What’s Highest Rated Mattress Topper (Pad) For Side Sleeping In 2021?

The mattress topper is the ideal solution when you have a good sleeping surface that doesn’t quite comply with your requirements. Also, it works extremely well when you’re renting and you don’t want to change the mattress after every tenant (you simply change the topper).

Furthermore, a topper goes well on a car camping trip, for super comfort in a tent or in the car, and it can be used in a wide range of situations that require portability and the comfort of a soft, contouring surface.

Overall, the mattress pad is a fantastic choice for so many sleepers in today’s day especially those who sleep on side and the offer is even more generous than when you’re looking for mattresses.

But, with popularity also comes confusion and frustration as it can be difficult to find the right product. This is why, we decided to divide toppers based on types of sleepers, and today we’ll discuss popular choices for side sleepers.

We also included the best guide on how to choose a topper/pad for side sleepers, in case you want to look for different products than the ones we recommend.

Are you open to other options? See our list of all type of mattress toppers and pads guide.

Advice for Side Sleepers When Buying a Mattress Topper

Pelvic Rotation

If you suffer from pelvic rotation problems (also known as anterior pelvic tilt) the muscles of your lower back won’t be able to relax when you lie down on a mattress.

Regardless of your position, the pelvis will be pushed back while the chest and upper body area will be forward, forcing the lower back to be in a constant flexed position.

This leads to back pain, poor sleep, and it’s overall terrible for your health. While this is usually a temporary condition, it takes some time for the muscles to relax and in several cases, even medication is not effective.

This can be helped and even fixed with the proper topper that will keep your spine well-aligned, while also supporting the heavier areas of the body (the hips and the knees). So, you will need a medium-firm and bouncy surface that doesn’t allow for too much sinkage but still provides the body with some contouring.

Thickness & Density

The density is known to be directly linked to the quality, durability, and firmness of an all-foam surface, so it usually applies to memory foam, polyurethane, and latex foam pads. In this case, while it may be a bit more expensive, it’s important to get a design that features high-density (especially considering that toppers are thinner than mattresses).

In terms of thickness, the choice is mostly subjective, depending on how much extra padding you need. For instance, you can continue sleeping on an old mattress that got a bit lumpy but still holds together by adding a thick topper to it.

However, if the mattress is sagging, not even the thickest design can be of help, as mattress toppers don’t have a solid inner-structure and they take the shape of the surface underneath.

Finally, for side sleepers, we would recommend a medium-firm topper, thicker than average, and with some bounce for increased support.

Firmness & Softness

Just like standard mattresses, the extra padding can be soft, medium-firm, and firm but the way you feel this is also dependent on thickness and your body weight. For a normal-sized person sleeping on the side, a topper that’s a few inches thick and soft will be the best choice because it provides plenty of contouring and support for the hips and shoulders.

In the case of a mattress pad you can go with the soft version because you have the mattress to support your back. If the mattress is more on the firm side, the combination with a soft surface is more than recommended.

Size

All topper/pad designs are created to fit perfectly over your bed/mattress, so you should be able to find them in all standard sizes. However, some producers support custom sizes and even have products to be used on beds designed for babies.

Still, this is not the most recommended choice, especially if your baby is just learning how to use their limbs.

For an adult bed/mattress, the idea is to select a mattress pad that fits the bed you already have. This way, there won’t be any misalignments or ridges that may bother you or your partner during the night.

Furthermore, some pads also feature elastic bands or even skirts that go over the mattress (just like an extra bedding layer) to make sure the topper won’t move from its place.

Other products feature an adherent bottom surface, that doesn’t slip, making the installation a lot easier and simpler. However, at the end of the day, when it comes to accessories, the choice is yours.

Durability

Because a topper doesn’t have the same support system as a mattress, it won’t be with you for 8 to 10 years, but this doesn’t mean you should get a new one every year. The type of foam or material inside should be designed to last at least a few years and provide you with the highest-quality possible comfort for the entire time you’re using it.

Now, in order to select the most durable design, you have to consider several factors such as density, thickness, and cover material. The density is a feature that’s relevant for foam designs as it highlights the level of quality and durability (the denser the foam, the more durable).

If you have one that is filled with wool or natural latex, density is not as important, but you still have to consider the amount of material inside the design.

When it comes to thickness, it’s great to select designs that are medium to thick, as there is more contouring and more material to support your needs. Also, thin designs tend to wear out a lot faster than thicker ones.

Finally, the cover is important because it should be breathable and nice to touch. It’s also great if the material is stretchy and durable, since the cover is the one that holds everything together.

Affordability

When you first start looking for a mattress topper, you will notice there are all sorts of prices out there. Some extra padding designs are even more expensive than some mattresses, while others are incredibly cheap. Of course, the really cheap ones don’t really inspire durability and quality, but you shouldn’t think that high-end designs are really worth your money just because they’re more expensive.

