Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers Canada (Reviewed & Compared)

Sleeping on Your Side Has Never Been So Comfortable

June 9, 2021

Side sleeping is the preferred position for most of us, but that doesn’t mean it’s always comfy. Because you put pressure on the sensitive points of your body, you need the right mattress for proper spine alignment and comfort. Enter the best mattresses for side sleepers Canada has to offer.

To help with your decision-making process, we ranked the top mattresses on the market according to:

  • Comfort
  • Support
  • Quality
  • Price

So, without further ado, let’s see the very best of the best Canada has to offer!

Top 11 Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers

We aim to review the best sleep-related products on the market. If you make a purchase through one of the links on our site, we may earn a commission. Read our full Affiliate Disclosure.

Company
Features
Overall Score
Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers Canada - Simba Review
Editor's Pick
  • Check icon

    Perfect balance of support and pressure relief

  • Check icon

    Doesn’t sleep hot

  • Check icon

    Superior edge support

  • Check icon

    10-year warranty

Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers Canada - Novosbed Review
Best Luxury Mattress for Side Sleepers
  • Check icon

    Next-gen memory foam

  • Check icon

    Special support layer

  • Check icon

    Advanced cushioning and contouring

  • Check icon

    15-year warranty

Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers Canada - Douglas Review
Best Sustainable Mattress
  • Check icon

    Gel foam for cooling

  • Check icon

    40% less carbon used

  • Check icon

    Hypoallergenic

  • Check icon

    15-year warranty

Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers Canada - Logan and Cove Review
Best Memory Foam Mattress for Side Sleepers
  • Check icon

    Exceptional pressure relief

  • Check icon

    Targeted lumbar support

  • Check icon

    Edge-to-edge support

  • Check icon

    15-year warranty

Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers Canada - Endy Review
Best for Couples
  • Check icon

    Special support layer

  • Check icon

    Superb motion isolation

  • Check icon

    Zip-off, machine washable cover

  • Check icon

    10-year warranty

Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers Canada - Brunswick Review
Best Innerspring Mattress for Side Sleepers
  • Check icon

    Euro-top fill provides cushioned comfort

  • Check icon

    Zoned pocketed springs for spine alignment

  • Check icon

    Edge-to-edge support

  • Check icon

    15-year warranty

Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers Canada - Silk and Snow Review
Most Supportive Mattress in Canada
  • Check icon

    High-quality foam layers for exceptional support

  • Check icon

    Antimicrobial cover with silver infusion

  • Check icon

    No motion transfer

  • Check icon

    15-year warranty

Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers Canada - Recore Review
Best Mattress for Recovery
  • Check icon

    Graphite latex and cooling gel for hot sleepers

  • Check icon

    Extra supportive base layer

  • Check icon

    Antimicrobial cover with silver-coated threads

  • Check icon

    15-year warranty

Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers Canada - Casper Review
Best Mattress for Lower Back Pain
  • Check icon

    Extra supportive gel pods

  • Check icon

    AirScape foam for breathability

  • Check icon

    Zoned support for waist and back

  • Check icon

    10-year warranty

Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers Canada - Polysleep Review
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Shoulder Pain
  • Check icon

    High level of pressure relief

  • Check icon

    Antimicrobial foam layer

  • Check icon

    Comfy and supportive

  • Check icon

    10-year warranty

Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers Canada - Layla Review
Most Versatile Mattress for Side Sleepers
  • Check icon

    You choose what side to sleep on

  • Check icon

    Comfortable memory foam

  • Check icon

    Durable and strong

  • Check icon

    Lifetime warranty

Our Reviews of the Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers

The Simba 2500 Mattress Review

Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers Canada - Simba 2500 Mattress Review
  • Type: Hybrid

  • 100-night trial

  • 10-year warranty

  • Free shipping

  • Price: $999–$1,699

PROS :
  • Superior edge support

  • Excellent motion isolation

  • Supports heavier bodies well

CONS :
  • There is only one option for firmness and thickness

The Simba 2500 mattress is our editor’s pick for the best mattress for a heavy side sleeper in Canada. If you’re on the heavier side, you’ll find that this mattress gives you just the right amount of support, especially when you sleep on your side. Your hips and shoulders will be supported while still being able to sink into the mattress in a comfortable way. 

