Best Mattress Toppers for Side Sleepers
Written by Loren Bullock, Lead Mattress Tester
We spend a good amount of our lives sleeping, so naturally, we want to make sure that we have the best possible sleep experience in terms of comfort and support. Whether you’re a back sleeper, stomach sleeper, side sleeper, or all of the above, you need to pick the right mattress and mattress topper to suit you. With so many sleeping surface options available out there, it can be hard to choose the right one. Luckily, we’ve managed to create a comprehensive list of some of the best mattress topper options for side sleepers below.
Bottom Line: What’s the Best Mattress Topper Overall?
Our best picks for a mattress topper take various factors into consideration, including pricing, material, softness, pain relief, durability, and temperature regulation. We found that the overall best mattress topper option for a side sleeper is the Saatva Latex Mattress Topper, which earned high marks in all categories during testing.
Disclosure: By clicking on the product links in this article, Mattress Nerd may receive a commission fee at no cost to you, the reader. Read full disclosure statement.
Best Mattress Toppers for Side Sleepers of 2026
- Saatva Natural Latex Mattress Topper – Nerd’s Pick
- Helix GlacioTex Premium Mattress Topper – Best Luxury Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers
- CopperFlex 201 Topper – Best Cooling Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers
- Silk & Snow Organic Mattress Topper – Best Latex Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers
- DreamCloud Softer Mattress Topper – Best Soft Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers
- Nolah Mattress Topper – Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers
- Avocado Eco Organic Mattress Topper – Best Organic Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers
- TEMPUR-Adapt Topper – Best Mattress Topper for Shoulder Pain
Current Top Deals
- Saatva Natural Latex Mattress Topper – Save Up to $60 on Pillow Pairs and Select Bedding Bundles
- Helix GlacioTex Premium Mattress Topper – 27% Off Sitewide with Code NERD27
- CopperFlex 201 Topper – 30% Off Sitewide with Code JULY30
- Silk & Snow Organic Mattress Topper – Up to 30% Off Sitewide | Free Classic Sleep Bundle with Mattress Purchase
- DreamCloud Softer Mattress Topper – Save Up to 60% Off Mattresses + 66% on Bundles
Best Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers Video
Best Toppers for Side Sleepers
Nerd’s Pick: Saatva Latex Mattress Topper
Saatva Natural Latex Mattress Topper
Just 1.5 inches can make a difference when it comes to your bed, and that’s the case with Saatva’s Natural Latex Mattress Topper. This eco-friendly topper will transform your sleep into a luxury experience.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.5 / 5
When it comes to side sleeping, we generally recommend a softer mattress topper—one which allows your hips and shoulders to sink comfortably into the top layer. However, you don’t want to sink too far, as it can put strain on your pressure points and throw your spine out of alignment. The heavier you are, the further you sink, as well. That’s why, for side sleepers over 230 pounds, we recommend something on the firmer side, like the Saatva Latex Mattress Topper.
Consisting of hypoallergenic, ventilated Talalay latex, this topper provides cooling comfort and is ultimately more durable and breathable than toppers made of Dunlop latex. The responsive design creates unmatched pressure point relief on sensitive areas for side sleepers, such as the hips and shoulders—a very important feature for heavy people. The 100% certified organic cotton found in the topper wicks away moisture, too, further promoting a cooler sleep experience. These organic materials, however, make Saatva’s natural latex mattress topper a bit pricier at $195 for a twin size. That said, we thing you’ll find that it’s well worth the cost.
What our testers say: “This eco-friendly option is the most expensive given it’s natural sourcing, but it’s also a great option for hot sleepers. Latex is known for its cooling properties, and Saatva even reassured this model wouldn’t trap body heat by adding perforations throughout for added breathability.” — Becca Fair, Lead Accessories Tester
Read our full review of Saatva’s Mattress Toppers for more information.
Best Luxury Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers: Helix GlacioTex Premium Mattress Topper
Helix GlacioTex Premium Mattress Topper
A luxury mattress topper with a steel microcoils for extra support and a GlacioTex cover to regulate temperature.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.3 / 5
If you want to add a luxury feel to an older mattress, the Helix GlacioTex Premium Mattress Topper is a solid choice. The GlacioTex Cooling Cover not only helps pull away heat while you’re lying on the topper, but it also has a comfortable quilted top, providing a feel reminiscent of luxury beds you might find in a hotel.
Along with high-density foam, this Helix topper also uses a layer of steel micro coils to provide a balanced feel of support and comfort. Our tester found the mattress topper a bit firmer, but the top layer of foam still provided enough sinkage to provide the needed pressure relief for their joints.
It’s on the pricier side, with a queen topper costing about $465 before any sales or discounts. However, its durable construction and solid cooling capabilities may make it a worthwhile purchase for many sleepers.
