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The Best Mattress for Side Sleepers in Australia: A Comprehensive Review

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Side sleepers are a very special breed. They are the ones who need a mattress that is firm enough to support their hips and shoulders but soft enough to contour to their curves.

Looking for the best mattress for side sleepers in Australia? You’ve come to the right place!

In this comprehensive review, we’ll look at some of the best mattresses on the market designed specifically for those who sleep on their sides. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each mattress and provide you with some tips on how to choose the right one for you. Let’s dive in!

A Quick Preview

Emma Comfort Mattress
Best Overall - Editor’s Choice

The Emma Comfort Mattress
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Newentor Hybrid Mattress
Best for Active Couples

Newentor Hybrid Mattress
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Lazycat Spring Mattress
Best Affordable Hybrid

Lazycat Spring Mattress
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The Koala Mattress
Best Flippable Mattress

The Koala Mattress
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Peacelily Mattress
Best Latex Option

Peacelily Mattress
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The Best mattress for side sleepers in Australia (November 2023)

Best Overall - Editor's Choice — The Emma Comfort Mattress

Emma Comfort Mattress

Highlights

  • Emma’s unique design target different pressure points on the body for a more comfortable night’s sleep;
  • The mattress is constructed with high-density foam to provide support and durability;
  • The top layer of memory foam contours the body to reduce tossing and turning.

The comfortable pressure point relieving Emma Mattress sits on the top of our list of the best mattress for side sleepers in Australia. The unique feature of this multiple award-winning bed is its dual foam design that provides excellent support and comfort for heavy side sleepers.  This also makes it one of the best mattresses for bad backs. The top layer is where the magic happens, as it consists of the special Emma Airgocell foam that offers quality sleep and above-average motion isolation for couples who share a bed.

According to my tests, the Emma Comfort reacted 4.5 inches later than the Peace Lily mattress, making the Emma Comfort more motion-isolating. That means the Emma Comfort’s Airgocell foam is one of the best and proven options for couples who have restless partners.

That’s not enough for Emma, though, as this mattress also boasts cooling technology and edge support - perfect for those who like to sprawl out when they sleep. When I was testing the Emma Comfort, it had 0.3 softer edge support than the Peace Lily on its medium side. That means both mattresses have similar stability, allowing you to use the entire width.

Edge support of the Emma Comfort Mattress
Edge support of the Emma Comfort Mattress

The mattress base is made with supportive polyether foam that provides excellent edge support and prevents sinkage. It is zoned to hold up to the hips and shoulders while providing the right amount of giving in the lumbar region.  In general, shoppers looking for the best mattress for side sleepers can’t go wrong with the Emma Mattress.

Based on Our Review

I liked how well the Emma Comfort mattress cushioned my shoulders and hips during testing. I felt that the mattress hugged my pressure points remarkably and the bed didn’t feel too firm.

Emma Comfort Mattress's Cover
Emma Comfort Mattress Edge Support

Best for Active Couples - Newentor Hybrid Mattress

Newentor Hybrid Mattress

Highlights

  • Offers balanced sinkage that conforms to the shoulders and hips of side sleepers, helping with pressure relief;
  • Has excellent bounce, helping active couples find ease of movement and support;
  • The cover is made of carbon fibre, which is breathable and anti-bacterial for cooler, cleaner sleep.

The Newentor Hybrid is my best mattress for active couples who are side sleepers due to its excellent bounce, balanced sinkage, and robust edge support. Bounce is essential for fast movement, which the Newentor Hybrid effortlessly delivers. Its Bouncy Q Flow foam and durable coils create a springy surface. I had freedom of movement and no restriction on changing my sleeping position while reviewing this model. From my tests, I calculated a total of 10.8 inches for the Newentor Hybrid’s bounce. This is 3.4 inches more than the Koala, making the Newentor Hybrid better suited for active couples who are also side sleepers.

Side sleepers will also enjoy the balanced sinkage the Newentor Hybrid offers. In light of my tests, I calculated 1.9 inches of sinkage. This is close to the suggested sinkage of 2 inches, meaning the Newentor Hybrid provides an ‘on’ the bed feel that’s supportive without restriction. I could feel the cushioning foam cradling me slightly for pressure relief, but not so deeply that I felt restricted. This is helpful for side sleepers who need cradling for their shoulder and hips but also want ease of movement.

The Newentor Hybrid had 0.15 inches less sinkage than the Koala on its medium-firm side. That means both options are suitable for unrestrictive sleep and ease of movement.

Active couples will appreciate the stable edge support of the Newentor Hybrid. According to my review, I recorded a sinkage of 3.8 inches along the edge, which is well within the recommended max of 4 inches. I could sit and lie along the edge without issue and get out of bed in an effortless manner without the risk of falling. This is more stable than the Peace Lily on its medium side by 0.5 inches, meaning the Newentor Hybrid is better for sleepers who want the full width of their mattress and a stable edge.

