Sleeping on your side is one of the most common sleeping positions. Even so, it often gets a bad rap, due to the aches and pains the position can cause if you have the wrong mattress. With the right mattress, however, research suggests sleeping on your side may help alleviate snoring and mild sleep apnea1. Plus, lying on your left side specifically may ease heartburn2. It’s not all physical, either. Neuroscientists say sleeping on your side may have brain health benefits, too. To learn more about what side sleepers should look for in an organic mattress, we spoke with orthopedic surgeon Kellie K. Middleton, M.D., MPH, and chiropractor Ashley Elmer, D.C., CACCP. Below, find their expert advice, along with our picks for the best organic mattresses for side sleepers. Not only will these mattresses give you a more comfortable night’s rest, but the materials are healthier for both you and the planet. She emphasizes that a quality mattress is essential for spinal health, especially for side sleepers. “When you are lying on your side, the mattress is responsible for supporting your spine and keeping it in proper alignment.” Additionally, Middleton points out that if you choose a mattress that is too soft or too firm, you’re risking misalignment of the spine, which could result in neck, back, and shoulder pain. “Taking your time to find the right mattress for you can save you from experiencing unnecessary aches and pains in the future,” she adds. Where materials are concerned, Middleton suggests looking for mattresses made from foam or latex. “These materials are often quite helpful in providing good body contouring and pressure relief,” she emphasizes. Although a medium-firm mattress offers great support and appeals to a wide range of people, keep in mind firmness levels will feel different from one person to the next. “Ultimately, mattress firmness preference will differ between individuals and can vary depending on height and weight,” says Elmer, pointing out that if you prefer a firmer mattress, a mattress topper can help alleviate pressure points. Alternatively, if you’re a smaller person, you may find that a mattress that is more on the softer side may work better for you. Each Birch mattress is shipped to your door compressed in a long, narrow box that can weigh anywhere from 68 pounds (twin) to 145 pounds (king)—so you’ll want an extra set of hands. After you take it out of the box, place it, still wrapped, onto your platform and then remove the plastic. This allows for an easier setup. It may take up to two hours for your mattress to fully expand, so be sure not to use it before then. Per customer reviews, you can expect little to no odor. Currently rated 4.6 out of 5 stars and boasting over 3,000 reviews on its website, this mattress is beloved by customers for its “perfect firmness” and high-quality construction. Many people comment that it is a great choice for side sleepers. “I love my new mattress. I’m sleeping better and staying cool even in the heat. I’m a side sleeper and I’m now much more comfortable,” one writes. Although it’s hard to find a negative review (hmm…), some mention that lighter people may find this mattress a bit too firm. Individually-wrapped coils help prevent motion transfer, while an adaptive latex foam layer promotes better spinal alignment. According to a study done by the brand, 9 out of 10 customers feel that this mattress gives them more support than their previous mattress. The medium-firm feel is great for stomach or side sleepers. We’ve also recommended this mattress for couples who are seeking strong motion isolation. This mattress ships compressed and rolled in a weatherproof packaging. Each mattress has four reinforced handles, which really comes in handy when placing it on the frame. Many customers note that the mattress gives off no chemical odors upon unpacking. Even better, free shipping is included with every mattress order and the brand plants 10 trees for each mattress purchased. One reviewer states that this Awara mattress “has been a dream” and that its “semi-firm rating is perfect—it’s soft and cushioning yet still supportive.” Another share, “I’m a side sleeper and it’s been very supportive and cushy in the right places. I no longer wake up with back and hip pain.” Because of Saatva’s nationwide manufacturing network, each mattress travels less than 100 miles from the factory to your door, which means a lower carbon footprint. Additionally, the mattress is not shipped in a box. In fact, the brand provides free white glove delivery and setup for each mattress. The team can also remove your old mattress and foundation at no cost if you select this service at checkout, depending on the brand and model. This mattress has nearly 600 reviews and a 4.9-star rating overall. Happy customers comment that it is the “perfect memory foam bed,” raving that it alleviates neck and back pain. One person writes, “I am mostly a side sleeper, and finally [sleep] comfortably throughout the night, with no morning aches and pains. Perfect support no matter what sleep position.” Although most reviews are positive, one person does point out that they would like if the mattress was more cooling, something hot sleepers may want to make note of. The brand sets itself apart by providing