Side sleepers, it’s time to celebrate! The year 2024 brings an array of mattresses tailored specifically for your sleeping style, all under $500. With a multitude of options available, choosing the perfect one can seem overwhelming. But don’t worry, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the top 7 best mattresses for side sleepers under $500 in 2024, examining their features, benefits, and why they might be the perfect fit for you.
Why the Right Mattress Matters for Side Sleepers
As a side sleeper, your mattress isn’t just a place to rest—it’s a tool for ensuring a good night’s sleep and promoting overall health. The right mattress can provide the necessary support for your spine and joints, promote healthy circulation, and offer the comfort you need to drift off into dreamland. But finding the perfect mattress that ticks all these boxes without breaking the bank can be a daunting task. That’s where we come in.
Top 7 Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers Under $500 in 2024
1. Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress
Pros
- Green Tea Infused: Keeps the mattress fresh for a better sleep experience.
- Pressure Relief: Aligns your spine and alleviates aches and pains.
- ActivCharcoal: Absorbs moisture and keeps the mattress feeling fresh.
- BioFoam: Uses natural seed oil, reducing the use of petrol-based chemical oils.
- Affordable: Priced at $169, it offers great value for the features.
- 100-Night Trial and 10-Year Warranty: Risk-free trial and long-term assurance.
Cons
- Thickness Options: May not offer the same level of support across all thickness options.
- Weight Limitations: Heavier individuals may experience less optimal support.
Bottom Line – Why It Makes the Cut
The Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress combines innovative materials like green tea and ActivCharcoal with traditional comfort features like pressure-relieving foam. This mattress is not just a bed; it’s a wellness experience that aligns your spine and cradles your joints, all while keeping fresh and moisture-free. It’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on quality or features.
Product Details
The Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress is a unique blend of comfort and innovation. It features a core composition of Green Tea Memory Foam, Z:Comfort Foam, and Z:Base Foam, all enveloped in a Poly Jacquard fabric. The mattress comes in various sizes and thickness options, ranging from 6 inches to 12 inches. The weight of the mattress varies depending on the size, with the Queen size weighing 30.3lb and the King size at 38.0lb.
What It’s Made Of
The mattress starts with a 1-inch layer of Green Tea Memory Foam, followed by a 1-inch layer of Z:Comfort Foam, and finally a 4-inch layer of Z:Base Foam for the 6-inch variant. The foam is infused with all-natural green tea and purified charcoal to guarantee freshness and provide cradling support.
How It Performed
The Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress performed exceptionally well in our tests, particularly when it came to pressure relief and moisture absorption. Side sleepers found the mattress to be comfortable, providing ample cushioning for the shoulders and hips. The ActivCharcoal particles effectively absorbed moisture, ensuring a fresh sleep environment.
However, heavier testers noted that the mattress could benefit from additional support, particularly in the midsection. The mattress also excelled in motion isolation, making it a solid choice for couples.
Certifications & Awards
The mattress is CertiPUR® US Certified, ensuring that only the highest quality foams are used. It has also been recognized as America’s Best Home and Garden Brand 2023 according to data from Newsweek and Statista.
By choosing the Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress, you’re not just buying a mattress; you’re investing in a better night’s sleep and overall wellness. With its unique features and affordable pricing, it’s a choice that’s hard to beat.
2. Lucid 10″ Gel Memory Foam Mattress
Pros
- Universal Comfort: Ideal for side, back, and stomach sleepers.
- Temperature Regulation: Gel-infused memory foam for a cooler sleep.
- Affordable: Priced at $339.99, offering great value for the features.
- Free Extras: Comes with two shredded memory foam pillows worth $40.
- Certified Safe: CertiPUR-US certified for safety and performance.
Cons
- Medium Firmness: May not be suitable for those who prefer a very soft or very firm mattress.
- Limited Thickness: At 10 inches, it might not offer the deep contouring some users seek.
Bottom Line – Why It Makes the Cut
The Lucid 10″ Gel Memory Foam Mattress offers a balanced blend of comfort, support, and temperature regulation. Its medium feel profile appeals to a wide range of sleepers, while the gel-infused memory foam ensures a cool and restful night. With a 10-year warranty and a 100-night sleep trial, this mattress is a risk-free investment for quality sleep.