There are five layers to this mattress. The cover is made from a breathable material that ensures that your body heat isn’t trapped in the mattress while you sleep. Next is the Simbatex graphite-infused memory foam that cradles your pressure points so you don’t get stiff. 

Following that is the unique patented Miqro spring comfort layer, which makes this a one-of-a-kind best hybrid mattress for side sleepers. Furthermore, we found that the high definition foam provides this mattress with superior edge support so that you won’t ever feel like you’re falling off the edge of a mattress. Finally, there is the zoned support base, making this mattress sturdy enough to support heavier people. 

If you’re a heavier person who sleeps with a partner, you’ll enjoy this mattress as the motion isolation is great. This means that you won’t disturb your partner when you move around at night. 

Novosbed Mattress Review

Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers Canada - Novosbed Mattress Review
  • Type: Memory foam

  • 120-night trial

  • 15-year warranty

  • Free shipping

  • Price: $899–$1,439

Rating 9.8

Get the Best Deal
PROS :
  • Advanced cushioning and contouring

  • Perfect support for side sleepers

  • Washable cover

CONS :
  • Not ideal for heavier sleepers

Starting with the top cover, the Novosbed already seems impressive. It’s made from Tencel, which is not only machine-washable but it’s also eco-friendly. As well as that, Tencel is known for keeping things cool and dry, allowing you to sleep more comfortably at night, especially during hot summer nights.

Underneath the soft and breathable cover, you’ll find the comfort layer made from next-gen memory foam. Unlike traditional memory foam, the one in the Novosbed keeps the air circulating. It also contours your body well, so you don’t have to worry about pressure points while sleeping on your side. Without this feature, it simply wouldn’t be the best memory foam mattress for side sleepers Canada has to offer.

To make the pressure relief even better, the Novosbed has yet another layer of transitional memory foam. This layer also isolates motion and will make it easier to sleep next to your partner, regardless of how much they toss and turn during the night.

Finally, we have the support zone, which is what the last layer is called. It’s specifically designed to give you balance and support while also being as durable as you’d want it to be.

Customers expressed overall satisfaction with the mattress, but most of them noted it was either softer or firmer than they expected when they ordered it. However, it is possible to adjust the mattress firmness for side sleepers within the 120-night trial period and Novosbed strongly recommends you take full advantage of this.

Douglas Mattress Review

Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers Canada - Douglas Mattress Review
  • Type: Memory foam

  • 120-night trial

  • 15-year warranty

  • Free shipping and returns

  • Price: $599–$849

Rating 9.9

Get the Best Deal
PROS :
  • Effective cooling

  • Hypoallergenic

  • Eco-friendly

CONS :
  • Not the best mattress firmness for all side sleepers

If you like memory foam but feel it would simply be too hot for you, then you’re going to love the cool feel of the Douglas Memory Foam Mattress for side sleepers. Even the cover of this mattress is designed to increase breathability due to the eucalyptus fabric. 

Under the cover, you’ll find the cooling gel foam which further regulates temperature and keeps you cool and comfy all year round. Another thing that makes this layer so special is that the foam is made with 40% less carbon input. As a result, with this mattress, you’re supporting the reduction of our carbon footprint.

Even though natural latex has its benefits, it still features a lot of chemicals that simply aren’t good for you. Because of this, Douglas has chosen to go with Elastex — a type of foam that has all the support and responsiveness of latex but without any of the harmful chemicals, which also makes the mattress hypoallergenic.

When it comes to choosing between a plush or firm mattress for side sleepers, the overwhelming majority chooses the cozy plush that Douglas offers. Moreover, it’s medium-firm, with that extra plush giving it a certain edge. Meaning, it has supportive spinal alignment features that are crucial for sleeping comfortably and relieving the extra pressure from your sensitive points.

