Best Mattress Topper for Side Sleeping
Last Updated: December, 2024
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A mattress topper can be a great and inexpensive way for side sleepers to add a bit of cushioning to their sleep surface. If your bed is slightly firmer than you'd prefer, a quality topper can help you create a softer overall feel, enabling you to achieve that ideal side sleeper firmness. However, not all mattress toppers are designed equally, so what's the best mattress topper for side sleepers?
The best mattress topper for side sleeping is the GhostBed Memory Foam Mattress Topper. In this post, we'll discuss this and 6 other best mattress toppers for side sleeping and dive into all the vital factors you should consider before making a purchase decision.
Our 7 Best Mattress Toppers for Side Sleepers
Best Rated
Recognized as the best softer mattress topper by many side sleepers, GhostBed is a luxurious cooling mattress topper designed to provide excellent cooling relief through its cooling gel memory foam and GhostIce fabric. Unlike most toppers, GhostBed has GhostGrip elastic straps to secure the mattress topper on your existing mattress' surface.
2. PlushBeds Natural Latex Mattress Topper
This Talalay latex topper is made of 100% natural latex - suitable for keeping side sleepers cool. Also, the latex material is elastic, cushiony, and comfy, providing sleepers with optimized pressure relief.
Lift By Amerisleep boasts an ultra-breathable mattress cover that shields side sleepers from night sweats. The mattress topper comes in comfort and support firmness options. While the comfort lift provides more cushion through the Bio-pur material, the Affinity materials in the support lift provide extra support.
4. PlushBeds Natural Wool Mattress Topper
This topper's excellent cooling stems from the breathable cotton cover and the open cell structure. Moreover, the mattress topper is entirely made of environmentally sustainable materials that are GreenGuard Gold certified and OEKO-TEX Standard.
5. Molecule Copperwell Mattress Topper
The Molecule Copperwell topper features a HexFLO™ 7-zone technology on the surface, providing sleepers with dynamic targeted support. It also features an open-cell memory foam structure that helps with cooling.
This topper's material blend of 60% polyester and 40% bamboo helps dissipate body heat excellently, much better than traditional memory foam. The mattress topper is also available in medium, firm and soft options to help you choose one that suits your needs.
Zoma balance pad is primarily designed for people with active lifestyles and athletes thanks to its Reactiv™ foam which provides pain relief and quick muscle recovery. Also, it has a non-skid fabric at the bottom to keep it from shifting on the mattress surface.
Pros
Cons
With its cooling and contouring gel memory foam, this Ghostbed Mattress Topper is an excellent choice for side sleepers seeking deep pressure relief and exceptional cooling during hot summers.
Unlike traditional memory foam mattress toppers, this model uses sophisticated cooling mechanisms like the cool-to-the-touch Ghost Ice fabric. That's why most buyers consider GhostBed the best cooling mattress topper.
With its deep-pocketed breathable waterproof cover, this topper further helps keep hot sleepers cool through hot summer nights. Since the cover is also waterproof, you can use this topper as a mattress protector against dirt and accidental spills.
Apart from cooling, the 3-inch memory foam mattress topper contours to the whole body providing maximum comfort. This is evident on the surface zoning on the head, shoulders, knees and feet to provide maximum pressure relief while promoting consistent airflow throughout the topper.
Like most toppers for side sleepers, GhostBed memory foam has a 5-year warranty. More importantly, you can be sure the topper is made of high-quality materials, given that it's made in the U.S.
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If you're looking for the best latex mattress topper hip pain and for side sleepers, check out this natural latex topper from PlushBeds. This mattress topper is unique because latex feels very responsive, unlike memory foam.
It's also naturally cooling and super durable. What's more, the PlushBeds Natural Latex Topper is available in five firmness levels, including the soft version, which will make your mattress feel slightly softer and the firm model, which is great if your bed needs a bit more support.
Thanks to the natural latex, this topper is super breathable. Moreover, the topper's latex core, with cotton cover and open cell construction, helps shield you from a night of sweaty mess.
The topper's availability in multiple sizes and firmness options makes it suitable for any sleeper, including side sleepers. Overall, the firmness option on the softer end of the spectrum is suitable for side sleepers.
PlushBeds makes your investment in this natural latex foam topper worthwhile by offering free shipping. Typically this topper can last up to 20 years and comes with a 5-year warranty.
Pros
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If you love sinking into that slow-moving memory foam, then the Lift by Amerisleep is the topper you need to look at. It comes in either comfort or support option, but regardless of your choice, it will come inside an ultra-breathable, removable cover. It also boasts MicroGrip technology that helps your topper stay secure to your mattress without damaging it.
