Your mattress can make or break your sleep quality, but so can other factors — like your sleeping position and whether it offers enough support.
For some, side sleeping is the best sleeping position. But it comes with its benefits and drawbacks, says Biquan Luo, PhD, a sleep scientist and co-founder of LumosTech Sleep Mask.
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"Side sleeping can effectively reduce snoring and alleviate sleep apnea, but it comes with the potential downside of increased pressure on your shoulders and hips," Luo says.
The best way to relieve this pressure? Investing in a mattress made for side sleepers — often designed with extra firmness. If you can't make the switch any time soon, though, getting a mattress topper is a great alternative.
Your mattress topper should ideally complement the mattress it's paired with, and add softness to alleviate pressure points on your shoulders and hips when sleeping on your side, Luo says
That said, here's our list of the best mattress toppers for side sleepers, recommended by a sleep expert.
The Best Mattress Toppers for Side Sleepers
- Best Overall: Nolah Mattress Topper (From $194, Nolah Mattress)
- Best on a Budget: Brooklyn Bedding 4-lb. Memory Foam Topper (From $176.90, Brooklyn Bedding)
- Best for Back Pain: TEMPUR-Adapt Topper (From $191.40, Tempur-Pedic)
- Best Cooling: Casper Comfy Mattress Topper (From $199, Casper)
- Best Firm: Plush Beds Natural Latex Mattress Topper (From $194, Plush Beds)
- Best Soft: Lift by Amerisleep Mattress Topper (From $254.25, Amerisleep)
- Best Memory Foam: Tuft & Needle Mattress Topper (From $170, Tuft & Needle)
- Best Latex: Avocado Green Organic Latex Mattress Topper (From $549, Avocado Green Mattress)
- Best Organic: Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper (From $349, Birch Living)
- Best Gel: Linenspa Gel Swirl Memory Foam Mattress Topper (From $37.49, Amazon)
How We Chose
We reached out to a sleep specialist to better understand the specific features that make a mattress topper effective for side sleepers. We chose our top picks based on the following criteria:
- Firmness
- Plushness
- Breathability
- Effectiveness
- Cost
For more information on how we choose and cover products, click here.
1. Nolah Mattress Topper
Nolah Mattress Topper
The best mattress topper for side sleepers looking for more cushioning and pressure relief
Pros
- Made with durable foam
- Cooler than regular memory foam
- 10-year warranty
Cons
- Not ideal for stomach sleepers, per some reviews
If you're looking for a mattress topper that can bring new life and comfort to your current mattress, look no further than the Nolah Mattress Topper.
It's made with custom Nolah AirFoam that's cooler and more durable than regular memory foam.
This mattress topper is designed to contour to your body and alleviate pressure on your joints, while supporting your spine.
It also comes with a 10-year warranty, so you're covered in the comfort department for up to a decade.
2. Brooklyn Bedding 4-lb. Memory Foam Topper
Brooklyn Bedding 4-lb. Memory Foam Topper
Extra comfort doesn't have to cost you with this mattress topper by Brooklyn Bedding.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Great if you share a bed
- Cooling
Cons
- Doesn't come with straps to hold it in place
Comfortable mattress toppers can be costly, but Brooklyn Bedding offers this more affordable option that's sure to get the job done. This 4-pound mattress topper is made with plush memory foam to enhance your sleep experience.
It's also built to isolate motion, so if you share a bed, you won't disturb your partner. The memory foam also has cooling technology for more airflow and breathability, keeping you cool through the entire night.
3. TEMPUR-Adapt Topper
Pros
- Three inches of thick memory foam
- Back pain relief
- Extra hip support
Cons
- Some reviewers say it's too soft
If you deal with back pain, this mattress topper by Tempur-Pedic is made for you. It's designed with three inches of thick memory foam for ultimate back support and spinal alignment throughout the night.
Side sleeping can result in increased pressure on the shoulders and hips, Luo says. And without proper support, it can lead to spinal misalignment. But "for some people, like pregnant people in their second or third trimesters, side sleeping is the only recommended sleeping position," she says.
This mattress topper offers a solution to back pain and extra hip support for side sleepers of all kinds.
4. Casper Comfy Mattress Topper
Casper Comfy Mattress Topper
Stay cool and comfortable with this mattress topper made with foam that pushes away heat, to keep you from overheating.
Pros
- Made with perforated foam to push heat away
- Comes with a 30-night, risk-free trial
Cons
- Some reviewers say it needs time to air out/has a slight smell
Stay cool and comfortable with this mattress topper by Casper. It's made with perforated foam that pushes heat away to keep you cool throughout the night. If you're a hot sleeper, you know how uncomfortable it can be to overheat in the middle of the night.
Don't lose sleep trying to decide: You can try this mattress topper risk-free for 30 nights, to see if it's the right fit for you.
