What Mattress Is Best for Side Sleepers? Sunshine Coast Guide

If you sleep mainly on your side, choosing the right mattress can make a big difference to how comfortable you feel during the night.

Side sleepers place more pressure on their shoulders and hips than back sleepers, so a mattress needs to provide enough cushioning around these areas while still giving the body good overall support.

But does that mean every side sleeper needs a soft mattress? Not necessarily.

Your body weight, preferred sleeping position, whether you sleep with a partner and even how hot you sleep can all influence which mattress feels best.

At our Coolum Beach warehouse, we regularly help Sunshine Coast customers compare different mattress types and firmness levels. Here's what we recommend considering if you're predominantly a side sleeper.

Quick Answer: What Mattress Is Best for Side Sleepers?

For many side sleepers, a medium or medium-soft mattress with good pressure relief and underlying support is a sensible starting point.

The mattress should allow your shoulders and hips to settle comfortably into the surface without making you feel as though your whole body is sinking into the bed.

However, there's no single firmness that's right for every side sleeper.

A lighter person may find a medium mattress relatively firm, while a heavier person can experience exactly the same mattress as considerably softer.

That's why the best mattress is ultimately the one that provides the right balance of comfort, pressure relief and support for your particular body.

Why Do Side Sleepers Need a Different Mattress?

When you lie on your side, much of your body weight is concentrated around two main areas: your shoulders and hips.

If your mattress is extremely firm, these areas may not settle comfortably into the mattress.

If it's too soft, your heavier areas may sink further than the rest of your body.

The aim is to find a mattress that cushions the main pressure points while providing enough underlying support to keep you comfortable throughout the night.

This is one reason mattress firmness shouldn't be considered in isolation.

For a more detailed explanation, read our Mattress Firmness Guide – Soft vs Medium vs Firm.

Should Side Sleepers Choose a Soft or Firm Mattress?

This is probably the question we hear most often from side sleepers.

The answer is: it depends on the person.

Soft mattresses

A softer mattress can provide excellent cushioning around the shoulders and hips, particularly for lighter side sleepers.

However, a mattress that is too soft for your body weight may allow excessive sinking.

Medium mattresses

Medium mattresses are a popular starting point because they can provide a balance between cushioning and support.

They're also worth considering for couples where one person sleeps on their side and the other uses a different sleeping position.

Firm mattresses

Some side sleepers prefer a firmer feel, particularly those with a larger body size or people who frequently change sleeping positions.

However, a very firm mattress can feel uncomfortable around the shoulder and hip for some side sleepers.

The important point is that “soft”, “medium” and “firm” aren't universal measurements. One manufacturer's medium can feel quite different from another manufacturer's medium.

What Type of Mattress Is Best for Side Sleepers?

Mattress construction can be just as important as firmness.

There are several options worth considering.

Pocket Spring Mattresses

Pocket spring mattresses use individually moving springs rather than one interconnected spring system.

This allows different parts of the mattress to respond independently to pressure.

For side sleepers, a good pocket spring mattress combined with suitable comfort layers can provide both cushioning and underlying support.

Pocket springs can also provide good airflow, which can be particularly useful in the warmer Sunshine Coast climate.

Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses typically combine a spring support system with substantial foam or other comfort layers.

This can work particularly well for side sleepers who want the pressure-relieving feel of comfort layers without losing the responsive support of springs underneath.

Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam contours around the body and can provide good pressure relief around the shoulders and hips.

Some side sleepers love the enveloping sensation, while others prefer a mattress with more bounce and responsiveness.

Temperature can also be a consideration, particularly for people who naturally sleep hot.

If overheating is an issue for you, read our Best Mattress for Hot Sleepers on the Sunshine Coast guide.

Are Pocket Springs or Foam Better for Side Sleepers?

Neither is automatically better.

This is an important distinction because shoppers often focus heavily on mattress construction when the overall design and feel of the mattress matter more.

A high-quality pocket spring mattress with appropriate comfort layers can work extremely well for a side sleeper.

So can a well-designed foam mattress.

Rather than deciding that you need one particular technology before you've tried anything, compare how different mattresses actually feel when you're lying in your normal sleeping position.

We've covered the differences in much more detail in our Pocket Spring vs Foam Mattress Guide.

What Mattress Is Best for a Heavier Side Sleeper?

Body weight can significantly affect how a mattress feels.

A heavier side sleeper will generally compress the mattress comfort layers more than a lighter person.

This means a mattress that feels medium-firm to one person could feel relatively soft to another.

Heavier side sleepers may therefore benefit from:

• Strong underlying support

• Durable, higher-density comfort materials

• Adequate cushioning around the shoulders and hips

• A mattress designed to maintain its comfort and support over time

Don't assume this automatically means choosing the firmest mattress available. You still need enough comfort around the areas carrying the most pressure.

What Mattress Is Best for a Lighter Side Sleeper?

Lighter sleepers generally don't compress mattress comfort layers as deeply.

As a result, a mattress labelled medium can sometimes feel quite firm.

A slightly softer comfort layer may allow the shoulder and hip to settle more comfortably into the mattress.

Again, this is why buying solely according to the firmness label can be misleading.

What If You Sleep on Your Side but Your Partner Doesn't?

This is extremely common.

One partner might be a side sleeper while the other sleeps predominantly on their back or stomach.

