Are you a side sleeper constantly tossing and turning, waking up with aches in your shoulders, hips, or back? You’re not alone! Side sleepers need a mattress that cradles their curves, offers excellent pressure relief, and keeps their spine aligned, preventing those painful pressure points. But let’s be real, finding the perfect sleep surface often comes with a hefty price tag, right? Not necessarily!
We’ve scoured the market to bring you a curated list of options that prove you don’t have to spend a fortune for a good night’s rest. In this guide, we’ll dive into the best budget friendly mattress for side sleepers, highlighting top picks that deliver on comfort, support, and value. Get ready to discover how to achieve blissful, pain-free sleep without breaking the bank.
Why Side Sleepers Need Specific Mattress Features
Side sleeping is the most common position, but it also creates unique challenges. When you lie on your side, your hips and shoulders bear most of your body weight. Without proper support and cushioning, these areas can dig into a too-firm mattress, leading to pressure points and discomfort. Conversely, a mattress that’s too soft can cause your spine to sag out of alignment.
The ideal mattress for side sleepers strikes a delicate balance:
* Pressure Relief: Soft enough to contour around the shoulders and hips, preventing pain.
* Spinal Alignment: Supportive enough to keep the spine in a neutral, straight line from neck to tailbone.
* Medium-Firm Feel: Often the sweet spot, offering both cushioning and support.
* Motion Isolation: Especially important for couples, so you don’t feel every movement.
* Cooling Properties: Many budget options now include gel infusions or breathable covers to help regulate temperature.
Ready to find your perfect match? Let’s explore the top contenders for the best budget friendly mattress for side sleepers.
Our Top 10 Picks for Budget-Friendly Side Sleeper Mattresses
1. BedStory Queen Mattress for Side Sleepers & Couples, 14 Inch
This BedStory hybrid mattress truly stands out for side sleepers seeking luxury on a budget. Its multi-layer design combines supportive pocket springs with conforming gel memory foam, ensuring your body’s curves are perfectly cradled while maintaining essential spinal alignment. The independent pocket springs also work wonders for motion isolation, making it a fantastic choice for couples who value undisturbed sleep.
Key Features:
* Breathable & skin-friendly knit fabric with good air circulation.
* CertiPUR-US and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified (fiberglass-free, no harmful substances).
* Multi-layer foam and pocket spring system for strong support and pressure absorption.
* Gel memory foam conforms to body curves, relieving fatigue.
* Individual pocket springs provide targeted support to 7 body parts.
* Excellent motion isolation from independently working springs.
* Mattress-in-a-box for easy delivery and setup.
* 365-night trial and 10 years of support.
Pros:
* Exceptional pressure relief for hips and shoulders.
* Great for couples due to superior motion isolation.
* High-quality, certified materials ensure safety and durability.
* Breathable design helps with temperature regulation.
* Generous trial period and warranty offer peace of mind.
Cons:
* 14-inch height might require deeper fitted sheets.
* May take up to 72 hours to fully expand.
User Impressions: Customers frequently praise its comfortable yet supportive feel, often mentioning significant relief from back and shoulder pain. Many are impressed by the quality for the price, noting how well it isolates movement.
2. Keltfos Queen Mattress 14 Inch, Medium Firm Targeted for Side & Back Sleepers
The Keltfos Queen Mattress is engineered for those who crave a perfect blend of softness and support, especially side and back sleepers. Its unique construction features shorter coils for enhanced support and a thicker comfort layer of gel memory foam, providing targeted pressure relief where you need it most. The medium-firm feel is ideal for maintaining spinal alignment while still offering a cozy sink-in sensation.
Key Features:
* Combines pocket coils and gel memory foam for targeted pressure relief and cooling.
* Breathable cover wicks away heat and moisture.
* Shorter coils provide stronger, zoned support.
* Individual encased coils for targeted support and motion isolation.
* Luxurious medium-firm comfort adapts to side and back sleepers.
* Works with all bed types (platform, slatted, box spring).
* CertiPUR-US certified foam (fiberglass-free, no harmful substances).
