Before I started testing mattresses for WIRED, I would've told you the softer the bed the better. But, as I’ve sampled more styles and religiously tracked my sleep on my Apple Watch, I’ve found that the best mattresses for side sleepers offer cushioning along with plenty of support. Be sure to check out our other sleep guides, including Best Mattresses, Best Organic Mattresses, and our new guide to the Best Body Pillows for Side Sleepers. Updated May 21, 2025: We made the Nolah Evolution our best overall pick, and adjusted Bear Elite Hybrid as our pick as the best for back pain. We also added the Naturepedic EOS Classic mattress as our pick for the best latex mattress for side sleepers.