Best Hybrid Mattress for Side Sleepers (2020): Reviews and Buyers Guide

Over 74% of Americans sleep on their side. Side sleeping is the most common and healthiest sleep position. Side sleepers may have more pressure buildup in their shoulders and hips, but the right mattress relieves this pressure and ensures a good night’s rest.

In our article, we discuss the best hybrid mattresses for side sleepers in the industry today and share a guide on what to look for in your next bed.

Our Top Mattress Recommendation

View on AmerisleepRead AS3 customer reviews

AS3 Hybrid Highlights

• 100-night sleep trial
• 20-Year Warranty
• Designed to reduce pain points
• Heat reducing mattress cover
• Comes in King, Queen, Twin, Full, and Splits

Best Hybrid Mattresses for Side Sleepers

1. Amerisleep AS3 Hybrid

The Amerisleep AS3 Hybrid Mattress is 12 inches thick and contains 3 inches of Bio-Pur®, 8 inches of zoned FE pocketed coils and 1 inch of base foam. A soft, breathable cover keeps air circulating throughout the mattress so you sleep cool and comfortable. 

Bio-Pur® is plant-based memory foam— manufacturers partially replace petroleum with castor oil for a memory foam that is more breathable and more responsive than traditional memory foam. Bio-Pur® prevents sleepers from feeling stuck and reduces the risk of overheating.

Zoned FE pocket coils form a 3-zone support system with softer support under the head, shoulders, and legs, and firmer support under the back and hips. This layer evenly supports the body and encourages healthy spinal alignment.

The base foam reinforces the bed’s structure and adds durability to the mattress.

The medium feel of the AS3 Hybrid is the perfect choice for side sleepers— the comforting feel of Bio-Pur® conforms to the body, relieving pressure points in the shoulders and hips, while pocketed coils evenly support the body.

Amerisleep includes a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty, covering sagging greater than 0.75 inches. During the first 10 years, Amerisleep will replace the mattress free of charge to the customer. During the last 10 years, Amerisleep will choose to repair or replace the mattress at a prorated charge.

2. Zoma Hybrid

The Zoma Hybrid stands tall at 12 inches. The bed’s foams, coils, and unique sleep technology can promote an uninterrupted night of sleep, increasing the time you spend in the deeper sleep stages. Not getting enough deep sleep is one reason you might feel at less than your best when you wake up in the morning.

The Zoma Hybrid has a medium feel that’s well suited for most side sleepers, with a top layer of gel memory foam that’s 2 inches thick. The gel foam can mold to sensitive areas such as the shoulders and hips for pressure relief.

Triangulex™ technology in the first layer offers three zones of support. In the mattress’s head and foot, hundreds of triangle-shaped cutouts let the mattress contour closer to your body, increasing the bed’s pressure-relieving abilities. The midsection contains no cutouts to better maintain back support.

Underneath the gel foam is another foam layer, known as Reactiv™. Reactiv™ foam increases the bed’s responsiveness so it can adapt better to your movements. The material also maintains spinal alignment, preventing you from sinking in too deeply.

Every Zoma Hybrid includes a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty that covers indentations deeper than 0.75 inches. If you decide to return your mattress, Zoma will arrange a pickup time with no added charges.

3. Vaya Hybrid

The Vaya Hybrid Mattress has a plush foam comfort layer and a base of pocketed spring coils. The Vaya Foam used in the top layer is soft and conforming to keep the joints cushioned and protected from pressure points. However, this material also has an elastic quality which gives it a slight bounce. When resting on Vaya Foam, the hips and shoulders never sink too far into the mattress and force the spine to bow.

The pocketed spring coil base of this mattress is reinforced with edge support to make getting in and out of bed more comfortable. Plus, each coil spring is triple wrapped in a lightweight yet durable material for added comfort and pressure relief. Since these coils move independently of one another, rather than as a unit, they contour more closely to the body for maximum support. Beneath the spring coil base, a 1-inch layer of support foam absorbs shock and helps reduce motion transfer.

The Vaya Hybrid comes with a 100-night sleep trial, allowing sleepers to test out the mattress in the comfort of their own home. They also include a 10-year warranty covering manufacturing defects such as sagging and indentations.

4. Nest Alexander Signature Hybrid

The Nest Alexander Signature Hybrid Mattress is 13 inches thick and contains 3 inches of TitanChill Endurance Foam®, 1 inch of SmartFlow support foam, 8 inches of Quantum Edge pocket coils, and 1 inch base foam. The quilted mattress cover is made of a thermic phase change material to regulate temperature and includes 0.25 inches of convoluted gel memory foam.

TitanChill Endurance Foam® is a copper-infused memory foam which pulls heat away from the body and may improve blood circulation. This foam also conforms to the body’s natural curves, relieving pressure points and reducing aches and pains.

