Side sleepers must be the most discerning mattress buyers out there. They need the right amount of support to relieve pressure off the body.
But you don’t need to buy a new mattress if you’re experiencing pain when sleeping. A mattress topper will be enough for a refresh.
If you’re puzzled about which one really is the best mattress topper for side sleepers, you’ve come to the right place.
6 Best Mattress Toppers for Side Sleepers
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR Supreme 3-Inch Mattress Topper
The Tempur Supreme is a high-quality memory foam mattress topper that’s 3 inches thick. It’s medium firm. In their range, it’s the second firmest foam out of 6 levels. Tempur has a good rep in the mattress world and you’ll find the same quality in their mattress toppers.
Because it’s memory foam, it hugs your body as you sleep and cradles the joints. The firmness of this foam topper will support you and relieve pressure points so you get a peaceful slumber.
The Tempur memory foam mattress topper is adaptive. It can change according to your temperature, weight, and sleeping position. Side sleepers will love how comfortable this is. The fabric is made of breathable material so your nights won’t get warm.
When this gets filthy, it’s easy to clean, unlike standard foam toppers. The cover is machine washable. That’s bad news for any bacteria, mites, bed bugs, and allergens that are making a home out of your bed.
The memory foam mattress topper will last you ages because it’s made of sturdy memory foam. This means it won’t get squished or flattened out after use. It won’t break or tear, guaranteeing hundreds of nights of good sleep.
The Tempur-Pedic Memory Foam Mattress Topper comes in six sizes but right now, only the queen size is available. It has a limited warranty which is good because it’s quite expensive. Some users have noted the mattress can be hot when they sleep. It also has no anti-slip feature which results in the topper sliding off.
Pros
- A 3-inch thick memory foam mattress topper
- Is medium firm to relieve pain and discomfort for side sleepers
- Made from adaptive and breathable material
- Machine washable
- Durable
Cons
- Expensive
- The mattress can get warm
- Lacks an anti-slip traction
eLuxurySupply Rayon from Bamboo Extra Thick Mattress Topper
If you’re looking for the best mattress topper for side sleepers that’s cooling and won’t trigger allergies, this is a good option.
The term mattress topper is a misnomer here because this is more of a mattress pad. It’s made of bamboo rayon that cools you down because of its breathability. If it gets soiled, you can even put it in the wash.
Even though it’s a pad, it has a high loft, giving you the comfort you get from typical mattress toppers. The quilted pad has cluster fiber filling, which is a durable and breathable material.
The Revoloft fiber feels like down but it’s not made of real feathers so you don’t get poked in your sleep or trigger your allergies. The cover is fully hypoallergenic with a 160 thread count. You can be assured the fill won’t move around because it’s secured by double-needle baffle box stitches.
The extra soft, extra thick fill combined with a cool, hypoallergenic cover makes for a cozy sleep.
The pad will fit all types of beds including latex and memory foam. It can expand to accommodate mattresses up to 18 inches deep. It’s designed to fit over the foam like a sheet. With 6 sizes to choose from, you’re fully covered.
The Rayon Extra Thick Mattress Topper has a 30-day money-back guarantee and an affordable price.
Pros
- Made of breathable bamboo rayon
- Can be machine washed
- Comfortable fiber filling
- Hypoallergenic
- Comes in 6 sizes
- Has a money-back guarantee
- Affordable
Cons
- The thin skirt on the sides can tear easily
Red Nomad Memory Foam Mattress Pad 2 Inch
A mattress topper for side sleepers need not be super thick to do the job. Proof? The
Firstly, the memory foam here is the good stuff. It follows CertiPUR-US standards, meaning no formaldehyde, flame retardants, heavy metals, phthalates, or ozone depleters. That equals premium memory foam that does not skimp on benefits.
The viscoelastic material is good especially for side sleepers because it adapts to the contours of your body and keeps your spine aligned. The memory foam relieves pressure points so you don’t wake up feeling achy. It has a lot of cushioning so a side sleeper won’t feel like they’re sleeping on rocks or a saggy mattress.
If you’re sweating buckets when you sleep or sleep next to someone who does, this is one of the best mattress toppers to fight the heat. Its Cool Cycle Polymer design keeps things cool so your sleep doesn’t get disturbed.
For those who have a partner that tosses and turns, the
This memory foam mattress topper for side sleepers will fit perfectly on your bed because it’s intentionally 1 inch shorter on all sides so it can slip under your sheets snugly.
The
This is a great topper for a firm mattress because it’s very squishy. If you’re a side sleeper who needs more support though, go for another option.
