Prefer to sleep on your side? Join the club! Side sleeping is considered the most popular sleeping position, though it requires a certain type of mattress to promote healthy spinal alignment and all-night comfort. If you don’t have thousands of dollars to spend on a new mattress, you may worry that you’ll have to settle for a low-quality model that leaves you waking with aches and pains.

The good news is that you can find a quality, budget mattress for side sleepers right here at Mattress Firm. Continue reading through this guide as we cover how to find the best mattresses for side sleepers when you’re shopping on a budget.

Why Side Sleepers Need Specialized Support

No matter which side you sleep on, side sleepers put more pressure on their shoulders and hips, which can cause pain and discomfort in the joints when sleeping on the wrong mattress. Ideally, side sleepers should have a mattress that provides contouring and pressure relief to help maintain a neutral spine and prevent pain. The best mattress will distribute the sleeper’s weight evenly for reduced joint pain and enhanced comfort.

Cost vs. Comfort: Finding the Right Balance

When it comes to mattress shopping, it may seem like there’s a direct trade-off between comfort and affordability. However, it is possible to find an affordable bed without sacrificing support and quality. With a limited budget, you may have to give up things like premium materials, innovative sleep technology and high-end luxury mattress brands. But, you can still find options offering great value and quality materials, giving you the right balance in cost and comfort for side sleepers.

How to Choose the Right Mattress for Side Sleepers on a Budget

If you’re a budget-conscious side sleeper, here are some things to consider that can help you make an informed mattress purchase.

Select a firmness level

One of the most important factors when mattress shopping as a side sleeper is the bed’s firmness level. A mattress that is too firm will create pressure points in the knees, hips and shoulders, creating an uncomfortable sleep environment.

However, a mattress that is too soft isn’t the right choice, either. These mattresses may lack the support and stability needed to keep the spine in proper alignment, which can create strain on the lower back. A medium-firm mattress is often the recommended option for side sleepers, which is available at affordable prices.

Evaluate the materials

The materials that the mattress is made of influence the bed’s overall quality and durability. The key is to find a mattress that offers great value, with quality materials available at fair prices. Specifically, you’ll want to look for models made with high-density memory foam, pocketed coils or latex. Though you can find some mattress models available at extremely low prices, this may mean they’re made with low-quality materials.

While this may seem like a fair tradeoff if you’re on a tight budget, cheap materials tend to wear out more easily, and you may end up needing to replace the mattress more quickly than if you had purchased a higher-priced and higher-quality mattress to begin with.

Take advantage of trial periods

No matter the price range, it’s always a good idea to shop for mattresses from sellers that offer a trial period. This is especially the case when you’re shopping on a budget, as you want to ensure that you’re spending your precious dollars on a mattress that you actually enjoy. Sleep trials take the pressure off the initial purchase. Even if you don’t end up liking the first mattress you pick, you’re not out hundreds or thousands of dollars while you shop for a new one.

What to Look for in an Affordable Mattress for Side Sleepers

The best mattresses for side sleepers tend to share some features in common, even the affordable models. Here’s what you’ll want to look for while you’re shopping for a lower-priced mattress:

Pressure relief

Possibly the most important mattress feature for side sleepers is pressure relief. You need a mattress that can cushion and cradle the hip, knee and shoulder joints without causing pressure buildup and discomfort. Mattresses with a thicker comfort layer at the top tend to be the best options for side sleepers, for this reason.

Support zones

A mattress with support zones provides extra cushioning in certain areas, like the hips, lumbar spine or shoulders. For a side sleeper, this feature helps to provide targeted support in the areas where they experience the most pressure. It keeps sleepers from sagging into the mattress in these areas, promoting a neutral spine position.

Durable materials

Even when you’re shopping on a budget, it’s still important to purchase mattresses made with quality, durable materials. This way, the mattress has a better chance of a longer lifespan, keeping you from needing to replace it in just a few years. Models made with high-density foam or a coil support layer tend to be more long-lasting, which helps your mattress from sagging or wearing out prematurely.

