If you’re a side sleeper, you know the struggle: finding that perfect balance of plush comfort for your shoulders and hips, yet firm support for your spine. Add to that the common problem of sleeping hot, and you’ve got a real challenge on your hands. Nobody wants to wake up in a puddle of sweat, especially when you’re trying to get truly restorative sleep. That’s why investing in one of the best cooling mattresses for side sleepers is a game-changer.
Side sleepers often experience pressure points where their body meets the mattress, which can lead to discomfort or even pain if the mattress isn’t supportive enough. Plus, sleeping on your side means more body contact with the mattress surface, trapping heat and making you feel extra toasty. Luckily, modern mattress technology has come a long way, offering fantastic solutions that combine targeted pressure relief with innovative cooling features.
We’ve scoured the market to bring you our top picks for the best cooling mattresses for side sleepers, designed to keep you comfortably cradled and cool all night long. Let’s dive in and find your perfect sleep solution!
Why Side Sleepers Need a Cooling Mattress
Side sleepers typically need a mattress that’s softer around the shoulders and hips to cushion these key pressure points, but still firm enough to keep the spine properly aligned. This combination often means more contouring materials like memory foam, which, while great for pressure relief, can sometimes retain body heat.
That’s where cooling technology steps in! Features like gel-infused memory foam, breathable covers, and hybrid designs with coil systems promote airflow and wick away moisture, ensuring that your quest for pressure relief doesn’t lead to overheating. A truly cooling mattress for side sleepers will help regulate your body temperature, allowing you to stay asleep longer and wake up feeling refreshed, not sticky.
What to Look for in a Cooling Mattress for Side Sleepers
When you’re on the hunt for the ideal mattress, keep these key factors in mind:
- Pressure Relief: This is paramount for side sleepers. Look for mattresses that conform to your body’s curves, especially around the shoulders and hips, to prevent aches and pains.
- Spinal Alignment: While softness is good, too much sinkage can throw your spine out of whack. A good mattress will cradle your body while maintaining a neutral spinal position.
- Cooling Features: Gel infusions, open-cell foam, breathable covers (like bamboo or Tencel), and hybrid constructions with pocketed coils are all excellent for temperature regulation.
- Motion Isolation: If you share your bed, a mattress that minimizes motion transfer will ensure you both get undisturbed sleep.
- Firmness Level: Most side sleepers do best on a medium-soft to medium-firm mattress. This provides enough give for pressure points without sacrificing support.
- Certifications: Look for CertiPUR-US certified foams and OEKO-TEX certified covers to ensure materials are free from harmful chemicals.
Our Top Picks: 7 Best Cooling Mattresses for Side Sleepers
Now, let’s explore some of the best options available that tick all these boxes!
BedStory Queen Size Mattress 12 Inch Medium Firm Hybrid
This BedStory hybrid mattress strikes an impressive balance, offering the best of both worlds for side sleepers: contouring comfort and excellent breathability. What truly sets it apart is its meticulous design for pressure relief and air circulation, thanks to its soft, knit cover and individually wrapped coils. It’s perfect for those who want a medium-firm feel that supports without sacrificing softness.
- Key Features:
- Breathable & Skin-Friendly Cover: Knit fabric promotes airflow and moisture-wicking.
- CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Certified (no harmful substances or fiberglass).
- Support for Pressure Relief: Medium-firm feel cushions body and maintains spine alignment.
- Pocket Coil Hybrid Design: Individually wrapped coils offer zoned support to 7 key areas.
- Reduces motion transfer for undisturbed sleep.
- Mattress in a Box for easy delivery and setup.
- 365-night risk-free trial and 10-year support service.
- Pros:
- Excellent airflow and cooling properties.
- Great pressure relief for shoulders and hips.
- Good spinal alignment for side sleepers.
- Minimizes motion transfer for couples.
- Safe, certified materials.
- Generous trial period and warranty.
- Cons:
- Might be slightly too firm for those who prefer a very plush feel.
- Requires 24-72 hours for full expansion.
- User Impressions: Customers often praise this mattress for its unexpected comfort and support, especially considering the “mattress in a box” delivery. Many side sleepers report significant relief from back and hip pain, and appreciate the noticeably cooler sleep surface. The easy setup and lack of off-gassing are frequently highlighted positives.
King Size Mattress 14 Inch, Medium Firm Targeted for Side Sleepers
This Keltfos king mattress is a standout for those seeking a luxurious yet supportive sleep experience, especially if you’re a side sleeper prone to joint pain. Its clever combination of pocket coils and gel memory foam means tired joints can sink in just enough to be cradled, while a breathable cover works overtime to wick away heat. It’s truly designed with your comfort in mind, ensuring a cool, cozy night.
- Key Features:
- Stay Cool, Cozy Sleep: Pocket coils and gel memory foam for targeted pressure relief and heat dissipation.