Pros
- Made of CertiPUR-US memory foam
- Relieves pressure points and adapts to the body
- Keeps you cool at night
- Absorbs motion efficiently
- Designed to fit under the sheets
- Has a 10-year warranty
Cons
- Not for side sleepers who need extra support
Pure Green 100% Natural Latex Mattress Topper
If you want a soft mattress topper but don’t want to feel like you’re drowning in a mushy cloud, this is an amazing option.
It’s made completely out of natural latex. No synthetics. No fillers. This type of foam is quick to respond to the body, including your spine’s natural alignment. It’s soft but you won’t sink in. This makes it a supportive topper for side sleepers.
Natural latex is durable. It will last longer than polyfoam or memory foam.
Because it’s an open-celled foam, it won’t get absorb heat as you sleep. If your hips and shoulders are sore from a too firm mattress, the Pure Green Mattress Topper will soothe those aches.
It’s classified as a soft topper with 20 ILD of firmness and 4 lbs per cubic feet in density. This is a good compromise between softness and support. It will relieve pressure points and cradle your hips, head, and shoulders.
It has passed several textile standards such as Eco Institut, GreenGuard, and Oeko-Tex.
The soft high-quality 3-inch topper will revitalize an old foam and make drastic changes to your sleep experience.
This mattress topper is not the best choice for side sleepers who want cool mattress toppers or those who sleep hot.
Pros
- Made of pure natural latex without fillers
- Has a responsive yet supportive foam that will relieve pressure points
- Will last a long time
- Open-celled foam lets air circulate
- A good middle ground in density
- Has several certifications
- Thickness is suitable for side sleepers
Cons
- Can get warm when you sleep on it
LUCID Foam Mattress Topper – Ventilated Design
This is the best mattress topper for side sleepers sensitive to the off-gassing that comes with your standard memory foam. It smells of lavender. The fragrance is infused into the foam to promote a calming, restful sleep. The lavender essential oils will also combat any foul odors that form on the mattress topper.
The memory foam doesn’t skimp on performance either. It’s 4 inches thick and very plush, letting you sink into the foam quite a bit. It’s also not a very dense foam, so if you’re looking for a soft mattress topper, this is for you.
The depth of the mattress topper will ease any issues so you won’t fully sink to the bottom. This is perfect for firm mattresses.
Because it’s memory foam, there’s a risk of it retaining heat but the ventilated design will cool the mattress topper down.
The Lucid has a contouring memory foam that will adapt to the lines of your body, giving it lift where you need it the most and relieving pressure points so you don’t wake up with aches.
The Lucid Mattress Topper has a 3-year warranty for any manufacturer defects.
If you’re buying this for the lavender, be aware that the smell will dissipate eventually. To refresh that scent, you need to spritz lavender essential oil on it again. Definitely don’t buy it for the smell alone.
Pros
- Has a calming lavender infusion
- A 4-inch thick foam that feels soft
- Has a ventilated design for air circulation
- Supports the body
- Comes with a 3-year warranty
Cons
- The lavender smell fades over time
ViscoSoft 3 Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper Queen
This gel-infused memory foam mattress topper is the best mattress topper for side sleepers who sleep hot.
This is a cool topper with a 3-inch high-density foam(3.5 lbs/ft3)that comes in 6 sizes to fit any type of bed.
For the side sleeper doesn’t respond well to typical heat-retentive memory foam toppers, this is a great alternative because of its gel-infused memory foam. It regulates airflow in the mattress topper and allows trapped heat to escape. This topper has a mesh cover for more breathability.
A side sleeper will get a deep slumber from the support this cool mattress topper gives. It relieves pressure points, aligns the spine, and holds you up so you don’t sink in. The dense memory foam will make sure you don’t wake up with pain. No more tossing and turning at night.
When your sleep is disturbed by the constant motion of your partner, it can be annoying and make a huge impact on your sleep quality. This memory foam topper reduces motion transfer so you sleep deeply and peacefully.
It’s a hassle when a topper slides off the bed. Good thing this topper comes with no-slip elastic straps and a slip-resistant mesh.
The cover is made of bamboo rayon so it cools you further. It’s removable and machine washable, too, so getting rid of stains and dirt will be easy.
The brand offers a 60-day money-back guarantee if the product doesn’t suit you. The ViscoSoft Memory Foam Mattress Topper also comes with a 3-year warranty for manufacturing defects. Now, that’s peace of mind.
On the downside, because it’s memory foam, you need to air it out for a few days so it can expand fully and so the chemical smell evaporates.
Pros
- Gel-infused memory foam mattress topper with bamboo rayon cools hot side sleepers
- Comes in 6 sizes
- Has a breathable mesh cover and anti-slip strapsSupports the body with high-density foam
- Eliminates motion transfer
- Has a removable and machine washable cover
- Comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee
- Has a 3-year warranty
Cons
- Needs a few days to air out fully to get rid of the smell
How to Choose a Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers
If your mattress feels less than ideal, the right topper will feel like a cloud. Side sleepers typically need more supportive mattress toppers. Sweaty sleepers will want a breathable or gel-infused foam topper. If you’re experiencing any pain, there’s a mattress topper that will take the pressure off. Here are some things to remember when buying a mattress topper.
