The Best Mattress For Side Sleepers UK: The Ultimate Guide
Looking for the best mattress for side sleepers UK? You're in the right place.
Getting a good night's sleep is essential for our overall health and well-being, and one crucial factor that can affect the quality of our sleep is the type of mattress we use.
For side sleepers, finding the right mattress that provides proper support and comfort is crucial to waking up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Side sleeping position is one of the most common sleep positions, with many people preferring to sleep on their sides due to various reasons, including reduced snoring, improved digestion, and reduced back pain.
House on Lugano Lake by Studio Wok. Photography by Marcello Mariana.
However, the sleeping position on your side can put pressure on your shoulders, hips, and knees, which can result in discomfort and pain if you don't have the right mattress.
In this post, I'll take a deep dive into the world of mattresses and explore the very best mattress options available for side sleepers in the UK.
In my reviews, I consider various factors, such as mattress types, materials, firmness levels, and other essential features that side sleepers should consider when choosing a mattress. So, let's jump in and find the perfect mattress for your side-sleeping style needs!
The Best Mattress for Side Sleepers UK
Here are the best mattresses for side sleepers in the UK. These mattresses have been carefully selected based on their performance, customer reviews, and overall value for money.
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Simba Hybrid® Luxe Mattress
5/5 from 4,782 reviews.
Price from £1,579
First and foremost, the Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress boasts a premium design that oozes sophistication. The Simba Hybrid mattress features a breathable sleep surface with a hypoallergenic and moisture-wicking cover that ensures you stay cool and dry throughout the night. The cover is also removable and machine washable, making it easy to keep your Simba hybrid mattress always fresh and clean.
One of the standout features of the Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress is its innovative hybrid construction. It combines the best of both worlds - the responsiveness of pocket-sprung mattresses and the comfort of memory foam.
The mattress has up to 12,500 conical pocket springs that provide exceptional support and minimize motion transfer, making it ideal for couples or restless sleepers. The responsive mini pocket springs also adapt to your body shape, providing targeted support where you need it the most.
As well as the good motion isolation the pocket springs offer good airflow to help keep you cool throughout the night and the memory foam will allow the mattress to adapt to and support your body's shape.
The Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress also features a layer of Simba's patented "Simba-Pure" comfort foam, which is designed to contour to your body and cushion vulnerable pressure points. This foam is made without harmful chemicals, ensuring a safe and healthy sleep environment.
The Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress has a medium-firm feel, making it suitable for side sleepers who prefer a balance of support and cushioning.
Emma Premium Mattress
Product of the Year 2023 in the Hybrid Mattress Category, survey of 8,000 respondents by Kantar.
Price from £409.05
One of the things that set the EMMA Premium Mattress apart is its unique combination of cutting-edge technology and premium materials. This mattress is designed with multiple layers of high-quality foam that work together to provide optimal comfort and support.
The top layer is made of breathable Airgocell® foam, which promotes airflow and keeps you cool throughout the night. Beneath that, there's a layer of memory foam that contours to your body, relieving pressure points and reducing motion transfer. Finally, a supportive layer of cold foam provides stability and durability, ensuring a long-lasting and comfortable sleep surface.
I have the EMMA Premium Mattress in my bedroom and in my guest room and one of the things I love about the mattress is its medium-firm feel. It strikes the perfect balance between plushness and support, making it suitable for all sleep positions - side, back, or stomach.
The first time each of our friends and family stayed with us once we got the Emma mattress, including my mum who is not backward about coming forward (ha!) she would say if she didn't sleep well, they all commented in the morning about how comfortable the bed is and ask me what mattress is on it. This a real-life testament to no matter how you sleep, this mattress adapts to your body's contours and provides the right amount of support for a restful night's sleep.
The EMMA Premium Mattress also has great motion isolation properties. The multiple foam layers work together to minimize motion transfer, allowing you and your partner to sleep undisturbed.
