
Best Mattress for Side Sleeper in Canada: The Complete 2025 Guide
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Time to read 20 min
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Time to read 20 min
Finding the best mattress for side sleepers can transform your nights from restless tossing to deep, restorative sleep. You need targeted pressure relief at your shoulders and hips while maintaining proper spinal alignment, a balance that requires specialized mattress construction.
We've tested and analyzed the top natural mattress options for Canadian side sleepers, focusing on sustainable materials that deliver exceptional pressure relief without compromising your health or the environment.
Mattress Model |
Type |
Firmness |
Best For |
Key Materials |
Price Range |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sombrio 7" |
All-Latex |
Medium (5) |
Lightweight side sleepers |
100% Natural Talalay Latex |
$1,400-$2,000 |
Goldstream 9" |
Hybrid Mattress |
Medium Firm (6) |
Budget-conscious buyers |
Natural latex + pocketed coils |
$1,000-$1,400 |
Cumberland 13" |
Hybrid Mattress |
Medium (5) |
Pressure relief priority |
Zoned latex + coils |
$2,100-$2,900 |
Galiano 11" |
All-Latex |
Medium-Soft (4-5) |
Pure latex lovers |
Multi-layer Talalay latex |
$2,400-$3,200 |
Nootka 12" |
Hybrid Mattress |
Medium Firm (6) |
Balanced support/comfort |
Natural latex + coils |
$1,700-$2,400 |
Qualicum 11" |
Hybrid Mattress |
Dual-Sided (5/7) |
Adjustable firmness |
Flippable design |
$1,900-$2,600 |
Marine 7" |
Custom |
Variable |
Unique spaces |
Marine-grade materials |
$1,600-$2,200 |
Best For: Lightweight to average weight side sleepers seeking pure latex comfort
Key Features:
The Sombrio embraces "beauty in simplicity" through its all-natural latex construction. This 7-inch mattress provides responsive pressure relief that instantly adapts to your body contours while maintaining buoyant support to prevent excessive sinkage. The breathable latex promotes optimal sleep temperature, while organic cotton and wool components ensure a chemical-free sleep environment.
Pros & Cons:
✓ 100% natural latex construction
✓ Excellent pressure relief
✓ Responsive, bouncy feel
✓ Chemical-free materials
✗ May feel too firm for heavier side sleepers
✗ Limited thickness may reduce pressure relief for some
Price Range: $1,400-$2,600
Best For: Budget-conscious side sleepers wanting natural materials with enhanced support
Key Features:
Our Goldstream mattress combines natural latex foam layers with individually wrapped pocketed coils for responsive support and superior airflow. The hybrid mattress design offers the pressure-relieving benefits of latex, while the coil layer ensures proper spinal alignment and temperature regulation. This mattress performs exceptionally well for Canadian side sleepers seeking natural materials at an affordable price.
Pros & Cons:
✓ Excellent value for natural materials
✓ Hybrid mattress balances comfort and support
✓ Enhanced airflow and cooling
✓ Motion isolation from pocketed coils
✗ Thinner comfort layers compared to premium models
✗ May require break-in period
Price Range: $1,000-$1,800
Best For: Side sleepers requiring maximum pressure relief and luxury comfort
Key Features:
The Cumberland mattress features our thickest comfort layer system, combining multiple foam layers of natural latex with zoned support pocket coil technology. This construction provides exceptional pressure relief for sensitive shoulders and hips while maintaining neutral spinal alignment. The zoned support system offers targeted support where you need it most, making this mattress ideal for side sleepers with specific pressure point concerns.
Pros & Cons:
✓ Maximum pressure relief with thick comfort layers
✓ Zoned support system optimizes spinal alignment
✓ Luxury construction and high-quality materials
✓ Excellent motion isolation
✗ Higher investment required
✗ May feel too soft for stomach sleepers
Price Range: $2,150-$4,250
Best For: Pure latex enthusiasts seeking premium all-natural construction
Key Features:
The Galiano mattress represents our premium all-foam bed offering, featuring multiple foam layers of natural Talalay latex with varying densities for optimal comfort and support. This construction creates natural zones that provide a softer mattress feel for pressure points while maintaining firmer support for spinal alignment. The breathable latex construction promotes excellent temperature regulation throughout the night.