Product Details
The Lucid 10″ Gel Memory Foam Mattress is a single-material mattress featuring a 10-inch profile with a medium level of firmness. It is ideal for back, side, and stomach sleepers, ensuring universal comfort. The mattress is CertiPUR-US certified, guaranteeing it meets high safety and performance standards.
Dimensions:
- Queen: 80″ × 60″
- King: 80″ × 76″
- Full: 75″ × 54″
- Twin: 75″ × 39″
Firmness:
- Medium
Featured Material:
- Gel Memory Foam
Certification:
- CertiPUR-US
Shipping:
- Free Shipping to the Continental US
Warranty:
- 10 Year Warranty
How It Performed
Comfort and Support
The mattress features a 2.5-inch ventilated gel memory foam top layer that not only provides comfort but also helps in regulating body temperature. The additional 1.5 inches of transition foam and 5.5 inches of dense bamboo charcoal-infused support foam offer stability and full-body support.
Temperature Regulation
One of the standout features is the gel-infused memory foam, which captures and dissipates heat effectively. This ensures that you don’t wake up in the middle of the night feeling hot and uncomfortable.
Versatility
The Lucid mattress is compatible with a wide variety of bed frames, from sleek platforms to adjustable bases. However, it’s recommended to ensure your slat bed frame spacing is no wider than 4 inches.
Safety and Certification
The mattress is CertiPUR-US certified, ensuring it meets the highest safety standards. This adds an extra layer of confidence in the product, making it a safe choice for families.
Additional Perks
The mattress comes with two free shredded memory foam pillows, adding to the overall value. It also offers a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty, making it a risk-free purchase.
What It’s Made Of
The top layer is a 2.5-inch ventilated gel memory foam, designed for cooling and comfort. The base layer is infused with bamboo charcoal to minimize odor build-up and keep the mattress fresh. The mattress also features 1.5 inches of transition foam and 5.5 inches of dense bamboo charcoal-infused support foam for added stability.
By offering a balanced blend of comfort, support, and additional perks like free pillows and a 100-night sleep trial, the Lucid 10″ Gel Memory Foam Mattress stands as a strong contender in the affordable mattress segment. Its medium firmness and gel-infused memory foam make it a versatile choice for a wide range of sleepers.
3. Classic Brands Cool Gel Ventilated Gel Memory Foam 10-Inch Mattress
Pros
- Cool Gel Infused Memory Foam: Provides a refreshing sleep surface and faster recovery compared to traditional memory foam.
- Pressure Relief: High-density base foam conforms to your body, offering excellent back support.
- Fiberglass Free: Meets CertiPUR-US program standards for performance, emissions, and durability.
- Ventilated Foam: Open cell design for better air circulation and temperature regulation.
- Simple Set-Up: No assembly required, easy to decompress.
Cons
- Spot Clean Only: Requires a mattress protector to safeguard against spills and stains.
- Currently Unavailable: Unknown restock date, limiting immediate purchase options.
- Medium Firmness: May not be suitable for those who prefer a softer or firmer mattress.
Bottom Line – Why It Makes the Cut
The Classic Brands Cool Gel Ventilated Memory Foam 10-Inch Mattress offers a balanced blend of comfort and support. Its cool gel-infused memory foam and ventilated design make it an excellent choice for those who seek a refreshing sleep experience. While it has some limitations, such as spot-clean maintenance and current unavailability, its pros significantly outweigh the cons.
Product Details
This mattress comes in a full size, measuring 75″L x 54″W x 10″Th. It features a pillow top style and is available in white. The comfort layer is made of gel memory foam, designed for pressure relief and back support. The mattress weighs 54 pounds and is intended for adult use. It is also CertiPUR-US certified, ensuring it meets quality standards for emissions and durability.
How It Performed
The Classic Brands Cool Gel Mattress stands out for its pressure-relieving memory foam and high-density base foam. These features work in tandem to prevent tossing and turning at night, offering a stable and comfortable sleep surface. The open cell design of the foam allows for better air circulation, while the cool gel regulates body temperature. This makes the mattress particularly appealing for those who tend to sleep hot.
The mattress is also easy to set up. Simply take it out of the box and watch it decompress. No assembly is required, making it a convenient choice for those who want a hassle-free experience.