- Soft Yet Supportive: Shorter coils for stronger support and a thicker, contouring comfort layer.
- Individual encased coils provide zoned support and reduce motion transfer.
- Luxurious Medium Firm Comfort: Adapts to back and side sleepers, cushioning hips and shoulders.
- Works on all bed types (platform, slatted, box spring).
- CertiPUR-US Certified Foam and OEKO-TEX certified materials.
- 100-night trial and 10-year support.
- Pros:
- Excellent temperature regulation for cooler sleep.
- Superior pressure relief for side sleepers with joint pain.
- Great balance of softness and support.
- Minimizes motion transfer effectively.
- No harmful substances, very safe.
- Good trial period to ensure satisfaction.
- Cons:
- 14 inches might be too tall for some existing bed frames.
- May require an adjustment period if transitioning from a much firmer or softer mattress.
- User Impressions: Reviewers consistently highlight the impressive comfort and cooling capabilities of this mattress. Many side sleepers specifically note feeling fewer aches and pains, particularly in their hips and shoulders. The ease of setup despite its size is often mentioned, along with appreciation for the certified safe materials.
OhGeni 14 Inch Cooling Queen Size Mattress, Hybrid
The OhGeni Hybrid mattress is a fantastic choice for side sleepers who prioritize immediate cooling and a plush, yet supportive, feel. Its “Zero-Pressure Luxury Euro Top” is the star here, combining memory foam, breathable cotton, and gel layers for an adaptive softness that feels like sleeping on a cloud, while actively drawing heat away from your body for all-night dryness.
- Key Features:
- Instant Cooling & All-Night Dryness: Cooling fabric + gel-infused memory foam.
- Zero-Pressure Luxury Euro Top: Memory foam, breathable cotton, and gel layers for adaptive softness.
- Zoned Support System: Individually wrapped coils and high-density foam cradle shoulders and knees.
- Reinforced edges prevent sagging.
- Balanced Medium Feel: Supportive for back sleepers, gentle pressure relief for side sleepers.
- Certified Safe Materials: Fiberglass-free, OEKO-TEX and CertiPUR-US standards.
- 100-night trial and 10-year limited warranty.
- Pros:
- Exceptional cooling performance.
- Luxurious, adaptive feel with excellent pressure relief.
- Strong edge support prevents roll-off.
- Balanced firmness appeals to a wide range of sleepers.
- High safety standards with certified materials.
- Risk-free trial period.
- Cons:
- At 14 inches, it’s a thicker mattress, which may require deep pocket sheets.
- “Medium feel” might still be too firm for those seeking an extremely soft mattress.
- User Impressions: Customers rave about the immediate cooling sensation and the plush, comfortable Euro top. Side sleepers particularly appreciate how it alleviates pressure points, leading to a more restful night. The quality construction and peace of mind from the safety certifications are also frequently praised.
Ultra Soft Queen Size Mattress Topper – Viscose Made from Bamboo
While not a full mattress, this Niagara Queen Mattress Topper deserves a spot on our list as an incredible solution for side sleepers looking to instantly upgrade their current bed’s cooling and pressure-relieving capabilities. Made from viscose derived from bamboo fiber, it’s exceptionally soft, gentle on sensitive skin, and boasts impressive cooling and sweat-absorbent properties, turning any mattress into a cloud-like oasis. It’s a fantastic, cost-effective way to get the cooling comfort you crave without buying a whole new bed.
- Key Features:
- ULTRA SOFT: Made from viscose from bamboo fiber, gentle on sensitive skin.
- Fits mattresses 8-20 inches deep (Queen size: 60×80 inches).
- MACHINE-WASHABLE: Easy to clean, no harmful chemicals.
- CLOUD-LIKE SLEEP: Adds extra cushion, helps ease back pain, cool and sweat-absorbent.
- EASY TO USE: Deep pocket, extra-length stretchy sides for thick mattresses.
- Packed compressed, requires fluffing upon unpacking.
- 100% satisfaction guarantee.
- Pros:
- Instantaneous softness and added cushioning.
- Excellent cooling and moisture-wicking properties.
- Hypoallergenic and gentle on skin.
- Machine-washable for easy maintenance.
- Cost-effective way to enhance an existing mattress.
- Easy to install with deep pockets.
- Cons:
- It’s a topper, not a full mattress, so it won’t fix underlying structural issues of an old mattress.
- Requires fluffing and airing out after unboxing.
- May shift slightly on the mattress for very restless sleepers (though deep pockets help).
- User Impressions: Users are consistently impressed by the luxurious softness and significant cooling effect this topper provides. Many side sleepers report waking up with less shoulder and hip pain, and appreciate how it transforms an otherwise firm or unyielding mattress into a much more comfortable sleep surface. The ease of washing is a huge bonus for many.