* 100-night trial and 10-year support.
Pros:
* Excellent balance of comfort and support for common sleeping positions.
* Cooling features help prevent overheating.
* Zoned coil system provides precise support where it’s needed most.
* Certified materials ensure a healthy sleep environment.
* Easy setup with mattress-in-a-box delivery.
Cons:
* Slatted frames require slats to be ≤5.5″ apart for optimal support.
* Medium-firm might not be soft enough for those desiring an ultra-plush feel.
User Impressions: Users often highlight the mattress’s ability to alleviate joint pain and provide a consistently cool sleep surface. Many appreciate the “just right” firmness that caters well to both side and back sleeping preferences.
3. Sleepmax Queen Mattress 14 Inch – Plush Hybrid Mattress
The Sleepmax Mist is a plush hybrid mattress that combines the best of both worlds: pressure-relieving foam and supportive pocketed coils. Its deluxe Euro top provides an immediate sense of comfort, while the individually wrapped springs ensure superb motion isolation, perfect for light sleepers sharing a bed. For side sleepers, the focus on spinal alignment and even weight distribution means a deep, restorative sleep without the usual aches.
Key Features:
* Combines coils and premium foam for pain relief and spinal alignment.
* Individually wrapped springs isolate motion and minimize noise.
* Deluxe Euro top and pressure-relieving foam layers.
* Durable base reinforced with pocketed coils.
* CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified materials (fiberglass-free, non-toxic).
* Complies with CFR1633 fire safety regulations.
* Sturdy edge support prevents sagging and enhances safety.
* Over 40 years of sleep innovation, lifetime service agreement.
Pros:
* Excellent for pain relief and preventing pressure points.
* Superior motion isolation for undisturbed sleep.
* Crafted with certified, non-toxic, and skin-friendly materials.
* Enhanced edge support increases durability and safety.
* Plush feel provides immediate comfort.
Cons:
* “Plush” might be too soft for some heavier side sleepers who need more robust support.
* Long-term “lifetime service agreement” details should be reviewed.
User Impressions: Reviewers frequently commend its luxurious feel and how effectively it helps alleviate morning aches. The lack of motion transfer is a popular highlight for couples, making it a strong contender for the best budget friendly mattress for side sleepers seeking plush comfort.
4. Best Price Mattress 6 Inch Memory Foam Mattress, Cooling
For those with smaller spaces or specific needs like dorm rooms or guest beds, the Best Price Mattress 6 Inch Memory Foam offers a cooling, compact solution. While thinner, its gel-infused memory foam adapts to your body for personalized comfort and precise support, which is still beneficial for side sleepers needing contouring at a minimal profile. It’s a fantastic budget pick for temporary setups or lightweight individuals.
Key Features:
* Gel-infused memory foam adapts to the body for personalized comfort.
* Cooling technology helps regulate temperature.
* Pressure relief for deeper, more restful sleep.
* Breathable design enhances airflow.
* Ideal for smaller spaces, dorm rooms, or guest rooms.
* Compact packaging for convenient setup.
* Expands to full size within 72 hours.
Pros:
* Very budget-friendly and space-efficient.
* Gel infusion provides cooling relief.
* Memory foam offers good contouring and pressure relief.
* Lightweight and easy to move.
Cons:
* 6-inch thickness may not offer sufficient support for heavier side sleepers or primary use.
* Lacks the robust support of a hybrid model.
* May not be durable for daily, long-term use compared to thicker options.
User Impressions: Customers often purchase this for children, guest rooms, or RVs and are consistently surprised by the comfort it provides for its price and slim profile. They appreciate the cooling aspect and easy unboxing.
5. Best Price Mattress 12 Inch Full Mattress Bed-In-A-Box, Green Tea Memory Foam
This 12-inch Green Tea Memory Foam mattress from Best Price Mattress is an excellent choice for side sleepers looking for blissful comfort and natural freshness. The memory foam contours beautifully to your body, offering critical pressure relief. What’s more, the green tea infusion helps keep your mattress fresh day after day, making it a unique and thoughtful addition to your sleep sanctuary, all while being CertiPUR-US certified for peace of mind.
