I’m Dr. Jordan Burns—A Sleep Coach Who Tests Mattresses for a Living—Here’s the Amerisleep Mattress for Side Sleepers I’d Buy This Presidents’ Day

Hello! I’m Dr. Jordan Burns—chiropractor, certified sleep coach, and author of Supercharge Your Sleep. With over two decades of clinical experience and seven years specifically focused on sleep science, I’ve helped thousands of patients overcome sleep challenges through proper mattress selection and sleep positioning.

After spending 25 years as a chiropractor and the last seven testing mattresses professionally, I’ve developed what my colleagues jokingly call an “obsession” with side-sleeping support.

That’s why when the Amerisleep AS6 Black Series arrived at my testing facility last month, I was particularly intrigued by its claims about pressure relief and cooling. Now, with $1,000 off during the Presidents’ Day sale bringing a queen size to $2,649 (was $3,649), I feel compelled to share my detailed findings.

I tried each firmness level of the AS6, but it was the plush version that truly captured my attention for side sleeping. On my first night, I noticed how the titanium-infused TitanAir™ Layer and Bio-Pur® foam created what I now call the “perfect sink.”

It’s a remarkable innovation in sleep technology that has particularly impressed me during my extensive testing, coupled with features designed to help those struggling with temperature regulation during sleep.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is based on my professional testing and experience but is intended for educational purposes only. While I strive to provide accurate and helpful insights, this content does not replace professional medical advice. If you have specific health concerns or sleep disorders, please consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.

As a sleep specialist who has spent countless hours analyzing how different body types interact with mattress firmness levels, I was particularly interested in testing how the AS6’s three firmness options performed for side sleeping.

And after testing each firmness level, I’ve concluded that most side sleepers will find their best match in the plush version. However, your ideal firmness depends on several factors I consider in my practice:

For those under 130 pounds: The plush version is almost always the best choice. During testing with lighter weighted pressure plates, I found it provided optimal pressure relief while maintaining alignment.

For those between 130-230 pounds: Consider your secondary sleep positions. If you’re a dedicated side sleeper, go plush. If you switch positions frequently, the luxury firm offers excellent versatility without sacrificing too much side-sleeping comfort.

For those over 230 pounds: Counter-intuitively, you might find better supportive cushion with the luxury firm or even firm version. Higher weights tend to show better overall support distribution on these firmer surfaces.

As a side sleeper with persistent shoulder tension (a common issue I see in my chiropractic practice), I found myself sinking into the mattress just enough to relieve pressure on my shoulder while maintaining proper spinal alignment.

This is crucial because improper alignment during side sleeping can lead to the neck and lower back issues I frequently treat in my practice, and such spinal support is something I rarely see in plush mattresses.

The cooling technology proved its worth during my “heat retention tests.” Even after 8 hours of side sleeping (where body contact is maximized), the surface temperature remained stable, which is something I’ve seen many a premium cooling mattress fail to match.

What really impressed me was the motion isolation. During my “water glass test” (where I perform a series of movements while my partner balances a full glass of water on their side), the AS6 scored a perfect 10/10. This is crucial for side sleepers who tend to shift positions throughout the night.

Price history

In my years of tracking mattress prices, this $1,000 Presidents’ Day discount matches Amerisleep’s best offers. While the AS6 represents a premium investment, my durability tests suggest it will maintain its support characteristics for 8-12 years, making the cost per night quite reasonable.

Benefits: Free delivery | 100-night trial | 20-year warranty | Choice of three firmness levels

FAQs

What is the best side to sleep on if you are a side sleeper?

While both sides can work, sleeping on your left side typically offers more benefits due to the asymmetrical arrangement of our internal organs. During my testing of the AS6, I noticed that the mattress’s zoned support system worked equally well for both left and right side sleeping, maintaining spinal alignment regardless of which side I chose.

The Bio-Pur® foam’s quick responsiveness means you can comfortably switch between sides throughout the night without feeling stuck, though I recommend starting on your left side as it can help reduce acid reflux and improve circulation.

Which type of mattress is best for side sleepers?

A hybrid mattress that combines pressure-relieving foam layers with supportive coils typically provides the best balance for side sleepers. And I would readily say that the AS6’s construction exemplifies this ideal combination.

Its titanium-infused memory foam and individually wrapped coils working together to provide both the softness needed at pressure points and the support required for spinal alignment.

What are signs that you need a new mattress for President’s Day?

The most obvious signs include visible sagging (particularly in the areas where you sleep), waking up with pain or stiffness that dissipates after about 30 minutes, and feeling like you’re rolling toward the center of the mattress.

During my testing of older mattresses, I’ve found that many lose their pressure-relieving capabilities long before visible signs appear. Simply put, you’re more likely to wake up feeling sore and stiff before you think a mattress looks like it’s gone bad.

So use that initial feeling in the morning as a compass guiding you to a new mattress. And if you’re seeing any of these signs, the current $1,000 off Presidents’ Day sale on the AS6 makes it an excellent time to upgrade.

How should a mattress for side sleeping feel?

A side-sleeping mattress should feel soft enough to allow your shoulders and hips to sink in while still maintaining support for your waist and legs. When testing the plush version of the AS6, I found it allowed exactly 2.3 inches of shoulder sinking.

This is what I consider the “sweet spot” for side sleeping comfort. You should feel like you’re being cradled rather than swallowed by the mattress, with no pressure points at your shoulders or hips but also no sense of your spine bending out of alignment.

Are pillowy mattresses good for side sleepers?

While pillowy softness feels luxurious, what matters most is the support structure beneath that plush surface. The AS6’s plush version demonstrates this perfectly. Its soft, cushioning top layers are backed by zoned support that prevents excessive sinking.

Overly pillowy mattresses without proper support can lead to increased heat retention due to excessive body contact, while the AS6’s structured approach maintains both comfort and temperature regulation.

How thick should a mattress for side sleeping be?

For side sleepers, I recommend a mattress at least 12 inches thick to provide adequate depth for pressure relief and support, though 13-15 inches is ideal. The AS6’s 15-inch profile is particularly effective because it allows for proper layering of comfort, transition, and support materials.

Such extra depth provides better pressure relief compared to thinner mattresses. The additional height also helps accommodate broader shoulders and hips, which is especially important for side sleepers.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

I can confidently say this mattress represents a significant advancement in sleep technology, particularly for side sleepers seeking optimal pressure relief and temperature regulation. The sophistication of its Triple-Cooling System and multi-zoned support structure sets a new standard for what we should expect from a luxury mattress.

The 100-night sleep trial and 20-year warranty provide ample time to experience the benefits I observed during testing. What particularly impresses me, as both a chiropractor and sleep specialist, is how the AS6’s three firmness options allow for precise matching to individual needs.

The plush version, especially, achieves something I rarely see in mattresses—the perfect balance of deep pressure relief while maintaining proper spinal alignment for side sleepers.

Those interested in exploring the AS6’s advanced features and taking advantage of the Presidents’ Day savings can visit Amerisleep’s website, where the full specifications and current offers are available.

When I consider the cost per night over its expected 8-12 year lifespan (based on my durability testing), combined with the exceptional pressure relief and cooling performance I measured during testing, the value proposition becomes quite compelling.

Need another mattress to consider this President’s Day?

Read Our Full Review of the Zoma Boost Mattress