Other Things to Consider When Shopping for a Budget Mattress for Side Sleepers

Get the most value out of your budget mattress with these key considerations before you purchase:

• Warranty: Models with a warranty give you extra purchase protection against manufacturer defects and poor quality materials. Make sure to review the warranty details carefully to take full advantage.
• Customer reviews: Don’t purchase a budget-friendly mattress without first consulting customer reviews. They offer a firsthand, unbiased account of the mattress’s quality and performance. Reviews can be particularly helpful if you’re deciding between a few models and you’re unsure which one is best.
• Certifications: Look for models with popular certifications like CertiPUR-US, GREENGUARD, GOTS and OEKO-TEX Standard 100. These certifications indicate the mattress has met certain standards for organic materials, not containing harmful chemicals and having low VOC emissions.  

Mattress Firm’s Top Picks for Affordable Mattresses for Side Sleepers

At Mattress Firm, we have a wide range of mattresses for side sleepers to choose from, including hybrid models, 100% memory foam options and more.

Are there any budget-friendly options for side sleepers at Mattress Firm? There certainly are! Continue reading below to learn about our top picks for side sleepers on a tight budget.

Serta Perfect Sleeper Midsummer Nights 11” Plush Mattress

What We Like

Even with an ultra-soft sleep surface, the Serta Perfect Sleeper Midsummer Nights 11” Plush Mattress offers the right amount of support that side sleepers need to get refreshing and pain-free rest. Offering zoned comfort, 825-coil density for support and optional cooling layer upgrades, this mattress should be a top choice for any side sleeper looking to reduce pain and discomfort and stay cool throughout the night.

Not to mention, all of these incredible features are available at an excellent price, making it one of the best affordable mattresses for side sleepers with back pain.

Price

Starting at $479.20 (Limited time offer)

Features

• Plush comfort
• 11” mattress height
• Cool touch cover
• 2” PillowSoft® Aire foam
• 0.5” Gel Band support
• 8” 825 Edition Custom Support System
• 1” Serta® Balanced Support Foam

What Customers Are Saying

“Supportive and very comfortable.” – Hessam A.

“Been in need of a new mattress for a while, and I came across this one. I was intrigued because of the thickness, hoping it would give me some good support, and I’m so glad I purchased it. My back feels amazing… Comfortable with great support!” – Dominique E.

“Even more comfortable than I expected!!!” – Michael Y.

Tulo Green Tea Hybrid 12” Plush Mattress

What We Like

The Tulo Green Tea Hybrid 12” Plush Mattress is a Mattress Firm exclusive. Conveniently delivered in a box and available at a great price, this model should come at the top of your list if you’re looking for the best affordable mattress for side sleepers. The mattress is designed for freshness and relaxation, made with green tea-infused memory foam and plush comfort, making it ideal for side sleepers.

With extra foam layers for added support, this mattress effortlessly cradles the hips and shoulders to prevent painful pressure points. But, as a hybrid model, it still offers plenty of support from individually wrapped pocketed coils to keep your spine in proper alignment.

Price

Starting at $269.99 (Limited time offer)

Features

• Plush comfort
• 12” mattress height
• Green tea memory foam
• Green tea comfort foam
• HD comfort foam
• HD foam
• Individually wrapped pocketed coils

What Customers Are Saying

“Truly plush mattress. Soft enough to be comfortable yet firm enough to support the back and hips. Arrives rolled up and compressed in plastic wrap. Just requires opening the wrap, unrolling the mattress and letting it naturally inflate to normal size and firmness. Reasonable price. Recommended.” – M.W.

“This mattress is simply awesome! Inflates easily. So very comfortable and still supportive.” – Silo

“Excellent bed! It’s simple, comfortable and just what we needed. Didn’t have to spend a bunch of money to get a worthy mattress, it works!”

Beauty Sleep Midnight Dream 12.25” Medium Euro Top Mattress

What We Like

The Beauty Sleep Midnight Dream 12.25” Medium Euro Top Mattress is made with several layers of comfort foam, cooling technology and trademarked pocketed coil technology to provide all-night support to side sleepers. The medium euro top comfort is ideal for sleepers who like a happy medium between support and plush comfort.

It’s a highly versatile mattress, so it’s a great option if you share a bed with a back or stomach sleeper. One of the standout features of this bed is the AirFeel™ and AirCool® foam layers that promote better airflow to keep sleepers feeling cool and comfortable for a quality night’s rest.

