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If you’ve been shopping for a mattress topper lately, then you know how difficult it is to find an option that works for side sleepers. Our review team saw that shoppers were struggling with this and decided to test out all of the leading brands so you don’t have to. After extensive research, we narrowed them down to the top 5 brands. Our Editor’s Choice is the Ghostbed Memory Foam Topper.
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Top Five Picks for Best Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers in 2022
- Ghostbed Memory Foam Topper – Editor’s Choice
- Puffy Mattress Topper – Best Warranty
- Saatva Mattress Topper – Best Cooling Mattress Topper
- Lift Topper by Amerisleep – Best for Heavyweight Sleepers
- Zoey Mattress Topper – Best Eco-friendly Mattress Topper
#1. Ghostbed Memory Foam Topper
Check Current Price | Editor’s Choice | 30% Off Coupon: SLEEPLINE | Review
Pros:
- Multi-zoned support
- Actively cooling
- Provides great pressure relief
- Waterproof and machine-washable cover
Cons:
- Slight off-gassing
- Does not come with a sleep trial period
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Our experience with the Ghostbed Memory Foam Topper
The Ghostbed Memory Foam Topper is the newest addition to the Ghostbed product lineup. This outstanding mattress topper has five different support zones that are designed to cradle each area of your body differently. Aside from its zoned support, it also features active cooling technology which makes it the best cooling mattress topper on the market. If you’re looking for a premium quality mattress topper with great value for money, the Ghostbed Memory Foam Topper is definitely on top of the list.
This memory foam mattress topper is ideal for side sleepers because it offers enough cushioning around the shoulders and hips, while ensuring a healthy and comfortable spinal alignment. Other sleeper types like combination sleepers or back and stomach sleepers should also feel comfortable due to the enhanced support provided by the different firmness zones. Hot sleepers will also love the cooling properties that this mattress topper offers.
This gel-infused memory foam mattress topper doesn’t just excel in temperature control but it’s also actively cooling. It features memory foam that’s cut with channels that promote airflow across the surface, reducing heat retention and helping you stay cool. Additionally, this topper also comes with a removable cover made of proprietary Ghost Ice fabric which is extremely breathable and feels cool to the touch. The fabric used in its cover is waterproof to protect the foam from accidental spills.
I should mention that we experienced slight off-gassing when unboxing the Ghostbed mattress topper. This is completely normal, especially for a memory foam mattress topper such as this one. To sort this out, just let the topper air out in a well-ventilated room for 24-48 hours. You may also need to use sheets with deeper pockets to accommodate the extra thickness of the topper.
The Ghostbed Memory Foam Topper is 3″ thick and it comes in 7 different sizes:
- Twin + Twin XL
- Full
- Queen
- King
- California King
- Split King
The Ghostbed Memory Foam Mattress Topper does not come with a sleep trial, but it is backed by a 5-year warranty that covers structural defects.
#2. Puffy Mattress Topper
Check Current Price | Best Warranty
Pros:
- Two firmness options
- Hypoallergenic
- Cooling
- Machine-washable cover
Cons:
- Stuck in the mud feel
- Options may be either too soft or too firm for some
Our experience with Puffy Mattress Topper
If you’re a side sleeper and you’re currently looking for a way to make your bed feel more comfortable, the Puffy Mattress Topper is definitely an amazing choice. Made with high quality materials, this topper features adaptive memory foam which offers contouring as well as great pressure relief for your sensitive joints. And depending on your needs, you may choose between two firmness options: Soft or Firm. Traditional memory foam fans will love the conforming hug feeling that the Puffy Mattress Topper offers with just the right amount of cushioning and sinkage.
Most sleeper types should enjoy sleeping on this memory foam mattress topper, especially side sleepers. We recommend the Soft mattress topper option for side sleepers because it provides plush cushioning for your shoulders and hips. Other individuals such as back and stomach sleepers should opt for the more supportive Firm option which ensures that your lower back and hips stay in a neutral alignment. One drawback of this mattress topper is that it’s quite difficult to switch sleeping positions due to its stuck in the mud feel.
The Puffy Mattress Topper is made of OEKO-TEX certified materials, which means it’s free of harmful chemical. And unlike most memory foam models, this Puffy product is a hypoallergenic mattress topper which is good news for allergy sufferers. This topper has a soft cover that’s cool to the touch and is made of 40% bamboo and 60% polyester. This fabric is extremely breathable and it prevents body heat from getting trapped in the top layer of the mattress topper. This topper also comes with deep elastic pockets that hold it in place no matter how much movement occurs on top of it.
A pocket depth of 15 inches makes the topper compatible with many mattresses sold today. The cover is also removable and can be machine-washed for your convenience. We noticed almost no off-gassing smell with the Puffy Mattress Topper but if you notice any, it will disappear as it expands.
The Puffy Mattress Topper is 2.5″ thick and it comes in 6 sizes.
