Side sleepers often need enough cushioning at the shoulders and hips without letting the midsection sink too far. The right choice depends on your preferred feel, how warm you sleep, and whether you need a full mattress or just a softer layer on your current bed. These picks include three complete mattresses and two toppers, which can change the feel of an existing mattress but are not replacements for one.
For an all-foam option, the Novilla Bliss offers a layered design and motion isolation. The Avenco adds pocketed coils, while the Sweetnight focuses on airflow and targeted support. If you only want to soften your current mattress, the DOWNCOOL and WhatsBedding toppers are the relevant options.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Type | Standout features | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Novilla Bliss 14-Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress | All-foam mattress | Three foam layers, gel memory foam, motion isolation | Side sleepers seeking contouring and a full mattress |
| Avenco 12-Inch Cooling Hybrid Mattress | Hybrid mattress | Gel foam, pocketed coils, airflow-focused design | Side sleepers who want foam cushioning with spring support |
| Sweetnight CoolNest Ultra 14-Inch Mattress | All-foam mattress | Cooling layers, seven-zone support, motion reduction | Side sleepers who prioritize airflow and targeted cushioning |
| DOWNCOOL Memory Foam Mattress Topper | Mattress topper | Plush fill, bamboo-viscose surface, deep-pocket skirt | People who want to soften an existing mattress |
| WhatsBedding 5-Inch Queen Mattress Topper | Mattress topper | Plush cushioning, airflow channels, washable design | People seeking a substantial comfort layer |
Our Picks: Best Memory Foam Mattress For Side Sleepers reviews
1. Novilla Bliss: Layered Foam for Shoulder and Hip Cushioning
The Novilla Bliss is a 14-inch, all-foam queen mattress built with three layers. Its NanoGel memory foam is designed to contour to the body, while the comfort and support layers aim to spread weight more evenly. That combination is relevant for side sleepers, who often need extra cushioning around the shoulders and hips while keeping the rest of the body supported.
A breathable knit cover and gel-infused foam are intended to help manage heat. The layered construction is also designed to limit movement across the bed, which may be useful if a partner changes positions during the night. Novilla lists CertiPUR-US-certified foam, an ACA certification, and ISPA certification for this mattress.
The mattress arrives compressed in a box and may take up to 72 hours to regain its full shape. The listed offer includes a 100-day trial and 10-year protection. Those terms can make it easier to assess whether the feel works for you, but check the seller’s current conditions before ordering.
Pros:
- Three-layer foam design with contouring memory foam
- Designed to ease pressure and support spinal alignment
- Gel foam and a breathable knit cover target heat buildup
- Motion-isolating construction may suit couples
Cons:
- All-foam construction may not feel as springy as a hybrid
- Needs time to fully expand after unpacking
Verdict: Choose the Novilla Bliss if you want a complete all-foam mattress with contouring, motion isolation, and a stated trial period.
2. Avenco Cooling Hybrid: Foam Comfort With Pocketed-Coil Support
The Avenco is a 12-inch hybrid mattress that pairs gel memory foam with individually wrapped pocket coils. Foam can cushion pressure points, while the coil system provides a more responsive feel than an all-foam design. For side sleepers who like to sink in a little but do not want the slower, more enveloping feel of some foam beds, this mix may be worth considering.
Its cooling design includes gel foam, perforated foam, a moisture-absorbing knit top, and an airflow channel in the coil base. The individually wrapped coils are also intended to reduce motion transfer. The mattress is listed as CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX certified, and the product description states a 10-year quality warranty.
Reported owner experiences describe a soft, cushioned surface with support underneath, including comfort for side sleeping. Feel is personal, though, and the listing’s “medium soft” description may not suit people who prefer a firmer bed. The hybrid design is a helpful alternative to the two all-foam mattresses here, but it may not provide the same close, uniform contouring.
Pros:
- Combines gel foam cushioning with pocketed coils
- Multiple design features aim to improve airflow
- Coils are designed to limit motion transfer
- Listed with CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX certifications
Cons:
- The medium-soft feel may be too plush for some sleepers
- Hybrid construction feels different from an all-foam mattress
Verdict: The Avenco is a strong option if you want foam cushioning for side sleeping but prefer the added responsiveness of a coil-supported mattress.
