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Comfortable mattress for side sleepers in Ireland
Updated January 2026

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers in Ireland (2026)

Expert-tested mattresses that cushion your shoulders and hips while keeping your spine aligned — from Irish-made hybrids to premium memory foam options available nationwide.

Jump to our picks

Side sleeping is the most common sleeping position in Ireland, with research suggesting over 60% of adults prefer this posture. While side sleeping offers benefits for digestion and reduced snoring, it places unique demands on your mattress. The wrong mattress can cause pressure build-up at the shoulders and hips, leading to morning stiffness, numbness, and even chronic pain. We've evaluated the leading mattresses available to Irish buyers specifically for side sleeper comfort — considering pressure relief, spinal alignment, and the softer-yet-supportive feel that side sleepers require. Every mattress featured delivers to addresses across Ireland with verified availability.

Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you purchase through links on this page. This doesn't affect our picks or editorial independence.

What Makes a Mattress Ideal for Side Sleepers?

Side sleeping places specific demands on your mattress — here's what to prioritise when shopping.

Pressure Relief at Shoulders & Hips

Side sleepers concentrate body weight on two main areas — shoulders and hips. Look for mattresses with responsive foam or soft-top layers that allow these pressure points to sink in comfortably without creating tension. Memory foam and latex excel at distributing this weight evenly.

Medium to Medium-Soft Firmness

Unlike back sleepers who need firmer support, side sleepers typically benefit from medium (5-6) to medium-soft (4-5) firmness on a 10-point scale. This allows your curves to be cradled while maintaining spinal alignment. Too firm creates painful pressure points; too soft causes misalignment.

Zoned Support for Spinal Alignment

The best side sleeper mattresses feature different firmness zones — softer at the shoulders to allow them to sink, and firmer around the hips and lumbar region to prevent excessive sagging. This keeps your spine in a neutral, horizontal position throughout the night.

Adequate Depth for Contouring

Side sleepers need mattresses with sufficient comfort layers — typically at least 7-10cm of foam or latex above the support core. Thinner comfort layers won't provide enough cushioning for your shoulders and hips to sink in properly without hitting the firmer base beneath.

Why Side Sleepers Need Different Mattresses

When you sleep on your side, your body's weight is concentrated on a much smaller surface area compared to back or stomach sleeping. Your shoulder and hip bones — rather than the broader expanse of your back — bear the brunt of supporting your body weight. Without adequate cushioning, this leads to restricted blood flow, pressure pain, and the tendency to toss and turn searching for comfort.

Research from sleep science centres confirms that side sleepers benefit most from mattresses rated medium to medium-soft in firmness, with substantial pressure-relieving top layers. The goal is a mattress that feels supportive yet allows your body's natural curves to be accommodated without creating gaps beneath your waist or forcing your spine into misalignment.

Our 2026 Side Sleeper Mattress Picks for Ireland

Independently researched — the best mattresses for side sleepers available to Irish buyers, from budget-friendly hybrids to premium pressure-relief specialists.

Select up to 3 mattresses to compare side-by-side

Emma Hybrid PremiumBest Overall for Side Sleepers

Emma Hybrid Premium

The gold standard for Irish side sleepers — Halo Memory Foam gently cradles shoulders and hips while zoned pocket springs maintain perfect spinal alignment throughout the night.

Why We Like It

  • Halo Memory Foam conforms to your shoulder and hip curves for targeted pressure relief
  • Zoned pocket spring system provides softer cushioning at shoulders, firmer at hips
  • HRX Supreme foam base prevents excessive sinking while maintaining comfort
  • 200-night home trial gives you ample time to assess side sleeping comfort
  • Assembled in Ireland with Dublin-manufactured foam layers

Best For

  • Side sleepers of all body types
  • Those wanting premium pressure relief
  • Couples (excellent motion isolation)

Not Ideal For

  • Those preferring a very firm feel
  • Strict budget shoppers

Key Specs

Firmness:Medium (5/10)
Type:Hybrid (Foam + Springs)
Support:Zoned Pocket Springs
Sizes:Single to Super King
Trial:200 nights
Price:€€€
See Price at Emma Sleep
DFI Gelflex 3000Best Value for Side Sleepers

DFI Gelflex 3000

Irish-made hybrid that punches well above its price point — ActiMax and Zero G micro pocket springs combined with G5 Comfort Gel deliver exceptional pressure relief at a fraction of premium prices.

