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Best Affordable Mattress for Side Sleepers
Side sleeping is popular, so those who favor the position have no shortage of options when it comes to mattresses. However, finding an option on a budget gets a bit more complicated. This sleep position usually calls for a balanced design with enough support to keep the spine in a neutral position and enough contouring to limit pressure buildup around the shoulders and hips. Too soft, and you may struggle to maintain good posture. Too firm, and you may experience discomfort around wider areas of the body.
We’ve analyzed over 2,000 mattresses in our Sleep Lab, so we know what to look for. After sifting through our extensive testing data, we selected these top options for affordable mattresses for side sleepers.
Our #1 Pick: Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam
The Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam combines many of the features side sleepers often look for from higher-end models but at an approachable price-point. It has a generous, conforming comfort system to cradle a side sleeper’s hips and shoulders, while a zoned comfort system helps lift the lumbar region to promote good posture.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall Mattress
:Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam
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Best Cooling Mattress
:Helix Midnight
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Best Memory Foam Mattress
:Leesa Original
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Best Mattress for Pressure Relief
:Nolah Signature
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Best Mattress for Back Pain
:Bear Original
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Best Hybrid Mattress
:Tuft & Needle Essential Hybrid
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Best Flippable Mattress
:DLX Essential
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Best Mattress Deals Happening Now
- Save $259 — Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam
$606(List Price $865) - Save $333 — Helix Midnight
$999(List Price $1,332) - Save $333 — Leesa Original
$999(List Price $1,332) - Save $630 — Nolah Signature
$1,169(List Price $1,799) - Save $314 — Bear Original
$584(List Price $898)
How We Test
How We Determine Our Best Overall Score
With each mattress we test, our team follows the same comprehensive research and evaluation methodology to ensure objective, data-based findings. The mattress testing process consists of four stages, beginning with our detailed analysis of the bed’s construction, materials, and firmness. This cursory exam allows us to calculate an expected lifespan to determine our durability score. We also review the brand’s shipping and return policies, as well as its overall reputation for customer service and satisfaction.
The second stage involves hands-on evaluations in our Seattle Test Lab. We use a wide range of tools and technology to determine how well the mattress relieves pressure, isolates motion, regulates temperature, and resists deep compression when weight is applied. Once we’ve finished the lab-based stage, our field testers take the mattresses home and sleep on them in their own bedrooms for 2 to 3 weeks. These in-home experiences capture how the mattress performs night to night in an authentic sleep environment. Lastly, we collect and read verified customer reviews of each product to make sure our findings are in line with the general public.
Throughout this four-step testing process, we record data and notes that contribute to each bed’s overall and individual performance ratings. The graph below shows how every performance metric contributes to product scores.
How We Determine the Best Affordable Mattress for Side Sleepers
We apply the same testing methodology to every mattress we analyze in our Seattle-based sleep lab. This process includes objective and subjective tests. After the lab-based evaluations have concluded, our field testers take the mattresses home to see how these beds perform in real-world sleep environments.
To select the best affordable mattress for side sleepers, we paid particular attention to the following areas:
- Value: To qualify as “affordable,” we looked for models that fell at or below the average price-point based on the mattress type. However, we also paid attention to durability because a low-priced mattress that doesn’t last may ultimately translate to poor value.
- Position ratings: For a mattress to make the list, it needed to earn high marks from side sleepers in at least one of our three testing weight groups. It’s important to note that support needs and firmness preferences typically correspond directly to body type, so the same mattress may not be ideal for all side sleepers — even if it is very well suited to one weight range.
- Pressure relief: A side sleeper’s shoulders and hips are typically wider than the rest of their bodies, so these areas usually apply more compression to the mattress. This often makes pressure relief a high priority for side sleepers. Therefore, we looked for models that allowed these regions to sink in and helped spread their weight more evenly across the surface to limit pressure buildup.
Our Testing Team
Logan Foley
Executive Product Director
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Mary Fenton
Head of Product Content
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Jeremy Klein
Product Testing Manager
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Brad Nehring
Product Testing Manager
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Colin Simpson
Product Research Manager
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Rachel Grice
Product Content Manager
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Looking at Other Mattresses? Explore Our Mattress Ratings Database
Browse and compare mattress info and our hands-on Test Lab ratings for many of the most popular mattresses on the market.
