Sleep Foundation
sleepfoundation.org › best mattress
The Best Mattress for Side Sleepers in 2026: Expert Tested
The CopperFlex Memory Foam carries an affordable sticker price compared to many of its all-foam “mattress in a box” counterparts from other brands. Brooklyn Bedding also offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. and a 120-night ...
Published 1 week ago
NapLab
naplab.com › home › best mattress 2026 – 380+ beds tested & reviewed by our experts › best mattress for back pain: we tested 370+ mattresses
Best Mattress for Back Pain - 370+ Models Objectively Tested
August 23, 2023 - The deeper sinkage and dramatic hug gives it a more luxurious feel and is an amazing choice for side and back sleepers. The mattress has notably less bounce than average, which is great for keeping motion transfer lower, but also means that sex performance isn’t great. For heavier sleepers with back pain, the Elite pulls out all the bells and whistles.
How long does a mattress in a box last?
A mattress in a box will usually last between five and nine years, or about as long as a standard mattress bought from a retail showroom. All-foam and hybrid mattresses have an average lifespan of six to seven years, while heavier all-latex mattresses tend to last from seven to nine years.
sleepfoundation.org
sleepfoundation.org › best mattress
The Best Mattress in a Box for 2026
What kind of mattresses come in a box?
Foam, hybrid, and all-latex mattresses are available as a mattress in a box. Foam and hybrid beds are the most common and popular choices for mattresses in a box.
sleepfoundation.org
sleepfoundation.org › best mattress
The Best Mattress in a Box for 2026
Why do boxed mattresses have an odor?
A mattress in a box can give off a “foamy” smell when it’s first unpackaged because of the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) generated during the manufacturing process. Although it’s common with boxed mattresses, the odor typically fades away within a few hours or days.
sleepfoundation.org
sleepfoundation.org › best mattress
The Best Mattress in a Box for 2026
NapLab
naplab.com › home › best mattress 2026 – 380+ beds tested & reviewed by our experts › best mattress for side sleepers: we test 360+ mattresses
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers - We Test 350+ Mattresses - NapLab
April 12, 2023 - That being said, side sleepers have their unique set of preferences and needs when it comes to achieving optimal support and comfort. Our best mattress for side sleepers guide highlights the best-performing mattresses at a range of price points and firmnesses, all designed to meet the specific needs of side sleepers.
Mattress Clarity
mattressclarity.com › home › best mattress
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers (2026) | Medically Reviewed
When I tested the Bear Elite Hybrid’s “Medium” model, I was taken with how aligned my spine felt due to the built-in lumbar support. This design prevented the kind of sinking and sagging that can lead to back and hip pain or discomfort ...
Published 2 weeks ago
NYTimes
nytimes.com › sleep › mattresses › the best mattresses for side sleepers
The 5 Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers of 2026 | Reviews by Wirecutter
2 weeks ago - Most dedicated side-sleepers will sleep best on a medium-soft to medium mattress. If you shift to your back or stomach, you may prefer a firmer bed.
Sleep Foundation
sleepfoundation.org › best mattress
The Best Mattress in a Box for 2026
3 weeks ago - Our test lab found that the Nolah Evolution 15 promotes even spinal alignment with a plush pillow-top surface and a robust support core containing zoned pocketed coils, which is great for sleepers with lower back pain.
Douglas
douglas.ca › home › best mattress for side sleepers
Canada's Best Mattress for Side Sleepers (2024)
September 11, 2025 - Amazing quality mattress, as two people switching from a lifetime of sleeping on firm mattresses, we absolutely love the Douglas mattress which is the right amount of support despite being softer.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/home › what’s the best mattress for a side sleeper? have back pain with my current one
r/Home on Reddit: What’s the best mattress for a side sleeper? Have back pain with my current one
December 9, 2025 -
I recently got into college and my new apartment came with a bed, but the mattress it came with has been killing my back. I’m a side sleeper and my previous mattress was a local branded one. It was not too firm but neither too soft, like a good balance so I’m looking for something similar.