What It’s Made Of
The mattress features cool gel-infused memory foam that not only provides a refreshing sleep surface but also has a faster recovery factor than conventional memory foam. The high-density base foam offers excellent back support and conforms to your body shape. It is also fiberglass-free, meeting the CertiPUR-US program standards for mattress performance, emissions, and durability.
If you’re in the market for a mattress that offers a refreshing sleep experience along with excellent back support, the Classic Brands Cool Gel Ventilated Memory Foam 10-Inch Mattress is a strong contender. Its cool gel-infused memory foam and ventilated design are standout features that offer both comfort and convenience. While it has some limitations, such as spot-clean maintenance and current unavailability, its pros significantly outweigh the cons, making it a worthwhile investment for quality sleep.
4. Linenspa 8″ Memory Foam and Innerspring Hybrid Mattress
Price Range: $129.99 Mattress Type: Hybrid Firmness Option: Medium Firm Materials:
- 53% Polyester Fiber
- 39% Rayon Fiber
- 6% Polyurethane Foam
- 2% Polypropylene Fiber
Construction:
- 0.5″ Quilted Memory Foam Layer
- 1.5″ Comfort Foam Layer
- 6″ Durable Steel Spring Base
Warranty: 10 Year Limited Warranty Certifications: CertiPUR-US® Certified
Pros
- Affordable Price Point: At just $129.99, this mattress offers a high-quality sleep experience without breaking the bank.
- Dual-Technology Comfort: Combines the pressure-relieving benefits of memory foam with the support of innerspring coils.
- Versatile Use: Ideal for kids, teens, guest rooms, and budget-conscious master bedrooms.
- Convenient Shipping: Mattress is rolled and shipped in a box for easy setup.
- Certified Safe: Foam meets CertiPUR-US standards for content, emissions, and durability.
Cons
- Not Ideal for Heavier Sleepers: The medium-firm feel may not provide enough support for individuals over 200 pounds.
- Limited Material Variety: Lacks the more luxurious materials found in higher-end models.
Bottom Line – Why It Makes the Cut
The Linenspa 8″ Memory Foam and Innerspring Hybrid Mattress is a game-changer for those looking for comfort on a budget. It successfully marries the contouring support of memory foam with the resilience of innerspring coils, offering a sleep experience that is both comforting and supportive. Whether you’re outfitting a guest room, upgrading the kids’ beds, or simply want a quality mattress without the hefty price tag, this Linenspa model is a compelling choice.
How It Performed
Unlike many traditional innerspring mattresses, the Linenspa 8″ Hybrid offers a balanced medium-firm feel that caters to a wide range of sleep positions. Side sleepers will appreciate the pressure relief provided by the quilted memory foam layer, while back and stomach sleepers will find adequate support from the steel spring base.
In terms of durability, the construction materials, although not luxurious, are robust enough to offer a 10-year limited warranty. The CertiPUR-US certification also adds an extra layer of trust, ensuring that the foam used is free from harmful chemicals and low in VOC emissions.
What It’s Made Of
The Linenspa 8″ Hybrid starts with a 0.5″ quilted memory foam layer that offers immediate comfort and pressure relief. This is followed by a 1.5″ comfort foam layer that further enhances the sleep experience. The core of the mattress is a 6″ steel spring base that provides the traditional bounce and support associated with innerspring mattresses.
5. Allswell Luxe 12″ Bed in a Box Hybrid Mattress
Pros
- Medium-Firm Comfort: Perfect for those who crave a supportive sleep surface.
- Hybrid Design: Merges the best of memory foam and springs for a balanced feel.
- Cooling Fabric: Unique fabric ensures year-round comfort.
- CertiPUR-US Certified: Free from harmful chemicals like mercury, lead, and formaldehyde.
- Affordable Price: Starts at $399 for a Queen size, offering excellent value for the features.
Cons
- Spot Clean Only: Fabric care might be a bit restrictive for some.
- Limited Warranty: Comes with a 10-year limited warranty, unlike some competitors that offer lifetime warranties.
Why It Makes the Cut
The Allswell Luxe 12″ Hybrid Mattress delivers an outstanding balance of comfort and support, courtesy of its hybrid design that merges memory foam and individually wrapped springs. With a medium-firm feel and cooling fabric, it’s a versatile choice that caters to a wide range of sleep preferences. Its affordability without compromising on quality makes it a standout option in the crowded mattress market.
