The side sleeping posture is very common, yet it might have some negative effects. Pain and discomfort are common complaints, and for many people the source of this discomfort is pressure building up in the hips and shoulders. Too much firmness in the mattress can exacerbate the problem, while too much softness can allow the hips and shoulders to sink in too much, putting pressure on the spine while sleeping on one’s side.
If you’re a side sleeper and you’re not getting enough rest, you don’t necessarily need to buy a new bed; you can just change the texture of your mattress. Adding a mattress topper is a simple and inexpensive option. Layers like this sit atop a mattress and give an extra layer of comfort, often measuring between 1 and 4 inches in thickness.
We’ll go through the features, benefits, and construction of some of the best mattress toppers for side sleepers on the market today. As an added bonus, we’ll go over some of the things consumers should keep in mind when on the hunt for a new mattress topper.
The Best Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers
- Best Overall – TEMPUR-Adapt Topper
- Best Value – Puffy Mattress Topper
- Most Comfortable – Silk & Snow Organic Mattress Topper
- Best Luxury – Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper
- Best for Hip Pain – PlushBeds Latex Mattress Topper
- Best for Back Pain – Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Topper
- Best for Pressure Relief – Birch Organic Mattress Topper
- Best Cooling – GhostBed Memory Foam Topper
- Best for Spinal Alignment – Sleepyhead Gel Topper
- Best Firmness Options – Turmerry Organic Latex Mattress Topper
TEMPUR-Adapt Topper (Best Overall)
Price: $399
The Tempur-patented TEMPUR foam used in Pedic mattresses is thick and durable, making them last much longer than the average memory foam mattress. The TEMPUR-Topper Supreme is made from the same material, and it has the same dimensions (3 inches thick, 5 on the firmness scale) and texture. The end result is a soft, malleable surface that conforms to the user’s body shape, relieving pressure points along the spine such as the shoulders, lower back, and hips.
This topper is ideal for side and back sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds because to its moderate firmness and close fitting nature. Back sleepers in this weight range shouldn’t have to worry about sinking too far into the mattress, while side sleepers get extra padding to keep their spine in a neutral position and avoid muscle discomfort. Since TEMPUR foam is so effective in reducing the transfer of motion between partners, it is also a good choice for those who share a bed.
Temporarily repairing a worn mattress with a TEMPUR-Topper Supreme is a good idea because of its thick enough construction to alleviate pressure points even if the mattress’s surface has deep creases from years of use. The knit polyester exterior allows the foam to breathe while protecting it. If the cover gets dirty, just take it off and throw it in the washing machine, but try not to wet the foam inside.
Those who live in the 48 contiguous states can receive free ground shipment from Tempur-Pedic. You won’t be able to get your money back if you change your mind about buying the topper, but the manufacturer offers a 5-year warranty on any structural flaws they find in their products.
Puffy Mattress Topper – Soft (Best Value)
Price: $229
The memory foam in the Puffy Mattress Topper progressively conforms to the shape of the body, which helps to alleviate pressure. In addition, there are two different degrees of stiffness available to customers: mild (3), and firm (4). (7). Side sleepers, who tend to put more pressure on their hips and shoulders, should go for the softer option. The firmer mattress may be more appealing to back and stomach sleepers who value a flat, supporting surface.
The filling is then encased in a cover comprised of 60% polyester and 40% rayon from bamboo. Fabrics made from bamboo have excellent breathability and a luxuriously smooth feel. The cover can be removed and washed in the machine for convenience, and it has an elasticized rim for securing the topper to the mattress. Mattresses up to 15 inches in thickness can be stored in the compartment. The topper won’t move around in your bed thanks to the grips on the bottom. The topper’s 2.5-inch thickness makes it a good option for anyone who want to improve the comfort of a tired or saggy mattress.
All consumers in the 48 contiguous states may take advantage of Puffy’s free delivery and 101-night risk-free trial. After a 30-night “break-in” period, customers may return a topper. When you buy a Puffy Mattress Topper, you have the assurance of a lifetime guarantee.