Why We Like It

  • G5 Comfort Gel top layer moulds to your curves for personalised pressure relief
  • ActiMax and Zero G dual pocket spring system adapts to different body zones
  • Medium firmness ideal for the majority of side sleepers
  • 100% Irish made in Co. Tyrone with free nationwide delivery
  • 10-year manufacturer warranty with old mattress collection service

Best For

  • Budget-conscious side sleepers
  • Those supporting Irish manufacturing
  • Average-weight sleepers

Not Ideal For

  • Those wanting ultra-plush feel
  • Very heavy individuals (130kg+)

Key Specs

Firmness:Medium
Type:Hybrid (Gel + Pocket Springs)
Support:Dual Pocket Spring
Sizes:Single to Super King
Trial:Contact for details
Price:€€
See Price at DFI Beds
TEMPUR Original SupremeBest Premium Option

TEMPUR Original Supreme

NASA-developed TEMPUR material provides the ultimate in pressure relief — your shoulders and hips sink into perfectly conforming support that eliminates pressure points entirely.

Why We Like It

  • Genuine TEMPUR material provides unmatched pressure point elimination
  • Body-conforming support moulds precisely to shoulder and hip curves
  • Exceptional durability — maintains pressure relief properties for years
  • Available to try at Dreams Ireland, Arnotts, and Harvey Norman
  • 10-year warranty with proven long-term performance

Best For

  • Those with chronic shoulder/hip pain
  • Quality-focused buyers
  • Side sleepers wanting maximum pressure relief

Not Ideal For

  • Budget shoppers
  • Those who prefer responsive/bouncy feel

Key Specs

Firmness:Medium to Medium-Firm
Type:TEMPUR Memory Foam
Support:Full Body Contouring
Sizes:Single to Super King
Trial:30 days (retailer dependent)
Price:€€€€
See Price at Dreams Ireland
King Koil Extended Life IntenseBest Irish-Made Side Sleeper

King Koil Extended Life Intense

Handcrafted in Kilcullen, Co. Kildare with side sleepers specifically in mind — medium firmness with enhanced shoulder zone cushioning endorsed by the International Chiropractors Association.

Why We Like It

  • ICA endorsed design developed with chiropractor input for spinal health
  • Medium firmness specifically suited to side sleeping position
  • Pocketed springs with Chirospan posturisation adapts to your curves
  • Made in Ireland since 1982 with decades of sleep expertise
  • Available at furniture retailers nationwide for in-store testing

Best For

  • Those wanting to try before buying
  • Supporters of Irish manufacturing
  • Side sleepers needing spinal support

Not Ideal For

  • Those wanting memory foam feel
  • Online-only shoppers

Key Specs

Firmness:Medium
Type:Pocket Spring
Support:Chirospan Zoned
Sizes:Single to Super King
Trial:Varies by retailer
Price:€€€
See Price at Meubles
Emma Hybrid OriginalBest Budget Choice

Emma Hybrid Original

Emma's most affordable hybrid brings excellent side sleeper comfort to a lower price point — Airgocell foam and pocket springs provide the pressure relief side sleepers need without breaking the bank.

Why We Like It

  • Airgocell foam layer provides immediate pressure relief at shoulders
  • Zoned pocket spring base supports hips while cradling lighter areas
  • Medium-firm feel works well for side and combination sleepers
  • 200-night trial with free delivery and returns across Ireland
  • Starting from €239 with Klarna payment options available

Best For

  • First-time mattress buyers
  • Side sleepers on a budget
  • Combination sleepers

Not Ideal For

  • Those wanting ultra-plush softness
  • Heavy side sleepers (120kg+)

Key Specs

Firmness:Medium-Firm (6/10)
Type:Hybrid (Foam + Springs)
Support:Zoned Pocket Springs
Sizes:Single to Super King
Trial:200 nights
Price:€
See Price at Emma Sleep
Silentnight Geltex UltraBest Cooling for Side Sleepers

Silentnight Geltex Ultra

Geltex technology combines pressure relief with exceptional breathability — ideal for side sleepers who tend to overheat, with the open-cell structure allowing constant airflow.

Why We Like It

  • Geltex comfort layer provides pressure relief with superior airflow
  • Open-cell foam structure prevents heat build-up common in side sleeping
  • Mirapocket springs respond independently to your body's curves
  • Which? Best Buy award winning comfort and support
  • Available at Dreams Ireland, DFS Ireland, and Very Ireland

Best For

  • Hot sleepers who favour side position
  • Those wanting cooling + pressure relief
  • Award-seekers (Which? Best Buy)

Not Ideal For

  • Those wanting memory foam hug
  • Budget shoppers

Key Specs

Firmness:Medium
Type:Geltex + Pocket Springs
Support:Mirapocket Zoned
Sizes:Single to Super King
Trial:Varies by retailer
Price:€€€
See Price at Dreams Ireland

Understanding Side Sleeping and Mattress Choice

Learn why your sleeping position matters when choosing a mattress and how the right choice transforms your sleep quality.

Why Side Sleeping Demands Different Support

Side sleeping is the most popular position in Ireland, with studies indicating that approximately 60-70% of adults spend the majority of their sleep time on their side. While this position offers benefits including reduced snoring, improved digestion, and potentially better brain health, it creates unique challenges for your mattress.

