Best Mattress for Side Sleepers in NZ - What to Look For

Side sleepers often need a different mattress feel from people who sleep mainly on their back or stomach.

When you sleep on your side, more pressure is placed on areas like the shoulders and hips. This means the mattress needs to offer enough cushioning to feel comfortable, while still giving your body the support it needs through the night.

The best mattress for side sleepers is usually one that balances pressure relief and support.

Why side sleepers need pressure relief

Side sleeping is one of the most common sleeping positions.

The challenge is that your weight is concentrated through narrower points of the body, especially the shoulders and hips. If the mattress feels too firm, these areas may feel uncomfortable. If the mattress feels too soft, your body may sink too deeply and feel less supported.

That is why side sleepers often look for a mattress with a comfortable top layer and a supportive core underneath.

Pressure relief vs support

When choosing a mattress, it is helpful to understand the difference between pressure relief and support.

Pressure relief is the comfort you feel through the top of the mattress. It helps reduce the feeling of pressure around areas like the shoulders and hips.

Support comes from the deeper structure of the mattress. It helps hold your body in a more stable position, so you do not feel like you are dipping too far into the bed.

A good mattress for side sleepers should offer both.

Is a soft mattress best for side sleepers?

A Soft mattress can be a good choice for some side sleepers, especially if they prefer a plusher, more cushioned feel.

It may suit people who want more comfort around the shoulders and hips, or those who do not like the feel of a firm mattress.

A Soft mattress may suit a side sleeper who:

Likes a plush, cushioned feel
Wants more comfort around pressure points
Does not like sleeping on a firm surface
Prefers to feel slightly cradled by the mattress

However, not every side sleeper should automatically choose Soft. Some people still need or prefer a more balanced level of support.

Is a medium mattress good for side sleepers?

Medium is often a popular choice for side sleepers because it gives a balance of comfort and support.

It can be especially useful if you want enough cushioning for your shoulders and hips, but do not want the mattress to feel too soft.

A Medium mattress may suit a side sleeper who:

Wants comfort without too much sink
Likes a balanced feel
Shares the bed with a partner
Moves between side and back sleeping
Is unsure whether Soft may be too plush

For many customers, Medium is a practical choice because it gives comfort while still feeling supportive.

What about firm mattresses for side sleepers?

Some side sleepers do prefer a firmer mattress, especially if they like a stronger support feel.

However, if a mattress is too firm for your body, it may not allow enough cushioning around the shoulder and hip area. This can make it harder to relax into the mattress.

If you are a side sleeper considering Firm, it is worth asking yourself whether you like a very supportive surface, or whether you still need some softness through the top layer.

Mattress features side sleepers should look for

When shopping for a side sleeper mattress, look for:

A comfortable top layer
Good pressure relief
A supportive spring or core system
Strong edge support
A comfort level that suits your body
Enough room to move comfortably
A quality base that supports the mattress properly

At Luxury Orthopaedic Beds, our Orthopaedic Merino mattresses are designed with comfort layers and a supportive pocket spring system, giving customers options depending on the feel they prefer.

What if your partner sleeps differently?

Many couples have different sleeping styles.

One person may sleep on their side and prefer Medium or Soft, while the other may sleep on their back and prefer Firm. In this case, it may be worth looking at split-comfort or zip-together mattress options in larger bed sizes.

This allows each person to choose the comfort feel that best suits them.

Final thoughts

The best mattress for side sleepers is not always the softest mattress. It is the mattress that gives you the right mix of cushioning, pressure relief and support.

For some side sleepers, Soft may feel best. For others, Medium may offer the better balance.

At Luxury Orthopaedic Beds, our team can help you compare comfort options and choose a NZ-made Orthopaedic Merino mattress that suits the way you sleep.

Visit our Hamilton showroom or contact us to discuss the best mattress feel for you.