If you sleep on your side, a plush mattress topper can add cushioning around your shoulders and hips without replacing your mattress. The right choice depends on how much softness you want, whether the topper fits your mattress depth, and how easy it is to care for. These picks focus on soft, pillow-top comfort, with options for Queen and Full beds.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Size | Top material or design | Mattress depth fit | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Niagara Ultra Soft Mattress Topper | Queen | Plush pillow top; rayon derived from bamboo | 8–20 inches | Soft, washable Queen-bed cushioning |
| Niagara Ultra Soft Mattress Topper | Full | Plush pillow top; rayon derived from bamboo | 8–20 inches | Full beds and deep mattresses |
| Niagara Ultra Soft Mattress Topper, Dark Gray | Queen | Plush pillow top; rayon derived from bamboo | 8–20 inches | Queen beds where a dark-gray finish is preferred |
| WhatsBedding 5-Inch Queen Mattress Topper | Queen | Bamboo viscose cover; air-layer design | 8–16 inches | Shoppers looking for a thicker-feeling topper |
| Niagara Ultra Soft Mattress Topper, White | Queen | Plush pillow top; rayon derived from bamboo | 8–20 inches | Queen beds with a classic white finish |
Our Picks: Best Soft Mattress Topper For Side Sleepers reviews
1. Niagara Queen Ultra Soft Topper for Plush, Washable Comfort
This Queen-size Niagara topper is a straightforward option if your mattress feels too firm and you want a softer surface. Its top fabric is a blend of polyester and rayon derived from bamboo, with polyester on the bottom and skirt. The design is described as plush and pillow-top style, adding a cushioned layer rather than changing the mattress itself.
The fitted skirt is made for mattresses 8 to 20 inches deep, which gives it a wider fit range than the WhatsBedding option below. The topper is machine-washable, and the product details describe it as breathable and sweat-absorbent. It arrives compressed; the manufacturer recommends shaking and patting it, then allowing up to 48 hours to expand, or tumble-drying on low for 20 minutes.
Side sleepers who want a soft, padded feel may appreciate the extra cushioning around pressure-prone areas such as the shoulders and hips. Some owners also describe it as comfortable without feeling overly warm, though temperature comfort can vary from person to person. As with any soft pad, it may not provide enough support if your mattress is deeply sagging or if you need a firmer, more structured surface.
Pros:
- Plush pillow-top feel adds softness to a firm mattress.
- Fits mattresses from 8 to 20 inches deep.
- Machine-washable for easier care.
- Breathable, sweat-absorbent design is aimed at added comfort.
Cons:
- It is not waterproof, so it will not protect a mattress from spills.
- The soft fill may not suit people who want firm, targeted support.
Verdict: Choose this Queen topper if you want a soft, washable layer with a broad mattress-depth fit range.
2. Niagara Full Ultra Soft Topper for Full-Size Mattresses
This is the Full-size version of Niagara’s plush topper, measuring 54 by 75 inches. Its materials and core design are similar to the Queen model: a polyester and rayon-derived-from-bamboo top fabric, a stretchy fitted skirt, and a padded pillow-top feel. It is intended to soften a mattress, not act as a replacement for one.
The skirt fits mattresses 8 to 20 inches deep, making this a useful option for a Full bed with a thicker mattress. It is machine-washable, and the compressed packaging means it needs time to regain its shape after unpacking. Owners often describe the topper as soft and comfortable, and some say it stays in place well on their beds. Fit can still depend on your mattress dimensions and bedding setup.
For side sleepers, the extra cushioning may make a firm Full mattress feel more welcoming at the shoulder and hip. The soft feel is not a substitute for proper support, however. If your mattress has a noticeable dip, adding a plush pad may not correct the underlying problem.
Pros:
- Full-size dimensions are clearly specified at 54 by 75 inches.
- Plush padding can soften a firm-feeling bed.
- Deep skirt accommodates mattresses up to 20 inches deep.
- Machine-washable construction simplifies routine care.