- Twin
- Twin XL
- Full
- Queen
- King
- California King
The Puffy Mattress Topper comes with a 101-night sleep trial and it’s backed by a lifetime warranty that covers structural defects as long as you retain ownership.
#3. Saatva Mattress Topper
Check Current Price | Best Cooling Mattress Topper
Pros:
- Three construction options
- Cooling
- Responsive
- Made with organic materials
- Greenguard Gold certified
Cons:
- May be a bit expensive for some individuals
- Cover is not removable
Our experience with Saatva Mattress Topper
The next model in our list is the amazing Saatva Mattress Topper. This mattress pad offers supportive pressure relief and a wide selection of material options for people with different tastes. It’s available in three different materials: graphite, latex, and foam.
Graphite – instead of traditional memory foam, Saatva uses graphite-infused memory foam for this version of their mattress topper. Ideal for sleepers who tend to overheat at night, the Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper helps dissipate body heat and keeps you sleeping cool. Because it’s made from memory foam, side sleepers will absolutely love the body contouring and pressure relief that it provides. It has the conforming hug feeling that’s usually associated with memory foam and you’ll feel more “in” this topper than “on top” of it. The Graphite Mattress Topper is Saatva’s highest thickness mattress topper measuring 3 inches.
Latex – this version is more responsive and buoyant due to its latex construction, which is something combination sleepers would appreciate as it’s easier to switch between positions. It’s made from 100% natural latex, and it comes in a medium-soft firmness level, which is great for side sleepers. This latex mattress topper is hypoallergenic, making it an excellent option for those who suffer from allergies. It’s also naturally more cooling than memory foam toppers which have a tendency to trap body heat. Eco-conscious individuals will be delighted with the all-natural construction of this topper. It measures 1.5″ thick.
High-Density Foam – The firmest of all the Saatva mattress toppers, this version is ideal for back and stomach sleepers who prefer extra support for their spine and hips. It offer less sinkage and although it is less responsive than latex, you won’t feel stuck while sleeping on this topper. The High-Density Foam Topper measures 1.5″ thick.
Each version is encased in an 100% organic cotton cover to shield its core. Anchor bands on the corners help ensure a tight fit against the mattress and reduce the risk of shifting.
The Saatva Mattress Topper is available in 7 different sizes:
- Twin
- Twin XL
- Full
- Queen
- King
- California King
- Split King
The Saatva Mattress Topper comes with a 45-day sleep trial and is backed by a 1-year limited warranty.
#4. Lift Topper by Amerisleep
Check Current Price | Best for Heavyweight Sleepers | 30% Off Coupon: SLEEPLINE | Review
Pros:
- Comes in two firmness options
- Cooling
- Responsive
- Cover is machine-washable
Cons:
- Slight off-gassing
- No return policy
Our experience with Amerisleep Lift Mattress Topper
The Lift Topper by Amerisleep is a great model for a variety of different sleepers, because it comes in two firmness options. You can choose the right mattress topper for you depending on your sleeping position and body weight. Below is a brief discussion about the two versions of the Lift Topper.
Comfort Lift – Providing additional cushioning to your mattress, the Comfort Lift has a medium-soft feel that’s associated with slow-moving memory foam. Made with Amerisleep’s Bio-Pur foam, it offers excellent body-contouring and pressure relief without allowing your body to sink excessively. This firmness option works best for side sleepers and some back sleepers who prefer a more pressure-relieving sleep surface.
Support Lift – this version on the other hand is firmer and more supportive. It’s made with Amerisleep’s Affinity foam which offers the same amount of pressure relief but with reinforced support especially for back and stomach sleepers. You’ll feel like your floating on top of this topper and your spine will stay in a healthy alignment.
The Lift mattress topper has a thin, breathable cover that helps promote airflow within the topper. This cover is removable and machine-washable which makes it easier to clean when accidental spills occur. Beneath the cover you’ll find a unique type of foam that features Amerisleep’s proprietary HIVE technology. This material offers zoned support and it has an open-cell structure which enhances the topper’s cooling capabilities.
All the foams used in the Lift Topper are CertiPUR-US certified, which means their free from harmful chemicals and heavy metals. We did experience a small amount of off-gassing when unboxing the topper, but the odor faded after leaving it out in a well-aired room for 48 hours.
The Amerisleep Lift Mattress Topper is 3″ thick and comes in 6 sizes:
- Twin
- Twin XL
- Full
- Queen
- King
- California King
The Lift Mattress Topper does not come with a sleep trial, but it is backed by a 5-year warranty that covers manufacturing defects.