Silk & Snow Organic Mattress Topper (Most Comfortable)
Price: $270
Sleeping on one’s side may put a lot of strain on the spine, so finding a mattress topper that provides adequate comfort can be difficult. Since buyers may select from two hardness levels, the Silk & Snow Organic Mattress Topper is a reasonably risk-free investment. Anybody whose mattress is getting on in years but isn’t quite ready to buy a new one might consider getting this topper instead. It’s made from long-lasting, eco-friendly materials that won’t contribute to landfills.
Dunlop latex, a naturally thick and sensitive substance, forms the topper’s core and allows it to gently contour to the body without providing the typical “hug” associated with memory foam. Our research shows that side sleepers up to 230 pounds prefer a mattress with a medium (5) feel. Shoulders and hips, two pressure points commonly experienced by side sleepers of this weight, are closely conformed to and cushioned by a mattress of this hardness. Firm (7) is recommended for those who weigh over 230 pounds and require a little additional support from their topper.
In this example, the latex is protected by a cover made of organic cotton. People who tend to overheat in bed shouldn’t have any problems getting a good night’s rest on this topper thanks to the combination of the highly breathable fabric and the low heat retention of the latex. The topper is a good choice for environmentally aware people because it has been certified as meeting both the Global Organic Textile Standard and the Global Organic Latex Standard, both of which show that the cover and latex were farmed and processed in a sustainable manner.
The 2-inch height of the topper makes it suitable as a short-term solution for mattresses with light to moderate wear. You may remove the cover and clean it in your regular washing machine. To care for the fabric, wash it in warm water with similar colors using a gentle detergent and dry it in a low heat dryer. Spot clean any smudges or stains on the latex; do not put it in the washing machine.
When compared to similar latex toppers, the Organic Mattress Topper is priced affordably, and delivery is free to anywhere in the 48 contiguous states and province Canada. Buying from Silk & Snow gives you 100 nights to try out the topper and see whether it works for you. There is a 3-year guarantee on the latex itself (covering any structural flaws) and a 1-year warranty on the cotton cover (should you elect to keep it).
Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper (Best Luxury)
Price: $275
If you like to sleep on your side, the Saatva Mattress Topper has you covered with its supportive pressure relief and many material options. The model may be purchased in your choice of three materials: graphite, latex, or foam.
The graphite variant has three inches of memory foam laced with graphite, which is both breathable and thermally regulating.
The 1.5-inch latex variant is made mostly from natural Talalay latex. Breathability, longevity, and enhanced responsiveness are all hallmarks of this substance.
The foam model is the best value for your money. For comfort and support, it has 1.5 inches of polyfoam.
Material composition determines the range of possible strengths. The graphite option ranks highest in conforming, while both the foam and graphite choices perform admirably in terms of isolating motion. The latex variant performs exceptionally well in terms of temperature indifference and reactivity. All about a 4 on the firmness scale of 10, they should assist cushion the top of a mattress without making it too flimsy.
Its inner workings are protected by a cloth casing in all versions. The anchor bands in the corners make for a secure attachment to the mattress and prevent the cover from sliding around.
Saatva offers their mattress pad in all six of the most common mattress dimensions. There is a return window of 45 days and a warranty period of 1 year.
PlushBeds Natural Latex Topper (Best for Hip Pain)
Price: $429
PlushBeds offers its latex mattress topper in two different thicknesses and five different firmness levels. Customers can select from two different thickness options (2 inches or 3 inches) and five different firmness levels (3, 4, 5, 6, and 8). Because of its high level of adaptability, it can be a good fit for a wide variety of sleepers.
Talalay latex, used in the construction of the cover, is renowned for its breathability and somewhat sensitive feel. The substance prevents sinking while soothing sore muscles and joints. They may effortlessly roll over or shimmy across the surface while making love. Latex does not create the same “body hug” as memory foam, which can be a source of excessive heat retention. Also, the topper is great for warm sleepers because of its feature.
Thicker and softer alternatives may be more comfortable for side sleepers since they reduce strain on the hips and shoulders, while thinner and firmer ones may be more suitable for back and stomach sleepers. Sleepers of all sizes can benefit from its design. The soft (3) setting is best for those weighing less than 130 pounds, while the medium firm (6) and extra firm (8) settings are ideal for those weighing more than 230 pounds in need of a supportive mattress.
