Our Top Toppers for Side Sleepers
When you lie on your side, your shoulder and hip carry most of your weight on a small area. On a firm mattress, they press against a surface that doesn't give, and you may wake with sore joints or numb arms. A soft topper lets those points sink in while your mattress keeps your spine supported.
- Soft to Extra-Firm (five options listed when we checked)
- Trial: Not returnable once opened, per PlushBeds
- Warranty: 5-year limited
- Soft, contouring
- Trial: 30-night home trial
- Warranty: 5-year limited
- Plush
- Trial: See Sleep & Beyond's current terms
- Warranty: 5-year
Our top pick is the PlushBeds Organic Latex Topper in Soft or Medium-Soft, which cushions without leaving you stuck. The EGOHOME 5-Zone Gel Topper is the memory foam pick, with zones designed for different body areas. The Sleep & Beyond myWoolly Latex Topper gives a thick, plush, natural pillow-top feel.
Side Sleeper Topper Comparison
| Topper | Material | Thickness | Firmness | Trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PlushBeds Organic Latex Mattress Topper | GOLS-certified organic Dunlop latex | 2" or 3" | Soft to Extra-Firm (five options listed when we checked) | Not returnable once opened, per PlushBeds |
| EGOHOME 5-Zone Gel Topper | AeroFusion gel memory foam with a 5-zone design | 2", 3" or 4" | Soft, contouring | 30-night home trial |
| Sleep & Beyond myWoolly Latex Topper | Washable Shropshire wool batting with natural latex noodles | 3" loft | Plush | See Sleep & Beyond's current terms |
| Eco Terra Natural Latex Mattress Topper | GOLS-certified organic Dunlop latex | 2" or 3" | Soft, Medium or Medium-Firm | See Eco Terra's current terms |
| EGOHOME Gel Air Topper | Cooling gel memory foam | 2", 3" or 4" | Soft, contouring | 30-night home trial |
The Best Mattress Toppers for Side Sleepers Reviewed
PlushBeds Organic Latex Topper (Soft or Medium-Soft): Best Overall for Side Sleepers
Best for: Most sleepers who want natural, durable cushioning or firmness, with the widest firmness choice
| Type | Organic latex topper |
|---|---|
| Material | GOLS-certified organic Dunlop latex |
| Thickness | 2" or 3" |
| Firmness | Soft to Extra-Firm (five options listed when we checked) |
| Sizes | Twin to Cal King |
| Cover | Optional GOTS organic cotton cover, sold separately |
| Certifications | GOLS, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, GREENGUARD Gold |
| Trial | Not returnable once opened, per PlushBeds |
| Warranty | 5-year limited |
- Widest firmness range of the toppers we cover, from Soft to Extra-Firm
- Certified organic latex with ventilation holes for airflow
- Can soften a firm bed or firm up a soft one, depending on the firmness you choose
- Not returnable once opened, so choose firmness carefully
- Cover is an extra purchase
- Latex is heavy compared with foam toppers
Latex cushions the shoulders and hips but pushes back quickly, so you can switch sides without fighting the surface. The PlushBeds topper comes in Soft and Medium-Soft (along with firmer options), and in 3 inches for the deepest cushioning. It's GOLS-certified organic latex with ventilation holes, which helps if you sleep warm. PlushBeds says it isn't returnable once opened.
EGOHOME 5-Zone Gel Topper: Best Memory Foam for Side Sleepers
Best for: Budget shoppers who want targeted pressure relief
| Type | Gel memory foam topper |
|---|---|
| Material | AeroFusion gel memory foam with a 5-zone design |
| Thickness | 2", 3" or 4" |
| Firmness | Soft, contouring |
| Sizes | Twin to Cal King |
| Cover | See product page |
| Certifications | See product page |
| Trial | 30-night home trial |
| Warranty | 5-year limited |
- Five zones vary the feel along the body
- Three thicknesses
- 30-night home trial and free returns in the contiguous US
- Memory foam can feel warmer than latex or wool
- Softens a bed rather than firming it
Memory foam gives the deep, slow hug many side sleepers like. EGOHOME's 5-Zone Gel Topper varies the feel along the body, and the 3-inch version gives the shoulders and hips room to sink. It has a 30-night home trial, which makes it a lower-risk way to find out whether a topper fixes your shoulder or hip pressure.
