5 Best King Mattresses for Side Sleepers

Here at Mattress on Demand, we help people from Katy to Rosenberg find their perfect mattress every single day. One of the most common challenges we solve is for side sleepers looking to upgrade to a king. You need that extra space to spread out, but you also need a mattress that properly cushions your shoulders and hips while keeping your spine perfectly aligned. It’s a specific need that requires the right product. We've used our hands-on experience to put together this guide on finding the king best mattress for side sleepers available right here in our collection. Consider this your personal consultation, walking you through the models and features we recommend to our neighbors.

Key Takeaways

• Prioritize Pressure Relief and Spinal Alignment: As a side sleeper, your main goal is to find a mattress that cushions your shoulders and hips while supporting your midsection. A medium to medium-firm mattress usually hits this sweet spot, preventing aches and keeping your spine straight.
• Focus on Features That Matter: Look for mattresses with zoned support systems that offer targeted relief where you need it most. Hybrid and memory foam models are excellent choices because they contour to your body and often include cooling technology for uninterrupted sleep.
• Complete Your Sleep Setup with the Right Accessories: A supportive pillow is non-negotiable for maintaining proper neck alignment. Always use a mattress protector to safeguard your investment against spills and allergens, ensuring your bed stays fresh for years.

Our Favorite King Mattresses for Side Sleepers

Finding the right king mattress when you're a side sleeper can feel like a quest. You need something that sinks in just enough at the shoulders and hips to avoid waking up with aches, but it also has to be supportive enough to keep your spine straight all night. It’s a delicate balance. A mattress that’s too firm will create uncomfortable pressure points, while one that’s too soft will let your hips sink too low, throwing your alignment out of whack. That’s why we’ve spent so much time testing and curating a collection of mattresses that hit that sweet spot.

We look for models that offer excellent pressure relief, zoned support systems that target different parts of your body, and materials that prevent you from feeling stuck. A great king mattress gives you and your partner plenty of room to spread out without disturbing each other's sleep. Below, we’ve pulled together our top five picks available right here at Mattress on Demand. These are the beds we consistently recommend to side sleepers who walk through our doors looking for that perfect blend of comfort and support.

The Top Picks at Mattress on Demand

• Helix Midnight Luxe King: This is a crowd-pleaser for a reason. The Helix Midnight Luxe is a hybrid mattress with a medium feel that’s practically engineered for side sleepers. It features zoned lumbar support to keep your spine aligned and a plush top that provides immediate, cushioned comfort for your shoulders and hips. It’s that perfect combination of soft where you need it and firm where you need it.

• Nectar Premier King: If you love the deep hug of memory foam, the Nectar Premier is for you. This all-foam mattress excels at pressure relief, contouring to your body to dissolve tension in your joints. It’s designed with cooling gel-infused foam and a breathable cover, so you get all the benefits of foam without overheating. It’s a fantastic choice for side sleepers who want to feel cradled and cool.

• Saatva Classic King: For those who appreciate a touch of luxury, the Saatva Classic delivers an innerspring-hybrid experience that feels like a five-star hotel bed. It has a dedicated layer of memory foam for pressure point relief and a durable dual-coil system for support and airflow. With multiple firmness options, side sleepers can find their ideal match for personalized comfort and support.

• WinkBed King: The WinkBed is a hybrid mattress known for its exceptional durability and support. Its gel-infused foam comfort layer offers deep pressure relief, which is a huge win for side sleepers. It also features reinforced coils along the edges, giving you strong edge support so you can use every inch of that king-size surface without feeling like you might roll off.

• Bear Elite Hybrid King: Built for active individuals and anyone needing restorative sleep, the Bear Elite Hybrid is a standout. It combines pressure-relieving foam with supportive coils for a balanced feel. What makes it special is its Celliant-infused cover, designed to promote muscle recovery. For side sleepers, its zoned support system ensures your hips and shoulders get the cushioning they need while your core stays supported.

What Should a Side Sleeper Look for in a King Mattress?