Edge support of the Newentor Hybrid Mattress
Edge support of the Newentor Hybrid Mattress

Based on Our Review

After testing the Newentor Hybrid, I found its zoned coil system effective for ergonomic pressure relief. I had the right amount of push-back, firmer under my hips and softer under my shoulders, that helped me feel comfortable on my side. My spine remained neutral, and I woke without any muscle tension.

Side sleeping on the Newentor Hybrid Mattress

Newentor Hybrid Mattress' Cover

Best Affordable Hybrid - Lazycat Spring Mattress

Lazycat Spring Mattress

Highlights

  • Offers a cost-effective price that makes a luxury hybrid more accessible to sleepers with a small budget;
  • This model uses latex and coils for a supportive feel and good spinal alignment;
  • The slow-adaptive foam helps redistribute weight for effective pressure relief for side sleepers.

The Lazycat spring mattress is my best affordable hybrid for side sleepers due to its competitive pricing, slow-adaptive foam, and cooling features. Side sleepers often struggle to find a cost-effective mattress that lasts long and feels comfortable. Luckily, the Lazycat ticks all the boxes. It’s $350 cheaper than the Koala and $339 cheaper than the Ergoflex 5G. Despite the price gap, its gel memory foam, latex, and coil layers still offer comparable sleep quality.

Side sleepers on a budget will enjoy the slow-adaptive, cradling feel of the Lazycat. I noticed a distinct delay as I sunk into the nestling memory foam layer, helping take pressure off my side. However, I could still move around and switch sleeping positions quickly. In light of my review, I measured a bounce-back speed of 0.8 seconds to recover from compressions. This is 0.6 seconds slower than the Emma Comfort, meaning the Lazycat is better suited to side sleepers who want moderate slow-adaptive comfort.

Side sleeping on the Lazycat Spring Mattress
Side sleeping on the Lazycat Spring Mattress

Another feature that I found helpful for side sleepers is the cooling ability of the Lazycat. Its linen cover, memory foam, latex, and coils contribute to a cool, breathable sleep. Despite the summer temperatures, I was pleasantly cool throughout the night and was absent of heat sweats. From my review, I measured 30.4 degrees Celsius on the surface of the mattress, which is sufficient for temperature-neutral sleep. This is cooler than the Ergoflex 5G by 1.5 degrees, meaning the Lazycat is the better option for side sleepers to sleep on the hot side.

Based on Our Review

Through my comprehensive review, I found the Lazycat pleasantly supportive while on my side. The upper comfort layers allowed for cushioning that redistributed some of my weight while keeping my spine straight. I was free of any soreness or stiffness when rising.

Edge support of the Lazycat Spring Mattress

Side sleeping on the Lazycat Spring Mattress

Best Flippable Mattress for Side Sleepers - The Koala Mattress

Koala Mattress

Highlights

  • The memory foam comfort layer can be flipped to adjust its firmness to your liking;
  • The dense open-cell memory foam provides a firm base to support the body;
  • It adapts to the curves and contours the gaps to suit side sleepers best;

The Koala is my best flippable mattress for side sleepers due to its dense memory foam and adjustable firmness. First of all, the memory foam in this mattress is a technology created by Koala themselves. It’s an open-cell foam that is denser than regular foam, so it distributes the body weight in a balanced manner. Its medium-firm side had a 0.5 second slower recovery than the Emma Comfort, which makes the Koala an excellent option for slow-adaptive comfort.

Secondly, the foam layer on the top can be easily accessed using the zipper to flip around and make it just as firm as you want. When sleeping on the side, the pressure points like hips and shoulders will get the most support, while the legs and the back get the most contour. It’s like a side sleeper’s dream. Plus, it sleeps fairly cool because the cover is Lyocell fibre, helping regulate the air inside out. From my review, the Koala was 0.1 degrees cooler than the Emma Comfort, making the Koala a slightly better option for hot sleepers. Overall, a great mattress for people who want to try something new.

Koala Mattress' cover
Koala Mattress' cover

Based on Our Review

I reviewed this mattress while sleeping only on my side, only to find that it makes me feel weightless. The zoned support really did impact my sleep for the better.

Side sleeping on the Koala Mattress

Edge support of the Koala Matttress

Best Latex Option - Peacelily Mattress

Peacelily Mattress

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Highlights

  • Offers more than one firmness level to enable sleepers to find the perfect balance of comfort and support;
  • Excellent motion isolation for people who share their bed with a partner;
  • Built with high-quality materials that improve its durability.

The Peacelily mattress is our best latex option. The organic materials used in the design of this mattress make it a great choice for those who are looking for an eco-friendly product. As one would expect, this high-quality latex mattress has zero “new mattress” smell, which is often a concern for people with chemical sensitivities.

It’s also super comfortable, with an adjustable firmness that can be customized to individual needs. All that is required is flipping the mattress to change the level of firmness. This makes the Peacelily mattress a great choice for side sleepers who like variety in their sleeping experience. Partnered sleeping on this mattress is also quite comfortable, as it doesn’t transfer too much movement.

