling by up to 10°C. Add to that a mix of bamboo-infused wool that’s naturally soft, airy and moisture-wicking, and you’ve got a recipe for the freshest night’s sleep.
Having struggled with back pain before, I was amazed to find that the reinforced centre third and 7-zone ergonomic design left me waking up pain-free within 6 weeks. Factor in the cooling tech and zero-motion transfer, and this mattress proved itself to be a total game-changer.
OUR RATING: 9/10Pros & ConsPros- Advanced thermoregulation.
- Plush pillow-top.
- Brilliant for relieving pressure.
Cons- The mattress had a strong off-gassing smell at first, but it dissipated within 24 hours.
What kind of mattress should side sleepers get?
A quick Google search will show you there’s a whole lot of jargon floating around in the magical world of mattresses. But — put simply — most mattresses can be split into three broad categories: pocket sprung, memory foam, and hybrid. Naturally, the one you choose will depend on your personal preferences and requirements.
Rebecca Mayes at luxury British bedmaker Harrison Spinks, explains that “different sleeping positions need different levels of support. For example, side sleepers need more joint support than other sleepers, so their mattress must allow the hips and shoulders to sink slightly while keeping the spine aligned.” That means side sleepers should prioritise contouring comfort and targeted support over sheer firmness.
Pocket sprung mattresses are a particularly versatile option. “Pocket sprung mattresses are a versatile option for all types of sleepers because the individual springs respond to body contours and movement, providing both comfort and support exactly where it’s needed,” says Rebecca. “Shoulders, hips and ears are common pressure points for side sleepers, along with the arms and legs of the preferred sleeping side… and should be especially supported by the mattress.”
How important is breathability in a mattress for side sleepers?
Breathability is pretty important for side sleepers – maybe not the top priority (hello pressure relief and spinal alignment), but it definitely affects comfort through the night. Because side sleepers tend to sink slightly into the mattress at the shoulders and hips, airflow around those areas can get restricted. If a mattress traps too much heat, you’re more likely to wake up hot or uncomfortable.
Rebecca adds that “side sleepers will often require a more medium-firm mattress. This can help with keeping the head, neck and shoulders aligned so that the chin stays upon the pillow. That being said you can’t have one that’s too firm, as it will put strain on your joints and won’t allow your hips and shoulders to sink into the mattress, which is essential for the side sleeper.”
Breathable materials like natural wool, cotton, latex or open-cell foams help disperse heat and moisture, keeping the surface feeling cooler and fresher. In short: side sleepers should look for a mattress that relieves pressure and regulates temperature. A supportive, contouring mattress with good airflow – whether through pocket springs, ventilated foam, or natural fibres – will feel much more comfortable over a full night’s sleep.
Is memory foam or hybrid better for side sleepers?
The traditional option, pocket sprung mattresses are made up of steel coils that ensure even weight distribution and support — and typically have a few different firmness options for you to choose from. But a bouncy mattress isn't for everybody — Simba Marketing & E-commerce Director, Jon Moore, says that memory foam mattresses are a popular alternative for those who favour maximum sinkage.
“Known for their ability to mould to your body shape, memory foam mattresses not only provide pressure-relieving bliss — but they also reduce motion transfer, which is handy if you share a bed," Jon explains. “Although, one downside of traditional memory foam mattresses is that they don't have great airflow, and can therefore trap heat."
Rebecca agrees that comfort and support are deeply personal: “Comfort and support are highly subjective and unique to each person, which is why it’s vital to test out a mattress yourself. I would always recommend testing one at a showroom by lying on it in your usual sleeping position for around 10 minutes… and try to take note if your knees, hips and shoulders feel supported, as this will help confirm if you’ve made the right choice.”
So, where do hybrid mattresses sit in the lineup? Made up of a mix of memory foam and pocketed coils or springs, hybrid mattresses are a combination of the two — and are typically seen as the best pick for side sleepers. “They're particularly well-suited for side sleepers, as they provide the benefits of both types — complete full-body support, as well as targeted cushioning to key pressure points like the shoulders and hips,” Jon adds.
What is the ideal mattress firmness for side sleepers in the UK?
“Where back sleepers will want a relatively firm mattress, side sleepers will often require a more medium firm mattress,” says Rebecca. “If you’re a side sleeper you will need more joint support than other types of sleepers. The mattress therefore needs to provide enough support so that your body isn’t sinking too deep but should still allow your hip and shoulder to dip and align your spine perfectly.”
She also notes that “if you have a mattress that feels too firm, adding a mattress topper will help your hip and shoulders sink down just enough to keep your spine in a neutral position. This is a more accessible and cost effective option for getting the support and comfort you need without investing in a brand new mattress. A pillowtop mattress can also provide extra cushioning and support for your pressure points while remaining soft enough to keep your spine aligned.”
Although it’s down to personal preference, a medium-firm mattress is generally seen as the ideal tension for side sleepers — provided it contours properly to the curves of the body. But personal factors like weight and height also come into play. The heavier you are, the more well-suited you might be to a slightly firmer mattress, as you’ll sink deeper into the surface and risk misalignment.
And this is all before we even start thinking about the best pillows for side sleepers. It’s truly a fine science.
What mattress do chiropractors recommend?
Chiropractors often recommend a mattress that provides adequate support to maintain spinal alignment while also offering comfort. Medium-firm options are generally suggested as they support the natural curvature of the spine while still allowing for a comfortable sleep experience. Memory foam and latex mattresses are also popular choices due to their ability to contour to the body's shape, reducing pressure points. Ultimately, selecting a mattress that suits your individual needs and sleeping position is essential for long-term comfort and spinal health.
