{"id":25185,"date":"2019-04-11T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-04-11T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/best-innerspring-mattress-for-side-sleepers\/"},"modified":"2026-10-12T14:02:29","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T18:02:29","slug":"best-innerspring-mattress-for-side-sleepers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/best-innerspring-mattress-for-side-sleepers\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Choose an Innerspring Mattress for Side Sleepers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>How to choose an innerspring mattress as a side sleeper is best understood by focusing on the practical factors that affect comfort, support, durability, and sleep quality. Evaluate the materials, construction, fit for your sleep position and body type, care requirements, and any relevant health considerations. Use measurable criteria and current expert guidance rather than relying on a single marketing claim or trend.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Side sleeping is one of the best positions for your health since it can curb symptoms of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/dealing-with-acid-reflux-at-night\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">acid reflux<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/sleep-better-sleep-apnea\/\">sleep apnea<\/a> and help prevent back pain. So it makes sense that more than half of all adults prefer to snooze this way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But sleeping on the wrong mattress as a side sleeper can lead to sore joints and spinal-related discomforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you sleep on your side and like the feel of a classic innerspring mattress, there are a few key factors to keep in mind to ensure you remain adequately supported and comfortable all night long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you sleep on your side and like the feel of a classic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/innerspring-mattress-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">innerspring mattress<\/a>, there are few things to keep in mind to ensure you will be adequately supported while you sleep and remain comfortable all night long. In fact, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/the-best-mattress-for-side-sleepers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">mattress that&#8217;s right for side sleepers<\/a> will be different from the mattress that&#8217;s ideal for back sleepers or stomach sleepers. Here&#8217;s what to look for in an innerspring mattress if you&#8217;re a side sleeper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How body weight and firmness interact<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While a generally softer, more plush comfort level is standard for side sleepers, <strong>your body weight plays a major role in determining the right firmness level<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Lightweight side sleepers (&lt; 130 lbs):<\/strong> Benefit from a<strong> softer\/plush<\/strong> feel. Lighter bodies exert less pressure, so a softer surface is needed to allow enough sinkage for shoulder and hip pressure relief.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Average weight side sleepers (130\u2013230 lbs):<\/strong> Do best with a <strong>medium-soft to medium<\/strong> mattress. This range offers an ideal balance of cushioning for joints and support to prevent deep sagging.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Heavyweight side sleepers (> 230 lbs):<\/strong> Require a <strong>medium-firm<\/strong> mattress. Heavier weights sink deeper into the comfort layers; a slightly firmer base ensures proper alignment while preventing you from bottoming out against the coil system.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Feature \/ Category<\/th><th>Recommendation for Side Sleepers<\/th><th>Key Benefit<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Firmness Level<\/strong><\/td><td>Plush to Medium-Soft<br><em>(adjust firmer for heavier body weights)<\/em><\/td><td>Allows shoulders and hips to sink in, relieving joint pressure.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Support System<\/strong><\/td><td>Individually Wrapped (Pocketed) Coils<\/td><td>Contours to natural body curves and isolates motion.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Comfort Layer<\/strong><\/td><td>Memory Foam or Latex Hybrid Top<\/td><td>Hugs body contours and provides cushion for sharp pressure points.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Head Pillow<\/strong><\/td><td>Medium-to-Thick Loft<\/td><td>Fills the gap between shoulder and head to keep the neck neutral.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Body \/ Extra Pillow<\/strong><\/td><td>Between knees and cradled in arms<\/td><td>Keeps hips level and reduces stress on the upper shoulder\/spine.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to find the best innerspring mattress for side sleepers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In general, the best mattress for side sleepers will conform to your body&#8217;s natural curves and take the pressure off your hips and shoulders. When your spine is properly aligned, your muscles can relax for the most restorative night&#8217;s sleep. Keep in mind that no one mattress is best for any particular sleep style. Innerspring mattresses are a perennial favorite since they&#8217;re bouncy, responsive, and sleep cool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re a side sleeper shopping for an innerspring mattress, look for the following features:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-h2 wp-block-paragraph\">Alignment and pressure relief<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Individually wrapped coils: <\/strong> standard feature of high-quality innerspring mattresses, these are coils that are individually encased in fabric so that they can move independently. That gives them the ability to contour to your body better than open coils, which aren&#8217;t encased. Since individually wrapped coils aren&#8217;t attached to each other, they also offer great motion isolation-so if you&#8217;re a side sleeper who happens to also toss and turn, your partner won&#8217;t be disturbed during the night.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Slightly softer comfort level: <\/strong>s a side sleeper, you need an innerspring mattress that is soft (or &#8220;plush&#8221;) enough to cradle your hips and shoulders while supporting your spine in a neutral position. A too-firm innerspring mattress will cut off circulation to your hips, shoulders, and neck, leaving you with aches and pains. (Learn how to protect your back while you sleep.