5 Best Hybrid Mattresses for Side Sleepers

A hybrid mattress for side sleepers could be a good investment if you want a mattress that provides both support and pressure relief. This type of bed can offer side sleepers the comfort they need around the hips and shoulders without compromising on back support. In short, a hybrid mattress could be the answer to a lot of the problems associated with sleeping on your side.

However, choosing the best hybrid mattress for side sleepers isn’t always easy. There are plenty of choices available, so it can be hard to know which mattresses are worth spending your hard-earned money on. In this article, we’ll explain how to choose a side sleeping hybrid mattress to perfectly suit your needs and budget. We’ll also reveal our experts’ top 5 best hybrid mattresses for side sleepers to help you narrow down your search.

Best Hybrid Mattress for Side Sleepers

If you’re a side sleeper seeking a hybrid mattress without fiberglass, we highly recommend the Saatva Hybrid Mattress as our top-rated option.

What is a Hybrid Mattress?

A hybrid mattress combines an innerspring core with foam comfort layers to provide a compromise between a spring and foam mattress. A good hybrid mattress can offer sleepers the best of both worlds between the support and bounce of an innerspring and the pressure relief of adaptable foam.

A hybrid mattress starts with a support unit made from spring coils. Cheaper hybrids may use an interconnected spring matrix. The issue with this type of support unit is that it transfers motion significantly and isn’t so durable. It’s more common to find hybrids with individually wrapped coils. This construction allows the coils to move independently, so you shouldn’t be able to feel your partner’s movements from your side of the bed. The innerspring unit may be ‘sandwiched’ by layers of polyfoam to make the mattress more stable and durable.

On top of the innerspring unit will be comfort layers made from adaptable foams that can mold to the shape of your body. The most commonly-used is memory foam, but other types of foam such as latex are sometimes used. A hybrid mattress may contain one comfort layer or several, sometimes made from different foam types.

Are Hybrid Mattresses Good for Side Sleepers?

Typically, individuals who sleep on their side require a high-quality mattress, such as Saatva, that can alleviate pressure. This is because pressure can build up around your hips and shoulders in this position. However, you also need enough support to encourage your spine into a healthy alignment.

This means that a hybrid mattress for side sleepers could be a good solution. Hybrid mattresses generally provide a high level of support thanks to their innerspring cores. Adaptable foam comfort layers can mold to the shape of your body, providing deep pressure relief at the hips and shoulders.

How to Choose the Best Hybrid Mattress for Side Sleepers

Although there are a lot of hybrid mattresses on the market, it’s reasonably easy to pick the best hybrid mattress for a side sleeper if you bear a few key factors in mind. By following these simple tips, you can be sure that you’re buying a mattress that will perfectly suit your needs as a side sleeper. When you’re shopping for your new mattress, make sure to look out for the following features:

Support

Side sleepers need support from their mattress to prevent back pain and give their spine the support it needs to rest in a healthy alignment. Fortunately, hybrid mattresses are generally highly supportive thanks to their innerspring cores. However, you should check expert and user reviews to make sure that any mattress you’re thinking of buying lives up to its promises in terms of support.

Pressure relief

When it comes to choosing a hybrid mattress for side sleeping, pressure relief is just as important as support. Side sleeping tends to put pressure on your hips and shoulders, so you need a mattress that can reduce tension and discomfort in these areas. Most hybrid mattresses feature adaptable comfort layers made from foams that can cradle your joints, so they are a great choice for people who sleep on their sides. However, it’s important to make sure that the particular model you’re considering ranks highly in terms of pressure relief.

Firmness

One of the most important things you need to do when shopping for a new mattress is to make sure that you choose the correct firmness setting for your sleeping position and body type. There is no hard and fast rule for choosing a mattress firmness for side sleepers, although they generally need a softer mattress than people who sleep on their fronts or backs so that the bed can mold to their body and reduce pressure on the hips and shoulders.

Most side sleepers should feel comfortable sleeping on a medium mattress as this firmness provides a good balance between pressure relief and support. However, people with light bodyweights may need a softer mattress than this to get the correct amount of pressure relief. Conversely, people with higher body weights who sleep on their sides may be better off with a medium firm hybrid mattress for side sleepers to give a little extra support. This type of mattress is also known as universal comfort and could be a good choice for combi sleepers and couples with different sleep styles because it should feel comfortable in any position.