3. Sweetnight CoolNest Ultra: Cooling Layers and Seven-Zone Support
The Sweetnight CoolNest Ultra is a 14-inch memory foam mattress designed around temperature control and zoned support. Its five-stage system includes an ice-silk fabric cover, phase-change comfort foam, mesh-cut memory foam, gel-infused memory foam, and open-channel airflow layers. These features aim to make the surface feel less stuffy while still letting the foam contour around the body.
For side sleepers, the seven-zone design is a key point: it is intended to cushion lighter areas and provide more support in heavier zones. That may help balance pressure at the shoulder and hip, though the mattress’s medium-plush feel and zoned layout may not work equally well for every body type. It also aims to reduce motion transfer, a useful feature for couples.
The listing describes a reinforced support foam base and CertiPUR-US-certified foam. Compared with the Novilla, the CoolNest puts more emphasis on airflow and targeted zones; compared with the Avenco, it has no listed coil system. If you prefer a springier surface, the Avenco may be a closer match.
Pros:
- Several layers are designed to encourage airflow and manage heat
- Seven-zone foam aims to balance cushioning and support
- Gel-infused memory foam contours to the body
- Designed to reduce motion transfer
Cons:
- Medium-plush feel may not suit those who want a firm surface
- All-foam design will not provide the bounce of a coil hybrid
Verdict: Consider the CoolNest Ultra if cooling features and zoned support matter more to you than the springier feel of a hybrid.
4. DOWNCOOL Topper: A Plush Layer for an Overly Firm Bed
This DOWNCOOL product is a topper, not a standalone mattress. It adds a plush comfort layer to a bed you already own, using a thin gel memory foam layer and a fill blend listed as 70% memory foam and 30% 3D polyester fiber. For a side sleeper whose current mattress feels too firm at the shoulders or hips, a topper can be a simpler way to adjust the surface without replacing the whole bed.
The top fabric is made from bamboo-derived viscose and polyester, with a 3D air layer intended to improve breathability. An elastic deep-pocket skirt is designed to fit mattresses from 8 to 21 inches thick. The topper is machine washable, and its materials are listed as OEKO-TEX certified. The directions recommend airing it out for 24 to 48 hours before use.
Because it changes only the upper comfort layer, it cannot fix a mattress that has lost support or developed a deep sag. Its plush design may also be too soft if your bed already lets your hips sink too far. Compared with the WhatsBedding topper below, the DOWNCOOL has a stated mattress-depth range and washable construction details, but less listed thickness.
Pros:
- Adds plush cushioning for an existing mattress
- Bamboo-viscose surface and 3D air layer aim to improve breathability
- Deep-pocket skirt is listed to fit mattresses 8 to 21 inches thick
- Machine washable, with OEKO-TEX-certified materials
Cons:
- It is not a replacement for a worn-out mattress
- Its plush feel may be too soft for some sleepers
Verdict: Pick the DOWNCOOL if your current mattress is supportive but too firm and you want a washable, plush topper rather than a new bed.
5. WhatsBedding 5-Inch Topper: A Thicker Comfort-Layer Makeover
The WhatsBedding is a five-inch queen topper marketed with memory foam and a breathable bamboo-viscose air layer. It is intended to add a noticeable amount of cushioning to an existing mattress, which may appeal to side sleepers who find their bed too firm. Some owners describe the added layer as plush and say it changed the feel of a firm or dorm-style mattress.
Airflow channels are designed to move heat and moisture, while the deep-pocket skirt is listed for mattresses 8 to 16 inches thick. The topper is machine washable, and its non-slip design aims to reduce shifting. Its listed firmness is plush, so consider how much extra softness you want before adding a thick layer to a mattress that already has substantial cushioning.
As with the DOWNCOOL, this is a comfort adjustment, not a fix for a sagging or unsupportive mattress. The WhatsBedding offers a thicker listed profile, while the DOWNCOOL provides a wider stated mattress-depth fit range and more detailed fabric and care specifications.
Pros:
- Five-inch profile adds substantial cushioning
- Airflow channels aim to reduce heat and moisture buildup
- Deep-pocket skirt and non-slip design help keep it in place
- Machine-washable construction makes care simpler
Cons:
- Plush feel may be too soft for some beds and sleepers
- Does not provide the support of a new mattress
Verdict: Choose the WhatsBedding topper if you want a thick, plush layer to change the feel of a firm mattress, not if your current bed needs renewed support.
