Best Mattress Toppers for Side Sleepers: Soften Your Sleep Surface with These 9 Toppers

The Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper is my favorite mattress topper for side sleepers because it is supportive enough to prevent spinal misalignment, yet soft enough to prevent tension from building up in pressure-prone areas, like the shoulders and hips. Our in-house product tester gave it a rating of 4 out of 5 or higher in the categories of support, motion isolation, and materials.

During testing, our testing team found this mattress topper to be ideal for side sleepers, thanks to its ability to offer just enough sinkage to cradle pressure-prone areas. Our in-house product tester praised it for relieving pressure in their hips, shoulders, and lower back. Their feedback helped it earn a strong 4 out of 5 in the support category.

“I think this mattress topper is awesome for side sleeping,” she said. “It’s supportive enough to prevent you from sinking too far into the foam, but it still cradles your joints. However, I wouldn’t recommend this mattress topper to stomach sleepers. While lying on my stomach on this mattress topper, I could feel a little pressure building up in my lower lumbar area.”

Our product testers also gave it a 4 out of 5 in the motion isolation category. When testing motion isolation, two of our product testers lie on the mattress topper together to see how much movement travels from one side of the bed to the other. Our testers found that they could not detect the other person’s movement from their side of the bed, and noticed that the Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Topper is a motion-dampening champion.

“While motion isolation largely depends on the mattress itself, I don’t think you will notice your partner’s movements on this topper,” said one of our in-house testers. “I could barely feel my colleague’s movements on my side of the bed. I don’t think this should affect you much, especially if you’re a heavy sleeper.”

Finally, our product testers gave this mattress topper a perfect 5-star rating in the materials category. High-quality and durable materials help ensure that the topper will not sink and sag over time, which is essential for side sleepers. Thankfully, our testers praised the Saatva’s construction, saying that “everything felt high quality.”

The only real downside to the Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Topper is, despite the infusion of graphite (designed to regulate temperature), it might not be the best choice for sleepers who get extremely hot at. Aside from that detail, the Saatva mattress topper is an excellent choice for side sleepers and those with hip pain.

If you and your partner disagree on firmness preferences, the Helix Dual Comfort Mattress Topper could prevent a sleep divorce. The Dual Comfort Topper is split down the middle between a soft side and a firm side, allowing you to roll onto your preferred firmness after TV time is over. 

Both sides should be comfortable for side sleepers, but we give a slight edge to the  softer side for this sleeping position because it offers more contouring around your hips and shoulders. During testing, our in-house team rated this mattress topper a 5 out of 5 in the support, motion transfer, and cooling categories.

If you are experiencing excessive sinkage around your hips and shoulders on your mattress, a high-quality topper like the Helix can offer much-needed support and help remove tension from those areas. Our in-house product testers were impressed by how supportive each side of the Dual Comfort felt, awarding it a perfect 5-star rating in this category.

“Both sides of this topper offer plenty of support,” said one of our testers. “While in the side-sleeping position on the softer half, I felt well-aligned. Despite the extra cushioning, it elevated my hips enough to maintain spinal alignment. I also appreciated the contouring around my hips, elbows, and shoulders.”

Our in-house testing team was also impressed by this mattress topper’s cooling and motion isolation, awarding it 5-star ratings in both categories. Couples should appreciate its cool-to-the-touch feel, especially if one partner likes to cuddle and the other is a human furnace.

“The cooling fibers in the Helix topper’s cover layer feel super refreshing as soon as you lie down on it,” said one of our product testers. “If one partner struggles with overheating at night, they might find some relief on this mattress topper.”

The tester also praised the motion-isolating abilities of the Helix Dual Comfort Topper. Our in-house team evaluated its motion transfer by placing it on a mattress and having two testers lie on it. One tester moved around on one side of the bed, while the other lay still with a blindfold over their eyes, noting any movements they felt during the process. During this test, the blindfolded colleague could scarcely detect the other’s movements.

Overall, the Helix Dual Comfort Topper is fantastic for side-sleeping couples. However, there are two drawbacks to be aware of. First, at $498 before any discounts, the Helix mattress topper is not the most budget-friendly option available. Our in-house testers also noted that the soft side of this mattress topper isn’t very responsive. If you are a side sleeper who sometimes switches to different positions at night, the plushness of the soft side might make it challenging to do so.

