8 Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers with Upper And Lower Back Pain 2024

1. Layla Hybrid Mattress

The Layla Hybrid has responsive layers of memory foam, polyfoam, and pocketed coils. The hybrid construction allows sleepers to experience the benefits of both a foam and innerspring mattress while minimizing any drawbacks. The mattress has a height of 13 inches.

The cover of the Layla Hybrid is made with polyester, viscose, and poly lycra. The cover is soft and breathable and includes a label that indicates the firmness of each side. Vinyl handles attached to the cover make it easier to flip the mattress if needed. The cover can be removed for cleaning. Layla recommends dry cleaning the mattress cover.

The support core of the mattress is six inches of pocketed coils. The coil center has a reinforced perimeter of lower gauge coils for better edge support. Coils also add airflow throughout the mattress, which prevents heat retention and allows the mattress to sleep cool. They add bounce to the mattress, making it easy to change positions as needed.

On the soft side of the mattress, the comfort system includes 2.5 inches of copper-infused memory foam and two inches of polyfoam. The copper-infused memory foam is thermally conductive, meaning it draws heat away from the body and sleeps cooler than traditional memory foam. Copper also has antimicrobial properties. The soft side relieves pressure points by closely conforming to the shape of the body. A two-inch layer of Tri-Zone-Airflow polyfoam underneath has deep channels to circulate air. This layer includes surface modification technology (SMT) for better support.

The firm side of the mattress has a thinner, one-inch layer of copper-infused memory foam above 1.5 inches of Tri-Zone-Airflow polyfoam. The polyfoam transition layer is firmer for less contouring and more support. This side relieves pressure points but also provides ease of movement. 

Whereas the firm side was best for back sleeping, most people found the soft side to work wonders for side sleeping. In this gentle configuration, they experienced a ton of deep sinkage and pressure relief, which was especially beneficial at shoulders and hips. Therefore, this bed could be a good fit for strict side sleepers.

Mattress Prices and Sizing

Where to Buy Layla?

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2. Layla Memory Foam Mattress

The Layla Memory Foam Mattress contains memory foam and polyfoam in both its comfort layers and support core. Like the Layla Hybrid Mattress, it is flippable. Sleepers can enjoy medium-soft (4) or firm (7-8) firmness settings in one bed with both of Layla’s mattress offerings.

At 10 inches thick, the Layla Memory Foam Mattress has an average profile. Standard sheets will fit just fine, unlike with the 13-inch Layla Hybrid, which could require deep-pocket sheets.

The two mattresses are distinguished by slightly different feels and very different price-points. The Layla Memory Foam Mattress is highly contouring, while the Hybrid feels more responsive. The Memory Foam Mattress is a better choice for sleepers who like to feel “hugged” by their mattress.

• Choose the Soft side if…you weigh under 130 pounds. Lighter sleepers, especially those who prefer sleeping on their sides, prefer this side of the bed. Some heavier sleepers who prefer a more conforming mattress might also like this side best. Sleepers in this category felt supported and enjoyed spinal alignment on the medium-soft side of this mattress.

• Choose the Firm side if… you weigh over 130 pounds. These sleepers, especially those who sleep on their stomachs, prefer this side of the bed. Back sleepers who weigh over 230 pounds also greatly enjoy the “firm” Layla option. These sleepers found the support they need on the firm side of this bed.

• Sleepers who prefer a conforming mattress. This bed gives the signature “hugging” sensation of memory foam.

Mattress Prices and Sizing

3. Saatva Classic Mattress

If you prefer the solid build of a traditional innerspring bed, give the Saatva look. It utilizes a coil-on-coil structure to provide impressive bounce and support. That support could be just the ticket for folks who are looking to avoid back pain by maintaining neutral spine alignment. IT also helps to keep sleepers positioned on top of the structure to avoid any sort of stuck-in-the-bed feeling. 

The innerspring Saatva comes in three firmness levels: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm (which has a medium firm feel), and Firm. The Soft version will probably work best for side sleepers, who need plenty of pressure relief at the shoulders and hips. The Luxury Firm is likely most ideal for combo sleepers, who need a balance of support and pressure relief in multiple positions. And the Firm version should work wonders for back and stomach sleepers, who need higher levels of support. 