Even people who have slept on memory foam all their lives find Douglas to be the best mattress they’ve slept on thus far. The majority is satisfied with their purchase and long sleep trial, but people do note that they’re not 100% satisfied with the firmness of the mattress. Though it’s listed as medium-firm, some found it too soft, whereas others said it was too firm.

Logan and Cove Mattress Review

Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers Canada - Logan and Cove Mattress Review
  • Type: Memory foam

  • 120-night trial

  • 15-year warranty

  • Free shipping and returns

  • Price: $799–$1,149

Rating 9.9

Get the Best Deal
PROS :
  • Silk top fill

  • Targeted lumbar support

  • Effective cooling

CONS :
  • May have an unpleasant smell when you first unpack it

Next on our list, we have a luxurious memory foam mattress that any side sleeper would love. After all, with multiple layers of comfort and support, how could you not sleep well?  

The first layer is a silk blend pillow top fill, which is perfect for regulating your temperature. Aside from the silk, the mattress features Tencel for increased breathability, comfort, and dryness.

What’s more, the high-density bio-foam makes Logan and Cove the best memory foam mattress for side sleepers who are looking for above-average body-conforming properties. The mattress also features gel foam, which means you won’t have to worry about overheating during the night or waking up drenched in sweat.

Couples who share a bed will be happy to know that this dense mattress also features motion isolation, meaning that you won’t have to worry about getting disturbed while you sleep as your partner moves or gets up. Instead, both of you can finally get the sleep you deserve.

The Logan and Cove mattress comes in two firmness levels — firm and medium-firm. The medium-firm option comes with plush support, whereas the firm one has no cushioning. You also won’t have to worry about ever falling off the bed, as it features edge-to-edge support. Therefore, we believe this is the best mattress for any side sleeper who likes to use the entire mattress surface.

In addition, many reviews boast about its good value for money, but they do warn that it takes a while to break in the mattress. More specifically, people noted it was really firm in the beginning only to gradually became softer and more comfortable to sleep on.

Endy Mattress Review

Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers Canada - Endy Mattress Review
  • Type: Memory foam

  • 100-night trial

  • 10-year warranty

  • Free shipping

  • Price: $675–$950

Rating 9.9

Get the Best Deal
PROS :
  • Special support layer

  • Superb motion isolation

  • Zip-off, machine washable cover

CONS :
  • May be too firm for some side sleepers

With three layers of different types of foam, Endy delivers the ideal type of mattress for any side sleeper looking for adequate support and premium comfort. The open-air cell foam makes for a promising start, as open-cell foam is generally more breathable and does a better job of regulating your temperature.

The transition foam is just beneath the open-cell foam, ensuring all pressure is relieved from your sensitive points and making it more comfortable when sharing the bed with a partner due to the reduced motion transfer. Lastly, we have the support foam which just cements the quality of this mattress and keeps your spine properly aligned in any position, especially while sleeping on your side.

However, one of the biggest selling points of the Endy mattress is that it comes in six sizes. Regardless of what kind of bed frame you have, you can be sure your new Endy will fit right in. Endy is also the absolute best camping mattress for side sleepers, as it can even fit into your RV quite easily. All you have to do is ask Endy for a short Queen mattress.

As for the reviews, the general majority gave this mattress a very high score, yet some warned that it might be too firm for side sleepers. Likewise, people recommend taking full advantage of the long sleep trial as the mattress takes some time to get used to.

Brunswick Mattress Review

Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers Canada - Brunswick Mattress Review
  • Type: Innerspring

  • 120-night trial

  • 15-year warranty

  • Free shipping

  • Price: $599–$899

Rating 9.8

Get the Best Deal
PROS :
  • Euro-top fill provides cushioned comfort

  • Zoned pocketed springs for spine alignment

  • Extremely effective cooling

CONS :
  • Slow delivery can be an issue

Memory foam isn’t the only material suitable for side sleepers, and Brunswick is here to prove it with the best innerspring mattress for side sleepers on the market. This isn’t just any spring mattress though, as it does use a little bit of memory foam to give you extra support and comfort.

The infusion of memory foam allows for advanced edge-to-edge support, meaning that you’ll feel the same kind of support on any part of the mattress; it doesn’t even matter if you’re sitting or laying down. There are two layers of gel memory foam inside the mattress along with the springs.