Buying a mattress topper can be an effective way to combat a saggy and uncomfortable mattress, especially if you are on a tight budget. If you’re looking to squeeze the most out of your dollar, the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex 201 can provide the soft and supportive boost that you need at only $349 for a queen-size model. Product tester Riley Otis praised the CopperFlex’s motion isolation and high-quality materials during testing, awarding it a 4 out of 5 or higher in these categories.

The CopperFlex 201 is on the softer side, earning a 5.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale, making it an excellent option for side sleepers who find their current mattress too rigid on their hips and shoulders. This plushness also lends itself to some highly effective motion-dampening abilities. 

Riley gave it a perfect 5 out of 5 for motion isolation, saying that this mattress topper does a “great job of absorbing motion on impact and enabling couples to toss and turn all night without disturbing their partner.”

Despite its too-good-to-be-true price tag, the CopperFlex 201 is also durable and well-made, according to Riley. She gave it a 4 out of 5 in the materials category, citing its hypoallergenic and antimicrobial copper infusion. “Based on the quality of the materials here, I would say this mattress topper is unlikely to deteriorate over time,” Riley said.

However, there are a couple of areas where the CopperFlex 201 fell short. Although its copper infusion is supposed to help with cooling and temperature regulation, Riley did not find it to be cool to the touch, only awarding it a 3 out of 5 in the cooling category. She also found that the memory foam of the CopperFlex was a bit too soft for sleepers with bigger bodies who need a more supportive surface to keep their hips aligned with the rest of their bodies.

“I thought it did a nice job contouring my lower back and filling in the space at my lumbar region,” Riley said. “However, I wouldn’t recommend this topper to sleepers with bigger bodies or people with shoulder pain or neck pain who need lots of support to keep their spine straight.”

Beyond environmental benefits, hypoallergenic materials, and durable construction, the Silk & Snow Organic Mattress Topper is also ideal for side sleepers who occasionally flip onto their backs or stomachs. Combination sleepers who primarily rest on their sides should appreciate Silk & Snow’s 5-star support, responsiveness, and materials.

If your mattress is older and you are noticing excessive sinkage around your hips, which makes it more challenging for you to maneuver, a supportive mattress topper like the eco-friendly Silk & Snow could be a solid solution.

While testing this mattress topper, I was pleasantly surprised by the lift I got from its supportive natural latex, and gave it a perfect 5 out of 5 in the support category. While lying on my side, it propped up my hips just enough to keep my spine in healthy alignment. It also helped relieve some of the pressure in my hips and shoulders that I typically notice while lying on my side.

The Silk & Snow Organic Mattress Topper’s latex provides a nice amount of cushioning around your joints while functioning as a springboard for easy maneuverability. Although memory foam mattress toppers can be somewhat challenging to change positions on, latex foam allows you to do so without exerting a ton of effort. I gave this mattress another 5 out of 5 for responsiveness.

Speaking of its organic latex, I also gave this mattress topper a 5-star material score for its high-quality construction. With proper use and care, its all-organic components could very well outlast the mattress it’s placed on. Its GOTS and GOLS certifications also further signal that this mattress topper uses only the best organic latex and cotton. I also appreciated its machine-washable cover, which makes it easy to refresh over time.

Because latex is known for being bouncier than other materials, my primary concern about the Silk & Snow Organic Mattress Topper was its high motion transfer. Since this is a highly responsive and springy topper, your partner will likely feel every move you make if you’re a combination sleeper who frequently adjusts themselves at night to get comfortable. For that reason, this mattress topper is perhaps best for solo sleepers.

If you are interested in a new topper to add some lift to your mattress without aggravating your allergies, the PlushBeds Natural Wool Mattress Topper may be the solution. The PlushBeds mattress topper features solidly constructed hypoallergenic materials, making it a perfect fit for side sleepers hoping to add more support and contouring to their existing sleep setup. Product tester Sosha Lewis rated this mattress topper a 4 out of 5 or higher in the support, materials, and motion isolation categories.

During her at-home testing, Sosha appreciated how it added responsive support to her plush Nolah Natural mattress, awarding it a 4 out of 5 in the support category.

“I appreciated how this mattress topper firmed up the bed just enough to prevent me from sinking too far into its layers,” Sosha said. “I also liked that it was responsive. My father-in-law, who is a bigger guy, was also a big fan of the topper. e said he felt more supported by our guest bed and didn’t think he was going to sink through the mattress anymore.”

