Side sleepers need lots of pressure relief, especially around the shoulders and hips. If your current mattress feels a bit too firm for side sleeping, don’t rush out to buy a new bed just yet! Oftentimes, mattress toppers can fix the issue for a fraction of the price.
We rounded up a list of the best mattress toppers for side sleepers so that you can get the comfort you need. Keep reading for the full scoop!
The Best Mattress Toppers for Side Sleepers 2023
- Saatva – Best Mattress Topper for Back and Side Sleepers
- Nolah – Best Mattress Topper for Lower Back Pain
- ViscoSoft – Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- Layla – Best Cooling Mattress Topper
- TEMPUR – Best Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers with Hip Pain
- Dreamfoam – Best Queen Size Mattress Topper
- COOP Retreat – Best King Size Mattress Topper
- Avocado – Best Latex Mattress Topper
- Birch – Best Organic Mattress Topper
- TitanFlex – Best Mattress Topper for Heavy People
Best for Back and Side Sleepers- Saatva
Saatva Mattress Topper
If you love the pressure-relieving qualities of memory foam, but don’t want to invest in a brand new mattress, the Saatva Graphite mattress topper could be just the thing for you. In addition to its soft feel, this 3” topper has many cooling features.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.80 / 5
Read Full Review
Made with supportive and pressure-relieving foam, the Saatva mattress topper is a great choice for both back and side sleepers. There are three different types available: graphite, latex, and foam. We particularly like the graphite topper because it helps dissipate body heat and keep sleepers cool at night.
The Saatva mattress topper should soften an existing mattress by about two points, so if your current mattress feels too firm, this could be a great option. Mattress Clarity’s firmness scale ranges from 1-10, and 6.5/10 represents the industry standard of medium-firm.
What Makes The Saatva Topper Stand Out?
- The graphite topper is breathable and cool.
- It’s made out of high-quality materials, so it should last at least five years.
- It can alleviate pain along pressure points, which is great for both back and side sleepers.
Read our full Saatva mattress topper review
Best for Lower Back Pain- Nolah
Nolah Mattress Topper
The Nolah Mattress Topper uses its proprietary CertiPUR-US certified foam to achieve a super pressure-relieving yet supportive feel.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.90 / 5
If you suffer from lower back pain, you may need more cushioning along your spine. The Nolah mattress topper gently contours the body and offers some much-needed pain relief. This mattress topper contains Nolah’s proprietary AirFoam, which promotes airflow. It also feels more responsive than traditional memory foam, making it easy to move around on top of it.
What Makes The Nolah Topper Stand Out?
- It’s made out of Nolah’s AirFoam, which feels breathable and responsive.
- It has a cotton cover that feels soft and luxurious.
- The topper has corner straps that help keep it secure to the sides of the mattress.
Full review coming soon!
Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper – ViscoSoft
ViscoSoft Select High Density Mattress Topper
If you’re craving a memory foam sleeping surface, but don’t want to spring for a new mattress, the Select High-Density ViscoSoft mattress topper may just be the answer. This 3” gel-infused mattress topper has excellent body contouring at a low price.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.50 / 5
Read Full Review
With a classic slow-moving feel, the ViscoSoft mattress topper is fantastic for memory foam lovers. When you rest on top of it, you’ll feel the dense memory foam cradle your hips and cushion your joints. It’s a great choice for side sleepers who need more pressure relief!
The memory foam is infused with gel, which helps dissipate body heat and keep sleepers cool at night. Another perk: It has a removable cover that’s machine-washable!
What Makes The ViscoSoft Mattress Topper Stand Out?
- It contains gel foam, which helps sleepers stay cool at night.
- This topper has a removable and machine-washable cover.
- The ViscoSoft mattress topper offers plenty of pressure relief for side sleepers.
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Read our full ViscoSoft mattress topper review
Best Cooling Mattress Topper – Layla
Layla Mattress Topper
If it’s a cooling memory foam mattress topper you’re after, take a look at the Layla. This popular online mattress brand is known for their high-quality products, and this mattress topper is no exception.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.20 / 5
Read Full Review
If you tend to overheat at night, check out the Layla mattress topper. This product contains copper-infused foam, which helps dissipate body heat. Better yet – copper is antimicrobial! This, paired with the thin and breathable cover, makes for a cool and comfy night’s sleep.
The Layla mattress topper should soften an existing mattress significantly, so it’s great if you need a bit more cushioning and comfort.
What Makes The Layla Mattress Topper Stand Out?
- It sleeps cool at night, thanks to its breathable cover and copper-infused foam.
