How to Buy a Mattress for Side Sleepers: The UK Guide

When it comes to creating a restful home environment, selecting the right mattress is a game-changer—especially for side sleepers. Whether you're an interior designer revamping a client's bedroom, a DIY enthusiast upgrading your guestroom, or a young professional setting up your new flat, your sleep quality hinges on choosing the right type of mattress. In the UK, with our damp climate and preference for compact, well-designed spaces, it becomes even more important to get this decision spot-on.

Sleeping on your side is the most popular position in the UK, but it also comes with unique pressure points, mainly on the hips and shoulders. A mattress that fails to support your body’s contours can lead to discomfort, poor posture, and even long-term issues like back pain. So, how do you go about choosing the best mattress for side sleeping? That’s exactly what we’re here to unpack in this guide—designed specifically for UK homeowners, decorators, and professionals alike.

1. Understand the Key Needs of Side Sleepers

The first thing to understand is that side sleepers need a mattress that offers the right balance of cushioning and support. When you lie on your side, your spine needs to maintain a straight alignment. This means that the mattress has to be soft enough to cushion your shoulders and hips, yet firm enough to keep your lower back supported.

A mattress that is too firm can cause pressure build-up in the joints, leading to poor sleep quality and morning aches. On the opposite end, a mattress that is overly soft might allow your hips to sink too deep, placing strain on your lumbar region. The sweet spot for most side sleepers tends to be a medium-soft to medium-firm mattress with layers that adapt to your curves without letting you sink too far in.

Comfort aside, support is another major factor. It’s important to have a mattress that not only aligns your spine but also evenly distributes your weight, avoiding excessive pressure on critical areas.

2. Choose the Right Mattress Type

Not all mattresses are created equal, and the construction material plays a major role in determining comfort and durability. Below is a quick overview of the most popular types for side sleepers in the UK market:

Most side sleepers in the UK find hybrid mattresses or memory foam options to offer the most balanced experience—especially if you're looking for something to soften the pressure on hips and shoulders while keeping your body aligned.

3. Consider the Firmness Level Carefully

As a general guideline, firmness levels between 4 and 6 (on a 10-point scale) work best for side sleepers. However, this varies depending on your body weight and personal preference.

For lighter sleepers (under 10 stone), a medium-soft mattress can deliver the right give and contouring comfort. If you're heavier (over 15 stone), a medium-firm option might be more appropriate to ensure proper spinal alignment without too much sinking in the core areas.

It's worth noting that ‘firmness’ is subjective and can vary from brand to brand. That’s why many UK mattress companies now offer sleep trials, allowing you to test the firmness level in your own bedroom for up to 100 nights or more.

4. Prioritise Pressure Relief Zones

Pressure relief is crucial when shopping for a mattress for side sleeping. Look for designs that include specific zoned support areas—often referred to as orthopaedic zoning or targeted zones. These are engineered to cushion the shoulders while giving firmer support to the hips, helping maintain spinal alignment.

Some premium UK brands, especially in the hybrid category, now include custom zones or support bars tailored for common pressure sites. This advanced support system is particularly beneficial for professionals or DIY workers who engage in physically demanding jobs and need optimal overnight recovery.

For more budget-conscious buyers, check for memory foam mattresses with multiple layers—these often provide pressure relief without inflated costs.

5. Don’t Underestimate Temperature Regulation

In the UK, we love our duvets—but layering up can sometimes clash with a heat-retaining mattress. Memory foam models, while great for contouring, tend to sleep a bit warmer. If you’re a hot sleeper or suffer from night sweats, consider upgrading to a mattress with a cooling gel layer or airflow channels.

Hybrid mattresses generally regulate temperature better due to their spring construction, which allows greater airflow than solid foam blocks. Latex mattresses are another good option as they tend to sleep cooler, though they can skew more expensive.

For those redesigning a contemporary or minimalist bedroom where airflow and climate are considerations, choosing a well-ventilated mattress can improve both aesthetics and functionality.

6. Mattress Sizes for UK Homes

Space is often at a premium in UK housing, especially in urban areas. Choosing the right size mattress depends on your room dimensions, bed frame, and personal space preferences. Here's a quick guide to standard UK mattress sizes:

When choosing a mattress, ensure it fits not just your bedframe, but also allows enough room to move around—especially in narrow terrace houses or converted flats common across the UK.

7. Trial Periods and Warranties Matter

Before you commit to a mattress, look for brands that offer a generous trial period—ideally 60 to 100 nights. This is especially important if you’re shopping online or choosing a newer hybrid material you haven’t tried before.

A strong warranty (typically spanning 5 to 10 years) is another sign you’re dealing with a quality, long-lasting mattress. Keep in mind that some warranties may be voided without proper care or the use of a compatible bed base, so it's worth reading the fine print.

For designers and tradespeople specifying products for clients, highlighting trial periods and warranties can build customer confidence and prevent costly buyer’s remorse.

Final Thoughts

Finding the perfect mattress for a side sleeper may feel overwhelming, but following these tailored tips can make the decision a lot easier. Start by understanding the unique needs of your sleeping style, then look at material types, firmness levels, and sizing that suit your space and lifestyle.

Whether you're rebuilding a dream interior or just upgrading your nightly comfort, the right mattress not only enhances sleep but contributes to long-term well-being. Use the expertise in this guide to make a smart, informed choice—and enjoy deeper, more restorative sleep starting from night one.

Considering a bedroom makeover or client project? Don’t forget to coordinate your mattress selection with supportive pillows and breathable bedding—perfect finishing touches to any well-designed sleep space.