How to Choose a Memory Foam Mattress for Side Sleeping
Look for enough cushioning at the shoulders and hips
Side sleeping puts more pressure on the shoulder and hip than many other positions. A mattress that contours to those areas can help spread pressure across a wider surface. Memory foam is designed to conform to your shape, but too much sink can make it harder to shift positions or keep your body feeling balanced. If possible, focus on the mattress’s stated feel and construction rather than assuming that every foam bed will feel the same.
Balance softness with support
A plush surface can feel comfortable at first, but your body still needs support underneath. Look for a mattress that cushions your pressure points without letting your hips drop too far. Zoned designs, layered foam, and hybrid coil systems are different ways manufacturers try to balance comfort and support. Your body size and personal preference affect how firm a mattress feels, so use any available trial terms to assess fit.
Choose between all-foam and hybrid construction
All-foam mattresses usually emphasize contouring and motion reduction. Hybrid mattresses combine foam with coils, which can provide a more responsive feel and a different kind of support. If you like a close, cushioned surface, an all-foam option may suit you. If you want some bounce or prefer not to feel as deeply cradled, consider a hybrid such as the Avenco.
Consider temperature features realistically
Gel foam, breathable covers, perforations, and airflow channels are designed to help manage heat. These features may make a mattress feel less stuffy, but they do not guarantee a cool night for every sleeper. If you tend to sleep warm, compare the overall construction instead of relying on a single cooling claim. A mattress topper can also change how the surface feels, so consider its materials and thickness too.
Decide whether you need a mattress or a topper
A full mattress is the right category if your current bed is worn out, sagging, or no longer supportive. A topper is better suited to a bed that still supports you but feels too firm or needs a comfort adjustment. A topper cannot repair a failing mattress, and a thick plush topper may make a soft bed feel even softer.
Check dimensions, setup, and care details
Confirm the size you need and whether the mattress or topper will fit your bed frame. Boxed mattresses need space to unpack and time to expand according to the product directions. For toppers, check the skirt’s stated mattress-depth range so it can fit securely. If easy care matters, look for clear cleaning instructions; the two toppers here are listed as machine washable.
Review certifications and trial terms
Certifications can help you compare materials and manufacturing standards, but they do not tell you whether a mattress will feel comfortable for your body. Check the product’s listed certifications and read the seller’s current trial, return, and warranty conditions before buying. Terms can vary, so do not assume a trial or warranty works the same way for every product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is memory foam a good choice for side sleepers?
It can be. Memory foam contours around the body, which may help cushion a side sleeper’s shoulders and hips. The best feel depends on how much you sink in and whether the mattress still supports your body comfortably.
Should side sleepers choose a soft or firm mattress?
Many side sleepers look for a surface that cushions pressure points, but softness alone is not enough. A mattress should also support your body so your hips do not sink excessively. The right balance depends on your body and preferred feel.
Is a hybrid mattress suitable for side sleeping?
Yes. A hybrid can pair foam cushioning with the responsive support of coils. The Avenco is the hybrid in this selection; its medium-soft description may suit people who like a cushioned surface, though firmness is subjective.
Will cooling foam keep me from sleeping hot?
Cooling features such as gel foam, breathable covers, and airflow channels are intended to reduce heat buildup. They may help, but no feature can guarantee a cool sleep experience for everyone. Room conditions, bedding, and personal comfort all matter.
Can a mattress topper relieve shoulder or hip pressure?
A topper can add cushioning to a mattress that feels too firm, which may make pressure points more comfortable. It will not correct a mattress that is sagging or no longer supportive, and a plush topper may not work well on an already-soft bed.
How long should I wait before sleeping on a boxed mattress?
Follow the manufacturer’s setup instructions. The Novilla listing says it may take up to 72 hours to regain its full shape. Expansion time can differ by product, so check the directions for the mattress you choose.
Which pick is best if I only want to soften my current bed?
The DOWNCOOL and WhatsBedding are toppers, so they are the relevant choices for changing the feel of an existing mattress. The DOWNCOOL lists a broad mattress-depth fit range and machine-washable care, while the WhatsBedding offers a thicker, plush profile.
Final Recommendation
For a complete all-foam bed, the Novilla Bliss is a balanced starting point thanks to its layered design, contouring foam, and motion-isolating construction. Choose the Avenco if you want foam comfort with pocketed-coil support, or the Sweetnight CoolNest Ultra if airflow features and zoned cushioning are priorities. If your mattress is still supportive but too firm, consider a topper instead of replacing the bed. Match the choice to the way you sleep, the feel you prefer, and the support your current mattress provides.