To keep you dry and comfortable, we provide a cover made of organic cotton for an upcharge. PlushBeds stands behind its products and provides a 5 year guarantee. To the 48 contiguous states, shipping is free.
Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Topper (Best for Back Pain)
Price: $499
When their mattress doesn’t provide enough support, side sleepers often wake up with sore backs. A mattress that is overly soft will give in the middle, particularly around the shoulders and hips, where most individuals bear the bulk of their body weight. The adjustable firmness of the Talalay Latex Topper from Brooklyn Bedding is a major selling point. Depending on their tastes and body type, customers can select a mattress with a gentle (3), medium (5), or firm (7) feel. A firmer feel may be preferable for people who weigh over 230 pounds or have chronic back discomfort, while a softer feel may be best for those who sleep on their sides.
Talalay latex, used in the topper’s core, is a highly sensitive substance that provides a significant bounce as you get in and out of bed. People who like a more responsive mattress may appreciate this. Memory foam is often criticized for its sluggish feel. The 3-inch height of the topper makes it suitable for even the most worn and saggy of mattresses. This topper is great for warm sleepers because the cover is made of breathable organic cotton and the latex shouldn’t keep too much heat. For those who like to sleep overheated, there is a Luxury Cooling cover option for the topper.
This topper comes in the six most common mattress sizes as well as the full XL and short queen variants that are less prevalent. The whole contiguous United States is eligible for free ground delivery from Brooklyn Bedding. Each purchase has a 30-night sleep trial to ensure the topper is a good fit and a 3-year warranty against manufacturing flaws, best mattress toppers for back pain.
Birch Organic Mattress Topper (Best for Pressure Relief)
Price: $400
The Plush Organic Mattress Topper is no exception to Birch’s reputation for producing high-quality, comfy goods. Wrapped in organic wool and cotton, this topper is filled with all-natural Talalay latex. If you want a medium level of firmness, this topper, rated at a 5, should feel robust and supportive.
Those who weigh less than 130 pounds or who want shallow contouring may find the Birch topping overly hard. Although it may not be ideal for those under 230 pounds, it is responsive and supportive enough to make side sleeping a pleasant experience for those who are heavier. This cap has been meticulously crafted, and it shows; it will serve you well for many years.
A natural porous material, latex allows air to circulate. The cotton and wool cover not only adds to this quality, but also helps you stay dry by wicking away excess perspiration. Conversely, wool keeps you warm while cotton keeps you cool. You won’t overheat thanks to this clever mix. The cover isn’t removable, however it is hypoallergenic and resistant to mold and mites for your comfort.
Customers concerned about the environment will likely notice Birch’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and adopt sustainable practices like sustainable sourcing. Those who live in the United States may have the company’s topper for no cost thanks to shipping subsidies. There is a 100-night trial period and a 10-year guarantee on the Plush Organic Mattress Topper.
GhostBed Memory Foam Topper (Best Cooling)
Price: $319
The GhostBed Memory Foam Topper is unique among similar products because of its zonal support system and other intelligent design features. The foam is not one uniform density across the board, but rather is broken down into five different densities to provide different levels of support for different parts of the body.
Those who sleep on their sides often have back pain, so it’s important to provide them with extra support in the shoulder and hip areas. The additional support from the firmness zones should also make it suitable for combination sleepers who sleep on their backs and/or stomachs.
The temperature regulation is another another strength of the top. With the memory foam’s strategically placed vents, you won’t overheat as easily.
A cover made of the unique Ghost Ice cloth, which is frigid to the touch, is included with the topper as well. The Memory Foam Topper’s cover extends over the sides of your mattress like a fitted sheet, while the covers of most competing products just enclose the topper itself. The cover will fit over 95% of mattresses on the market today thanks to its 18″ pocket depth. The foam is safeguarded from accidental spills and liquid damage thanks to the fabric’s watertight construction.
The price of the topper is reasonable, and GhostBed offers free shipping inside the 48 contiguous states. The manufacturer provides a 5-year guarantee on structural flaws, however the firm does not accept returns on this item, thus the transaction is final.
