Mattress for Side Sleepers
Best Memory Foam Mattresses for Hot Side Sleepers
7 picks compared
6 min read
ProductPickly is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes our picks.
The short answerThe best memory foam mattresses for hot side sleepers are the Nectar Premier Copper, the Zinus Green Tea, and the Tempur-Pedic ProBreeze. Each offers cooling technology and pressure relief.
?How we pickedWe compare published specifications, safety certifications and thousands of verified owner reviews, and we do not physically test every unit. Read the full process in our review methodology.
Nectar Premier Copper Memory Foam Mattress
★★★★★ 4.8 / 5 Best Overall
This mattress uses copper-infused gel memory foam to draw heat away. It has a medium-firm feel that suits most side sleepers. The breathable cover and airflow channels help regulate temperature.
Thickness 12 inchesFirmness Medium-firm (6-7/10)Cooling Copper gel memory foam, breathable coverTrial 365 nights
- Excellent heat dissipation
- Great pressure relief for hips and shoulders
- Long trial period
- Heavier than some competitors
- May be too firm for petite side sleepers
Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress
★★★★★ 4.4 / 5 Best Budget
This budget-friendly mattress infuses green tea extract to combat odor. It has a medium-firm profile that supports side sleepers without breaking the bank. The top layer is pressure-relieving memory foam.
Thickness 12 inchesFirmness Medium-firmCooling Green tea and charcoal infusionsTrial 100 nights
- Very affordable
- Odor control
- Good motion isolation
- Less durable over time
- May sleep warmer than premium options
Tempur-Pedic ProBreeze
★★★★★ 4.6 / 5 Best for Maximum Cooling
The ProBreeze features a cooling cover and phase-change material to keep you cool. It offers the signature Tempur-Pedic pressure relief. This mattress is ideal for very hot sleepers.
Thickness 11.5 inchesFirmness MediumCooling Phase-change material, cooling coverTrial 90 nights
- Superior cooling performance
- Excellent pressure relief
- High-quality materials
- Very expensive
- Heavy and hard to move
Best for: Best for Maximum Cooling
Casper Nova Hybrid
★★★★★ 4.5 / 5 Best for Pressure Relief
This hybrid combines memory foam with zoned support coils. It provides extra give at the shoulders and firmer support at the hips. The breathable foam layers help with airflow.
Thickness 12 inchesFirmness Soft-mediumCooling Breathable foam, airy coilsTrial 100 nights
- Targeted pressure relief
- Good edge support
- Cooler than all-foam options
- Pricier than standard foam
- May be too soft for heavy sleepers
Best for: Best for Pressure Relief
Layla Memory Foam Mattress
★★★★★ 4.5 / 5 Best for Adjustable Firmness
The Layla is flippable, offering a soft and a firm side. Both sides use copper-infused memory foam to pull heat away. This is great for couples with different preferences.
Thickness 10 inchesFirmness Soft and firm optionsCooling Copper-infused foamTrial 120 nights
- Two firmness levels in one
- Copper cooling technology
- Good motion isolation
- Not as plush as some side sleepers like
- Flipping requires effort
Best for: Best for Adjustable Firmness
Saatva Loom & Leaf
★★★★★ 4.7 / 5 Best for Luxury Comfort
This luxury mattress uses a gel-infused memory foam layer for cooling. It has a firm, supportive feel that still contours well. The organic cotton cover adds breathability.
Thickness 12 inchesFirmness FirmCooling Gel-infused foam, breathable coverTrial 180 nights
- High-end materials
- Excellent support
- Long trial and warranty
- Expensive
- May be too firm for some side sleepers
Best for: Best for Luxury Comfort
Purple Plus Mattress
★★★★★ 4.6 / 5 Best for Airflow
The Purple Plus uses a hyper-elastic polymer grid that promotes airflow. It provides pressure relief without the heat retention of traditional foam. The grid also adapts to your body shape.
Thickness 11 inchesFirmness MediumCooling Gel grid, open channelsTrial 100 nights
- Exceptional airflow
- Unique pressure relief
- Durable materials
- Different feel may not suit everyone
- Pricey
Best for: Best for Airflow
Memory foam often traps heat. Newer designs use gel infusions, copper, or phase-change materials. We focused on real specs and user reports to find the best balance.
Why Side Sleepers Overheat on Memory Foam
Memory foam conforms tightly, which can trap body heat. Dense foam layers reduce airflow. Hot sleepers often wake up sweaty and uncomfortable. Cooling technologies help mitigate this. Look for gel infusions, copper, or phase-change materials.
Key Cooling Features to Look For
Gel-infused foam absorbs and disperses heat. Copper and graphite also conduct heat away. Phase-change materials actively regulate temperature. Breathable covers, like those with cotton or Tencel, improve airflow. Open-cell foams allow more air circulation.
Firmness and Support for Side Sleepers
Side sleepers need a medium-firm to soft mattress to cushion the shoulders and hips. Too firm can cause pressure points. Too soft can misalign the spine. Look for zoned support that is softer at the shoulders and firmer at the hips. A mattress with a thickness of 10 to 12 inches often provides better support.
How to Choose the Right Mattress for You
Consider your weight and sleeping position. Heavier side sleepers may prefer a firmer mattress. Lighter sleepers might need a softer one. Read owner reviews for real-world feedback. Check the trial period and warranty. A longer trial lets you test the mattress at home.
Questions people ask
What is the best memory foam mattress for side sleepers who sleep hot?
The Nectar Premier Copper, Tempur-Pedic ProBreeze, and Purple Plus are top choices. They use cooling technologies like copper gel and gel grids to reduce heat retention.
How can I keep my memory foam mattress cool?
Use breathable bedding and a cooling mattress protector. Keep the room temperature moderate. Choose a mattress with cooling infusions or a breathable cover.
Is memory foam bad for hot sleepers?
Traditional memory foam can trap heat, but modern designs include cooling features. Gel, copper, and phase-change materials help dissipate heat. Look for these when buying.
What firmness is best for side sleepers?
Side sleepers usually need a medium-firm to soft mattress. This provides pressure relief at the shoulders and hips. A firmness of 4 to 6 on a 10-point scale is common.
Are hybrid mattresses cooler than all-foam?
Yes, hybrids have coils that allow more airflow. Coils also reduce heat retention. They can be a good option for hot sleepers who prefer a bit more bounce.
How long does a memory foam mattress last?
Most memory foam mattresses last 7 to 10 years. Higher density foams last longer. Check the warranty for coverage details.
Can I use a memory foam mattress on an adjustable base?
Yes, most memory foam mattresses are compatible with adjustable bases. Check the manufacturer's recommendations. This can enhance comfort and support.
What is the difference between gel memory foam and regular memory foam?
Gel memory foam has gel beads or infusions that conduct heat away. Regular memory foam retains more heat. Gel versions are cooler and often more breathable.
Is a memory foam mattress worth it for side sleepers?
Memory foam offers excellent pressure relief, which is key for side sleepers. If you sleep hot, choose a cooling model. Many find the comfort worth the investment.
The bottom lineSo which one?
For hot side sleepers, the Nectar Premier Copper offers the best balance of cooling and support. Budget-conscious buyers can choose the Zinus Green Tea. If you need maximum cooling, the Tempur-Pedic ProBreeze is worth the splurge.