Pros & Cons:
✓ Premium all-foam mattress construction
✓ Natural zoning through layer density variations
✓ Superior breathability and cooling
✓ Responsive feel facilitates easy movement
✗ Premium pricing reflects quality materials
✗ May have more bounce than some prefer
Price Range: $2,400-$4,800
Best For: Side sleepers seeking balanced comfort and support with luxury features
Key Features:
The Nootka mattress combines natural latex comfort layers with advanced pocketed coils technology for optimal pressure relief and support. The 12-inch profile provides substantial comfort layers while maintaining the structural integrity necessary for proper spinal alignment. This mattress excels in motion transfer reduction while providing the responsive support that side sleepers need for comfortable position changes.
Pros & Cons:
✓ Balanced comfort and support characteristics
✓ Substantial 12-inch profile
✓ Excellent motion isolation
✓ Natural latex with pocketed coils support
✗ Medium-firm feel may not suit all side sleepers
✗ Higher price point than entry-level options
Price Range: $1,700-$3,450
Best For: Side sleepers wanting mattress firmness, adjustability, and extended value
Key Features:
The Qualicum mattress offers unique dual-sided construction with different firmness levels on each side. One side provides medium comfort (5) ideal for side sleeping position, while the opposite side offers firm support (7) for back or stomach sleepers. This flippable design extends mattress lifespan while providing adaptability for changing comfort needs or different sleeping partners.
Pros & Cons:
✓ Dual firmness levels in one mattress
✓ Extended lifespan through flippable design
✓ Adaptability for different sleep positions
✓ Natural latex and coil construction
✗ Requires periodic flipping for optimal use
✗ May not suit sleepers with strong firmness preferences
Price Range: $1,950-$3,750
Best For: Side sleepers with unique size requirements or marine applications
Key Features:
Our custom mattress collection addresses the unique sizing needs of RVs, boats, and custom bed frames. These mattresses feature the same natural latex and organic materials as our standard models, but can be crafted to precise dimensions. The marine-grade construction ensures durability in challenging environments while providing the pressure relief that side sleepers require.
Pros & Cons:
✓ Completely customizable dimensions
✓ Marine-grade durability
✓ Natural materials throughout
✓ Specialized construction expertise
✗ Longer lead times for custom production
✗ Limited firmness options in some sizes
Price Range: $1,600-$2,200
Side sleeping creates concentrated pressure points where your body's weight focuses on specific anatomical landmarks. Research using advanced pressure mapping technology reveals that side sleepers experience peak pressure readings of 2.0-4.5 PSI at the shoulder and hip contact points, compared to 1.0-2.0 PSI for back sleepers across their entire surface area.
These pressure concentrations can restrict blood flow, compress nerve pathways, and create discomfort that leads to frequent position changes throughout the night. The key to comfortable side sleeping lies in materials that can distribute this concentrated weight across a larger surface area while maintaining structural support and relieving pressure effectively.
Studies published in sleep medicine journals demonstrate that medium to medium-firm mattress options (rated 5-6 on a firmness scale) reduce back pain by up to 50% compared to firm surfaces for side sleepers. The research utilized objective, neutral spinal alignment measurements and subjective pain assessments across diverse populations.
One landmark study tracked 300 side sleepers over 90 days, comparing their pain levels and sleep quality on different firmness levels. Participants using medium firm mattresses reported:
Proper spinal alignment during side sleeping requires a mattress that accommodates your body's natural curves while maintaining the spine's neutral position. When viewed from behind, your spine should form a straight line from neck to tailbone, while preserving the natural cervical and lumbar curves when viewed from the side.
Research using advanced motion capture technology shows that side sleepers on inappropriately firm mattresses experience spinal deviation of 15-25 degrees from neutral positioning. This misalignment creates muscle tension and joint stress that contribute to morning pain and long-term musculoskeletal issues.
