The Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers, According to Dr. Dustin DebRoy

Dr. Dustin DebRoy Shares What To Look for in the Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers

Dr. Dustin DebRoy, D.C., of The Joint Chiropractic, was recently featured in a Yahoo Health article about the best mattresses for side sleepers. In the piece, he discusses why hybrid mattresses can work well for side sleepers and how the right balance of support and pressure relief may help ease discomfort in the shoulders, hips, and lower back. Read the full Yahoo Health article, “Best mattresses for side sleepers in 2026: Options to ease shoulder and hip pain.”

In a recent Yahoo Health article, Dr. Dustin DebRoy shared expert insight on what side sleepers need from a mattress. Since this position places more pressure on the shoulders and hips, the right mattress should help cushion those areas while still supporting the body’s alignment overnight.

“Hybrid designs allow you to maintain proper support for a much longer period of time,” said Dr. DebRoy. “They also help promote optimal breathability, which helps with temperature regulation and is crucial for achieving quality sleep.”

The good news is that side sleepers usually do not need to completely rethink their sleep routine. The right mattress can help reduce pressure on the shoulders and hips, support better alignment, and make it easier to wake up feeling more rested.

Let’s take a closer look at why side sleepers often wake up sore, what to look for in a mattress, and how your sleep setup can support better rest.

Why side sleepers may feel more pressure at night

Side sleeping is common, but it can place more concentrated pressure on certain parts of the body. The shoulders and hips tend to bear much of that weight, which may lead to discomfort if the mattress does not provide enough cushioning or support.

If a mattress is too firm, those areas may feel compressed. If it is too soft, the body may sink too deeply and fall out of alignment. Either way, the result may be waking up with stiffness, soreness, or tension.

Pressure relief matters, but so does support

For side sleepers, comfort alone is not always enough. A mattress also needs to support the body, so the spine stays in a more neutral position.

That is why pressure relief and support usually need to work together. The surface should have enough give to reduce strain at the shoulders and hips, while the layers underneath help keep the rest of the body supported.

This balance may help reduce:

• Shoulder discomfort
• Hip pain
• Lower back tension
• Frequent shifting during the night

Why hybrid mattresses can work well for side sleepers

According to Dr. DebRoy, hybrid mattresses can be a strong option for side sleepers because they combine supportive coils with comfort layers that help relieve pressure.

This type of mattress can help create a better balance between cushioning and structure. It may also help the mattress hold its support over time, rather than feeling overly soft or unsupportive.

Breathability is another benefit. Since room temperature can affect sleep quality, materials that promote better airflow may help some people stay more comfortable throughout the night.

What to look for in a mattress if you sleep on your side

The best mattress for a side sleeper is not always the softest one. Instead, it is often one that supports the body without creating too much pressure on the joints.

Helpful features may include:

• Pressure relief at the shoulders and hips
• Support that helps keep the spine aligned
• A medium to medium-soft feel
• Materials that allow for breathability
• A surface that makes it easier to change positions comfortably

Paying attention to how you feel in the morning can also be helpful. If you regularly wake up sore or feel like you’re tossing and turning, your mattress may not be giving your body the support it needs.

The best mattresses for side sleepers

Several mattresses in the Yahoo Health article stood out for their ability to balance support and pressure relief for side sleepers. While the right fit depends on personal preference, body type, and sleep style, the list included a mix of hybrid, memory foam, and innerspring options.

Some of the mattresses highlighted in the article included:

• Bear Elite Hybrid
• Tempur-Pedic ProAdapt
• Saatva Classic
• Beautyrest Black Series Four Plush Pillow Top
• Layla Sleep Hybrid
• Sealy Posturepedic Hybrid
• Nolah Evolution Hybrid
• Helix Midnight Luxe

What these options have in common is their focus on reducing pressure on the shoulders and hips while still supporting overall alignment. Some side sleepers may prefer a more cushioned, contouring feel, while others may feel better on a mattress with a slightly more responsive or supportive surface.

That is why comfort is only part of the equation. The best choice is usually one that helps your body feel supported, reduces tension at pressure points, and allows you to wake up feeling more rested.

Your overall sleep setup matters, too

A mattress plays a major role in sleep comfort, but it is only one part of the picture. Pillows, sleep position, and bedtime habits can all affect how your body feels when you wake up.

For side sleepers, small adjustments may help support better rest, such as:

• Using a pillow that keeps the neck in a more neutral position
• Placing a pillow between the knees to help reduce strain
• Avoiding positions that put direct pressure on the shoulder
• Replacing an older mattress that no longer feels supportive

These changes may not solve everything overnight, but they can help create a more supportive sleep environment.

When to seek additional support

If soreness keeps showing up in the morning, your mattress and sleep posture could be contributing factors. A licensed chiropractor can help assess movement, joint function, and alignment to better understand what may be contributing to how your body feels.

At The Joint Chiropractic, we believe how you feel when you wake up can shape how you move through the rest of your day. If recurring tension, stiffness, or mobility issues are making mornings harder, chiropractic care may help you better understand what your body needs to move and feel better.

Visit The Joint Chiropractic to talk with a licensed chiropractor about mobility, alignment, and everyday habits that may help your body feel better.