Side sleeping can put extra pressure on your shoulders and hips, so the right queen mattress topper should add enough cushioning to ease those pressure points without leaving you feeling unsupported. The picks below range from plush, layered designs to firmer memory foam. For many side sleepers, the SurChic’s pillow-top layer is the most promising place to start, while the PERLECARE offers a simpler three-inch option for adding softness.
Quick Comparison
| Mattress topper | Thickness | Standout feature | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|
| SurChic Dual-Layer Memory Foam Topper | 5 inches | Foam layers and plush pillow top | Side sleepers seeking extra cushioning |
| PERLECARE Gel Memory Foam Topper | 3 inches | Soft gel memory foam with washable cover | Adding softness to a firm mattress |
| WhatsBedding Bamboo Viscose Air-Layer Topper | 5 inches | Breathable design and deep-pocket skirt | Shoppers who prioritize airflow and fit |
| BedStory Adjustable-Firmness Foam Topper | 3 inches | Reversible layers for two firmness levels | People who prefer a firm sleep surface |
| Sleepmax Extra-Firm Memory Foam Topper | 3 inches | Two-sided, high-density foam design | Sleepers who want extra-firm support |
Our Picks: Best Queen Mattress Topper For Side Sleepers reviews
1. SurChic Dual-Layer Topper: Best for Plush Pressure Relief
The SurChic combines a supportive foam base, cooling memory foam, and a plush pillow top in a five-inch design. That mix is relevant for side sleepers: the surface is intended to cushion the shoulders and hips, while the lower layers add support beneath the softer top. Its description specifically positions it for side sleepers and pressure relief.
The topper has a deep pocket designed for mattresses from 8 to 21 inches thick, with an elastic skirt to help limit shifting. Its foam is listed as CertiPUR-US certified, and the pillow top as OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified. The removable cover is described as machine washable. The product details also say to allow 24 to 48 hours for the topper to expand after unpacking.
At five inches, this is a substantial change to your bed rather than a subtle comfort layer. That may suit you if your mattress feels hard or worn, but the added height could affect how your fitted sheets fit. The product description does not give a separate firmness rating for each layer, so consider your own preference for plushness before choosing it.
Pros:
- Plush pillow top is designed to cushion pressure points.
- Multiple foam layers combine cushioning with a supportive base.
- Deep pocket fits mattresses from 8 to 21 inches thick.
- Removable, machine-washable cover.
Cons:
- Five inches of added height may change the feel of your bed considerably.
- The thick design may require checking your fitted-sheet depth.
Verdict: Choose the SurChic if you want a plush, layered topper with shoulder-and-hip cushioning and your mattress can accommodate the added height.
2. PERLECARE Gel Memory Foam: Best for Adding Softness
PERLECARE’s three-inch topper uses soft gel memory foam to add comfort to a mattress that feels too firm. Memory foam conforms to the body, and the product description says it is designed to disperse pressure and help regulate temperature. For side sleepers, that cushioning may help soften the contact points around the shoulder and hip.
The topper includes a zippered, machine-washable cover, a non-slip mesh base, and four adjustable elastic straps. Those details help keep it in place and make routine cover care more practical. The foam is listed as CertiPUR-US certified.
Compared with the five-inch SurChic, this is a less substantial layer and may be a more moderate way to change your mattress feel. It is still three inches thick, though, so check your sheet fit. And while gel foam is described as breathable, it is still memory foam; the product details do not guarantee that it will feel cool to every sleeper.
Pros:
- Soft three-inch foam adds cushioning to a firm mattress.
- Non-slip base and adjustable straps help secure the topper.
- Zippered cover can be removed and machine washed.
- Foam is listed as CertiPUR-US certified.
Cons:
- May not provide enough change if you want a very plush, thick surface.
- Memory foam may not suit sleepers who prefer a springier feel.
Verdict: Pick PERLECARE if your mattress is too firm and you want a manageable layer of soft, washable-cover memory foam.
3. WhatsBedding Air-Layer Topper: Best for Breathable Comfort
WhatsBedding pairs a bamboo-viscose air layer with memory foam in a five-inch queen topper. The product description highlights airflow channels intended to move heat and moisture away, along with a soft, skin-friendly fabric. For side sleepers who want a thicker comfort layer but are concerned about feeling warm, its airflow-focused design may be worth considering.
An 8-to-16-inch deep-pocket skirt is designed to fit a range of mattress depths and help prevent bunching. The topper is described as machine washable, though the supplied product information does not specify which parts are washable or provide care instructions. Check the product page for those details before laundering.
There is less detail here about the firmness or exact feel of the foam layers than there is for some of the other picks. That makes it harder to predict how much shoulder and hip cushioning you will get. Its five-inch profile also makes sheet depth an important fit check.
Pros:
- Airflow channels are designed to help wick away heat and moisture.
- Five-inch profile offers a substantial mattress adjustment.
- Deep-pocket skirt is designed for mattresses 8 to 16 inches thick.
- Machine-washable design is listed as a care feature.
Cons:
- Product details give limited information about firmness and layer feel.
- Its thick profile may require deeper fitted sheets.
Verdict: Consider WhatsBedding if airflow and a deep-pocket fit are priorities, but look closely at the product details if you need a specific firmness level.