Learn More About the Best Affordable Mattresses for Side Sleepers
Best Overall
8.8/10Test Lab Score
Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam
An all-foam mattress that hugs and soothes pressure points for restful sleep.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds, especially those prone to sharp pressure points.
- Feel: Medium firm (6) with a gentle hug, deep cushioning, and zoned support.
- What It’s Made Of: A memory foam and polyfoam comfort system, which includes a copper infusion intended for heat regulation and zoned transitional foam support. The base layer consists of high-density foam.
- What We Don’t Like: Side sleepers under 130 pounds may prefer a plusher surface so they can sink more, while those over 230 may need stronger support.
- Why It Won Best Overall: The Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam couples a high-quality design with a lower-than-average price tag. Most side sleepers up to 230 pounds get the right blend of contouring and support for a comfortable night’s sleep.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
Full Breakdown
Multilayer all-foam mattresses with ample comfort systems can get expensive, but the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam offers a plush foam design without breaking the bank. This medium firm (6) model has a thick memory foam and polyfoam comfort system, components designed for cooling, and zoned support — all of which can benefit side sleepers.
How It Performed
Our side-sleeping testers between 130 and 230 pounds found the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam’s medium firm (6) feel well suited to their bodies, reporting that they sank in just the right amount. Some team members under 130 pounds and some over 230 pounds also enjoyed this model for side sleeping, but many would have preferred a softer or firmer surface, respectively. Back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds also gave the model high marks.
Pressure relief and motion isolation are two of the biggest strengths we observed in testing. Our pressure mapping indicated fairly even weight distribution, and our vibration sensor picked up minimal movement when we dropped a kettlebell on one side of the bed. The Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam’s performance in our temperature control and edge support tests was also stronger than we’ve seen from many all-foam models.
Construction Breakdown
The CopperFlex’s knit fabric cover is quilted with 1 inch of polyfoam for cushioning. A 1.5-inch layer of memory foam underneath provides the close conforming that the material is famous for, while a copper infusion is intended to add cooling and antimicrobial properties into the mix. Another two layers of polyfoam deepen the contouring. Lastly the transitional polyfoam layer is zoned for targeted lower back support. A 5-inch high-density polyfoam base adds durable support.
What Makes It Good for Side Sleepers
Generous cushioning and zoned support are two of the traits that stand out most for side sleepers. A side sleeper’s hips and shoulders have plenty of room to sink into the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam’s comfort system before reaching the firmer core, with the polyfoam and memory foam layers gently cushioning and cradling sensitive regions like the shoulders and hips. At the same time, the zoned support provides extra lift to keep the body on a more neutral plane.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
The Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam comes with a 365-night trial period, during which you can initiate a return after 30 days have passed. Shipping is free in the contiguous U.S. and available at a charge to Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada. A lifetime warranty is also included with purchase.
Best Cooling
9.1/10Test Lab Score
Helix Midnight
A highly customizable, universally appealing hybrid.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers of all weights, along with back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds.
- Feel: A balanced medium firm (6) feel that is simultaneously cradling and breathable.
- What It’s Made Of: Layers of cushy memory foam and denser polyfoam over a pocketed coil core with perimeter reinforcement and a polyfoam base.
- What We Don’t Like: Back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds may sink in too deeply.
- Why It Won Best Cooling: Close-conforming models sometimes trap warmth against the body, but the Helix Midnight displayed minimal heat retention in our temperature readings thanks to its breathable design. An optional upgrade includes additional components specifically engineered for extra cooling.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
Full Breakdown
Helix designs mattresses for specific sleep positions, and the Helix Midnight is the brand’s entry-level model for side sleepers. Despite its budget-friendly pricing, the mattress subtly molds to a side sleeper’s curves for standout pressure relief.
How It Performed
The Helix Midnight was popular with our side-sleeping testers across various weight ranges. It had a slight edge with side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds, but this is one of the few models that also performed nearly as well for those under 130 pounds and those over 230 pounds. Additionally, many back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds enjoyed the balance of cushioning and pushback.