Understanding the differences between Talalay and Dunlop natural latex processing helps you select the optimal comfort characteristics for your needs.
Dunlop Latex Processing:
Talalay Latex Processing:
Our Sombrio and Galiano mattresses utilize Talalay latex for its enhanced breathability and consistent feel. At the same time, the Cumberland incorporates both types strategically — Talalay for comfort layers and Dunlop for structural support.
Side sleepers face unique temperature challenges due to increased surface contact with their mattress. Natural latex maintains consistent firmness across a wide temperature range (15-30°C), unlike memory foam, which softens significantly with exposure to body heat.
Laboratory testing reveals:
This temperature stability ensures consistent pressure relief and support throughout Canadian seasonal temperature changes, from winter heating to summer humidity. Hot sleepers, in particular, benefit from this stability.
Our testing shows natural latex provides 3-4 times better airflow compared to memory foam mattresses:
This enhanced breathability prevents pressure buildup at pressure points, maintaining optimal sleep temperature for side sleepers who experience extended contact with specific mattress areas.
Individuals with lighter body weight require softer mattress options to achieve adequate pressure relief, as their body weight may not compress firmer surfaces sufficiently. Our recommendations:
Optimal Firmness: 3-5 (soft to medium)
Best Fawcett Options:
Why This Matters:
Pressure mapping studies show that lightweight side sleepers on firm mattresses experience 40-60% higher pressure readings at contact points compared to appropriate firmness levels. The softer mattress allows shoulders and hips to sink adequately while maintaining spinal alignment.
This category represents most Canadian adults and benefits from the widest range of suitable options.
Optimal Firmness: 5-6 (medium to medium firm)
Best Fawcett Options:
Performance Data:
Average-weight side sleepers achieve optimal pressure distribution (under 2.0 PSI peak pressure) with medium-firmness levels, while maintaining proper spinal alignment within 3-5 degrees of neutral positioning.
Heavier individuals require firmer support to prevent excessive sinkage, which could compromise spinal alignment.
Optimal Firmness: 6-7 (medium firm to firm)
Best Fawcett Options:
Support Requirements:
Research shows heavier side sleepers need mattresses that compress no more than 3-4 inches to maintain proper spinal positioning. Our hybrid mattress constructions with supportive coil systems provide this resistance, while natural latex layers ensure adequate pressure relief.
Zoned support recognizes that different body regions require varying levels of firmness for optimal comfort and alignment. Our Cumberland mattress incorporates this technology through strategic coil placement and variations in latex density.
Zone Configuration:
Pressure mapping reveals zoned mattresses reduce peak pressure by 35-45% compared to uniform firmness designs while improving spinal alignment scores by 28%.
Individually wrapped pocketed coils in our hybrid mattresses provide several advantages for side sleepers:
Motion Isolation: Each coil moves independently, reducing partner disturbance by up to 85% compared to traditional innerspring mattress systems.
Contouring: Individual coil response allows precise body contouring while maintaining structural support. Testing mattresses reveals a 23% improvement in pressure distribution compared to continuous coil systems.
Airflow: The open coil structure promotes airflow, maintaining a sleep temperature 2-3°C cooler than all-foam mattress constructions.
Durability: High-density foam and high-carbon steel construction maintain support characteristics for 15-20 years, far exceeding foam-only alternatives.
Solid edge support serves multiple functions for side sleepers:
Our Cumberland and Nootka models feature reinforced perimeter coils that maintain 90% of their support characteristics even at the mattress edge, compared to 60-70% for standard constructions.