Novilla Queen Size Mattress, 12 Inch Gel Memory Foam
The Novilla 12-inch Gel Memory Foam mattress is engineered specifically for deep, undisturbed sleep, making it a strong contender for side sleepers who prioritize superior cooling and pain relief. Its 4-layer all-foam system, featuring gel-infused memory foam and an egg-crate designed layer, not only keeps you cool by promoting airflow but also expertly distributes pressure and molds to your body, offering critical support for spinal alignment.
- Key Features:
- COOL and HIGHLY BREATHABLE: Gel-infused memory foam and egg crate designed foam layer for increased airflow.
- Mattress cover increases breathability by 30%.
- RELIEVES PAINS and DAMPENS PARTNER’S MOVEMENTS: 4 different foam layers distribute pressure and mold to your body.
- High-density foam layers improve durability, resist sagging, and prevent roll-off.
- A SAFE and COMFORTABLE SLEEP ENVIRONMENT: CertiPUR-US Certified foam, no harmful off-gassing.
- Skin-friendly rayon fabric cover.
- QUEEN MATTRESS IN A BOX and FITS ALL BED FRAMES.
- Pros:
- Excellent temperature regulation and breathability for an all-foam mattress.
- Superior pressure relief for side sleepers’ sensitive points.
- Outstanding motion isolation for couples.
- Durable construction designed to resist sagging.
- Safe, certified materials for a healthy sleep environment.
- Easy setup and fits various bed frames.
- Cons:
- Being all-foam, it might not offer the same bouncy feel as a hybrid.
- Requires up to 72 hours for full expansion and off-gassing.
- User Impressions: Customers frequently praise the Novilla for its surprising cooling capabilities for a memory foam mattress, along with its ability to significantly reduce body aches. Side sleepers often highlight the comfortable conforming feel and the effective motion isolation, making it a favorite for those sharing a bed. The “mattress in a box” convenience is also a big plus.
ZINUS 12 Inch Cooling Comfort Support Hybrid Mattress
The ZINUS 12 Inch Cooling Comfort Support Hybrid Mattress is a consistent favorite for a reason – it delivers that elusive combination of pressure relief and refreshing coolness, perfectly suited for side sleepers. What makes it special is the harmonious blend of memory foam and individually wrapped coils. The memory foam offers soothing conformity for pressure points, while the coils provide custom support and excellent airflow, reducing disturbances from a restless partner. It’s a durable, reliable choice for long-term comfort.
- Key Features:
- REJUVENATING RELIEF: Memory foam on top of individually wrapped coils for custom comfort.
- Reduces partner disturbances.
- TWO COVERS, SAME FEEL: Consistent medium feel regardless of cover design.
- MADE TO LAST: Durably designed with a strong support system (up to 500 lbs for Queen/King).
- CERTIFIED SAFE MATERIALS: CertiPUR-US certified foam and OEKO-TEX certified mattress cover.
- WORRY-FREE WARRANTY: 10-year limited warranty.
- Pros:
- Excellent hybrid design for balanced pressure relief and support.
- Good cooling due to coil system promoting airflow.
- Superior motion isolation for undisturbed sleep.
- Durable construction built to last.
- Safe and non-toxic materials.
- Reliable 10-year warranty.
- Cons:
- Medium feel might not be soft enough for those who prefer an ultra-plush surface.
- Can take 24-72 hours to fully expand.
- User Impressions: Many side sleepers commend the ZINUS hybrid for its ability to alleviate shoulder and hip pain, often noting the perfect “medium-firm” feel. The cooling aspect is frequently mentioned, with users appreciating that it doesn’t sleep hot. The quality for the price point and the minimal motion transfer are also strong selling points among satisfied customers.
Novilla King Size Mattress in a Box, 14 Inch King
This Novilla 14-inch King Size Mattress takes cooling to the next level, making it one of the best cooling mattresses for side sleepers who struggle with overheating, especially in a larger bed. With 30% more NanoGel infusion, it significantly boosts heat absorption and airflow, ensuring a truly refreshing sleep. Beyond just cooling, its three foam layers provide exceptional noise and vibration absorption, guaranteeing your deep sleep remains undisturbed, even with a partner’s movements.
- Key Features:
- Cooling & Breathable: 30% more NanoGel for increased heat absorption and airflow.
- Comfort Support: 3 foam layers for superior noise and vibration absorption.
- High-density foam for proper spinal alignment and pressure point relief.
- All-Night Freshness: Advanced foam technology absorbs odors and moisture.
- Healthy Sleep: Breathable knitted fabric cover, CertiPUR-US certified foams, OEKO-TEX certified cover.
- 10-year protection.
- King Size Mattress in a Box for easy delivery and setup.
