Best Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers 2026
We tested mattress toppers to find the best ones for side sleepers. The Nolah Mattress Topper is our overall top pick.
- Our top pick for the best mattress topper for side sleepers is the Nolah Mattress Topper because of its comfort and accessibility.
- Queen-sized mattress toppers in this article range from $120–$449.
- Side sleepers require a mattress topper that maintains proper alignment of the spine, hips, and shoulders.
- In our 2025 sleep survey, 66% of respondents said they prefer to sleep on their side, making side sleeping the most popular sleep position.
- Mattress toppers can be an affordable alternative to purchasing an entirely new mattress.
- Our top picks cover different needs, including luxury, value, softness, firmness, and pressure relief.
NCOA supports everyone’s right to age well. So we take the time to research, test, and recommend products that can help you live a healthier life. We’ve spent more than 2,500 hours researching and testing mattress toppers to give you the most accurate product reviews. To find the best mattress toppers, we:
- Consulted with sleep specialists like doctors, occupational therapists, and physical therapists for guidance on choosing the best mattress topper
- Put more than 130 models through a series of 19 different tests at our in-house lab
- Mystery-shopped more than 40 brands
- Surveyed more than 2,000 older adults on their sleep quality
- Interviewed experts on the importance of good sleep for older adults
- Worked with older adult testers to evaluate mattress toppers and get their opinion
- Read thousands of verified customer reviews
We’re constantly testing new mattress toppers and sleep products to give you the most accurate and up-to-date recommendations. Read more about our sleep accessories review methodology.
Side sleeping tends to be the most popular sleep position. In our 2025 sleep survey, 66% of respondents said they preferred to sleep on their side.1 Your sleep position can make a difference in your overall sleep health. Studies have shown that it offers positive effects on general sleep quality.2
Want to learn more? We did an entire review of the best mattresses for side sleepers.
If you sleep on your side, your mattress should support your shoulders and hips to maintain a neutral and aligned spine. For some people, placing a pillow between their knees can help. But others need more support from their sleep surface. If you don’t want to buy a new mattress, a mattress topper can be a good alternative. The best mattress toppers for side sleepers can sometimes give the benefits of improved sleep without the high price.
In our review, we outline how each topper performed in our tests and help you find the best topper for you.
Best Overall
Nolah Mattress Topper
Breathable memory foam that helps to cushion joints and strong edge support for stability
Best Luxury
Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Topper
Memory foam cushions and supports hips and shoulders, while cooling graphite regulates temperature
Best Value
ViscoSoft Reflex Gel Mattress Topper
Excellent pressure relief at a budget-friendly price with convenient upgrades like adjustable straps
Best mattress toppers for side sleepers in 2026
- Nolah Mattress Topper: Best Overall
- Saatva Graphite Memory Foam: Best Luxury Topper for Side Sleepers
- ViscoSoft Reflex Gel Mattress Topper: Best Value Topper for Side Sleepers
- Helix GlacioTex Premium Mattress Topper: Best Soft Topper for Side Sleepers
- Layla Mattress Topper: Best Firm Topper for Side Sleepers
- Avocado Eco Organic Latex: Best Pressure Relief for Side Sleepers
Comparing the best mattress toppers for side sleepers
| Comparison Features | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Score (out of 10) | 9.0 |
8.7 |
9.4 |
8.2 |
7.9 |
9.8 |
| Best for | Overall |
Luxury |
Value |
Soft |
Firm |
Pressure relief |
| Material | Memory foam |
Graphite memory foam |
Memory foam |
Memory foam and coils |
Memory foam |
Latex |
| Thickness (inches) | 2 |
3 |
2-3 |
3.75 |
2 |
2-3 |
| Firmness | Medium |
Medium |
Medium |
Soft |
Firm |
Medium |
What we look for in a mattress topper for side sleepers
We looked for the following features when choosing the best mattress toppers for side sleepers:
Nolah Mattress Topper
We chose the Nolah Mattress Topper as our Best Overall Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers. Its cushioning memory foam supports the hips and shoulders without letting the spine sag. With its 5/5 score for accessibility and 4/5 for cooling, we think the Nolah is a great all-around option for the average side sleeper.
- Excellent support for shoulders and hips
- Strong edges help provide stability
- Memory foam for great pressure relief
- Material type: Memory foam and cotton
- Thickness: 2”
- Firmness level: Medium-medium firm
- Cooling: Breathable foam
- Pressure relief or ergonomic design: High-density foam for pressure relief
Pros
- Cushioning high-density memory foam
- Excellent edge support
- Great motion isolation (movement won’t wake partner)
Cons
- Higher cost
- Not very responsive
Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Topper
We chose the Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper as our Best Luxury Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers because its high-end construction and luxurious feel make it a supportive and comfortable addition for side sleepers.