Just like with beds, when you select a topper, you first have to consider your budget and the purpose of your purchase. If, for instance, you are staying on a hotel with really firm beds, and there’s nothing the staff can do to help your side sleeping needs, then it’s OK to get a cheap design to use for a few days and up to a week.

But, if you want one for your bed/mattress at home, it’s best to invest a bit more in a high-quality design.

Cool

Given that the topper will be the first layer you get in contact when you prepare for a good night’s sleep, it’s absolutely natural to wonder about coolness and breathability. For instance, if you get a memory foam design that doesn’t have any cooling system, you may get hot during the night even if the mattress doesn’t have this problem.

So, before you make a purchase, check for gel (gel topper has cooling properties) or other types of infusions. Also, latex designs have small holes in the surface that allow the air to move through and take the heat away.

Pain While Sleeping on Your Side

Back

Side sleepers may suffer from back pain caused by their favorite sleeping position if the mattress is too firm or too soft. But some sleepers have this problem even if the surface is medium-firm and provides good support.

This may have a series of underlining causes, but it usually goes away if you choose some soft extra padding to go with the mattress.

In this case, the soft topper is the ideal choice because you already have the support of the mattress. This way, you can enjoy the contouring provided by this extra layer and still have your back well-aligned.

Hip

This type of pain is quite common for side sleepers who favor only one side (you don’t switch sides during the night). The pain is usually the result of the weight of your other hip, lying on top of the one that’s in contact with the mattress, and is what we call a pressure point or area.

Most mattresses for side sleepers are a combination of soft and bouncy layers, to prevent exactly this situation. However, if you find yourself stuck with a firm design or you’re more sensitive than the rest of side sleepers, a soft, thick topper usually does the trick.

Shoulder

The shoulders are quite solicited when you’re a side sleeper because they have to support the neck and keep the spine in alignment. So, if you don’t have a special pillow that accommodates your needs or a good bed/mattress that keeps your hips in line with the shoulders, you may suffer from stiffness and pain.

Also, if you only like sleeping on one side and on the arm, you may wake up with a numb limb, and, in time, the shoulder may suffer more serious problems.

To avoid all these, you need a good pad, that’s designed to keep the shoulder in a comfortable position.

Best Type of Mattress Topper/Pad Material

Gel

This is usually an all-foam design, infused with cooling gel for increased durability and bounciness. The gel is usually different from one pad manufacturer to another, but its main property is related to breathability and cooling.

The gel is supposed to open the cell structure of the foam and allow the air to move through while also taking heat and humidity away from the surface. Now, depending on the formula used, the gel also has cooling properties, so as the air moves through the surface, it gets cooled down by getting in contact with the gel.

But it’s not just about this, as a design with gel infusions is a bit more bouncy and durable than other designs. Still, there is a fine balance between the level and density of foam and the amount of gel used, so it’s easy to overdo it. So, pay attention to the specifications, if you decide on such a topper/pad model.

Memory Foam

This is one of the top-grade materials because it is lightweight and easy to maintain. Actually, in some situations, it makes more sense to get a firm mattress and soften it up with a memory foam pad, than to just get the entire memory foam bed.

Still, just like when you’re choosing the bed/mattress, it’s important to pay attention to density and durability see our memory foam mattress pad/topper buyer’s guide. In most cases, the pad will be a combination of memory foam and polyurethane foam, for better support.

It’s also a way to highlight the features of viscoelastic and make sure the sleeper won’t simply go through this extra layer of padding without feeling the increased comfort.

Finally, keep in mind that you need a surface that will allow air to reach the rest of the layers underneath, so make sure the pad has some sort of a cooling system in place.

Latex

Often considered the high-grade material to choose when you’re looking for a hypoallergenic design, latex is fantastic for any type of surface. But, given the price, such a product may be the best way to enjoy the features promoted by natural latex foam, so you should consider it.

Overall, latex is bouncy and naturally supportive while it keeps the sleeper dry and cozy during slumber time. The structure of the fiber allows the air to move through, and the surface provides you with good pressure relief due to its high response rate.

Finally, this type of surface doesn’t house bacteria and fungi, and keeps away bed bugs and dust mites, which is why so many parents consider it one of the greatest investments for their kids’ health. Of course, adults will love it too, especially side sleepers who like a bit of bounce and firmness in their bedding.

Pad vs. Topper – Compared

Given that we talked about both toppers and pads in this guide, we believe it’s best to provide readers with an explanation of what differentiates the two.

But first, let’s have a look at how they are similar:

• Both provide an extra layer of padding on the bed
• Both will make your slumber more comfortable
• Both will provide more contour and will help get better sleep

That being said, the main difference is in thickness and method of installation. For instance, a pad is thinner than a topper and comes with an elastic skirt that goes around the edges of the mattress, for a perfect fit.