For those who don’t know, gel memory foam is renowned for its cooling properties, as well as its increased breathability. The fact that this mattress has two layers means that air can pass through it easily, thus improving temperature regulation and letting you sleep soundly at night. 

Another reason why this is the best mattress for any side sleeper is that it keeps you cool via the quilted cover; the fibres used in the cover keep moisture away and allow for peaceful sleep all year round.

In addition, those who sleep alone and those who sleep with pets simply loved this mattress. It kept them cool even when they had their furry friends close to cuddle with. Moreover, reviewers note that the bed keeps its structure even after long use. However, the thing that will make side sleepers happy the most is that people said they stopped waking up with numb arms, stiffness, and back pain.

Silk and Snow Mattress Review

Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers Canada - Silk and Snow Mattress Review
  • Type: Memory foam

  • 100-night trial

  • 15-year warranty

  • Free shipping

  • Price: $600–$850

Rating 9.7

Get the Best Deal
PROS :
  • Extra support layer

  • Perfect for couples

  • Best mattress for heavy side sleepers

CONS :
  • May be too firm for some people

This multi-layer memory mattress is the best mattress for any side sleeper in Canada looking to upgrade their sleeping experience to a whole new level. 

First off, the cover is antibacterial, which means you don’t have to worry about your mattress getting you sick. If you suffer from allergies, good news! This mattress is hypoallergenic, meaning it’s even better for you.

You can also easily unzip the cover and throw it in the wash to keep your sleeping experience fresh and clean.

The next layer is made of gel memory foam, which is perfect for relieving pressure points, particularly for side sleepers, and keeping the air flowing. Transitional foam is right beneath it and it’s responsible for keeping motion isolated and giving you all the support you need.

To ensure the mattress is durable, Silk and Snow added yet another support layer that works as the foundation for the mattress. What earned Silk and Snow the title of the best memory foam mattress for side sleepers is the fact that it maintains a constant temperature and feel. Hence, you can stay rejuvenated all year round.

What’s more, customers are fairly impressed with the mattress and say it really does provide superior support compared to most other mattresses. Even those who are above the average weight and height say that this mattress is more than supportive. The only thing people complained about was the firmness, as some customers simply found the mattress too firm for their liking.

Recore Mattress Review

Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers Canada - Recore Mattress Review
  • Type: Hybrid

  • 120-night trial

  • 15-year warranty

  • Free shipping

  • Price: $649–$979

Rating 9.8

Get the Best Deal
PROS :
  • Graphite latex and cooling gel for hot sleepers

  • Extra supportive base layer

  • Antimicrobial cover with silver-coated threads

CONS :
  • Might be too firm for some side sleepers

The Recore mattress combines high-quality materials with advanced technology to give you optimal recovery and better sleep. This is evident even in the antimicrobial cover as it’s silver charged. Additionally, the woven thread of silver in no way prevents you from unzipping the cover and throwing it in the wash to keep your mattress extra clean.

Though, what makes this the best mattress for side sleepers is the special base layer, made from durable supportive foam, as it basically carries the whole mattress and gives you the support you never thought you’d get. Your sensitive points will no longer stay under pressure as the base layer will distribute your weight evenly and make the mattress even more comfortable.

Furthermore, those who find even gel-memory foam too hot to sleep on will love that Recore uses graphite-infused latex foam for better breathability and heat regulation. By helping you stay cool during the night, this type of foam makes it easier to reach deep sleep and keeps the sweat away even during the warmest of nights.

Customers who bought the Recore mattress simply adored it. This was an especially good mattress for side sleepers who suffered from bad backs or night sweats, as the mattress both supported them well and kept them cool. Some side sleepers did complain about the mattress being too firm for their knees and hips, but luckily, they were able to exchange the mattress for a softer version within their trial period.