• Reduced back & joint pain: their plush Euro pillow top delivers contouring and cushioning support to the back, hips, and shoulders, relieving pressure where it’s needed most.

• Optimal spine support: their mattresses are designed with Lumbar Zone support technology, an active wire support in the center of the mattress, for optimal spinal alignment.

• Chiropractor approved: the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations has awarded Saatva its seal of approval, and Saatva is recommended by leading US chiropractors.

Mattress Prices and Sizing

Where to Buy Saatva?

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4. Idle Hybrid Mattress

The Idle Hybrid is Idle's most popular mattress model, and for a good reason. Its a wonderfully versatile mattress that most people will find comfortable. You get two firmness options to choose from: medium and luxury firm. The medium is suitable for most people; it's not too soft, but not too hard. You don't sink in, but you still get contoured support. 

• Idle is two sided so you can flip your Idle to limit sag and enjoy Idle longer than one sided mattresses. 

• Idle Cooling Buoyancy Foam is made without visco elastic chemicals so Idle stays cooler than memory foam with better pressure relief.

• Idle is made with only CertiPUR-US®️ certified foams meaning no ozone depleters, PBDE’s, TDCPP, mercury or lead. Sleep Idle and soundly knowing your bed is made with certified CertiPUR-US®️ foam.

Sleep Position Overview

Back Sleepers - Buy It: The Idle Hybrid is great for back sleepers. If you opt for the medium firmness, you can expect the perfect balance of pressure relief and support. The mattress has enough give for your hips and shoulder to sink in but still provides critical support to your lower back. 

Side Sleepers - Consider It: Side sleepers tend to like a softer mattress, and the Idle Hybrid is right on the edge of what most side sleepers will find comfortable. If you're an average weight (between 130lbs-250lbs), the Idle Hybrid will sink in enough to support your body while sleeping on your side. If you're heavier than 250, you may want a firmer mattress, if you're under 130, you may want to find something softer. 

Stomach Sleepers - Buy The Firm Version: The Idle Hybrid is suitable for stomach sleepers, but if you personally like a firmer feel, you may want to opt for the luxury firm option. Stomach sleepers tend to like a harder mattress that doesn't sink in as much. The Idle Hybrid can be a great choice for stomach sleepers if you opt for the luxury firm. 

Mattress Prices

Where to Buy Idle?

You can go Idle Official Website through Extrabux, then you can get 15% super cashback.

Promotions:

Sign up at Idle for 50% off all foam mattresses + 2 free pillows.

5. The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress

The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress, also known as the Nectar Mattress, is the company’s flagship model. The Nectar is constructed of four layers of foam that combine to provide cooling, pressure relief, support, and motion isolation. This model uses high-quality materials but comes at a lower price point than similarly-constructed models, making it a budget-friendly option. The Nectar Lush is Nectar’s newest model. It is constructed of three layers of foam. It is slightly softer than the Nectar Mattress, meaning it conforms closer to the body.

• Back – most people said the Nectar felt pretty comfortable on their back! The memory foam top layers brought some pleasant pressure relief to both their lumbar region and shoulders, resulting in a nice, cozy sink. However, the longer they stayed in this position, the more they could feel their hips sinking out of alignment with their shoulders, which leads them to believe this may not be the best mattress for strict back sleeping.

• Side – The thick top layers of memory foam provided plenty of room to sink in for deep pressure relief at the shoulders and hips, working to prevent the painful “jamming” you might experience on a firmer bed. In general, I think the Nectar could be a fantastic pick for side sleepers.

Mattress Prices and Sizing

Where to Buy Nectar?

You can go Nectar Sleep Official Website through Extrabux, then you can get 8% super cashback.

Promotions:

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6. The Purple Mattress

Purple is widely recognized as one of the most innovative, popular bedding companies on earth today, thanks in large part to the success of the Original Purple mattress. The Purple bed utilizes a patented material called Hyper-Elastic Polymer, which is unlike any other mattress material on the market—it's not a memory foam, or any type of foam really. 

• Bottom – the Original Purple mattress starts with a 4″ layer of dense support foam, which serves as the foundation for the bed. Most mattresses in the online industry start off with a thick foam base, and here is where Purple sticks to the status quo.

• Middle – 3.25″ layer of 1.8 pound polyurethane foam as a transition layer to neutralize or soften up the feel of the dense neutral-foam at the foundation of the mattress.