Clinical studies demonstrate significant pain reduction benefits from the appropriate selection of the best mattress for side sleeper selection:
Lower Back Pain: 42% average reduction in morning stiffness scores after 4 weeks on medium-firm natural latex mattresses
Hip Pain: 38% improvement in pain levels among side sleepers with arthritis or bursitis
Shoulder Pain: 51% reduction in shoulder stiffness and discomfort ratings
Neck Pain: 29% improvement when paired with appropriate pillow selection
Objective sleep studies using polysomnography reveal measurable improvements in sleep architecture:
Deep Sleep Phases: 18% increase in slow-wave sleep duration on optimal firmness mattresses
Sleep Efficiency: 12% improvement in total sleep time vs. time in bed
Awakening Frequency: 34% reduction in micro-awakenings related to pressure points discomfort
Sleep Onset: 22% faster transition to sleep on comfortable surfaces
Neutral spinal alignment during sleep contributes to:
Canada's diverse climate requires mattresses that perform across extreme temperature variations. Our natural latex mattresses excel in this environment:
Winter Performance: Maintains consistent support in heated bedrooms (18-22°C) without becoming overly soft
Summer Adaptation: Breathable structure prevents heat buildup during humid periods (25-30°C ambient temperatures)
Transition Seasons: Stable comfort characteristics during spring and fall temperature fluctuations
Natural latex resists moisture absorption better than synthetic alternatives:
This resistance prevents material degradation and maintains hygienic sleep environments across Canada's varied humidity conditions.
Online Comparison:
While online brands offer convenience through direct-to-consumer sales, our crafted natural latex provides:
Budget Brand Analysis:
Budget brands focus on memory foam mattresses, while our approach emphasizes:
Mass Market Considerations:
Mass market zoned foam approaches attempt to replicate what natural latex achieves organically:
Natural Latex: 15-25 years with minimal compression set
Memory Foam: 6-10 years before significant softening
Polyurethane Foam: 4-8 years typical replacement cycle
Innerspring Mattress Only: 8-12 years before coil fatigue
Consider the total cost of ownership over the mattress's lifespan:
Goldstream 9" Example:
Comparable Memory Foam Mattresses:
Natural latex mattresses provide significant environmental advantages:
Your mattress works in conjunction with the proper selection of pillows to maintain cervical spine alignment. Side sleepers typically need:
Pillow Height: 4-6 inches to fill the gap between the shoulder and head
Firmness: Medium to medium firm for consistent support
Materials: Our natural latex pillows provide responsive support that adapts to your head and neck contours
Many side sleepers benefit from additional support pillows:
Beyond best mattress for side selection, optimize your sleep environment:
Medical professionals recommend side sleeping during pregnancy, particularly on the left side to optimize circulation. Our mattresses accommodate changing needs:
First Trimester: Medium firmness provides comfort without accommodation needs
Second Trimester: Enhanced pressure relief becomes important as weight increases
Third Trimester: Maximum pressure relief and edge support assist with position changes
The Cumberland's thick comfort layers and excellent edge support make it ideal for pregnant side sleepers.
As we age, joint sensitivity often increases, requiring enhanced pressure relief:
Our Qualicum flippable design addresses couples with different firmness preferences, while our custom split-firmness options provide individual comfort zones within a single mattress.
Proper care maintains optimal performance throughout your mattress's lifespan:
Rotation Schedule: Rotate latex mattresses every 3-6 months to distribute wear patterns
Foundation Requirements: Use our slatted bases for optimal support and airflow
Protection: Organic mattress protectors prevent moisture and stain damage
Climate Control: Maintain consistent bedroom temperature and humidity
Our 10-year warranty covers:
When evaluating mattress investments, consider:
Direct Costs:
Indirect Benefits:
We offer flexible payment options to make natural sleep accessible:
Our comfort exchange policy provides risk-free evaluation:
Pressure Relief
Your shoulders and hips need targeted cushioning to prevent pressure buildup that can cause pain and sleep disruption. Natural latex excels in this area through its responsive contouring properties that distribute weight evenly while maintaining supportive pushback.
Spinal Alignment
Proper firmness prevents excessive sinkage that could cause your spine to adopt unnatural curves. The ideal mattress for side sleepers allows adequate sinkage at pressure points while supporting your midsection to maintain natural spinal curvature.