The Lift by Amerisleep is a perfect option for side sleepers because memory foam relieves pressure in your hips and shoulders. This memory foam mattress topper also features an advanced open-cell design so that it will pull body heat away from you. This means you won't sleep too hot on this topper, either.
Both versions of this mattress topper are fitted with HIVE technology. However, while the support Lift uses Affinity materials to deliver better support, the comfort Lift uses Bio-Pur foam which offers extra cushioning for pressure relief.
Like many mattress toppers on the market, Lift By Amerisleep is backed by a five-year warranty. The company also offers free shipping.
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Made from 100% premium quality wool, this luxury mattress topper offers phenomenal cushioning and unbeatable pressure relief, especially for side sleepers. Its natural wool is excellently moisture-wicking and hypoallergenic, dust and mite resistant.
This PlushBeds topper's cozy and soft feel has a cushioned and plush sleeping surface, perfect for long REM sleep cycles. Moreover, the natural wool fibers help distribute your body weight evenly, which helps relieve pressure on sensitive pressure points.
Given this organic mattress topper is made of high quality materials, its luxurious plush surface is naturally cooling and moisture-wicking. Since it's designed to keep you cool during hot summers and warm during cold winters, you can be sure of all year's comfort.
The PlushBeds natural wool topper is an excellent upgrade to any existing mattress, be it latex, hybrid or memory foam. Being a medium firm topper makes it an ideal pick for a side sleeper. Notably, Back sleepers would find it similarly comfortable also.
Like other best mattress toppers for side sleepers, this organic mattress topper also has a warranty (1-year). The company also offers free shipping but within the contiguous U.S.
Pros
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Are you looking for the best mattress topper for side sleepers, designed with cutting-edge technology, ensuring you stay cool and sleep on a surface with the perfect balance of comfort and support? Look no further than Molecule Copperwell Topper.
As mentioned earlier, this is a one-of-a-kind topper designed with a patent-pending HexFLO precision-contoured surface to offer full body support where needed the most. Moreover, regardless of your sleep position, this topper's 7-zone surface provides continuous contouring comfort essential for pressure relief and proper spinal alignment.
Unlike any regular memory foam topper, Molecule Copperwell offers unmatched cooling. Not only does this gel memory foam mattress topper help dissipate body heat, but it also shields you from night sweats.
The design of this memory foam topper primarily targets sleepers with active lifestyles and athletes. Its excellent body contouring helps ease the pain and speeds up performance recovery. And since it's on the medium firm side, its zoned construction is suitable for any position, including side sleeping.
Given its high quality materials, you can rest assured this topper will be an excellent upgrade to your current mattress. Unlike some toppers for side sleepers, Molecule Copperwell comes with a 30-day risk-free trial and a 5-year warranty. Additionally, Molecule company offers free shipping on this topper within the contiguous U.S.
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Is hip pain getting you down? Check out the Puffy Mattress Topper. The soft model has a profoundly plush feel that appeals to everyone who needs strong cushioning and those who simply enjoy plush sleep surfaces. While toppers with deep contouring often overheat, Amerisleep's topper boasts cooling features that help offset body heat retention.
Measuring 2.5 inches thick, this topper is made of memory foam, and it can significantly change how your mattress feels. The soft option is ideal for side sleepers who need generous pressure relief to cushion their hips and shoulders. Although some back sleepers might find this option comfortable and supportive against their spine, the firm model will likely offer better support for their back.
Puffy's removable and machine-washable cover is made of 60% polyester and 40% rayon derived from bamboo, a breathable blend meant to help with temperature regulation. It also features an elastic band at the bottom to accommodate a 15-inch mattress. The bottom has small nubs to grip your mattress, preventing slippage as you shift positions at night.
Puffy offers free ground shipping to all 50 states. Their toppers come with a 101-night trial period and a lifetime warranty.
Pros
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The Balance Pad exemplifies the superior pressure relief and high-quality design that has come to define Zoma's foam products. The topper's Balancing core contains solid Reactiv foam, a dense proprietary material that delivers even contouring and excellent durability. Its medium feel is well suited to side and back sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds, especially individuals who feel sharp pressure points along the spine.
Measuring three inches thick, the Balance Pad is thick enough to change the feel of your mattress dramatically. This should offer a temporary solution to sleepers whose mattresses have become saggy with years of use. The Ractiv foam also absorbs motion and greatly isolates body movements across the surface. So, if you're using a relatively bouncy bed and often wake up when your spouse changes position, the Balance Pad should help reduce nighttime disturbances.
The foam is encased in a lightweight mesh 3% spandex and 97% polyester fabric cover. Six sizes are available, all corresponding to the standard mattress dimensions. Zoma offers free ground shipping to all shoppers in the contiguous U.S. Since returns are not permitted, all sales are final. However, each order is backed by a 5-year manufacturer's warranty that covers sagging and manufacturing defects.