SmartFlow support foam is a special poly-foam with ventilation holes to provide better air flow inside the mattress.

Quantum Edge pocket coils distribute weight across the sleep surface and restrict motion transfer, reducing the risk of sleep disruptions from movement. The support layer also has good edge support so sleepers won’t have to worry about rolling off the bed. The base foam reinforces the shape of the mattress.

The Nest Alexander Signature Hybrid mattress is available in three firmness options: plush, medium, and luxury firm. Another option which Nest provides is their internal split— for king or California king sizes only, customers can choose two firmness levels inside one uniform mattress, a great option for couples with differing sleep preferences.

Nest includes a 100-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty.The warranty lasts as long as the original purchaser owns the mattress, and covers sagging greater than 1 inch. At any time, Nest will repair or replace the mattress, with the customer covering the shipping and handling costs.

5. Brentwood Home Oceano

The Brentwood Home Oceano Mattress is 14 inches tall and contains 2 inches of gel-infused swirl memory foam, 2.5 inches of pocket microcoils, 1 inch of Air Luxe Foam™, 8 inches of pocketed coils, and 1 inch of base foam. The mattress is topped with a Euro-style topper filled with organic wool and poly-silk fiber. The Tencel® stretch knit mattress cover includes organic cotton canvas accents to improve breathability and provide a soft, plush sleep surface.

Gel-infused swirl memory absorbs and disperses heat while relieving pressure points in the shoulders and hips.

Pocketed microcoils give precise support to high-pressure areas of the body for extra comfort.

Air Luxe Foam™ enables better airflow within the mattress through its open-cell structure.

Pocketed coils form a 5-zone support layer with firmer support to the hips, back, and shoulders, and softer support to the head and legs with little risk of sagging.

The base foam layer provides padding, protecting the bed frame or floor from the pocket coil support layer.

The medium-soft mattress of the Brentwood Home Oceano mattress provides a luxurious feel for side sleepers with optimal cushioning in the shoulders and hips for a better night’s sleep. For an extra $275 fee, Brentwood Home offers White Glove Delivery and Old Mattress removal services.

The Brentwood Home Oceano mattress comes with a 1-year sleep trial and a 25-year warranty, covering sagging greater than 2 inches. During the first 10 years, Brentwood Home will repair or replace the mattress with customers paying the shipping and handling costs. During the last 15 years, Brentwood Home will repair or replace at a prorated charge.

6. Purple® Hybrid Premier

The Purple® Hybrid Premier Mattress is 11.5 inches tall and contains 3 inches of Purple Grid™, 1 inch of poly-foam, and 7.5 inches of pocket coils. The Lycra® blend mattress cover provides sleepers with a cool sleep surface.

The Purple Grid™ contains Purple’s® patented hyper-elastic polymer. This gel-like material is temperature-neutral and forms a grid system, with open channels encouraging better air circulation. The Purple Grid™ gives under weight to relieve pressure points without losing support.

Poly-foam acts as a transitional layer between the comfort and support layers. Poly-foam gives extra cushioning and encourages spinal alignment.

Pocket coils restrict motion transfer and reduce noise, preventing sleep disruptions from movement. Pocket coils also evenly support the body with little risk of sagging.

The Purple® Premier Hybrid mattress comes in either 3-inch or 4-inch Purple Grid™ comfort layer options. Pressure-relieving Purple Grid™ eases tension in the shoulder and hip area for side sleepers for a better night’s sleep.

Purple® includes a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty with each of their mattresses. The warranty covers sagging greater than 1 inch. During the 10 years, Purple® will repair or replace the mattress, with the  customer paying the shipping and handling cost.

7. Bear Hybrid

The Bear Hybrid Mattress is 14 inches tall and contains 2 inches of Serene® comfort foam, 1 inch of transition foam, 8 inches of Quantum Edge pocket coils, and 1 inch of high-density base foam. The mattress is topped with 2 inches of quilted cooling gel memory foam to absorb and disperse body heat. FDA-determined Celliant® technology is incorporated into the mattress cover to transform heat into energy and may provide faster muscle recovery.

Serene® comfort foam offers 4 times more pressure relief in the shoulders and hips than traditional memory foam.

The transitional layer consists of an open-cell, responsive foam for deeper compression and better airflow inside the mattress.

Quantum Edge pocket coils supports the body with little risk of sagging and provides additional edge support to prevent sleepers from rolling off the bed. Pocket coils transfer 28% more heat than traditional memory foam beds.

The high-density foam base adds durability to the mattress and reinforces the bed’s shape.

