Many studies and experts have discussed the benefits of sleeping on your side. They include neutral spine alignment, improved digestion and better breathing through the night. However, using the wrong type of mattress for side sleepers can negate all of these positives and quickly turn into various issues and ailments.
So here comes the question – how to choose a mattress if you prefer sleeping on your side? Which mattress provides adequate support, firmness and technology to avoid all the issues that come with low quality sleep? There are so many products on the market, all claiming to be the next best thing since sliced bread but we all know most of these claims are, lightly put, unfounded. So how do you choose what is the best for you?
Well, that’s why we created LightSleeper – to help you choose the product that is right for you and you alone, and help you make that choice along the way. Companies can never pay to feature their products on LightSleeper, nor we are getting paid to recommend one product over the other – we are an independent resource and we only recommend products that have passed our tests and we feel that they are the best in their category.
So let’s see what we think are the best mattresses for side sleepers in the UK today and why:
1. Simba Hybrid Pro – Editor’s Pick
Simba is a brand that created many amazing sleeping products throughout the years. However, the Simba Hybrid Pro is hands down our winner in this category. The Simba mattress has excellent titanium Aerocoil® springs, which leads to outstanding airflow and an even better bodyweight distribution.
This Simba mattress brings plush, gravity-defying comfort and superb support like no other. It consists of a wool layer that naturally regulates body temperature to keep you cool and comfortable through all four seasons. With the Simba Hybrid mattress, you get a soft sleeping surface with a thick knitted cover that won’t compromise the airflow.
As this is a hybrid mattress, it can be flipped and rotated. Simba has built four handles for movement ease and switch. The brand praises itself for the quality products they put out, thus the notable 200 night’s trial period. The Simba mattress offers us triple the period most companies follow, and if that hasn’t sold you, you receive a 10-year guarantee it.
Key Features:
- 7 layers of construction
- Hypoallergenic knitted cover
- 4 handles for ease of movement
- Trial Period for Returns: 200 days
- Warranty: 10 years
2. Brook and Wilde Lux – A Close Runner Up
The Brook and Wilde Lux mattress will provide you with an excellent night’s sleep in a luxurious bed with eight innovative sleep technology layers. Brook + Wilde is a company devoted to putting quality products on the market, and their Lux option is no exception.
Support and comfortable sleep has never been closer. The Brook and Wilde is an inventive creation with a unique “wave technology”, ensuring you will receive the right support, correct pressure distribution and the proper spinal alignment.
Brook + Wilde is a premium suggestion that will not only keep your spine aligned, but it will also relieve pressure points for everyone in the bed. And if this wasn’t enough, you get to try it out for yourself with the 100 night trial period and test your new purchase, with that said, if you end up loving it as we think you would Brook and Wilde gives you a guarantee which will last a decade!
Key Features:
- 8 layers of construction
- Removable & washable cover
- Unique “wave technology”
- Trial Period for Returns: 100 days
- Warranty: 10 years
3. Nectar – A Good Alternative
If you’re continuously struggling with a bad back, this affordable medium-firm mattress should be a choice to consider. Nectar comes with five unique foam layers that help keep your spine in the proper alignment throughout the night.
The Nectar memory foam mattress has a breathable cooling top layer which is neither too firm nor too soft. Contouring gel memory foam will meet your body’s natural curves with five layers of perfection packed in one mattress.
Nectar will help relieve common pressure points beneath your shoulders, hips, and legs for better spinal alignment. This quality item comes with a lifetime warranty at an affordable price.
But what makes the Nectar genuinely great is the full package it comes with. The brand has included an incredible offer with two cooling pillows, a sheet set and a mattress protector. When you purchase the Nectar mattress, you don’t have to worry about other bedding products because you are all set!
Key Features:
- Five layers of construction
- Gel-infused foam
- Breathable Cooling Action
- Trial Period for Returns: 365 days
- Warranty: Lifetime
4. Emma Original
The Emma Original is a carefully crafted product that provides you with the most restful and refreshing sleep possible. It’s designed to suit everyone’s needs with its three layers of pressure-relieving foam and magnificent moisture-wicking cover.