What Firmness Level is Ideal for Side Sleeping?
Side sleepers often need soft mattress toppers or those with medium firmness. If your sleep surface is too firm, you'll put a lot of pressure on your shoulders and hips, causing you to wake up in pain. You don't want your topper to be too soft, either. Remember, if you sink into the surface too much, there won't be enough body support to help you maintain a neutral spine.
Side Sleeping Firmness Level vs Body Type Chart
Check out our chart below for a breakdown of firmness level and body type.
Weight Range | Firmness Level |
|---|---|
Lightweight under:130 pounds | 6/10, medium-soft |
Average Weight :130-230 pounds | 6/10, medium-soft |
Heavyweight: Over 230 pounds | 6.5- 7/10, medium-firmn |
How to Choose a Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers
When hunting for the right mattress topper for side sleepers, there are various things to consider. In this section, we'll walk you through the most crucial factors.
Great Pressure Relief
If you often sleep on your side, you'll frequently exert a lot of pressure on the shoulders, hips, and neck, causing tension throughout your spine.
To sleep comfortably and pain-free, you'll want a mattress topper that's soft enough to relieve these painful pressure points. A foam mattress topper is well-known for relieving pressure points and can be a viable option for side sleepers.
If your sleep surface is too firm, it could interfere with blood circulation, potentially causing major aches and pains. This is because it won't contour to the widest points around your hips and shoulders. Plus, it could disrupt sleep, forcing you to wake up and change sleep positions at night.
Related Content: https://sleepchillout.com/mattress-topper-back-pain/
Contouring
Similar to pressure relief, body contouring is crucial for side sleepers. Side sleepers usually create uneven space between their shoulders and hips when sleeping in this position. Instead of leaving this space unsupported, you want a sleep surface that will fill it in. That's where body contouring comes in.
A mattress topper with good contouring will give a side sleeper support where they need it the most while helping them feel as if their sleeping surface is cradling their body instead of pushing up against their shoulders and hips.
Generally, memory foam toppers are particularly good at contouring. Aside from having a slow response to pressure, they're well-known for adapting to the sleeper's unique shape.
Cooling Features
Most toppers for side sleepers feature memory foam for pressure relief. However, foam can trap heat, causing hot sleepers to sweat throughout the night. To find memory foam toppers with cooling properties, look for ones with phase change technology, gel infusions, or copper particles to keep you at comfortable temperatures as you sleep.
Body Type
Consider your body type before choosing your topper's firmness. If you're a heavy sleeper, you may want to opt for a firmer mattress topper to prevent sinking. On the other hand, those with smaller frames should go for a soft mattress topper for alignment.
Trial Period
Irrespective of what type of topper you choose, it's wise to confirm what you can do if you're unsatisfied with your product. Most brands, especially those that sell online, allow buyers to sleep on the mattress topper for several weeks before returning it for a full refund if it doesn't suit their needs.
What's the Best Mattress Type for Side Sleepers?
With so many quality toppers on the market, it can be quite challenging to find the right pick for your needs. Below are the best types of mattress toppers for side sleepers.
Memory Foam Mattress Toppers
It's no coincidence that our list comprises multiple memory foam toppers. They do a great job of relieving pressure compared to other materials. They're also perfect at isolating motion.
Many memory foam owners often complain about sleeping hot. This is because memory foam traps body heat more than other materials. Fortunately, many brands combat this issue by infusing their toppers with cooling technology such as gel-infused memory foam. A breathable mattress topper cover is also crucial.
Latex Mattress Topper
Latex mattress toppers are known for their bounciness and tendency to be more naturally sourced. Strict side sleepers will want to make sure that their latex topper has enough give for their hips and shoulders. These mattress toppers are also ideal for combination sleepers.
Hybrid Mattress Toppers
Hybrid mattress toppers are the most universal alternative for most sleep positions, and side sleeping is no exception.
Because of the breadth of this topper's materials, hybrid toppers can be wide-ranging in their firmness and feel. However, in general, they're going to be bouncier and more responsive than all-foam mattress toppers, in addition to being more supportive. If you want a blend of support and comfort without your sleep surface being too soft, then a hybrid mattress topper is the right pick for you.
Closing Thoughts
Now that you know what to look for in a new mattress topper for side sleeping, you can confidently pick the right model that will help you rest comfortably on your side. Aside from using a mattress topper to adjust the feel of your current mattress, remember to use the perfect medium-loft or adjustable pillows for your neck. Placing a pillow between your knees can also help improve your alignment and alleviate pressure.