If you’re a side sleeper, you’re in good company—it’s the most common sleeping position. But it also means you need a mattress that works with your body, not against it. When you sleep on your side, your hips and shoulders bear most of your weight, creating pressure points that can lead to tossing, turning, and waking up sore.

Finding the right king mattress is about striking a perfect balance between soft cushioning and sturdy support. You want a surface that contours to your curves while keeping your spine in a healthy, neutral alignment. It sounds tricky, but once you know what to look for, you can find the perfect match for a truly restful night. Let’s get into the four key features every side sleeper should have on their checklist.

Cushioning for Your Hips and Shoulders

The first thing you’ll notice on a mattress is how it feels when you lie down. For side sleepers, that initial feel is all about pressure relief. You need a mattress with enough give to cradle your hips and shoulders, preventing that "jammed" feeling and morning aches. A surface that’s too firm will push against these sensitive areas, while one with proper cushioning allows you to sink in just enough for comfort. Look for mattresses with comfort layers made from materials like memory foam or plush pillow tops, which are designed to contour to your body and distribute your weight evenly.

Support to Keep Your Spine Aligned

While cushioning is about comfort, support is about your health. The main job of any mattress is to keep your spine properly aligned from your neck to your tailbone. For a side sleeper, this means the mattress needs to be firm enough to hold up your midsection so your hips don’t sink too far down. If your hips dip lower than the rest of your body, it creates a curve in your spine that can lead to lower back pain. A great mattress for side sleepers, like a Helix Mattress, provides zoned support that is firmer in the middle and softer at the shoulders, achieving that ideal balance.

Less Motion Transfer for Undisturbed Sleep

If you share your king mattress with a partner, you know how disruptive a little tossing and turning can be. Motion transfer is when movement on one side of the bed travels across to the other. Mattresses made with memory foam or individually wrapped coils (found in hybrids) are excellent at absorbing this movement, so you’re less likely to be woken up by your partner’s late-night snack run. This feature is a game-changer for light sleepers, ensuring both of you get deeper, more restorative rest. For the ultimate in motion isolation, consider pairing your mattress with an adjustable base.

Strong Edge Support to Maximize Surface Area

Edge support refers to how sturdy the perimeter of the mattress is. A mattress with strong edges allows you to use the entire surface, right up to the very side, without feeling like you might roll off. This is a huge plus on a king mattress, as it gives you and your partner more room to spread out. It also makes getting in and out of bed easier and provides a stable surface to sit on while you put on your shoes. High-quality hybrid and foam mattresses often include reinforced edges, so you can feel secure no matter where you are on the bed. A good mattress protector will also fit more securely on a bed with solid edges.

What's the Best Firmness Level for Side Sleepers?

Finding the right firmness is the most important step for a side sleeper. Think of it like a balancing act: you need a mattress that’s soft enough to cushion your widest points—your shoulders and hips—but also supportive enough to hold up your waist and keep your spine in a straight line. Get it wrong, and you could wake up with aches and pains. Get it right, and you’ll feel the difference immediately. Let’s break down how to find that perfect level of comfort and support for you.

Finding the Sweet Spot: Medium to Medium-Firm

For most side sleepers, the sweet spot is a medium to medium-firm feel. On a 1-to-10 scale where 1 is the softest, you’ll want to look in the 5 to 6.5 range. This level of firmness provides the perfect compromise. The surface is plush enough to gently cradle your shoulder and hip, relieving pressure so you don't wake up sore. At the same time, it’s sturdy enough to prevent your midsection from sinking too low, which is key for maintaining healthy spinal alignment. Exploring different mattresses in this range is the best place to start your search.

How Your Weight Influences Your Firmness Choice

Your body weight also plays a big role in what feels right. If you're a lighter individual (under 130 pounds), you may prefer a slightly softer mattress, around a 3 to 4.5 on the firmness scale. This allows you to sink in just enough to experience pressure relief. On the other hand, if you're a heavier person (over 230 pounds), a slightly firmer mattress, around a 7 to 7.5, will offer better support and prevent you from sinking too deeply. Brands like the Helix Mattress line offer various models tailored to different body types and sleep preferences, making it easier to find your perfect match.