• Top – 2″ layer of the brand’s patented Hyper-Elastic Polymer, which some people call the “Purple Mattress Topper,” which provides a bulk of the bed’s comfort. It truly is a unique mattress material that’s supportive but also knocks it out of the park in terms of allowing for great pressure relief. It also offers additional benefits as well, which we will get to below.

• Cover – bringing all the layers together is a soft, removable cover (not machine washable). If you happen to get a stain on the cover, we suggest you remove it and spot clean the spill instead. Otherwise, you might risk shrinking the cover, making it very difficult to put back on.

Back Sleepers

Back sleepers will find that the Original Purple mattress provides the necessary support. Your hips will sink down a little into the polymer material (as they should) but not to the point where your spine is no longer in proper alignment.

Stomach Sleepers

Like back sleepers, stomach sleepers will also enjoy the feel of it. If you’re a heavier back or stomach sleeper, the Purple Original will still work, it’s just probably not the best option out there. We’d recommend checking out the coil Purple mattresses, which contain coils. Or you can check out our Best Hybrid Mattresses list.

Side Sleepers

In fact, Purple made our list for the Best Mattresses For Side Sleepers. The Purple bed is ideal for side sleepers of all sizes. The top layer of Hyper-Elastic Polymer does a great job of conforming to your body and cradling your hips and shoulders. Overall, the bed provides a ton of pressure relief. It basically has the pressure relief of memory foam without creating that sink-in feeling that you may or may not like.

Combo Sleepers

The Purple is a viable option for combo sleepers. The bed provides ample pressure relief for side sleepers and a good amount of support under the lower back and trunk of back and stomach sleepers. Plus, given the top layer is so responsive, you’ll find it effortless to switch between positions.

Mattress Prices and Sizing

Where to Buy Purple?

You can go Purple Official Website through Extrabux, then you can get 1% super cashback.

7. Helix Midnight Mattress 

When considering any new mattress, it’s wise to think about the materials used to construct it. The Helix Midnight is made of premium materials that unite the best aspects of memory foam and individually wrapped coils. Again, it’s all done with side sleepers and combination sleepers in mind. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll find within the Helix Midnight bed.

• Helix Soft Touch Design Mattress Cover: The mattress cover is optimized to promote airflow and to be gentle to the touch.

• Memory Plus Foam: A comfort layer, made of Memory Plus Foam, provides medium firmness and optimal pressure point relief.

• High-Grade Polyfoam Transition Layer: Transitional polyfoam provides a contouring effect and ergonomic design.

• Body Shape Layer: Individually wrapped pocket coils provide motion isolation and edge support.

• Base Layer: The bottom layer of the mattress provides sturdiness, structure, and support.

Support for Side Sleepers

The top and middle layers of each Helix mattress are designed to offer optimum support for a specific sleep type. The Helix Midnight is made to be one of the best mattresses for side sleepers. It also works well for combination sleepers; that is, those who tend to toss, turn, or change positions during the night.

Pressure Point Relief

A special layer of memory foam helps to evenly distribute the weight of the body, cradling you to sleep and keeping your pressure points from any undue stress. This pressure relief helps minimize creakiness, stiffness, and body aches.

8. Bear Hybrid Mattress

Bear is a direct-to-consumer mattress company that specializes in mattresses designed to promote muscle recovery. While these mattresses were engineered to cater to the needs of athletes, the advanced technology may also appeal to other sleepers.

The Bear Hybrid combines the support of steel coils with the pressure relief of premium foam on top. The Bear Hybrid is Bear’s only hybrid model. Built for a more luxurious, hotel-like feel, the Bear Hybrid utilizes cooling technology, multiple layers of foam, and a coil core. As the company’s luxury model, it comes in at a higher price than Bear’s other mattresses.

• Back sleepers- If someone sleeps primarily on their back, the Bear Hybrid should be a great match from a supportive perspective. The coils are very supportive even for heavier weights and the mattress has great body contouring as well. At the same time, the quilted top lets one’s hips sink in the right amount, so back sleepers should feel the balance of comfort and support they require.

• Side sleepers- The quilted top and subsequent foam layers relieve pressure very well on the shoulders and hips. When someone lies on their side, they should feel little pressure on their shoulders and hips.

Mattress Prices and Sizing

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