The topper doesn’t have this skirt and is simply placed on top of all the layers and then covered with a sheet or other type of bedding material.

Another difference is seen in the materials found in pads and toppers and their overall benefits. For instance, pads usually feature natural materials such as wool, feathers, or down felling, while toppers have one or two layers of foam (memory, polyurethane, or latex) and a cover.

And, while pads are best at keeping bed bugs and humidity away, toppers give that extra level of contouring most of us need.

However, lately manufacturers don’t really take these differences into account so you may find thicker pads on the market and toppers with fitted skirts. In the end, you are the one who has to make the choice, but it’s good to know about the main features of each model.

Benefits of Owning One

Better Sleep

The greatest thing about owning one is that you can improve your slumber without having to make a huge investment (like you would if you had to buy a new bed/mattress). This type of design is usually affordable, regardless of materials and features, and a lot easier to buy and install.

Not to mention, it will allow you to save a pretty good mattress that may start to lose its features. So, if you feel your slumber quality is downgrading lately, don’t throw your bed away! The right pad may be the best-type of solution for your current problem.

Improve Overall Health

If you sleep better, you will feel better and your health will improve. This affirmation is supported by numerous studies and many specialists in healthcare support the idea that nothing is better for your overall well-being than a good night’s sleep.

When you are rested, you have energy during the day and you can be productive at work and in your everyday life. Not to mention that the body works hard to repair damaged tissue when you’re in slumber and parts of your brain refresh when in slumber.

This is why, when you wake up refreshed, you feel like you can take the whole world!

The cool thing about all these is that you don’t need to spend tons of money on expensive sleeping surfaces. A good topper/pad will transform your life, as long as you know how to choose one that fits your needs!

Spine Alignment

The time we spend in slumber is very important for the body and brain because that’s when most of the cellular repair happens. But it’s also a time for relaxation, as the spine is in a neutral position (or it should be).

When we are in vertical position, walking or sitting, the atmospheric pressure pushes the spine discs downwards, compressing the spine. But when you’re in bed, the spine is decompressed and any tension is freed. However, if the slumber surface doesn’t provide good back support, the spine won’t be able to relax, which means the tension won’t be released.

The result is usually felt in back pain or stiffness in the morning and low sleep quality, which leads to anxiety and low-productivity during the day.

This is why, if your bed/mattress doesn’t have the right back support, is important to improve the sleeping surface with a pad or a thicker design that will (especially if your main horizontal position is on the side).

Our Top 3 Side Sleeper Mattress Pads (Toppers)

If you need to make your bed softer, this is the best topper/pad to try! With a pillowtop feel and a perfect fit (it comes in all standard sizes), the pad is breathable and supports a filling that’s part natural fibers (bamboo and cotton) and part polyester. The natural fibers keep the surface breathable and naturally dry, while the polyester keeps the pad elastic and durable.

Overall, the surface feels soft and plush, providing more contouring than any mattress. Also, due to the elastic skirt attached to the topper, you don’t have to worry the pad will slip and create weird gaps if you move a lot during sleep.

Finally, we think it’s important to know that this pad is used in some of the most luxurious hotels around the world, for an extra touch of softness and comfort.

The PangeaBed topper is the top-rated when you’re looking for a hypoallergenic surface to improve your slumber. The core is designed with pure Talalay latex infused with copper for more bounciness and a medium-firm feeling.

Also, the core is encased by a blend of organic cotton (unbleached, to avoid any harmful chemicals).

The pad is cool during the night, due to copper infusions that absorb heat away from your body and drive it out of the surface. Also, it’s cleaner than most surfaces on the market and provides exceptional comfort due to its construction.

The excellent part is that the pad is not soft, but both flexible and contouring, keeping your spine supported and your body in a healthy position.

The Avocado topper is designed to be installed on top of the Avocado mattress in order to make it more contouring and supporting. The pad is available in two options of firmness (firm and plush) to make sure it responds to everyone’s needs.

So, if you feel your current slumber surface is too soft, the firm version of this pad will be perfect to improve conditions for side sleepers, while if it’s too firm, the plush version may work perfectly.

The idea is that you’ll get an extra layer of support and contour, made with 100% natural Dunlop latex and organic wool. Given that all the materials used are natural fibers, you don’t have to worry about sleeping hot during the night or sweating as the topper regulates the level of temperature and humidity to an ideal level.

Finally, the topper is encased in a high-end cotton cover that can be zipped off in the case you need to access the materials inside (for adjustment or maintenance).

Our Final Thoughts

Overall, toppers or pads are a smart investment, especially if you feel your current sleeping surface is not completely satisfying your needs. However, for side sleepers, a topper/pad may be the best choice for a good night’s sleep because it brings an extra layer of padding and an improved level of contouring.

Not to mention, these products are affordable, highly portable, and versatile. Given all these amazing features, if you don’t already own one, we believe it’s time to start thinking about it!

Read:

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