Casper Wave Mattress Review

Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers Canada - Casper Wave Mattress Review
  • Type: Hybrid

  • 100-night trial

  • 10-year warranty

  • Free shipping and returns

  • Price: $1,845–$3,795

Rating 9.7

Get the Best Deal
PROS :
  • Extra supportive gel pods

  • AirScape foam for breathability

  • Zoned support for waist and back

CONS :
  • Not the most affordable option around

For anyone who has intense backaches and pains, Casper Wave has the best mattress for side sleepers with lower back pain. This hybrid mattress offers the support you always wanted due to its state-of-the-art technology; instead of the conventional memory foam, Casper Wave uses supportive gel pods.

Namely, the pods are placed directly in the mattress where your waist and lower back will be. This prevents sinking and keeps your spine properly aligned, thus effectively ridding you of any aches you may experience on a daily basis. The main reason Casper Wave incorporated gel pods along with memory foam is to provide you with extra support, thus creating the best mattress type for any side sleeper in Canada.

The mattress also features a layer of breathable foam called AirScape, which increases breathability and keeps the mattress fresh. The foam in the rest of the mattress will conform to your body and relieve any pressure that may have accumulated in your sensitive points. 

When it comes to the overall construction of the mattress, you can expect four layers in total. The top one is made of polyurethane foam, followed by natural latex, then zoned memory foam, and finally the foam with gel pods we already mentioned. These layers synergize well to successfully create one of the best mattresses for side sleepers in Canada.

Most customers who reviewed the mattress loved it, but there were some who simply didn’t feel the mattress was worth the money. Additionally, even though most people claim it really helped lessen their pain, the mattress does take some time to get used to.

Polysleep Mattress Review

Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers Canada - Polysleep Mattress Review
  • Type: Memory foam

  • 100-night trial

  • 10-year warranty

  • Free shipping and returns

  • Price: $850–$1,350

Rating 9.6

Get the Best Deal
PROS :
  • High level of pressure relief

  • Antimicrobial foam layer

  • Soft liquid-repellent cover

CONS :
  • Difficult unboxing

This multi-layer memory foam mattress for side sleepers promises to give you the sweetest of dreams thanks to its advanced memory foam. Moreover, the very first layer is made from viscoelastic hybrid foam, which is perfect for keeping germs away and keeping the air flowing throughout the mattress.

Underneath it, you’ll find the transition foam that isolates motion and offers both you and your partner the support you were hoping for. And, that’s not all you get for support. Namely, the third layer is made specifically to keep your spine properly aligned with polyurethane foam. 

Lastly, there’s the contour layer, which also features polyurethane foam and makes the mattress conform to your body for a more comfortable sleep. That might be just the thing that makes this the best mattress for side sleepers with shoulder pain in Canada. On top of that, Polysleep stresses that their mattress is 100% latex-free, so you won’t have to worry about any potential allergies.

Also, let’s not forget about the soft liquid-repellent cover, giving you peace of mind if you like to have an occasional drink or snack in bed. The cover is made from soft and high-quality mesh, making it easy to wash, breathable, and super comfy.

Customers are impressed with the Polysleep mattress, and some reviewers are even calling this the best mattress type for side sleepers with back pain. People do tell potential buyers not to be fooled by the plush on top of the mattress, as it’s just as firm and supportive as it’s supposed to be. The only thing that annoyed people was that they couldn’t easily unbox the mattress when they received it.

Layla Mattress Review

Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers Canada - Layla Mattress Review
  • Type: Memory foam

  • 120-night trial

  • Lifetime warranty

  • Free shipping and returns

  • Price: $844–$1,448

Rating 9.7

Get the Best Deal
PROS :
  • Flippable for maximum comfort

  • Zoned support

  • Effective cooling

CONS :
  • No medium-firm option

With the Layla mattress, you’ll never have to choose between a plush or firm mattress for side sleepers ever again. The reason being, Layla has two cooling covers on each side of the mattress — one firm and the other soft. This way, you can simply flip the side that suits you best, without missing any of the support the mattress provides.

To ensure you’re getting the best out of your mattress regardless of what side you sleep on, two copper-infused gel memory foam layers have been added on each side. The copper makes the mattress antimicrobial, while the memory foam cools you down, provides extra support to your sensitive areas, and gives the mattress a plushy feel.

