Best Mattress Toppers for Side Sleepers of 2025
Dr. Kevin Lees, director of chiropractic operations for The Joint Chiropractic, contributed to a U.S. News & World Report article about the best mattress toppers for side sleepers. In the piece, Dr. Lees emphasizes the importance of pressure relief for the shoulders and hips, recommending toppers that support spinal alignment while providing enough cushioning to reduce joint strain during sleep.
Original article published by U.S. News on March 29, 2024, titled Best Mattress Toppers for Side Sleepers of 2025.
The best mattress toppers for side sleepers combine pressure relief with support. Side sleepers often deal with pressure points in the shoulder and hips that can lead to discomfort and pain. If you’re a side sleeper and no longer find your mattress comfortable, a mattress topper could help.
“A mattress topper can add a level of cushioning to spread the pressure over a wider area while still providing support to the sleeper,” explains Dr. Kevin Lees, the director of chiropractic operations at The Joint Chiropractic. Lees adds that “the correct sleeping surface can help create a more restful sleep.”
If you’re a side sleeper considering a mattress topper to improve your sleep, check out our guide for the top products we recommend as well as some shopping tips from experts.
Best OverallTempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt Topper
| Pros | Cons |
| Elastic corner straps prevent slipping | No returns or sleep trial |
| Removable and washable cover | Expensive |
| Backed by 10-year warranty |
Our best overall mattress topper for side sleepers is the 3-inch-thick Tempur-Adapt Topper made by Tempur-Pedic. The topper is made with Tempur material, the brand’s proprietary foam designed to provide a pressure-relieving feel ideal for many side sleepers. Tempur-Pedic mentions its Tempur material is designed with better breathability and durability than traditional memory foam; one indicator that it can last you a while is that it’s backed by a 10-year warranty.
The stretch knit cover of the Tempur-Adapt Topper is made with a moisture-wicking material to help keep night sweats at bay, while also resisting allergens and dust mites. Plus, the cover is removable and safe to launder in the washing machine. Tempur-Pedic attaches elastic straps to all four corners of the topper to help it stay snugly in place on top of your mattress. It’s compatible with beds up to 13 inches thick.
Costing about $420 for a queen-size, the Tempur-Adapt Topper is an investment. Unlike many other brands, Tempur-Pedic doesn’t offer a sleep trial for the topper or accept returns. Still, if you’ve ever slept on a Tempur-Pedic product, and you’re a fan of how it feels, this return policy shouldn’t be an issue.
Specs
| Price (Queen): | $419 |
| Materials: | Tempur material, polyester blend cover |
| Size Options: | Twin, twin long, full, queen, king, California king |
| Thickness: | 3 inches |
| Sleep Trial: | None |
Best BudgetLucid 3-Inch 5-Zone Gel Memory Foam Topper
| Pros | Cons |
| Less than $85 in a queen size | No cover included |
| Zoned memory foam for pressure relief | Spot clean only |
| Gel infusion adds cooling |
If you’re a side sleeper on a budget, the Lucid 5-Zone Gel Memory Foam Topper offers comfort for less than $100. The 3-inch version costs about $85 in a queen size and comes with free shipping. Meanwhile, a thinner, 2-inch version made with the same material costs about $57 for a queen. Lucid explains that the thicker the topper is, the more plushness it will add to your existing mattress, which is ideal for many side sleepers.
With five distinct zones of support, the Lucid topper is made to provide cushioning of the pressure points that could offer relief to side sleepers who often feel pain in the shoulders or hips. It also features a gel infusion designed to pull excess heat away from the body. Lucid says the topper is ideal for adding a layer of softness to a mattress that feels too firm.
Lucid mentions the topper can only withstand spot cleaning when needed; unlike some other toppers on our list, it doesn’t come with an included cover. Lucid does sell covers separately, which sleepers may want to consider purchasing to help keep their topper clean and extend its lifespan.