The Physics of Side Sleeping: When lying on your side, your body weight concentrates on just two main contact points — your shoulder and your hip. These areas bear significantly more pressure per square centimetre than when sleeping on your back, where weight distributes across a much larger surface area. Without adequate cushioning, blood flow restricts, nerves compress, and you'll find yourself constantly repositioning throughout the night.

Signs Your Mattress Isn't Right for Side Sleeping

Many Irish side sleepers struggle with mattresses that were designed primarily for back or stomach sleepers. If any of these symptoms sound familiar, your mattress may not be providing the pressure relief your sleeping position requires.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

  • • Shoulder pain or stiffness upon waking
  • • Hip discomfort that eases after getting up
  • • Numbness or tingling in arms during the night
  • • Constant need to change positions
  • • Waking with lower back pain despite side sleeping
  • • Feeling unrested despite adequate sleep hours

Finding Your Ideal Firmness Level

Side sleepers generally require softer mattresses than back or stomach sleepers, but the ideal firmness also depends on your body weight. Here's how to find your sweet spot:

Lighter Sleepers (<65kg)

Firmness: Soft to Medium-Soft (3-5/10)

Lighter individuals don't compress mattresses as much, so they need softer surfaces to allow adequate sinking at pressure points. Too firm and you'll feel like you're sleeping on top of the mattress rather than in it.

Average Weight (65-100kg)

Firmness: Medium-Soft to Medium (4-6/10)

This is where most mattress firmness ratings are calibrated. A medium feel typically provides the ideal balance of pressure relief at shoulders and hips while maintaining adequate support for your spine.

Heavier Sleepers (>100kg)

Firmness: Medium to Medium-Firm (5-7/10)

Heavier individuals compress mattresses more deeply. A slightly firmer mattress prevents excessive sinking that could throw spinal alignment off while still providing necessary cushioning.

Where to Shop for Side Sleeper Mattresses in Ireland

Online with Home Trials

  • Emma Sleep Ireland — 200-night trial, free delivery and returns
  • DFI Beds — Irish-made, free nationwide delivery

In-Store Testing

  • Dreams Ireland — TEMPUR, Silentnight showrooms
  • Meubles, Michael Murphy — King Koil specialists
  • Harvey Norman, Arnotts — Multiple brands

Testing Tips for Side Sleepers:

  • • Lie in your typical side sleeping position for at least 10-15 minutes
  • • Check that your spine remains horizontal — have someone observe or use a mirror
  • • Pay attention to pressure at your shoulder — it should sink in comfortably
  • • Your waist should feel supported, not sagging into a gap

Don't Forget Your Pillow

Even the best mattress for side sleepers won't perform optimally without the right pillow. Side sleeping creates a gap between your head and the mattress that needs filling to keep your cervical spine aligned with the rest of your back.

✓ Side Sleeper Pillow Needs

  • • Higher loft (thickness) than back sleeper pillows
  • • Firm enough to maintain height through the night
  • • Fills the gap between shoulder and head completely
  • • Consider a knee pillow for hip alignment

✗ Common Pillow Mistakes

  • • Using a thin pillow designed for back sleeping
  • • Stacking multiple flat pillows (creates neck strain)
  • • Down pillows that compress too much overnight
  • • Ignoring pillow height when mattress firmness changes

Related Guides

Explore our other resources to optimise your sleep setup:

Best Pillows in IrelandMattress Firmness GuideBest Mattresses in Ireland (Complete Guide)Best Mattress for CouplesBest Mattress for Back PainComplete Mattress Buying Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about choosing mattresses for side sleepers in Ireland.

Our Testing Methodology

Our side sleeper mattress recommendations are based on extensive research combining pressure relief testing, spinal alignment analysis, verified Irish customer reviews from confirmed side sleepers, and hands-on evaluation where possible. We prioritise mattresses specifically designed for lateral sleeping over generic options.

  • Pressure relief at shoulders and hips specifically evaluated
  • Spinal alignment in side sleeping position assessed
  • Irish availability confirmed with multiple purchase options
  • Customer reviews from verified side sleepers analysed
  • Firmness ratings cross-referenced with body weight suitability
  • Trial periods and warranty terms verified for Irish buyers
  • Price points confirmed in Euros from Irish sources
  • Updated regularly to reflect current availability

A Note on Individual Preferences

While these mattresses represent our best picks for side sleepers based on objective criteria, individual comfort preferences vary significantly. Factors including your exact body weight, whether you sleep predominantly on one side or alternate, any existing pain conditions, and personal firmness preferences all influence which mattress will feel best to you.

This is why we strongly recommend taking advantage of trial periods — there's no substitute for testing a mattress in your own home, in your typical sleeping position, over several weeks. Most of our recommended mattresses offer trials of 100-200 nights, giving you ample opportunity to ensure the mattress truly suits your side sleeping needs.