People sleep in different positions and getting the correct sleep posture can make all the difference in how you feel upon waking up. For side sleepers, the benefits lie in lowering the chance of joint and lower back pain when the body is aligned correctly.
This sleeping position is also ideal for snorers as it limits snoring and some research also points out that sleeping on your side may improve gut health as it assists the digestive system function better.
However, when all is said and done, not many bedding options cater to side sleepers exclusively. That is why we will look into how getting the best mattress topper for side sleepers can impact and improve your sleep experience.
You may want to read: Best Pillow for Side Sleepers
| Rank | Product | Highlights |
| #1 |  Best Price Memory Foam
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| #2 |  Tempur Pedic Supreme
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| #3 |  ViscoSoft 4 Inch Pillowtop Gel Memory Foam
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| #4 |  Pure Green 100% Natural Latex
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| #5 |  LUCID Gel Memory Foam
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A Closer Look
Since sleeping on your side means that most of the pressure will fall on the shoulders and hips to support the body, side sleepers often prefer cushioning underneath. For some, this may mean sleeping on a firm mattress to be uncomfortable or a very soft mattress may create a sensation of sinking or sagging.
In addition, to avoid pressure points from building up, side sleepers can look to creating a more comfortable sleep surface by choosing a suitable topper for their mattress. But not any mattress topper will do.
Instead, there are certain features to consider that can make the sleep experience more agreeable. Here are the top few to keep in mind:
— Materials
Mattress toppers will come in a variety of materials with everything from latex and memory foam to wool and down feathers. Material choice can be narrowed down based on how soft or firm you want your mattress topper to be along with other considerations like motion transfer properties, pressure relief, and allergies.
Some people may prefer to go for organic options such as natural latex or natural wool fleece while others may have a budget to watch and choose less expensive materials such as polyester blends instead.
But given the fair variety of topper materials available, there is one for everyone’s needs to help them catch a good night’s sleep.
— Firmness
The firmness of a mattress topper is an important consideration as the correct one will not only provide the needed support but also conform nicely to the body. For added stability, a firm topper can be helpful for sleeping on an unsupportive mattress.
Choosing the correct firmness level may also be determined by the sleeper’s body weight for people who weigh less often prefer soft toppers as these can conform better than their firmer counterparts. Others may prefer opting for medium firmness that has conforming qualities but doesn’t sag as much.
And finally, there are the extra firm toppers which people on the heavier side may find more helpful for support as these won’t sag or cause discomfort issues.
— Thickness
Most toppers will come within the 2-4-inch range although it is possible to find others that are 1-inch thick as well. The ideal thickness for side sleepers will be relative to individual sleepers with a 1-2” topper providing some cushion but still feeling firm. This is great for some additional support.
3” toppers provide cushion and support that is usually considered medium-firm and is perhaps the most popular choice among side sleepers. For those who want a plusher feel and more support, the 4” topper may be the better choice.
— Density
Mattress toppers with a higher density feel more solid and heavier than those with a lower density. Higher density versions also yield superior cushioning, conform closer, and prevent sagging.
On the flip side, these models have the tendency to be more temperature-sensitive. This means that these materials emulate viscous properties and trap heat. If you sleep hot, you may wish to look at a lower density model which permits better airflow. Ideal for those who sleep hot.
Higher density topper materials won’t restore back to its original shape swiftly which may make them unsuitable for sleepers who shift positions during sleep.
That said, higher density toppers often relate to longevity as these don’t soften or breakdown as quickly.
— Breathability
Just like their mattress counterparts, mattress toppers will also trap heat and start to feel uncomfortably warm. But the breathability of the topper can be improved by looking for those infused with cooling materials like gel, copper or graphite.
To enhance the breathability factor, you could also cover your topper with an organic cotton or rayon material cover.
— Stability
Toppers are much lighter than actual mattresses and some may actually slip out of place if not secured first. To prevent this from happening, some models come with adjustable or elastic straps to keep the topper in place. A heavier topper with higher density may also be able to stay put as compared to one with lower density.
— Warranty
Given their daily use, mattress toppers will typically last between 4-5 years. And because of this average lifespan, you should get a topper that covers this entire period of 4-5 years. A warranty will come in handy with issues like excessive sagging or other material deterioration or in case of receiving a defective product.
Best Mattress Toppers for Side Sleepers
1. Best Price Memory Foam Mattress Topper
SPECS:
- Materials: Memory foam, high-density support foam, polyester mesh
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Short Queen, Queen, King, California King
- Thickness: 4 inches
Best Overall
When it comes to side sleepers, the Best Price mattress topper has it all: it’s lofty yet not too soft, it’s supportive and contours your body to avoid pressure points, and is thick enough to adequately cradle your weight without sinking in too far. What makes this 4″ thick so comfortable for side sleepers is its two layers of foam. The 1.5 inches of foam on top is conforming memory foam, while the bottom is 2.5 inches of sturdier high-density foam. Not only is it supportive, but it all works to reduce motion transfer which is especially useful when sleeping with a partner.
The foam meets CertiPUR-US standards of safety, meaning it is safe for harmful metals and VOC emissions. This mattress topper is easy to keep fresh thanks to the removable and hand-washable zippered polyester mesh cover. One thing to note is that this topper is on the heavier side due to the high-density foam layer, so when you lay the mattress flat for dissipating and decompressing, it’s recommended that you lay the topper directly on the mattress to avoid moving it later.
If anything happens to this mattress topper, your purchase is backed up by a 5-year warranty.
| Pros | Cons |
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Who Should Buy This?
Any side sleeper will love this mattress topper. It’s well-rounded enough to be enjoyed by most, and its quality is excellent for a price range most can afford.
