For side sleepers who've just never found that perfect mattress, comfort and support are paramount. Our 2024 guide to the best mattresses for side sleepers includes top-rated options in memory foam, hybrid, and latex.
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Knowing your sleeping position when looking for the best mattress is like keeping your body type in mind while clothes shopping: neither is a one-size-fits-all situation. We all have different bodies, different habits and partners, and different preferences when it comes to comfort, and mattresses are designed to cater to all of that. There are the best mattresses for back pain, there are some made for the front or back sleepers among us, but as we'll cover in this article, many are also specifically for side sleepers. As the most common sleep position, count yourself lucky that mattresses for side sleepers is what you find yourself shopping for.
Whether the best memory foam mattresses, the best hybrid mattresses, latex or the best pocket sprung mattresses are your thing (or even id you're just after the best cheap mattress), we've dedicated this to the side sleepers out there who want to be that bit more comfortable overnight. From the embrace of memory foam to the bouncy buoyancy of latex, the side sleepers among us have found the very best mattresses recommended for side sleepers, incorporating technologies that cater specifically to lateral inclination.
You'll find full details about the best mattresses we have recommended for side sleepers a little further down, but if you're in a rush and you need a quick rundown, we have detailed our top four below, plus given you an at a glance list as a summary of our favourites.
- Best mattress for side sleepers overall: Emma NextGen Premium Mattress, from £328 at emma-sleep.co.uk
- Best memory foam mattress for side sleepers: Nectar Memory Foam Mattress, from £349 at nectarsleep.co.uk
- Best mattress for side sleepers with sleep technology: Emma Elite Mattress, from £695 at emma-sleep.co.uk
- Best hybrid mattress for side sleepers: Simba Hybrid Pro, £799 at simbasleep.co.uk
- Best mattress for side sleepers with latex: Hypnia Supreme Memory Mattress, from £400 at hypnia.co.uk
- Best luxury mattress for side sleepers: Hypnos Luxurious Earth 05, from £2,700 at bensonsforbeds.co.uk
We're all about a good night's sleep at GQ so our team of writers, editors, and testers have written countless mattress reviews to try and represent the best options out there from the best mattress stores. To make sure this guide is actually recommending you the best products, we've tried and tested the mattresses below personally, checking how they work for side sleepers and whether or not we actually felt both supported and comfortable on them.
This guide itself has been written by Britta O'Boyle, a journalist who has been working in sleep and interiors for the past 14 years. Working alongside experts in the sleep world, as well as insight from the wider GQ team of 30+ style experts on the trends and aesthetics that everyone is loving in 2024, she's made sure this guide has everything covered.
All of our mattress guides and reviews are edited by Daphne Bugler, Senior Commerce Writer at GQ, who has been writing about interiors and mattresses for over four years and has sunk herself into many a mattress.
Shopping for the right mattress can make a huge difference to your sleep and what your sleeping position is can play a huge role in determining which is the best one for you. Sleeping on your side is the most common position in most countries, so it made sense for us to focus on this and bring the side sleepers among us a bespoke guide to which mattresses will work for them.
Now you know everything there is to know about side sleeping, these are our top 13 picks for the best mattresses out there specially for your sleeping position.
Emma NextGen Premium Hybrid
1/14Emma Sleep
NextGen Premium Mattress
Reasons to buy: Supportive | Comfortable | Temperature regulating
- Sizes: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King, EU Single, EU Double, EU King
- Type of mattress: Hybrid
- Guarantee: 10 years
- Night trial: 200 nights
Bed-in-a-box brand Emma stands out as one of our preferred brands in the realm of mattresses and bedding and its NextGen Premium Hybrid mattress is one of our favourite products, renowned for providing exceptional support, whilst moulding to your body. It boasts a 7-zone design featuring Halo Memory Foam at the surface and tall pocket springs that conform to your body's contours, ensuring optimal spinal support and gentle cradling of the shoulders.
The mattress's multiple-layer construction integrates Point Elastic Airgocell technology, regulating body temperature and fostering a refreshing, pressure-relieved sleep environment, while an UltraDry breathable cover features moisture-wicking properties and easy removal for effortless washing. It's not just a great mattress for side sleepers, but it’s one of the best cooling mattresses out there too, resulting in a compelling choice for those seeking a blend of support, comfort, and advanced sleep technologies. The 200-night trial and 10 year guarantee aren't bad either.
£469£328. emma-sleep.co.ukTested by Emily Peck, Contributing Writer.
