From plush cloud-like toppers to supportive memory foam, these are the best mattress toppers for side sleepers.
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8 Best Mattress Toppers for Side Sleepers, Tested and Reviewed
Updated Oct. 01, 2024
Best overall mattress topper for side sleepers
Helix GlacioTex Premium Mattress Topper
Pros:
- Supportive and comfortable
- Corner straps ensure a secure fit
- Hybrid design
- Cooling cover
- High-quality feel
- Easy to unpack and place on the bed by yourself
Cons:
- Pricey
- Spot-clean only
Whether your mattress is brand new or you’re still sleeping on the same mattress you had when you were a kid, the Helix GlacioTek Premium mattress topper will drastically improve your sleep. Just ask our tester, Spencer Kildare, who tested the luxury plush version of this mattress topper on his 16-year-old mattress. “My mattress is very old and worn in, so it’s probably not the best mattress to sleep on, but I have gotten accustomed to it,” he admits. “My sleep quality isn’t the best, and I sometimes feel like I’m 60% to 90% rested.” The Helix mattress topper couldn’t come soon enough!
Kildare, who slept on the luxury plush mattress topper for five nights with a few naps scattered throughout the week, gave it as a eight out of 10 on the firmness scale. “The mattress feels like it has structure but also feels like it has the potential to give,” he explains. When pressure is applied, Kildare says the topper offers quite a bit of resistance. And when he laid on his side, he found that he didn’t sink in as much as he did prior to using the Helix mattress topper. Most importantly, he noticed a significant improvement in his sleep quality.
With the Helix mattress topper securely on his bed, Kildare found himself waking up feeling rested and energized. “I woke up 85% to 100% rested, which really helped get my day going. My circadian cycle was maintained and improved with this mattress topper,” he raves. “I never woke up sore or in pain.”
Made with a combination of memory foam and steel microcoils, this mattress topper for side sleepers is a true hybrid model. Better yet, its four layers are wrapped in a GlacioTex cooling cover that draws heat away from your body and keeps you cool while you sleep. Sturdy straps are on each corner to ensure a secure fit and prevent it from sliding around on your mattress. In fact, Kildare notes that in addition to the comfort and support offered by this mattress topper, the straps are a big part of what makes it hard to beat.
All in all, Kildare was highly satisfied with the Helix mattress topper. When asked what could be done to make this mattress topper even better, he couldn’t think of a single thing. “There isn’t much that I would do to make the mattress topper better,” he says. “I appreciated how comfortable it was and how well it stayed centered on my mattress.” And while it’s one of the pricier options on our list, Kildare insists that it’s a good value. “I believe there are cheaper options that offer similar comfort, but the quality and straps make this hard to beat,” he explains. “You get what you pay for: quality.”
Best budget mattress topper for side sleepers
Dreamsmith Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Pros:
- Queen size topper is under $200
- Made of supportive memory foam
- Comes in five sizes and three thickness levels
- Lightweight and breathable
- Corner straps ensure a secure fit
Cons:
- Takes 24 to 48 hours to fully expand
Even if you’re shopping for a budget-friendly mattress, you can still expect to pay a few hundred dollars. If a new mattress isn’t in the cards right now, buying the best mattress topper for side sleepers is a great way to improve your quality of sleep until you’re ready to make a larger investment. We tested the Dreamsmith memory foam mattress topper and found it to be an excellent value.
“This mattress topper is a great value compared to other toppers. It’s about a half or a third of other mattress toppers, but keeps up with the performance. And it has straps, a feature typically reserved for the more expensive mattress toppers,” says our tester, Kildare. “It’s made up of one quality material, so this is a mattress topper that I feel will last.”
While comfortable and supportive, Kildare points out that this memory foam mattress topper is not meant to be slept on right away as it needs time to expand. The manufacturer recommends 24 to 48 hours of expansion time, but Kildare found that he was able to sleep on it after four hours. And the more it expands, the more comfortable it becomes. That’s why he recommends setting it up early in the morning and giving it a full day to do its thing.