In addition to its exceptional comfort, the EMMA Premium Mattress is also designed with durability in mind. It is made with high-quality materials that are built to last, and it comes with a generous 10-year warranty, giving you peace of mind and confidence in your investment. Plus, the mattress cover is removable and machine washable, making it easy to keep your luxurious mattress always clean and fresh.
Another great feature of the EMMA Premium Mattress is its hassle-free delivery and setup. The foam mattress already comes compressed in a convenient box, and all you have to do is unbox it and let it expand. EMMA also offers free delivery and returns, so you can try out the mattress risk-free in the comfort of your own home.
Last but not least, EMMA is committed to sustainability. The mattress is made with OEKO-TEX® certified materials, which means it's free from harmful substances. EMMA also uses 100% recyclable packaging, minimizing its impact on the environment.
The EMMA Premium Mattress is a top-quality mattress that delivers unparalleled comfort, support, and durability. Its innovative design, motion isolation properties, and commitment to sustainability make it a standout choice for side sleepers who don't want to settle for anything other than a truly exceptional sleep experience.
EVE Premium Hybrid Mattress
1 year trial and 10 year warranty.
Price from £1,099
The EVE Premium Hybrid Mattress is a masterpiece of sleep engineering, meticulously crafted to provide an exceptional sleep experience. It features a unique hybrid design that combines the best of both worlds - the contouring comfort of memory foam and the responsiveness of pocket springs.
The mattress boasts over 1500 pocket springs that adapt to your body's shape, providing precise support where you need it most. The pocket springs also help to minimize motion transfer, ensuring that you and your partner can sleep peacefully without disturbing each other.
One of the standout features of the mattress is its luxurious comfort. The top layer is made of EVE's proprietary Next-Generation Memory Foam, which is designed to cradle your body and relieve pressure points for a truly indulgent sleep experience. The memory foam conforms to your body's contours, providing a cloud-like feeling of weightlessness, while still maintaining optimal support.
The cover of this mattress is also worth mentioning. Made with a blend of premium fabrics, it's soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic. It's also removable and machine washable, making it easy to keep your mattress clean and fresh.
In terms of breathability, the EVE Premium Hybrid Mattress excels. The combination of the pocket springs and the open-cell foam structure of the memory foam layer of this mattress promotes airflow, keeping you cool and comfortable throughout creating a great night's sleep. No more waking up in a sweaty mess - this mattress helps regulate your body temperature, so you can sleep comfortably in any season.
As a side sleeper, you'll particularly appreciate the support and pressure relief that the EVE Premium Hybrid Mattress provides. The memory foam layer will cradle your hips and shoulders, while the pocket springs will offer excellent support to your spine. It's a comfortable mattress, that will help support you to wake up feeling refreshed and free of aches or pains.
Another notable feature of this mattress is its durability. The high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship ensure that this mattress is built to last. It also comes with a 10-year warranty, providing peace of mind and protection for your investment.
One more thing that sets this EVE mattress apart is its commitment to the environment. It's made with CertiPUR-certified foams, which are free from harmful chemicals and low in VOC emissions. EVE also plants a tree for every mattress sold, contributing to reforestation efforts and sustainability.
To conclude, the EVE Premium Hybrid Mattress is a top-notch choice for those seeking the ultimate sleep experience. With its innovative hybrid design, luxurious comfort, breathability, and durability, it offers unparalleled support and indulgence for a restful night's sleep.
Plus, EVE's commitment to sustainability and the environment is commendable. If you're ready to sleep in luxury and wake up feeling rejuvenated, this mattress is a fantastic choice.
The Origin Hybrid Mattress
Top Rated on TrustPilot.
Price from £299
One of the standout features of the Origin Hybrid Mattress in the mattress market is its unique hybrid construction. It is a mattress that combines the best of both worlds for you - the pressure-relieving comfort of memory foam and the supportive bounce of pocket springs. The result is a sleep experience that is unparalleled in its ability to provide a blissful night's sleep.
The first thing you'll notice when you lay down on the Origin Hybrid Mattress is the luxurious feel of the top layer. The premium quality memory foam conforms to your body, and the mattress has a medium-firm feel, which is perfect for those who prefer a more balanced level of support and comfort.