Price

Starting at $379.99 (Limited time offer)

Features

• Medium comfort
• 12.25” mattress height
• AirFeel™ Foam 
• AirCool® Foam
• Medium comfort foam
• Base foam
• Firm 815 Original Beautyrest® Pocket Coils

What Customers Are Saying

“Our new mattress is certainly luxurious, but it’s also one of the most comfortable mattresses we’ve ever owned. We feel like baby bears, not too hard, not too soft, just right! Highly recommend this quality mattress.” – Tony

“This mattress is very comfortable. My back is happy.” – Dee H.

“Love my new mattress, very soft yet supportive. Great purchase.” – J.A.G.

Sleepy’s By Sealy Memory Foam Medium Mattress

What We Like

If you’re looking for the best mattress for side sleepers, check out the Sleepy’s By Sealy Memory Foam Medium Mattress. Made by trusted mattress manufacturers Sealy in collaboration with our own Sleep Experts, this mattress is exactly what you need for good, refreshing sleep. It’s intentionally made with several foam layers, including pressure-relieving gel memory foam, airflow foam for breathability and firm support foam for stability when sleeping on your side.

The mattress also includes a cooling cover to help regulate body temperature and keep you from overheating. It’s conveniently delivered in a box, so it’s easy to get set up.

Price

Starting at $399.99

Features

• Medium comfort
• 10” mattress height
• Stretch knit zipper cover
• 2.5” gel visco memory foam
• 2.5” convoluted foam
• 5” support foam

What Customers Are Saying

“Not disappointed in this and will definitely recommend to anyone looking for a good quality mattress/bed. It’s hard to get your money’s worth these days, but the folks at Mattress Firm hit the mark…” – Ronnie T.

“Affordable and comfortable. The salespeople were awesome!” – Anonymous

“So happy with this mattress! It’s so comfortable. Perfect for side sleepers like me. My shoulders are so much better after sleeping on this mattress…” – C. Anne

Sleepy’s Basic Hybrid Mattress

What We Like

If you thought you couldn’t get a hybrid mattress on a budget, then you haven’t heard about the Sleepy’s Basic Hybrid Mattress. It’s the ultimate affordable hybrid mattress model, including cradling comfort and pressure relief for proper spinal support. On top of excellent support, this mattress also features cooling technology to help regulate your body temperature and keep you feeling cool and comfortable all night long.

Plus, if you share your bed with a sleep partner, you’ll be happy to know that this mattress features motion isolation, meaning you can sleep undisturbed even if your partner tosses and turns.

Price

Starting at $399.99

Features

• Medium comfort
• 10” mattress height
• Carbide gel memory foam
• Polyurethane foam support layer
• Caliber edge pocketed coils

What Customers Are Saying

“Absolutely glorious!! No more pain in my back and shoulders. This has been a good medicine buy!” – E.M.J.

“Perfect balance of cooling memory foam with coil spring support. Great for side sleepers.” – Anonymous

“You do not need to spend an arm and a leg to get a good, comfortable mattress. This mattress is beautiful. It is very comfortable. I’m very happy.” – Anonymous

Where to Find Great Deals on Side Sleeper Mattresses

Not sure where to score the best deals on a side sleeper mattress? Here are some helpful tips on how to get the best bang for your buck:

Holiday sales

Mattress sellers are known to hold sales events throughout the year, especially around the major holidays.
Waiting until one of these events can help ensure you get the best possible price on a quality mattress. You may even get the chance to take home a mattress that would usually be out of your price range.

Some of the typical holidays with major mattress sales include:

• Presidents Day
• Memorial Day
• 4th of July
• Labor Day 
• Black Friday

Clearance events

Another option is to wait for clearance events, when it’s your last chance to purchase certain mattress models before new ones are introduced.
This is where you’ll find the steepest discounts, as the sellers attempt to clear out current inventory.

Online-exclusive events

Finally, online mattress stores may host special savings events with deals that are only available online.
Since online sellers aren’t limited to the stock that’s available at just one storefront, it’s easier for them to host flash sales and limited-time discounts based on real-time inventory levels.

During these events, you may even be able to get your hands on affordable bedding and pillows to go with your new mattress.

FAQs about Cheap Mattresses for Side Sleepers