Temperature

Overheating at night is a common problem, so it’s important to choose a mattress that is breathable to prevent uncomfortable heat build-up. The good news is that hybrid mattresses are generally good for sleeping cool because their innerspring cores are highly breathable, which allows air to circulate and heat to escape. If overheating is of particular concern to you, try looking for a mattress that utilizes cooling technologies in the comfort layers. For example, many manufacturers infuse their foam layers with heat wicking materials such as gel, titanium or copper to transfer heat away from you while you sleep. Some also use a manufacturing process called open-cell technology, which involves aerating the foams to give them a more breathable structure and therefore prevents overheating.

Certifications

If you’re buying a mattress that includes foam elements like a hybrid mattress for side sleepers, it’s important to make sure that it’s safe to sleep on. Some foams are made using potentially harmful chemicals, and of course, you don’t want to be breathing these in night after night.

To avoid this problem, look for a mattress that holds a certification such as the Certi-Pur or GREENGUARD Gold certificates. These prove that the mattress has been tested to ensure it doesn’t release harmful levels of any chemical that could otherwise damage your health.

Motion isolation

If you share your mattress with a partner, motion isolation is an important factor to check out. Mattresses that use innersprings as their support systems sometimes transfer motion across the bed, which means you can feel your partner moving around during the night. This could be an issue if you’re a light sleeper. In general, hybrid mattresses for side sleepers that use pocketed innersprings instead of matrix coils dampen motion better. You should check out how a mattress performs in this area before purchasing it to share with your partner.

Price

There’s a common myth that you have to spend a lot of money to get a decent mattress. While the saying ‘you get what you pay for’ does apply to mattresses to an extent, you can find plenty of affordable hybrid mattresses for side sleepers that don’t cost the earth. While we don’t recommend buying a bargain basement mattress, you shouldn’t spend more than you can afford. Instead, figure out what you can realistically spend and use this figure to narrow down your options.

Shipping

It’s important to make sure that the cost of shipping your mattress is affordable. Nowadays, many mattress companies offer free shipping to the contiguous United States, although you may need to pay an additional charge if you live in Alaska or Hawaii. It’s also worth considering the type of delivery you want. While curbside or bed-in-a-box delivery is often free, you may wish to pay extra to have white glove delivery, where your mattress will be set up in your home for you. Some companies also offer removal of your old mattress for an additional fee.

Sleep trial and returns

It’s always advisable to purchase a mattress that comes with a sleep trial, especially if you buy online without trying it first. A sleep trial entitles you to return your mattress during a set period if you’re unhappy with it for any reason.

There are a few things you need to bear in mind when checking out a sleep trial on a hybrid mattress for side sleepers. The first is the overall length. Ideally, you want a sleep trial that allows you to try the mattress out for at least three months, although many companies offer much more generous trial periods than this. It’s also important to check out whether the sleep trial comes with an obligatory settling in period. This means that you have to sleep on your mattress for a certain period before you can return it under the terms of your sleep trial. Finally, you should find out who bears the cost of returning the mattress if you decide to return it. Shipping costs for large items like mattresses can be expensive, but many companies will arrange free pick up or allow you to donate your unwanted mattress to a local good cause.

Warranty

You should never buy a hybrid mattress for side sleepers without a warranty, as you could otherwise find yourself in a tricky situation if it turns out your mattress has a manufacturing fault. Standard mattress warranties are around 10 years, which should be adequate to cover you for the expected lifespan of your mattress. However, many companies offer far longer warranty periods, including lifetime warranties that last as long as you choose to sleep on the mattress.

Before you buy, you should check what is covered by the warranty as some policies offer better coverage than others. You should also check whether the warranty is prorated or not. A prorated warranty means that you will have to bear part of the cost of having your mattress repaired or replaced, while these costs are paid by the company if the warranty is nonprorated. Some policies combine both types, with an initial nonprorated period followed by a prorated warranty.

5 Best Hybrid Mattresses for Side Sleepers Reviewed

Now that you understand how to choose the right hybrid mattress for your needs as a side sleeper, it’s time to start your search. There are lots of models on the market claiming to meet the needs of side sleepers perfectly, but which ones are worth your money?

To help you decide, our experts have been busy checking out a wide range of side sleepers’ hybrid mattresses to find the very best ones to recommend to our readers. Of all the models and makes we looked at, the following five ranked the highest for key factors including comfort, pressure relief and support. So, let’s take a look at our 5 best hybrid mattresses for side sleepers in 2023.

