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Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers: Pocket Sprung vs Foam
Key takeaways
- Side sleepers need a mattress that is soft enough to let the shoulder and hip sink in, yet supportive enough to keep the spine level.
- Memory foam offers the most contouring and motion isolation, while pocket sprung Mattresses sleep cooler and feel more responsive.
- A hybrid is a sensible middle route if you want cushioning and airflow in one mattress.
- Medium to medium-soft suits most side sleepers, but body weight and partner differences can shift that choice.
- Check your base, mattress size and access routes before ordering, especially for flats in London.
The best mattresses for side sleepers cushion the shoulders and hips while keeping your spine in a straight line. In practice that usually means a medium or medium-soft memory foam, pocket sprung or hybrid mattress with a generous comfort layer. Which type suits you depends on how you like to feel in bed.
If you’re weighing up a new mattress and you sleep on your side, the choice can feel confusing. This guide explains what matters, compares the main types and helps you pick a firmness and base that work together.
What should side sleepers look for in a mattress?
Keep this short checklist in mind while you shop:
- Pressure relief: a comfort layer that lets your shoulder and hip sink in a little.
- Spinal alignment: enough support underneath that your spine stays level from neck to hips.
- Medium to medium-soft feel: very hard surfaces tend to push back on the widest points of your body.
- Temperature control: especially if you sleep warm or live in a top-floor flat.
- The right base and size: a great mattress on the wrong base won’t feel right.
One UK guide to the best mattress for side sleepers sums up the balance well: soft enough that your shoulder and hip sink in, firm enough to keep your spine level.
Why do side sleepers need pressure relief and alignment?
When you lie on your side, your body weight rests on two narrow areas: the shoulder and the hip. Your waist, meanwhile, sits in the gap between them. A mattress that is too firm can leave those gaps unsupported and the contact points feeling squashed.
A mattress that is too soft has the opposite problem. Your hips can sink too far, and your spine curves instead of staying level. The aim is a gentle cushion at the surface with a steady, supportive feel below.
This is general comfort guidance rather than medical advice. If you have ongoing pain, speak to a healthcare professional before changing your sleep setup.
Are memory foam mattresses good for side sleepers?
Often, yes. Memory foam softens with body heat and moulds to your shape, which spreads your weight across a wider area. That contouring is why many side sleepers find it comfortable around the shoulder and hip.
It also isolates motion well, so you’re less likely to feel a partner turning over. Our Memory Foam Mattresses are a good place to start if cushioning is your priority.
Trade-offs to know about:
- Foam can hold warmth, so it may feel hotter in summer.
- The slow, hugging feel makes it harder to change position for some people.
- A very soft foam with little support underneath can let heavier sleepers sink too far.
Whatever the type, any mattress sold in the UK must meet fire safety rules. Look for a BS 7177 label, which shows it has passed the required ignition tests.
Is a pocket sprung mattress good for side sleepers?
It can be, provided it has a decent comfort layer on top. Pocket sprung Mattresses use hundreds of individually wrapped springs that respond independently, so they support the body without feeling flat. The gaps between springs let air move through, which is why they tend to sleep cooler.
Some guides favour foam for side sleepers, while others point out that a softer pocket sprung mattress with generous upper layers can feel just as accommodating, with more bounce. That bounce makes it easier to shift position during the night.
Motion isolation is good, though foam generally has the edge. A higher spring count usually helps limit that roll-together feeling. Browse our Pocket Spring Mattresses, or read our guide to the best pocket sprung mattress in the UK for more detail on choosing one.
What about hybrid mattresses for side sleepers?
A hybrid combines a pocket spring base with foam comfort layers on top. You get the cushioning at the shoulder and hip, plus the support and airflow of springs. Several UK guides now lean towards medium-firm hybrids for side sleepers for exactly this reason.
The downside is that hybrids can be heavier to move, which matters on stairs. If you’re undecided between foam and springs, our Hybrid Mattresses are a sensible middle route.
Which type is best for you? A quick comparison
| Feature | Memory foam | Pocket sprung | Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure relief | Excellent contouring | Good with a thick comfort layer | Very good |
| Motion isolation | Excellent | Good | Good to very good |
| Airflow | Can feel warm | Sleeps cooler | Moderate to good |
| Feel | Slow, hugging | Responsive, bouncy | Cushioned yet lively |
| Best for | Light to average sleepers who like contouring | Warm sleepers and those who like a lively feel | Anyone wanting both |
Lifespan claims vary widely between sources, so we’d rather not promise a number. Judge a mattress on the materials, the build and how it feels when you lie on it.
