Sleeping on your side is the most common position among adults. It promotes breathing, limits snoring, and can relieve certain digestive issues. However, an unsuitable mattress can cause shoulder pain, hip tension, and poor circulation. To avoid these discomforts, it’s better to choose a mattress designed for side sleepers.
Why is a specific mattress essential for side sleepers?#
When sleeping on your side, two key areas bear the pressure: the shoulder and the hip. A good mattress must:
- Combine firm support and soft comfort
- Reduce pressure points
- Maintain a natural spinal alignment
Criteria to consider#
1. Firmness level#
- Ideal: medium to soft, around 5 to 6/10
- Too firm: creates tension
- Too soft: destabilizes the spine
2. Mattress technology#
- Memory foam: relieves pressure, conforms to curves
- Natural latex: good compromise, ventilation + elasticity
- Pocket springs: independent sleeping + dynamic support
3. Thickness#
- Minimum recommended: 24 cm
- Heavier individuals: consider more (up to 28–30 cm)
4. Sleeper profile#
| Weight | Recommended mattress type |
|---|
| < 60 kg | Soft, enveloping comfort |
| 60–90 kg | Medium to firm |
| > 90 kg | Firm, reinforced support |
5. Budget#
- Good side sleeper mattress: €400 to €1,200
Our mattress recommendations for side sleeping#
1. Emma Original II#
- Technology: memory foam, 3 layers
- Benefits: enveloping comfort, pressure relief for shoulders/hips, 100-night trial, 10-year warranty
View the Emma Original mattress on Amazon
Discover the Emma Original II Plus mattress on Amazon2. The Incredible Tediber Mattress#
- Technology: polyurethane foam + memory + micro-perforated latex
- Benefits: firm support, balanced comfort, good ventilation
Discover the Incredible Tediber Mattress
- Technology: pocket springs, foam, natural latex
- Benefits: very good support, ideal for heavier individuals
Discover the Slome (formerly Hypnia) Supreme Well-Being mattress4. Kipli Natural Latex#
- Technology: 100% natural latex
- Benefits: two firmness sides, durable and breathable
Discover the Kipli natural latex mattressExpert tips#
- Avoid mattresses that are too firm: especially if you have a medium build
- Rotate your mattress every 6 months (if it is reversible)
- Use an ergonomic pillow to maintain the head-neck-shoulder axis
- Take advantage of the trial period (often 100 nights)
To go further, check out our complete guide on choosing a mattress based on your morphology
and our back pain mattress guide
.
View on AmazonFAQ – Sleeping on the side#
What type of mattress is best for side sleeping?
The two best options for side sleepers are memory foam mattresses and hybrid mattresses (foam + pocket springs). Memory foam perfectly conforms to the body's curvature and relieves pressure points at the shoulder and hip, which bear all your weight in this position. The hybrid also provides dynamic support from the springs and better ventilation. Aim for a soft to medium feel (5 to 6 out of 10 in firmness), soft enough for the shoulder to sink a bit, but firm enough to keep the spine straight. Natural latex is a good third option, firmer but very breathable. Avoid mattresses that are too firm, which create a painful "reverse hammock" effect for the shoulders.Can a mattress that is too soft cause problems?
Yes, and it's actually a common trap for side sleepers who think "softer = more comfortable." A mattress that is too soft allows the pelvis (the heaviest part of the body) to sink more than the shoulders, creating an inverted S-curve in the spine. The result: lower back pain upon waking, neck stiffness, poor blood circulation in the arm resting under the body. This situation is particularly risky for individuals over 80 kg. The rule: your mattress should sink enough to absorb the shoulder and hip but remain firm in the lumbar area. A simple test: lying on your side, slide your hand between your waist and the mattress — there should be light contact, neither a marked gap nor strong pressure.Should I avoid spring mattresses?
No, especially not if they are modern pocket springs. Older biconical spring mattresses (Bonnell type) should indeed be avoided as they create uniform support and do not deform locally to accommodate the shoulder and hip. In contrast, pocket springs (each spring is wrapped in an individual fabric pocket) react independently and sink where pressure is high. Combined with a comfort layer of memory foam or latex, they offer one of the best possible comforts for side sleepers. Bonus: they ensure excellent sleeping independence and much better ventilation than a 100% foam mattress. Aim for a minimum of 600 pocket springs in a 140x190 size.How much does a good mattress for side sleeping cost?
Expect to pay between €400 and €1,200 for a quality mattress suitable for side sleepers. In the entry-level range (€400–600), you will find decent memory foam mattresses from online brands (Emma Original, Mello, some Slome on promotion). The mid-range (€600–900) offers well-constructed hybrids with pocket springs and a good thickness of memory foam (Tediber Hybrid, Emma Hybrid). Beyond €1,000, you access high-end options with differentiated comfort zones, certified natural latex, or premium technologies like Tempur. Promotions are frequent: watch for flash sales and commercial operation periods (French Days, Black Friday) that can halve the price. Don't forget the box spring in your budget.What pillow height should I use for side sleeping?
A medium to high pillow (12–15 cm) is ideal for filling the space between the shoulder and the head, maintaining cervical alignment and avoiding tension. An ergonomic memory foam or latex pillow is particularly recommended.