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Side sleeping is widely considered the most comfortable sleeping position.
But if you sleep on your side and constantly wake up feeling like you’re 80 years old, you might doubt that.
And I’m not here to blame you.
Instead, I will tell you that you can bring the comfort back into your bed — simply by investing in the right mattress pad.
I’ve reviewed the 6 best mattress toppers for side sleepers to help you do just that. So, feel free to take a look at them and check out the buying guide below!
A Quick Preview
![]() | Best Overall Slice of Heaven by Plushbeds | Shop Now on PlushBeds.com Read more about this mattress topper |
![]() | Best for Cool Pressure Relief Layla Memory Foam Topper | Shop Now on LaylaSleep.com Read more about this mattress topper |
![]() | Best for Large Sleepers Zinus | Shop Now on Amazon Read more about this mattress topper |
![]() | Best for Quicker Recovery Bear ProTopper | Shop Now on Bearmattress.com Read more about this mattress topper |
![]() | Best for Natural Materials Sleep on Latex | Shop Now on Amazon Read more about this mattress topper |
![]() | Best Affordable LUCID | Shop Now on Amazon Read more about this mattress topper |
Our Reviews of 6 Best Mattress Pads for Side Sleepers
Best Overall - Memory Foam Topper by PlushBeds
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Highlights:
- 4PCF memory foam;
- 2 and 3-inch thickness available;
- environmentally friendly manufacturing process.
Pros:
- made of dense memory foam, can remain supportive for a longer period of time;
- manufacturing process is eco-friendly; foam is derived from soy-based polyols;
- easialy absorbs movements;
- great for firmer mattresses;
- doesn’t have off-gassing or chemical smells.
Cons:
- might retain some heat;
- on the more expensive side.
Best for Cool Pressure Relief - Layla Memory Foam Topper
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Highlights:
- infused with copper and gel for cooler sleep;
- 2 inches of memory foam to gently cradle sleeper’s shoulders and hips;
- elastic straps to keep the topper in place throughout the night.
Does your mattress lack plushness and make you sleep hot? Then, the Layla topper could help save the day (and night). This topper uses gel and copper-infused memory foam to deliver a decent amount of cradling all while keeping you comfortably cool.
The copper component works as an odor-fighting agent, which means you wake feeling fresh every morning. It's naturally antimicrobial and guarantees a safe, clean, and allergen-free sleep.
The Layla topper measures 2 inches in height and can add a generous hug to your mattress, which comes in handy when your current bed is overly firm. However, thanks to the properties of memory foam, the topper remains supportive. The foam molds to the curves of your body and can help with proper weight distribution.
Overall, this model is a worthy contestant for the best mattress topper for side sleepers. The Layla is gentle on the pressure points and can deliver tension release every single night.
Pros:
- thick and cradling, ideal for side sleepers;
- convenient straps to keep the topper in place;
- sleeps cool;
- infused with charcoal for an antimicrobial effect;
- 120-night trial for hesitant shoppers;
- safety certified, suited for sensitive or allergy-prone users.
Cons:
- might sleep warm for heavier users who sink in deeper.
Best for Large Sleepers - Zinus
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Highlights:
- two-layer construction;
- doesn’t sleep hot;
- can alter the feel of any mattress.
Pros:
- the charcoal and green tea infusions improve the antibacterial properties of the foam and make the topper more durable;
- works for most sleepers of an average and heavy body type;
- two thickness options available;
- dual-layer construction, superb supportive properties;
- can be used to alter the feel of an unsuitable mattress.
Cons:
- might be too soft for stomach sleepers;
- the infusions have a significant smell (although it quickly dissipates).
Best for Quicker Recovery - Bear ProTopper
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Highlights:
- proprietary Celliant technology for restful sleep and faster muscle recovery;
- copper-infused foam for cooler sleep;
- contouring memory foam for pressure point relief.
Pros:
- thick enough to change the feel of your mattress and to provide more cushioning for the protruding body parts;
- innovative Celliant technology for better sleep and muscle recovery;
- good value for money considering its quality materials and pricing;
- 100-night in-home trial for your peace of mind;
- infused with charcoal for fresher and safer sleep.
Cons:
- might sleep warm, especially for heavier users;
- may seem too soft for heavier folks (over 230 pounds).
Best for Natural Materials - Sleep on Latex
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Highlights:
- sleeps cool;
- doesn’t restrict your movement;
- may suit heavier sleepers.
Pros:
- made of sustainable and eco-friendly materials;
- sleeps cool and has small perforations around the surface for better breathability;
- easily adapts to your body shape and relieves tension;
- durable;
- resistant to mold and dust mites.
Cons:
- latex feels different from memory foam, which can be a turn-off for some;
- on the pricier side.
Best Affordable - LUCID
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Click the button below to check current price
Check current price Read our detailed review
Highlights:
- thick enough to cradle a heavy sleeper;
- resistant to mold and bacteria;
- great value for money.
