Best mattress topper for side sleepers with shoulder pain

Side sleeping is one of the most common sleeping positions for Americans. There are benefits to sleeping on your side but there are also side effects.

Side sleepers are less likely to experience acid reflux and/or snore throughout the night, but they’re also more likely to experience aches and pains in their hips and shoulders. 

With the proper sleeping gear, side sleepers can avoid any negative side effects and sleep soundly each night. Here are our top picks for the best mattress toppers for side sleepers and how to choose the proper one for you. 

Linenspa 2 Inch Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Best Overall

For an affordable price, the Linenspa Gel-Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper leads the way in best toppers for side sleepers. You can purchase this topper with a two-inch or three-inch profile and it’s available in eight different bed sizes, including an RV Queen.

This topper is made of soft, supportive memory foam that relieves pressure points by distributing weight evenly. Not only does the memory foam contour perfectly to your body, but it’s infused with a cooling gel that captures and distributes heat to ensure the temperature of your sleep is regulated to a comfortable state. The two-inch and three-inch profile both offer the same plush feel, but the thicker topper will contour to the body more so than the thinner topper. 

Pros:

• Two-inch and three-inch profile available 
• Compatible with eight different bed sizes
• Gel-infused memory foam 

Cons: 

• New foam scent at first
• Firm at first 

LUCID 4 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Best Cooling Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers

With a four-inch thickness, this mattress topper is sure to conform and support your body throughout the night. The LUCID Mattress Topper is made with the highest quality memory foam- CertiPUR-US Certified memory foam.

With the advanced gel infusion, you won’t have to worry about overheating since the cooling gel within your topper will distribute heat properly each night. Say goodbye to hip and shoulder pain and hello to a restful night’s sleep. 

Pros:

• Compatible with six different bed sizes 
• Infused with cooling gel
• CertiPUR-US Certified

Cons:

• Only available in a four-inch profile 
• New foam scent at first 

ViscoSoft 3 Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Best Mattress Topper for Back Pain

With the ViscoSoft Memory Foam Mattress Topper, you won’t even be able to recognize how your mattress used to feel. This three-inch topper is designed with a high-density memory foam formula that aligns the spine, relieves pressure points, and prevents the body from sinking in too deep.

It’s infused with a cooling gel to regulate the overall temperature throughout the night so you never have to worry about sleeping hot. It comes with a removable and washable cover that is made of bamboo-rayon material. It’s slip-resistant and adjustable. You can purchase this topper in six different sizes including twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king. 

Pros: 

• Cooling gel-infused memory foam 
• Removable and washable cover included
• Available in six different bed sizes 

Cons:

• Only available in a three-inch profile
• New foam scent at first

Milemonte Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Best Budget Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers

Instead of paying for the cost to replace your mattress, invest in this affordable memory foam mattress topper. The Milemont Mattress Topper is available in two heights and is made with premium memory foam. With an open cell design, this topper is breathable and supportive.

The topper is infused with temperature regulating gel beads that capture and release heat. It distributes weight evenly and relieves pressure on the head, neck, torso, and hips. It’s available in queen, king, full and twin sizes and it’s extremely easy to install. 

Pros: 

• Infused with cooling gel beads 
• Available in two-inch and three-inch profiles
• Available in Queen, King, Full and Twin sizes

Cons:

• Holds heat 
• New foam scent at first 

How a Mattress Topper Helps Side Sleepers

If you’re a side sleeper and you wake up with aches and pains, then a mattress topper is a great way to ease that pain. Side sleepers tend to experience more pain in their hips and shoulders because more pressure builds up in those areas overnight when you sleep on your side, rather than your back.

To help relieve pain in the shoulders and hips, you need to improve your mattress’ pressure relieving qualities. The best way to do this without buying a whole new mattress is to buy a mattress topper that helps distribute pressure more evenly.

How to Choose the Best Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers

Side sleepers need a mattress that contours to the body and relieves pressure on the joints. A mattress topper can be the fix you’re looking for to get a better night’s sleep. Here are a few things to consider when choosing the best topper for your sleeping position. 

Firmness

As a side sleeper, a mattress that is too firm or too soft can be detrimental to the alignment of the body. A medium to medium-firm mattress topper can provide the extra cushion needed to give the proper support and comfort a side sleeper is looking for. 

Materials

Most mattress toppers are made up of memory foam, but you can also see toppers made of fiber, feather, latex, or wool. The right material for you will depend on your preference, price range, and desired temperature. 

Thickness

It’s common to think that the thicker the mattress topper, the more comfortable it will be, but that’s not always the case. The density is what accounts for the support and firmness of your mattress topper. You can find mattress toppers as thick as one to four inches.

Your Weight

You must consider your weight when picking out a mattress topper. You’ll need to find a topper that is dense enough to prevent your body from sinking in too deep. For instance, heavier people will most likely need a more dense topper than someone who is lighter. 

Budget

Mattress toppers have a large price range. You can find an affordable topper for $25-$60 and luxurious toppers anywhere from $150-$300. The materials, density, and cooling technology designed into the topper will increase the price. 

FAQs

Do side sleepers need a mattress topper?

Whether or not you need a mattress topper is really up to you as an individual, but side sleepers can definitely benefit from a mattress topper. Memory foam toppers can help distribute pressure more evenly to prevent aches and pains in your shoulders and hips. This pain reduction can then help you get a better night’s sleep as well.

How do I know if I need a mattress topper for my mattress?

If you wake up with pain in your shoulders or hips, or if your mattress is visibly sagging and you can’t afford a new one yet, you definitely need a mattress topper. You also might need a mattress topper if your mattress is too firm for your liking or if you often find yourself waking up tired.

Which mattress topper thickness is best for side sleepers? 

Side sleepers typically need more cushioning and contouring memory foam out of their mattress topper, so the thicker, the better. A two-three inch topper should work well. If you choose one that is thinner, you may not get all of the pressure-relieving benefits, and if you go much thicker, you may not be able to change position very easily throughout the night.

Is memory foam good for side sleepers?

Memory foam is a great option for side sleepers because it contours to the body and absorbs pressure, preventing pressure buildup in the pressure points throughout the body, like the hips and shoulders. Side sleepers are even more prone to pain in these areas than other sleepers, which is why memory foam is a great option for getting a great night’s sleep as a side sleeper.

Summary

Compare the best mattress toppers for side sleepers below:

Side sleepers should avoid an extremely firm, as well as extremely soft mattress. A mattress topper can offer the perfect medium firmness to get the best night’s sleep for a person who sleeps on their side.

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