Thanks to its reinforced perimeter, the Helix Midnight earned high marks in our edge support test, with most team members feeling confident using the full surface. For couples, a sturdy edge like this can make the bed seem bigger. Pressure relief was another notable strength, and our pressure mapping showed limited buildup around the hips and shoulders of side sleepers. The mattress also maintained a fairly neutral temperature during our tests, though those who consistently sleep hot might want to consider the add-on features for maximum cooling.
Construction Breakdown
A cover designed for breathability encases the mattress, with two layers of memory foam underneath to cradle the body and redistribute pressure. Two layers of polyfoam balance contouring and lift to let the sleeper sink in more deeply without pressing against the mattress base.
The core uses pocketed coils to limit the spread of movement while adding responsive support, and reinforced sides fortify the perimeter so the edge doesn’t compress excessively when a sleeper approaches it. A final polyfoam layer serves as a stabilizing base for the layers above.
For an extra charge, you can also add on zoned support or a cover designed for cooling.
What Makes It Good for Side Sleepers
While many mattresses accommodate side sleepers, the Helix Midnight is designed specifically for this group. Across weight ranges, we found the model cradled side sleepers’ shoulders and hips nicely, taking pressure off these critical regions.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
The Helix Midnight has a 365-night trial policy with a 30-night minimum. Orders ship free within the contiguous United States and for a fee to Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada. It also comes with a lifetime warranty that’s partially prorated after 10 years.
Best Memory Foam
8.2/10Test Lab Score
Leesa Original
High-quality all-foam bed that appeals to most sleepers.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers up to 230 pounds and couples.
- Feel: A medium (5) feel with balanced contouring that relieves pressure without feeling like the mattress is hugging the body too closely.
- What It’s Made Of: A polyfoam and memory foam comfort system over a dense foam base.
- What We Don’t Like: The perimeter may feel too unstable to lie along the edge, and sleepers over 230 pounds will likely need firmer support.
- Why It Won Best Memory Foam: The Leesa Original incorporates memory foam for close contouring, but an additional polyfoam layer means the hug doesn’t feel as tight. This construction provides solid pressure relief without trapping a lot of heat or restricting movement.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
Full Breakdown
The Leesa Original is a well-rounded all-foam model with a medium (5) feel. While the mattress utilizes memory foam for strong pressure relief and motion isolation, its careful construction minimizes the potential drawbacks of the material’s deep contouring.
How It Performed
During our testing, our team members up to 230 pounds found the Leesa Original exceptionally well suited to side sleeping. It gently cradled their bodies without letting them sag. Some team members over 230 pounds also enjoyed the model for side sleeping, though others felt their hips sagged in, making it harder to maintain good posture. Most back and stomach sleepers on our team would have preferred more support.
The Leesa Original’s all-foam construction and use of memory foam helped it earn high marks for motion isolation and pressure relief. At the same time, the ease of movement and temperature control test results were stronger than many memory foam models we’ve tested.
Construction Breakdown
The Leesa Original starts out with a polyester-blend knit cover designed for breathability. A layer of polyfoam provides cushioning and contouring, while a layer of memory foam underneath adds deeper cradling. The support comes from a base layer of high-density polyfoam.
As an optional add-on, you can upgrade to a specialty cover for extra cooling and cushioning.
What Makes It Good for Side Sleepers
While the Leesa Original adjusts to a side sleeper’s hips and shoulders, it doesn’t hug as closely as some memory foam models, making movement a little easier. The medium (5) feel also lets side sleepers sink in without their curves pressing too deeply.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
The Leesa Original comes with a 365-night trial, and you must test out the mattress for at least 30 nights before initiating a return. Shipping is free to all 50 states, and a partially prorated limited lifetime warranty covers qualifying defects.
Best Pressure Relief
8.1/10Test Lab Score
Nolah Signature
A close-conforming foam bed with a medium firmness.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers under 230 pounds who prefer a plusher feel.
- Feel: Plush cushioning and cradling with a medium (5) feel.
- What It’s Made Of: A five-layer polyfoam comfort system incorporating zoned firmness and infusions designed for cooling, reinforced with a high-density polyfoam base.
- What We Don’t Like: Most back and stomach sleepers could use more support.