Read GQ's Emma Premium NextGen review
Pros & ConsPros- Zoned and tailored support
- Breathable
- Luxurious finish
- More eco-friendly than Emma Premium
Cons- Edge support could be better
- Had a smell while the mattress was unboxed
- The NextGen Cooling is similar but slightly more advanced
Simba Hybrid Pro
2/14Simba
Hybrid Pro
Reasons to buy: Wool top layer | Temperature regulating | Comfortable
- Sizes: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King, EU Double, EU King
- Type of mattress: Hybrid
- Guarantee: 10 years
- Night trial: 200 nights
The Simba Hybrid Pro mattress, adorned with no less than ten awards, has rightfully earned its accolades. With a total of eight layers, this medium-firm mattress boasts a luxurious wool top layer that is both natural and breathable. Beneath it lies a dual layer of 2,000 zoned titanium alloy Aerocoil springs, meticulously designed for excellent spinal alignment and effective pressure relief.
The Simba Hybrid Pro features the company's open-cell Simbatex foam that offers a cooling airflow, preventing any uncomfortable warmth during your slumber, while the SupportCore base provides edge-to-edge support. If you need an added bonus, there's a free mattress protector included, while the breathable luxe knitted cover, which is soft to the touch, easily slips off for a convenient refresh in the washing machine. The Simba Hybrid Pro is a true standout in the realm of mattresses and a great option for side sleepers based on our experience, though it’s suitable for stomach sleepers and back sleepers too. From £799. simba-sleep.com
Tested by Owen Gough, GQ Senior Commerce Writer.
Read GQ's Simba Hybrid Pro review
Pros & ConsPros- Perfect balance of comfort and support
- Superior breathability
- Combats joint and back pain
Cons- More expensive than Simba Hybrid
Origin Hybrid Pro
3/14Origin
Hybrid Pro
- Firmness: Medium-firm but feels firm
- Type of mattress: Hybrid
- Sizes available: Single, small double, double, king, super king
- Trial period: 200 nights
- Guarantee: 15-year guarantee
Stemming from Australia, Origin’s mattresses have quickly become bestsellers among the GQ Recommends audience over the past few months, and when you actually take a moment to look at the value you’re getting, it’s easy to see why. For less than a grand at full price, and currently just over £500, Origin’s Hybrid Pro gets you the same number of layers (if not more) and springs as some of the most advanced and luxurious mattresses at the likes of Simba and Emma, but for a significantly better price, even when it isn’t sale season.
But it isn’t just about numbers. Tried and tested by members of our team, the Hybrid Pro is one of the best pressure-relieving mattresses out there, using a HexaGrid structure instead of a foam or latex design to help add to the support you get from the springs and leave you feeling less achy when you wake up. For the side sleepers out there, this can be a real helping hand, but this mattress is so well made, that it’s really suited to any kind of sleeper out there. It has an enhanced temperature regulation that Origin claims will keep you cool for up to 16 hours, such well-devised motion transfer that you won’t be woken up by your partner anymore, and a cushioned surface that feels pillow-like to lie down on. It's great value, but if you shop over the next few weeks throughout sale season, you'll be getting an even better deal.
Tested by Michael Christensen, European Lifestyle Editor.
Pros & ConsPros- Good supportive feel
- Helps with aches and pains
- Very cooling
Cons- Can have an adjustment period
Zoma Hybrid Mattress
4/14Zoma
Hybrid Mattress
- Firmness: Medium firm
- Type of mattress: Hybrid
- Sizes available: Single, double, king, super king
- Trial period: 100 nights
- Guarantee: Ten-year guarantee
The fun thing about Zoma's mattresses is that they’re not designed for the average person but for athletes trying to optimise their performance, with customers that include NFL players and even Olympic runners. But does that mean you can’t use them? Absolutely not. If anything, it means that no matter who lies atop a Zoma mattress, you’re just in for even more optimised recovery, and an even better night’s sleep that's suited to all types of sleepers.
In terms of design, the Zoma Hybrid is the more premium of the brand’s two mattresses, using coils and foams to help target the kind of pressure points athletes might face and relieve them overnight. To help keep you asleep for longer, it also has a breathable and airy cover, cooling memory foam, a very bouncy and responsive surface that just feels great to lie on, and edge support that prevents you from slipping down the side of the mattress as you sleep. Think of it as the mattress version of the Oura ring, and just another way to bio-hack your way to better health.
Tested by Thomas Barrie, GQ Contributing Writer.
