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Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
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- Best hypoallergenic mattress topper: ExceptionalSheets Pillow Top Mattress Topper
- Best rated mattress topper: Linenspa 3-Inch Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- Best organic mattress topper: Naturally Nestled Certified Organic 100 Percent Natural Latex Mattress Topper
- Best heated mattress topper: Sunbeam Heated Mattress Pad
- Best pillow top mattress topper: Sleep Mantra Mattress Topper
- Best scented mattress topper: LUCID 3-Inch Lavender-Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- Best organic mattress topper: Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper
Sleeping on an old or uncomfortable mattress can make every night feel like a struggle. You might get set up on your side only to roll into a saggy middle. Or you might wake up with back or joint pain.
But a mattress topper can be your sleep savior. It’ll let you refresh your mattress without shelling out cash for a whole new one.
If you sleep on your side, you’ll want a mattress topper that strikes the perfect balance between supportive and soft. We looked for mattress toppers that were highly rated by reviewers for both of these qualities.
We also made sure to include toppers made from different types of materials and with different features and price points.
Pricing guide
Prices will vary depending on the size of your mattress. We based our pricing guide on prices for queen mattress toppers:
- $ = under $75
- $$ = $75–$150
- $$$ = over $150
Best hypoallergenic mattress topper for side sleepers
- Price: $$
- Material: polyester, cotton
- Firmness: extra plush
- Color: white
This hypoallergenic pillow top topper has the softness and support of feathers without causing sneezes and itchy eyes if you have allergies. The top helps dissipate heat for a more comfortable, less sweaty sleep.
The one hiccup is that many reviewers are disappointed with the large size. It can be hard to fit in a home washing machine, and doing so may damage it. You may need to factor the occasional professional cleaning into the price.
Pros
- mimics the feel of feathers
- excellent reviews
Cons
- size makes washing at home a challenge
Best rated mattress topper for side sleepers
- Price: $$
- Material: memory foam
- Firmness: plush
- Color: blue
Memory foam and gel beads in this topper offer support and softness. If you’re looking for something a little less cushy, you can also buy this topper in a 2-inch version.
Reviewers are overwhelmingly excited about the bounce-back in this foam that makes every night feel like they’re sleeping on a brand-new mattress.
Pros
- good price point
- adds softness and support
- responsive feel
Cons
- some reviewers find the topper too soft and too warm
Best organic mattress topper for side sleepers
- Price: $$$
- Material: latex
- Firmness: medium-soft
- Color: white
Made with USDA-certified latex and wrapped in a Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified organic cotton cover, this soft topper cradles your body.
Reviewers love how it doesn’t give off a chemical smell when opened, though some people do say it lets off a faint odor after use.
Pros
- organic materials
- adds softness and cradling support
Cons
- some reviewers say they noticed an odor after use
- high price point
Best heated mattress topper for side sleepers
- Price: $
- Material: cotton, polyester
- Firmness: plush
- Color: white
If you hate the feeling of climbing into a cold bed, this heated mattress topper might do the trick.
It adds a thin layer of cushy comfort and has 10 heat control settings to help you find the right amount of warmth. It also shuts off automatically after 10 hours, so you won’t waste energy.
The only downside is that the plug is located on the bottom middle part of the mattress, which can be obtrusive if you like to spread out (or have more height).
Pros
- adjustable heat settings with dual controllers
- shuts off automatically
Cons
- awkward plug location
Best pillow top mattress topper for side sleepers
- Price: $
- Material: cotton, down alternative fill
- Firmness: plush
- Color: white
Reviewers say this well-priced topper “made all the difference in the world” on their sleep and ensure they “woke up well-rested” in the morning.
Credit the alternative down fill and the 300-thread-count fabric for plumpness that makes this one of the best rated mattress toppers you can find.
Pros
- excellent reviews
- soft but supportive
Cons
- some reviewers say they found it too warm
Best scented mattress topper for side sleepers
- Price: $$
- Material: memory foam
- Firmness: plush
- Color: purple
This CertiPUR-US certified topper is available in a height of 2, 3, and 4 inches, depending on your body’s needs and desired level of firmness. What makes it unique is the lavender scent infused in the foam.
Lavender is well known for promoting calmness. According to a
Satisfied sleepers say the fragrance in this topper isn’t overpowering and made falling asleep easier.
Pros
- multiple thicknesses available
- reviewers note a pleasant, but not overwhelming scent
Cons
- may not be a good fit for folks who are sensitive to smells
Best organic mattress topper for side sleepers
- Price: $$$
- Material: blend of wool, organic cotton, and latex
- Firmness: plush
- Color: white
This mattress topper may be a splurge, but reviewers agree it’s worth the investment. The brand prides itself on its use of high quality organic materials. This mattress topper has earned both Greenguard Gold and GOTS certifications. This means it meets high safety and ethical standards.
Unlike many other mattress toppers, this product comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty. The brand notes that it’s also handmade in the United States.
Users praise the topper’s plush feel, with one reviewer describing it as a “supportive cloud.”
In the past, you’d have to devote an afternoon flopping around on mattress toppers at a store to find one that perfectly suited your body. Now, you can easily shop online, as long as you know what to look for.
Materials and features
You’ve got a lot of choices when it comes to a mattress topper, including:
- pillow top
- foam
- waterproof
- cooling
- quilted
- latex
- organic
There’s no one “best” style that works for everyone. Instead, think about what features matter most to you. For example, if you’re someone who naturally runs hot, look for a cooling topper.
Certifications
If you’re buying a foam topper, consider one that’s CertiPUR-US certified. CertiPUR-US certified foam is made without certain chemicals, like phthalates, flame retardants, and formaldehyde.
Customer reviews
Check customer feedback to see if people with similar sleep habits or needs found the topper comfortable.
You can also check out what people have to say about customer service for each brand. This can give you some peace of mind in case anything goes wrong.
If your side is your go-to snooze position, there are a few things you can do to make sure you stay aligned and sleep comfortably.
Help guide your spine into alignment by placing a firm pillow between your knees. If you still have a gap between your waist and mattress and feel an ache in your lower back, you can also try putting a rolled-up towel under your waist.
Look for a mattress or topper that’s supportive, but don’t go too firm, especially if you have back pain.
An older
Is it OK to sleep on your side if you have hip pain?
If you’re experiencing hip pain but prefer sleeping on your side, try sleeping on the opposite side. It can also be helpful to put a small pillow between your knees for support. This helps align your hips for more comfort.
What density is best for a mattress topper for side sleepers?
A medium-firm feel is typically a good option for side sleepers who are specifically looking for more support. Keep in mind that the density and firmness of a mattress topper will depend on your own preferences.
In general, the higher the density, the greater the support.
What type of mattress should a side sleeper use?
Side sleepers can get a good night’s sleep on hybrid, latex, and even some traditional spring mattresses. These materials offer enough support for proper spinal alignment with enough softness to cushion pressure points.
Look for a mattress that falls into the medium-soft to medium range for the right amount of pressure relief and support.
If you’re waking up achy or not sleeping well, give your bed a refresh with a mattress topper. Side sleepers will benefit from those that are a nice mix of supportive and soft.