1. Purple Hybrid Mattress

Purple made a name for themselves with their flagship foam mattress, which incorporates an innovative Smart Grid technology. This unique structure means that the memory foam is arranged into columns that can collapse under your body, reducing pressure on your joints and increasing breathability.

Purple has since used this technology to create a hybrid mattress that combines Smart Grid foam with supportive spring coils. While the firmness setting of the Purple hybrid should feel comfortable in any position, it is especially suitable for side sleepers. The mattress retails for $1,599 for a queen size and comes with a free fitted sheet and pillow.

Key features

Responsive Support Coils: The support layer of the Purple Hybrid is made from a 7.5-inch layer of responsive coils. These are encased in individual pockets to reduce motion transfer. These coils can reduce pressure on your body while giving a good level of back support. They are also highly durable, helping your bed to last far longer than a standard foam mattress. The coils are sandwiched between layers of transition foam for added stability and cushioning.

Purple Grid: The comfort layer of this hybrid mattress is made from 2 inches of Purple’s Smart Grid foam. This material provides deep pressure relief around the hips and shoulders, making it ideal for side sleepers. However, it also provides a very high level of back support. This layer is infused with gel, which helps to wick away heat while you sleep. The column-like structure is also highly breathable, helping you to sleep cool.

StretchMax Cover: The top cover of the Purple Hybrid is made from an ultra-stretchy material. This can stretch and flex with the movements of your body, allowing you to achieve maximum pressure relief and comfort from the grid foam below. The cover features breathable side panels to increase airflow throughout the mattress, allowing heat to escape and keeping you cool and comfortable.

Pros
  • Good support
  • Deep pressure relief for hips and shoulders
  • Sleeps Cool
  • 100-night sleep trial
  • 10-year warranty
  • Free shipping and returns
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Made in the USA
  • Free sheet and pillow included
Cons
  • Relatively heavy and difficult to move
  • May be too expensive for some shoppers

2. DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid Mattress

The DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid Mattress combines pressure-relieving memory foam with stable and supportive spring coils. This allows side sleepers to get the pressure relief they need around their hips and shoulders without compromising on back support. The mattress measures around 6.5 on the mattress firmness scale, making it medium firm. This firmness is suitable for most sleeping positions including side sleeping, although those with very low body weights may find it a little too firm.

The DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid comes with very generous terms including a year-long sleep trial and lifetime warranty. It retails for $1,299 for a queen-size if you buy directly through the DreamCloud website. However, at the time of writing, you can buy it for just $1,099 with two free premium pillows as part of DreamCloud’s Easter sale.

Key Features

Edge Shield Coil System: The support core of the DreamCloud luxury hybrid is made from individually wrapped steel coils to provide a high level of support and motion isolation. There is a double row around the edge of the mattress to provide greater edge support, which means that the mattress should hold its shape over time, increasing its durability. This layer of coils is encased between two layers of foam designed to further reduce motion transfer and increase comfort.

Point-Activated Foam: The comfort layer of this mattress is made from high-density memory foam. This can conform to the shape of your body rapidly to provide pinpoint pressure relief where you need it. This includes the hips and shoulders, which is why side sleepers tend to find this hybrid mattress so comfortable. This layer is infused with gel particles, which can wick away excess body heat while you sleep.

Trueloft Euro Top: This mattress features a layer of high-loft memory foam. This is quilted into the cover to provide a soft and cozy sleep surface. The cashmere blend fabric of the cover is highly breathable and can wick excess moisture away during the night.

Pros
  • Good back support
  • Deep pressure relief
  • Motion isolation
  • Strong edge support
  • Sleeps cool
  • 365-night sleep trial
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Free shipping and returns
  • Suits all sleeping positions
Cons
  • Relatively heavy
  • May be a little firm for lighter side sleepers

3. Alexander Signature Hybrid by Nest Bedding

The Alexander Signature mattress by renowned bedding manufacturer combines cooling memory foam comfort layers with a supportive pocket sprung support core to provide the combination of support and pressure relief that side sleepers need. The mattress is available in plush, medium and luxury firm (medium firm). Most side sleepers will probably find the adaptability of the medium setting most comfortable. If you buy a King or California King size mattress, you have the option of split firmness, so couples can select their preferred firmness setting for their side of the bed.

However, if you decide that you don’t like the firmness of your mattress, the Alexander Hybrid has a unique feature that can solve the problem. You can unzip and replace the TitanChill Endurance Foamâ layer for a different firmness for free during the 100-night sleep trial to change the feel of your mattress. This gives the added benefit of allowing you to replace the comfort layer whenever you need to in the future, which means that you can refresh your mattress without buying a new one. Not only does this save you money, but it significantly cuts down on landfill.

