Best Mattress Toppers for Side Sleepers

Finding a topper that improves the comfort level of a mattress can be tricky for side sleepers, since people who use this position need the right balance of cushioning and support to promote even alignment and alleviate pressure along the spine. The Silk & Snow Organic Mattress Topper is a fairly safe bet because shoppers can choose between two firmness levels. Durable, sustainably sourced materials also make the topper a solid choice for anyone with a mattress near the end of its lifespan who isn’t yet ready to purchase a new bed.

The topper’s core is composed of Dunlop latex, a naturally dense and responsive material that lightly contours to the body without the “hug” you might expect from foam. During our product tests, the medium (5) feel was most popular among side sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds. This firmness level provides close conforming and cushioning for the shoulders and hips – two common areas of pressure buildup for side sleepers in this weight range. Those who weigh more than 230 pounds may need extra support from their topper, so the firm (7) feel should be more suitable.

A cover made of organic cotton encases the latex. This fabric is exceptionally breathable and the latex retains a minimal amount of body heat, so the topper should sleep sufficiently cool for people who tend to run hot in bed. Global Organic Textile Standard and Global Organic Latex Standard certifications indicate the cover and latex have been sustainably grown and processed, making the topper an appealing option for eco-conscious individuals.

A 2-inch profile makes the topper a good temporary fix for mattresses with minor to moderate wear and tear. The cover can be removed and laundered in your household machines. Wash the fabric in warm water with like colors and mild detergent, then tumble dry on low heat. The latex should not be machine washed – simply spot clean the material if you notice stains or smudges.

The Organic Mattress Topper carries an approachable price-point compared to other latex toppers, and shipping is free for all customers in the contiguous U.S. and provincial Canada. Silk & Snow backs each purchase with a 100-night trial period, giving you plenty of time to test out the topper and decide if it meets your needs. Should you decide to keep it, you’ll also receive a 3-year warranty that covers structural defects in the latex and a 1-year warranty for the cotton cover.

The Saatva Mattress Topper offers side sleepers supportive pressure relief and a broad selection of material options. This model is available in three different materials: graphite, latex, and foam.

The graphite version contains 3 inches of graphite-infused memory foam that helps draw heat away from the body while providing exceptional pressure relief.

Natural Talalay latex makes up the core of the 1.5-inch latex option. This material is breathable, durable, and more responsive.

The foam version is the most budget-friendly option in the line. It contains 1.5 inches of polyfoam for cradling and support.

Strengths vary based on the materials. The graphite version earns the highest scores in conforming, and the graphite and foam options both isolate motion well. The latex version rates highly in temperature neutrality and responsiveness. All are close to medium-soft, or 4 on the 10-point firmness scale, so they should help soften the surface of a mattress without bottoming out under pressure.

Each version is encased in a fabric cover to shield the core. Anchor bands on the corners help ensure a snug fit against the mattress and reduce the risk of shifting.

The Saatva Mattress Topper is available in the six standard mattress sizes. A 45-day return policy and 1-year limited warranty applies.

The ViscoSoft Select High Density Mattress Topper is an all-foam topper with a slightly firmer feel than other memory foam models you’ll find on the market. It’s a great option for sleepers who need or enjoy the conforming of foam but require extra pushback to keep the lower back from sinking too deep.

The topper is composed entirely of memory foam, which is known for strong contouring. This makes the topper an excellent choice for side sleepers seeking a topper with excellent pressure relief to prevent pain or discomfort in the shoulders and hips. Compared to other memory foam toppers, the ViscoSoft Select High Density Topper is composed of denser foam that generates extra support. Side sleepers who find competing toppers too plush will benefit from the firmer design.

The topper has a medium firm (6) feel and is available in a 3- or 4-inch profile. Both models are thick enough to substantially change the feel of your sleep surface. The topper is encased in a removable and machine-washable cover. The topper attaches to your mattress with adjustable straps that you can size to fit your mattress. You may choose between six standard sizes, as well as a queen short size that’s ideal for RVs.

ViscoSoft offers a 90-night sleep trial and a five-year warranty. Shipping is free to the contiguous U.S.