After carefully inspecting the materials of the PlusBeds Natural Wool Mattress Topper, Sosha found it to be durable enough to withstand regular use. She was particularly impressed with its high-quality stitching and comfortable top layer. Sosha gave the PlushBeds topper an impressive 5 out of 5 in the materials category.

“The weave on the top layer feels durable and comforting,” Sosha said. “This is a thicker topper, and the stitches feel tight and sturdy. If you’re looking for a new mattress topper that will hold up, this one should do the trick.”

Despite its responsive and supportive feel, Sosha found that this mattress topper was also highly effective at isolating motion. She gave it a 4 out of 5 in the motion isolation category, thanks to its plush top layer that seems to absorb any impact, regardless of who is rolling around on the opposite side of the bed.

That said, a mattress topper of this caliber comes at a price. One of Sosha’s biggest complaints was that this topper was a whopping $999 before any discounts (and just under $700 when on sale). She also noted that while it didn’t cause her to overheat, it lacked specialized cooling features or did not feel particularly cold to the touch.

For side sleepers, a too-firm mattress causes pressure buildup, leading to soreness in their shoulders and hips. If you’re finding that your mattress is too rigid around those high-pressure areas, then a slow-moving memory foam mattress topper could provide some much-needed relief. The Nolah Mattress Topper features soft contouring memory foam that can make even the stiffest surfaces feel like a cloud. During testing, I gave this mattress topper a perfect 5 out of 5 in the motion isolation and materials categories.

The first thing you will likely notice about this mattress topper is that it is plush beyond belief. During testing, I felt most of my body sink into it. If you’re interested in sleeping on a surface that feels like a cozy hug, then it doesn’t get much better than the Nolah Mattress Topper. As someone who typically feels a lot of tension while lying on their side, I appreciated the level of pressure relief this mattress topper provided in this sleeping position.

The Nolah Mattress Topper is also one of the best options available for reducing motion transfer. I gave it a perfect 5 out of 5 in the motion isolation category after testing it with a colleague. For this test, I invited one of my fellow product testers to move around on one side of the bed while I lay still on the other. I put on a blindfold while they tossed, turned, and got in and out of bed. The entire time they were tossing and turning, I couldn’t even tell they were moving around.

Most importantly, though, I gave this mattress topper a 5-star score in the materials category. Since low-quality memory foam is more likely to sag and wear out faster, you want to make sure you’re getting something durable that can hold up over five years (or more). Thanks to the Nolah Mattress Topper’s organic cover and thick, cushiony memory foam, I believe it should last a while.

That said, I would not recommend this mattress topper to sleepers over 230 pounds. Sleepers in this category may experience an uncomfortable valley around their hips over time, since it lacks a support layer.

Additionally, this mattress topper might not be the best choice for sleepers who have a saggy mattress. A sleep surface that is too soft can negatively impact your spinal alignment, causing or exacerbating joint pain.

If you are looking for a premium mattress topper that doesn’t cost as much as a brand-new luxury mattress itself, then the Peacock Alley Down Alternative Mattress Topper is a fantastic choice. This mattress topper is comfortable, supportive, and well-made. Fortunately, it is also highly affordable at only $225 before any discounts. During testing, our in-house team gave it a 4 out of 5 in the support and motion isolation categories.

Our product testers praised the Peacock Alley topper for providing extra support where sleepers need it most. One of our sleep accessory experts found that it provided ample cushioning to relieve tension in her hips and lower back while simultaneously being dense enough to align them with the rest of her body. For this reason, it was awarded it a near-perfect 4.5 out of 5 in the support category.

“This mattress topper feels pillowy and incredibly comfortable,” she said. “Thankfully, it doesn’t sink enough to knock you out of alignment. It provides a lot of contouring, so if you are someone who experiences a lot of tension along your hips or lower back, this mattress topper might help.”

Although it doesn’t offer a slow-moving memory foam feel, the Peacock Alley’s down alternative fill effectively dampens motion on the bed’s surface. Our in-house testers praised its motion isolation, giving it a 4 out of 5 in this category. The testing team had two people lie on the topper to see how well it prevented movement from traveling from one side to the other. They noted that they could barely feel each other’s movements, even as they tossed and turned on their sides of the bed.