This mattress is one of the best choices for side sleepers as the Origin Hybrid Mattress will adjust to your body's contours, providing optimal spinal alignment and reducing pressure points.
The Origin Hybrid Mattress also uses an innovative pocket spring system. The individually encased pocket springs work independently to provide targeted support to different parts of your body, ensuring proper alignment and reducing motion transfer. This is good news for those of you who sleep with a partner who tosses and turns a lot, you won't be disturbed from your peaceful slumber on your side of the bed.
Another feature to love about the Origin Hybrid Mattress is its exceptional breathability. The mattress is designed with cooling technology that keeps away heat and moisture, keeping you cool and comfortable throughout the night.
Durability is also a key factor in a mattress, and the Origin Hybrid Mattress doesn't disappoint. It is constructed with high-quality materials that are built to last, and it comes with a generous 15-year warranty, giving you peace of mind and confidence in your investment.
In addition to its outstanding performance, the Origin Hybrid Mattress is also eco-friendly. It is made with CertiPUR-US® certified foams, which are free of harmful chemicals and low in VOC emissions. The mattress is also produced with a minimal carbon footprint, making it a responsible choice for the environment-conscious consumer.
To top it all off, the Origin Hybrid Mattress comes with free delivery and a 120-night risk-free trial. If you're not completely satisfied with your purchase, you can return it hassle-free and get a full refund. That's how confident Origin is in its product!
In conclusion, the Origin Hybrid Mattress is a top-notch mattress that delivers on its promises. Its hybrid construction, exceptional comfort, support, breathability, durability, and eco-friendly design make it a standout choice for anyone seeking a truly rejuvenating and restful sleep experience.
Silentnight Just Snug Memory Hybrid Mattress
Which? Best Buy.
Price from £429.95
The Silentnight Just Snug Memory Hybrid Mattress is the epitome of comfort and support. It features a unique combination of memory foam and traditional springs that work together to provide the ultimate sleep experience.
The top layer of memory foam conforms to your body's shape, relieving pressure points and minimizing motion transfer. Beneath that, a layer of pocket springs provides targeted support, adapting to your body's movements throughout the night. The result is a mattress that feels like it was made just for you.
Again, the Silentnight Just Snug Memory Hybrid Mattress has a luxurious feel. The quilted knit cover is not only soft and inviting, but it also adds an extra layer of plushness to the soft mattress itself - it's like sleeping on a cloud. The mattress also has a medium-firm feel, which makes it suitable for side sleepers, as well as those who prefer to sleep on their back or stomach.
Another standout feature of the Silentnight Just Snug Memory Hybrid Mattress is its superior motion isolation properties. If you share your bed with a partner, you know how disruptive their movements can be but with this mattress, you won't be shaken out of your sleep whilst they move position. The combination of memory foam and pocket springs work together to minimize motion transfer, so you can sleep undisturbed even if your partner tosses and turns.
In addition to its exceptional comfort, the Silentnight Just Snug Memory Hybrid Mattress is also designed with durability in mind. The pocket springs are made to last, providing long-lasting support and stability. The mattress comes with a 5-year warranty, giving you peace of mind and confidence in your purchase.
Another great feature of the Silentnight Just Snug Memory Hybrid Mattress is its convenience. It comes delivered right to your door in a compact box, making it easy to transport and set up in your bedroom. Simply unbox it, and watch it expand to its full size. Plus, Silentnight offers free delivery and returns, so you can try out the new mattress, risk-free in the comfort of your own home.
Last but not least, Silentnight is a trusted and reputable brand with a long history of providing quality sleep products. The Silentnight Just Snug Memory Hybrid Mattress is backed by its commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, making it a reliable choice for a good night's sleep.
The Silentnight Just Snug Memory Hybrid Mattress is a top-quality mattress that delivers exceptional comfort, support, and convenience. Its unique combination of memory foam and pocket springs, along with its motion isolation properties and durability, make it a standout choice for side sleepers seeking a truly restful sleep experience.
