There is no universally “best mattress” due to varying sleeping positions, particularly since a significant portion of people are side sleepers. Depending on the study, between 50% and 75% of individuals spend part of their night sleeping on their sides.
One individual, a side sleeper, has tested over three dozen beds from various mattress brands over the past 18 months to identify a suitable option. It is generally observed that firm mattresses are often preferred by back sleepers, whereas side and stomach sleepers may favor softer mattresses that provide some give for the hips and knees. Initially, this tester believed that softer beds were best; however, through extensive testing and monitoring of sleep patterns with an Apple Watch, this view evolved. It was found that the best mattresses for side sleepers offer a balance of cushion and support, allowing the hips to sink naturally for proper spinal alignment without hindering movement.
Each recommendation was tested for at least a week under real-life conditions at home. Ratings for the firmness of each mattress were offered based on feel after a week of testing, with prices provided for queen-size models.
Additional resources are available, including guides on the best mattresses, organic mattresses, cooling mattresses, and body pillows for side sleepers.
An update from October 2024 includes the addition of the all-foam Nectar Premier as a pick for those preferring a softer mattress. The Helix Midnight Luxe with GlacioTex and ErgoAlign was recognized as a top choice for spinal alignment.
Experts at Houston Methodist suggest that side sleeping results in the least negative health impacts. Regarding mattress types, hybrids are recommended for side sleepers due to their combination of foam and springs, providing less compacting over time compared to single-layer memory foam. Hybrids generally allow for longer restful periods and tend to be cooler as they contain less dense foam material.
When it comes to firmness, side sleepers often opt for medium-soft memory foam. However, it’s essential a mattress provides adequate support. It is easier to adjust a mattress to be softer with a topper than to make a soft mattress firmer.
For heavier individuals who are side sleepers, a firmer mattress with extra support is advised. Testing has shown that heavier individuals benefit from firmer options to prevent excessive compression of foam and springs.
The testing process involved reviewing three dozen mattresses, with each being personally tested at home for at least a week. Longer-term testing was conducted on the top choice, the Bear Elite Hybrid. In cases with multiple firmness options, the firmest variant was generally tested, with results tracked using an Apple Watch Ultra.