- Saatva Mattress Review
- Comfortable and supportive
- Cushioning memory foam supports hips and shoulders
- Cooling graphite keeps you from getting too hot
- Material type: Memory foam with graphite
- Thickness: 3”
- Firmness level: Medium
- Cooling: Graphite
- Pressure relief or ergonomic design: Memory foam offers spinal support
Pros
- Supportive for side sleeping
- Cooling graphite helps keep you from getting too hot
- Long trial period (180 nights)
Cons
- Topper may not fit on the mattress perfectly, leaving gaps
- Shorter warranty (one year) than other brands
ViscoSoft Reflex Gel Mattress Topper: Best Value
We chose the ViscoSoft Reflex as our Best Value Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers because it offers excellent shoulder and neck support for a much lower price than other toppers on our list. It also earned a 4.5/5 for pressure relief, making it a great option for older adults with chronic pain.
- Great pressure relief for side sleepers
- The most affordable topper on our list by $140
- Adjustable straps for a snug fit
- Material type: Memory foam
- Thickness: 2”–3”
- Firmness level: Medium
- Cooling: Gel-infused foam
- Pressure relief or ergonomic design: Supportive memory foam
Pros
- Lowest price on this list
- Excellent edge support
- Lightweight and easier to move
Cons
- Not very responsive
- Tends to trap heat
Helix GlacioTexTM Premium Topper: Best Soft Topper for Side Sleepers
We chose the Helix GlacioTex Premium Topper as the Best Soft Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers. Its unique combination of memory foam and innerspring coils provides plush comfort. It also provides excellent support for the shoulders and hips.
- Helix Mattress Review
- Unique combination of memory foam and innerspring coils
- Soft and plush sleep surface
- Comfortable support for side sleepers
Pros
- Innerspring coils support hips and shoulders
- Cooling fabric
- Plush memory foam
Cons
- Most expensive on this list by $50
- Edges could be stronger
Layla Mattress Topper: Best Firm Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers
We chose the Layla mattress topper as our Best Firm Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers because the dense foam provides a firmer sleep surface that supports the shoulders and hips. If you have a softer mattress and need more support, the Layla could be a good choice for you.
- Firm memory foam for support and cushioning
- Good edge support
- Makes changing sleep positions easier
- Material type: Copper-infused memory foam
- Thickness: 2”
- Firmness level: Firm
- Cooling: Breathable fabric
- Pressure relief or ergonomic design: Copper-infused memory foam provides lasting spinal support
Pros
- Durable copper-infused foam
- Strong edges
- Easier to change sleep positions
Cons
- Doesn’t work as well on a firm mattress
- Tends to trap heat
Avocado Eco Organic Topper: Best Pressure Relief for Side Sleepers
We chose the Avocado Eco Organic as our Best Pressure Relief Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers. Its latex material is supportive, providing excellent pressure relief and cushioning for the shoulders and hips. The Avocado Eco Organic Topper could be a great alternative to a new mattress if you have chronic pain.
- Excellent pressure relief for the shoulders and hips
- High-quality and organic materials
- Strong edges and stable surface make this topper more accessible
- Material type: Latex
- Thickness: 2”-3”
- Firmness level: Plush or Medium
- Cooling: Breathable latex
- Pressure relief or ergonomic design: Talalay latex for pressure relief
Pros
- Excellent pressure relief
- Eco-friendly materials
- Supportive, comfortable, and cooling
Cons
- Not suitable for people with a latex allergy
- May trap heat
Our process testing the best mattress toppers for side sleepers
Our team has spent thousands of hours testing mattresses, pillows, and mattress toppers to find the best ones for older adults. Here are some of the features we test for, and how we do it:
- Spinal alignment support: We tested each mattress topper for side sleeping support by trying it out while sleeping on our sides. We noted any misalignment or sinkage. Mattress toppers that don’t distribute weight evenly and properly support the spine tend to increase the likelihood of pressure-related discomfort.
- Support under lower back and hips: We measured how well the mattress toppers supported our lower backs and hips. A lack of support in these areas can cause back pain when you wake up. For more information, see our review of the best mattresses for back pain and the best mattresses for hip pain.
- Pain and pressure relief: Our testers lay on the mattress toppers on their sides and noted any pressure buildup in their shoulders or hips—two common areas for pain and pressure in the side-sleeping position. For more information, see our review of the best mattress for shoulder pain.
- Firmness and responsiveness: We tested the mattress topper's responsiveness by evaluating how quickly it bounces back after lying down. A responsive mattress is important for people who change positions during the night or who may have trouble turning over easily.
