Best Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers

We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you; see our Affiliate Disclosure.

If you’re a side sleeper and your mattress feels too firm, a mattress topper can add cushioning for your shoulders and hips. When it comes to sleep, comfort is not just a luxury, it’s a necessity. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of key factors to consider when selecting a mattress topper. Our goal is to ensure you find the perfect balance of comfort and support, because a good night’s sleep is the foundation of a productive day.

Key Specs Compared

Numbers match the reviews below (tap to jump).

Key specs of the 5 mattress toppers reviewed below
#Thick­nessMaterialFeelWashable coverCertiPUR-US
14"Memory foamPlushNo cover (spot clean)Yes
24"Gel foam + pillow topMediumYesYes
33"Gel memory foamMedium-firmYesNot stated
43"Gel egg crate foamMediumNo cover (spot clean)Yes
52"Gel memory foamPlushNo cover (spot clean)Yes

✓ yes · ✗ no · – not confirmed · Specs as stated on the Amazon listing or by the maker · Not a treatment for any condition



Buying Considerations: Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers

Similar to your mattress, a quality mattress topper is an investment in your sleep. It’s not just a purchase, it’s a decision that can provide years of comfort. Before deciding, consider these key factors to ensure you make an informed and long-lasting choice, enhancing your sleep for years to come.
  • Material – You can pick from memory foam, gel, gel beads, and scented materials in a mattress topper. A mattress topper for heavy person who sleeps on the side in these materials will provide more support.
  • Comfort – This is always an individual call, but you can choose soft, medium-firm, and firm textures for comfort.
  • Breathability – Make sure you pick a material like latex or open-cell memory foam to be breathable throughout the night.
  • Cooling – This is a must if you live in hotter areas to sleep in a temperature-maintained bed all night.

Benefits of a Good Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers

Sleeping in a cozy bed after a long, tiring day can be a nice upgrade for your sleep and mood. Here are some ways that getting a mattress topper can benefit you and your spine.
  • Upgrade – Your old mattress will get an upgrade without spending too much, whether you want it to be firm or soft.
  • Sleep Well – There is no better thing than an eight-hour sleep to wake up refreshed all day.
  • Comfort – A plush topper can make a firm bed feel softer under your shoulders and hips.
  • Pressure – Foam spreads your weight over a larger area. If you have shoulder or hip pain that doesn’t go away, see a doctor.[1]
If you are a side sleeper with ear pain, see a doctor if it doesn’t clear up, and check our reviews on the best pillow for ear pain for a sound sleep.

Features of Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers

A mattress topper can make your bed more comfortable. Here are some features that your mattress topper should have.
  • Soft – A good mattress topper should be soft enough for comfort but firm enough to be supportive.
  • Washable Cover – A removable, washable cover makes the topper easier to keep clean.
  • Ventilated – Well-ventilated channels and holes should keep the mattress topper fresh overnight.
  • Certified Foam – CertiPUR-US certified foam is made without certain flame retardants and heavy metals and is tested for low emissions.[2]

Our Picks: Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers

We have curated a list of mattress toppers for side sleepers to help you sleep better at night. We hope you love the products we recommend!
1
  • This 4-inch topper has an ultra plush memory foam feel for a deep sink-in feel.
  • The foam is infused with lavender oil, so it is scented; the scent has no effect on how much support the topper gives.
  • Ventilation channels help with airflow. There is no removable cover; the listing says to spot clean only.
  • It is CertiPUR-US certified and has a 3-year limited warranty.[2]

2
  • This 4-inch topper pairs 2 inches of gel memory foam with a 2-inch quilted pillow top cover.
  • The listing describes the feel as medium.
  • The pillow top cover is removable and washable.
  • The foam is CertiPUR-US certified and has a 10-year warranty.[2] The listing for this ASIN confirms the 2-inch foam plus 2-inch pillow top split and the 10-year warranty, and says it is made in the USA.

3
  • This 3-inch topper is made from gel-infused memory foam with a density of over 3 lb per cubic foot.
  • The listing describes the feel as medium-firm.
  • The cover is removable and washable.
  • ViscoSoft offers a 60-day guarantee on Amazon; its own site offers a 90-day money-back guarantee and a 5-year warranty for direct orders.[3] The listing does not mention CertiPUR-US certification. Pain claims on the listing are the maker’s, not ours.

4
  • This 3-inch egg crate topper is made from gel swirl memory foam.
  • The ridged surface lets more air move under you, per the listing.
  • The foam is CertiPUR-US certified.[2]
  • It is backed by a 3-year limited warranty. The listing rates it medium and says to spot clean only.

5
  • This 2-inch topper is made from plush gel-infused memory foam.
  • It suits side sleepers who want just a little more softness.
  • The foam is CertiPUR-US certified.[2]
  • It comes with a 3-year limited warranty. There is no cover; spot clean only, per the listing.

Index Table: Top-Rated Mattress Topper for Side Sleeper


Sources

  1. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIH). Arthritis. Accessed October 15, 2026.
  2. CertiPUR-US. CertiPUR-US certified foams. Accessed October 15, 2026.
  3. ViscoSoft. 90-Day Money Back Guarantee. Accessed October 17, 2026.

Update History

  • Oct 2026: Checked every product against its Amazon listing; added a Key Specs table and filled every cell; added a lavender scent note; added care and certification notes; noted ViscoSoft’s 90-day guarantee and 5-year warranty for direct orders; added Sources (NIAMS, CertiPUR-US, ViscoSoft)
  • Feb 2022: Added Linenspa Egg Crate Gel Mattress Topper
  • Jan 2022: Added Sleep Innovations Dual Layer 4-Inch Mattress Topper
  • Oct 2021: Added LUCID Lavender 4-Inch Memory Topper
  • Jul 2020: Added Linenspa Gel Foam 2-Inch Memory Topper
  • Mar 2020: First published


About the Author

Eliza Ward

Eliza Ward is a writer, nature lover and full-time mother of three, based in South Africa. She wrote the guides on Mattress Obsessions, researching products using manufacturer specifications, certifications, U.S. safety rules and recalls, and guidance from health authorities. She did not test products hands-on. You can read how we research and choose products.