Why an Extra-Firm Mattress Can Cause Aches and Pains

It might seem like "firmer is better," but for side sleepers, an extra-firm mattress is usually a bad idea. Mattresses in the 8 to 9.5 range are often too rigid to accommodate your body’s curves. Instead of contouring to your shape, an overly firm surface can push your spine out of alignment and create intense pressure points on your shoulders and hips. If your hips don't sink in at all, your spine won't be straight, which can lead to back pain. Your mattress should work with your body, not against it. Pairing the right mattress with supportive pillows is the best way to ensure your entire body is properly aligned all night long.

Foam, Hybrid, or Innerspring: What's the Right Fit?

Choosing the right mattress type can feel like a big decision, but it really comes down to how you sleep. For side sleepers, the goal is to find a mattress that cushions your pressure points while keeping your spine straight. Let's look at the three main players—foam, hybrid, and innerspring—to see which one is your perfect match.

Memory Foam: For a Deep, Contouring Hug

If you love the feeling of being gently held by your mattress, memory foam might be for you. These mattresses are famous for their deep, contouring hug, which is fantastic for relieving pressure on your hips and shoulders. This quality is especially important for side sleepers, as it helps maintain proper spinal alignment by cradling your body’s natural curves. A softer foam bed often does this best, allowing you to sink in just enough for a comfortable, supportive night’s sleep without any nagging discomfort.

Hybrid: The Best of Both Worlds

Can’t decide between the cushioning of foam and the sturdy feel of coils? You don’t have to. Hybrid mattresses combine the best features of both, giving you a balanced sleep experience. They typically have comfort layers of foam on top for pressure relief, paired with a core of innerspring coils for robust support and better airflow. This combination is a dream for side sleepers, offering that soft, contouring feel without sacrificing the support you need. A great example is the Helix Midnight Luxe, which perfectly balances soothing comfort with essential support.

Innerspring: Why It Might Not Be Your Best Bet

Traditional innerspring mattresses are known for their firm, bouncy feel, but they often fall short for side sleepers. The main issue is that they may not provide enough pressure relief for your shoulders and hips. Without adequate cushioning, an innerspring mattress can push your spine out of alignment, leading to aches and pains. These very firm beds are usually a better fit for back or stomach sleepers. For side sleepers, the lack of contouring support is a major drawback, as it can prevent you from getting the deep, restorative sleep you need.

What Features Make a Real Difference in Comfort?

When you’re on the hunt for the perfect king mattress, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of technical terms and marketing buzzwords. Every mattress claims to be the best, but what does that actually mean for a side sleeper? The truth is, some features make a world of difference in how you feel when you wake up, while others are just noise. For those of us who sleep on our sides, the right mattress isn't just about feeling comfortable—it's about getting the specific support needed to keep our bodies aligned and pressure-free all night long. A mattress that’s perfect for a back sleeper could leave you with aching shoulders and hips.

That’s why it’s so important to look past the flashy ads and focus on the core components that directly address the needs of side sleepers. We’re talking about designs that intelligently distribute your weight, materials that cradle your curves without making you feel stuck, and technology that prevents you from overheating. Think of it as building your perfect sleep sanctuary from the inside out. By understanding which features provide real, tangible benefits, you can confidently choose from our collection of mattresses and find the one that will give you the deep, restorative sleep you deserve. Let’s break down the features that truly matter.

Zoned Support for Targeted Relief

If you’ve ever woken up with a sore hip or a numb shoulder, you’ve experienced what happens when your mattress provides uniform, one-size-fits-all support. Zoned support is the solution. This smart design feature means the mattress is intentionally firmer in some areas and softer in others to match your body’s needs. As sleep experts note, "Zoned support helps some mattresses give more or less support where your body needs it most when you're on your side." For side sleepers, this is a game-changer. It provides more give for your shoulders and hips to sink in comfortably, while offering firmer support under your waist to keep your spine in a healthy, straight line.

