These top-rated picks offer pressure relief and supportive cushioning for a better night’s sleep.
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Are you a side sleeper who often wakes up to aches and pains? Then it may be time to upgrade your bedding. If you’re not ready to shell out the big bucks on an expensive new mattress quite yet, don’t worry. The best mattress toppers for side sleepers can help alter the feel of your current mattress, offering much-needed pressure relief to help you sleep more comfortably.
“If you’re a side sleeper, using a mattress topper can really improve your sleep,” says Shelby Harris, Psy.D., clinical psychologist and Director of Sleep Health at Sleepopolis. “Mattress toppers can add extra cushioning, especially to your shoulders and hips, which are common areas that can get uncomfortable for side sleepers. They also help your spine stay in a neutral position, reducing the chances of you waking up with aches and pains.”
Meet the Experts: Shelby Harris, Psy.D., clinical psychologist and director of sleep health at Sleepopolis; W. Christopher Winter, M.D., a neurologist and sleep medicine physician with Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine and host of the Sleep Unplugged podcast.
The ideal mattress topper for side sleepers is typically medium to medium-soft firm to provide support and relieve pressure points, says Harris. You’ll also want to consider the topper’s material, thickness, temperature-regulating features, and more. Here, we’ve rounded up all the top-rated and expert-recommended picks for your your specific needs—whether you’re specifically looking for a memory foam mattress topper for a softer, plusher feel or a cooling mattress pad to keep you from sweating all night.
Ready to snooze more soundly? Check out the best mattress toppers for side sleepers below.
This Tempur-Pedic pick was crowned the best overall mattress topper for side sleepers by the Good Housekeeping Institute, impressing Textiles Lab experts with its ability to conform to the shape of your body and reduce pressure on hips and shoulders. The topper is constructed with three inches of super-soft memory foam that offers adaptive pressure-relieving technology, along with a breathable knit cover that’s removable and machine-washable for easy laundering. It also comes with built-in straps, though some testers reported that it still tends to shift overnight.
The topper comes recommended by W. Christopher Winter, M.D., a neurologist and sleep medicine physician with Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine and host of the Sleep Unplugged podcast (note: He’s been a paid consultant for the Tempur-Pedic). Reviewers love it, too. “I am a side sleeper and was experiencing a great deal of pain in my lower back and hip...but I had a good night’s sleep with this topper the first night. It definitely takes the weight off my hip, as I am able to sink into the topper and roll over easily,” one shopper wrote. “I have had this for a couple of months now, and it really has made a difference.”
This affordable mattress topper from Lucid—a brand recommended by Harris—is constructed with plush, responsive memory foam that helps eliminate pressure points. The memory foam is gel-infused to help regulate body temperature, while the ventilated design helps improve airflow. This topper is also highly customizable: It not only comes in a wide range of bedding sizes, but it’s available in three different thickness options. You can even opt for an added zippered cover.
Along with the affordable price, this topper boasts over 44,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. “I am a side sleeper and I could feel my body finally aligned properly...My back pain is almost completely gone,” said one reviewer. “I am sleeping better than I have for two years, and this is the absolute best investment I could have made until I can justify buying a new mattress.”
This memory foam mattress topper from Nolah was vetted by the Good Housekeeping Institute as a great pick for back and hip pain relief, with testers sharing that the sink-in feel helped relieve discomfort by contouring to pressure points. Textiles Lab experts also love that it comes with built-in elastic bands for a secure fit and a removable, machine-washable cover for easy laundering. Plus, the two-inch thickness won’t add too much height to the bed.
This topper also comes in two firmness levels, luxury firm and plush, so you can customize it to your liking and specific needs. “The Nolah topper has improved my sleep! Noticeable difference in my back and hip pressure points which had me waking up very achy,” shared one Nolah customer. “I will not hesitate to recommend to anyone that is having pressure point issues. So glad I chose this.”