The Alexander Signature Hybrid mattress retails for $1,499 for a queen-size, making it slightly pricier than some comparable models. However, given the quality of the materials used and the option to replace the comfort layers to prolong its life, many customers feel the price is well worth it.

Key features

Quantum Edge Pocketed Support Coils: The Alexander Signature Hybrid has a support core made from 8-inch individually pocketed coils. This layer provides a high level of support and prevents motion isolation, so you shouldn’t be disturbed by your partner’s movements during the night. This layer features reinforced edge support to increase the durability of the mattress. Beneath the coils is a 1-inch-thick layer of support foam to increase stability. There is also an additional inch of supportive foam above the coils.

TitanChill Endurance Foam and Gel Memory Foam: The first comfort layer of the Alexander Signature Hybrid is made from 3 inches of resilient foam infused with titanium particles. These particles help to transfer heat away from your body, keeping you cool and comfortable. This layer is followed by 4 inches of memory foam to give deep pressure relief, including around the hips and shoulders. The memory foam is infused with gel, which also has heat-wicking properties.

Quilted cover: The top cover of the Alexander Signature Hybrid is made from a soft quilted fabric to give a cozy, comfortable sleep surface. This cover incorporates Thermic Phase Change technology to keep you at a cool and comfortable temperature.

Pros
  • Good back support
  • Deep pressure relief
  • Sleeps cool
  • Three firmness options
  • Split firmness available in king and California king sizes
  • Exchangeable comfort layers
  • 100-night sleep trial
  • Made in the USA
  • Eco-friendly
  • Free shipping to the contiguous United States
Cons
  • Relatively expensive
  • Heavy and difficult to move
  • Some off-gassing

4. Oceano Luxury Hybrid Mattress by Brentwood Home

Unlike most other hybrid mattresses, the Oceano Luxury Hybrid Mattress by Brentwood Home features two coil layers, giving an exceptionally high level of support. This is combined with a layer of memory foam for pressure relief. The layers work together to create a medium plush mattress that’s perfect for side sleeping, especially if you have a lighter bodyweight.

The Oceano hybrid mattress costs $1,495 for a queen size, although you can choose a financing plan with monthly payments if this is more affordable for you.

Key features

Innerspring support core: The base layer is made from individually pocketed coils placed on top of a layer of dense support foam to give the bed stability. These coils provide support for your back and help to isolate motion across the bed.

Serene Cool Air Luxe Foam: Next comes a 2-inch layer of breathable foam. This helps to provide pressure relief while allowing additional airflow, helping to keep you cool. This is topped by a layer of silk fibers for additional breathability.

Responsive Micro-Coils: This mattress features a layer of microcoils beneath the foam comfort layer. These provide a responsive, comfortable and supportive sleeping surface. Their support is arranged into 5 zones to give extra support where you need it while allowing pressure relief in key areas.

Gel Swirl Memory Foam: The gel memory foam comfort layer of this mattress can conform to the shape of your body, providing deep pressure relief. It contains gel particles that wick heat away during the night. This is followed by a layer of GOTS certified organic wool to help keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The mattress is finished with a breathable Tencel blend cover that keeps you cool while wicking away excess moisture.

Pros
  • 2 layers of supportive coils
  • Deep pressure relief
  • Sleeps cool
  • Breathable Tencel cover
  • Zoned support
  • Made in the USA
  • 1-year sleep trial
  • 25-year warranty
  • Free shipping
  • In-home delivery available
Cons
  • Relatively expensive
  • Some off-gassing

5. Helix Midnight Hybrid Mattress

The Helix Midnight mattress is specially designed to meet the pressure relief and support needs of side sleepers, particularly those that tend to sleep hot. The mattress combines various foam layers with innerspring coils to create a medium feel. This firmness should suit various sleeping positions but is optimal for sleeping on your side.

The Helix Midnight hybrid mattress is a good option for people who are looking for a hybrid mattress for side sleepers on a budget. It costs just $899 for a queen-size if you buy directly from the Helix website, although you can also choose a monthly financing plan through third-part lender Klarna if you prefer.

Key features

Wrapped coil layer: The Helix Midnight mattress starts with a layer of highly dense polyfoam to give good stability and support to the mattress. This is followed by a layer of individually wrapped coils that can adapt t the shape of your body while isolating motion across the mattress. This layer features a reinforced perimeter to provide edge support, increasing the durability of the mattress.