Are there any brands that you’d recommend? For reference, I have a queen size bed.
EDIT: After reading through everyone’s recommendations and doing a bit more research, I ended up with this option https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9YBQ2MP
Top answer 1 of 31
32
Helix Midnight and Bear Star Hybrid are good pressure relief for your shoulders and hips while still supporting your spine. Both are in a reasonable price range for a queen and should be way better than whatever came with ur apartment
2 of 31
26
The other thing I learned as an aging side sleeper was pillow between my knees. Total game changer for back and knees pain. I got a little pillow off Amazon that loops around my leg so even as I change position it still stays in place. A new mattress can help but just wanted to share this tiny tip that might make a difference to help your back too.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/home › best mattress for side sleepers with back pain - my experience after a year of searching
r/Home on Reddit: Best mattress for side sleepers with back pain - my experience after a year of searching
June 3, 2025 -
UPDATE: Thanks to everyone who chimed in for advice. I ended up going with a Boring Hybrid. I will update once I get some nights in, but it seems like I will really like it!
I’m a 32 year old side sleeper dealing with lower back pain for the past year and a half and i’ve tried everything to figure out why. Turns out, it’s my 8 year old memory foam mattress.
Although I don’t use reddit as much, my friends always say that to get the best most honest truth about anything, reddit is the way to go. So here I am.
I’ve tried SEVEN mattresses over the last year, none of them work. if it wasn’t for the trial periods I think I’d have to get a second mortgage loan out or something.
It feels like I’ve tested all brands out there and now i found myself checking out Boring Mattress. I saw a few reddit posts from other communities that had the same problem I have and how the hybrid one fixed their back pain.
I just need something that will give me real pressure relief and solid support. They say it’s medium-firm, ships in a box, work with platform beds and very bare bones with their layers. I’m tempted but wanted to check with y’all first. Has anyone actually tried the boring brand?
Please sure any experience you have, i’m open to anything at this point.
Top answer 1 of 5
7
Back pain as a side sleeper is the worst. I haven't tried Boring myself but I've been reading a lot of different mattresses, you should check out r/Mattresses , lots of helpful threads. I've seen similar posts where people said the hybrid helped with back pain because of that balanced support and simple build. The medium-firm feel sounds like it hits that sweet spot between pressure relief and not letting your hips sink too much. Tbh, if everything else has been too gimmicky, a simple mattress might be exactly what works. Curious to hear if anyone has first-hand experience.
2 of 5
5
If you sleep on your side try putting a dense pillow between your legs. It takes the stress off your back and should help. About 10 years ago I suffered with lower back pain and just slept on the floor with a quilt under and over me and no pillow. I got great relief until I found a great kinesiologist who released it all and straightened me out. Now I sleep on whatever I want and have no back pain (unless I'm drunk and sleep completely twisted😜)
Good Housekeeping
goodhousekeeping.com › home & outdoor products › mattress reviews › the best mattresses for side sleepers, after testing 200+ beds
9 Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers of 2026
1 week ago - ... ✔️ Top-notch support: Our survey panelists gave Saatva mattresses top scores, especially for comfort and sleep quality. One told us, "I like that it's soft and supportive.
Good Housekeeping
goodhousekeeping.com › home & outdoor products › mattress reviews › the best mattresses in a box, according to testing
The Best Mattresses in a Box, Tested by Sleep Experts
2 weeks ago - The best mattresses for back pain typically have medium firmness and use memory foam for pressure relief and alignment for side sleepers.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/buyitforlife › please recommend a mattress for a side sleeper
r/BuyItForLife on Reddit: Please recommend a mattress for a side sleeper
July 9, 2024 -
I've been sleeping terribly lately and feel like it's time for an upgrade in the mattress department. I sleep with my partner and we have some $300 piece of junk from IKEA and I just don't think I can do it anymore. Besides the fact that's it's a queen and I feel like we've outgrown it, it's so stiff I feel like I toss and turn all night.