In terms of comfort, Kildare gave this mattress topper four out of five stars. “It’s quite comfortable. It was firm but had a plush fullness to it,” he explains. “It was probably the firmest of the bunch, feeling more like a block of soft foam than a spongey soft foam, but I had better quality sleep with it than without it. I still tossed and turned, but I didn’t experience any soreness on my sides.”
After he completed his testing, Kildare passed this mattress topper onto his brother, an overnight worker. According to Kildare, his brother was an instant fan. “He works overnights, which is stressful on his body, but claims the Dreamsmith topper helped his back issues. He doesn’t feel sore as much,” reports Kildare. “He also claims that he falls asleep faster and feels much better overall.”
The Dreamsmith mattress topper is offered in five sizes and three thickness levels. Kildare opted for a 4-inch topper, which starts at just $120. But be on the lookout for sales, as this mattress topper is often discounted on Amazon.
Best memory foam mattress topper for side sleepers
Layla Memory Foam Topper
Pros:
- Copper-infused memory foam has noticeable cooling properties
- Corner straps ensure a secure fit
- Adds softness to firm mattresses
- Machine-washable cover
- Generous return policy
Cons:
- May need time to off-gas
- Some bunching occurred during testing
A cooling mattress topper, like this copper-gel-infused cooling memory foam topper from Layla Sleep, is a must-have for hot sleepers. Our tester, Cher Checchio, tried this topper on her king-size mattress and found it both comfortable and cooling. “I sleep on a Tempur-Pedic mattress, so it already provides a ton of support, but I did notice that the mattress topper adds softness and provides even more comfort,” Checchio says. “There was a sunk-in feeling as soon as I laid on the topper, which made me want to relax and drift off to sleep.”
In order to see just how comfortable and supportive this mattress topper really was, she placed an item under the topper and slept on the bed overnight. She didn’t notice the item at all. What she did notice, however, was a slight overhang on her mattress. That said, Checchio confirms that there was no sliding, thanks to the sturdy corner straps.
Another note-worthy feature is the machine-washable cover. Cher washed it on delicate and laid it out to dry. She was pleased to find no wrinkles or fading, and the cover looked as good as new! She did point out that zipping the cover back over the topper was a bit cumbersome, but she was able to do it.
If you happen to not love this particular mattress topper for side sleepers (though we’re confident that you will), Layla Sleep offers a full money-back guarantee within 30 nights of purchase. But rather than toss your topper, the company will arrange for you to donate it to a local charity. Once you donate it, snap a picture of the donation receipt and send it to Layla Sleep. Upon receipt of your photo, the brand will issue your full refund. It’s that simple!
Best plush mattress topper for side sleepers
Saatva Down-Alternative Featherbed Mattress Topper
Pros:
- Plush and cozy, yet supportive
- Temperature regulating
- Corner straps ensure a secure fit
- Machine-washable design
- Luxe, gift-like packaging
- Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified
Cons:
- May be too soft for some sleepers
If you prefer your bed to feel like a big, puffy cloud, then Saatva’s Featherbed mattress topper is for you. This cushy topper is crafted with a hypoallergenic down-alternative fill that’s breathable and moisture-wicking. It’s also Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified, meaning it doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals and, better yet, it’s machine washable.
They say that first impressions are everything, and it turns out that’s even true for mattress toppers. When she first received the Saatva mattress topper, our tester, Lois Alter Mark, actually smiled. “The mattress topper was packed in a lovely, reusable, zippered fabric pouch and looked like a gift, wrapped with beautiful ribbon. It actually made me smile,” she says. And when she opened it up, it was so soft and cushy that Mark couldn’t wait to cuddle up in it. “It felt almost down comforter-like. I worried that it would actually be too soft even for me because of that and also because it’s called ‘featherbed,'” she admits. Fortunately, her worries were short-lived.