5. Plush Beds Natural Latex Mattress Topper
Plush Beds Natural Latex Mattress Topper
Keep it natural with a pure mattress topper made from sustainable sources and high quality latex.
Pros
- Comes in a variety of firmness levels
- Durable
- Comes with a five-year warranty
Cons
- Needs to be aired out regularly to avoid mildew growth, per Plush Bed's website
With this mattress topper by Plush Beds, there's a variety of firmness levels to choose from, including medium-firm and extra-firm. For side sleepers especially, this customization can provide a balance of comfort and support for your shoulders, hips and knees.
The Natural Latex Topper also comes with a five-year warranty, but it can last up to 20 years, according to Plush Beds.
6. Lift by Amerisleep Mattress Topper
Lift by Amerisleep Mattress Topper
This picks comes with a soft, ultra-breathable cover to help prevent overheating.
Pros
- Breathable
- Soft cushioning
- Great if you move around in your sleep
Cons
- Can still feel too warm for some hot sleepers, according to reviews
If you prefer a softer feel, this Comfort Lift Mattress Topper might be the pick for you. It's ultra plush, but remains supportive even if you happen to flip to your other side during the night.
It also features an open-cell design to push away warm air, and is wrapped in an ultra-breathable cover.
7. Tuft & Needle Mattress Topper
Tuft & Needle Mattress Topper
Try this topper out for 100 nights to see if it suits your side-sleeping needs.
Pros
- Made with high-quality memory foam
- Great for hips and shoulders
- Cooling
- 100-night free trial
Cons
- Doesn't come with straps to keep it in place
Memory foam is meant to contour to your body and relieve pressure on your hips and shoulders — two major sore spots for side sleepers.
This mattress topper by Tuft & Needle does just that. It feels firm enough to keep you from sinking into your mattress, but soft enough to maximize comfort.
It's also made with adaptive foam that's breathable and cooling. Enjoy a 100-night free trial to decide if you like it.
8. Avocado Green Organic Latex Mattress Topper
Avocado Green Organic Latex Mattress Topper
Made with natural and organic materials that will enhance the comfort of your existing mattress.
Pros
- Certified organic materials
- Comes in a firm or plush version
- Moisture wicking
Cons
- Pricey
With Avocado Green, you're guaranteed certified organic materials that add luxurious comfort to your sleep routine. Choose between a firm or a plush topper, made with GOLS-certified organic Dunlop latex.
If you're looking for added support, the firm topper is your go-to. But if you need more cushion, try the plush topper for a softer feel.
9. Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper
Birch by Helix Plush Organic Mattress Topper
The Plush Topper is made with natural and organic materials, including cotton, wool and latex.
Pros
- Made with organic materials
- 100-night sleep trial
- 10-year warranty
Cons
- Some reviewers noticed a smell that takes time to wear off
Sleep soundly knowing that your mattress topper is made with all natural and organic materials, including cotton, wool and latex.
The Plush Topper is as comfortable as it is sustainable, with zero synthetic materials that are also breathable, to keep you cool throughout the night.
Test it out with a 100-night sleep trial. And have peace of mind knowing it's protected with a 10-year warranty.
10. Linenspa Gel Swirl Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Linenspa 2-Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Upgrade your old mattress with this plush two-inch memory foam topper that adds an extra layer of comfort.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Made with gel foam to relieve pressure on your joints
- Available in two-inch and three-inch heights
Cons
- Not ideal for hot sleepers, per some reviews
This gel-infused memory foam topper is an affordable choice, and has more than 27,000 positive Amazon reviews.
The memory foam is designed to hug your body, giving side sleepers support and relief in their shoulders, hips and other pressure points.
This topper is also available in two-inch and three-inch heights, giving you the choice to decide how plush you want your mattress to feel.
What to Look for in a Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers
Before you purchase a mattress topper, there are a few factors to consider, especially as a side sleeper.
Here's what you should keep in mind when looking for the right fit.
1. Cost
Like regular mattresses, mattress toppers are rarely a cheap purchase. But consider them a long-term investment in your health, and pay attention to any warranty that's included.
A five-year or 10-year warranty will help guarantee your comfort or a replacement topper if needed. Plus, a mattress topper is less expensive than buying an entirely new mattress.
2. Feel
The whole point of having a mattress topper is to enhance comfort, so make sure you're buying one that feels good for you. As a side sleeper, look for toppers that make you feel supported and comfortable.
"The perfect combination is usually a mattress that offers enough firmness to support your neck and spine, and a mattress topper soft enough to alleviate pressure points on your shoulders and hips when side sleeping, or your shoulder blades when sleeping on your back," Luo says.
3. Breathability
You'll want to add comfort, but not extra warmth to your bed.
Try to find a topper that has cooling technology, like a cooling gel or foam that ensures you don't overheat.
If you're typically a hot sleeper, gel memory foam options may be a better choice than traditional memory foam, which can feel thicker and hotter throughout the night.
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