The Peacelily also sleeps relatively cool. According to my review, it was 1.3 degrees cooler than the Koala, and 1.4 degrees cooler than the Emma Comfort. That makes the Peacelily mattress an excellent option for hot sleepers who want a memory foam alternative.

This mattress also has excellent bounce thanks to its latex layers. Its firm side is 2.36 inches more bouncy than the Koala, making the Peacelily a better option for ease in changing sleeping positions.

To summarize, the Peacelily mattress is a great choice for side sleepers who want an eco-friendly, comfortable, and adjustable mattress. It’s a bit on the pricey side, but it’s definitely worth the investment if you’re looking for a high-quality mattress.

Based on Our Review

The first feature that stood out on the Peacelily mattress was the coolness. I slept coolly during tests and the bed felt responsive. The all-natural latex construction also impressed me.

Peace Lily Mattress Edge Support
Peace Lily mattress on a bed frame

Why You Should Trust Me

We run our mattresses through many quantitative and thorough tests to determine their comfort, support, and durability, and we select only the best performers as recommendations for your home. We also have many years of experience in the mattress field and have insider knowledge to help you learn which mattress is right for you. You can learn more about how we test our mattresses here.

Side Sleeper Mattress buying guide

Now that you’ve read our review of the best mattresses for side sleepers in Australia, you might wonder how to choose the right one. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a side sleeper mattress:

Firmness or Softness

Side sleepers naturally love their beds on the softer side. A softer mattress provides more pressure relief in the hips and shoulders, which are the two main points of contact with the mattress. That being said, some side sleepers prefer a firmer mattress for added support. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what feels comfortable to you.

In my opinion, it’s important to avoid mattresses that are too firm because your shoulders require some cushioning for proper spinal alignment.

Pressure Relief

The key to finding a great side sleeper mattress is to find one that allows you to get a good night’s sleep.

There are two main benefits of sleeping on a softer mattress: This contributes to better health and better quality sleep, resulting in a happier day overall. Side sleepers who experience discomfort or pain when sleeping might benefit from a softer bed, so try to pick a mattress that offers great pressure relief.

Motion Isolation

Bed-sharing isn’t for everyone, but if you’re in a relationship and sleep with your partner, it’s important to look for a mattress that provides motion isolation. This will help reduce movement from the bed and provide you both with a more comfortable night’s sleep.

Contouring

As stated earlier, side sleepers require a mattress that contours to the body, offering support and pressure relief where it’s needed most. A premium memory foam mattress will make a great fit for this. Look for a mattress that uses high-quality foams rather than just two- or three-inch foam. The better foams equal more pressure relief, making it easier to sleep comfortably throughout the night.

I think hybrid mattresses are another good mattress type for side sleepers because they use plush foam layers with sturdy coil support.

Also Read: The Best King-size Mattress in Australia.

F.A.Q.

What is the best type of mattress for side sleepers?

Side sleepers need a mattress that is supportive and pressure-relieving. The best type of mattress for this will be an all-foam mattress or a hybrid mattress. These mattresses will provide the necessary support while also contouring the body to relieve pressure points.

Conclusion

Picking the right mattress is a very personal decision, as everyone has different preferences. We hope you found this information helpful and that you’re now one step closer to finding the perfect mattress for your needs. 

Remember, our top choice for the best mattress for side sleepers in Australia - the Emma Mattress, makes a great fit for heavy side sleepers and people with back pains. And this is all thanks to its dual foam construction that eases pressure points, providing the needed supper, comfort, and durability.

So if you’re looking for a mattress that will give you a great night’s sleep and last for years, the Emma Mattress is a great option.

Do you have any questions about the mattresses reviewed here? Let us know in the comments, and we’ll be happy to answer them. Sweet dreams!

Our research

45

Mattresses Considered

150

Hours of Research

2

Sleep Experts Consulted

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6 comments

  1. I’m a side sleeper, and my current mattress isn’t cutting it. Which mattress type is the best for us side sleepers?

    1. Side sleepers often find memory foam and latex mattresses to be the most comfortable. These materials conform to your body’s shape, relieving pressure points and providing better support for your hips and shoulders, which are crucial for side sleeping. Hybrid mattresses, which combine innerspring and foam layers, can also be a good choice. Just ensure the mattress offers enough cushioning and support for your unique sleeping position.

  2. I want to extend my sincere thanks for your informative article. It has been an invaluable resource in my quest to find the ideal mattress for side sleepers. Your expertise and suggestions have been a game-changer in enhancing my sleep quality.

    1. I’m delighted to learn that the article has been a valuable resource in your quest to find the perfect mattress for side sleepers.

  3. Is there a particular type of mattress material, like memory foam or innerspring, that is better suited for side sleepers concerning firmness?

    1. Memory foam and innerspring are both popular choices, each with its advantages. Memory foam offers contouring support, relieving pressure points, while innerspring provides a more traditional feel with responsive support. The best choice depends on your specific preferences and comfort requirements.

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