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.
I 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!
Our Verdict: What’s the Best Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers?
The Saatva mattress topper as the best of the best for side sleepers. It has a slow-moving feel that should soften your mattress by about two points on our firmness scale. While side sleeping, we gently sank into the Saatva topper and felt amazing pressure relief around our hips and shoulders. Plus, Saatva products are known for their high-quality materials and durability.
The Best Mattress Toppers for Side Sleepers 2024
- Saatva – Best Mattress Topper for Back and Side Sleepers
- Nolah – Best Mattress Topper for Lower Back Pain
- ViscoSoft – Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- Helix GlacioTex™ Premium Mattress Topper– Best Luxury Mattress for Side Sleepers
- TEMPUR – Best Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers with Hip Pain
- Dreamfoam – Best Queen Size Mattress Topper
- COOP Retreat – Best King Size Mattress Topper
- Layla – Best Cooling Mattress Topper
- Birch – Best Organic Mattress Topper
- TitanFlex – Best Mattress Topper for Heavy People
Best Mattress Toppers for Side Sleepers: Our Video Review
How We Choose Our Products
Here at Mattress Clarity, we personally test each product we review using proprietary analysis. Over the years, we have tested dozens of mattress toppers and assessed their firmness, feel, construction, cooling features, and durability. For this roundup, we specifically focused on mattress toppers that offered a balance of comfort and support to side sleepers of all body types.
Best for Back and Side Sleepers- Saatva
Saatva Graphite 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 ReviewOur Expert’s Take
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. I 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. Mattess Clarity’s firmness scale ranges from 1-10, and 6.5/10 represents the industry standard of medium-firm.
What We Love About the Saatva Topper
- The Saatva topper is made with high-quality materials, and you can expect it to last three to five years without sagging.
- It can alleviate pain along pressure points, which is great for both back and side sleepers.
- The graphite topper is a good option for hot sleepers because it draws heat away from your body.
What to Keep in Mind About the Saatva Topper
- This topper does not come with a removable cover, so it cannot be put in a washing machine. Saatva recommends spot-cleaning the topper with a mild detergent.
- The Saatva mattress topper will need 48 hours to off-gas and fully expand.
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
Our Expert’s Take
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 We Love About the Nolah Topper
- The topper has corner straps that help keep it secure to the sides of the mattress.
- It’s made from CertiPUR-US certified Nolah AirFoam. This material is designed to dissipate body heat and to keep sleepers cool.
- Shoppers can choose between a Plush and a Luxury Firm firmness option. The Plush version of the Nolah topper should soften your mattress by two points on our firmness scale.
What to Keep in Mind About the Nolah Topper
- The elastic straps on the Nolah topper securely fit mattresses between 10” and 15” tall. If your mattress is shorter or taller than those dimensions, you may struggle to fit the Nolah topper on your bed.
- This topper is two inches thick. Some sleepers may prefer sleeping on a thicker mattress topper to feel more pressure relief and cushioning.
Read our full Nolah Mattress Topper review.
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 ReviewOur Expert’s Take
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 We Love About the ViscoSoft
- Its high-density foam can help eliminate motion transfer if your mattress is especially bouncy and responsive.
- The ViscoSoft’s thick memory foam topper is ideal for side sleepers looking to sink into their bed for extra pressure-relief and body contouring.
- This memory foam topper is infused with cooling gel and comes with a breathable bamboo rayon cover. These features are designed to prevent heat from trapping between your body and your mattress.
What to Keep in Mind About the ViscoSoft
- Memory foam products that are shipped in plastic typically have a slight chemical smell to them, and this is the case for the ViscoSoft topper. This smell should dissipate after 48 hours.
- Its slow-moving memory foam feel does not respond quickly to movement, so it’s a bit difficult to move around on.
Read our full ViscoSoft mattress topper review.
Best Luxury- Helix GlacioTex™ Premium Mattress Topper
Helix GlacioTex Premium Mattress Topper
The Helix GlacioTex™ Mattress Premium mattress topper uses both foam and coils to offer comfort and support. It comes with a cooling cover to keep sleepers from overheating.
Our Expert’s Take
When it comes to luxury mattress toppers, it’s always a gamble whether you’re truly getting your money’s worth. With the Helix GlacioTex™ topper, you can let those worries fade away.
I tested the Luxury Firm version of this topper, but there is the softer Luxury Plush variant as well, which is what I’d recommend for side sleepers. It’ll be able to provide the necessary pressure relief for this sleeping position. This topper has a GlacioTex™ cover that pulls heat away from the body, preventing the buildup of heat around their body.
While most mattress toppers have one or two layers, the Helix GlacioTex™ has three: a 1.5″ layer of memory foam, a .75″ layer of micro coils, and a 1.5″ layer of thick, high-density foam. The three layers work together to provide excellent support, giving you your money’s worth for this topper.
What We Love About the Helix GlacioTex™
- This topper has straps in each corner that help you easily attach it to the bed, especially if you’re a side sleeper who changes positions.
- Despite this topper’s thickness, it wasn’t too hard to move around on, making it a decent choice for combination sleepers.
- Sleepers of all weights should find comfort on this topper, but most side sleepers will want to sleep on the Luxury Plush version.
What to Keep in Mind About the Helix GlacioTex™
- There is a slight chemical smell on this topper when it’s first unboxed. I found that it went away in 24-48 hours.
