Best Hybrid Mattress for Side Sleepers

Customer reviews note how much cooler they sleep on the AS3 Hybrid mattress compared to all-foam mattresses or other hybrid mattresses. The cushioning and support improved sleeper’s pains, helping them wake up feeling refreshed in the mornings as opposed to grumpy and fatigued.

Here is what others had to say:

Jackie W: I have back and hip issues and I am mainly a side sleeper. This bed has ruined me for any other bed!! My other half hates traveling with me because I can’t sleep in just any cheap hotel with a crappy mattress.

Mak: This product is truly life changing. I suffered from back pain, hip pain and neck pain after after my child. For two years I was absolutely miserable. Finally I decided it was time to see if switching my mattress would help.

Shelby: I’ve always had a firm mattress, but due to bursitis in my hip and lower back pain, I could no longer tolerate the firmness. This mattress has been perfect. Minimal hip and back pain when I wake up now. Soft, but I still feel supported.

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.

The pocketed coil layer evenly supports the body and encourages healthy spinal alignment. The coils are reinforced on either side of the mattress to provide edge support. This way, you can comfortably sit on the edges of the bed and aren’t at risk of rolling off your mattress at night.

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 also offers one other hybrid mattress, the AS5 Hybrid, which we mention later.

The bed has a plush foam top supported by responsive foam and bouncy coils, keeping you from sinking in too deep and waking up with a bad back. It’s one of the rare soft mattresses that can be suitable for a heavy sleeper.

While overall reviews of the AS5 Hybrid are positive, some have cited firmness concerns:

Little bit: I am very much a penny pincher. I was looking for a good mattress at a good price. Middle of the road price. They say you get what you pay for. Amerisleep mattress is the best mattress Over all. I tried 3 different online mattress, The as5 beat all hands down.

SGR: rely on reviews 100% of the time, but have never left one of my own until now. I did a LOT of research prior to ordering a bed online (won’t do that again). This bed came up with the best reviews all around. I purchased the plush-est one available and it’s so hard that I couldn’t sleep.

JK: I bought the AS5 after hours of online research and a couple of conversations with an Amerisleep representative. I confess that, even with a generous amount of time to try out the mattress, I was pretty nervous about buying such a big ticket item online, sight unseen. However, I had nothing to worry about. I absolutely LOVE this mattress.

The AS5 Hybrid has a somewhat simple construction with only 4 layers: 3 inches of Bio-Pur®, 2 inches of Active Flex, 8 inches of pocketed coils, and 1 inch of base foam.

Now, we’ve talked about most of these materials while reviewing the AS3 Hybrid; however, we did not touch on Active Flex. Active Flex is found exclusively in Amerisleep’s AS5 models, and it’s a proprietary latex-like transition foam in place to give the bed a little extra bounce. Active Flex is cushioning, like memory foam, but also super responsive, like latex, so it offers comfort and responsiveness—the inclusion of Active Flex is what makes this mattress so versatile.

Amerisleep’s AS5 Hybrid also comes with their 100-night risk-free guarantee, a 20-year warranty, and free shipping.

Currently, the Zoma Hybrid is Zoma’s only hybrid mattress. Their other beds include the Zoma Start and Zoma Mattress, but both beds are made entirely of foam and are firmer than the Zoma Hybrid. Based on customer feedback, people enjoy how the Zoma Hybrid rapidly hugs their curves for near-instant pressure relief.

Most reviewers love the Zoma. Here is what some have to say:

Evonne B: This is my second zoma mattress. I bought a queen size a few years ago and this time I bought a king size. It’s so comfortable.

Jason D: Best mattress I’ve had to date. Took a chance on it after doing some research and really surprised. So comfortable for my preferences.

Dona F: The bed is so comfortable! My son is very tall and it’s a great fit! The delivery was fast! I’m going to purchase 2 more beds in the near future!

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

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.

The mattress’s support layer is made from pocketed steel coils designed to promote air circulation throughout the bed, further preventing overheating. Not only that, but the coils are sturdier on the edges of the mattress so you don’t accidentally roll out of bed.

The Vaya Hybrid mattress conforms under your body’s curves without causing you to sink too much into your bed, which can make switching positions and getting in and out of bed difficult. Real Vaya Hybrid users describe the bed as being soft but supportive and nice for people who share a bed, as they don’t notice their restless partners moving at night.

People tend to love the Vaya Mattress, some people have had issues with delivery, however.

Ceyatano A: Bought a Hybrid mattress which is good but never received the free pillows clearly listed on the Hybrid mattress page.