Key Features:
* Memory foam molds to the body, relieving pressure points.
* Infused with calming green tea for freshness.
* Harmonious layers of memory foam, support foam, and high-density foam for balanced support.
* CertiPUR-US certified foams.
* Cotton-based fire retardant and cozy Poly Jacquard fabric cover.
* 10-year warranty.
Pros:
* Excellent pressure relief and contouring for side sleepers.
* Green tea infusion provides a fresh, clean scent.
* Balanced support system promotes spinal alignment.
* High-quality, certified materials for safety.
* Durable with a generous 10-year warranty.
Cons:
* Pure memory foam can sometimes sleep warmer than hybrids (though green tea helps).
* Might have a slight initial off-gassing smell (common with memory foam).
User Impressions: Users frequently commend the mattress for its comfortable, pressure-relieving feel and the subtle, pleasant freshness from the green tea. Many report significant improvements in sleep quality and reduced morning stiffness.
6. Milliard 10-inch Memory Foam Full Size Mattress, Super Firm
For side sleepers who prefer a firmer foundation but still need contouring comfort, the Milliard 10-inch Memory Foam mattress offers a unique solution. It features a plush 1-inch responsive memory foam layer for pressure relief, supported by a substantial 9-inch high-density foam base for a super firm and stable feel. This combination ensures your body is cradled without sinking too deeply, maintaining excellent spinal alignment.
Key Features:
* 1 inch of responsive plush memory foam for contouring and pressure relief.
* 9-inch high-density foam base provides a super firm and supportive feel.
* Removable and machine washable cover for easy maintenance.
* Luxe-certified high-density foam retains shape over time.
* Engineered for longevity, fully expands to 10 inches.
* Suitable for all sleep preferences (back, side, stomach).
Pros:
* Offers excellent stability and firm support while still providing some pressure relief.
* Easy to clean with a machine-washable cover.
* High-density foam ensures long-lasting durability.
* Versatile for various sleeping positions, including side sleepers who prefer firm support.
Cons:
* “Super firm” might be too firm for side sleepers who prefer a softer, more plush feel.
* Takes up to 72 hours for full expansion and firmness.
User Impressions: Customers who prefer a firmer mattress rave about its supportive yet comfortable feel, often noting relief from back pain. The washable cover is a frequently praised feature for its convenience and hygiene.
7. Siena 8” Queen Memory Foam Mattress – Medium Firm
The Siena 8” Memory Foam Mattress is a fantastic option for side sleepers looking for responsive comfort and excellent value. Despite its affordable price, Siena doesn’t skimp on quality, offering a medium-firm feel that expertly balances cushioning and support. Its multi-layer foam construction includes a pressure-relieving memory foam layer that adapts to your body, ensuring proper spinal alignment and minimizing motion transfer, which is a huge plus for couples.
Key Features:
* 180-night home trial and 10-year manufacturer warranty.
* Four layers of comfort for responsive support and pressure relief.
* 1.5″ layer of pressure-relieving memory foam adapts to body shape.
* Medium-firm feel balances comfort and support.
* Motion-reducing foam helps avoid disturbances.
* Simple to set up, expands within 24 hours.
* Safe & fiberglass-free; made without ozone depletors, mercury, lead, formaldehyde, phthalates.
Pros:
* Excellent value with premium features for its price point.
* Superb motion isolation, ideal for couples.
* Medium-firmness is often perfect for most side sleepers.
* Safe, certified materials for a healthy sleep environment.
* Generous trial period and warranty.
Cons:
* 8-inch thickness might be slightly thinner than some prefer for long-term primary use.
* Some might find 24 hours expansion time a little long to wait.
User Impressions: Many users are pleasantly surprised by the quality and comfort of the Siena, especially given its price. They often highlight its ability to relieve pressure points and the effectiveness of its motion isolation. It’s truly one of the best budget friendly mattress for side sleepers.