Read GQ's Zoma Hybrid mattress review
Pros & ConsPros- Very cooling
- Has a bouncy feel
- Changed our sleep for the better
Cons- Very tall and heavy
- Softer than most other hybrids
Panda Hybrid Bamboo
5/14Panda
Hybrid Bamboo Mattress
Reasons to buy: Sustainable | Temperature regulating | Comfortable
- Sizes: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King, EU Sizes
- Type of mattress: Hybrid
- Guarantee: 10 years
- Night trial: 100 nights
If you're a side sleeper looking for a sustainable solution to sleep on, Panda might have the answer with its Hybrid Bamboo Mattress. Made up of six layers, this mattress has been engineered with science and nature in mind, and when we tested it, we found it delivered next-level comfort and excellent support. The six layers are made up of bamboo-infused open-cell memory foam with anti-bacterial and thermoregulating properties, along with Panda's OrthoAlign Foam that contours to your sleeping position.
If that wasn't enough, there are 1,500 full-depth pocket springs to relieve pressure points, while the bamboo cover is silky smooth and naturally hypoallergenic. It's the fact that Panda will recycle or repurpose this mattress responsibly when you're done resting your weary head on it that makes this a solid win in our eyes though. From £950. At pandalondon.com
Tested by Daphne Bugler, Senior Commerce Writer.
Read GQ's Panda Hybrid Bamboo review
Pros & ConsPros- Sustainable design
- Soft and cushioned surface
- Hypoallergenic and anti-allergy
Cons- May require deep-fitting sheets
- Didn't feel quite as supportive as a Simba or Emma
Simba Hybrid Ultra
6/14Simba
Hybrid Ultra
Reasons to buy: Comfortable | Supportive | Adapts to body shape
- Sizes: Single, Double, King, Super King
- Type of mattress: Hybrid
- Guarantee: 10 years
- Night trial: 200 nights
Simba describes its Hybrid Ultra Mattress as “the best of everything”, by which it means the best of all the technology the company has to offer. It's a claim we can substantiate based on our experience with its mattresses, including this one. Eleven layers of goodness make up the 34cm of depth, and while that does mean you should probably consider extra deep sheets if you opt for this mattress, it's also telling of just how much is packed inside.
The Hybrid Ultra delivers optimum support. A 7,300 spring count found deep within this sumptuous sleep base is bolstered by a double layer of Simbatex foam for cushioning and comfort. Meanwhile, the top layer is made up of a blend of kapok, wool and bamboo for extra freshness and latex and coconut combine for support and breathability in the PureLift layer that adapts to your body shape. From £1,899. At simbasleep.com
Tested by GQ's Jennifer Barton
Read GQ's Simba Hybrid Ultra mattress
Pros & ConsPros- Feels premium
- 13 layers
- Great temperature regulation
Cons- Very tall - 34cm deep
Emma NextGen Cooling
7/14Emma Sleep
NextGen Cooling Mattress
Reasons to buy: Great cooling properties | Good range of sizes | Comfortable
- Sizes: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King, EU Single, EU Double, EU King
- Type of mattress: Hybrid
- Guarantee: 10 years
- Night trial: 200 nights
If you're a toasty side sleeper, spending much of the night kicking the duvet off and pulling it back on an hour later, then the Emma NextGen Cooling Mattress might be the answer to your prayers. The company's Thermosync technology keeps the temperature consistent so the weather and any other conditions can't get in the way of your cool, calm and collected sleep.
The sturdy base delivers decent support whilst ensuring you don't feel like you're in quicksand when you lie down, and the foam adapts to your shape and ensures spinal alignment. It's designed to dispel motion too so if you have a fidgety partner, this mattress won't just keep you cool but it will stop you being disturbed each time they move. £759. emma-sleep.co.uk
Tested by Zinya Salfiti, GQ Research Associate.
Pros & ConsPros- Expert thermoregulation and advanced cooling
- Absorbs movement for uninterrupted sleep
- Medium support
Cons- The box it gets delivered in is very heavy, just keep this in mind
Simba Apex
8/14Simba
Apex Mattress
Reasons to buy: Advanced design including Simba's latest innovations | Made in the UK
- Sizes: Single, Double, King, Super-King
- Type of mattress: Hybrid
- Guarantee: 10 years
- Night trial: 200 nights
While shopping by your sleeping position is important, plenty of mattress brands these days are working to be suitable for any size and any sleeping position, as is the case with Simba's Apex mattress. The most premium version of its new ‘Earth’ range, the Apex is the pinnacle of Simba’s innovation at the moment, using both new technology and a more sustainable approach to its construction. While size isn’t always the best measure of a mattress, when it comes to the Apex, the sheer amount of springs (we’re talking 5,750), as well as the eight layers and 30cm of depth, are a testament to just how comfortable the mattress feels.