Memory foam toppers can be somewhat pricey, especially if the foam has a relatively high density, but Brooklyn Bedding breaks from this trend. This version of the Memory Foam Topper has a medium density of 4 pounds per cubic foot (PCF), a mid-level density to ensure even contouring and ample cushioning without too much overheating or “hugging.” The topper’s sticker price is below average, yet its performance is on par with many of its more expensive competitors.

You can choose from profiles of 2 or 3 inches. We recommend the latter if your mattress is on its last leg and you’re looking for a temporary fix before buying a replacement model. If moderate indentations are affecting the comfort level of your sleep surface, the 2-inch topper should suffice. Both versions are available with two cover styles. One is composed of soft organic cotton and the other is composed of slick, circular-knit fabric. Both excel at cooling and can help prevent the foam core from retaining excess heat. You may remove and machine wash the cover for quick, easy cleaning.

The 4-Lb. Memory Foam Topper is sold in seven sizes. These include six options that correspond with standard mattress dimensions, as well as a short queen geared toward RV owners. In addition to the approachable price-point, the topper qualifies for free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. Your purchase comes with a 30-night sleep trial. Should you decide to keep the topper after the return period expires, Brooklyn Bedding further backs it with a 3-year warranty against material defects.

Side sleepers often struggle to find toppers that feel comfortable and regulate temperature, as these qualities don’t often go hand in hand. The Helix GlacioTex Premium Mattress Topper – Luxury Plush is an exception to this rule. Measuring nearly 4 inches thick, the topper makes any mattress feel noticeably plusher and more adaptive. At the same time, a cover made of GlacioTex phase change material feels cool to the touch and releases body heat from your sleep surface — this ensures a comfortable temperature any night of the year, even if you sleep relatively hot.

The sophisticated design consists of three individual layers, beginning with plush adaptive polyfoam on the surface. This material contours evenly to distribute your weight, promote even alignment, and reduce pressure buildup along the spine that many side sleepers find bothersome. Underlying microcoil and base foam layers provide additional cushioning, but also push back against your weight to ensure limited sinkage beneath your shoulders and hips.

During hands-on tests, the topper earned praise from the side sleepers on our team across all weight groups. Those weighing 130 to 230 pounds were particularly impressed with the balance of conforming, support, and bounce. Back and stomach sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds also awarded favorable ratings to the topper. In terms of performance, we found the thick profile and adaptive foam layers help the topper excel at motion isolation and pressure relief. Temperature control was another major highlight — we attribute this to the Glaciotex cover and steady airflow through the microcoil layer.

The cover cannot be removed for washing, so you’ll need to spot clean the GlacioTex Premium Mattress Topper – Luxury Plush with a moist towel if stains or smudges are present. While the sticker price is somewhat high, Helix sweetens the deal for shoppers with free shipping to all 50 states and a generous 100-night sleep trial. Those who keep their topper after the trial ends also receive a manufacturer’s warranty covering structural and material defects for up to one year.

The PlushBeds Latex Mattress Topper comes in two thickness options and five firmness levels. Customers can choose between a 2-inch or 3-inch profile, as well as a soft (3), medium soft (4), medium (5), medium firm (6), or extra firm (8) feel. The generous amount of customization options makes it a suitable choice for most types of sleepers.

The topper is made of Talalay latex, noted for its breathability and gently responsive feel. The material resists sinkage while providing relief to sensitive areas. Couples will appreciate how easily they can move across the surface while sleeping or during sex. Unlike memory foam, latex does not provide the “body hug” that often traps heat. This makes the topper an excellent choice for hot sleepers as well.

Back and stomach sleepers may appreciate the thinner and firmer options, and side sleepers may prefer the thicker and softer options to relieve pressure in the hips and shoulders. It also suits sleepers across weight groups. Sleepers under 130 pounds may want to consider the soft (3) option, and sleepers over 230 pounds may be drawn to the medium firm (6) feel or the extra firm (8) feel, both of which offer great support.

A moisture-wicking organic cotton cover is available for an additional fee. PlushBeds offers a 5-year warranty with purchases. Shipping is free to the contiguous U.S.

Foam mattress toppers aren’t typically known for their cooling capabilities because of how closely they adapt to the body, but the Nolah Mattress Topper is a notable exception. Open-cell foam and a breathable cover cut down on any heat retention, keeping you cool throughout the night.