Lisa S: Last night was my first night sleeping on the Vaya Hybrid mattress, and wow I’m so glad I did my research and chose this bed!!

Sharon R: I am absolutely elated with my hybrid Vaya and those pillows are heaven. My two daughters and granddaughter also have Vaya mattresses. I can’t rave about my bed more.

The Vaya Comfort 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 Comfort Foam, the hips and shoulders never sink too far into the mattress and force the spine to bow.

This mattress’s pocketed spring coil base is reinforced with firmer edges 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 Nolah Evolution comes in three different firmnesses, each one tailored for certain sleep styles. The cooling fabrics, foams, and coils that make up the Evolution are consistent across all three firmness options, ensuring that the bed will keep sleepers pleasantly chilled on warm summer nights and when sharing the mattress with a partner.

Overall, people really like the Nolah Evolution. However, with multiple firmness options to choose from, be sure you choose wisely:

Rainbow T: I appreciate this company directed what bed for different weight people. I bought the recommended Luxury Firm. No more back pain. It cradles while at the same time is supportively firm. A perfect marriage. Like cream in coffee it is refreshing.

Gail M: It was a really beautiful bed and the “softest” available, But – too firm for me. I returned it, and am grateful to Nolah customer service that I could do so. It took a bit of effort to get it returned, but customer service was gracious and helpful.

Carol W: A huge improvement over my last bed. Shopping was easy, I would have liked to see it and lay on it before spending the money. But I would have bought it at that point. Much better sleep.

The Nolah Evolution 15 is a thick mattress with multiple comfort layers, two transition layers, and a support system. Let’s take a look at its parts!

The surface of the mattress is a mix of organic cotton and specialty ArcticTex™ fibers, establishing a breathable fabric covering. Underneath the cover is 2 inches of HTC™-quilted foam, which is surrounded by a breathable border gusset designed to swiftly release heat.

This is followed by another cooling foam, Nolah’s AirFoamICE™. This comfort foam is engineered to provide a breathable structure, with its heat dispersion boosted by a graphite infusion. Plus, the material is swift to conform to the body and relieve pressure.

There are two supportive layers inside the Nolah Evolution 15 that serve as the bed’s transition. The first layer is a highly resilient foam for increased comfort and support, followed by the bed’s proper transition foam layer.

The support core of the Nolah Evolution 15 is pocketed coils separated into three support zones. These coils rest on an eco-friendly base of plant fibers for support.

Hybrid mattresses are known for their hefty weight, especially thick mattresses like the Nolah Evolution 15. To make it easier to shift and change the sheets, the Nolah Evolution 15 has carrying handles on the sides.

The feel of the Saatva Classic depends on the firmness you choose, with the soft option quick to provide a touch of cloudlike comfort while the firmer options still feel supportive, even with the 3-inch thick pillow top. The cotton fabric feels gentle against the skin, with supportive foam and coils ensuring comfort.

People who bought the Saatva looking for a quality firm hybrid mattress love it. See some reviews for yourself:

Amanda: I love my new mattress – it’s the perfect amount of firm. Came super quickly and easy delivery process.

Christy: You will not regret purchasing the Classic Medium/Firm mattress. I bought it for our new guest room and during the summer, when the master bedroom would get too hot, I slept on it instead. Wow. What a difference.

LTibbets: I loooove my new mattress! I did a lot of research and it took me a while, but I’m absolutely delighted with my purchase of the Queen Size Saatva Classic Luxury Firm mattress and foundation. 

At the top, the Saatva Classic mattress features the brand’s exclusive luxury Euro pillow top system. This pillow top is made from foam that is able to provide a cushioning effect, without making you feel like you are sinking into the mattress. Organic cotton covers the surface, and this fabric is treated with a botanical compound that ensures microbes don’t settle inside the mattress.

The memory foam layer underneath the pillow top has active wire support to target the back area, minimizing the chances of misalignment. The density of the foam ensures durable, lasting support night after night.

The pillow top layer is followed by a dual coil system, going beyond merely adequate levels of support to create a highly responsive mattress. The transition is a pocketed coil system for motion isolation and high amounts of reactivity. These coils are also zoned for added support under the back area.

This ensures you get support on top of the bed, but without causing the bed to feel hard. At the base of the Saatva Classic Mattress, a standard spring system is also used. This makes the mattress more durable and adds further support.

The mattress is also able to offer excellent edge support with its sturdy foam rails. This provides a larger surface to sleep on, making it an excellent mattress for couples too.