Unlike most of Simba’s mattresses that come rolled up, this takes more of a traditional form, using wool, cashmere and mohair to enhance the comfort of the design and arriving ready to go on your bed. Coming in at ‘medium-firm’, it should work well for side sleepers who don’t want something too hard, but also need that slight give to contour to their body. An easy win. From £1,299. simbasleep.com
Tested by Daphne Bugler, Senior Commerce Writer.
Pros & ConsPros- Comfortable and supportive
- Sustainable approach
Cons- May need to buy different fitted sheets to fit
- Feels quite firm and doesn't arrive in a box
Nectar Memory Foam
9/14Nectar
Memory Foam Mattress
Reasons to buy: Temperature regulating | Comfortable | Supportive with bounce
- Sizes: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King
- Type of mattress: Memory foam
- Guarantee: Forever
- Night trial: 365 nights
The Nectar Memory Foam mattress seamlessly combines comfort and innovation to offer a dreamy sleep experience. Constructed with memory foam that delicately contours to your body, this mattress not only provides support to pressure points but also boasts temperature-regulating properties to ensure a cool night's sleep.
Standing at 25cm tall, the Nectar Memory Foam benefits from a total of five layers, featuring a sturdy positioning base at the bottom and a quilted cooling cover on top, adept at dissipating heat away from your body. Between these layers, the mattress has a Dynamic Support layer of foam, offering excellent support with a touch of added bounce for a luxuriously comfortable mattress. A layer of Pressure Relieving Memory Foam enhances overall comfort and support, while a seven-zone Supportive Base contributes to compression, further elevating the overall sleeping experience. From £349. nectarsleep.co.uk
Tested by Thomas Barrie, GQ Contributing Writer
Pros & ConsPros- A very impressive and thick mattress
- Good value
Cons- May be better with a hybrid for all-round performance
Otty Pure+ Hybrid Bamboo & Charcoal Premium
10/14Otty
Pure+ Hybrid Bamboo & Charcoal Premium Mattress
Reasons to buy: Breathable | Odour eliminating | Supportive
- Sizes: Single, Double, King, Super King
- Type of mattress: Hybrid
- Guarantee: 10 years
- Night trial: 100 nights
Crafted for optimal support, the Otty Pure+ Hybrid Bamboo & Charcoal Premium Mattress offers a robust design with seven layers of memory foam and springs, culminating in a sumptuous 28cm depth. Its comfort is elevated with an embroidered cover, while a heat-regulating foam infused with bamboo – known for its breathable and moisture-wicking properties, and charcoal – known for its hypoallergenic and odour-eliminating qualities, lies beneath.
An additional five layers incorporate a total of 4,000 encapsulated pocket springs, maximising support but also minimising movement for an undisturbed sleep experience as you roll from side to side. Adding to these features is the inclusion of unique Airflow technology that contributes to effective temperature regulation. Overall, the Otty Pure+ mattress offers a great blend of support, comfort, and climate control. From
£650£500. otty.comTested by Emily Peck, GQ Contributing Writer
Emma Original
11/14Emma Sleep
Original Mattress
Reasons to buy: Breathable | Supportive | Temperature regulating
- Sizes available: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King
- Type of mattress: Memory Foam
- Night trial period: 200 nights
- Guarantee: 10 year warranty
Engineered for optimum spinal alignment and support, the Emma Original Mattress boasts a medium firmness and a three-layer construction of pressure-relieving foam. Among its layers is the company's Halo memory foam, renowned for its exceptional spinal support and breathability, ensuring a temperature-regulated sleep experience.
The Original Mattress from Emma also incorporates an open-pored HRX layer strategically positioned to enhance airflow, promoting effective moisture evaporation to guarantee a comfortable, cool, and dry sleep, even during those hopefully upcoming warm summer nights. The hybrid mattress from Emma has some extra advantages but if memory foam is your bag, this is a great option for side sleepers.
£339£305. emma-sleep.co.ukTested by Josephine Judd, GQ Commerce Picture Editor
Pros & ConsPros- Very popular
- Good for motion isolation
- Extensive trial period
Cons- Can dip in the middle after a few years
Hypnos Luxurious Earth 05
12/14Hypnos
Luxurious Earth 05
Reasons to buy: Very comfortable | Edge-to-edge support | Different firmness options
- Sizes available: Single, Double, King, Super King
- Type of mattress: Pocket sprung
- Night trial period: 40 nights
- Guarantee: 10 year warranty
There's no denying that this is one of the more expensive mattresses on this list, but it's also an excellent one, and gloriously comfortable for side sleepers (as contributing writer Britta O'Boyle can attest to). It's a super plush mattress, meticulously handcrafted using natural and sustainable fibres and upholstered with three fleeces of British wool, certified to the Responsible Wool Standard. It's also endorsed by the Eden Project with sustainability at the heart of its pocket sprung centre.