What our testers say: “This topper from Helix is a little firmer than your standard medium firmness, but it still provides the right amount of sinkage. It’s cradling my lower back, and it feels very comfortable. I tend to like a little more sinkage in my mattress topper, but I think this would be a great option for most body types.” — Mattress Nerd In-House Tester
For some less expensive options, check out our list of the best cheap mattress toppers.
Best Cooling Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers: Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex 201 Topper
CopperFlex 201 Topper
A 2-inch foam topper with copper infusions for added cooling.
Mattress Nerd Score
4 / 5
Are you waking up sweaty every night? Don’t just throw your whole mattress away; consider purchasing a cooling mattress topper, such as the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex 201 Topper. This memory foam topper is infused with copper, which has natural thermal conductivity and antimicrobial properties.
This 2-inch memory foam topper should provide just the right amount of contouring for side sleepers. If your mattress has started to sag, this dense topper can provide a comfortable sleep surface to sink into. As the bed conforms to your body, the copper should help to wick away excess moisture and heat, keeping hot sleepers’ night sweats at bay.
What customers say: “I am very pleased with the mattress topper in every way — it’s comfortable, not off-gassing, stays in place. Just perfect for me.” — Katherine S, Verified Buyer 7/1/25
Explore more of our top picks with our guide to the best cooling mattress toppers.
Best Latex Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers: Silk & Snow Organic Mattress Topper
Silk & Snow Organic Mattress Topper
Made with GOLS-certified latex and GOTS-certified cotton, this organic mattress topper from Silk & Snow is a high-quality option with a firm, yet bouncy and responsive feel.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.1 / 5
If you prioritize organic and all-natural materials, then a latex mattress topper may be the best fit for you, like the Silk & Snow Organic Mattress Topper. This latex mattress topper uses GOLS-certified organic latex and GOTS-certified organic cotton in its construction, meaning they’re high-quality and pure organic materials.
Available in two different firmnesses, our product tester tried out the Firm model and found it to be very supportive. He noted that the topper provided plenty of lift to keep his spine aligned. As such, the firm topper can help add support to a softer or sagging bed.
Latex is a naturally bouncy and responsive material, so switching positions will be easy for combination sleepers. However, due to its bounce, it probably won’t provide the best motion isolation; you may feel movement from your partner if you share your bed.
What our testers say: “If you have a saggy mattress and are looking for a quick fix, I think this firm topper is a nice addition. It’s lifting me up in all the right places, but I still feel a little sinkage in my hips.” — Mattress Nerd In-House Tester
Check out our picks for the best latex mattresses to find an organic bed to pair with this topper.
Best Soft Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers: DreamCloud Softer Topper
DreamCloud Softer Mattress Topper
The DreamCloud Softer Topper uses gel memory foam to create a plush surface that can be added onto a mattress to help create a softer, more cushioned feel.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.8 / 5
If you need a mattress topper to help soften up a firm bed, the DreamCloud Softer Topper has you covered. This 2-inch topper is made of a soft gel memory foam to simultaneously add cushioned pressure relief to your mattress and wick away moisture to keep you from overheating at night.
Listed at $297 for a queen-size before any sales, this topper will likely fit within most consumers’ budgets. You can also can take advantage of the free shipping, one-year warranty, and 100-night sleep trial, meaning you have approximately three months to test out the topper to see if you like it. If you find you’re not a fan of it, DreamCloud also offers free returns.
Our product tester was most impressed with the DreamCloud Softer Topper’s pressure relief and contouring, but she noted there wasn’t much in the way of support. DreamCloud also has a firm version of this topper, and that may be a better solution if you’re looking to add a bit more support to your bed. Additionally, while it helps dissipate heat, our testers noticed it may not have enough cooling capabilities for very hot sleepers.
What our testers say: “This topper is super soft and plush. It adds lots of deep contouring and pressure relief, but I wouldn’t say that I’m getting a whole lot of lift. My lower back does feel very contoured, but it’s not lifting my hips. That said, if you want to soften up your current mattress, this is wonderful.” — Mattress Nerd In-House Tester
Check out our other top picks for the best plush mattress toppers if you’re interested in a cushiony feel.
Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers: Nolah Mattress Topper
Nolah Mattress Topper
The Nolah mattress topper is designed to reduce pressure points and comes with a generous 10-year warranty.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.2 / 5
Memory foam fans who need a bit more cushioning on their current bed won’t be disappointed with the Nolah Mattress Topper. Using the same AirFoam found in the popular Nolah Evolution mattress, this 2-inch mattress topper provides the right amount of sinkage to soften up a firmer bed. Side sleepers seeking pressure relief in their shoulders or hips will appreciate this Nolah topper’s exceptional contouring, as well.
