TL;DR
WIRED’s review team, which includes a certified sleep science coach and multiple side sleepers, tested hundreds of mattresses and narrowed the field to a dozen models that balance spinal alignment and pressure relief. Top picks include the Nolah Evolution (best overall), Helix Midnight Luxe with ErgoAlign (best for side sleepers with back pain), Bear Elite Hybrid (best firm option), and Leesa Sapira Chill (best cooling option).
What happened
WIRED’s Reviews team evaluated hundreds of hybrid, memory-foam, and cooling mattresses with a focus on what side sleepers need: pressure relief for hips and shoulders plus sufficient lumbar support to keep the spine aligned. Testers spent at least a week with each mattress to record nightly sleep quality and day-to-day impressions before narrowing the pool to 12 recommended models. The final list highlights different trade-offs: the Nolah Evolution is singled out for targeted zoned support and a conforming Euro pillow top; the Helix Midnight Luxe uses a dense torso layer (ErgoAlign as an optional feature) to prioritize spinal alignment for sleepers with back pain; the Bear Elite Hybrid is noted for a firmer profile that still cushions pressure points via a quilted top; and the Leesa Sapira Chill aims to combine alignment with cooling fibers that the review says keep the surface near 88°F. The roundup was updated in January 2026 to add two recently tested entries: the Rejuvenate by Personal Comfort and the Casper Dream Hybrid.
Why it matters
- A large share of people sleep on their side at least part of the night, so mattress choice affects many sleepers’ comfort and pain outcomes.
- Insufficient lumbar support lets the midsection sink, increasing strain on hips and shoulders and potentially leading to morning aches.
- Different mattress constructions (memory foam, hybrid, zoned coils, pillow tops) trade off cushioning and support; selecting the right mix matters for sustained spinal alignment.
- Cooling materials can address surface heat for sleepers who overheat, which may improve sleep continuity for some users.
Key facts
- WIRED’s testing team has collectively reviewed hundreds of mattresses and includes multiple side sleepers and a certified sleep science coach.
- Testers use at least a week with each mattress to assess nightly sleep and daily impressions before making recommendations.
- WIRED’s final list highlights 12 mattresses appropriate for side sleepers after that multi-model testing process.
- Best Overall: Nolah Evolution — memory-foam hybrid with zoned AirFoam under a Euro pillow top, pocketed coils, and firmer center zoning; offered in multiple firmness levels and listed with a 365-night trial and limited-lifetime warranty.
- Best for Side Sleepers With Back Pain: Helix Midnight Luxe with ErgoAlign — hybrid design with a dense torso support layer aimed at maintaining spinal alignment; one listed firmness option ~6.5/10, 100-night trial, limited-lifetime warranty.
- Best Firm Mattress for Side Sleepers: Bear Elite Hybrid — firm option noted for zoned coils, a quilted pillowtop to cushion pressure points, copper-infused and dynamic foams, 14-inch profile, and a 120-night trial with a 30-day break-in requirement before returns.
- Best Cooling Mattress for Side Sleepers: Leesa Sapira Chill — presented as combining spinal alignment with cooling fibers that the review reports maintain a surface temperature around 88°F.
- Some models offer optional upgrades (for example, cooling covers or ErgoAlign support) and shipping/trial terms vary by brand.
- The roundup was updated in January 2026 to add the Rejuvenate by Personal Comfort (a smart bed pick) and the Casper Dream Hybrid (recommended for side-sleeping couples).
What to watch next
- How a mattress balances pressure relief at shoulders and hips with firmer, zoned support for the lumbar region.
- Trial periods, break-in requirements and warranty terms—these vary across the recommended models and affect return flexibility.
- Whether cooling features are included or offered as an upgrade and how they perform in real sleep tests.
- not confirmed in the source
Quick glossary
- Memory-foam hybrid: A mattress construction combining foam comfort layers with an innerspring or pocketed-coil support core to mix contouring and responsiveness.
- Zoned coils: An arrangement of pocketed or innerspring coils with varying stiffness across the mattress to provide firmer support under the torso and softer give at the shoulders and hips.
- Pressure relief: The mattress’s ability to reduce force on contact points (commonly hips and shoulders) to prevent discomfort and improve circulation while sleeping.
- Pillow top: An additional stitched-on comfort layer on a mattress surface intended to provide a plush initial feel and added cushioning.
- CertiPUR-US: A third-party certification program for foam that evaluates emissions, content and durability claims for certain polyurethane foams.
Reader FAQ
How did WIRED test these mattresses?
Testers spent at least a week with each model, drawing on the experience of side sleepers on the team and a certified sleep science coach to evaluate spinal alignment, pressure relief and overall comfort.
Which mattress is WIRED’s top overall pick for side sleepers?
The Nolah Evolution is listed as WIRED’s Best Overall pick for side sleepers.
Are there recommendations specifically for side sleepers with back pain?
WIRED highlights the Helix Midnight Luxe with ErgoAlign as the pick for side sleepers concerned about back pain.
Does the guide say whether memory foam or hybrid is better for side sleepers?
not confirmed in the source
MARTIN CIZMAR JULIA FORBES GEAR JAN 11, 2026 5:36 AM The Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers We’ve tested hundreds of the top hybrid, memory foam, and cooling mattresses to find…
Sources
- Best Side-Sleeper Mattresses 2026: Picked by a Sleep Science Coach
- Best Side-Sleeper Mattress 2026: Picked by a Sleep …
- The 25 Best Mattresses of 2026 | Reviews by Wirecutter
- Best mattress for side sleepers 2026: 8 expert-tested beds …
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