Polyfoam transition layer: The transition layer of the Helix Midnight is made from high-grade polyfoam. This helps to bridge the gap between the coil layer and the comfort layer and provides extra cushioning and support.

Memory plus foam comfort layer: The top layer of this mattress is made from highly adaptable memory foam that can mold to the shape of your body and relieve pressure around your hips and shoulders. It is covered by a stretchy, breathable cover.

Pros
  • Supportive
  • Deep pressure relief
  • Sleeps cool
  • Ideal firmness for side sleepers
  • Reinforced edge support
  • Certi-Pur certified
  • 100-night sleep trial
  • 10-year warranty
  • Free shipping
  • Made in the USA
  • Affordable price
Cons
  • Some initial off-gassing

FAQs

Our readers often ask us how to choose the best hybrid mattress for side sleepers in 2023. In this section, we’ll share our most popular FAQ topics with our expert answers to help clear up any remaining queries you may have about hybrid mattresses for side sleepers.

Q: Are hybrid mattresses good for side sleepers?

A: Hybrid mattresses are generally a great choice for side sleepers. This is because they feature adaptable foam comfort layers that can mold to the shape of your body and relieve pressure around your shoulders and hips, which is a common issue with side sleeping. Meanwhile, they also feature supportive innerspring cores that provide a high level of support for your back.

Q: Are hybrid mattresses better than memory foam?

A: While it’s not possible to say that one type of mattress is ‘better’ than another, hybrid mattresses do have some advantages over traditional memory foam. For a start, they tend to be more breathable as air can circulate between the coils, leading to less overheating at night. They also tend to be more durable and have stronger edge support. On the other hand, a memory foam mattress often isolates motion from one side of the bed to the other than a hybrid. They are also, as a rule, less expensive.

Q: How long will a hybrid mattress last?

A: A hybrid mattress can be expected to last 6-7 years. However, by taking good care of your mattress and placing it on a supportive foundation, you may be able to make it last longer than this. It’s important to remember that there is a lot of variation when it comes to mattress quality, construction and edge support, so some hybrid mattresses will last longer than this.

Q: Do I need a box spring with a hybrid mattress?

A: You don’t need a box spring with a hybrid mattress. However, box springs absorb shock, which can help to make your mattress last longer. Whether or not you use a box spring with a hybrid mattress is a matter of personal preference. However, always check your manufacturer’s instructions to make sure you’re using the correct foundational support for your mattress or you could void the warranty.

Q: What are the benefits of a hybrid mattress?

A: Hybrid mattresses provide a ‘best of both worlds’ compromise between memory foam or latex mattress and an innerspring. They have the support and bounce of a spring mattress with the pressure relief and adaptability of responsive foams. Hybrid mattresses also generally sleep cool thanks to their breathable structure.

Q: What is the difference between a hybrid and an innerspring?

A: An innerspring mattress gets its support from coils arranged in a grid formation or individual pockets. While a hybrid mattress also has an innerspring support core, it features comfort layers made from adaptable foams such as memory foam or latex above the springs.

Q: What is a hybrid bed in a box?

A: A hybrid bed in a box is a hybrid mattress that comes in compressed packaging. The mattress is rightly rolled and packed into plastic before being placed in a small cardboard box. This type of packaging makes the mattress quicker and cheaper to ship and more convenient to move around your home.

Q: How thick should a hybrid mattress be?

A: How thick a hybrid mattress should be depends on your needs and body type. However, it’s probably best to go no thinner than 10 inches or you could find yourself short on support or comfort. Some people, for example, heavier individuals or those with mobility issues that make getting out of a low profile bed difficult, will prefer a thicker mattress than this.

The Bottom Line

Hybrid mattresses for side sleepers could be perfect for you if you sleep on your side for some or all of the night and want a supportive sleep experience. This type of mattress also provides deep pressure relief, so you should find relief from hip and shoulder tension when you sleep on one. By using the advice in this article, you should be able to find a hybrid mattress for side sleepers that suits your needs perfectly and gives you an amazing night’s sleep.

Before you buy a mattress of any type, it’s important to do your research. With so many high-quality companies competing for your money, consumers are in an excellent position to find a mattress that suits their needs and wallets perfectly. One of the best ways to do this is to check out reviews from experts who know the mattress industry inside out like the ones right here at Sleep Aim. Browse our range of unbiased resources to find a wealth of hybrid mattress for side sleepers reviews to help make the process as simple as possible.

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