Buy: Lift Topper by Amerisleep
#5. Zoey Mattress Topper
Check Current Price | Best Eco-Friendly Mattress Topper | Review
Pros:
- Made with eco-friendly materials
- Cooling
- Responsive
- Removable cover
Cons:
- Only comes in one firmness option
- Cover might not fit in standard size washing machines
Our experience with Zoey Mattress Topper
Last but not the least in our list of the best mattress toppers for side sleepers is the Zoey Mattress Topper. Made from a blend of lyocell and proprietary shredded memory foam, this mattress topper is more responsive and more cooling than traditional memory foam. It’s ideal for side sleepers because it offers immediate pressure relief and its plush surface adapts to the contours of your body.
The Zoey Mattress Topper is also suitable for back sleepers who are looking for some nice full body-contouring. Combination sleepers will also enjoy the bounce that it offers which makes it easier to switch sleeping positions. Unfortunately, this mattress topper is too plush for strict stomach sleepers who need a more supportive surface to keep their hips in line with their spine.
This topper features a soft and breathable lyocell cover, which is a sustainably sourced material. Lyocell is a form of rayon, a fabric made from pulp and fiber of wood. This material is 100% natural and it’s hypoallergenic which makes this topper a good option for allergy sufferers. The fill of the topper is made up of Zoey Sleep’s proprietary shredded memory foam, which provides gentle cradling without making you feel overly stuck.
The topper’s cover is machine-washable but it might not fit into standard size washing machines. In this case, we recommend immediate spot-cleaning when spills or accidents happen. You could also use a mattress protector to help keep your mattress stain-free and defending it from other potential allergens. We did not notice any off-gassing upon unboxing this topper, which could be attributed to its organic lyocell and foam blend.
The Zoey Mattress Topper is 2″ thick and it comes in 5 sizes:
- Twin XL
- Full
- Queen
- King
- California King
The Zoey Mattress Topper comes with a 100-night sleep trial.
Buy: Zoey Mattress Topper
Why invest in mattress toppers?
If you currently have a mattress that’s not meeting your needs in terms of comfort and firmness level, then investing in a mattress topper is a great option to fix this problem. A mattress topper can modify how firm your bed feels and it’s definitely cheaper than replacing your mattress altogether. You have to make sure though that your current mattress is still in a relatively good condition before adding a topper on top of it. Placing a mattress topper on a sagging or lumpy mattress will not resolve anything.
There’s a wide array of mattress toppers available today for you to choose from. Available in different materials ranging from memory foam, latex, polyester blends, and wool, it’s not that hard to find the right mattress topper for your specific needs and preferences. Generally, side sleepers who find their current mattress too firm should opt for a soft topper and sleepers who need a more supportive sleeping surface should consider getting a firm mattress topper.
Importance of mattress toppers for side sleepers
Side sleeping is the most popular out of all sleeping positions and unfortunately not all mattresses provide the comfort level needed for this position. The most common issue that side sleepers face is shoulder and hip pain. This is usually caused by side sleeping on a mattress that’s too firm for your body weight and therefore does not offer the soft cushioning that you require. This results in uncomfortable pressure buildup around the hips and shoulders which in turn causes pain and stiffness.
This is where mattress toppers enter the scene given that they are designed to alter how firm your mattress feels and help you get a more comfortable sleeping experience. The ideal mattress topper for side sleepers is one that’s soft, thick, and offers nice pressure relief for their hips and shoulders. Side sleepers need a surface that allows for some sinkage and contouring, but not too much that their spine won’t be supported. We’ve put together a list of some of the best mattress toppers for side sleepers in our review above for you to check out.
Things to look for when buying a mattress topper
- Material – Mattress toppers are made from different types of materials including memory foam, poly foam, latex, wool, and feather blends. You have a lot of materials to choose from depending on your needs and preferences.
- Thickness – Generally, mattress toppers should be 2-3 inches thick. If it measures less than this it might not make any difference at all to the feel of your mattress. And if you need something thicker than 3 inches, then it’s likely that your mattress has to be replaced.
- Fit to your Mattress – It’s very important that your mattress topper fits your mattress properly. Getting the wrong size will likely lead to a less comfortable sleeping experience.
- Body support – Another crucial thing to consider is the compatibility of the mattress topper with your body type and sleeping position.
- Price and Quality – It’s important to ensure that the mattress topper is reasonably priced and made with high-quality materials.
FAQs:
Side sleepers often prefer a thick mattress topper that offers cushioning and cradling for their hips and shoulders.
Firm memory foam can be suitable for heavyweight side sleepers (over 230lbs) but lighter individuals usually prefer softer memory foam with more give for their hips and shoulders.
Firm memory foam can be suitable for heavyweight side sleepers (over 230lbs) but lighter individuals usually prefer softer memory foam with more give for their hips and shoulders.
Side sleepers who are experiencing back pain should opt for a medium-firm mattress that cushions their pressure points while providing ample support to maintain a healthy spinal alignment.
Although latex mattress toppers are suitable for some side sleepers, they generally work better for combination sleepers who benefit more from the responsiveness of latex.
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