8. Best Price Mattress 8 Inch Tight-Top Pocket Spring-Mattress
This 8-inch Tight-Top Pocket Spring Mattress from Best Price Mattress provides a classic mattress feel with modern benefits, making it another solid best budget friendly mattress for side sleepers. It combines comfort high-density foam with individually wrapped pocket springs. These springs work independently to contour to your body and dramatically reduce motion transfer, giving you the best of both worlds: robust support and undisturbed sleep, all at an accessible price.
Key Features:
* Classic tight top design with comfort high-density foam.
* 7-inch individually wrapped pocket springs for contour support.
* Reduced motion transfer due to independent springs.
* Poly jacquard fabric cover with microfiber padding for added comfort.
* CertiPUR-US certified foam.
* Bed in a box delivery.
* 10-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Pros:
* Good support from pocket springs with a comfortable foam top.
* Excellent motion isolation, beneficial for couples.
* CertiPUR-US certified foam ensures safety.
* Affordable hybrid option with a traditional feel.
* Durable with a 10-year warranty.
Cons:
* 8-inch thickness might be less substantial for some heavier individuals.
* “Tight-top” means less initial plushness than a Euro top.
User Impressions: Customers appreciate the firm yet comfortable support, often remarking on how well it helps alleviate back pain. The minimal motion transfer is a consistently praised feature, making it a popular choice for guest rooms and primary bedrooms alike.
9. Ethical Mattress CO 10″ Toxin-Free Hybrid Mattress, Made in USA
For the environmentally conscious side sleeper on a budget, the Ethical Mattress CO 10″ Toxin-Free Hybrid is a game-changer. This mattress is truly unique, using only natural and organic materials like cotton, wool, natural latex, and springs, completely free from petrochemical polyfoams, fiberglass, and toxic flame retardants. The organic latex top layer offers exceptional pressure relief, while the pocketed coils provide adaptive support and superior airflow, ensuring a clean, cool, and comfortable sleep.
Key Features:
* Toxin-free: no polyfoams, fiberglass, or toxic flame retardants.
* Made with cotton, wool, natural latex, and springs.
* Top layer of organic latex eliminates pressure points and facilitates airflow.
* Base layer of pocketed coils for adaptive support and ergonomic alignment.
* No foam encasement, promoting exceptional airflow.
* Stretch knit cover made with organic cotton for breathability.
* Utilizes organic wool as a natural flammability barrier.
* Ships compressed, made in New Jersey, USA.
* Higher weight indicates high-density, quality materials.
Pros:
* Completely toxin-free and made with natural, organic materials.
* Excellent pressure relief from organic latex.
* Superior airflow and temperature regulation.
* Strong support from pocketed coils with great motion isolation.
* Environmentally friendly and proudly made in the USA.
Cons:
* “Budget-friendly” for organic is relative; it might be slightly higher priced than synthetic options but offers incredible value for its materials.
* May have a natural latex scent upon unboxing, which typically dissipates.
User Impressions: Customers are extremely satisfied with the peace of mind that comes from sleeping on a toxin-free mattress, often praising the balanced support and comfort. Many note the quality of materials and appreciate supporting a US-made, ethical product.
10. PERLECARE Queen Mattress, 10 Inch Medium-Firm Mattress in a Box
The PERLECARE 10 Inch Queen Mattress offers a fantastic blend of comfort and support for side sleepers who need consistent pressure relief and spinal alignment. Its medium-firm feel, combined with gel memory foam, cradles your body while ensuring a stable foundation. The cooling gel and advanced breathability features mean you can say goodbye to those hot, restless nights, making it a solid choice among the best budget friendly mattress for side sleepers.
Key Features:
* Medium-firm feel for superior pressure relief and optimal support.
* Cradles the body for all-night comfort and relaxation.
* High-density foam maintains proper spinal alignment.
* Cooling gel and advanced breathability promote optimum airflow.
* Quilted with breathable knitted fabric for a soft, luxurious feel.
* All foams are CertiPUR-US certified for healthy sleep.
* Compressed for packaging, easy unboxing.
* Allows a minimum of 24 hours for full expansion.