Pros:
- bamboo charcoal infusions ward off mold and bacteria that can cause odors;
- instant pressure relief for any type of sleeper;
- thicker options can add comfort to older beds;
- works for individuals with back pain;
- great value for money.
Cons:
- even though the LUCID has perforations, it still might sleep hot for some;
- might feel too plush for stomach sleepers or heavy users.
What Are Quality Mattress Toppers for Side Sleepers Made of?
Even though the mattress industry constantly comes up with innovative materials, they’re mostly used for making mattresses.
As for mattress pads, chances are that you’ll be choosing between memory foam, polyurethane foam, and natural latex. So, let’s find out how each of these materials works for side sleepers.
Memory Foam
The queen of cradling, memory foam comes in three different variations when it comes to mattress toppers:
- Solid. Solid memory foam is cradling and adjustable to your body curves. If you choose a model that is 3–4 inches thick, you can easily rejuvenate the feel of your old bed. However, memory foam is known for its heat retention issues. If you're a side sleeper, you'll tend to sink deeper into the mattress, which is why you'll tend to sleep hot.
- Convoluted. You've probably noticed a lot of mattress toppers with a peak-and-valley design. This design makes for a solid option for side sleepers. The convoluted design contributes to pressure relief, especially in the hip and shoulder areas. Along with that, convoluted foam promotes better airflow, so you’ll sleep cooler. The main issue with egg-crate pads is the peaks can lose their shape quickly, which can negatively affect the supportive properties.
- Infused. Memory foam is most commonly infused with copper, graphite, charcoal, and cooling gel particles. Adding different mixtures to foams aims to prevent heat retention, odors, and mold development.
Polyurethane Foam
Polyfoam is a cheaper alternative to memory foam. It has an open-cell structure, so it withdraws heat from your body more effectively and may feel more spongy than viscoelastic foam.
Also, polyfoam has a quick rebound. This quality comes in handy if you’re looking for a mattress topper for an active side sleeper or individual with mobility concerns.
Possible drawbacks of polyfoam include lower durability and a pronounced odor that may take time to air out.
Natural Latex
Latex is made from the vulcanized sap of rubber trees. This material offers several benefits:
- great durability;
- breathable construction;
- resistance to mold and dust mites.
Also, a latex topper offers a good balance between cradling and quick rebound, so it means you get precise contouring for your hips and shoulders without limiting your movements. If you have hip pain, there are some great mattress toppers for hip pain sufferers.
However, not everybody loves how latex mattress pads feel — they can be quite bouncy. Also, latex toppers are most often the priciest on the market, which can be a turnoff for some users.
Even though both polyfoam and natural latex are considered high-rebound materials, the latter has shown better pressure relief and weight distribution in different sleeping positions (3).
Also read: 5 Best Egg-Crate Mattress Toppers
Other Important Checks to Make When Choosing a Mattress Topper
Not only the properly chosen type of mattress topper and firmness make the best mattress topper for a side sleeper. You still need to consider other factors to ensure the model you choose will work as you expect it to.
So, I will list these important factors for you below.
- Thermoregulation. Hot sleeping is a common issue among side sleepers, so your mattress topper should be able to withdraw excess body heat. Even though the traditional polyurethane-based memory foam has great pressure-relieving effects, it’s still a low-rebound material that can retain some body heat and make falling asleep more difficult (5). To avoid that, look for foams with an open-cell structure or those infused with cooling gel or copper. But, if your budget allows, go for natural latex toppers that sleep much cooler than any foam.
- Thickness. Thickness is an important factor if you own an old mattress. The thicker your mattress topper is, the more easily it can mask the saggy and lumpy areas and help you sleep soundly.
- Durability. The durability of a mattress topper depends mainly on the density of the materials used. Medium density for a memory foam topper starts from 3 PCF (pounds per cubic foot). If you go for polyurethane foam, look for 1.5 PCF or higher. Finally, for a latex mattress pad, 4.3–4.5 PCF is a good starting point.
- Odors. Since foam is a result of a complex chemical reaction, in most cases, it will have a chemical odor. To avoid smelly foams, do not go for cheap mattress toppers. Also, you may opt for scented foams, e.g. infused with lavender or aloe vera. These scents will mask the factory foam odor and may even help you fall asleep more easily.
Some manufacturers suggest you air out the topper for 12–24 hours before sleeping on it. This can help decrease the odor as well.
FAQ
What type of mattress topper is best for side sleepers?
Conclusion
The model that managed to impress me the most was the Slice of Heaven by Plushbeds. Even the name itself sounds promising, and this topper certainly does live up to its expectations. Thanks to its thickness and pleasant hug, the Slice of Heaven made me feel super comfortable, reducing my pressure points and helping me relax. And I’m sure it can do the same for you!
References
Our research
55
Mattress Toppers Considered
270
Hours of Research
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Sleep Experts Consulted