What makes a good mattress for side sleepers are the two layers in the center of the mattress — the max air support foam and the support core foam layer. The first increases airflow inside the mattress and offers zoned support. And the latter isolates motion well, increases the mattress’s durability, and gives you minimal bounce. All of these layers work in synergy to provide you with the ideal sleeping experience.

Last but not least, side sleepers who reviewed this mattress absolutely loved it, claiming that they got the support of their dreams. Nevertheless, some customers noted that the sides were either too soft or too firm for them.

How We Chose the Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers in Canada

– Our Ranking Methodology –

When testing crème de la crème mattresses, we have to use a comprehensive ranking methodology to provide you with the most objective and trustworthy review possible — hence why we delegated this task specifically to the side sleepers in our team and they paid special attention to:

Comfort

Comfort is an important factor for pretty much everyone, but especially for side sleepers. This is because a comfortable mattress helps cushion your sensitive points, such as your hips and your shoulders. Hence, we made sure the mattresses we reviewed all felt like sleeping on a cloud. Speaking of which, memory foam proved to be the most comfortable material for side sleepers; to no great surprise as it naturally conforms to the body and relieves pressure points.

Regardless of what type of mattress for a side sleeper we’re talking about, comfort needs to include proper temperature regulation. In other words, we can’t have you getting too hot or sweaty during the night, regardless of the weather outside. 

Finally, being comfortable for most people entails not having to worry about the cleanliness of their mattresses. This is exactly why we strived to include only mattresses that will keep you cool all year round and that were hypoallergenic.

Support

Aside from wanting to stay comfortable, side sleepers also look for sufficient support from their mattresses. When sleeping in this position, having a properly aligned spine is essential; your sensitive points are taking all the pressure from your body, and if you don’t have that support, you’re going to wake up with a stiff neck and back.

The companies we tested and reviewed all understand this, which is why they go above and beyond when it comes to making good mattresses for side sleepers with adequate support. Some of the mattresses on our list even have more than one layer specifically designed to give you that support you need.

Quality

Without high-quality materials, neither comfort nor support would be achievable. High-quality also means that your mattress will be more resistant to wear and tear and that it will feel new for longer. And as you really want to get your money’s worth, durability is an important factor.

Trial Period and Return Policy

Knowing whether you got the absolute best mattress for a side sleeper in Canada is tough, especially when you’re getting a mattress out of a box. Expert and customer reviews mean a lot, but it’s still not the same as feeling the mattress first-hand before buying it. This is why trial periods are necessary.

In essence, they allow you to test your new mattress for a given period of time and see how you like it. The companies we included in our reviews all give long trial periods so that you’re really sure you’re in love with your new mattress. If you end up finding it too uncomfortable for your liking, you can easily return it and get a full refund.

To make things even easier for you, we included a lot of companies that allow the modification of the mattress firmness for side sleepers who need it within the trial period. This way, you don’t have to worry about making the wrong decision and wasting your money.

Warranty

Warranties ensure that your mattress really is as top-notch as you anticipated it to be. While the companies we selected all strive to deliver exactly what they promised, mistakes in manufacturing do happen. But that doesn’t mean you have to pay for them.

To ensure your mattress holds up just as much as promised, the top companies in Canada offer long warranties. In fact, we even included some companies that give you a lifetime warranty so you never have to worry about having to deal with a faulty mattress.

Price

The best mattress for any side sleeper in Canada isn’t the most expensive one. Even though this purchase is a hefty investment, the key is to not look at the price tag. We often go for a higher price mattress simply because we deem it an indicator of quality, which isn’t always the case.

Our team knows that the real key is to look for the best value for money. This is exactly why we included mattresses in different price ranges. You can easily find your perfect match that suits your budget and needs.

What Makes the Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers Canada Has to Offer the Best?

– Buyer’s Guide –

Knowing what to look for in a mattress helps you gain a whole new perspective on our expert and user reviews. This section of the article is dedicated to answering all of your questions and showing you what to look for when shopping for mattresses.