- Why It Won Best Pressure Relief: The Nolah Signature’s thick comfort system provides significant cushioning while leaving plenty of room for a side sleeper’s hips and shoulders to sink in. Our testers felt very little pressure in these regions.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
Full Breakdown
A side sleeper’s shoulders and hips often bear the brunt of their weight, so contouring and cushioning are important to minimize pressure buildup. The Nolah Signature has a generous comfort system to cushion and cradle the body while redistributing its weight, and zoning also helps promote good posture.
How It Performed
As a medium (5) all-foam model, the Nolah Signature was the best fit for our side-sleeping testers under 230 pounds, though some over 230 pounds also found it comfortable. The bed shaped to their curves and cushioned sensitive regions to relieve pressure. Most back and stomach sleepers noted that the surface was plusher than they’d like.
Pressure relief and motion isolation are two of the model’s greatest strengths. Our testers noted that their shoulders and hips felt comfortably cradled, and our vibration sensors picked up minimal movement spreading across the surface.
Construction Breakdown
The Nolah Signature starts with a knit cover designed for breathability, and polyfoam quilted into the fabric adds surface-level cushioning. The next layer of polyfoam is hole-punched to soften the surface under the shoulders while still promoting even lumbar support. A copper infusion in the material is intended to help dissipate heat, and gel-infused polyfoam provides additional cooling.
Another polyfoam layer helps streamline the transition from the plusher comfort system to the firmer core, while zoned transitional foam reinforces the middle of the bed for enhanced lumbar support. A 6-inch polyfoam core stabilizes the mattress.
For an extra charge, you can also select a pillow-top designed for extra cooling and cushioning.
What Makes It Good for Side Sleepers
With a medium (5) feel and ample comfort system, side sleepers can sink into the plush surface for notable cushioning and pressure relief around their hips and shoulders. Meanwhile, multiple zoned layers help reduce sinkage around the middle of the bed to keep sleepers on a more neutral plane.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
The Nolah Signature has a 365-night sleep trial with a 30-night break-in period. Standard shipping is free to all 50 states. A partially prorated lifetime warranty applies.
Best for Back Pain
7.8/10Test Lab Score
Bear Original
An affordable foam bed designed for those with an active lifestyle.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers over 230 pounds.
- Feel: Firm (7) support with subtle contouring to limit sinkage and minimize pressure buildup.
- What It’s Made Of: Gel-infused memory foam, polyfoam, and a high-density polyfoam core.
- What We Don’t Like: Sleepers under 130 pounds and those who favor deep contouring may prefer a plusher surface, and the mattress may have a pronounced initial odor after unpacking.
- Why It Won Best for Back Pain: As a firm (7) model, the Bear Original provides a fairly even plane. Since sleepers don’t sink in as deeply, it may be easier to maintain a neutral spinal position throughout the night.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
Full Breakdown
For sleepers with back pain, maintaining good posture overnight is usually critical. The Bear Original’s firm (7) support limits sagging around the hips that could otherwise pull the spine out of alignment, but the all-foam design still offers some contouring to reduce pressure buildup around a side sleeper’s hips and shoulders.
How It Performed
Of our team members who sleep on their sides, those over 230 pounds found the Bear Original most comfortable. Because they sank in a bit more deeply than their lighter-weight counterparts, they experienced more contouring. However, side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds also appreciated the firm yet subtly conforming surface.
Because of the bed’s all-foam design and firm (7) feel, we detected moderate motion isolation, ease of motion, and pressure relief.
Construction Breakdown
A fabric cover designed for cooling tops the mattress. It includes Celliant fibers, which are engineered to regulate temperatures by converting heat into infrared energy. The top comfort layer uses memory foam to gently cradle the body, while a gel infusion is intended to disperse its heat. A secondary comfort layer of polyfoam adds pressure relief and lift, and a final polyfoam core provides structure and support.
What Makes It Good for Side Sleepers
Many firm (7) mattresses don’t have much give around the hips and shoulders, which can contribute to pressure buildup for side sleepers. However, the Bear Original incorporates a memory foam comfort system for a subtle pressure-relieving hug despite the sturdy support. For side sleepers who don’t want to sink into the bed too deeply, this can be a best-of-both-worlds scenario.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
Buyers can take advantage of a 365-night sleep trial, free shipping in the contiguous U.S., and a partially prorated lifetime warranty. Shipping is also available to Alaska and Hawaii for a charge.