Specs:
| Price (Queen): | $84.99 |
| Materials: | Gel memory foam |
| Size Options: | Twin, twin XL, full, full XL, queen, king, California king |
| Thickness: | 3 inches |
| Sleep Trial: | 30 nights |
Best Cooling Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper
| Pros | Cons |
| Graphite infusion provides cooling | Expensive |
| Breathable cotton cover | Spot clean only |
| Elastic anchor bands on all four corners |
Made with a graphite infusion in the memory foam, the Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper could work well for side sleepers who also tend to run hot. Graphite is an excellent heat conductor, which can help it absorb your excess body heat. Meanwhile, the cotton cover is naturally breathable and moisture-wicking, which can help minimize night sweats. Offering a body-hugging feel, Saatva notes this topper can be especially appealing to side sleepers.
The cover is not removable or machine washable, so this topper can only be spot cleaned as needed. However, it contains Saatva’s Guardin botanical antimicrobial treatment that’s designed to prevent the growth of bacteria, mildew, and mold. Each corner has an elastic anchor band to secure the topper in place on the mattress.
Saatva offers a 180-night sleep trial with the Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper and provides a full refund for returns initiated during that window.
Specs
| Price (Queen): | $445 |
| Materials: | Graphite memory foam, cotton cover |
| Size Options: | Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king California king |
| Thickness: | 3 inches |
| Sleep Trial: | 180 nights |
Best Organic Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper
| Pros | Cons |
| Soft latex for body contouring | Expensive |
| Made of naturally dust-repellent materials | Non-removable cover requires spot cleaning |
| 100-night sleep trial with free returns |
For side sleepers who prefer to steer clear of synthetic foams, we recommend the Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper. Birch uses certified organic wool and cotton as well as natural Talalay latex in this 2-inch topper. The organic cotton cover adds breathability, allowing heat to dissipate, while naturally temperature-regulating wool makes it suitable for any season. The Talalay latex provides a plush, body-contouring sensation to alleviate pressure points. However, organic materials tend to increase the price of bedding, and the Birch topper’s price tag is steep, costing more than $600 in a queen size.
The cotton cover of the Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper isn’t removable and the topper will need to be spot cleaned with a mild detergent, if necessary. It also lacks any attachment features, such as elastic straps, to ensure it doesn’t slip off the mattress – though Birch says using a fitted sheet over the topper and the mattress will prevent it from shifting.
Birch gives sleepers a 100-night sleep trial, accepting returns for a full refund within that window.
Specs
| Price (Queen): | $399 |
| Materials: | Organic wool, organic cotton, latex |
| Size Options: | Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king |
| Thickness: | 2 inches |
| Sleep Trial: | 100 nights |
Best Down Parachute Down Mattress Topper
| Pros | Cons |
| Down offers fluffy and luxurious feel | Dry clean only |
| Baffle-box construction for even distribution of fill | No attachment straps |
| Shell is soft-to-touch cotton sateen |
For side sleepers who enjoy the unique cloudlike feel of down bedding, we suggest the Parachute Down Mattress Topper. The 3-inch topper consists of dual layers – the upper features 85% European white down and 15% down and feather fibers, while the lower chamber contains 100% feather fill. The outer shell is made with 100% cotton in a sateen weave, known for its silky and soft-to-the-touch feel. The baffle box stitching ensures the feathers and down stay evenly distributed and lofty.
Parachute says the Down Mattress Topper needs to be dry cleaned and fluffed once a month. The brand also mentions that down tends to attract dust and other allergens, so down bedding might not be a comfortable choice for those who suffer from allergies.
The down mattress topper doesn’t come with attachment straps, so sleepers will want to make sure their fitted sheet is a snug fit over the mattress and topper to prevent slipping. In a queen size, the topper costs about $400 and is eligible for returns within a 60-day trial window.