Pros & Cons of Sleeping on Your Side

If you have issues with snoring, sleep apnea, or acid reflux, you should definitely start sleeping on your side. This position is also recommended for pregnant women. This is because side sleeping naturally keeps your head and neck aligned, while also leaving your airways open and keeping your esophagus elevated.

While this position is comfortable for people with the aforementioned issues, it does come with some downsides for others. For example, it can cause wrinkles and breast sag. People who suffer from joint or back arthritis can feel tighter if they’re curled up in the fetal position. 

Luckily, the best mattresses for side sleepers solve this issue by allowing you to comfortably lift your chin and slightly extend your legs so you can enjoy your favourite sleeping position pain-free. Aside from that, the fetal position can make it difficult to breathe deeply.

In addition, which side you sleep on also makes a difference, especially for pregnant women. When you’re pregnant, it’s recommended to sleep on your left side to keep your uterus from pressing into your liver on the right. This also increases blood circulation for the baby. Even people who aren’t expecting will benefit from sleeping on their left side, as the organs don’t press into each other. 

What Different Types of Sleeping Positions Are There?

Our mattress buying guide for side sleepers wouldn’t be complete without reflecting on the different varieties of side sleeping:

  • Sprinter — One leg is bent at the knee while the other is extended. Both arms and the back are straight. Only about 2% to 3% of the world population sleep like this.
  • Log — Around 14% of all adults sleep with both their legs and arms extended, with their back straight.
  • Yearner — The legs and back are straight while the arms are stretched out in front of the body; around 5% of the population sleeps like this.
  • Fetal — This is the most common sleeping position for side sleepers; as much as 40% of the world’s population chooses this position. Namely, the back is slightly curled and resembles a baby in the womb. Both legs are bent at the knees, while the arms are close to the body. 

What Firmness of the Mattress Is Best for Side Sleepers?

In the mattress world, firmness is rated on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 the firmest. Typically, you’ll see mattresses ranging from 3 to 8 on the market, on average. Likewise, medium and medium-firm mattresses tend to be the best fit for side sleepers. If we look back at the number scale, medium-firm mattresses would score a 5 or a 6. This is because they provide you with everything you need — spinal alignment, even support, body conformation, and pressure relief.

When it comes to finding the best mattress firmness for individual side sleepers, your body weight can also be a good indicator.

  • Below 60kg/130lbs — get a soft to medium mattress, as firm mattresses may cause discomfort. They won’t be able to conform to your body well, as you won’t sink into the mattress much.
  • Between 60kg/130lbs and 105kg/230lbs — medium or medium-firm mattresses are your best bet, as they’ll give you even support and won’t feel uncomfortable.
  • More than 105kg/230lbs — the best mattress for heavy side sleepers is a firm one as it will stop you from sinking into it. Plus, they’ll give you adequate support and spinal alignment, unlike softer mattresses.

What Types of Mattresses for Side Sleepers Are There?

Memory Foam

Memory foam mattresses have multiple layers of different types of foam, including a special core support layer (usually made of polyfoam) and a comfort layer. The higher the density of your memory foam mattress, the higher the quality. These mattresses can also come with a plush layer, which side sleepers especially benefit from. The choice between a firm or plush mattress for a side sleeper is clear, as plush is perfect for cushioning your pressure points and keeping you stabilized.

Aside from that, they’re also the favourite of many due to them not being noisy and having solid motion isolation. There are plenty of models to choose from, so you can easily find your perfect match. 

On the other hand, some side sleepers report memory foam being too hot for them or not having enough edge support. Some sagging could also be present.

Latex

Even though latex mattresses have high-density polyfoam as their support core layer, they are different from memory foam. Namely, the comfort layer is made either out of synthetic or natural latex. Some say they’re even the best type of mattress for side sleepers because they’re bouncier than memory foam, without compromising the body-conforming features. 

Also, as latex mattresses are often made from organic and breathable materials, people with allergies and those concerned for the environment tend to go for them. Plus, they’re better at keeping you cool and distributing airflow. 

The drawbacks are pretty much the same as with memory foam mattresses, with the main difference being that latex mattresses tend to be more expensive. 

