The Best Mattress Toppers for Side Sleepers, According to Bedding Experts

A Tempur-Pedic mattress can be costly, so if you’re not ready to swap your bed quite yet, consider this foam mattress topper to achieve a similar soft, plush feel. We like this pick for side sleepers because of the topper’s ability to conform to the shape of your body and reduce pressure on areas like your hips and shoulders.

With 3 inches of foam, the topper will change the feel of your bed and, as a bonus, help reduce bounciness and pesky motion transfer when your partner rolls over. We also like that it features a removable, washable cover so you can easily clean your topper when it’s time, and built-in straps help hold it in place on your bed. Just keep in mind that some testers did report that it shifted overnight despite the straps.

This hybrid mattress topper from Lucid combines the benefits of contouring memory foam with the softness of down alternative. It’s also one of the most affordable quality mattress toppers you can find on Amazon, and it's backed up by nearly 5,000 positive online reviews.

Though it's sold as one piece, this mattress topper actually contains two individual layers, and the top one is machine washable and dryable for easy maintenance. The pillowtop down alternative layer goes onto your bed like a fitted sheet to help keep everything in place. Online reviewers said this mattress topper felt comfortable, and some even said that it helped with hip and back pain. Some found that it can sleep hot.

Named one of our best memory foam mattress toppers, this pick offers the pressure relief side sleepers seek. While the 2 inches of foam won’t totally transform your mattress, it will add cushioning and help reduce pressure off of key areas that support most of your weight like your hips and shoulders. Testers who tried the mattress topper at home reported feeling less hip and back pain after use, and several rated this topper highly for its motion isolation and comfortable feel.

We like that the topper features a non-skid bottom to help it stay in place overnight, and a topper cover helps prevent sheets from bunching. Just keep in mind that this mattress topper and its cover are not machine washable, so you may choose to use it with a mattress protector to protect it from stains and spills.

If you suffer from hip or back pain, it’s important not to aggravate matters during sleep. Known for making some of the best mattresses for back pain, hip pain and sciatica, this Nolah mattress topper features the same contouring foam that’s used in its beds. At 2 inches thick, we like that it won’t add too much height to your bed (yet doesn’t sacrifice its superior pressure relief).

While some testers found this mattress topper almost too soft, others shared that the sink-in feel helped relieve discomfort by contouring to pressure points. Available in two firmness levels, those who prefer firmer beds can opt for Luxury Firm, while those who like a softer feel can choose Plush. We also like that elastic bands are built-in to help secure the topper to your bed, and that its cover is removable and machine washable. Just note that some testers told us they noticed a chemical smell that lasted a few days after opening, so it’s best to let it air out before putting it on your bed.

While this mattress topper is more expensive than other picks on this list, Saatva has performed well in previous Lab tests and has stood out for its use of high-quality materials and comfortable, supportive designs. We like this graphite memory foam mattress topper in particular, which the brand claims is great for all sleep positions, but especially side sleepers seeking pressure relief.

This pick provides a firmer, supportive feel that’s not overly cushy or sink-in soft. It’s also a good choice for couples seeking motion isolation. The topper comes with straps so you can easily secure it to your mattress, and our at-home testers were impressed by how well the topper stayed in place. Though we would have liked it if the topper were machine washable, we appreciate that it comes with a 180-day trial period.

There’s nothing fun about overheating in the middle of the night and not being able to fall back asleep, which is why our sleep experts test all sorts of cooling mattress pads and toppers to help keep night sweats at bay. We like this memory foam topper from ViscoSoft for side sleepers as it's made with a perforated foam that allows for more airflow. The topper also contains a cooling gel that’s designed to pull heat away from your body, all while offering the benefits of pressure-relieving memory foam. Testers agree that they maintained a comfortable body temperature while sleeping on this topper.

Available in three heights, you can choose the right depth for your bed. We also like that the topper comes with handy features like a removable, washable cover, elastic straps and a slip-resistant mesh bottom, but some testers warn of an initial odor when first opening the mattress topper.

The Lift by Amerisleep lets you choose from two frimness levels depending on how you want to adjust the feel of your mattress. Side sleepers should opt for the softer Comfort level to help achieve a more cushioned feel; back and stomach sleepers should opt for the more supportive and firmer Support level. Both options have an ergonomic design that features targeted zones to provide extra support where you need it (the head, back and feet) and more cushioning and softness around the shoulders and hips.

Our testers gave this topper high scores for comfort, and some testers with a history of lower back pain mentioned that they noticed relief after sleeping on it. Though some users point out that the mattress topper was a bit tricky to initially position on their bed due to a micro-gripping bottom that keeps the topper from shifting, that same grip means it's unlikely to shift in the night. We like that the cover is removable and can be machine washed for quick and easy care.

Not only is this mattress topper affordable, but it’s an Amazon best-seller with over 20,000 reviews and an average of 4.4 stars. Because memory foam is notorious for trapping heat, this mattress topper is ventilated to increase airflow. We like that the memory foam material conforms to your body, providing side sleepers with much-needed pressure relief from the hips, shoulders and other joints.

This topper is described as “plush,” making it a great choice for anyone that has a bed that’s too firm or is seeking a softer, cozier feel at night. It’s available in 2- or 3-inch heights so you can choose how much you want to change the feel of your mattress, and purchasing a cover is optional (though it will drive up the price slightly).