The topper is made from proprietary AirFoam that contours to the body and relieves pressure in sore spots like the joints and lower back. This foam has an open-cell construction that ensures consistent airflow for cooling. A 2-inch profile makes the topper great for shoppers seeking a slight comfort adjustment for mattresses with mild wear and tear. The topper is encased in a breathable and moisture-wicking cotton cover that gives the surface a soft and cool feel.

You can choose between medium soft (4) and medium firm (6) feels. Our side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds and back sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds enjoyed the extra cushioning from the soft model. The firmer model best suited our side sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds, as well as back and stomach sleepers weighing between 130 and 230 pounds. People in these categories enjoyed the medium firm model’s balance of cushioning and support.

Nolah ships free to customers in the contiguous U.S. The Mattress Topper is backed by a 30-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty against structural defects.

Many shoppers opt for foam mattress toppers when they’re looking to create a softer surface for their bed, but some might find that foam traps too much heat. An ideal alternative is a wool topper. The PlushBeds Handmade Natural Wool Topper creates a luxurious plush surface without any of the heat retention that foam toppers are known for. The above-average price tag is reflected in the high-end materials.

The topper measures 3 inches thick and is constructed with 100% wool. Known for its natural breathability, wool is excellent at wicking moisture from your body and preventing overheating at night. The medium soft (4) feel provides strong cushioning for sleepers who are looking to relieve painful pressure points. Side sleepers in particular will find this topper very comfortable, since they are prone to pressure buildup in the shoulders and hips.

To enhance the luxurious feel of this topper, PlushBeds encases it in a 400 thread count organic cotton cover with a smooth sateen weave. The cotton has GOTS certification to verify that it is organic. PlushBeds recommends spot-cleaning the topper using a soft brush and mild detergent, then fully air drying.

While PlushBeds does not accept returns for this topper, the product is backed by a 1-year warranty. Shipping is free within the contiguous U.S.

Birch is well-known for crafting comfortable products from high-quality materials and the Plush Organic Mattress Topper is no exception. This topper is made of natural Talalay latex that’s wrapped in an organic wool and cotton cover. Sleepers should find this medium (5) firmness topper feels resilient and supportive.

Birch’s topper may be too firm for sleepers under 130 pounds and those who prefer deep contouring. However, it’s responsive and supportive enough to be comfortable for side sleepers who weigh over 230 pounds. This topper is durable, well-made, and likely to have a long lifespan.

Latex is naturally breathable. The cotton and wool cover enhances this quality and also wicks away moisture to keep you dry. Cotton promotes airflow, while wool regulates temperature. This combination ensures that you don’t get too hot while sleeping. Though the cover isn’t washable, it is engineered to be hypoallergenic and resistant to mold and mites.

Birch’s commitment to lowering its carbon footprint and practices like sustainable sourcing should appear to eco-conscious shoppers. The company ships its topper for free to customers living in the U.S. The Plush Organic Mattress Topper carries a 10-year warranty and includes a 100-night sleep trial.

The Puffy Deluxe Mattress Topper checks a lot of important boxes for side sleepers who live with chronic or frequent pain. A block of solid memory foam measuring 2.5 inches thick adapts to your body for deep cradling and contouring — many of our testers likened this to lying on a cloud — and you can choose from two firmness levels based on your body type. 

Our tests show the soft (3) topper is best suited to side sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds, whereas the firm (7) topper provides adequate support for those who weigh more than 230 pounds. If you fall between 130 and 230 pounds, you may find either comfortable. The topper’s thick profile significantly changes the feel of your sleep surface, making it a good option for mattresses with deep indentations on the surface.

The cover is equipped with stretchy corners similar to those found on a fitted sheet, allowing you to secure the topper to your mattress and prevent it from shifting during the night. A breathable polyester-rayon blend helps offset heat retention from the foam in order to keep you cool and comfortable. You may remove and machine-wash the cover as needed. Please note the cover’s pocket depth is 15 inches, so the corners may come loose if your mattress has a profile exceeding this measurement. 

The Deluxe Mattress Topper is available in six sizes corresponding with standard mattress dimensions. All are reasonably priced, and Puffy offers free ground delivery to customers in all 50 states. Your order includes a 101-night trial with full refunds and complimentary return shipping if you aren’t satisfied with the topper. If you choose to keep it, you’ll receive a lifetime warranty against material defects.