During testing, Mark found this mattress topper to be quite supportive. “All parts of my body felt like they were well supported when I slept on my side, and nothing was digging into my hips or shoulders. They felt totally cushioned,” she explains. “My hips were able to sink in, but I was able to move around comfortably without getting stuck during my nights of tossing and turning.” And thanks to the sturdy corner straps, Mark, who regularly tosses and turns throughout the night, had no issues with this topper moving around with her. In fact, she points out that this topper just feels like it’s part of the bed.
When asked if there was anything that could improve this topper, there wasn’t much that she would change. “It would have been perfect if, instead of the four corner straps, it actually went on like a sheet so you could tuck it around the entire mattress for a totally seamless integration,” suggests Mark. That said, she insists that this mattress topper for side sleepers truly lives up to the claim that it provides five-star hotel comfort. In fact, it even has her wondering if she could actually take this topper in its luxe carry bag when she travels since she often finds most hotel beds to be too firm. Hotel owners, take note!
Best splurge mattress topper for side sleepers
Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Pros:
- Firm, yet flexible memory foam
- Infused with cooling graphite
- Corner straps ensure a secure fit
- Treated to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew
- No off-gassing
Cons:
- Branding is visible through certain linens
The best mattress topper for side sleepers doesn’t always come cheap. If you really want to splurge on a good night’s sleep, the Saatva Graphite memory foam mattress topper will make it feel as though you’ve treated yourself to a brand-new mattress. This luxe topper is made of pressure-relieving memory foam infused with cooling graphite and treated with Saatva’s Guardin botanical antimicrobial treatment. The cover is made with breathable and moisture-wicking organic cotton.
At 3 inches thick, this topper is a substantial addition to any bed. The memory foam provides adequate support for side sleepers and reduces motion transfer. Our tester, Mark, found that while this topper was firmer than her mattress, it was flexible enough to be comfortable and provided good support for her hips while sleeping on her side. Additionally, she appreciated the topper’s supportive edges. “On my soft mattress, the edges are so soft that my knees and feet sometimes slip off the bed, and I have to either move more into the side of the bed or turn over,” Mark explains. “The real positive difference to me was that when I slept facing out of the bed (rather than facing my husband), I was able to keep my legs, knees and feet comfortable, as well.”
While Mark appreciated the support she received from this mattress topper, she prefers something softer overall. “I slept comfortably but still felt that I was sleeping on a piece of foam that was separate from my mattress. I’m just not a memory foam person, but I think those who swear by memory foam will love this topper,” she explains. However, she adds that it’s something she could get used to since her husband preferred this topper to their soft mattress.
What she doesn’t think she can get used to, however, is the branding that covers this mattress topper. According to Mark, the word “Saatva” is all over the mattress topper, which she feels cheapens it quite a bit. “The branding on it takes away from the overall value because, unless you have heavy linens (we have Cozy Earth), you’ll see it right through the sheets,” she explains. But if you are using something heavy, such as flannel sheets, or don’t mind seeing the brand’s name through your existing sheets, then this mattress is a splurge you won’t regret.
Best organic mattress topper for side sleepers
Avocado Eco Organic Mattress Topper
Pros:
- Oeko-Tex standard 100 and Made Safe certified
- Removable organic cotton cover
- Comfortable and supportive
- Available in six sizes and two heights
- Vegan certified
Cons:
- Doesn't have straps to hold it in place
The Avocado Eco organic mattress topper is made with Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)-certified organic latex or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified Pure Talalay latex, depending on whether you opt for the medium or plush feel. We tested the 3-inch Talalay latex topper, which is softer and more plush than the Dunlop latex used in the 2-inch topper. The Talalay topper is designed to contour and alleviate shoulder and hip pain, making it ideal for side and combination sleepers. Both toppers are finished with a removable Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-certified organic cotton cover and are Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and Made Safe certified. They’re also vegan-certified and made without wool.