Specs
| Price (Queen): | $390 |
| Materials: | Down and feather fill, cotton cover |
| Size Options: | Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California King |
| Thickness: | 3 inches |
| Sleep Trial: | 60 day return window |
Best for Couples ViscoSoft Active Cooling Copper Topper
| Pros | Cons |
| Thick profile | Initial off-gassing |
| Washable cover | Hard to move alone |
| Ivory and black color options |
Couples looking for a pressure-relieving mattress topper could find a match with the ViscoSoft Active Cooling Mattress Topper. At 4 inches, it offers maximum cushioning and support, which Lees says can be preferable for certain sleepers.
The topper is made with a 2-inch layer of foam that’s infused with copper, a natural heat conductor that can enhance cooling. The lower layer is 2 inches of sturdy foam to support spinal alignment. The removable and machine-washable cover comes in ivory and black.
Lauren Allain, the author of this guide, owns the ViscoSoft Active Cooling Copper Topper and finds that it not only adds excellent pressure relief, but it helps absorb a significant amount of movement on a bouncy innerspring mattress. This feature could make it ideal for couples who may be easily awoken by each other’s tossing and turning. This topper has also helped her transform an uncomfortable pull-out couch into a cozy bed. However, she notes that its thicker profile and weight of roughly 30 pounds can make it difficult for one person to handle and set up without help.
Specs:
| Price (Queen): | $349.95 |
| Materials: | Copper-infused memory foam, foam, polyurethane blend cover |
| Size Options: | Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king |
| Thickness: | 4 inches |
| Sleep Trial: | 90-day return window |
The Bottom Line
Side sleepers often need additional pressure relief when their bed feels too firm. A mattress topper can be an economical solution that turns an uncomfortable mattress into a supportive and cushioning bed. Made with unique responsive Tempur material, the 3-inch thick Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt Topper is our pick to satisfy most side sleepers. It’s ideal for providing support and pressure relief while including a removable cover for easy cleaning. The corner straps also ensure it stays in place on top of your mattress.
Things To Consider When Buying Mattress Toppers for Side Sleepers
Firmness Level:The firmness level of both your mattress and mattress topper will impact the support and comfort level of your bed if you’re a side sleeper. If the mattress feels uncomfortably firm, opt for a topper that adds plush pressure relief. If the mattress feels too soft and unsupportive, you might feel better with a firmer topper that helps keep the spine in ideal ergonomic alignment. Phil Hu, the CEO of Saybrook Sleep, explains, “The firmness of the mattress affects the way the body sinks into the mattress, and you don't want your hips to sink more than your shoulders. The mattress topper allows you to change this firmness.”
Thickness:In addition to firmness, a mattress topper’s thickness can impact how it feels. “The topper thickness usually correlates with comfort and pressure relief; thus, a thicker topper is more comfortable,” says sleep consultant Dr. Carleara Weiss some side sleepers could feel better on a thicker topper – for example, Lees points out that larger people might want a 3- or 4-inch topper for added support.
Material: In addition to the thickness, the material of the topper will play a large role in how the topper feels and performs. While some materials are designed to add a plush layer to a mattress, others have a firm and supportive feel. “Ideal materials are breathable, temperature-regulating, and easy to clean,” says Weiss. “Memory foam and a blend of cotton, bamboo, or latex are excellent options. I usually recommend avoiding high-allergen materials such as feathers. People with a latex allergy should avoid latex.”
According to Lees, a cooling gel layer or breathable fabric over the top of a memory foam or latex material could benefit hot sleepers. Cooling and breathable cover fabrics to look for include cotton and Tencel.
Price: The price of a mattress topper often depends on the materials as well as the company policies. The average price of the six queen-size toppers featured in our guide is about $385. The most expensive topper we recommend is the Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper, which costs more than $600 in a queen size – note that organic materials tend to drive the price point of all bedding upward, whether it’s mattress toppers, mattresses, or sheets. The least expensive is our budget pick, the Lucid 3-Inch 5-Zone Gel Memory Foam Topper, which costs just about $85 in a queen size (but doesn’t include a cover).
If you find your current mattress to be the wrong firmness for your comfort, adding a mattress topper is often a less expensive solution compared to buying a new mattress “A mattress topper is an affordable way to customize the experience of the top layer without changing the entire mattress,” Hu says.