Pros:
* Excellent balance of pressure relief and support for side, back, and stomach sleepers.
* Effective cooling features prevent overheating.
* Certified foams ensure a safe and healthy sleep environment.
* Soft, luxurious cover enhances comfort.
* Easy setup with mattress-in-a-box delivery.
Cons:
* 24-hour expansion time means it’s not immediately ready for use.
* While good for all sleep types, some dedicated side sleepers might prefer a slightly softer top layer.
User Impressions: Users frequently commend its consistent medium-firm feel that truly supports their body without being too hard. The cooling properties are a recurring positive, with many reporting more refreshing and uninterrupted sleep.
Conclusion
Finding the best budget friendly mattress for side sleepers doesn’t have to be a daunting task, and as you can see, sacrificing quality for price isn’t necessary. From responsive hybrids to contouring memory foam options, there’s a fantastic mattress out there that will cradle your shoulders and hips, keep your spine aligned, and deliver the pressure relief you need for truly restorative sleep.
Remember, the key is to prioritize pressure relief and spinal alignment to avoid those common aches and pains associated with side sleeping. Whether you opt for a cooling gel memory foam or a supportive pocket spring hybrid, all the mattresses on our list offer excellent value without compromising on the features essential for a side sleeper’s comfort.
Don’t let budget constraints stand between you and a great night’s sleep. By focusing on your specific needs and exploring the options above, you can confidently choose an affordable mattress that will help you wake up refreshed and pain-free, ready to tackle the day!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What firmness level is best for side sleepers?
A1: Most side sleepers find a medium-soft to medium-firm mattress ideal. This firmness level allows your hips and shoulders to sink in slightly for pressure relief, while still providing enough support to keep your spine in a neutral alignment.
Q2: Is memory foam good for side sleepers?
A2: Yes, memory foam is often an excellent choice for side sleepers because it excels at contouring to the body’s curves, providing exceptional pressure relief for the shoulders and hips. Look for gel-infused memory foam for added cooling benefits.
Q3: What is a hybrid mattress and why is it good for side sleepers?
A3: A hybrid mattress combines a coil support system (like innerspring) with layers of foam (memory foam, latex, or polyfoam). This combination offers the best of both worlds: the responsive support and airflow of coils, plus the contouring pressure relief of foam, making it a well-rounded choice for side sleepers.
Q4: How do I know if a mattress offers good pressure relief?
A4: A mattress with good pressure relief will allow your shoulders and hips to sink in comfortably without bottoming out. When lying on your side, you shouldn’t feel excessive pressure on these points. Memory foam and latex layers are typically very good at this.
Q5: Will a budget-friendly mattress last as long as an expensive one?
A5: While higher-end mattresses often come with longer warranties and more premium materials, many budget-friendly options, especially those with CertiPUR-US certified foams and decent construction, can still offer 5-10 years of comfortable sleep. Always check the warranty offered.
Q6: What should I look for in a “mattress in a box” for side sleeping?
A6: For side sleepers, look for details on pressure-relieving layers (like memory foam), cooling features (gel infusions, breathable covers), and information on the overall firmness level. Also, check user reviews specifically from other side sleepers, and ensure there’s a good trial period.
Q7: Do I still need a special pillow if I have a good mattress for side sleeping?
A7: Yes, a good pillow is crucial for side sleepers, even with the best mattress. It helps fill the gap between your head and shoulder, keeping your neck in alignment with your spine. Look for a pillow with medium to high loft that offers firm to medium support.
Q8: What does CertiPUR-US certified mean?
A8: CertiPUR-US certification means the foam in the mattress has been tested by independent, accredited laboratories and meets strict standards for content, emissions, and durability. It ensures the foam is made without ozone depleters, heavy metals, formaldehyde, phthalates, and has low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emissions for indoor air quality.
Q9: Can I use a budget-friendly mattress on any bed frame?
A9: Most mattress-in-a-box options are compatible with various bed frames, including platform beds, box springs, slatted foundations, and adjustable bases. However, it’s always best to check the manufacturer’s specific recommendations, especially regarding the spacing of slats for proper support.
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