Kildare tested this topper on his 16-year-old mattress and loved the overall quality and spongey nature of the foam filling. “It really has a cakey sort of feel, and it mushes when pressure is applied. It provided excellent support to my sides without applying excess pressure,” he explains. “My sleep quality improved, and I woke up either fully rested or almost fully rested.” And speaking of cake, Kildare adds that this mattress arrived with a factory smell that was reminiscent of vanilla cake. He notes that the smell isn’t bad, but it does need a couple of days to off-gas.
While he feels that this mattress topper is comfortable and well made, Kildare points out that this was the only mattress topper that moved around a lot on his bed. He attributes this to the fact that the topper is slightly larger than his mattress, and it doesn’t have corner straps to hold it in place. Rather than corner straps, this topper relies on well-fitted sheets to keep it in place, so you might need to pick up a snug set of organic cotton sheets.
Best mattress topper for side sleepers to alleviate pain
Bear Pro Mattress Topper
Pros:
- Provides pressure point relief
- Temperature regulating
- Hypoallergenic
- Removable cover
- CertiPUR-US Certified
Cons:
- Doesn't have straps to hold it in place
- May need time to off-gas
If you often wake up with back pain, but aren’t ready to purchase the editor-loved Bear Pro Hybrid mattress, the Bear Pro mattress topper could be the solution you’ve been dreaming of. Made of plush memory foam, this topper is designed to provide pressure point relief. Kildare slept on this mattress topper for side sleepers for five nights to see if it really delivers pain-free sleep.
“I like that the mattress topper had the right amount of give when sleeping on my side. I didn’t feel any pain or soreness when sleeping on it,” Kildare says. Moreover, the quality is comparable to other high-end brands, and Kildare is confident it will hold up well over time. “It has a nice solid structure to its singular foam filling and has a strong cover. It’s almost like a mattress’ surface but not as rough. It’s definitely durable and feels like it will last,” he raves.
The Bear Pro mattress topper arrives tightly rolled and ready for unboxing. It doesn’t need any time to expand, but it will require a bit of time for off-gassing. According to Kildare, the mattress doesn’t smell bad per se, but there was a noticeable factory scent that he was able to smell through the sheets for the duration of his testing.
Overall, this mattress topper for side sleepers is a great value, and Kildare believes that its quality is on par with that of the Helix GlacioTex. The only thing that Kildare didn’t love was the lack of corner straps. “It is a good value compared to others but misses the mark with no strap,” he says. “It didn’t move too much when I tossed and turned, but it definitely moved when I got out the bed.” That said, this mattress topper is around $153 less than the Helix topper. If you don’t mind the lack of corner straps, then this topper is undoubtedly the next best thing. And when you’re ready to make a larger investment, you can invest in the best mattresses for back pain.
Best mattress topper for side sleepers on Amazon
Dormeo Premium Mattress Topper
Pros:
- Over 1,900 five-star ratings
- Arrives quickly via Prime shipping
- Three-zone support evenly distributes weight
- Targeted pressure point relief
- Corner straps ensure a secure fit
Cons:
- Hexagon impressions can be seen and felt through linens
- Didn't fit our tester's bed properly
With so many products to sift through, finding the best bedding on Amazon can be daunting. That’s why we’ve gone ahead and done the legwork for you. If Amazon is your go-to for, well, everything, then you’ll want to add the Dormeo Premium mattress topper to your cart. This memory foam mattress is made of high-quality, breathable foam and has medium firmness. It features three-zone support, which provides varying firmness zones to support the spine while side sleeping.
During testing, we found that the Dormeo topper had quite a bit of overhang when placed on the mattress—so much so that our tester, Leah Groth, rechecked to make sure it was the right size. It was. And in spite of the overhang, Groth was still able to secure the topper to her mattress using the adjustable straps.