Do you experience night sweats and need a topper that won’t keep you too hot? This best-selling pick impressed experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute with its ability to keep you cool, thanks to its construction with perforated foam that allows for more airflow, as well as a cooling gel that’s designed to pull heat away from your body. Testers confirmed that this topper helped them maintain a comfortable body temperature while sleeping.
Made with pressure-relieving memory foam and available in three different thickness options, the topper is also has a machine-washable cover, a slip-resistant mesh bottom, and built-in straps. And did we mention it has over 8,000 five-star Amazon ratings? “I could not be happier. No more hip or back pain, and I didn’t have to buy a whole new mattress,” said one reviewer who’s a side sleeper. “Not to mention I’m a profuse night sweater, and coupled with great breathable sheets, [this] keeps me cool the night through.”
A brand recommended by Harris, Saatva also has a stamp of approval from the Good Housekeeping Institute, having performed well in previous lab tests and impressing experts with its comfortable, supportive design and construction with high-quality materials. (Plus, the brand offers a generous 180-day trial period.) According to Saatva, this topper is great for all sleep positions but is especially ideal for side sleepers thanks to its supportive, body-hugging memory foam that offers great pressure relief. The memory foam is also infused with graphite, which helps draw heat away from your body.
Testers noted that this topper stays in place well with its built-in elastic straps that are easily secured onto your mattress. “My sleep is so much improved since having this on my bed,” wrote one reviewer. “I’m a side sleeper and have had some hip pain in the recent past. That pain has subsided, and my sleep is most restful since using the mattress topper. It does not run hot at all. For me, it’s been perfection!”
If you prefer a bouncier feel or want a material that’s more breathable, a latex topper is a good option. This one from Avocado Green is made with high-quality, organic latex and has a cover made of breathable, moisture-wicking organic cotton. In fact, the materials are certified by the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) and the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), meaning that the entire manufacturing process adheres to strict standards.
This topper also comes in two different firmness options (firm and plush), so you can choose which one that best suits your needs. And the cherry on top: It comes with a generous 365-day trial period. “I’m 71 and a side sleeper. With a history of back problems, I need the support a firm mattress supplies, but my hips and shoulders need some cushioning. The topper does the trick. And it sleeps cool to boot!” one reviewer shared on the Avocado website.
This popular pick from Linenspa is Amazon’s number one best-selling mattress topper, having racked up over 116,000 ratings in total (with more than 84,000 perfect five-star ratings!). This gel-infused memory foam topper is also super affordable at under $100, and it comes in two thickness levels as well as an option with a removable, washable cover.
Reviewers especially love the topper’s soft, plush cushioning and support. “I used to wake up with so much back and hip pain every day. I am a side sleeper and my back was just not getting enough support. This mattress topper has literally changed my life,” wrote one Amazon customer. “It is like sleeping on a cloud. No matter what position I sleep in, my back is supported and I am no longer in pain every morning. My only regret is not buying it sooner.”
Available in both firm and soft options, Puffy’s Deluxe Mattress Topper offers 2.5 inches of contouring, pressure-relieving memory foam. It comes with a lightweight, removable cover that’s made of viscose from bamboo and polyester to help maintain airflow. One unique feature of this topper is that instead of straps, it has deep elastic stretch pockets, which you can secure onto the mattress just like a fitted sheet. Along with anti-slip grips on the underside, this ensures that the topper won’t move or shift around.
Reviewers say the soft option delivers on plush, cloud-like comfort—while still providing enough support. “The soft mattress topper was a great balance of support and softness. You do not sink straight through to the mattress below, it adds a layer of softness to our mattress,” noted one reviewer. “It’s so plush and thick, it really feels like sleeping on a supportive, memory foam cloud!” wrote another.
Generally, Dr. Winter recommends gel-infused memory foam for a cooler sleep experience. “Sleepy’s makes a gel topper that is relatively inexpensive and soft,” he says. This topper is constructed with three inches of pressure-relieving memory foam that’s infused with cooling gel, along with a removable, washable cover that’s breathable and cool to the touch. It also comes with an anti-skid bottom to help keep it in place and is finished with an antimicrobial treatment to maintain long-lasting freshness.