The Nolah Mattress Topper comes in two firmness options: Plush and Luxury Firm. We tested out the Plush version, which had exceptional cushioning and pressure relief, but our tester noted that it may not provide the support a back or stomach sleeper needs to keep their spine properly aligned. Those sleepers may want to consider the Luxury Firm option, instead.
As with many all-foam toppers, this topper from Nolah isolates motion very well, making it a solid choice for couples, too. That said, our testers mentioned that the softness made moving around a bit of a hassle, although they never felt “stuck” in the mattress.
What our testers say: “This topper feels really great on your side, especially if you’re looking for a bit more cushioning for your shoulders and hips. The Nolah Mattress Topper can also be a great addition for a firm mattress; it’ll add a little extra plushness on top to make it more forgiving in certain areas.” — Mattress Nerd In-House Tester
Check out our other top picks for the best memory foam mattress toppers.
Best Organic Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers: Avocado Mattress Topper
Avocado Eco Organic Mattress Topper
An organic mattress topper that’s available in two firmness options.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.9 / 5
There are many reasons to go with an organic mattress topper: They’re made with all-natural materials, they’re usually longer lasting, and they’re great for people with sensitive skin. For our best organic mattress topper, we chose the Avocado.
The Avocado Mattress Topper is available in two firmness options: plush and firm. It’s constructed using organic and responsibly farmed materials such as latex rubber, wool, and cotton. These materials not only make for a nice, sturdy topper, but also one that is non-toxic and environmentally friendly. At $549 for a queen, the Avocado is quite expensive. Don’t let the price worry you, though. This mattress topper can significantly improve the quality of your sleep situation for a price that is still much lower than a full mattress replacement.
What our testers say: “If you prefer a softer sleep surface, you can go with the plush topper option, which uses D65 soft natural Dunlop latex and provides a luxury-plush feel. Side sleepers should choose the soft option as it accommodates their hips and shoulders and reduces pressure.” — Becca Fair, Lead Accessories Tester
Read our full Avocado Mattress Topper review.
Best Mattress Topper for Shoulder Pain: TEMPUR-Adapt Topper
TEMPUR-Adapt Topper
This foam topper is made of 3 inches of supportive TEMPUR material. It is designed to enhance or improve the original comfort level of virtually any mattress, no matter how firm or soft.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.5 / 5
A common complaint amongst most side sleepers is that they often wake up with shoulder pain. Since side sleepers spend most of the night putting pressure on their shoulders, it’s no wonder that they suffer from these aches. Fortunately, even if you’re a side sleeper, you don’t need to put up with the pain. Instead, you can find a mattress topper that will help alleviate it, such as our recommendation: the TEMPUR-Adapt Topper.
Side sleepers need to make sure they find a supportive mattress topper that will promote spinal alignment and reduce/prevent shoulder pain. Luckily, the TEMPUR-Adapt Topper can help with that. This topper is made of 3 inches of proprietary TEMPUR material, which has more than 25 years of history adapting to sleepers’ bodies and contouring to their weight, shape, and body temperature. This type of construction gives you the right amount of support for delicate pressure points on your body, especially around your shoulders. Finally, the removable cover is allergen-resistant and washable, meaning that keeping it clean is incredibly easy.
What our testers say: “The Tempur-Adapt Topper is regarded as a firm mattress topper, but its TEMPUR material composition is meant to accommodate your body in any position.” — Becca Fair, Lead Accessories Tester
Read our full TEMPUR-Adapt Mattress Topper review.
Mattress Topper Buying Guide for Side Sleepers
Did you know that sleeping on your side comes with many benefits, such as ridding your body of toxins? However, sleeping on your side can also cause some problems, including pain in sensitive areas like your shoulders or hips. That’s because your entire body is resting on these parts. If you have a firm mattress or mattress topper, then your hips and shoulders aren’t getting the right amount of support and pressure relief, and you’ll be waking up with aches and pains each morning.
Finding a soft mattress topper is important when you’re a side sleeper. You need something that will cradle your body and allow your shoulders and hips to sink in just the right amount. Not only can this relieve pressure on those areas, but it can also promote spinal alignment, resulting in overall better back health in the long run.
Considerations When Buying a Mattress Topper
While having a mattress topper isn’t an absolute necessity, it can significantly impact your overall sleep experience for the better. A mattress topper primarily acts as a cushion and top layer for high-density, firmer mattresses, making them much softer so that side sleepers can get the right amount of support and cushioning they need for their sensitive areas. However, before you purchase a topper, make sure that your current mattress is new enough to properly reap its benefits. If you have an old mattress that’s worse for wear, a topper won’t do much to remedy the problem.