Temperature Regulation
Side sleepers experience increased surface contact with their mattress, which can potentially lead to heat buildup. Our natural latex maintains optimal sleep temperature through its breathable cellular structure.
Motion Isolation
If you share your bed, motion isolation prevents your partner's movements from disrupting your sleep. Latex and pocketed coil systems excel in absorbing movement while maintaining responsive support.
Edge Support
Strong perimeter support maintains usable sleep surface across the entire mattress width while providing stability for sitting and getting in/out of bed.
Durability
Natural latex maintains its pressure-relieving properties for 15-25 years, providing consistent comfort throughout the mattress's lifespan.
All Foam Mattress Options
Pure latex construction provides consistent pressure relief and temperature regulation. Our Sombrio and Galiano models demonstrate how multiple foam layers can create natural support zones without the need for mechanical components.
Hybrid Mattresses
Combining latex comfort layers with pocketed coil support systems creates an optimal balance for side sleepers. Our hybrid collection offers enhanced airflow and structural support while maintaining pressure relief benefits.
Memory Foam Alternatives
While traditional memory foam mattresses can work for side sleepers, natural latex offers superior temperature regulation and responsiveness without the slow recovery that can make movement difficult.
Adjustable Mattresses
Our Qualicum's flippable design and custom latex configurations allow mattress firmness optimization based on individual needs and changing preferences.
Body Weight Impact
Sleep Position Habits
Combination sleepers who primarily side sleep need mattresses that accommodate occasional back or stomach sleepers' positions. Medium firmness typically provides the versatility needed for multiple positions.
Partner Considerations
Couples may benefit from our Qualicum flippable design or split-firmness options, which address different comfort preferences while maintaining reduced motion transfer.
Health Conditions
Specific conditions may require tailored approaches:
Budget Constraints
Our range spans from the value-oriented Goldstream to the luxury Cumberland, ensuring natural sleep solutions at various investment levels.
Pregnant Side Sleepers
Expectant mothers benefit from enhanced pressure relief as body weight and distribution change. Our Cumberland model's thick comfort layers provide excellent accommodation for changing needs, while strong edge support assists with position changes.
Side Sleepers with Back Pain
Medium firm support with targeted pressure relief can help manage back discomfort. The Cumberland's zoned construction addresses specific pressure points while maintaining spinal alignment, contributing to pain reduction.
Hot Sleepers
The breathable structure of natural latex, particularly in our all-latex models like the Galiano, offers superior temperature regulation compared to memory foam alternatives. The open cellular structure promotes airflow while maintaining pressure relief and keeping sleepers cool.
Lightweight Side Sleepers
Softer mattresses like our medium Sombrio provide the contouring needed when body weight isn't sufficient to compress firmer materials. The responsive nature of Talalay latex ensures immediate pressure relief.
Heavyweight Side Sleepers
Our firmer configurations prevent excessive sinkage while maintaining pressure point relief. The Cumberland's supportive coil system, paired with natural latex comfort layers, provides optimal balance for heavier individuals.
Couples with Different Preferences
The Qualicum's dual-sided design accommodates partners with different firmness preferences, while our custom split-firmness options create individual comfort zones within a single mattress.
Seniors and Joint Sensitivity
Great pressure relief becomes increasingly important with age. Our softer configurations reduce pressure on sensitive joints, while natural materials minimize concerns about chemical exposure.
Also read: Hybrid vs Innerspring Mattress
Side sleepers typically benefit from mattresses that are between 10-14 inches thick, providing adequate comfort layers for pressure relief while maintaining sufficient structural support. Our Cumberland at 13 inches represents the optimal thickness for accommodating maximum pressure points, while the Sombrio at 7 inches demonstrates that high-quality materials can provide excellent comfort even in thinner profiles.
Neither pure springs nor foam alone provides optimal support for side sleepers. Our hybrid mattress designs, which combine natural latex with pocketed coils, offer the best of both worlds — pressure relief with responsive support and enhanced airflow. The latex provides immediate contouring while coils maintain structural integrity and promote cooling mattress performance.