Sleepyhead Gel Topper (Best for Spinal Alignment )
Price: $449
With a medium (5) firmness, the Sleepyhead Gel Topper is a great option for side sleepers seeking a mattress that can mold to their body while yet providing adequate support. The gel-infused memory foam in this topper contours to your body to alleviate pressure points and absorb shock.
After extensive testing, we concluded that the memory foam compresses without causing spinal misalignment. During our testing, those weighing up to 230 pounds found the mattress’s medium firmness to be ideal for their side sleeping positions. Those who weigh more than 230 pounds when they sleep may find a firmer topper more comfortable.
This pad has a thickness of 3 inches and is offered in 6 different sizes, including the more unusual twin XL and full XL. College students who need a 2-inch topper for a twin XL mattress can also get one made by Sleepyhead. The gel infusion of this topper is designed to wick moisture and regulate temperature while yet retaining some heat. For warm sleepers, this version of the all-foam mattress topper may be preferable than others on the market.
The polyester cover can be taken off and washed, plus it’s quite breathable. Direct purchases of this topper from Sleepyhead come with free U.S. ground delivery and a 90-night risk-free sleep trial. All manufacturing and material flaws are covered for 5 whole years.
Turmerry Organic Latex Mattress Topper (Best Firmness Options)
Price: $249
In addition to its eco-friendly construction, the Turmerry Organic Latex Mattress Topper also comes in a variety of sizes, thicknesses, and degrees of firmness. The latex build is pleasant for all sleeping positions, but it works particularly well for those who prefer to lie on their backs because to the perfect harmony of support and contouring.
The six available sizes of the topping accommodate its two different thickness options. On our 10-point scale, customers can select from a gentle (3), medium (5), or hard (6) feel. While side sleepers will prefer the softer choice, back sleepers and some side sleepers will find the medium option to be a good compromise. Those who sleep on their bellies will benefit the most from the hard topper since their bodies need to be supported by the mattress while they rest.
This topper is crafted with supportive and long-lasting Dunlop latex. Sleep comfortably in the cool air thanks to the open-cell construction’s ventilation and breathability. The topper is certified organic by the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) and OEKO-TEX, so you know it doesn’t contain any dangerous chemicals. An organic cotton cover with a zipper is included with the mattress pad.
A Turmerry mattress comes with a 5-year guarantee that covers manufacturing and material flaws, as well as a 60-night sleep trial. In the 48 contiguous states, shipping is free with UPS Ground. Rates for shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, and other territories are available through Turmerry and may be calculated using either UPS or USPS.
In what ways might a mattress topper benefit a side sleeper?
Sleeping on one’s side increases the risk of developing pressure points. When people lie down, their shoulders and hips tend to sink a little further than the rest of their body. As a result, this might cause pressure points and a disruption in spinal alignment.
This is why it’s important to have extra support for your hips and shoulders if you sleep on your side. For side sleepers, a mattress that is too soft may cause them to sink too much, while a mattress that is too firm will provide too little padding and may lead to aches and pains. The aches and pains that come from sleeping on your side can be alleviated by using a topper of the appropriate hardness.
Toppers for Mattresses: Choosing the Right One
Finding the correct mattress topper for your needs, tastes, and preferred sleeping position is essential for getting the most out of your topper and making your bed as comfortable as possible. In this article, we’ll go over some guidelines to follow while searching for the perfect item.
When Choosing a Mattress Pad, What Side Sleepers Should Keep in Mind
The purchasing of a mattress topper requires careful consideration of a number of elements. To help you get a better night’s sleep in your favorite position, whether you like to lie on your side, back, or stomach, we’ll go over some general tips that apply to everyone and then emphasize some specifics for side sleepers.
Memory foam, polyfoam, latex, feathers, down substitute, and wool are the most common materials for toppers. Depending on their current mattress and their desired changes to the sleeping surface, any of these solutions may be suitable for side sleepers.