Amazon claims that this mattress topper conforms to your body’s natural shape, however, Groth disagrees. “It is a topper that offers targeted pressure point relief. It doesn’t conform to your body,” she explains. “I like that the firmness varies to support different areas of your back. It especially cushions the hip area and definitely kept my body supported while sleeping on my side.”
The only thing Groth didn’t like was the topper’s cover. Though removable and machine-washable, it has a hexagon design that can be seen and felt through the linens. According to Groth, a smoother cover would be a great improvement, but it’s not necessary to enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep on this mattress topper for side sleepers.
Other mattress toppers for side sleepers we tested
Sometimes we get our hands (or, as in this case, bodies) on a product that just doesn’t live up to our expectations. Although we tested nine mattress toppers for this story, only eight made the cut. Here’s why that ninth topper didn’t land a “best” spot:
- Nolah mattress topper: Our tester, Mark, slept on this mattress topper for three nights before throwing in the towel. While she acknowledges that this topper might add a bit of softness to someone’s too-firm mattress, she ultimately found it to be thin and uncomfortable. “It felt like sleeping on a piece of foam. I mean, it actually felt like I had just put down a piece of foam I had picked up at Michael’s. Not the flat kind but the kind that has pointy-looking things coming out of it,” Mark explains. “Maybe I’m like the Princess and the Pea, but I could feel the foam itself, and when I turned, I could feel it move with me, which was just disturbing.”
What to look for when buying a mattress topper for side sleepers
A mattress topper for side sleepers should enhance your current mattress. You should feel comfortable and supported while you sleep, but there are also a few other things to consider.
- Firmness: If you prefer a soft, plush surface, look for a down or down-alternative topper you can really sink into. If you want a firmer feel, a memory foam topper will be your best bet.
- Cooling properties: If you’re a hot sleeper, look for a mattress topper with moisture-wicking properties or a cooling cover that’ll prevent you from overheating.
- Corner straps: According to our testers, mattress toppers with corner straps didn’t move around as much as toppers that relied on fitted sheets to hold them in place.
- Return policy: While they cost much less than a new mattress, mattress toppers aren’t necessarily cheap, and you shouldn’t be stuck with one if it’s uncomfortable. Many of the brands on our list offer trial periods or no-hassle returns. Be sure to carefully read the return policy before you buy to ensure you won’t be throwing money away if you decide the topper is not for you.
Why you should trust us
At Reader’s Digest, our team of editors and testers are always excited to try new products. We especially love testing products that enhance the quality of our sleep. We sent each mattress topper on this list to our side-sleeping testers so they could try them on their beds at home for at least five nights. We took into consideration how easy it was to unpack each topper and place it on a mattress, along with its overall comfort and performance. Our testers used these mattress toppers on a variety of mattresses and were able to detail how much each topper did or did not improve the quality of their sleep.
How we found the best mattress toppers for side sleepers
After thoroughly researching top brands and scouring customer reviews, we selected nine mattress toppers for side sleepers. We made sure to select a mix of plush and firm toppers made of various materials at a variety of price points. We then sent the mattress toppers to our testers.
Our testers personally slept on every mattress topper on this list for five consecutive nights to ensure they lived up to their online descriptions and reviews. They noted the best features of each topper along with the not-so-great, covering everything from packaging and setup to odors, comfort and performance. We then compiled all of their notes into this detailed list so you can shop with confidence.
FAQ
What type of mattress topper is best for side sleepers?
A mattress topper that provides pressure relief, especially around the shoulders and hips, is best for side sleepers.
Can you wash a mattress topper?
Each mattress topper is different. Some mattress toppers have removable covers that are machine washable while others are spot-clean only. And then there are some which can be thrown into the washing machine as a whole. Be sure to read the instructions that come with your mattress topper for side sleepers to ensure you’re cleaning it properly.
How do you keep a mattress topper from sliding?
The best way to keep a mattress topper from sliding is by purchasing a topper that has corner straps. These straps are designed to go around the corners of your mattress and hold the mattress topper in place.
Originally Published: October 01, 2024