Why side sleepers need a specific kind of mattress topper
Side sleepers are unique in that most of their weight is on their shoulders and hips while lying down. Because of this, they need a mattress topper that helps to distribute their weight while still keeping the spine aligned. Otherwise, they risk putting extra pressure on their lower back and waking up with back pain or soreness.
Side sleepers can also experience numbness from sleeping on top of their arm. A mattress topper with good contouring allows the shoulder and upper arm to sink comfortably into the surface, reducing pressure and improving circulation.
What to look for in a mattress topper for side sleepers
When looking for a mattress topper for side sleepers, you should consider the following features:
Material type
The right material is important for a comfortable and supportive sleep experience. For a side sleeper, look for memory foam or latex. Memory foam is the most contouring material, which is great for providing support to the shoulders and hips. Latex is a good choice if you prefer something organic. For more information, see the best memory foam mattress.
Thickness
A topper that is 2”–4” is typically the most effective for proper spine alignment and pressure relief.
Firmness
A medium-soft to medium-firm mattress topper is typically best for pressure relief without causing your spine to sag or arch.3 If you’re a lighter-weight sleeper, you might want something slightly softer. And a higher-weight sleeper might want something more firm.
Pressure relief performance
A mattress topper that evenly distributes your weight from shoulders to hips can help with pain relief by reducing pressure buildup in a given area.
Zoning or ergonomic shaping
Some mattress toppers feature targeted zones to provide extra support for specific areas, such as the shoulders or hips. That extra support can help prevent pressure from building up.
Cooling features
Materials like gel, graphite, copper, or breathable fabric all contribute to helping reduce heat retention and keeping you cool at night.
Certifications
Look for CertiPUR-US®, OEKO-TEX® labels for toppers certified for safety, low emissions, and the absence of harmful chemicals and GOTS/GOLS labels for organic materials.
Trial & return policy
Risk-free trials and simple return policies make it easier to feel good about purchasing a mattress topper to try out in your home. Look for a minimum 30-day free trial period (trial periods on this list range from 30–180 nights) to ensure you have enough time to decide whether it improves your sleep.
How much do the best mattress toppers for side sleepers cost?
The mattress toppers in our guide range between $120–$449 for a queen size. When choosing the right one for your budget, consider other benefits or perks being offered, such as a long trial period or free returns.
| Comparison Features | Nolah Mattress Topper |
Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Topper |
ViscoSoft Reflex Gel Mattress Topper |
Helix GlacioTex Premium Mattress Topper |
Layla Mattress Topper |
Avocado Eco Organic Latex Mattress Topper |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost for a queen* | $449 |
$305 |
$120 |
$498 |
$349 |
$329 |
| Shipping costs | Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime |
1 year, limited |
5 years |
Limited lifetime |
5 years |
1 year |
| Trial period (nights) | 120 |
180 |
90 |
100 |
30 |
100 |
| Return fees | None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
*Most mattress brands run frequent or ongoing promotions. Sale prices are typically lower and may change often.
How to save money on mattress toppers
The easiest way to save money on a mattress topper is to buy it while it’s on sale. Look for seasonal specials such as Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday, or the 4th of July. Sometimes, companies offer first-time buyer discounts or coupons when you sign up for their email list.
Frequently asked questions
Are mattress toppers a good alternative to buying a new mattress?
Yes, mattress toppers can be a more affordable way to change the feel of your bed without replacing your mattress. They may help add cushioning, support, or pressure relief, depending on the topper you choose.
What mattress topper thickness is best for side sleepers?
Mattress toppers between 2”–4” are the best thickness for side sleepers, because this range cushions the shoulders and hips.
Is a memory foam or latex mattress topper better for side sleepers?
Both memory foam and latex are good choices for side sleepers. It depends on your personal preference. Latex allergies are common, so some people might want to avoid that material.
How do I stop a mattress topper from sliding around?
When shopping for a mattress topper, look for options with corner straps or a non-slip bottom. If you already have a mattress topper you like, but find it slides on your bed, you may need to try different sheets. Deep-pocket sheets that fit snugly can help to secure your topper. But sheets that are too tight, or aren't sized for the extra height the topper adds to your mattress, may tug the topper out of place.
Can a mattress topper make a firm mattress more comfortable for side sleeping?
Yes, a softer mattress topper can add cushioning around the shoulders and hips, which may make a firm mattress more comfortable for side sleeping. But if your mattress is badly worn or lacks support, a topper may not solve the problem completely.
What firmness is ideal for pressure relief at the hips?
Most people get the best hip pressure relief from medium or medium-soft toppers. Medium-firm can work for higher-weight sleepers who need more support, but it’s often too firm to relieve hip pressure for lighter or average-weight side sleepers.
Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org