- Pros:
- Superior cooling effect due to enhanced NanoGel.
- Exceptional motion isolation, ideal for couples.
- Great pressure relief and spinal alignment for side sleepers.
- Promotes a hygienic and odor-free sleep environment.
- Certified safe materials for peace of mind.
- Convenient “mattress in a box” delivery.
- Cons:
- As an all-foam mattress, it lacks the bounce of a hybrid.
- Being 14 inches, it’s a very thick mattress, which might require specific sheet depths.
- User Impressions: Users frequently express surprise and delight at how cool this mattress feels, even on warm nights, often attributing it to the NanoGel. Side sleepers appreciate the cradling comfort and the significant reduction in pressure on their hips and shoulders. The effective motion isolation is a huge plus for those sharing a king-size bed, allowing for truly undisturbed rest.
Conclusion
Finding the best cooling mattresses for side sleepers can truly transform your nights, offering that perfect blend of plush comfort and refreshing coolness. Whether you’re battling pressure points, constantly waking up hot, or simply seeking a more restorative sleep experience, the right mattress can make all the difference.
Our selection highlights top-tier options that prioritize both targeted pressure relief for your shoulders and hips, and advanced cooling technologies to keep your body temperature regulated. From innovative hybrid designs with excellent airflow to gel-infused memory foam powerhouses and even a brilliant cooling topper, there’s a solution here for every side sleeper. Remember, a comfortable, cool sleep isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential for your overall health and well-being.
Don’t settle for restless, sweaty nights any longer. Take the time to consider your personal needs and preferences, and invest in a mattress that will support you, both literally and figuratively, for years to come. Sweet dreams, cool comfort, and happy sleeping!
FAQ
Q1: Why do side sleepers tend to sleep hotter?
A1: Side sleepers have more body surface area in contact with the mattress compared to back or stomach sleepers. This increased contact reduces airflow around the body, trapping more heat between you and the mattress, which can lead to overheating.
Q2: What’s the ideal firmness level for a side sleeper?
A2: Most side sleepers find a medium-soft to medium-firm mattress ideal. This firmness range allows the shoulders and hips to sink in enough for pressure relief, while still providing adequate support to keep the spine in a neutral alignment. Too firm, and you’ll have pressure points; too soft, and you might sink too much, leading to spinal misalignment.
Q3: What cooling technologies should I look for in a mattress?
A3: Look for features like gel-infused memory foam (which draws heat away), open-cell foam structures (for better airflow), breathable mattress covers (made from materials like Tencel, bamboo, or specialized cooling fabrics), and hybrid mattresses with coil systems (which allow air to circulate freely through the mattress).
Q4: Are hybrid mattresses better for side sleepers who sleep hot?
A4: Often, yes! Hybrid mattresses combine layers of foam with a core of individually wrapped coils. The coil layer provides excellent airflow throughout the mattress, which helps dissipate heat more effectively than an all-foam mattress. They also offer a good balance of contouring pressure relief and robust support, making them very suitable for side sleepers.
Q5: How important is pressure relief for side sleepers?
A5: Extremely important! Side sleepers put significant pressure on their shoulders and hips. A mattress that doesn’t offer adequate pressure relief in these areas can lead to pain, numbness, and discomfort. Look for materials like memory foam or latex that conform to your body’s curves.
Q6: Can a mattress topper really help with cooling?
A6: Yes, a good cooling mattress topper can make a significant difference! If you’re not ready to buy a new mattress, a topper made with cooling materials (like bamboo viscose, gel memory foam, or even latex) can add an extra layer of comfort and help regulate temperature. However, it won’t fix structural issues of an old, unsupportive mattress.
Q7: What does “CertiPUR-US” or “OEKO-TEX” certified mean?
A7: These are independent certifications that ensure the materials in your mattress are safe.
* CertiPUR-US: Means the foam used in the mattress has been tested and certified by an independent laboratory to meet strict standards for content, emissions, and durability, ensuring it’s made without harmful chemicals like ozone depleters, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates.
* OEKO-TEX Standard 100: Certifies that the fabric and textiles in the mattress (like the cover) are free from harmful substances and are safe for human use, often going beyond national and international requirements.
Q8: How long does it take for a “mattress in a box” to fully expand?
A8: Most “mattress in a box” products are vacuum-compressed and rolled. They typically take anywhere from 24 to 72 hours to fully expand and off-gas (release any new mattress odors). It’s generally recommended to allow the full 72 hours for the mattress to reach its intended shape and feel.
Q9: Does motion isolation matter for side sleepers?
A9: Yes, if you share your bed! When one partner tosses and turns, a mattress with good motion isolation prevents those movements from transferring across the bed, ensuring both sleepers remain undisturbed. Foam layers and individually wrapped coils (in hybrids) are excellent for minimizing motion transfer.