Sleep & Beyond myWoolly Latex Topper: Best Plush Natural Topper
Best for: Side sleepers who want a thick, natural pillow-top feel
| Type | Wool and latex topper |
|---|---|
| Material | Washable Shropshire wool batting with natural latex noodles |
| Thickness | 3" loft |
| Firmness | Plush |
| Sizes | Twin to Cal King |
| Cover | Cotton |
| Certifications | OEKO-TEX Standard 100 (cover and wool) |
| Trial | See Sleep & Beyond's current terms |
| Warranty | 5-year |
- Thick, plush natural layer
- Wool and latex both breathe well
- OEKO-TEX certified cover and wool
- Shredded latex isn't as supportive as a solid latex layer
- Spot-clean cover
The myWoolly is a 3-inch quilted layer of washable wool batting around natural latex noodles. It feels like a plush pillow top and breathes well. It's best for side sleepers who want softness from natural materials and don't need extra support.
Eco Terra Natural Latex Topper (Soft): Best Value Latex for Side Sleepers
Best for: Value-minded shoppers who want certified organic latex
| Type | Organic latex topper |
|---|---|
| Material | GOLS-certified organic Dunlop latex |
| Thickness | 2" or 3" |
| Firmness | Soft, Medium or Medium-Firm |
| Sizes | Twin to Cal King |
| Cover | Optional GOTS organic cotton cover |
| Certifications | GOLS latex |
| Trial | See Eco Terra's current terms |
| Warranty | 5-year |
- Certified organic latex from a lower-priced brand
- Three firmness levels and two thicknesses
- Durable and responsive
- No extra-firm option
- Cover sold separately
- Check return terms before buying
Eco Terra's Soft organic latex topper in 3 inches is a lower-cost way to get latex cushioning.
EGOHOME Gel Air Topper: Best Covered Foam Topper for Side Sleepers
Best for: Shoppers who want a covered memory foam topper
| Type | Gel memory foam topper |
|---|---|
| Material | Cooling gel memory foam |
| Thickness | 2", 3" or 4" |
| Firmness | Soft, contouring |
| Sizes | Twin to Cal King |
| Cover | Jacquard polyester cover |
| Certifications | See product page |
| Trial | 30-night home trial |
| Warranty | 5-year limited |
- Comes with a jacquard cover
- Three thicknesses
- 30-night home trial
- Costs more than EGOHOME's uncovered toppers
- Memory foam feel isn't for everyone
Cooling gel memory foam with a jacquard cover. A good fit if you want a covered topper that stays tidy on the bed.
Check PlushBeds Latex Topper Price
Why Side Sleepers Need a Softer Surface
| Problem | Cause | Topper Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Sore shoulder | Shoulder can't sink in | Soft, 3" topper |
| Sore hip | Pressure on the point of the hip | Soft to medium topper |
| Numb arm or hand | Pressure on the shoulder and arm | Softer surface; check pillow height |
| Lower back ache | Waist unsupported between shoulder and hip | Medium topper, not too soft |
The goal is a straight spine from neck to hips. Too firm, and your shoulder pushes your spine into a curve. Too soft, and your hips sink. Most side sleepers land on soft to medium.
How Thick Should a Side Sleeper Topper Be?
| Thickness | For Side Sleepers |
|---|---|
| 2" | Lighter side sleepers; mattress only slightly firm |
| 3" | Most side sleepers; very firm mattresses |
| 4" (memory foam) | Very firm mattresses; can feel like sinking in |
Heavier side sleepers sink further, so they generally need 3 inches and a slightly firmer topper (medium rather than soft) to avoid bottoming out.