Best Hybrid
8.6/10Test Lab Score
Tuft & Needle Essential Hybrid
An affordable foam hybrid with strong support and steady bounce.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Couples and hot sleepers.
- Feel: Medium firm (6) design feels responsive, bouncy, and gently contouring.
- What It’s Made Of: A polyfoam comfort layer over a pocketed coil support core and dense foam base.
- What We Don’t Like: Due to its more responsive design, some motion may spread across the surface.
- Why It Won Best Hybrid: Hybrid models often carry higher price tags, but the Tuft & Needle Essential Hybrid Mattress comes in well below average. While the design is pared down, the Essential still earned high overall scores during our tests.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
Full Breakdown
Tuft & Needle offers a variety of hybrid models, with the Essential Hybrid Mattress being the most affordable. It combines adaptive polyfoam and pocketed coils for responsive contouring and a more traditional innerspring feel. The Essential doesn’t have the bells and whistles of some premium models, but for many sleepers, it gets the job done while being easy on the wallet.
How It Performed
In our tests, side sleepers over 230 pounds appreciated the Essential’s balance of cradling and support. They compressed more deeply into the coil system, while the polyfoam cushioned their shoulders and hips nicely. Those between 130 and 230 pounds also reported a generally positive experience, though lighter individuals would have preferred a thicker comfort system with deeper contouring. Back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds also felt that they got sufficient support from the Essential Hybrid Mattress.
Since the bulk of the mattress consists of coils, it excelled in our temperature control and edge support tests. Ample airflow through the core meant we detected minimal lingering heat, and the perimeter felt quite secure to most testers.
Construction Breakdown
A cover designed for cooling encases the mattress. Its comfort layer uses proprietary polyfoam engineered for breathability, with an open-cell structure and graphite and gel infusions to help dissipate heat. The core uses coils that are wrapped and move separately for greater contouring and motion control, while the polyfoam base provides stability for the coils.
What Makes It Good for Side Sleepers
The Essential Hybrid’s polyfoam comfort layer provides surface-level cushioning, while its pocketed coil system lets a side sleeper’s shoulders and hips sink in more deeply to help them maintain good sleep posture without excessive pressure buildup. Its medium firm (6) feel also balances cradling and pushback.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
A 100-night trial is available, and shipping is free within the contiguous U.S. Delivery rates to Alaska and Hawaii vary by mattress size. The mattress also comes with a 10-year limited warranty.
Best Flippable
7.9/10Test Lab Score
DLX Essential
A supportive foam hybrid that sleeps quite cool.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Sleepers over 230 pounds and hot sleepers.
- Feel: This firm (7) surface feels responsive and supportive.
- What It’s Made Of: Each side includes fiber batting and two layers of polyfoam for cushioning, while a pocketed coil core sandwiched between supports the surface.
- What We Don’t Like: The bounce of the coils may allow some vibrational transfer, and side sleepers under 230 pounds might feel like their hips and shoulders sink too deeply into the mattress.
- Why It Won Best Flippable: The DLX Essential provides dependable support on a budget, and each side has a distinct comfort system for equivalent cushioning regardless of which side faces up.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
Full Breakdown
Flippable designs can help extend a mattress’ lifespan by allowing you to rotate regularly and spread out the wear and tear more evenly. However, these two-sided beds aren’t as common as they once were. The DLX Essential is a notable exception, with each side offering firm (7) support and subtle cushioning that’s suitable for many side sleepers.
How It Performed
Due to its firm (7) feel, the DLX Essential was most popular for testers over 230 pounds. This group awarded the mattress high marks for side sleeping, back sleeping, and stomach sleeping. Most team members weighing up to 230 pounds would have preferred a plusher surface for side sleeping, though those between 130 and 230 pounds enjoyed it more for back and stomach sleeping.
The bed’s edge support, ease of movement, and temperature control stood out to our team. The perimeter is reinforced, preventing deep compression when you lie or sit along the edges. The bouncy coils also seemed to facilitate position changes, and our team reported staying cool and comfortable on the Essential thanks to the breathable design.
Construction Breakdown
The cover of the DLX Essential is designed to be breathable and stretchy. Underneath, each side of the mattress contains viscose batting for gentle cushioning, followed by two layers of polyfoam for conforming and pressure relief. A pocketed coil core is located between both comfort systems to support either side of the mattress while letting air circulate. Perimeter coils with a narrower diameter help fortify the perimeter for full-surface usability.