- The topper feels soft, which is great for side sleepers who need pressure point relief.
- It’s a great topper for people concerned about durability; the high-quality materials should last a long time.
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Read our full Layla mattress topper review
Best for Side Sleepers with Hip Pain – TEMPUR-Adapt
TEMPUR-Adapt Mattress Topper
The TEMPUR-Adapt is a soft memory foam mattress topper. It should be a good match for back sleepers, side sleepers, and fans of slow-moving memory foam.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.50 / 5
Read Full Review
The TEMPUR-Adapt mattress topper, made by TEMPUR-Pedic, has a classic, slow-moving memory foam feel that people can gently sink into. This three-inch topper helps alleviate strain on pressure points, which is great if you suffer from hip pain. Thanks to the proprietary TEMPUR material, this topper should last about five years – much longer than other products on the market.
What Makes The TEMPUR-Adapt Mattress Topper Stand Out?
- It contains proprietary TEMPUR material, which feels particularly luxurious and plush.
- It significantly softens mattresses, making it great for back and side sleepers.
- This topper cushions joints, which is helpful for folks with hip pain.
Read our full TEMPUR-Adapt mattress topper review
Best Queen Size Mattress Topper – Dreamfoam
DreamFoam Mattress Topper
The Dreamfoam is a comfortable and affordable mattress topper that should be a good match for back and side sleepers.
If you need a queen-size topper that won’t break the bank, check out the Dreamfoam Gel Swirl. This no-frills topper will soften an existing mattress by one point, so it’s a great choice if you need a bit more pressure relief. Best of all, it’s infused with cooling gel. Many all-foam mattress toppers tend to trap heat, but that shouldn’t be a problem here.
What Makes The Dreamfoam Mattress Topper Stand Out?
- This gel memory foam mattress topper helps dissipate body heat.
- It softens mattresses by one point, so it’s a good choice for folks who don’t want their bed to feel too soft.
- It’s sold at a value price.
Read our full Dreamfoam mattress topper review
Best King Size Mattress Topper – COOP Retreat
Coop Sleep Goods Retreat Mattress Topper
Breathable and comfy, the COOP Sleep Goods Retreat mattress topper is a great choice for a king-size bed.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.90 / 5
If you love that luxurious pillow top look and feel, check out the COOP Retreat mattress topper. It’s made with memory foam, but the cover is tufted for that five-star hotel feeling. This topper is also quite breathable, so it shouldn’t make sleepers feel hot and stuffy at night.
Motion transfer won’t be an issue on this topper. If you share a bed with a partner, you shouldn’t feel any of their movements on your side of the mattress.
What Makes The COOP Mattress Topper Stand Out?
- The baffle box construction gives it a luxurious look and feel.
- It’s made with high-quality memory foam that is CertiPUR-US® and GREENGUARD Gold certified.
- This mattress topper has a breathable cover, which helps regulate body temperature.
Full review coming soon!
Best Latex Mattress Topper – Avocado
Avocado Latex Mattress Topper
Avocado's Latex mattress topper is made from the highest quality organic materials and has a bouncy, supportive feel.
Read Full ReviewThere’s a lot to love about latex foam: It’s breathable, responsive, and lasts a long time! If you choose the Avocado Organic Latex mattress topper, you can rest easy knowing that this product is kind to the earth.
This topper is particularly great for back sleepers. The high-density foam contours the lower back, creating a great balance of comfort and support. And because it doesn’t have a traditional slow-moving feel, it doesn’t trap body heat!
What Makes The Avocado Mattress Topper Stand Out?
- It’s made with eco-friendly materials.
- Latex feels naturally cooling and breathable.
- It’s a durable topper that works well for back sleepers.
Read our full Avocado mattress topper review
Best Organic Mattress Topper – Birch
Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper
The Birch mattress topper is 3” tall. The cover is made of organic cotton and is very breathable. The first layer contains Birch wool, which is both durable and breathable. Below that, there is a layer of Talalay latex. The Birch is a great option for those who want an eco-friendly mattress topper.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.70 / 5
Read Full Review
Looking for an organic topper with a pillow top feel? If so, the Birch Plush Organic mattress topper is for you. This topper contains organic cotton, high-quality natural latex, and Birch’s proprietary wool. This hypoallergenic topper offers excellent body contouring, and it won’t trap heat like many memory foam mattress toppers do. If you need a topper that aids in temperature regulation, this is a great choice.
Best of all – it feels comfy in any sleeping position! This topper should offer the necessary comfort and support that back, side, and stomach sleepers need.