Best Materials for Side Sleepers
| Material | Fit for Side Sleepers | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Soft latex | Excellent | Cushioning with easy movement; breathable |
| Memory foam | Excellent | Deepest hug; can run warm |
| Wool and latex | Good | Plush, natural; less contouring than solid latex |
| Wool | Fair | Adds softness, not much contouring |
| Firm latex | Poor | Only if the mattress is too soft |
Topper Firmness by Body Weight
| Body Weight | Firmness | Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| Under about 130 lb | Soft | 2–3" |
| About 130–230 lb | Soft to medium | 3" |
| Over about 230 lb | Medium | 3" |
Side Sleepers Who Share a Bed
If you sleep on your side and your partner sleeps on their back or stomach, you may need different firmness. Options:
- Split toppers. On a king, two twin XL toppers let each side choose its own firmness. PlushBeds and Eco Terra both list twin XL sizes.
- A medium compromise. Medium latex suits many side and back sleepers.
- Motion isolation. Memory foam absorbs more movement than latex, which helps if your partner tosses and turns.
Side Sleepers Who Sleep Hot
Soft toppers let you sink in, which can trap heat, especially memory foam. If you sleep hot:
- Choose latex, which is more breathable, or a wool and latex topper.
- If you want memory foam, choose a ventilated or gel version and 2 to 3 inches rather than 4.
- Use breathable sheets.
See our cooling topper guide.
Mistakes Side Sleepers Make With Toppers
- Going too thin. A 1-inch layer rarely helps side sleepers.
- Going too soft for their weight. Heavier side sleepers can bottom out on soft toppers.
- Using a topper on a sagging bed. It sinks into the dip.
- Ignoring the pillow. A topper changes how far your shoulder sinks, so you may need a slightly thinner pillow afterward.
Side Sleeping Tips Beyond the Topper
- Pillow height. Side sleepers need a thicker pillow that fills the gap between the shoulder and head.
- Pillow between the knees. Keeps the hips level.
- Switch sides. Spreads the pressure between both shoulders and hips.
- Check your mattress. If it's sagging, a topper won't help. See our best mattress for side sleepers.
Side Sleepers With Pain
If you have shoulder or hip pain, a softer surface may help, but see a doctor about the cause. See our guides to whether a mattress can cause hip pain and the best mattress topper for back pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type of Mattress Topper Is Best for Side Sleepers?
Soft to medium latex and memory foam are the most popular. Both let the shoulders and hips sink in. Latex feels more responsive; memory foam gives a deeper hug.
How Thick Should a Topper Be for Side Sleepers?
Three inches is the most common recommendation for side sleepers, since it gives the shoulders and hips room to sink. Lighter side sleepers may be happy with 2 inches.
Should Side Sleepers Get a Soft or Firm Topper?
Usually soft to medium. A firmer topper only makes sense if your mattress is too soft and your hips are sinking.
Can a Topper Help Shoulder Pain From Side Sleeping?
It can help if your mattress is too firm and presses on the shoulder. Check your pillow height too, and see a doctor if pain continues.
Are Wool Toppers Good for Side Sleepers?
Thin wool toppers add softness and breathability but not much contouring. A thicker wool-and-latex topper gives more cushion for side sleepers.
What's the Best Topper for Heavy Side Sleepers?
A 3-inch medium latex topper is a good choice, because latex resists bottoming out better than soft memory foam.
The Bottom Line
Side sleepers on a firm mattress usually need a soft to medium, 3-inch topper. The PlushBeds Organic Latex Topper in Soft or Medium-Soft is our top pick for responsive, breathable cushioning. The EGOHOME 5-Zone Gel Topper is the memory foam choice with a trial, and the Sleep & Beyond myWoolly is the plush natural option.