Additional Best Mattress For Side Sleepers UK To Consider
The Emma Original Mattress
Price from £255.00
The Emma Original Mattress is a memory foam mattress that is designed to provide a comfortable and supportive sleep surface for side sleepers. It features three layers of foam, including a layer of memory foam that contours to your body's shape and relieves pressure points.
The Emma Original Mattress also has good motion isolation, making it suitable for couples. It has a medium-firm feel, which can provide a good balance of support and comfort for side sleepers.
Silentnight Medium Firm 1200 Pocket Mattress
Price from £239.20
The Silentnight Medium Firm 1200 Pocket Mattress is an innerspring mattress that is designed to provide good support and pressure relief for side sleepers.
It features a spring system with 1200 individually wrapped springs that respond independently to your body's movements, providing targeted support to different areas of your body.
It has a medium-firm feel, which can be suitable for side sleepers who prefer a slightly firmer mattress surface.
Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
Price from £949
The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress is a memory foam mattress that is designed to provide optimal support and pressure relief for side sleepers.
This Which? Best Buy mattress features multiple layers of memory foam, including a quilted cooling cover to draw heat away from your body and a dynamic support layer that enhances airflow to help your body regulate the temperature throughout the night.
The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress is medium-firm in feel, which can provide the right amount of support for side sleepers, especially those who are heavier or have joint pain.
Dormeo Octasmart Plus Memory Foam Mattress
Price from £599.99
The Dormeo Octasmart Plus Memory Foam Mattress is a hybrid mattress that combines memory foam and innerspring coils to provide a supportive and comfortable sleep surface for side sleepers.
This mattress, perfect for side sleepers, features patented multi-award winning Octaspring aerospace technology which consists of three layers, including luxurious memory foam and Octasprings that provides zoned support and pressure relief.
The Dormeo Octasmart Plus Memory Foam Mattress also has good breathability, thanks to its three-dimensional gel memory foam construction, which helps dissipate heat and keeps you cool. It has a medium-firm feel, making it suitable for side sleepers who prefer a balanced level of support and cushioning.
Dunlopillo Royal Sovereign Latex Mattress
Price from £2,037
The Dunlopillo Royal Sovereign Latex Mattress is a pure latex foam mattress that is specifically designed to provide optimal support and comfort for side sleepers.
It is made from 100% pure Dunlopillo latex foam, which is naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites and mould.
The Royal Sovereign Latex Mattress features a medium-firm feel, which provides a good balance of support and cushioning for side sleepers who prefer firmer mattresses.
Sleepeezee PocketGel Plus Poise 3200 Mattress
Price from £649
The Sleepeezee PocketGel Poise 3200 Mattress is a pocket spring mattress that is designed to provide excellent support and pressure relief for side sleepers.
It features 3200 individually pocketed springs that respond independently to your body's movements, providing targeted support and minimizing motion transfer.
The mattress also has a layer of gel-infused memory foam that conforms to your body's shape and helps dissipate heat, keeping you cool throughout the night.
The Sleepeezee PocketGel Poise 3200 Mattress has a softer feel for those who prefer slightly softer mattresses.
Sealy Posturepedic Elevate Ultra Arden Memory Mattress
Price from £1,439.95
The Sealy Posturepedic Elevate Ultra Arden Memory Mattress is a hybrid mattress that combines pocket their AlignSupport® Coil spring system with memory foam to provide optimal support and comfort for side sleepers.
This mattress has been developed with the Orthopaedic Advisory Board so you can be rest assured that this mattress's support system will respond independently to your body's movements and provide targeted support.
The mattress also has a layer of MemorySense® ComfortCore™ that conforms to your body's shape, providing excellent pressure relief and comfort.
This mattress has a medium firmness rating, making it suitable for side sleepers who prefer a balanced level of support and cushioning.
Sleepeezee Memory Comfort 1000 Pocket Pillow Top Mattress
Price from £310.78
The Sleepeezee Memory Comfort 1000 Pocket Pillow Top Mattress is a hybrid mattress that is designed to provide exceptional comfort and support for side sleepers.