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses tend to be the best of both worlds, making them the best type of mattress for side and back sleepers in the eyes of many. They combine the top features from other mattresses; contouring and comfort (memory foam and latex) and bounce (innerspring). They typically have pocket coil support cores, which are wrapped in polyfoam for security. The comfort layer is either made of latex, memory foam, or a combination of both.

Side sleepers may benefit from the hybrid mattress’s strong edge support, as well as the fact that they’re generally pretty cool. They also conform to your body better than innerspring. Hybrid mattresses aren’t for you if you have a set budget and don’t want to deal with the potential of a noisy mattress.

Airbed

The support core of the airbed is made from individual air chambers that can be adjusted either manually or via remote control. This allows you to customize the firmness of your mattress to whatever degree you prefer. To make the airbed more conforming, add the best mattress topper for side sleepers you can find as a comfort layer. Airbeds tend to be incredibly durable, which matches the steep price.

They can also be potentially noisy, and some people might have a hard time adjusting. If you’re one for temperature regulation, you also might not like that this type of mattress doesn’t do much for that.

Innerspring

Traditional innerspring mattresses tend not to do much for side sleepers, as they don’t conform to the body and keep your spine aligned. Though innerspring isn’t typically the best type of mattress for a side sleeper, sleep technology is always advancing. Many companies today add plush comfort layers to their innerspring mattresses. Likewise, they use various configurations of coils; these modifications give you more pressure relief.

The core is typically made from spaced steel springs, along with a layer of polyfoam. There’s also usually a comfort layer made of polyfoam, too. 

Overall, side sleepers may like innerspring mattresses not only due to their affordability but also their wide availability. Aside from convenience, these mattresses offer strong edge support and are perfect for side sleepers who tend to sleep hot.

Keep in mind that they do have a relatively short life span and can be potentially noisy. Most importantly, they offer minimal pressure relief and conforming.

Which Type of Mattress Is Best for Side Sleepers?

Taking all of the needs of side sleepers into consideration, we recommend you go for the memory foam or hybrid mattresses. They have the contouring features you need the most and distribute weight evenly, thus effectively removing pressure from your sensitive points.

As a side sleeper, you have to take care of your sensitive points and make sure they’re cushioned because they’re under the whole weight of your body.

Wrapping Up

As you can see, the Canadian market is filled with top mattresses that are bound to take your experience as a side sleeper to the next level. Our buyer’s guide and expert reviews are here to help you make the right decision, as we know this is one of the most important purchases a person can make.

FAQs

What is the best mattress for side sleepers with back pain?

If you have back pain and sleep on your side, it’s best to look for memory foam or hybrid mattresses. These types of mattresses will keep your sensitive points, such as your shoulders and hips, cushioned and also keep your spine properly aligned. After all, putting too much pressure on these sensitive parts is usually what causes back pain in the first place.

What is the best mattress for side sleepers with hip pain?

Side sleepers who experience hip pain should also look for memory foam or hybrid mattresses. With memory foam, it’s easy for your hips to stay cushioned and your spine aligned, thus relieving pressure off your hips. Hybrid, on the other hand, combines the best properties of other mattresses and its multiple layers definitely work towards eliminating hip pain. 

Should side sleepers have a firm or soft mattress?

As a side sleeper, it’s best to sleep on a soft to medium-firm mattress. That way, a mattress will easily contour your body and follow your natural curve, while also keeping you comfy. Plus, softer mattresses will easily cushion your sensitive points and relieve pressure.

Is memory foam good for side sleepers?

Yes, memory foam is one of the best choices for side sleepers. Mainly because it contours your body and distributes your weight evenly, thus easily keeping you comfy and supported. High-quality memory foam mattresses tend to have zoned support, too, which provides your sensitive areas with extra support and allows you to sleep better.

What is the best mattress for side sleepers?

The best mattresses are those which provide the perfect balance between comfort and support. That way, you get everything you need as a side sleeper to stay healthy and improve your quality of sleep. 

Our choice is the Recore recovery mattress due to the interesting combination of technology and tradition which make for a brilliant final result. You can check it out in our review and see what makes it so good, but be sure to also check out the rest of the best mattresses for side sleepers Canada has to offer.