Is memory foam good for side sleepers?
Christopher Ramos
Updated on June 27, 2026
Memory foam is one of the most popular materials used to make the best mattresses for side sleepers because it contours to the shape of your body and delivers high levels of pressure relief. This reduces shoulder and knee pain as you press down into the mattress when sleeping on your side.
Can you sleep on your side on a memory foam mattress?
Tips For Side Sleeper For Good Night Sleep
For side sleepers look for a medium-firm memory foam mattress. Be gentle on the shoulder and hip that you sleep on. Avoid anything that applies too much pressure to these parts. Go with a firmer pillow that will keep your head off the mattress.
What are the disadvantages of memory foam mattress?
There are also some drawbacks.
- They vary in quality. ...
- They might off-gas. ...
- They can make you feel “stuck.” Some people like the contouring a memory foam mattress provides, but others dislike the sensation of being “in” the mattress rather than on top of it.
What type of mattress should I get if I sleep on my side?
Memory foam is one of the best types of mattresses for side sleepers. It contours to your body shape, relieving pressure points and keeping your spinal alignment when you're lying on your side. Side sleepers should also consider a soft mattress because it provides pressure relief to your shoulder and hip joints.
What are the side effects of memory foam?
Memory foam may contain isocyanates, which, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. Exposure to isocyanates can also lead to chest tightness and asthma.
22 related questions foundWhy is memory foam so uncomfortable?
Memory foam mattresses are temperature-sensitive. This makes them able to react to body heat and mould to your body shape accordingly. They become softer in the heat and firmer in the cold. So, if you bought a mattress during winter season and can't break into it, try turning the heat up.
Is memory foam better than spring?
Differences Between Memory Foam and Spring Mattress. Memory foam is usually known to be more durable because the lack of coils reduces the risk of sagging. Spring mattresses may not be as durable as memory foam because the springs and coils may start poking and sagging due to extended use.
Do side sleepers need soft mattress?
If you're a side-sleeper, you need a cushy mattress to relieve pressure on your shoulders and hips. But it shouldn't be too cushy because the gravitational pull will strain your spine. For most side-sleepers, that means choosing a medium-soft to medium mattress.
Is a Tempurpedic mattress good for side sleepers?
Tempur-Pedic mattresses are often ideal for side sleepers. The company's innovative memory foam materials excel in pressure relief. Side sleepers often experience sharp pressure points due to their hips and shoulders putting direct force on the mattress, so pressure relief is frequently a high priority for this group.
Is a pillow top mattress good for side sleepers?
One of the best features of a pillow top mattress is that it's great for every style of sleeper, including side sleepers! Regardless of your preferred sleep position, they offer long-lasting support to promote pain relief. Pillow tops are often made on innerspring mattresses.
How long will a memory foam mattress last?
But for a standard memory foam mattress, you should expect it to last about 5-8 years. The coils in hybrid mattresses help provide a bit more durability, which is how you get those extra few more years from your bed.
What is the lifespan of a memory foam mattress?
Memory foam mattresses can last anywhere from eight to ten years, depending on how well they're cared for. Typically, a memory foam mattress will last as long as any other type of mattress, whether it's an innerspring or hybrid.
Is memory foam better for your back?
Yes, memory foam mattresses are the best for relieving back pain. They conform to your body providing pressure-point relief, reducing aches. Memory foam's body-conforming feature is the best in all mattress types. This viscoelastic foam forms to the natural curvature of your spine, promoting lumbar support.
What is the best way to sleep on your side?
Side sleeping best practices
Shift over to your left side first. Your ears should be in line with your shoulders, while your chin is neutral. Avoid tucking your chin into your chest or keeping your head down. Keep your arms and hands below your face and neck, preferably parallel to the sides.
How do you keep your side on while sleeping?
Half-moon bolster pillows, lumbar pillows or multi-position pillows can help you stay on your side. Even products you secure around your waist have foam supports on them to keep you off your back or stomach. These are usually called anti-snore positional sleep aids.
Why is sleeping on your left side better?
Sleeping on the left side is recommended for pregnant people. Sleeping on this side improves blood flow between the heart, fetus, uterus, and kidneys, while keeping pressure off the liver. If you get uncomfortable, physicians recommend switching to the right side for a short while rather than sleeping on your back.
Why is my Tempur-Pedic so hard?
As mentioned above, tempurpedic pillows and mattresses are sensitive to temperature. Room temperature, just like body temperature, will affect the stiffness of the foam. So, during the winter period, the temperature drops cause the foam to feel firmer, compared to summertime when it's softer and more flexible.
What's the best memory foam mattress?
Our Best Memory Foam Mattresses of 2022 Rating
- #1 Layla Memory Foam.
- #2 Casper Original Foam.
- #2 Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress.
- #2 Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud.
- #2 Casper Element.
- #7 Bear Original.
- #7 Nectar Memory Foam.
- #7 Leesa Original.
How often should you rotate a TempurPedic mattress?
Each of our mattresses use our patented, one-sided design that means you'll never have to flip, rotate, or turn it. The TEMPUR material will return to its original shape time after time, year after year.
What level of firmness is best for side sleepers?
Medium to Medium Firm is ideal for average-weight side sleepers and will contour well to your body.
How do you know if your bed is too firm?
If you're waking up with back, neck or shoulder pain, your mattress might be too firm. If you wake up in the morning — or during the night — feeling discomfort at certain pressure points, like your shoulders, hips, or knees, your mattress is probably too firm.
Why is my sleep number bed so uncomfortable?
If you're still not comfortable you can try changing your setting by 5-10 and leaving it there for a few nights. Adjusting a little at a time can help you find the perfect combination of support and pressure relief. You might also need a new pillow. Our pillow quiz can help you choose the right pillow.
What is the difference between memory foam and regular foam?
Memory foam is usually denser and more expensive than regular polyurethane foam. Memory foam does provide much a more pinpointed feel than polyurethane foam. While it provides a pinpointed feel, it is not as supportive as latex foam.
What type of mattress lasts the longest?
Latex mattresses tend to last the longest, followed by beds made using high-density memory foams or polyfoams. Lower-density foam beds wear out a bit quicker, as do hybrid models. Traditional innerspring beds generally have the shortest expected lifespan, at approximately five and a half to six and a half years.