Written by Julia Forbes, Sleep Advisor Product Tester
Side sleepers needing a little extra pressure relief or support from their bed may consider adding a new mattress topper.
Right now, your mattress might feel too soft or too hard, preventing you from getting the sleep you need and deserve. If you’re a side sleeper, though, this situation is even more urgent because your weight is concentrated in the shoulder and hip areas.
The Sleep Advisor team and I rated our favorite toppers for side sleepers based on performance, feel, and materials. Follow along as we share these top products as well as what to look for when buying one in our buyer’s guide below.
5 Best Mattress Toppers for Side Sleepers
- Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper – Editor’s Pick
- Mattress Topper 3’’ Talalay Mattress Topper – Best Latex Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers
- Brooklinen Down Alternative Mattress Topper – Best Down Alternative Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers
- Coop Sleep Goods Coop Retreat Mattress Topper – Best Hypoallergenic Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers
- Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt® Topper + Cooling Technology – Best Cooling Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers
My Video Review of the Best Mattress Toppers for Side Sleepers
Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology
At Sleep Advisor, our product reviews are based on findings from in-person tests that allow us to have a genuine understanding of how the product feels and performs.
For this roundup, we prioritized features that are especially important for mattress toppers for side sleepers. We paid special attention to components such as pressure relief, topper thickness, support elements, motion transfer, and cooling features.
Top 5 Bed Toppers for Side Sleepers
Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper – Editor’s Pick
Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper
A luxurious topper with contouring support from its graphite infusion.
Saatva Score
4.80 / 5
Read Full ReviewWith the Saatva Mattress Topper, customers can choose between latex, graphite, and foam. Plus, it comes in seven standard sizes, making it a good option for all beds.
The Graphite one contains memory foam, which is why we picked it for side sleepers. This material is known for fantastic pressure relief, so if you’re not getting that from your current mattress, this is going to be a great choice.
We also love the Graphite model because the addition of graphite in the memory foam keeps it nice and cool, which means you get the perks of memory foam without the heat retention.
Mattress Topper 3’’ Talalay Mattress Topper – Best Latex Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers
Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Topper
Brooklyn Bedding’s Talalay Latex mattress topper is a natural, cooling mattress topper.
Brooklyn Bedding Score
4.50 / 5
Talalay latex is an excellent choice for pressure relief, a common concern for side sleepers since they have their weight concentrated in the hip and shoulder areas. Unlike memory foam, though, latex doesn’t retain heat and is more quick-responding to movement.
Brooklyn Bedding’s latex topper has a breathable cotton cover that protects the foam while promoting a hypoallergenic environment. On top of that, its cover features a circular knit for a silky smooth feel and additional breathability. This one is three inches tall, so it’ll add a bit of height to your existing mattress, and we love that shoppers can pick from either a Soft, Medium, or Firm model.
Brooklinen Down Alternative Mattress Topper – Best Down Alternative Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers
Brooklinen Down Alternative Mattress Topper
This soft topper should provide added plushness for side sleepers, while the year-long trial gives extra peace of mind to ensure it’s the right fit for you.
Brooklinen Score
4.40 / 5
Side sleepers struggling with pressure buildup should find relief in softer toppers like this Brooklinen down alternative model. This mattress topper features microgel fill that’s silky, soft, and encased in a cotton shell and skirt to help create a plush and comfortable feel for side sleepers.
The topper’s 100 percent cotton casing allows maximum breathability and additional comfort for any side sleepers who run hot.
Plus, the topper is safe to machine-wash using a cold setting, and you can tumble-dry it on low. This should help the topper stay lofty and soft enough for dedicated side sleepers.
Coop Sleep Goods Coop Retreat Mattress Topper – Best Hypoallergenic Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers
Coop Retreat Mattress Topper
This hypoallergenic topper can make your mattress feel softer and more pressure-relieving to cradle the hips, knees, and shoulders.
Coop Score
4.90 / 5
This 5-inch mattress topper is an excellent way of revamping your existing bed into a plush and comfortable haven, which is excellent news for side sleepers. Even though it’s plush, the topper is still pretty supportive, so you shouldn’t bottom out onto the mattress.
The brushed soft microfiber cover hides the inside, featuring cross-cut foam blended with microfiber. This combination is hypoallergenic, so it could be great for people with allergies as well.
You can spot-clean this one with a mild detergent and a sponge, but machine washing and drying aren’t recommended as they can damage the foam.
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt® Topper + Cooling Technology – Best Cooling Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt Mattress Topper + Cooling Technology
With the brand’s proprietary TEMPUR® material foam, side sleepers get a luxurious foam that can help cradle their curves for pressure relief.
The TEMPUR-Adapt® Topper features the brand’s proprietary TEMPUR® material memory foam. When I tested this topper, I experienced solid pressure relief; it let me sink in enough to cradle my hip and shoulder but still left me feeling supported.