The first layer is a Halo™ memory foam layer that adapts to your body shape for targeted spinal alignment, enhanced pressure relief and body-hugging comfort.
It’s followed by the Emma’s Point Elastic Airgocell® technology, enhancing breathability and regulating temperature by absorbing and then evaporating sweat. Lastly, you’ll find the HRX (High Resiliency Extra) Supreme ™ foam that is engineered to last for years without losing its durability due to the adaptive cut-outs zone, distributing your body weight evenly to reduce pressure.
Emma Sleep offers you a 200-day risk-free trial period, so you have time to adjust to your new mattress. They also provide you with a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty and free delivery. What more can you ask for?
Key Features:
- Three layers of construction
- Seven zone back structure
- Innovative Airgocell® regulates temperature
- Trial Period for Returns: 200 days
- Warranty: 10 years
5. Vispring Baronet Superb
Vispring offers a unique mattress with one layer of springs like no other. The Vispring Baronet Superb has an exclusive technology that provides us with 1326 hand-nested calico pocket springs that come with four spring tensions: soft, medium, firm and extra firm.
By purchasing the Vispring, you invest in a better night’s sleep and incredible support. This excellent item is exclusively made from a blend of natural fillings such as bonded British fleece wool, horsehair and cotton.
Unlike most, the Vispring divan mattress can work on many quality top divan bases. The Vispring is an exquisite product that comes with the finest quality ticking and is hand-tufted with felt washers. Its craftsmanship is shown in the two rows of hand side-stitching and the unbelievable 30 years warranty.
Key Features:
- 1326 hand-nested calico pocket spring
- All-natural fillings
- 21cm Depth
- Hand-tufted
- Warranty: 30 years
How to choose a mattress for side sleepers?
Side sleepers put more pressure on their shoulders and hips, which is why there are a few factors you should take into consideration before making a purchase. Manufacturers always try and portray their product as the best one out there, but just because they say it is doesn’t mean it’s right. That’s why you have to look at the following factors to find a truly great option:
Firmness
Many consider this a subjective comfort measure, but aside sleeper usually needs the right balance between proper spine aligned and soft cushioning for the shoulders and hips.
Of course, your personal preferences and body weight plays a significant role in your choice, but they shouldn’t be the only ones. Understand that firmness can affect your comfort and support, so try to stay in the middle! For most people, the ideal choice would be a medium-firm mattress as you can usually get the best of both worlds. Some, however, might prefer a softer mattress while heavier people should consider a firmer mattress that offers adequate support.
Type
Every mattress has its advantages and disadvantages, but a side sleeper needs one that offers contouring and full-body support. Keep in mind that the type of bed you purchase determines key components such as pressure point relief, temperature regulation and motion isolation.
Try to understand your preferences and priorities and this will help you in your choice.
Materials
Just like with anything else, quality materials are essential. They can directly affect the durability of the option you’ve chosen. Cheap materials are usually less supportive and break down quickly over time. Often the higher the quality means the higher the price, but in the long run, you get an opportunity with an increased lifespan, making your investment valuable.
Pressure Relief
As we’ve mentioned, people that sleep on their side put pressure on the shoulders and hips. That’s why they need products that relieve pressure points and prevent shoulder and back pain.
Final Words
Many people sleep on their sides, so there are plenty of mattresses out there. However, with a lot of choices, it comes to a more challenging decision. Make sure your body is adequately supported and comfortable in your preferred position.
Mattress brands frequently change, and so do the products they offer, which is why we will continue to provide you with the most up to par information and try to shed some light on the best mattresses for side sleepers on the market.
We might not be professionals, but we’ve tested, researched and commented on every product we’ve put on this list. With that said, we hope that this article was helpful, and you were able to find what you are looking for.
If there are any questions, regarding the subject that were left unanswered, we would gladly answer them in the comments below.