Cons:
- Only fits a Full mattress, so check your bed size before ordering.
- Not waterproof and may not fix a worn or sagging mattress.
Verdict: This is the Niagara pick to consider when you want a soft, washable topper for a Full-size bed.
3. Niagara Dark Gray Queen Topper with a Deep-Pocket Skirt
This Niagara Queen model has the same main soft-topper design as the other Niagara options, with a dark-gray finish. It uses a polyester and rayon-derived-from-bamboo top fabric, a polyester bottom and skirt, and a plush pillow-top construction. The listed Queen size is 60 by 80 inches.
The deep-pocket skirt is designed for mattresses 8 to 20 inches deep, and the topper is machine-washable. Product details also describe it as noiseless and non-slip. Those features may be helpful if you want a padded layer that is easy to secure and care for, but it is still worth checking your mattress depth before buying.
Owners of this Niagara design describe a soft, cloud-like feel and say it can make a firm bed more comfortable. Some also report that it feels breathable. It shares the same basic trade-offs as the other Niagara versions: the cushioning is plush rather than structured, and this is not a waterproof mattress protector. Compared with the WhatsBedding option, it has a wider stated depth range but does not have a listed five-inch height.
Pros:
- Dark-gray color offers an alternative to a white topper.
- Plush surface adds a soft layer for a firm mattress.
- Fits mattresses 8 to 20 inches deep.
- Machine-washable and described as noiseless and non-slip.
Cons:
- The product details do not specify a topper thickness.
- Its soft padding is not designed to correct mattress sagging.
Verdict: Pick this model if you want Niagara’s soft Queen design and prefer a dark-gray finish.
4. WhatsBedding 5-Inch Queen Topper with an Air-Layer Design
WhatsBedding’s Queen topper stands out for its listed five-inch profile and air-layer design. Its product information describes a bamboo viscose fabric and an air-fiber material, while the title also mentions memory foam. Because the supplied details do not clearly explain how those materials are layered, check the current product listing if the exact construction is important to you.
The topper is described as plush, with airflow channels intended to help move heat and moisture. Its fitted skirt accommodates mattresses 8 to 16 inches deep, a narrower range than the Niagara options. It is machine-washable, and the product details describe its design as non-slip. The listing gives a Queen size but does not provide a detailed dimension measurement.
This may suit side sleepers who want a substantial, soft addition to a Queen bed and whose mattress falls within the stated depth range. Its listed height suggests a more noticeable change to the bed’s feel than a thin pad, but it may also make fitted sheets harder to fit. Unlike the Niagara picks, the description does not give a post-unpacking expansion routine, so follow the care and setup guidance on the product listing.
Pros:
- Listed five-inch profile offers a more substantial topper option.
- Airflow channels are designed to move heat and moisture.
- Machine-washable and described as non-slip.
- Plush design may appeal to sleepers seeking a softer surface.
Cons:
- Fits mattresses up to 16 inches deep, less than the Niagara options.
- The supplied details are not fully clear about the topper’s layered construction.
Verdict: Consider this topper if you want a thicker Queen option and your mattress is no more than 16 inches deep.
5. Niagara White Queen Topper for a Soft, Simple Refresh
This white Niagara Queen topper has the same core design as the other Niagara Queen models: a plush pillow-top surface with a top fabric made from polyester and rayon derived from bamboo. Its listed size is 60 by 80 inches, and the fitted skirt is designed for mattresses 8 to 20 inches deep.
The topper is machine-washable and described as breathable, noiseless, and non-slip. It arrives compressed, so it may need time to fluff up after unpacking. The manufacturer’s instructions say to shake and pat it, then leave it for 48 hours, or tumble-dry on low for 20 minutes. Owners of this design often value its soft feel and report that it can add comfort to an existing bed.
For a side sleeper, the cushioning can make a firm mattress feel gentler, but this white version does not add a different support system from the Niagara models above. Its clearest distinction is the color. It is also not waterproof, so use a separate protector if you need help guarding against spills.