The only group of side sleepers I wouldn’t recommend this to is sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds since I think they might sink in too much on it. Instead, I would recommend the Brooklyn Bedding or Saatva toppers on this list because they have more firmness options that may better accommodate heavier-weight sleepers.
For enhanced cooling, I specifically recommend this topper with the additional cooling technology. Without it, this topper can feel warm.
Why Should Side Sleepers Use a Mattress Topper for Their Bed?
Pressure Relief and Spine Alignment
Why is it uncomfortable to rest on a hard surface if you’re a side sleeper? The answer is most likely your pressure points.
The two main pressure points for side sleepers are the shoulders and hips because side sleepers concentrate most of their weight on these areas. It’s a simple law of gravity; these heavier areas will naturally want to sink more when you lie down.
If a bed is too hard, though, your heavier areas probably can’t sink enough to ease the pressure from your body weight. Conversely, if the mattress is too soft, you could sink too much, which can compromise your spine alignment.1
With this in mind, side sleepers should consider a bed surface that accommodates their uneven weight distribution, combining both pressure relief and body support.
Firmness and Feel
A mattress topper can be a good solution for side sleepers with a bed that doesn’t meet their needs. For example, if your bed is too firm, a softer mattress topper should provide better comfort through more cradling and pressure relief for areas like the hip and shoulder.
Mattress toppers feature different materials to deliver various firmness levels. However, side sleepers may benefit from soft to medium-firm toppers as these are designed to relieve pressure and respond to the shape of your body.
Back, Shoulder, and Hip Pain
When you’re on your side, you’re putting most of your weight on the hips and shoulders, but you also need to be mindful of your back.
If your bed surface is too firm, the pressure it puts on your hips and shoulders could cause pain in the long run. On the other hand, if it’s too soft, this can throw off your spine alignment, which may then result in back pain.2
For additional side sleeping information, learn How to Properly Sleep on Your Side.
What to Consider When Buying a Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers
If you’re new to mattress toppers, it’s helpful to know what to look for, as this will give you a better likelihood of finding the right model for your unique needs and preferences.
For a comprehensive guide, see our list of the best mattress toppers.
Mattress Topper Thickness
How Thick Should a Mattress Topper Be?
When it comes to side sleepers, sometimes the thicker, the better. A thin surface can wear out faster and provide less support. However, a thick surface will likely last longer while giving you the support you need.
Many people like memory foam with a thickness of 2 to 4 inches. Even though you can find well-made thinner options, if you want more cushioning, a thicker option should work best.
Mattress Topper Pressure Relief
Pressure relief is an important factor for side sleepers. If your bed isn’t cradling your hip and shoulder enough to melt away pressure from body weight, it may be a recipe for discomfort and damage.
Soft to medium-firm toppers made with materials like latex or memory foam are usually great for pressure relief.
Mattress Topper Materials
You can find all sorts of toppers made from a variety of materials that produce different feels, each with its own pros and cons. We’ll break down some of the more common materials you’ll find.
- Memory foam is popular due to its density, motion isolation, and comfort. The best memory foam toppers are an excellent choice for side sleepers because they adapt to your body’s curves, providing pressure relief in the shoulders, knees, and hips. However, this foam can be hot unless it’s infused with gel or another cooling feature.
- The best latex mattress toppers are eco-friendly, temperature-neutral alternatives to memory foam toppers. However, not all latex is natural since some are synthetically made, so we recommend verifying that any latex topper you’re interested in is eco-friendly if this is important to you. Another benefit to latex is its durability, however, latex toppers can be heavy and more tricky to move around without someone’s help.
- Wool mattress toppers are soft and comfortable, making them a great choice for side sleepers. These are good for those who sleep hot since wool stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The material is durable and naturally hypoallergenic, but it can be expensive. Plus, wool toppers can have an off-putting odor when they’re new.
- Down alternative is a synthetic polyester material designed to mimic down’s softness. This option is popular for side sleepers because it remains soft with occasional fluffing. However, down alternative can warm up easily, so it may not be the best for hot sleepers.
Mattress Topper Density
Something to keep in mind is the topper’s density. A low-density material won’t last long, and it could become uncomfortable to sleep on in a matter of months. A density that’s too high might seem too firm at first, but it could be the best choice if you’re looking for longevity.
Mattress Topper Firmness
This measurement is highly subjective. In general, you should seek out a pad that has an ideal blend of firmness and support.
Again, we’ll stress the idea of pressure points. You should feel well-supported when you lie down. However, some of the best firm toppers could be too hard for your body frame. The same goes for the other end of the spectrum.
Even the best soft toppers may cause you to sink too far, but it depends on the materials and your size. Typically, sleepers who are heavier enjoy firmer materials, while lighter-weight sleepers opt for softer products.
Mattress Topper Durability
Mattress toppers and pads can last from one to five or more years. It’s all about finding a quality product at a reasonable price point.