What are the advantages/benefits of a mattress topper?
Mattress toppers, for the uninitiated, are like mini mattresses that go on top of your existing mattress. People buy them because they want more support or cushioning on their beds, and most likely, both.
A mattress topper can go as thin as a duvet and as thick as a portable mattress. Mattress toppers are useful because they provide a custom sleep experience. They’re removable so you can use them whenever you like. For example, in the colder months, you can use a memory foam topper because it has good heat retention. In the summer, you can reach for a lightweight and breathable mattress topper that’s gel-infused.
Another good thing about a mattress topper is that it can refresh a saggy, lumpy mattress for an affordable cost. You don’t need to buy a new foam just to get comfortable in bed.
Are mattress toppers good for side sleepers?
Mattress toppers are excellent for all types of sleepers but especially side sleepers because their sleeping position poses some issues that can lead to pain. A high-quality mattress topper can address this and provide support and relief in the right places.
When you lie on your side, you’re putting more weight on your shoulders and hips. If you haven’t found the Goldilocks-level of firmness, something that feels just right, you’re most likely placing undue stress on your joints. Your spine also needs some TLC. The best mattress topper for side sleepers will cushion and support the area adequately.
What mattress topper is best for side sleepers?
With all this talk of support, you may be thinking you need an extra firm mattress topper. That’s a common misconception. The best mattress topper for you will actually be something on the softer side. The hips and shoulders need to plunge into the foam a little bit.
How thick will the ideal mattress topper be?
Experts suggest that if you already sleep on a soft mattress, 2 inches is enough. If sleep on a firm mattress, go for 3 inches or more. To retain the natural curvature of the spine, you need the added depth. This will alleviate pain in your neck and back when sleeping.
What is the best mattress topper material?
The most common topper materials are latex, memory foam, wool, polyester, cotton, down, and feather.
- Latex – Latex is an expensive option but provides excellent support and comfort when you sleep. It’s also very durable and usually firmer than memory foam.
- Memory foam – Memory foam is a popular material because of how it molds to the body and alleviates body aches. It’s also quite pricey if you get the premium kind but it’s worth it because of its durability.
- Wool – Wool is an alternative for allergy sufferers who react to synthetic materials. It’s very soft and comfy but it doesn’t offer as much support as memory foam. It also has a luxury price point.
- Down and feather – You may be familiar with goose or duck down and feathers. They make for a very plush mattress filling. Down and feathers have excellent cooling abilities. However, they won’t offer that much support or thickness.
- Cotton and polyester – Cotton and polyester is a common blend in mattress toppers. If you’re on a budget, a polyester topper is one to keep in mind. You can get cotton in a high thread count, making for a cozy sleep experience. These ones are easy to clean. However, cotton can deflate over time. These are not as durable as latex and memory foam.
What is the best mattress topper density for side sleepers?
Density will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. A good rule of thumb is a topper with high density will have a high price but also high support. Density is measured in pounds per cubic feet, or kg/m3. Toppers have between 2 to 6 pounds per cubic feet of density.
The lower end of the spectrum will be lighter, softer, and less supportive. This means your body will sink into it as you sleep. The higher density foam will be heavier, firmer, and more supportive. Heavier people will need a denser mattress to support them.
A middle ground comes at 4 to 5 pounds per cubic feet.
Which certifications are important?
For peace of mind, check the label to see if the mattress topper comes with certifications like CertiPUR-US. These authorities ensure that the topper is made with safe materials, free of harmful chemicals.
What should be the return policy?
Mattress toppers can differ and although many brands feature the same specifications, the products will vary. In case you find that a mattress topper isn’t to your liking, or have received something with defects, a good return policy comes in handy. A long warranty period is an added bonus.
The Verdict
There you go, the best toppers for side sleepers. As a former side sleeper, I can relate to the difficulties of finding the right foam to lull you into sleep. And if buying a new mattress is out of the question, good thing there are mattress toppers for side sleepers on a budget.
My personal pick out of the 6 toppers for side sleepers above is the Pure Green 100% Natural Latex Mattress Topper. It’s the best mattress for side sleepers because pure latex without fillers offers supreme support and comfort. This material is durable, which you want in a high-quality topper. It gives you the best compromise between density and firmness. The certifications it has earned is a testament to its quality. If your sleeping quality needs an overhaul, go for something like the Pure Green Topper for the best mattress experience.