Pros:
- White finish pairs easily with many bedding sets.
- Plush pillow-top construction adds a softer surface.
- Fits mattresses 8 to 20 inches deep.
- Machine-washable and described as breathable and non-slip.
Cons:
- It is not waterproof.
- Its main difference from the other Niagara Queen picks is the finish, not the listed construction.
Verdict: Choose this version if you want the Niagara Queen topper’s soft, washable design in white.
How to Choose a Soft Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers
Choose cushioning that matches your mattress
A soft topper can make a firm mattress feel more cushioned, which may be appealing if your shoulder or hip presses uncomfortably into the surface. But a topper is not a fix for a mattress with deep dips or worn-out support. Consider whether you need a softer feel or a replacement mattress before choosing a plush layer.
Check the depth of your mattress
Measure your mattress from the base to the top before ordering. The Niagara models are listed for mattresses 8 to 20 inches deep, while the WhatsBedding model is listed for 8 to 16 inches. A skirt that is too shallow may not stay secure, while a good fit can help reduce shifting and bunching.
Consider the amount of added height
A thicker topper can change the feel of your bed more noticeably, but it can also affect how well your fitted sheets fit. WhatsBedding lists a five-inch profile. The Niagara product details do not specify a thickness, so do not assume that all soft toppers add the same amount of height.
Think about heat and airflow
If you tend to sleep warm, look for product details that address breathability or airflow. The Niagara tops use rayon derived from bamboo and are described as breathable and sweat-absorbent. WhatsBedding describes airflow channels designed to move heat and moisture. Those features may help with comfort, but they cannot guarantee that every sleeper will feel cool.
Review the fabric and care instructions
Machine-washable materials can make routine cleaning easier, but check the care instructions before washing. The Niagara toppers arrive compressed and need time to expand, with a low-heat tumble-dry option in the supplied setup directions. The products are not described as waterproof, so add a separate mattress protector if spill protection matters to you.
Pick the right size and finish
Choose a topper that matches your mattress size, not just your preferred color or material. The Niagara Full model is 54 by 75 inches, while the Niagara Queen models are listed as 60 by 80 inches. Among the Niagara Queen options here, the dark-gray and white models offer different finishes, while the core soft-topper design is similar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are soft mattress toppers a good choice for side sleepers?
They can be, especially if your current mattress feels too firm at the shoulder or hip. A soft topper adds cushioning, but the best feel depends on your body, sleep position, and mattress. A plush layer may not be right if you prefer a firmer surface or need more structured support.
Can a mattress topper fix back pain?
A topper may make a mattress feel more comfortable, but it cannot promise to relieve back pain. Results depend on the cause of discomfort and the support your mattress provides. If pain continues or is severe, consider speaking with a health professional.
Which topper fits the deepest mattress in this guide?
The Niagara models are listed to fit mattresses up to 20 inches deep. WhatsBedding lists a fit range of 8 to 16 inches. Measure your mattress before ordering to check that the skirt will fit.
Are these toppers waterproof?
No. The supplied product details say the Niagara options are not water resistant, and the WhatsBedding option is also listed as not water resistant. Use a separate mattress protector if you need protection from spills.
How long should a compressed topper take to expand?
For the Niagara topper, the supplied instructions recommend shaking and patting it, then allowing 48 hours to expand. They also list tumble-drying on low for 20 minutes as an option. Follow the product’s own instructions, since setup guidance can differ by model.
Can I wash these mattress toppers?
All five products are described as machine-washable. Check the care label and the current product instructions before washing, and make sure the topper fits your washer and dryer safely.
Final Recommendation
For most shoppers seeking a soft Queen topper with a broad mattress-depth fit, the Niagara Queen models are the most straightforward place to start. Choose the white or dark-gray version based on your bedding, since their listed core design is similar. For a Full bed, choose the Niagara Full model. If you want a thicker option, consider WhatsBedding, but confirm both its mattress-depth fit and its construction details before buying.
