Mattress for Side Sleepers: Which to Choose (Shoulder and Hip)

Short answer: a side sleeper needs a medium-firm mattress that gives at the shoulder and hip and keeps the lower back aligned. In the Dreamura range, the Sora is the spring option, the Takumi the one for mixed positions and the Kaizen the foam one. If you have a diagnosed pain condition, speak to your doctor first.

Why side sleeping calls for a different mattress

On your side, weight concentrates on two points: the shoulder and the hip. If the mattress doesn't give at those points, the spine is twisted and the shoulder is under pressure. If it gives too much, the lower back sags.

What you are looking for is balance: a mattress that lets the shoulder sink in without twisting the spine. For most bodies, that means medium firmness. To choose firmness by weight, use the reference table.

Which mattress to choose, by profile

Prices are "from", in the smallest size (190x90). All have a 100-night home trial, a 10-year warranty and are made in Portugal.

If you... Choose Why When not to choose it
Sleep on your side and want springs, without memory foam Sora, from €309 (190x90) Mitsunowa pocket springs with 3 zones: the shoulder zone gives more than the lower back. Medium firmness, 20 cm. If you change position a lot during the night: the Takumi suits better.
Sleep on your side, back or change position, or share the bed Takumi, from €439 (190x90) Kokoro memory foam over pocket springs: relieves pressure at the shoulders and hips. Medium firmness, 26 cm. If you run warm at night: memory foam retains more heat than springs. See the Sora.
Prefer a foam feel and a lower entry price Kaizen, from €269 (190x90) Three layers of foam, no springs. Medium firmness, 23 cm. For side sleeping or mixed positions. If you run very warm: traditional memory foam sleeps hot. The Nemuri Comfort layer was designed to be more breathable.
Want a tall foam mattress and sleep in several positions Shinobi, from €419 (190x90) Memory foam over high resilience foam, no springs. Medium firmness, 30 cm. If you run warm at night: foam ventilates less than springs.

"If you sleep on your side and don't yet know whether you want springs or foam, start with the Sora or the Takumi. Your body decides." — Ana Cristina, Sleep Advisor

The limits of this recommendation

There are mattresses in the range that I don't recommend to people who sleep mainly on their side. The Samurai has high firmness and, according to its own product sheet, the shoulder doesn't sink in enough. The Hisui is firm and suits back sleepers better. The Mizu works on the side, but isn't ideal: there can be pressure on the shoulders, especially broad ones.

There are also cases where the mattress does not solve the problem. If you wake with persistent pain in the shoulder, hip or lower back, or if you already have a diagnosis, the mattress is only part of the answer. Speak to your doctor or physiotherapist before deciding.

For couples, the choice also depends on the other side of the bed. See the mattress guide for couples.

The pillow completes the choice

The mattress takes care of the shoulder and hip. The pillow takes care of the neck. For side sleeping, the height has to fill the space between the shoulder and the head. Read the guide to the pillow for side sleepers or see the pillows for side sleepers collection.

Frequently asked questions

What firmness should a mattress for side sleeping have?

Medium firmness, in most cases. The surface has to give at the shoulder and hip and keep the lower back aligned. On a very firm mattress, the shoulder doesn't sink in and the spine is twisted.

Can I sleep on my side on a firm mattress?

You can, but it is usually less comfortable. If you spend more than half the night on your side, the Sora or the Takumi adapt better to the shoulder.

Does the pillow also matter for side sleepers?

It does. The pillow fills the space between the shoulder and the head, and the right height depends on how broad your shoulder is. We have written a guide just on that.

What if I don't adapt to the mattress?

All mattresses have a 100-night home trial and a 10-year warranty. If you don't adapt, returns are free of charge.

Going further

If you are in doubt, Ana Cristina will help in 10 minutes by phone: +351 21 150 95 04. Or take the sleep quiz.

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