What Makes It Good for Side Sleepers
The Essential’s fiber batting and two polyfoam comfort layers can help cushion a side sleeper’s pressure-prone hips and shoulders without letting them sink in excessively. Its flippable design also allows sleepers to switch which surface they use if a lasting impression starts to affect their comfort.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
A 120-night trial is available, with returns honored after the required 30-night break-in period. Shipping is free in the contiguous U.S., and a partially prorated limited lifetime warranty protects the mattress.
What to Consider When Shopping for an Affordable Mattress for Side Sleepers
The best mattress for side sleepers contours to the body without letting it sag. Thankfully, some cheap mattresses can do just that at a fraction of the cost. However, you should look beyond the price tag to get the best value for your money. Here are some factors to consider as you shop.
Mattress Type
Each mattress type has unique implications for side sleepers seeking an affordable mattress. Here are some things to keep in mind.
- All-foam: Foam, particularly memory foam, can simultaneously cushion and cradle a side sleeper’s hips and shoulders to limit discomfort around these key areas. However, firmer models with less give are also available. There are a wide range of budget-friendly all-foam models on the market.
- Latex: Latex models often come at a fairly high price-point, especially when they use natural latex. These options usually spread pressure over a wider area to offer less hug than memory foam while still relieving pressure for side sleeping.
- Hybrid: Hybrid models often carry steeper price tags, though approachably priced models are available. They combine cushy comfort layers with coil support cores, which can help create a balanced feel suited to side sleepers who want a balance of cradling and support.
- Innerspring: Innerspring models are often budget-friendly, though they frequently lack the adaptive cushioning of other designs since they don’t incorporate much of a comfort system. This may put them lower on the list for side sleepers who prioritize pressure relief.
Sleeping Position and Body Weight
Side sleepers usually prefer a softer mattress than back or stomach sleepers, but the ideal feel can depend on an individual’s body weight. We rate mattresses on a 10-point firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. As a baseline, most mattresses fall between medium (5) and firm (7). Based on these findings, here’s what we generally recommend for side sleepers in each weight range:
| Side Sleeper Weight Range | Firmness Starting Point |
|---|---|
| Less than 130 lbs. | Soft (3) to medium (5) |
| 130 to 230 lbs. | Medium (5) to medium firm (6) |
| More than 230 lbs. | Medium firm (6) to firm (7-8) |
Delivery and Setup Options
Most affordably priced mattresses come with free to-the-door delivery, during which the mattress is compressed, wrapped, rolled, encased in a box, and dropped off wherever you receive large packages.
Mattress-in-a-box shipping is usually more affordable for manufacturers because they save on both storage space and delivery costs, and those savings are often reflected in the price consumers pay. However, the purchaser is then responsible for moving in and setting up their mattress, which frequently requires two able-bodied adults if you purchase a larger mattress size or a heavier model.
If you prefer to have the mattress brought into your bedroom and set up for you, look for models that offer White Glove delivery or in-home setup. These options may include moving your new mattress in, unpacking it, setting it up, removing the packaging materials, and hauling away your old mattress. You will likely need to budget a bit extra for this service.
Dig Deeper — More Mattress Guides
Our team tests mattresses that run the gamut in terms of cost, ranging from ultra-affordable budget beds to high-end luxury models. Check out the guides below to see our top mattress picks for different price ranges.
Shopping Guides for Different Mattress Types
- Best Memory Foam Mattress
- Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
- Best Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Best Mattress for Heavy Sleepers
- Best Mattress for Lightweight Sleepers
- Best Mattress for Athletes
- Best Mattress for Couples
- Best Mattress for Kids
- Best Mattress for Toddlers
- Best Mattress for Seniors
- Best Mattress for Teenagers
- Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain
- Best Mattress for Back Pain
- Best Mattress for Hip Pain
- Best Mattress for Arthritis
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Logan is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a deep understanding of what it means to struggle with sleep. Her years of experience researching and testing sleep products – including mattresses, natural sleep aids, and bedding – are critical to her role helping lead the editorial team. When she’s not testing mattresses or researching CBT-I, she enjoys spending time in the sunshine with her husband and her dogs Pepper and Winston.