As you shop for a new mattress topper, it is wise to consider the following factors:
Thickness
You will notice that a majority of mattress toppers range in thickness between 2 and 4 inches, with the thicker toppers being softer. If you are lighter or have a smaller body frame, or you simply prefer a little extra firmness in your sleep experience, then you will want a thinner mattress topper. If you are a medium- or heavy-sized individual who wants extra cushioning for their shoulders and hips, we recommend you go with a thicker mattress topper.
Materials
Similar to mattresses, toppers are often made of various materials that range in quality, each coming with their own benefits and features. Memory foam mattress toppers are very soft and will contour to your body’s unique shape and form, giving you a cushioning feeling that can also limit motion transfer (a wonderful feature for couples).
Gel memory foam has similar benefits, but it also promotes better airflow and ventilation, making it extra cool and refreshing. Latex is slightly firmer than memory foam (putting it just under a medium-firm rating), but it often features a responsive design that helps alleviate pressure points on sensitive areas of your body.
Mattres Topper Firmness
Both materials and thickness of your mattress topper will affect the firmness, which is an important thing for side sleepers to pay attention to. For the most part, you’ll want something on the softer end of the firmness scale, as it will allow your hips and shoulders to sink comfortably below the surface and be supported there. Foam toppers tend to be a great choice for this reason; they generally contour to your body a bit better than latex toppers do, and they can be counted on to relieve pressure.
How Properly Sleep on Your Side
Most of us can’t help which side we sleep on, but it’s important that we take the right steps to make certain that we’re doing everything we can to improve our sleep experience. If you’re a side sleeper, you will find several tips and tricks below to help you have a much more comfortable and relaxing night’s rest. For more information, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide on how to properly sleep on your side.
Neck Support
Picking out the right mattress and topper can have a significant impact on your sleep experience, but you need to also consider your pillow options, especially if you’re aiming to reduce neck pain. When you sleep on your side, your neck needs to be kept level with the rest of your body and your spine, or else you risk waking up with major aches in the morning. As you shop for a new mattress or topper, make sure to look into good pillows for side sleepers, so that your neck is adequately supported.
A Pillow Between Your Legs
Have you ever found yourself slipping a pillow between your legs to help you sleep? There’s actually a scientific reason as to why this helps side sleepers have a better sleep experience. Sleeping with a pillow between your legs can eliminate pressure between your knees, keep your hips and pelvic area aligned, help reduce stress on your hips, prevent lower back pain or aggravation, and even assist with breathing abnormalities such as sleep apnea.
If you’re going to sleep with a pillow between your legs, make sure you’re doing it the right way. Find a pillow that isn’t flat; a plump, firm pillow will help provide better cushioning. Place the pillow in a way so that it extends all the way from your knees to your ankles, which will keep these two parts of your body in line with each other.
Sleep on the Left Side
Believe it or not, there is, in fact, a best side to sleep on. By sleeping on your left side, you’re taking advantage of numerous scientific principles to aid with your sleep experience and improve overall health. Possible benefits of left-side-sleeping include aided digestion (gravity helps push waste through our intestines), reduced risk of heartburn (gastric juices remain lower than your esophagus), better mental health (interstitial waste is cleared from the brain), and reduction of snoring or sleep apnea (your tongue won’t fall into your throat and partially block your airway).
Wrap-Up
As a side sleeper, you have the advantage of being able to improve your mental and physical health by taking the right steps during your nightly sleep ritual. While you should always pay attention to your overall sleep personality, it’s also important to remember that the right sleeping surface also plays a major role in your sleep experience. You may think you don’t need a mattress topper because you already have a mattress pad, but it’s ideal to have both if you want to have a truly relaxing night’s sleep. Make sure you carefully consider our above mattress topper recommendations for side sleepers, and don’t forget to think about which factors matter the most to you.
FAQs
How thick should a mattress topper for side sleepers be?
Mattress toppers for side sleepers should be roughly 2 to 4 inches thick. What thickness you choose ultimately depends upon how much softer you’d like your mattress to be. For a softer feel, get a thicker topper.
What is the best cooling material for a mattress topper?
The best cooling material for a mattress topper is most likely latex foam, since latex has naturally cooling properties.
Should side sleepers use memory foam?
Memory foam is known for its hugging feel and pressure relief, which is great for side sleepers. The material cradles and eases pressure points at the shoulders and hips.
Loren Bullock
Lead Mattress Tester
About Author
Loren is the Senior Associate of Content at Mattress Nerd. She has prioritized sleeping for as long as she can remember, rarely deviating from seven to nine hours each night. As an editor on Mattress Nerd, Loren aims to help people achieve optimal sleep health and pick the best sleep accessories for their needs. You can find her testing mattresses, exploring the best sleep hacks, and telling you about her findings on Mattress Nerd’s YouTube channel.
Combination Sleeper
Education & Credentials
- Certified Sleep Science Coach