If you’re looking to save money and aren’t in a hurry to buy a mattress topper, it may be worth planning your purchase around a popular sale period, like holidays when mattresses, toppers, and bedding are often marked down.
Sleep Trial and Waranty: Finding a comfortable mattress topper online can be a challenge since you don’t get to feel it in person first. Some shoppers might feel better about buying a topper that comes with an at-home sleep trial. This allows you to test out the topper on your mattress at home while remaining eligible for a full refund if you decide it’s not the right match. Mattress topper sleep trials can vary widely, from 30 nights to more than 100 nights. However, some manufacturers don’t offer a trial or accept returns at all, so verify this policy before you purchase.
Side sleepers looking for a mattress topper for side sleepers might also want to keep an eye on a brand’s warranty, which can be a good indicator of durability and quality. Warranties typically cover defects in the materials or workmanship of the product, while the warranty length can tell you how long the manufacturer might expect it to last. The toppers in this guide are backed by warranties ranging from three to 10 years.
How We Chose the Best Mattress Toppers for Side Sleepers
Our research on the best mattress toppers for side sleepers began by consulting numerous sleep experts, including sleep consultant Dr. Carleara Weiss; Dr. Kevin Lees, The Joint Chiropractic’s director of chiropractic operations; and Saybrook Sleep CEO Phil Hu. Their advice, together with our editorial team’s personal experience with mattress toppers, helped us narrow down our recommended toppers for side sleepers. Our selection process took into consideration materials, durability, price, overall support, and ability to provide comfort specifically for side sleepers.
WHY SHOULD YOU TRUST US?
The U.S. News 360 Reviews contributors and editors have extensive experience when it comes to researching and testing products. Lauren Allain, the author of this piece, has been testing and reviewing mattresses and mattress toppers for more than five years. Her work has appeared in Homes & Gardens, Reader’s Digest, Mashable, and others.
FAQ
How can a mattress topper benefit side sleepers?
Side sleepers tend to feel the most pressure on the shoulders and hips, so their sleep surface should ideally cushion these areas. If their current mattress isn’t providing this, that’s where a mattress topper comes in. “A mattress topper makes the mattresses more comfortable and alleviates pressure points such as shoulders, lumbar, hips, and knees,” explains Weiss. At the same time, the mattress topper won’t sacrifice any support provided by the current mattress.
What mattress topper material is best for side sleepers?
Several mattress topper materials could be ideal for giving side sleepers ideal pressure relief and ergonomic support. Weiss and Lees both suggest memory foam and latex as materials that can strike this balance. If you tend to sleep hot, you’ll likely want a mattress topper with cooling materials. If you already have a cooling mattress, keep in mind that its cooling properties will be blocked by the topper.
What mattress topper thickness is best for side sleepers?
Since comfort is subjective, some side sleepers might prefer a thinner topper while others might desire an extra thick topper. Toppers usually range from 2 to 4 inches. If your mattress is extra firm, a thicker topper might be necessary to achieve the ideal level of pressure relief. Lees mentions that heavier or larger side sleepers might feel best on a topper that’s 3 or 4 inches thick.
When should side sleepers replace a mattress topper?
The lifespan of a mattress topper often depends on the materials, quality of the cover, and how regularly you use it. “A mattress topper lasts about three years,” Weiss says. She adds that “Durability can vary according to the frequency of use if it’s a single or partner use, and changes in body weight of the person using it.” She recommends replacing a mattress topper once it shows signs of damage, tears, or stains that you can’t seem to remove.
Meanwhile, Lees points out that a mattress topper can easily accumulate dust, sweat, and body oils – so it’s a good idea to replace it after three to five years.
About The Joint Corp.
Founded in 2010, The Joint Corp. is on a mission to make quality care convenient and affordable, while eliminating the need for insurance, for patients seeking pain relief and ongoing wellness. The chiropractic brand has grown to 950-plus locations nationwide and over 13 million annual patient visits.