The Luxurious Earth 05 has three rows of firmer edge springs for edge-to-edge support, while a responsive Talalay latex layer and the ReActivePro pocket spring system with 10 active turns guarantee personalised support by sensing your shape and weight distribution. It comes in two firmness options: we have the firm option and we have to say it's firm but fair and a pleasure to sleep on every night. From £2,700. At bensonsforbeds.co.uk
Tested by Britta O'Boyle, GQ Contributing Writer
Pros & ConsPros- Incredibly comfortable
- Excellent support
- Environmentally friendly
Cons- Very expensive
Emma Elite Hybrid
13/14Emma Sleep
Elite Mattress
Reasons to buy: Great pressure relief | Comfortable and supportive | Good cooling abilities
- Sizes: Single, Double, King, Super King
- Type of mattress: Hybrid
- Guarantee: 10 years
- Night trial: 200 nights
Emma has several mattresses within its portfolio (and some great pillows and mattresses toppers too), but the Elite mattress is its “most innovative”. If you're a skeptic, then it might help you to know we were too before we tested it, and we were very much converted. We suspect you also will be.
It offers great cooling abilities thanks to the AirGrid technology that sits below the washable and moisture-wicking cover, while the MemoryAdapt foam delivers excellent pressure relief. Pure memory foam isn't everyone's cup of tea but here you have a hybrid mattress delivering the best of both worlds: the Emma Elite hybrid mattress strikes a superb balance between its SupportBase foam and the Infinity springs, making it a dream to sleep on. From
£1,389£695. emma-sleep.co.ukTested by Lela London, GQ Contributing Writer
Pros & ConsPros- Great support and comfort
- Does a good job at cooling down warmer sleepers
Cons- The box it comes in is very heavy
DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid
14/14DreamCloud
Luxury Hybrid Mattress
Reasons to buy: Great support | Combination of layers | Edge-to-edge support
- Sizes available: Single, Double, King Size, Super King
- Type of mattress: Hybrid
- Night trial period: 365 nights
- Guarantee: Forever warranty
The DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid Mattress combines memory foam with Reinforced Edge pocket springs to deliver great support, alongside serious comfort, whether you're a side sleeper, front sleeper or back sleeper, making it ideal for couples with different sleeping positions.
Five layers make up a luxurious 28cm depth, with a luxury quilted top for breathability, Dream Plush Breathable Supporting Memory Foam for deep contouring support that moulds to your body all night long, and a Dynamic Transition layer to promote spinal alignment. There's a Support Foam on the bottom of this plush mattress to cradle your body, while 15cm premium pocket springs offer super support and minimise motion transfer. If you want to feel like you're sleeping on cloud nine, this is a superb option. From £499. dreamcloudsleep.co.uk
Tested by Hannah Enderby, GQ Audience Development and Social Manager
Pros & ConsPros- Good support
- Combination of layers
- Edge-to-edge support
Cons- Quite deep so consider your fitted sheets
Mattress FAQs: GQ's ultimate guide to buying mattresses
| Mattress name | Type | Best for | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emma NextGen Premium Mattress | Hybrid | Side sleepers | £449 - £849 |
| Nectar Memory Foam Mattress | Memory foam | Pressure relief | £349 - £599 |
| Simba Hybrid Pro | Hybrid | Breathability | £799 - £1,349 |
| Hypnos Luxurious Earth 05 | Pocket sprung | Comfort | £2,700 - £4,400 |
The best mattresses for side sleepers generally incorporate materials that offer a delicate balance of support and pressure relief. Memory foam and latex mattresses are popular choices for their ability to contour to the body's natural curves, providing targeted support to areas like the shoulders and hips.
We advise you look for mattresses with a medium to medium-soft firmness to ensure proper spinal alignment without sacrificing the necessary cushioning for side-sleeping comfort. Hybrid mattresses, combining elements like pocketed coils and foam layers, can also offer a supportive yet plush surface for side sleepers seeking the perfect blend of comfort and spinal support.
Identifying your primary sleeping position is crucial in selecting the right mattress and level of firmness that’s perfect for you. Side sleepers often find comfort lying on their left or right sides, opting for that position to fall asleep, whether that's extended straight, or curled up in the foetal position.
If you wake up in the morning realising you've spent most of the night in one of these positions, there's a good chance you are a side sleeper. Observing your natural sleeping posture and any associated discomfort can help you make an informed decision when choosing a mattress and firmness scale tailored to your needs.
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