While these mass-market brands offer basic comfort, our handcrafted natural latex mattresses provide superior pressure relief, temperature regulation, and durability without the use of chemical treatments or synthetic materials. Natural latex maintains consistent firmness across a wide range of temperatures, unlike memory foam, which softens with heat, potentially compromising support.
Natural latex mattresses typically last 15-20 years with proper care, which is significantly longer than the lifespan of conventional mattresses. Our 10-year warranty reflects our confidence in the long-term performance and durability of our products. Signs you need replacement include permanent body impressions that are 2 inches deep or more, loss of support, or increased pain and stiffness.
Medium to medium-soft firmness (4-6 on a firmness scale) is ideal for most side sleepers, offering the necessary pressure relief while maintaining spinal alignment. Individual body weight and preferences may require adjustments within this range — lighter sleepers often prefer softer (3-5) while heavier sleepers may need firmer support (6-7).
Firm mattresses often fail to provide sufficient pressure relief for side sleepers, potentially leading to discomfort in the shoulders and hips. However, some heavier side sleepers or those with specific back conditions may benefit from firmer support when combined with softer comfort layers, like our Cumberland's design.
Natural latex sleeps cooler than memory foam due to its open-cellular structure, which promotes airflow. Talalay latex is particularly breathable, and our hybrid designs further enhance cooling through the airflow of our coil system. Side sleepers who experience heat buildup will find significant improvement with natural latex construction.
Too soft: You sink in excessively, struggle to move or get up, and experience back pain from lack of support. Too firm: Pressure points at the shoulders and hips, numbness or tingling, and morning stiffness. The ideal mattress contours to pressure points while maintaining spinal alignment.
Yes, for several reasons: 15-25 year lifespan versus 6-8 years for conventional mattresses, superior pressure relief for side sleepers, temperature regulation benefits, and chemical-free construction. The cost-per-year often equals or beats cheaper alternatives when total lifespan is considered.
Talalay offers more consistent density, enhanced breathability, and softer pressure relief — ideal for comfort layers. Dunlop provides greater density and support, better suited for foundation layers. Our mattresses strategically use both types to optimize performance for side sleepers.
Selecting the best mattress for side sleepers requires striking a balance between pressure relief and proper support, which can be achieved through the use of high-quality natural materials and thoughtful construction. Science favours medium to medium-firm natural latex mattresses for optimal pressure distribution and spinal alignment, with specific firmness adjustments tailored to your body weight and individual preferences.
Our extensive research and testing confirm that natural latex hybrid mattresses provide superior performance compared to memory foam mattresses or traditional innerspring alternatives for side sleepers. The responsive contouring, temperature regulation, and durability benefits make these mattresses excellent long-term investments in your sleep health. Whether you choose our value-oriented Goldstream for exceptional natural materials at accessible pricing or invest in the luxury Cumberland for maximum pressure relief and comfort, you're investing in decades of restorative sleep.
The 100-night comfort exchange ensures you find your perfect match, while our 10-year warranty provides protection for your investment. Ready to experience the difference that crafted natural sleep can make? Explore our comprehensive mattress collection to find your ideal solution for side sleepers, or visit our showroom locations to experience these exceptional mattresses in person.
Citations:
[1] https://naplab.com/best-mattress/best-mattress-for-side-sleepers/
[2] https://www.sleepfoundation.org/best-mattress/best-mattress-for-side-sleepers
[3] https://amerisleep.com/blog/what-is-the-best-type-of-mattress-and-firmness-for-side-sleepers/
[4] https://slumber.ca/best-mattress-for-side-sleepers-canada/
[5] https://sleepopolis.com/best-mattress/best-latex-mattress/
The Author: Duane Franklin
Co-Founder
A mattress maker since the age of 18, Duane honed his skills under the guidance of a master craftsman and gradually earned a reputation as Victoria's premier mattress maker. Through his experience and direct engagement with customers, he arrived at a valuable understanding of the perfect materials and methods for mattress making. Soon after, he met Ross and Fawcett Mattress was born.