What Makes The Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper Stand Out?
- It’s made with organic and natural materials.
- The latex foam aids in breathability, making it a great choice for hot sleepers.
- It’s a durable topper that works well for a variety of sleepers.
Read our full Birch mattress topper review
Best For Heavy People – TitanFlex
Brooklyn Bedding TitanFlex Topper
The TitanFlex is a comfortable topper that comes in three firmnesses. This makes it a good fit for any sleeping position.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.20 / 5
Heavier folks often need supportive toppers that will prevent them from “bottoming out” on the bed. If that’s what you’re looking for, the TitanFlex topper fits the bill. It’s available in three firmness options: soft, medium, and firm. You can also choose your preferred cover! TitanFlex offers a soft organic cotton cover as well as a luxury cooling cover. No matter your sleep needs, TitanFlex has you covered.
What Makes The TitanFlex Mattress Topper Stand Out?
- Shoppers can choose between three firmness options and two cover choices.
- The firm topper offers plenty of lumbar support for heavy people.
- It’s sold at a value price.
Full review coming soon!
The Best Mattress Toppers for Side Sleepers: What to Consider
We get it – shopping for a mattress topper online isn’t always easy. And if you’re a side sleeper, there are several factors you’ll need to consider. We’ll walk you through all of the important elements so that you can find the right topper for your sleep needs.
Firmness
Side sleepers typically benefit from soft mattresses that offer body contouring and pressure relief. If your current mattress feels too firm, you may want to get a soft topper that can cushion your shoulders and hips.
Mattress Clarity’s firmness scale ranges from 1-10, and 6.5/10 represents the industry standard of medium-firm. Many toppers, like the Saatva and TEMPUR-Adapt, soften mattresses by as much as two points! These options are particularly helpful for folks who sleep on beds that feel closer to an 8/10 on our scale.
Feel
This element ultimately boils down to personal preference. Some folks love to sink into a memory foam mattress topper, while others prefer the responsive feel of latex foam. Some people love the soft and malleable feel of down feather beds, but they don’t offer much pressure relief for side sleepers.
Sleeping Hot or Cold
Memory foam has a bad rep for trapping body heat, but all of the foam toppers featured in our list have built-in cooling features that help combat that issue. That said, even the best gel-infused memory foam won’t feel as cool as latex. Because it’s naturally breathable and responsive, latex foam is one of the best cooling materials on the market.
If you’re concerned about overheating at night, check out our list of the best cooling mattresses.
Price
Toppers cost significantly less than new mattresses, but if you want a high-quality product that will last years, you may need to invest. Some toppers, like the ViscoSoft, are sold on Amazon, which allows some shoppers to take advantage of free shipping and reward points. But don’t forget – you can also find the best price on these mattress toppers by using our Mattress Clarity coupons!
The Best Mattress Toppers for Side Sleepers
Once again, here are our top picks for the best mattress toppers for side sleepers! Also, take a look at our best mattresses for side sleepers to have the perfect side sleeping oasis.
| Mattress Topper | Superlative |
| Saatva | Best Mattress Topper for Back and Side Sleepers |
| Nolah | Best Mattress Topper for Lower Back Pain |
| ViscoSoft | Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper |
| Layla | Best Cooling Mattress Topper |
| TEMPUR | Best Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers with Hip Pain |
| Dreamfoam | Best Queen Size Mattress Topper |
| COOP Retreat | Best King Size Mattress Topper |
| Avocado | Best Latex Mattress Topper |
| Birch | Best Organic Mattress Topper |
| TitanFlex | Best Mattress Topper for Heavy People |
FAQs
Still have questions about finding the right mattress topper? Check out our FAQ section below.
How thick should a mattress topper be for side sleepers?
Side sleepers often benefit from soft mattress toppers that cushion shoulders and hips. For that reason, we recommend toppers that have thick top layers – at least two inches.
What firmness level is best for side sleepers?
Mattress Clarity’s firmness scale ranges from 1-10, and 6.5/10 represents the industry standard of medium-firm. Typically, side sleepers do best with mattresses that are in the 6-6.5/10 range.
Should side sleepers use memory foam?
Memory foam mattress toppers are great for side sleepers! This material typically has a slow-moving feel that cushions joints. On a memory foam topper, side sleepers shouldn’t feel pain or tension build up in their shoulders and hips. If you’re a hot sleeper, it’s important to note that some memory foam mattress toppers can trap body heat. For the best results, look for gel or copper-infused memory foam.