The medium-firmness of the Bear Hybrid Mattress makes it a great option for side and back sleepers. Comfort foam layers conform to the body, relieving pressure points in the shoulders while cradling the hips with enhanced lumbar support.

Bear includes a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty, covering sagging greater than 1.5 inches. During the first 10 years, Bear will replace the mattress free of charge. During the last 10 years, Bear will choose to repair or replace the mattress at a prorated charge.

SEE ALSO: Mattress Size and Dimensions Guide

What is a Hybrid?

A hybrid mattress combines memory foam layers and innerspring coils to form the perfect mattress. Hybrid mattresses are a good option for those wanting the responsive bounce of an innerspring without losing the conforming feel of memory foam. A hybrid mattress contains a comfort layer, a transitional layer, and a support layer.

Comfort Layer

Comfort layers include memory foam or latex, conforming to the body to relieve pressure points. A true hybrid mattress will have at least one comfort layer that’s 2 inches thick or more.

Transitional Layer

A transitional layer rests between the comfort and support layers, and usually consists of poly-foam. Poly-foam provides extra cushioning to the body and encourages healthy spinal alignment. Some transitional layers may include a zoned support system for even pressure relief.

Support Layer

The support layer usually contains individually-wrapped innerspring coils, or pocket coils. This form of support reduces motion transfer and lessens noise. The open structure of the pocketed coil layer also allows air circulation inside the mattress for better cooling.

Pros and Cons

Hybrid mattresses provide all the benefits of both memory foam and innerspring mattresses, but they also come with drawbacks. Take a look at the pros and cons of a hybrid mattress to determine if it’s the right type for you.

Pros

• Pressure Relief
• Motion Isolation
• Cooling
• Edge Support

Cons

• Heavy
• Expensive
• Noise Potential
• Overheating

Other Mattress Types

If you feel a hybrid isn’t the right mattress for you, other beds including memory foam, innerspring, and latex might suit your needs better.

Memory Foam Mattress

Memory foam softens under heat and pressure, contouring to the body’s natural curves and relieving pressure points. Memory foam is also known for its motion isolation and sleeping silently. A memory foam mattress contains a comfort layer of memory foam and a support layer of high-density foam.

Innerspring Mattress

Innerspring mattresses are more well-known. They have a bouncy surface with excellent cooling and edge support from innerspring coils. An innerspring mattress contains a thin top layer of foam or fiberfill (usually in pillowtop form) and a base layer of innerspring coils.

Latex Mattress

Latex shares similar properties with memory foam— body-contouring pressure relief and motion isolation. Unlike memory foam, latex sleeps cooler and has a responsive bounce. A latex mattress contains a comfort layer of latex and a support layer of either high-density foam or latex.

What is a Side Sleeper?

A side sleeper feels most comfortable lying on their side at night. Side sleeping is the healthiest sleep position— it allows better breathing, reduces acid reflux, and improves heart health. The best mattress for side sleepers will have a soft to medium feel for optimal pressure relief in the shoulders and hips.

Benefits

• Better Breathing

Sleeping on the side opens up the throat and lungs, preventing gravity from obstructing airways.

• Reduced Acid Reflux

Side sleeping positions the stomach below the esophagus, causing gravity to keep stomach acid down.

• Improved Heart Health

Side sleeping lessens pressure on the heart and increases blood flow.

Drawback

Side sleepers face the risk of misaligning the spine, but placing a pillow between the knees straightens the hips and reduces pressure on the back.

Other Sleeping Positions

While side sleeping is the most common, other sleeping positions include back, stomach, and combination. Like side sleeping, each sleep position requires a level of comfort and support to keep the spine in alignment.

Back Sleeping

Back sleeping allows for natural spinal alignment because of the back’s direct contact with the sleep surface. Some risks to back sleeping include snoring potential and developing sleep apnea.

Back sleepers need a medium to firm mattress to cradle the hips and provide enhanced support to the lower back. Adding a pillow under the knees reduces pressure in the back.

Stomach Sleeping

While side sleeping is the healthiest sleep position, stomach sleeping is the least healthy. Stomach sleepers place large amounts of pressure on the spine, leading to neck strain and back pain. Placing a thin pillow under the hips lessens spinal pressure and reduces pain.

Stomach sleepers need a medium-firm to firm mattress to keep the body resting on top of the sleep surface and prevent deep sinkage.

Combination Sleeping

Combination sleepers toss and turn each night, switching between 2 to 3 sleep positions. Combination sleepers receive benefits of each sleep position, including improved heart health and natural spinal alignment. They also face drawbacks, like snoring and neck strain.

Combination sleepers need a medium to medium-firm mattress to maintain spinal alignment no matter the sleep position.

What to Look For in a Hybrid Mattress

Before committing to a new mattress, consider price, firmness, quality, and any available sleep trials, return policies, and warranties. Doing so will help you find the best hybrid mattress for a better night’s sleep.