free, carbon-neutral shipping. Personalized delivery/setup and old mattress removal are available at an additional cost. The mattress comes vacuum-compressed and rolled up, but expands quickly. Reviewers have mentioned that there is no chemical smell. That said, it will smell like latex. Don’t worry, though—this odor is not detectable through the bedding. Customers agree that this mattress is supportive, comfortable, and durable. One customer, a chiropractor, loves this mattress so much that they plan on suggesting it to patients. “My wife and I are both side sleepers and this bed is plush and ergonomically spot on,” this reviewer raves. “As a doctor of chiropractic, I specialize in posture and chronic myofascial issues and this bed will be prescribed to my patients to properly hold the correction from the treatment that was provided.” It’s important to keep in mind that some people comment on how heavy this mattress is. Be sure you have help when setting it up. This GOTS-certified organic mattress, which is also biodegradable, uses no toxic chemicals, fiberglass, or polyurethane foams, and even has the MADE SAFE non-toxic seal for safety. The latex used has an open-cell structure, which prevents you from sinking in and is naturally cooling. Avocado Green is Climate Neutral Certified, which means it is a carbon-neutral company. Mattresses are shipped via FedEx and do not give off an off-gassing odor upon unpacking. What’s more, both recyclable plastic and upcycled paper are used for packaging. In-home delivery is available for an added cost. Customers love the comfort and support this mattress provides, and the use of eco-friendly materials. One person writes, “It is the most comfortable bed we have ever slept in. I am a side sleeper and my fiancé is a stomach sleeper and we both have been getting the best sleep since we purchased this a month and a half ago. It is of amazing quality for an affordable price! The shipping took longer than it said it was going to, which was a little frustrating, but once we started sleeping in our new bed all was forgiven because it is THE BEST!” While this mattress comes in medium firmness, one reviewer relayed that it feels too soft. Split king sizing is available as well, which is especially helpful for couples who may want more room to spread out. An added bonus: This mattress is constructed from locally-sourced materials, and the brand prioritizes family-owned businesses. Each product is made to order in the US and ships for free via FedEx. The mattress arrives compressed in a box, within 2 to 8 business days after order confirmation. Although the mattress expands quickly, the brand suggests letting it air out for a few hours before putting sheets and comforters on it to allow it to off-gas. With an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 on the brand’s website, this mattress is an ideal option for couples who may also be side sleepers. “It’s well-constructed, comfortable, environmentally friendly, and you can barely feel motion if someone moves,” one reviewer writes. “I wouldn’t hesitate to buy one again.” Mattresses are shipped free throughout the contiguous U.S. The brand also offers in-home setup and removal of your existing mattress (for an additional cost). Prefer to DIY? Reviewers say it is fairly simple, but you’ll want some help from a friend or family member. This mattress is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars overall—and we understand why. Most customers applaud this pick for its unique details and luxe feel, with side sleepers especially noting how much of a game-changer it is. “I’m a side sleeper and for the first time in a couple of years, I do not wake up with hip or shoulder pain and no longer need 5 pillows to get comfortable,” one reviewer shares. Like most other options, this mattress arrives compressed and rolled in a box. You’ll want an extra set of hands for setup, as this one is a bit heavy. On the bright side, reviewers report no off-gassing odors at unboxing. Rated at 4.9 out of 5 stars overall, this mattress receives high praise for being comfortable, supportive, and environmentally friendly. “I switch between side sleeping and back sleeping, and this bed is incredibly comfortable for both! Big decrease in back pain since we got this lovely bed. No outgassing, and an incredible price,” shares one person. Some customers point out that mattresses are made to order, so shipping may take longer. Spindle mattresses are shipped via FedEx Ground, compressed and rolled in a box, unassembled. Reviewers mention that the mattress is easy to put together, but may have a slight latex smell upon an initial setup that fades quickly over time. Two people may be needed to rearrange the latex layers, so keep this in mind if you’re thinking of picking this one up. Although experts suggest medium-firm mattresses for side sleepers, this option allows flexibility for side sleepers who may prefer sleeping on a softer or firmer mattress. “After 4 months, we love this mattress even more than when we first laid down on it,” writes one reviewer. “The fact that you can configure the mattress by rearranging the layers is genius. It is a little bit of work to do the rearranging but you can get it ‘just so’ and the payoff is amazing.”