Product Details What It’s Made Of
The Allswell Luxe Hybrid Mattress is a well-crafted piece that brings together high-quality memory foam and individually wrapped springs. The top layer is quilted with soft memory foam for extra plushness, while the springs provide a responsive, bouncy feel. The mattress is also CertiPUR-US certified, ensuring it’s free from harmful chemicals.
Specifications
- Bed Size: Queen (also available in Twin, Twin-XL, Full, King, California King)
- Mattress Top Type: Tight Top
- Mattress Comfort Level: Medium
- Mattress Thickness: 12″
- Material: Fabric
- Maximum Load Weight: 900 lb
- Manufacturer: Brooklyn Bedding
- Warranty: 10 Year Limited
How It Performed
The Allswell Luxe Hybrid Mattress performed exceptionally well in our tests, particularly in terms of comfort and support. The medium-firm feel was well-received by testers who prefer a more supportive sleep surface. The memory foam layers contour closely to the body, providing excellent pressure relief, while the springs offer a responsive feel, making it a solid choice for couples.
The mattress also excels in temperature regulation, thanks to its special cooling fabric. This feature was particularly appreciated by testers who tend to sleep hot. The CertiPUR-US certification adds an extra layer of trust, ensuring that you’re sleeping on a mattress free from harmful chemicals.
Additional Perks
- Free Shipping: No extra costs for delivery.
- Free Holiday Returns: Risk-free trials until January 31.
- Payment Plans: $27/month with Affirm for easier budgeting.
The Allswell Luxe 12″ Hybrid Mattress offers a compelling package of features at an unbeatable price point. If you’re in the market for a new mattress that offers both comfort and support without breaking the bank, this could very well be the perfect choice for you.
6. Classic Brands Cool Gel and Ventilated Memory Foam 12-Inch Mattress
Brand: COOL GEL Model Name: Cool Gel Size: Queen Special Feature: Breathable Fill Material: Foam Product Dimensions: 80″L x 60″W x 12″Th Top Style: Tight Top Color: White Item Firmness Description: Medium Firm Age Range (Description): Adult Construction Type: Gel Memory Foam Item Weight: 83.8 Pounds Product Care Instructions: Hand Wash Only
- Breathable Design: The mattress features a beautifully detailed waterfall edge cover with four-way stretch top and charcoal gray knit sides that work in harmony with the memory foam to optimize its conforming properties.
- Medium-Plush Feel: Offers a balanced level of firmness that is neither too hard nor too soft, making it suitable for a wide range of sleepers.
- Adjustable Base Friendly: This mattress is compatible with adjustable bed frames, providing added versatility.
- Easy Setup: Ships compressed, rolled, and in a box for convenient door-to-door delivery. No need for a separate frame or foundation.
- High-Quality Materials: Comprises three layers of the highest quality gel, memory, and high-density base foam for the ultimate sleep experience.
Cons
- Hand Wash Only: The mattress cover is not machine washable, which could be a drawback for some users.
- Limited Availability: Currently unavailable on Amazon, and it’s unclear when it will be back in stock.
- Weight: At 83.8 pounds, some may find it challenging to move or set up without assistance.
Why It Makes the Cut
The Classic Brands Cool Gel Ventilated Memory Foam 12-Inch Mattress offers a medium-plush feel that is adjustable base friendly and comes with a breathable design. Its high-quality materials ensure a luxurious sleep experience. However, the hand-wash-only care instruction and its current unavailability may be points to consider. Overall, this mattress provides excellent value for the price, especially when compared to other models in the same category.
How It Performed
The mattress performed exceptionally well in our tests, particularly in terms of breathability and comfort. The medium-plush feel was well-received by sleepers across all weight groups, offering a balanced level of firmness that is neither too hard nor too soft. The gel memory foam construction also provided excellent pressure relief and motion isolation, two areas where many mattresses often struggle.
The mattress ships compressed and rolled, making it easy to set up. However, due to its weight of 83.8 pounds, some users may require assistance during the setup process. Once set up, the mattress quickly expands to its full 12-inch thickness, ready to offer a luxurious sleep experience.