Price

Because of the amount of materials and layers they contain, hybrid mattresses come at a higher price point than other types of mattresses. Price ranges between $800 to over $4000 for high-end models. The average price of a queen size hybrid mattress is $2077.

Firmness

The firmness level you choose should be based on your body weight. Body weight is separated into three categories— light, average, and plus-size.

• Light: weighs less than 130 pounds

Light sleepers need a softer mattress to enable contouring, pressure relief.

• Average: weighs between 130 and 230 pounds

A medium feel mattress is the best choice for average sleepers with a balance of comfort and support.

• Plus-Size: weighs more than 230 pounds

Plus-size sleepers sleep best on a firmer surface for good support without risk of sagging.

Quality

Quality materials ensures a long-lasting bed and better sleep. Look at density and ILD rating for foam and coil count and gauge for innerspring coils.

Foam

Density determines how the foam supports the body by measuring how long it takes for the foam to bounce back to its original shape. Density is measured in pounds per cubic foot (PCF)— the higher the measurement, the slower the recovery. Hybrid mattresses contain a blend of low- and high-density foams.

• Low-density: 2.5 to 3.9 PCF
• Medium-density: 4.0 to 5.9 PCF
• High-density: 5.5 PCF or higher

ILD, or Indentation Load Deflection, rates the amount of pressure it takes to make a 4-inch indent on the surface of a foam. Firmer foams have higher numbers. Most ILD ratings in a comfort layer range between 8 to 20, but the ideal number for the best comfort and support is a 10.

Coils

Coil count is the number of coils in a single layer (usually the support layer in a mattress). The ideal coil count falls between 500 to 1000 for the best support. Avoid mattresses with a coil count less than 300— it could be a sign of poor-quality.

Gauge measures the thickness of a coil (measured in millimeters) The thicker the coils, the more durable the mattress. Thicker coils give firmer support, while thinner coils have softer support— higher measurements result in thinner coils.

• Thickest: 12mm
• Thinnest: 18mm

Some hybrid mattresses may contain high-gauge coils in the comfort layer or as part of a zoned support system, but beware of mattresses with high-gauge support coils— they’re more likely to break down within 2 years and lead to premature sagging.

Sleep Trials, Return Policies, and Warranties

Sleep trials, return policies, and warranties are perks from mattress companies which reassure customers of a quality purchase. Always read the fine print of each policy to know what to expect from manufacturers and what manufacturers can expect of you.

Sleep Trial

A sleep trial allows customers to try a new mattress in the comfort of their own home. This trial period lasts between 90 to 120 nights. If the customer doesn’t like the mattress, most companies will pick up and donate the mattress before issuing a full refund.

Return Policy

If a mattress doesn’t include a sleep trial, a return policy is a good substitute. Return policies last 30 days, roughly the same time it takes most sleepers to adjust to a new sleep surface. Customers can return the mattress for a refund if they’re not happy with the bed.

Warranty

Warranties usually cover sagging greater than 1 inch and any manufacturing defects which could damage the mattress. Most beds come with a standard 10-year warranty and only applies to the original purchaser.

Other Things to Consider

How firm should a side sleeper mattress be?

A soft to medium-firm mattress for side sleepers is best for optimal cushioning for pressure relief in the shoulders and hips.

Is memory foam better for side sleepers?

Because side sleepers have more pressure points in the shoulder and hip area, a memory foam mattress might be the best solution. Memory foam contours to the body, relieving pressure points and reduces aches and pains. This type of mattress is especially beneficial for those with hip pain.

What mattress do doctors recommend for side sleepers with back pain?

There’s no one “doctor-recommended mattress” for those with back pain. Back pain affects people in different ways, those with a herniated disc may need something different than those with sciatica pain. To find the best mattress for back pain, talk with your doctor about your discomfort and they will be able to point you in the right direction.

How do I choose a new mattress?

Before mattress shopping, stop to think about your sleep style, body type, and preference for firmness. Also, think about any other features you’d like a from a mattress, whether that’s cooling technologies or zoned support systems. With those things in mind, you can easily find a comfortable bed.

Is it better to sleep on a hard or soft mattress?

Side sleepers are better suited on medium mattresses because they blend comfort and support to relieve pressure points and maintain healthy alignment. The absolute ideal firmness level may vary from person-to-person since we all have different body types, but side sleepers are usually more comfortable on medium and softer mattresses.

Conclusion

For side sleepers, a hybrid mattress might be a great choice— the combination of pressure-relieving memory foam and responsive innersprings evenly supports the body and reduces pressure points. Take advantage of a sleep trial to try out a hybrid today and see if it’s the right mattress for you.