“This mattress topper is amazing. It’s so comfortable. It feels like sleeping on a giant marshmallow,” wrote one customer. “Love it. Very comfortable and the perfect amount of plush. Not at all hot, keeps a nice temperature,” said another reviewer.
This hybrid, dual-layer topper combines the contouring, pressure-relieving benefits of memory foam with the soft plushness of a down alternative pillow-top cover—a great combination that helps relieve pressure points for side sleepers. The memory foam is gel-infused to help keep you cool, while the pillow-top cover is removable and machine-washable. Plus, the topper features both adjustable straps and a deep-pocket elastic skirt to ensure that it never slides.
“This mattress topper is so comfortable; it really makes a difference for back pain and takes all the pressure off hips and shoulders during side sleeping,” said a reviewer.
✔️ Choose the best material. “Memory foam and latex are recommended materials for side sleepers as they provide contouring support, relieve pressure points, and help maintain proper spinal alignment,” says Harris. Memory foam is generally a good choice due to its supportive properties, agrees Dr. Winter. You may also want to consider a latex topper, which is naturally hypoallergenic and may provide a bouncier feel, or a hybrid topper, which combines pressure-relieving memory foam with a soft, plush pillow-top cover.
✔️ Find the right firmness. “If you sleep on your side, it’s best to choose a mattress topper that’s not too firm,” says Harris. “A medium to medium-soft mattress topper is good because it supports your hips and shoulders, keeps your spine aligned, and reduces pressure on your body.” Ultimately, you should try to find an ideal firmness based on your needs: If your mattress feels too firm on your pressure points, for example, you may want to opt for a softer topper for more cushioning. Alternatively, if you find that your body is sinking in too much on your current mattress, look for a firmer topper for more support.
✔️ Consider the thickness. Mattress toppers typically range from two to four inches thick. Generally, for more support and cushioning, you’ll want to opt for a thicker topper—but keep in mind that this will increase the height of your bed.
✔️ Look for temperature-regulating features. “For those who like a cooler sleep experience, gel-infused memory foam can help make [a mattress topper] cooler,” says Dr. Winter. You can also look for cooling features in the topper’s construction, like ventilated foam, which helps increase airflow.
Mattress toppers are a great option if your current mattress is causing you discomfort or you simply want to adjust the feel of your bed without purchasing a new mattress quite yet. “[Toppers] can make your bed more comfortable by adding a soft or firm layer, relieving pressure points, and catering to your preferences,” says Harris. “They can also help control temperature, protect your mattress from spills, and extend its lifespan.” An added bonus: Toppers are generally much more affordable and easier to clean than a mattress.
Side sleepers can especially benefit from a mattress topper, as the right one can help maintain proper spinal alignment and add extra cushioning to shoulders and hips—the areas that typically get uncomfortable if you sleep on your side, explains Harris.
To find the best mattress toppers for side sleepers, we consulted Shelby Harris, Psy.D., clinical psychologist and director of sleep health at Sleepopolis, and W. Christopher Winter, M.D., a neurologist and sleep medicine physician with Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine and host of the Sleep Unplugged podcast. We also pored through product specs as well as countless user ratings and reviews. Lastly, we referenced the Good Housekeeping Institute’s coverage of the best mattress toppers for side sleepers to choose the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt Topper, the Nolah Mattress Topper, the ViscoSoft Memory Foam Mattress Topper, and the Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper.
For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.
Hannah Jeon is an Associate Commerce Editor at Prevention, where she covers expert-driven commerce content for all things health, beauty, and wellness. Previously the Editorial Assistant at Good Housekeeping, she earned her bachelor’s degree in creative writing and psychology from Johns Hopkins University. When she’s not on the hunt for all the best products online, you can often find her trying out new food spots in New York City or clicking away behind a camera.
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