Comfort Layers That Cradle Your Body

The comfort layer is the top portion of the mattress, and its job is to provide pressure relief and that initial plush feeling when you lie down. For side sleepers, a thick, high-quality comfort layer is essential. It’s what "allows hips and shoulders to sink in properly, keeping the spine straight." Without enough cushioning, your body’s widest points will press against the firm support core, leading to discomfort and tossing and turning. When you’re exploring different mattresses, look for options with generous comfort layers made from materials like memory foam or latex that contour to your unique shape, giving you a gentle, supportive hug.

Cooling Technology for a Sweat-Free Night

Waking up in the middle of the night feeling hot and sticky is one of the biggest sleep disruptors. Many people, especially those who love the contouring feel of foam, worry about overheating. Luckily, modern mattress technology has this covered. The best models now include "special gel foam and a cover that helps keep you from getting too hot." Brands like Helix infuse their foams with cooling gels or graphite to pull heat away from your body. Other designs use breathable covers or hybrid constructions with coil systems that promote airflow, ensuring you stay cool and comfortable all night long.

The Importance of a Quality Top Layer

The very top layer of your mattress is your first point of contact, and it sets the tone for your entire sleep experience. It needs to achieve a delicate balance: soft enough to cushion your pressure points but responsive enough so you don't feel like you're sinking into quicksand. A great top layer works in harmony with the layers beneath it to provide that perfect mix of comfort and support. To ensure this layer stays in pristine condition for years to come, we always recommend pairing your new mattress with a high-quality mattress protector. It’s a simple step that safeguards your investment against spills, allergens, and everyday wear.

How Does Your Sleep Style Impact Your Choice?

The way you sleep is as unique as you are, and it plays a huge role in finding the right mattress. While you know you’re a side sleeper, other habits—like whether you toss and turn or share the bed with a partner—can make a big difference in your comfort. A mattress isn't a one-size-fits-all product, so thinking about your specific needs is the key to waking up refreshed and pain-free.

Understanding these nuances will help you filter through the options and find a king mattress that feels like it was made just for you. Let’s look at how your personal sleep style, your partner’s habits, and even your body shape influence what you should look for.

Are You a Full-Time Side Sleeper or a Combo Sleeper?

Think about your nightly routine. Do you settle onto one side and stay there until morning, or do you switch positions frequently? If you’re a dedicated side sleeper, your main priority is a mattress that provides excellent pressure relief for your hips and shoulders. A surface that’s too firm can create painful pressure points, while one that’s too soft won’t give you the support needed to keep your spine aligned. You need a mattress that perfectly cushions these key areas.

If you’re a combination sleeper who spends time on your side, back, and stomach, you’ll want a mattress with a bit more responsiveness. This makes it easier to change positions without feeling stuck in the mattress. A hybrid model often works well, offering the contouring comfort you need for side sleeping with the bounce required for easy movement.

Sharing Your Bed: What to Consider with a Partner

When you share a bed, you’re not just shopping for yourself—you’re shopping for two. A mattress that works for you might not be ideal for your partner, especially if they have a different body type or sleeping position. One of the most important features for couples is motion isolation. This prevents you from feeling every toss and turn from the other side of the bed.

You’ll also want to look for strong edge support, which allows both of you to use the entire surface of the mattress without feeling like you might roll off. Models like the Helix Midnight Luxe are designed specifically for couples, offering a balanced feel that accommodates different preferences while minimizing motion transfer.

How Your Body Shape Affects Support Needs

Your body weight and shape are critical factors in determining the right firmness level. For most side sleepers, a medium to medium-firm mattress hits the sweet spot, providing a great balance of contouring and support. However, this can change based on your weight.

If you weigh less than 130 pounds, you might prefer a slightly softer mattress (around a 3-4.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale) to allow your body to sink in just enough for pressure relief. If you weigh more than 230 pounds, a firmer option (around a 7-7.5 out of 10) will provide better support and prevent your hips from sinking too low, which can throw your spine out of alignment. Exploring different mattresses with these firmness levels in mind will help you find the perfect match.

How Much Should You Budget for a Great King Mattress?

Deciding on a budget for a new mattress can feel like a big deal, because it is! A quality mattress is an investment in your health and happiness, and the price tags can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. The good news is that you don't have to spend a fortune to get a fantastic night's sleep. The key is to understand what you get at different price points so you can find the perfect match for your wallet and your sleep style.

Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly find or ready to invest in a luxury sleep system, there are excellent options available. We'll break down the typical price ranges to help you figure out what to expect and where to focus your search. Remember, the best mattress for you is one that fits your body, your sleep habits, and your budget.

Great Finds Under $1,000

If you're working with a tighter budget, don't worry—you can absolutely find a comfortable and durable king mattress for under $1,000. Many people find long-term satisfaction with more affordable options. As one happy sleeper shared, "Ordered mine on Wayfair..still sleeping on it 5 yrs later and still love it. Decent price and shipped right to me." This just goes to show that a lower price tag doesn't have to mean lower quality. In this range, you'll typically find all-foam mattresses or basic hybrids that offer the essential support and pressure relief side sleepers need without all the extra bells and whistles.

The Sweet Spot: $1,000–$2,000

For many shoppers, this price range is the sweet spot where value and features meet. When you invest a bit more, you get access to higher-quality materials, more advanced technology, and better durability. For example, the Helix Midnight Luxe is often named one of the best overall mattresses for side sleepers, thanks to its medium-firm hybrid design that perfectly balances comfort and support. Mattresses in this category often include zoned support systems for targeted relief and enhanced cooling features, making them a fantastic long-term investment for your sleep quality.

Luxury Mattresses: Investing in Your Sleep ($2,000+)

If you're ready to create a truly premium sleep sanctuary, mattresses over $2,000 offer an unparalleled experience. These beds are crafted with the highest-quality materials, from natural latex to advanced cooling fabrics and high-density memory foams. For instance, the Sapira Chill Hybrid is designed to suit different body types, and as sleep editor Bridget Chapman notes, the plush version is especially ideal for side sleepers. When you invest in a luxury mattress, you're paying for superior comfort, exceptional support, and meticulous craftsmanship that you'll appreciate night after night. Pair one with an adjustable base for the ultimate customized comfort.

How Can You Get the Best Value?

Investing in a high-quality king mattress is one of the best things you can do for your sleep, but that doesn't mean you have to empty your savings account. Getting the perfect mattress at a price that feels comfortable is entirely possible with a bit of smart shopping. By keeping an eye out for special offers and understanding your payment options, you can rest easy knowing you got a fantastic deal. It’s all about timing your purchase and using the resources available to you.

Look for Brand Promotions and Discounts

One of the easiest ways to save is by taking advantage of brand-specific promotions. Top mattress companies, like the ones we carry, often run deals that can significantly lower the price. For example, it’s common to see offers like a percentage off your total purchase or a fixed dollar amount off certain models. We always make sure to pass these savings on to you. Before you decide, it’s worth checking out the current offers on brands like Helix, which frequently provides discounts on their popular mattresses. A little research can lead to big savings on the exact bed you’ve been eyeing.

Keep an Eye Out for Seasonal Sales

If you can time your purchase, you can often find the best prices during seasonal sales events. Major holidays are prime time for mattress deals. Think about long weekends like Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day, as well as the major shopping holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. During these periods, you’ll find some of the steepest discounts of the year. Planning ahead to buy during one of these sales can make a luxury mattress much more affordable. We recommend browsing our collection of mattresses around these times to see what special offers are available.

Explore Our Flexible Financing Options

A great mattress is an investment in your well-being, and sometimes your budget needs a little flexibility to make it happen. That’s where financing comes in. Instead of paying the full amount upfront, financing allows you to break the cost down into smaller, more manageable monthly payments. This way, you don’t have to settle for a less-than-ideal mattress because of the initial price tag. You can get the supportive, comfortable king mattress you truly need now and pay for it over time. We offer financing options to help make your dream bed a reality without the financial stress.

Should You Get Accessories for Your New Mattress?

You’ve found the perfect king mattress—congratulations! That’s a huge step toward better sleep. But before you call it a day, let's talk about the finishing touches. The right accessories don't just complement your mattress; they complete your sleep system, making sure you get every ounce of comfort and support you paid for. Think of it like buying a great car—you still need to adjust the seat and mirrors to get the perfect ride. From customized support to long-term protection, these additions are worth considering.