Read our full Helix GlacioTex™ Review!
Best for Side Sleepers with Hip Pain – TEMPUR-Adapt
TEMPUR-Adapt + Cooling 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 ReviewOur Expert’s Take
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 We Love About the TEMPUR-Adapt
- It contains proprietary TEMPUR material, which will significantly soften your mattress and add a slow-moving feel.
- The TEMPUR-Adapt is made from high-quality foam, and you can expect it to last three to five years without sagging.
- Its cover is removable, allergen-resistant, and machine-washable.
What to Keep in Mind About the TEMPUR-Adapt
- The TEMPUR-Adapt is not ready to use right out of the box. I found it took an hour to fully expand and 24 hours to off-gas.
- Although this topper comes with a moisture-wicking cover, I found the memory foam still absorbed some heat. Shoppers can opt for an upgrade with cooling technology for an additional price.
Read our full TEMPUR-Adapt mattress topper review.
Best Queen Size Mattress Topper – Dreamfoam
Dreamfoam 2″ Gel Swirl Memory Foam Mattress Topper
If you’re a fan of the slow-moving memory foam feel, but you’re not ready to spring for a brand new mattress, then the Dreamfoam mattress topper just may be the perfect thing for you.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.50 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
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 We Love About the Dreamfoam
- Its slow-moving feel adds some motion isolation properties to your bed. This is especially beneficial for those who sleep with a partner.
- The Dreamfoam topper is made with gel-infused memory foam to dissipate body heat and allow for ample airflow.
- Purchasing this mattress topper is a more affordable way to slightly soften the feel of your mattress instead of buying a new queen size mattress.
What to Keep in Mind About the Dreamfoam
- This topper does not come with a cover, so it is not easy to clean. You can place a mattress protector on top of the topper to prevent it from staining.
- Because this topper is only two inches thick, it may not provide enough pressure relief to heavyweight sleepers or those looking for a lot of extra cushioning.
Read our full Dreamfoam mattress topper review.
Best King Size Mattress Topper – COOP Retreat
Coop 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
Our Expert’s Take
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 We Love About the COOP Retreat
- The topper’s microfiber cover is breathable and cool to the touch. Its shredded memory foam filling also allows airflow between your body and your mattress. These features make the topper a good fit for hot sleepers.
- It’s made with high-quality memory foam that is CertiPUR-US® and GREENGUARD Gold certified.
- The baffle box construction gives it a luxurious look and feel and evenly distributes its filling to prevent clumping.
What to Keep in Mind About the COOP Retreat
- A king size mattress topper from COOP Retreat costs $399. This may be out of some shopper’s budgets.
- The COOP Retreat topper is not machine-washable, and does not come with a washable removable cover. The brand recommends using a mild detergent to spot-clean stains when necessary.
Read our full COOP 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 ReviewOur Expert’s Take
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 We Love About the Layla
- Instead of a slow-moving foam feel, the Layla topper has a responsive foam feel. This makes the topper easy to move around on and supportive.
- This memory foam topper is infused with copper gel beads to draw heat away from your body.
- All of Layla’s foams are CertiPur-US certified and are ideal for sleepers with allergies. Copper is also a naturally antimicrobial material!
What to Keep in Mind About the Layla
- In Layla’s warranty fine print, the brand mentions washing the topper’s cover in the washing machine will void its warranty. Layla recommends dry-cleaning the topper’s removable cover.
- The Layla topper will need around 48 hours to off-gas and fully expand.
Read our full Layla 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 ReviewOur Expert’s Take
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 We Love About the Birch
- Unlike with most memory foam toppers, this topper made with Talalay latex is ready to use out of the box and has no off-gassing odor.
- The Birch topper adds a plush pillow-top feel to your mattress without having to buy a new pillow-top mattress.
- The Birch topper is sold with a 10-year limited warranty which covers all manufacturing defects.
What to Keep in Mind About the Birch
- This organic topper might be out of some shopper’s budgets. A queen size Birch topper costs $623.80 before sales and discounts.
- Latex mattress toppers like the Birch typically don’t offer as much body contouring and pressure relief as a memory foam topper because of their responsive feel.
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
Our Expert’s Take
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 We Love About the TitanFlex
- The TitanFlex has a balanced foam feel, and offers more support to heavyweight sleepers than slow-moving foam.
- Its open-cell construction allows for more airflow than traditional memory foam.
- TitanFlex foam is CertiPUR-US certified foam, which means it’s made without chemicals or materials that harm the environment.
What to Keep in Mind About the TitanFlex
- Although shoppers have several options to customize their mattress topper, the TitanFlex is only sold in one thickness option: three inches. Heavyweight sleepers may prefer a thicker topper to receive more pressure relief.
- The TitanFlex is not made with elastic straps to secure the topper to your mattress. You can prevent this topper from shifting around by securing it with a mattress protector.
Read our full TitanFlex mattress topper review. Additionally, check out our list of Mattresses for Heavy People to get the most comfortable combo possible.
The Best Mattress Toppers for Side Sleepers: What to Consider
iI 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. I’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 |
| Helix GlacioTex | Best Luxury Topper for Side Sleepers |
| TEMPUR | Best Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers with Hip Pain |
| Dreamfoam | Best Queen Size Mattress Topper |
| COOP Retreat | Best King Size Mattress Topper |
| Layla | Best Cooling 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.