It offers a 60-night comfort trial and features a dual 4cm layer of memory foam that has a medium to firm feel.
The mattress has a soft-touch knitted cover and a quilted border to enhance the mattress's durability. Plus has air vents to help provide excellent breathability and moisture-wicking properties.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Mattress for Side Sleepers
As a side sleeper, your body is in a unique position during sleep. Your shoulders, hips, and knees bear most of the weight, and if your mattress does not provide adequate support to these areas, it can result in discomfort, pain, and even sleep disturbances.
A bed that uses a too-medium or soft mattress can cause your body to sink too much, resulting in misalignment of the spine and increased pressure on joints, while a mattress that is too firm can create pressure points and cause discomfort.
Choosing the right mattress for side sleepers is crucial for maintaining proper spinal alignment, relieving pressure points, and ensuring a comfortable and restful night's sleep.
A mattress that is specifically designed for side sleepers can provide the necessary support and cushioning to keep your body in a neutral position, allowing your muscles to relax and promoting better sleep quality.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mattress for Side Sleepers
When looking for the best mattress for side sleepers in the UK, there are several key factors to consider to ensure you make the right choice. These factors include:
Mattress Type
There are several types of mattresses available in the market, including memory foam, innerspring, hybrid, and latex mattresses.
Each type of deep mattress has its unique features and benefits, and choosing the right type of mattress can greatly affect your comfort and sleep quality as a side sleeper.
Firmness Level
The firmness level of a mattress is crucial for side sleepers. A slightly softer mattress or too firm a mattress can cause discomfort and pain.
A medium-firmness mattress is usually recommended for side sleepers as it provides a good balance of support and cushioning.
However, the ideal mattress firmness level may vary depending on your personal preferences and body weight.
Materials
The mattress materials used in the construction of the mattress can also impact its performance for side sleepers. Memory foam mattresses are known for their contouring properties and pressure relief, while innerspring mattresses offer good support and airflow.
Hybrid mattresses combine the benefits of both memory support foam and innerspring mattresses, while latex mattresses are known for their durability and natural materials.
Pressure Relief
As a side sleeper, pressure relief is crucial to prevent pain and discomfort. Look for a mattress that provides adequate pressure relief for your shoulders, hips, and knees, as these areas bear most of your body weight while sleeping on your side.
A mattress that conforms to your body's shape and distributes pressure evenly can help alleviate pressure points and promote better sleep quality.
Support
Proper support is essential to maintain proper spinal alignment and prevent sagging. Look for a mattress that provides adequate support to keep your spine aligned, particularly in the lumbar region, which is the natural curve of your lower back.
A mattress with good support can help prevent back pain and promote a healthy sleep posture.
Motion Isolation
If you sleep with a partner, motion isolation is an important factor to consider.
Side sleepers tend to change sleeping positions more during the night, and a mattress with good motion isolation can prevent the transfer of motion from one side of the bed to the other, reducing sleep disruptions for both you and your partner.
Durability
Investing in a durable mattress is essential for long-term use. Look for mattresses that are made from high-quality materials and are built to last.
A durable mattress can provide consistent support and comfort for years, saving you from having to replace it frequently.
Breathability
Sleeping on your side can create pressure points and trap heat, leading to discomfort and disrupted sleep.
Look for mattresses with good breathability, such as those with open-cell foam or coil constructions, that allow air to circulate and dissipate heat, keeping you cool and comfortable throughout the night.
Certifications
Look for mattresses that are certified by reputable organizations such as CertiPUR-US or OEKO-TEX, which ensure that the mattress is made without harmful chemicals and meets strict quality standards.
Types of Mattresses for Side Sleepers
There are several types of mattresses available in the market, and each type has its unique features and benefits for side sleepers.
Let's take a closer look at some of the popular mattress types:
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam mattresses are made from viscoelastic foam that contours to your body's shape, providing excellent pressure relief and support.
They are known for their ability to conform to the body's curves, which can help alleviate pressure points and provide a cradling sensation.