You may also have different body weights and completely different comfort preferences.

In these situations, look for a mattress that provides a good compromise rather than trying to optimise the mattress entirely for one person.

Motion transfer can also become important if one person moves frequently during the night.

Our Best Mattress for Couples on the Sunshine Coast guide explains what couples should consider in more detail.

Can the Wrong Mattress Cause Shoulder or Hip Discomfort?

An unsuitable mattress can contribute to discomfort for some sleepers, although shoulder, hip and back pain can have many different causes.

For side sleepers, a mattress that doesn't provide enough cushioning may feel uncomfortable around the areas in greatest contact with the mattress.

Conversely, an excessively soft or worn mattress may no longer provide the support you need.

If your current mattress has developed dips, sagging or significant soft spots, age may also be part of the problem.

Read our guide How Long Does a Mattress Last? Signs It's Time to Replace Yours if you're unsure whether your current mattress needs replacing.

Persistent or significant pain should be discussed with an appropriate healthcare professional rather than assuming your mattress is the cause.

Local Tip from Tom: Test the Mattress on Your Side

This sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people don't do it.

When customers visit our Coolum Beach warehouse, one of the things I encourage them to do is lie on a mattress exactly as they would at home.

If you're a side sleeper, don't test a mattress sitting on the edge or lying flat on your back for 30 seconds.

Get into your normal side-sleeping position and give yourself a few minutes.

Pay attention to your shoulder and hip. Does the mattress feel comfortable around them? Do you feel properly supported? Is there an obvious pressure point?

If you're buying as a couple, both of you should get onto the mattress together.

A specification sheet can tell you how a mattress is constructed. Your body tells you how it actually feels.

How Much Should a Side Sleeper Spend on a Mattress?

You don't necessarily need to spend thousands of dollars to find a good mattress for side sleeping.

Price alone doesn't determine whether a mattress will suit you.

I'd pay more attention to:

• Quality of construction

• Support system

• Quality and durability of comfort layers

• Warranty

• Suitability for your body and sleeping position

• How the mattress actually feels when you test it

We've created a separate guide covering How Much Should You Spend on a Mattress? if you'd like to understand mattress pricing and value in more detail.

Should You Buy a Mattress Online Without Trying It?

Buying online can be convenient, but firmness descriptions and reviews can't tell you exactly how a mattress will feel to your body.

That's particularly relevant for side sleepers because relatively small differences in cushioning around the shoulders and hips can change how comfortable a mattress feels.

If possible, try several firmness levels and mattress constructions before deciding.

You may discover that the mattress you prefer is quite different from the one you expected to buy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mattresses for Side Sleepers

What firmness mattress is best for side sleepers?

Many side sleepers find medium or medium-soft mattresses comfortable, but there is no single ideal firmness. Body weight, body shape and personal preference all influence how a mattress feels.

Should side sleepers sleep on a soft mattress?

Not necessarily. Side sleepers generally need good cushioning around their shoulders and hips, but the mattress should still provide adequate underlying support.

Is memory foam good for side sleepers?

Memory foam can provide excellent pressure relief and contouring for side sleepers. However, some people prefer the responsiveness and airflow offered by spring or hybrid mattresses.

Are pocket spring mattresses good for side sleepers?

They can be. A quality pocket spring system combined with suitable comfort layers can provide a good balance of responsive support and cushioning.

What mattress is best for side sleepers with shoulder pain?

A mattress providing sufficient cushioning around the shoulder may feel more comfortable, but shoulder pain can have many causes. Persistent pain should be assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional.

Do heavier side sleepers need a firmer mattress?

Often they require stronger underlying support and durable comfort layers, but that doesn't automatically mean choosing a very firm mattress. The mattress still needs to provide comfortable cushioning around the shoulders and hips.

What if I'm both a side and back sleeper?

If you regularly change positions, a medium or medium-firm mattress can be a useful starting point because it may provide a compromise between cushioning for side sleeping and support when lying on your back.

Related Sunshine Coast Mattress Guides

If you're researching which mattress to buy, these guides may also help:

How to Choose the Right Mattress on the Sunshine Coast – our complete mattress-buying guide.

Mattress Firmness Guide – Soft vs Medium vs Firm – understand how mattress firmness really works.

Pocket Spring vs Foam Mattress – compare two popular mattress constructions.

Best Mattress for Hot Sleepers on the Sunshine Coast – particularly useful if you struggle with Queensland's warmer nights.

Best Mattress for Couples on the Sunshine Coast – what to consider when two people have different sleeping preferences.

Best Mattress for Back Pain on the Sunshine Coast – considerations if back discomfort is affecting your sleep.

How Long Does a Mattress Last? – how to recognise when your current mattress may need replacing.

How Much Should You Spend on a Mattress? – understand mattress pricing, quality and value.

Want to Find the Right Mattress for Your Sleeping Position?

Reading about mattresses online is useful, but ultimately you need to know how the mattress feels underneath you.

At our Coolum Beach warehouse, Sunshine Coast customers can compare different mattress types and firmness levels in a relaxed, appointment-only environment.

We'll help you narrow down the options based on how you sleep, the feel you prefer and your budget – without the pressure of a traditional retail showroom.

Call: 0401 244 785

Book an appointment:
https://mattresssunshinecoast.com.au/book

Come in, lie down and compare them for yourself.