What firmness is best for side sleepers?
For most side sleepers, medium to medium-soft is the sweet spot. Body weight changes things, though:
- Lighter sleepers don’t press down as far, so a softer feel helps them get enough cushioning.
- Average builds usually do well with medium or medium-soft.
- Heavier sleepers often need a firmer, well-supported mattress, such as a high spring count pocket sprung or hybrid, so the hips don’t sink too far.
What if you and your partner prefer different firmness?
This is very common. A medium feel is the usual compromise, and a mattress topper can fine-tune one side. Our Mattress Toppers can add softness without replacing the whole mattress.
If one of you sleeps hot and the other doesn’t, a pocket sprung or hybrid mattress with good airflow is often the easier shared choice. For restless sleepers, foam’s motion isolation helps the other person stay undisturbed.
Which base and size should you choose?
A mattress performs best on a base it was designed for. Here’s how the common options compare:
- Slatted bed frames: check the gaps between slats. Wide gaps can sag foam, so closer slats suit foam and hybrid Mattresses.
- Divan bases: a firm platform that works well with most types.
- Ottoman Beds: the whole base lifts to reveal storage the full size of the mattress. Choose a mattress that suits a solid platform top, and remember the mattress sits on a lid, so check the ventilation of the base.
On size, UK standards are a Single at about 90 x 190cm, a Double at 135 x 190cm, a King at 150 x 200cm and a Super King at 180 x 200cm. Side sleepers tend to curl or stretch out, so extra width helps, especially if you share. Always match the mattress to your frame’s internal dimensions.
Buying a mattress online in London and across the UK
If you’re searching for Mattresses in London, buying online can suit tight city living. Flats often have narrow stairwells, lifts and tricky entrances, so a little planning goes a long way. Many Furnmart items ship direct from the manufacturer, and delivery to the UK Mainland is free.
Run through this access checklist before you order:
- Measure doorways, hallways, turns on the stairs and lift dimensions.
- Compare those with the packaged mattress size shown on the product page.
- Consider a Roll Up Mattress if access is very tight, as it arrives compressed and is easier to carry.
- Decide where the mattress will be unpacked and who will help you lift it.
- Check your postcode is covered: we don’t deliver to Northern Ireland, and the Scottish Highlands and offshore areas depend on the item and may carry a surcharge.
Whatever you choose, keep the BS 7177 label on the mattress. It confirms the fire safety test result and is useful to have if you ever resell or donate it. For a wider look at how foam and springs compare, this foam vs pocket sprung guide offers another perspective.
You can also explore the full Mattresses range to compare types side by side. Our UK-based support team is on hand by phone and email if you need help choosing.
Conclusion: choosing the best mattress for your side
For side sleepers, memory foam gives the most contouring, pocket sprung keeps things cool and responsive, and a hybrid blends the two. Aim for medium to medium-soft, adjust for your weight and partner, and make sure your base and doorways are ready for the mattress.
Browse the full Furnmart range of Beds, Mattresses, Sofas and Furniture, with delivery across UK Mainland and Multiple Payment Options.
Frequently asked questions
Is a firm or soft mattress better for side sleepers?
Neither extreme is ideal. Medium to medium-soft suits most side sleepers because it cushions the shoulder and hip while still supporting the spine. Heavier sleepers may prefer a slightly firmer feel.
Is memory foam or pocket sprung better for side sleeping?
Memory foam offers more contouring and motion isolation, so many side sleepers prefer it. A pocket sprung mattress with a thick comfort layer can work well too and tends to sleep cooler. It comes down to whether you value hugging comfort or a more responsive feel.
Can I use a mattress topper to make my mattress better for side sleeping?
Yes, a topper can add softness and cushioning to a mattress that feels too firm. It won’t fix a mattress that has lost support or is sagging. Choose a topper that suits your mattress size and fits securely.
Do I need a special mattress if I have a bad shoulder or hip?
Not necessarily special, but comfort layers matter more. Look for a mattress that cushions those points without letting your hips sink out of line. For ongoing pain, speak to a healthcare professional rather than relying on a mattress alone.
Will a mattress fit through the door of my London flat?
Measure your doors, hallways, stairs and any lift, then compare them with the packaged size of the mattress. If access is tight, a roll-up mattress is easier to carry because it arrives compressed. It’s worth checking before you order.
What does the BS 7177 label on a mattress mean?
BS 7177 is a fire safety standard for mattresses sold in the UK. The label shows the mattress passed ignition tests, including resistance to a smouldering cigarette and a match-sized flame at the lower hazard level. Keep the label attached to the mattress.