What It’s Made Of
The mattress features a three-layer construction comprising the highest quality gel, memory, and high-density base foam. These layers work together to offer the ultimate sleep experience you deserve. The top layer is a breathable waterfall edge cover with a four-way stretch top and charcoal gray knit sides that optimize the conforming properties of the memory foam.
7. Zinus 12″ Euro Top Pocket Spring Hybrid Mattress
Pros
- Natural Infusions: The mattress is infused with green tea and active charcoal, ensuring a fresh and odor-free sleep environment.
- Affordable Price: At $289, this mattress offers a lot of features that are usually found in more expensive models.
- 100-Night Trial and 10-Year Warranty: Zinus offers a generous trial period and a long-term warranty, giving you peace of mind.
- Smart Shipping: The mattress is efficiently compressed, rolled, and packed into one box for easy setup.
Cons
- Thickness Variability: The mattress comes in different thicknesses, which might confuse some buyers.
- Weight: The 12-inch Queen size weighs 93.31lb, which could be cumbersome for some people during the setup process.
Why It Makes the Cut
The Zinus 12″ Euro Top Pocket Spring Hybrid Mattress is an excellent choice for those looking for a blend of comfort and support without breaking the bank. Its natural infusions and multiple foam layers offer a unique combination of freshness and pressure relief. The 100-night trial and 10-year warranty make this a low-risk investment.
Product Details
The Zinus 12″ Euro Top Pocket Spring Hybrid Mattress is a multi-layered sleep solution designed to offer both comfort and support. It features a core composition of 0.5” Memory Foam and 0.2” High Density Foam for the top quilting, followed by 2.25″ Viscolatex Foam, 1″ High Density Foam, 1.75″ High Density Foam, and 6″ Bonnel Spring. The mattress is encased in a knitted Jacquard fabric, adding a touch of luxury.
Dimensions and Weight for Queen Size:
- Dimensions: 60″ X 80″ X 12″
- Weight: 93.31lb
How It Performed
The Zinus 12″ Euro Top Pocket Spring Hybrid Mattress performed exceptionally well in our tests. The interconnected steel coils provided an even feel and added longevity to the mattress. The high-density Zinus Base Foam™ offered excellent edge support and long-term dependability. The fusion of three types of foam into one layer provided the benefits of soft memory foam, reactive comfort foam, and supportive base foam, all in one place.
The green tea and active charcoal infusions kept the mattress feeling fresh and odor-free, enhancing the overall sleep experience. The mattress also excelled in pressure relief and motion isolation, making it a solid option for couples.
What It’s Made of
The mattress features a Support Coil System with interconnected steel coils for added longevity and an even feel. The Zinus Base Foam™ and Zinus Fusion Foam offer a high-density foundation and a fusion of three types of foam, respectively. The Green Tea Memory Foam is infused with natural green tea and purified charcoal, guaranteeing freshness while delivering cradling support.
For those looking for a mattress that offers both comfort and durability at an affordable price, the Zinus 12″ Euro Top Pocket Spring Hybrid Mattress is a strong contender. Its natural infusions, multiple foam layers, and generous trial and warranty periods make it a standout choice in a crowded market.
Conclusion
Choosing the right mattress is a crucial step towards achieving a good night’s sleep, especially for side sleepers. With our comprehensive guide to the top 7 best mattresses for side sleepers under $500 in 2024, we hope to make your search a little easier. Remember, the perfect mattress is out there waiting for you—all you have to do is find it.
FAQs
What’s the best type of mattress for side sleepers under $500?
Memory foam mattresses are generally considered the most suitable for side sleepers. They provide excellent pressure relief and contouring support, which can help alleviate discomfort in sensitive areas like the hips and shoulders.
Will a budget-friendly mattress compromise on quality?
Not necessarily. While higher-priced mattresses may come with additional features and luxury materials, there are plenty of affordable options that offer good quality at a lower price point. The key is to look for reputable brands that use high-quality materials and offer durable construction.
Can I try out a budget-friendly mattress before buying it?
Yes, many online mattress retailers offer generous trial periods (typically around 100 nights) during which you can test out the mattress in your own home. Some also have brick-and-mortar stores where you can try out their products firsthand.