Staining and misuse can shorten the product’s useable lifespan, which is why it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to get the most life out of your new purchase. Many say to spot clean only since you typically can’t put the whole pad in the washing machine, and some come with removable covers that you can at least put in a machine.
To find out more about how to properly care for your topper, see our article on How to Store Your Mattress Topper.
Mattress Topper Pricing
Often, you get what you pay for, but there’s so much variation and disruption in the bedding market that price isn’t always the best quality indicator. The price you’re comfortable with depends on your budget, so it’s for you to decide on. If you’re especially concerned about getting the greatest deal, check out our best cheap mattress toppers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a mattress topper the same as a mattress pad or mattress protector?
A mattress topper is designed to noticeably change the feel of your bed, altering its firmness, support, and pressure-relieving capabilities. Mattress pads can offer a bit of extra cushioning or support, but you generally won’t get the same noticeable change that you’d find with a topper.
Toppers and pads can also offer some protection for your mattress in the event of spills or accidents. On the other hand, a mattress protector is designed solely to protect your mattress. It’s often waterproof to protect against spillage, but it won’t add any comfort to your bed.
How thick should a mattress topper be for a side sleeper?
How thick your mattress topper should be depends on your body weight and shape. Side sleepers usually benefit from a balance of pressure relief and support, so a middle-ground height between 2 and 4 inches should do the job. For lightweight side sleepers, we suggest a topper of 2 to 3 inches, while those over 130 pounds prefer a thicker topper that’s 3 to 4 inches tall.
Do mattress toppers help those with back, hip, and shoulder pain?
Yes, it’s possible that the right topper could help someone with back, hip, or shoulder pain, but it’s not a guarantee. Toppers may provide extra spinal support and pressure relief if you’re not getting enough from your mattress alone.
We recommend memory foam and latex mattress toppers for people with side pain since these may better deliver support and pressure relief to these areas to help with discomfort. For more information, read our roundup of the Best Memory Foam Bed Toppers.
Another consideration here will be firmness. This will be dependent on your mattress, so keep that in mind too. However, a soft to medium topper might be best for hip and shoulder pain, whereas a medium-firm to firm topper could help provide more spinal support for navigating back pain.
For those concerned about proper spinal alignment, see our page on the best mattress toppers for back pain.
Are mattress toppers suitable for heavy people?
Many are, but not all. Look for high-density materials, such as memory foam, with a profile of 2 inches or more. A high-density topper should provide the necessary support so that heavier sleepers don’t compress through all of the foam. Heavy people should also consider their topper’s durability and resilience as it’s supposed to withstand more weight and strain. For this reason, memory foam toppers are better for heavy people than down or down alternative because they provide more support.
What’s the best mattress topper for side sleepers who sleep hot?
Side sleepers who sleep hot should focus on cooling properties when buying a mattress topper. Memory foam toppers often have gel, copper, or graphite infusions to provide additional cooling for hot sleepers. Latex is also a good option since it’s naturally breathable and doesn’t retain much heat. Hot sleepers should also consider the cover, focusing primarily on organic materials like cotton to provide breathability and cooling. Cooling toppers are a great way to help regulate your bed’s temperature.
What is the best mattress and pillow for side sleepers?
In general, a top-rated bed for side sleepers will have a mattress that has an ideal blend of firm support and plush comfort. However, finding that balance is not always easy. Another complicating factor is that everyone has different preferences and interpretations of what constitutes soft and firm. Generally, a medium or medium-firm mattress made with latex or memory foam is a good place to start looking.
When it comes to the best pillow for side sleepers, it’s important to look at the loft size and support level. When you sleep on your side, you want a pillow with a higher loft to support your head so that your neck is straight and aligned with the rest of your spine. In most cases, memory foam is the best for this because it’s so dense it won’t let your head sink into the pillow during the night.
Final Word of Advice
Beds can be expensive, but mattress toppers are often much more economical. However, buying a topper to extend the life of your mattress isn’t the only reason to get one. Many people find that they fall out of love with their new bed after a short time, but they don’t want to go through the hassle of a return. For a couple of hundred dollars or less, you’ll be able to experience a significant improvement without having to incur the expense of a new bed.
Julia Forbes
Sleep Advisor Product Tester
About Author
Julia is a product tester at Sleep Advisor, specializing in testing out mattresses and sleep accessories – she’s in the right line of work, because she loves to sleep.
Stomach Sleeper
Education & Credentials
- Certified Sleep Science Coach
References:
- Tung-Ho Hong, Tommy., et al. “The Influence of Mattress Stiffness on Spinal Curvature and Intervertebral Disc Stress—An Experimental and Computational Study”. Biology. 2022.
- Caggiari, Gianfilippo., et al. “What type of mattress should be chosen to avoid back pain and improve sleep quality? Review of the literature”. Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. 2021.