Please recommend a mattress for a side sleeper
Top answer 1 of 5
77
Im a side sleep and it got better when we got a Casper Hybrid matress but the real game changer was a pillow meant for side sleeping that supported my neck better
2 of 5
68
This one kept showing up in discussions where people were clearly tired of the whole trial and return cycle. It wasn't usually the top suggestion, more like that follow up comment that gets upvoted because people actually connect with it. And a lot of those mentions had a similar takeaway: decent spinal support without comprising shoulder comfort. Imo for side sleepers with minor back issues, finding that balance is genuinely tough.
CNET
cnet.com › wellness › sleep › mattresses › top 10 mattresses for side sleepers of 2026, expert-tested and approved
Top 10 Mattresses for Side Sleepers of 2026 - CNET
March 29, 2025 - ... Why we chose the Amerisleep Organica Plush mattress: The Organica Plush by Amerisleep is likely the softest latex bed our sleep experts have ever tested. This bed comes in a 13-inch medium pillow-top option or a taller, plusher 16-inch box-top ...
Tom's Guide
tomsguide.com › mattresses
The best mattress for side sleepers 2025: 8 beds our side sleeping testers love
September 9, 2022 - However, while it does have a higher weight limit than average, there are sturder options for plus-sized sleepers (such as the DreamCloud at #5). The Saatva Classic is a premium mattress, with a queen often costing around $1,900.
Mattress Clarity
mattressclarity.com › home › best mattress
Best Mattresses for Back Pain (2026) - We Tested 500+ Beds
Hybrid beds are often known for their bouncy and responsive feel, and the DreamCloud is no different. This makes it easy for sleepers with back pain to adjust themselves on the mattress without putting more strain on their lower backs.
Published 5 days ago
Sleepopolis
sleepopolis.com › best mattress for side sleepers
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers (2026): We Tested 500+ Beds
2 weeks ago - If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool. ... This bed is ideal for anyone suffering from back pain. ... A great option for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Sleep Foundation
sleepfoundation.org › best mattress
Best Mattress for Back Pain in 2026: Expert Tested
A medium firm (6) feel ensures plenty of cushioning for your shoulders, lower back, and hips, but we also found the bed’s thick pocketed coils maintain an even surface and reduce sinkage around the midsection — a common source of aches and pains. Approachable pricing and a generous sleep trial sweeten the deal even further if you’re shopping on a budget. ... While the DreamCloud’s strongest ratings came from our side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds, the mattress was well received by most of our testers across different body types and sleep positions.
Published 1 week ago
Forbes
forbes.com › forbes homepage › forbes vetted › mattress & sleep › mattresses
The Best Mattresses For Side Sleepers In 2025, After Testing 50+ Beds
November 25, 2025 - Type: Hybrid | Brand firmness rating: Soft (3) | Height: 13.5 inches | Shipping: Free (in a box) | Trial: 120 nights | Warranty: Lifetime · Best for: Dominant side sleepers who’d like good ease of movement and/or live with night sweats or back pain. Skip if: You need a mattress on the very soft or medium-firm end of the spectrum.
NCOA
ncoa.org › product-resources › sleep › best-mattresses-for-back-pain
Best Mattresses for Older Adults With Back Pain in 2026
The Best Mattress for Back Pain Overall is the Nectar Premier Hybrid. We like its ability to relieve pressure on your back and keep your spine aligned, and that it is suitable for all sleeping positions.
Consumer Reports
consumerreports.org › home & garden › bed & bath › mattresses › best mattresses for back pain
Best Mattresses for Back Pain via @ConsumerReports
January 15, 2025 - (Experts say a thinner pillow—3 to 5 inches thick—is best for back sleepers.) Here are three of CR’s top-rated adjustable pillows. Each allows you to easily add or remove fill to land on the loft that’s best for your sleep setup. Exercise, stress management, and a few handy tools can make a difference when it comes to back pain.