Upgrade Your Comfort with an Adjustable Base

If you really want to take your sleep to the next level, an adjustable base is a game-changer. It allows you to customize the angle of your mattress, which is a huge win for side sleepers who often need extra support for their neck and back. You can raise your head to read or watch TV, or lift your legs to relieve pressure after a long day. This customization can also help with issues like snoring or acid reflux. It transforms your bed from just a place to sleep into a personalized comfort zone, making your new mattress work even harder for you.

Find the Perfect Pillow for Neck Alignment

Don't let the wrong pillow undo all the good work your new mattress is doing. For side sleepers, choosing the right pillow is essential for maintaining proper neck alignment and preventing aches. Your head and neck need to be supported in a neutral position, filling the space between your ear and the mattress. The goal is to find a pillow that contours to your shape without being too high or too flat. A great mattress supports your body, but the right pillow is what truly cradles your head and neck for a night of pain-free rest.

Keep Your Mattress Like New with a Protector

Your new mattress is an investment in your well-being, so it makes sense to protect it. A quality mattress protector is your first line of defense against spills, stains, dust mites, and allergens, which helps extend the life of your mattress. It’s a simple, effective way to keep your sleep surface clean and hygienic. Plus, many mattress warranties are voided by stains, so a protector is a small price to pay for peace of mind. It ensures your mattress stays fresh and supportive for years to come, just like the day you brought it home.

Related Articles

• 5 Best Mattresses for Stomach & Side Sleepers (2025) – Mattress on Demand
• Comprehensive Mattress Guide In 2025 - Sizes, Firmness & More – Mattress on Demand
• Should I Buy a Split King or California King Mattress for Couples – Mattress on Demand

Frequently Asked Questions

My partner and I have different sleeping positions. How do we choose one mattress? This is one of the most common challenges for couples, but it’s definitely solvable. A medium-firm hybrid mattress is often the perfect compromise. It provides the pressure relief a side sleeper needs for their shoulders and hips, while still offering the sturdy support a back or stomach sleeper requires. Models like the Helix Midnight Luxe are specifically designed to accommodate different preferences and are excellent at isolating motion, so you won’t feel your partner’s every toss and turn.

I know firm mattresses are bad for side sleepers, but can a mattress be too soft? Absolutely. While you want to avoid a rock-hard surface, a mattress that’s overly soft can cause its own set of problems. If a bed is too plush, your hips and midsection will sink too deeply into the mattress, pulling your spine out of its natural alignment. This can lead to lower back pain. The goal is to find a balanced feel—soft enough to cushion your pressure points but supportive enough to keep your spine in a straight line from your neck to your tailbone.

Are hybrid mattresses always the best choice for side sleepers over all-foam? Not necessarily—it really comes down to personal preference. Both are excellent choices for side sleepers. A hybrid mattress gives you the contouring comfort of foam layers on top with the responsive, breathable support of an innerspring coil system. If you like a bit of bounce and worry about sleeping hot, a hybrid is a fantastic option. An all-foam mattress, on the other hand, provides a deep, cradling hug and exceptional pressure relief. If you love the feeling of sinking into your bed and want superior motion isolation, foam is a great fit.

How long should a quality king mattress last, and how do I make it last longer? A high-quality mattress is an investment that should provide you with comfortable sleep for about 7 to 10 years. The lifespan depends on the materials and how well you care for it. The single most effective thing you can do to protect your investment and make it last is to use a quality mattress protector from day one. It shields your bed from spills, allergens, and sweat, which can break down the foams and fabrics over time.

Besides the mattress, what's the most important thing for a side sleeper to get right? Your pillow. Without a doubt, the right pillow is the second most critical piece of the sleep puzzle for a side sleeper. Your mattress can do a perfect job of aligning your spine, but if your pillow is too thin or too thick, your neck will be bent at an awkward angle all night, leading to stiffness and pain. You need a pillow with enough loft and support to fill the space between your head and the mattress, keeping your neck perfectly in line with the rest of your spine.

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