A memory foam, polyfoam, or latex mattress may be the most comfortable choice for a side sleeper since it contours to the body and relieves pressure points. The supportive contour that these materials provide makes them a top choice for side sleepers. Memory foam provides the coziest embrace, but it also tends to be the warmest. Typically, polyfoam conforms less precisely but has improved breathability. If you want to feel like you’re floating on air, latex will help you out by reducing the intensity of the compression and adding some bounce. The most noticeable benefit of feather, down substitute, and wool toppers is the extra padding they provide rather than the ability to mold to the body. Plush and breathable, they can improve the quality of the sleep surface, but they may not provide the support and cradling that many side sleepers require. A mattress topper composed of one of these materials may be comfortable if your mattress already conforms nicely to your body.
A topper’s price usually reflects the high quality of the materials used to make it. Options range from far under $100 to well over $1,000, so shoppers may find exactly what they’re looking for regardless of their budget. Most notable individuals will be around in the middle of the distribution. Some customers may be put off by the initial cost of more costly things, but if the topper doesn’t need to be changed as often, it may be worth the extra money.
Because of the broader nature of these joints, side sleeping is more likely to induce pain in the hips and shoulders. A mattress topper can assist alleviate this strain by redistributing the weight of the sleeper throughout the mattress. By keeping this in mind, you’ll be able to locate a choice that complements your preferred sleeping posture and existing mattress in terms of thickness, stiffness, and materials.
High-Quality Components: The durability and coziness of your topper may depend on the components used to make it. High-quality alternatives are less likely to leave permanent imprints or show other indications of wear, ensuring continuous comfort even after extensive usage. Although high-quality materials are more expensive, they may prove to be more cost-effective in the long run.
As a general rule, people who sleep on their sides prefer a softer mattress than those who sleep on their backs or stomachs. The ideal level of firmness for a mattress depends on the individual, but there are several factors to take into account. If the firmness of your mattress is a problem for you, you may always add a topper to make it more comfortable. The same may be said for a mattress; if it’s too soft, you could feel more comfortable switching to a firmer one. Most people who weigh less than 130 pounds will probably feel most comfortable on a soft to medium soft topper, those who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds will likely choose a medium to medium firm topper, and those who weigh more than 230 pounds would likely lean toward a medium firm to firm topper.
Standard mattress pads range in thickness from 1 to 4 inches. How much of an impact a mattress topper has on the feel of the bed is directly related to its thickness. Traditional thinner toppers make a subtle adjustment, while thicker choices make a more noticeable one. If your mattress is too hard for side sleeping, you may find that a thicker topper is more comfortable. But if it’s just slightly too stiff, a thin topping can do the trick.
Given that lying on one’s side can cause painful pressure points, this quality is generally the most sought after in a topper by those who like to sleep on their sides. A topper’s ability to alleviate pressure points depends on its ability to disperse a side sleeper’s weight so that it is distributed evenly throughout the surface, rather than being concentrated at the sleeper’s widest points.
Toppers made of memory foam, polyfoam, or latex are popular options for side sleepers since they mold to the body and relieve pressure points.
When it comes to relieving pressure, weight is also crucial. A softer topper may be necessary for sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds to experience the full benefits of contouring. People who weigh more than 230 pounds may find that a softer choice is more comfortable since they sink in less.
Is there anything else side sleepers can do to make their rest more restful?
There are a number of ways in which side sleepers can better their alignment and decrease pressure, including the use of a topper of the ideal hardness level to change the sensation of a mismatched mattress.
Get a neck pillow that fits you.
If you sleep on your side, find a pillow that allows your head and neck to remain in a neutral position in relation to your spine. The thickness, or “loft,” of your pillow is a crucial factor. Pillows that have a high loft and cause the head and neck to be elevated might cause spinal misalignment. Similarly, if your pillow has a low loft and you tend to sleep with your head tipped back, you may not get the proper rest. Pillows between 3 and 5 inches in thickness are often the most comfortable for side sleepers.
Some pillows allow you to alter the loft by adding or removing fill to customize the cushion to your preferred density. If you aren’t sure what loft you want, these pillows might be the finest solution.
Use a pillow to wedge between your knees.
Pressure points may be avoided and proper alignment achieved if the hips and lower back are at the same level as the head, neck, and shoulders. If you sleep on your side with one leg over the other, your lower back and hips may sink too far into the mattress, which can be uncomfortable. It is common practice to use a cushion in the genitourinary region to aid with alignment and relieve pressure.