Plus, memory foam mattresses are ideal for side sleepers as they can contour to the shoulders and hips, providing proper support and cushioning.
Innerspring Mattresses
Innerspring mattresses are made with a coil support system and are known for their bouncy feel and good airflow.
They offer a firmer surface compared to memory foam mattresses and can provide good support to side sleepers.
However, it's important to look for innerspring mattresses with a higher coil count and individually wrapped coils, as they can provide better contouring and pressure relief for side sleepers.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses combine the features of both standard memory foam and innerspring mattresses. They typically have a coil support system with a layer of memory foam or latex on top.
Hybrid mattresses can offer the contouring and pressure relief of memory foam, combined with the support and responsiveness of innerspring coils.
They are a popular choice for side sleepers as they provide a good balance of support and cushioning, making them suitable for those who prefer a medium to firm feel.
Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses are made from natural latex or synthetic latex and are known for their durability and responsiveness. They offer a bouncy yet supportive feel, which can be beneficial for side sleepers.
Latex is naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites and mould, making this type of mattress a good option for those with allergies or asthma.
Best Mattress Topper
For those who have purchased a mattress in the not-too-distant past but it's not providing the comfort and support that you now need a mattress topper may be a great alternative if you're not yet ready to invest in a completely new mattress.
So here's a round-up of the bestselling mattress toppers available based on comfort, breathability performance and price.
The Simba Hybrid Topper
Price from £249
This topper is made from a blend of award-winning technology. Featuring 2,500 of Simba’s Aerocoil® springs and a layer of Simbatex® foam, this topper will help to keep you cool whilst cushioning your body throughout the night.
DUSK Supreme Goose Down Mattress Topper
Price from £90
This soft firmness topper features a two-tiered design, with the top layer of this mattress topper containing 70% goose down, and the bottom feather-filled layer offering soft cloud-like support.
Emma Flip Topper
Price from £179
The Emma Flip Topper is constructed using two layers including its breathable and adaptive Airgocell foam and supportive HRX ZeroGravity foam.
The White Company Classic Mattress Topper
Price from £100
Two internal pockets feature in this soft mattress topper, one filled with duck feathers to provide gentle support and the other stuffed with a down blend to create a layer of comfort.
Conclusion - The Best Mattress For Side Sleepers UK
Choosing the right new mattress is essential for side sleepers to ensure a comfortable and restful night's sleep. Factors such as mattress type, firmness level, support, pressure relief, and breathability should always be considered when selecting a mattress for side sleeping.
The best mattresses for side sleepers in the UK include memory foam mattresses, hybrid mattresses, and pocket spring mattresses that offer a medium-firm feel for a good balance of support and cushioning.
Some of the best mattresses for side sleepers in the UK include the Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress, Emma Premium Mattress and the EVE Premium Hybrid Mattress.
It's important to consider your personal preferences, budget, and specific needs when selecting a mattress for side sleeping. I'd also recommend trying the new mattress in person by taking advantage of the trial periods offered by some of the options listed above, to ensure the perfect fit for your body and sleep preferences.
Investing in a high-quality new mattress that is specifically designed for side sleepers can greatly improve your sleep quality and overall well-being. By providing the right level of support, pressure relief, and comfort, these mattresses can help alleviate common issues such as neck pain, back and shoulder pain, and numbness or tingling in the arms and legs that side sleepers often experience.
But remember that in addition to choosing the right new mattress, it's also important to maintain good sleep hygiene habits. This includes establishing a consistent sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, avoiding caffeine and electronics before bedtime, and practising relaxation techniques to promote better sleep.
So to conclude, the best mattress for side sleepers in the UK is one that offers a medium-firm feel, provides proper support to align the spine, offers pressure relief for the shoulders and hips, and promotes breathability for temperature regulation.
Memory foam, hybrid, latex, and pocket spring mattresses are among the top choices for side sleepers. By considering your personal preferences, budget, and specific needs, and taking advantage of trial periods or in-person testing, you can find the perfect new mattress to ensure a comfortable and restful night's sleep as a side sleeper. Sweet dreams!