“Its motion-isolating abilities might depend on your mattress,” said one tester. “However, I couldn’t feel what my colleague was doing on their side of the mattress. The sound of the mattress topper was more distracting than the movement itself. It crinkles a little when you move around on it, but it’s not too disruptive.”

The only area where our product testers thought the Peacock Alley Down Alternative Mattress Topper disappointed was in cooling. Our product experts used a thermal gun to measure the increase in its surface temperature after five minutes of uninterrupted rest. After lying on the mattress topper for five minutes, they recorded a 7-degree rise in temperature. This result still indicates decent cooling; however, it might not be the best option for sleepers who overheat.

If you’re a hot sleeper who is apprehensive about adding another layer to your mattress, we understand. Fortunately, the ViscoSoft Active Cooling Copper Topper gives side sleepers a way to make their mattress more comfortable without waking up sweaty. Our in-house product tester rated the ViscoSoft topper a 4 out of 5 or higher in the cooling and support categories.

The tester was impressed by how well the ViscoSoft’s Active Cooling Copper Topper lived up to its name. Unlike many other mattress toppers that merely promise a cooler sleep surface, the ViscoSoft topper delivers. She gave it a perfect 5 out of 5 in the cooling category, thanks to its breathable materials and thermal gun test results.

The Sleepopolis expert used a thermal gun to measure the surface temperature before and after lying on it for five minutes. After the five minutes were over, she measured a minimal increase of 4.3 degrees. She also praised its cool-to-the-touch feel while resting on it.

“I spent about 20 minutes testing this mattress topper, and it felt cool to the touch the entire time,” our tester said. “This is one of the most breathable toppers I’ve lain on. If you need a supportive mattress topper, but are worried about it absorbing heat, I highly recommend this one.”

She also praised the ViscoSoft Active Cooling Copper Topper’s support, awarding it a 4.5 out of 5 during testing. Even though the mattress topper felt so soft, she noted that it was still supportive enough to keep most sleepers in a healthy, neutral position. In the side sleeping position, she got just enough lift around her lower back to keep her spine aligned, but it was still soft enough to provide some pressure relief along her hips and shoulders.

“This mattress topper has the potential to elevate even the worst mattresses,” our tester said. “It’s like plopping a brand-new mattress on top of your old mattress. This mattress topper feels like a dream in each sleeping position.”

Unfortunately, the ViscoSoft topper has a couple of weaknesses. According to our product tester, it is not very responsive. If you’re a combination sleeper who prefers a bouncy surface to move around on, you will have to look elsewhere. She also wouldn’t recommend this mattress topper to sleepers who weigh over 230 pounds due to its softness. These sleepers will likely sink too far around their hips, putting strain on their lower backs.

Then the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt Mattress Topper is perfect for sleepers with hip pain who are looking to soften their mattress. Our in-house product testers were particularly impressed by how this mattress topper hugged them in all the right places and enveloped their body in its cloud-like structure. During testing, our testers gave it a perfect 5 out of 5 in the support and motion isolation categories.

Perhaps what is most surprising about the TEMPUR-Adapt is how soft yet supportive its TEMPUR material is. One of our in-house testers claimed that it felt like “lying down on a giant cotton ball” and was pleased with how it relieved tension in her shoulders and hips while in the side-sleeping position. Despite the TEMPUR-Adapt’s fluffiness, it also did an excellent job aligning her spine with the rest of her body. Based on her feedback, we gave it a perfect 5 out of 5 for support.

Another category in which the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt Mattress Topper excelled was motion isolation. If you sleep with a restless partner or pet, then a mattress topper that effectively lessens motion transfer is a must. To evaluate its motion isolation, two of our testers placed the topper on a mattress and lay on it together. One tester tossed and turned on one side of the bed while the other lay blindfolded and still on the other.

During this test, we found that it did a great job of preventing movement from traveling to the other side of the bed. Our tester said that she couldn’t tell that her colleague was tossing and turning.

“I could not detect any motion from my partner on this mattress topper,” she said. “It isolated their motion completely. I didn’t even feel dramatic movements on my side of the bed.”

That said, the TEMPUR-Adapt is not the most responsive surface. For that reason, I would not recommend this mattress topper to combination sleepers who change positions often throughout the night.