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 is 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, contours to curves
  • Natural latex: good compromise, ventilation + elasticity
  • Pocket springs: sleeping independence + dynamic support

3. Thickness

  • Minimum recommended: 24 cm
  • Heavier individuals: consider more (up to 28–30 cm)

4. Sleeper profile

WeightRecommended mattress type
< 60 kgSoft, enveloping comfort
60–90 kgMedium to firm
> 90 kgFirm, 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
  • Advantages: enveloping comfort, pressure point relief
Discover the Emma Original II mattress on Amazon

2. The Incredible Tediber Mattress

  • Technology: polyurethane foam + memory + micro-perforated latex
  • Advantages: firm support, balanced comfort, good ventilation
Discover the Incredible Tediber Mattress

3. Slome (formerly Hypnia) Supreme Well-Being

  • Technology: pocket springs, foam, natural latex
  • Advantages: very good support, ideal for heavier individuals
Discover the Slome (formerly Hypnia) Supreme Well-Being mattress

4. Kipli Natural Latex

  • Technology: 100% natural latex
  • Advantages: two firmness levels, durable and breathable
Discover the Kipli natural latex mattress

Expert 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 .

Discover mattresses suitable for side sleepers on lematelas.fr

FAQ – Sleeping on your side

What type of mattress is best for sleeping on your side?A memory foam or hybrid mattress, with a soft comfort and medium to firm support.
Can a mattress that is too soft cause problems?Yes, it can create excessive sinking of the pelvis and misalign the spine.
Should I avoid spring mattresses?No, pocket springs combined with comfort foam are excellent for side sleepers.
How much does a good mattress for side sleeping cost?Around €400 to €1,200, depending on the technology and brands.
What pillow height is best for sleeping on your side?A medium to high pillow (12–15 cm) is ideal to fill the space between the shoulder and head, maintain cervical alignment, and avoid tension. An ergonomic memory foam or latex pillow is particularly recommended.