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Memory foam top layer: <\/strong> hybrid mattress that combines a steel support coil system with a top layer of memory foam is a great pick for side sleepers. That&#8217;s because memory foam hugs your curves and offers pressure relief for your shoulders, back, and neck. (Here&#8217;s what you need to know about hybrid mattresses.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Temperature regulation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Overheating can ruin a good night&#8217;s sleep, but traditional innerspring and hybrid mattresses excel at keeping you cool. Because the core consists of an open network of steel coils rather than dense foam, air flows freely throughout the interior of the mattress. Combining breathable coils with cooling memory foam or natural top layers ensures temperature regulation, making innerspring mattresses an ideal pick for hot side sleepers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Motion isolation for couples<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you share a bed, you need a mattress that prevents movement from transferring across the surface. Look for <strong>individually wrapped coils<\/strong>\u2014coils that are individually encased in fabric so they can move independently. Because these pocketed coils aren&#8217;t attached to one another, they contour precisely to your body while providing exceptional motion isolation. If you&#8217;re a side sleeper who happens to toss and turn, your partner won&#8217;t be disturbed during the night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-h2 wp-block-paragraph\">FAQs<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Does body weight change the recommendation?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. Body weight affects how deeply you sink into a mattress or pillow, so the same firmness or loft can feel different from person to person. Use general sleep-position guidance as a starting point, then adjust for body type and comfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How can I tell if my sleep setup is supportive enough?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your head, neck, and spine should feel comfortably aligned without excessive pressure or deep sinkage. Persistent pain, numbness, or tingling should be evaluated by a healthcare professional rather than addressed only by changing bedding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-h2 wp-block-paragraph\">How to tell if your setup is wrong<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even if you think you have a great mattress and pillow, your body will tell you quickly if your sleep setup isn&#8217;t providing proper support and alignment. Check if you are experiencing any of these common warning signs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Morning shoulder or hip numbness:<\/strong> You wake up with a &#8220;pins and needles&#8221; sensation or dull ache in your shoulder or outer hip. <em>(Sign your mattress is too firm and cutting off circulation.)<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lower back stiffness when waking:<\/strong> You experience stiffness or aching in your lumbar spine that fades after stretching or moving around. <em>(Sign your mattress is too soft or sagging, causing your hips to sink out of alignment.)<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Neck pain or morning tension headaches:<\/strong> You wake up with tightness in your neck, shoulders, or upper back. <em>(Sign your pillow loft is too low or too high, straining your cervical spine.)<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Toss and turning throughout the night:<\/strong> You constantly flip from side to side trying to find a comfortable position. <em>(Sign of improper pressure distribution.)<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Twisting your top leg over to touch the mattress:<\/strong> You unconsciously pull your top leg forward until your knee hits the bed. <em>(Sign you need a pillow between your knees to keep your pelvis and hips square.)<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Waking up feeling overheated:<\/strong> You constantly kick off covers or sweat during the night. <em>(Sign your mattress layers lack breathability or cooling airflow.)<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to find the best pillow for side sleepers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/best-pillow-for-sleep-position\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Matching your pillow to your sleep position<\/a> is important too. If you&#8217;re a side sleeper, choose a thicker pillow to fill in the gap between your shoulder and head and maintain your neck in a neutral position. You can also try cradling a body pillow in front of you for additional shoulder support, as well as putting a pillow between your knees to keep your hips level. (Learn how the right pillow can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/how-to-make-your-bed-more-comfortable\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">make your bed feel more comfortable<\/a>.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For more advice on finding the right innerspring bed for you, here&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/innerspring-mattress-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">how to choose the best innerspring mattress for your sleep position<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Side sleeping is one of the best positions for your health since it can curb symptoms of acid reflux and sleep apnea and help prevent back pa<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":60,"featured_media":25186,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[395,386,389,390],"tags":[],"coauthors":[417],"guest":[],"host":[],"class_list":["post-25185","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mattress-types-sizes","category-mattresses","category-sleep-health","category-sleep-tips"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25185","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/60"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25185"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25185\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37166,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25185\/revisions\/37166"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25186"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25185"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25185"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25185"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=25185"},{"taxonomy":"guest","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/guest?post=25185"},{"taxonomy":"host","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/host?post=25185"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}