The most popular pillow-top premium foam hybrid mattress made by Nest is the most comfortable for the broadest range of sleep preferences. With three firmness levels to choose from, you can adjust how you feel based on sleep styles and weight.

Here is what some buyers had to say. Most users of the Nest Alexander love it:

Joshua J: Love this mattress so far. Had a great experience with JP from customer service when we had an issue with this order. He did a great job of resolving.

David G: Absolutely the best beds ever, this is my second bed, Nest bedding is also very helpful and great customer service.

David W: As soon as I slept on my best friends guest bed, I was sold on it. I immediately bought my own, and now it’s here and doing exactly what I had first experienced. I’m a very happy camper.

Energex™  foam is a memory foam that pulls heat away from the body. 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 airflow 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, an option couples with differing sleep preferences love.

The Oceano is Brentwood Home’s best-seller out of their seven mattress line-up. Each Brentwood Home mattress is unique, but in terms of feel, the Oceano is most similar to the Crystal Cove or Cypress mattresses.

Reviewers had mixed thoughts as a side sleeper, with some citing firmness issues:

Jeffrey M: Coming up on 2 months sleeping on this mattress. It does take awhile to adjust to the new mattress. It sleeps cool. Plenty of support. Not too soft or firm. It is heavy. It appears to be helping with lower back pain. May be a little too firm for side sleeping on my bad shoulders.

Holly G: It’s still off gassing and definitely not plush, as described for a side sleeper. I’m very disappointed since I returned my Purple Hybrid to purchase the Oceano.

Kimberly A: This bed is a dream. I’m a side sleeper, and this relieves all the pressure from my hips and shoulders than normal mattress can’t. My husband switches between side back and stomach, and he said this is theRead more about review stating Best bed ever. Pure sleep magic most comfortable mattress he’s ever slept on. Also, his tossing and turning throughout the night doesn’t wake me up at all anymore because the bed absorbs all the vibration.

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.

As we mentioned, the Purple® Hybrid Premier 4 offers a truly weightless experience, with some comparing it to lying on a soft cloud. Occasionally, a particularly sensitive sleeper might feel the grid through the cover of a Purple mattress. Most who review the mattresses, however, seem to find that it provides a seamlessly conforming experience.

We surveyed thousands of people who looked for a mattress for side sleepers and chose the Purple Hybrid mattress, here is what some had to say:

Virginia W: After a short adjustment period (about a week) I realized I was waking up pain free!! This mattress is a game changer. Supportive yet gives exactly where you need it to (ex shoulders and hips for side sleepers). My husband likes it too!

Michael S: We previously tried the hybrid firm mattress and were not happy. I have sore hips and it only made them worse. We exchange it for a hybrid mattress three and all the problems have gone away. This mattress still offers firm support but cradles your frame much better if you sleep on your side.

Amy C: I am dealing with menopausal night sweats and hot flashes. I thought this bed would give me the cooling sleep in so desperately need. Instead, I lay on sweat soaked sheets that tend to bunch up in the special grid. I am sleeping worse than on my previous bed.

The Purple Hybrid Premier 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 and is found in all Purple mattresses. This gel-like material is temperature-neutral and forms a grid system, with open channels encouraging better air circulation. The Purple Grid™ gives under body 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 Hybrid Premier 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. Regardless of what thickness you choose, customers describe the Purple Hybrid Premier as the best sleep experience they’ve ever had.

On their website, they mention the Bear Pro falls at a 5.9 out of 10 on the firmness scale; it’s safe to assume this bed will feel medium to medium-firm for the majority of sleepers. So, if you’re a side sleeper who’s ever felt like they need extra support at night, consider the Bear Pro.

Bear owners often seek out this brand as a mattress for side sleepers, here is what some said:

Kathleen C: I really enjoy the support of the Bear mattress. It’s alleviated some of my night time shoulder pain from sleeping on my side, and I also feel supported if I roll onto my back. The mattress stays cool all night, even if my cat is sleeping on the bed with me. It’s quiet, but still responsive. Also I love the Bear brand pillows!

Marcella G: Best mattress I’ve had in the US. If you want to sleep like a baby, this is the mattress for you. I would recommend it most for those who sleep on their backs. Either way it’s really comfortable and keeps you cool

Karen N: My new Beat mattress far exceeds my expectations. I haven’t slept so well in 30 years!

Cooling hypersoft gel foam offers 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 support 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 makes it a great option for side and back sleepers. It’s also the softest Bear mattress available, with the Bear Original and Bear Pro both having a medium-firm feel. Customers enjoy the Bear Hybrid because it relieves pressure points in the shoulders while cradling their hips with enhanced lumbar support.