2. Tempur-Pedic Supreme Mattress Topper
SPECS:
- Materials: Memory foam,
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King.
- Thickness: 3 inches
Premium Pick
In terms of quality sleep and bedding products, those from Temur-Pedic are often unmatched. Their Supreme memory foam mattress topper is no exception. The quality and durability of their unique TEMPUR memory foam outshine the rest so you know you’ll enjoy using it for years to come.
The medium-firm properties allow almost anyone to feel comfortable on this topper. With 3 inches of this high-quality memory foam, this mattress topper contours and removes pressure points easily so you can get a more restful sleep. Not only will it upgrade your old mattress, but this topper can also double as its own more portable mattress that you can use for guests, travels, or dorm rooms.
This mattress topper is as easy to maintain as it is durable. Avoid the development of dirt, dust, and allergens with the breathable machine washable cover that comes included. You can also easily roll and store away this topper, which can come in handy when not in use.
Keep in mind that with memory foam often comes off-gassing, and buyers report strong off-gassing with this topper. That being said, the good news is that it airs out and dissipates quite nicely after a while.
| Pros | Cons |
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Who Should Buy This?
If you can afford to get a high-quality upgrade to your old mattress like the Tempur-Pedic Supreme, you’ll surely make a good investment with this topper.
3. ViscoSoft 4-Inch Pillowtop Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
SPECS:
- Materials: Memory foam, down alternative
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King
- Thickness: 4 inches; 2.5 inches of memory foam (bottom), 1.5 inches of down alternative (top)
Best for Pains and Soreness
This mattress topper from ViscoSoft specializes in enhancing your sleep experience with the comfort and support of its high-density dual layers. The Pillow Top Gel Memory Foam mattress topper is a must-have for sleepers who struggle with pressure points and sore joints.
ViscoSoft has been thorough with designing their luxurious comfort feel. With thousands of hours of testing as well as hundreds of user reviews, they’ve developed the perfect balance between support and loftiness. Thanks to the dual-layer gel memory foam and down alternative build, you get a soft and pressure-relieving topper that feels luxurious.
One thing ViscoSoft has done is to address the infamous memory foam smell problem. Their new foam formula has been altered to keep the off-gassing to a minimum. This topper has a removable and machine washable cover pad so you can keep it looking fresher and lasting longer.
A big plus especially for those who are unsure about their purchase is that this ViscoSoft mattress comes with an excellent 60-day money-back guarantee, in which you can return your product with a full refund if you’re not satisfied. On top of that, the mattress topper is backed by a 3-year warranty.
| Pros | Cons |
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Who Should Buy This?
ViscoSoft’s 4-inch pillow top mattress cover is perfect for those side sleepers who experience shoulder or hip pain and are looking for a helpful solution as a result.
4. Pure Green 100% Natural Latex Mattress Topper
SPECS:
- Materials: 100% naturally sourced latex
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Thickness: 1 to 3 inches
Best all-natural
You may be looking for a mattress topper that doesn’t use synthetic materials like memory foam or gel, and that’s why there’s natural latex as an alternative. This mattress topper from Pure Green is made with high-quality all-natural latex that provides both sustainability and comfort without compromise.
Unlike memory foam toppers, the Pure Green doesn’t sink far while it supports and contours your body and reduces pressure. Latex tends to be far more durable than regular polyurethane foam or memory foam. For that matter; this topper will likely last you a longer time than others.
The Pure Green natural latex is also breathable and neutral to heat without the need for a cooling gel. The open-celled construction allows for ventilation and prevents the further collection of heat, making it a perfect buffer between you and a hot mattress.
The latex is OEKO-TEX and eco-INSTITUT certified, so you know that not only is it sustainable, but there are no harmful emissions or heavy metals used when making the mattress topper.
Buying a cover for this topper is optional and will cost you extra, though it is worth enhancing the longevity of this topper. For side sleepers, it’s recommended that they use the 2 inch or 3-inch versions of this mattress topper.
| Pros | Cons |
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Who Should Buy This?
If you’re looking for an all-natural, organic, and environmentally friendly upgrade to your mattress, the Pure Green mattress topper is perfect for you.
5. LUCID Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
SPECS:
- Materials: Memory foam, cooling gel
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Queen, King, California King
- Thickness: 3 or 4 inches recommended
Best on a Budget
This gel-infused memory foam mattress topper is a perfect quick upgrade to your old mattress without too much of a commitment. If you aren’t sure where to start looking for a new mattress topper, the Lucid gel memory foam mattress topper is a well-liked and safe starting point.
Customers, especially pregnant women and restless sleepers, love the support and comfort that this mattress provides. 3 inches of memory foam is enough to provide a comforting and cradling sleep experience, and there’s even a 4-inch option available if you want some extra loftiness.
This memory foam topper is on the softer side, and feels very airy to better ventilate and distribute heat. If you enjoy your mattress topper to be on the softer side and like the feeling of sinking in a bit, this is a plus. On top of that, the gel-infused captures heat to control temperature and you can avoid waking up in a sweat, most likely if you sleep hot as well.
The mattress topper arrives rolled up and compressed, and can take up to 2 days to decompress after opening.
The Lucid gel memory foam mattress topper comes with a 3-year warranty for a hassle-free buy.
| Pros | Cons |
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Who Should Buy This?
Looking for an adequate cooling option that you can afford? The Lucid gel memory foam mattress topper is a good quality choice that outclasses the rest in its price range.
Conclusion
Side sleepers not satisfied with their current mattress can improve their sleep experience by using the correct mattress topper. With our recommended products it’s not hard to improve the sleep surface by enhancing spinal alignment, minimizing discomfort, and preventing new pressure points from developing. So, share these thoughts with your community and comment below if you feel you have anything to add.