4. BedStory Adjustable-Firmness Topper: Best for Firm Support
BedStory is a three-inch, two-layer foam topper with two firmness options: one side is described as firm, and the other as extra firm. Its gel memory foam is designed to contour to the body and spread out pressure. Cooling gel and vent holes are also intended to help with airflow.
The cover has a zipper for removal and machine washing, while elastic straps and a non-slip base are designed to reduce movement. The product description lists a 365-night sleep trial, but check the current terms and conditions with the seller before buying.
This topper is aimed at people who want a firmer surface, not a plush feel. That could work for a side sleeper who prefers firm support or whose current mattress feels too soft, but it may not cushion the shoulder and hip enough for someone seeking pressure relief on a hard bed. Its firmness options are both on the firm side, based on the description.
Pros:
- Reversible design offers firm and extra-firm sides.
- Gel foam and vent holes are intended to support airflow.
- Removable, machine-washable cover.
- Non-slip base and elastic straps help limit shifting.
Cons:
- Neither side is described as plush or soft.
- May not be the right match if your main need is extra shoulder and hip cushioning.
Verdict: Choose BedStory if you want adjustable firm support; look at a softer option if pressure relief and plushness are your main goals.
5. Sleepmax Extra-Firm Topper: Best for a Very Firm Feel
Sleepmax is a three-inch topper made with 38D high-density memory foam and a two-layer, reversible design. One side is described as firm and the other as extra firm. The foam is intended to conform to your body and redistribute weight, while the denser construction is presented as a way to support durability.
The product description lists CertiPUR-US certified materials. Its emphasis is on firm support rather than a soft pillow-top feel, making it a more specialized choice among these five options. For side sleepers, that distinction matters: a firm topper may suit your preference, but it may not provide the cushioning you want if your shoulder or hip presses uncomfortably into a hard mattress.
Unlike the PERLECARE and SurChic, the supplied details do not mention a removable, washable cover or straps. If those features are important, compare the product listing carefully before deciding. The adjustable firmness is useful, but both sides are described as firm or extra firm.
Pros:
- Two-sided design offers firm and extra-firm options.
- Uses 38D high-density memory foam.
- Foam is listed as CertiPUR-US certified.
- Designed to conform to the body and redistribute weight.
Cons:
- May feel too firm for side sleepers seeking a plush surface.
- The supplied details do not mention a washable cover or straps.
Verdict: Sleepmax is a better fit for side sleepers who deliberately want a firm or extra-firm surface than for those shopping mainly for soft pressure relief.
How to Choose a Queen Mattress Topper for Side Sleeping
Look for cushioning at the shoulder and hip
Side sleeping puts much of your weight on the shoulder and hip. If your mattress feels too hard in those areas, a softer comfort layer may help reduce that pressure. A plush pillow top or soft memory foam is a more natural starting point than an extra-firm topper. If your mattress already sinks too much, however, adding more softness may not solve the problem.
Match the firmness to your current mattress
Think of a topper as a way to adjust the feel of the mattress beneath it. A soft topper can make a firm bed feel more cushioned, while a firm topper may appeal if your mattress feels overly soft. The BedStory and Sleepmax options focus on firm or extra-firm comfort, while PERLECARE and SurChic are described as softer or plush choices. Product feel is personal, so use those descriptions as a guide rather than a guarantee.
Choose a thickness that suits your bed
The options here range from three to five inches. A thicker topper can make a bigger change to the surface, but it also adds more height and may affect fitted-sheet fit. Check your mattress depth, the topper’s pocket range where provided, and the depth of your sheets. A thinner option may be preferable if you want a less dramatic adjustment.
Consider heat and airflow
If you tend to sleep warm, look for details such as cooling gel, ventilation holes, or airflow channels. These features are intended to help manage heat, but they do not ensure that a foam topper will feel cool to everyone. The BedStory, PERLECARE, SurChic, and WhatsBedding descriptions mention cooling or breathable features; compare the construction and your own comfort preferences before choosing.
Check how the topper stays in place
A topper that shifts can disrupt your sleep and require frequent adjustments. The PERLECARE lists a non-slip base and adjustable straps, BedStory lists straps and a non-slip base, and SurChic and WhatsBedding use deep-pocket skirts. Check the stated mattress depth range against your own bed, especially if your mattress is unusually tall.
Review the care details
A removable, washable cover can make upkeep easier, but care instructions differ by product. PERLECARE and BedStory specify a zippered cover that can be machine washed, and SurChic lists a removable machine-washable cover. WhatsBedding describes a machine-washable design but does not clarify in the supplied details which parts can be washed. Follow the product’s care label and instructions.
Think about how much of a change you want
A topper can adjust comfort, but it cannot repair a badly worn or sagging mattress. If your bed has deep dips or uneven support, adding a comfort layer may not address the underlying issue. For a mattress that is still supportive but feels too firm, a softer topper may be a practical change; for a bed that already feels too soft, consider whether a firmer option matches your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of mattress topper is best for side sleepers?
Many side sleepers prefer a surface with enough cushioning to ease pressure around the shoulders and hips while still supporting the body. A soft or plush foam topper may suit a firm mattress, but the best feel depends on your mattress and personal preference.
Is a firm mattress topper a good choice for side sleeping?
It can be, if you prefer a firm feel or your mattress is too soft. If your mattress is already hard and you feel pressure at your shoulder or hip, a firm topper may not add the cushioning you need. BedStory and Sleepmax are the firm-focused choices in this list.
Is a three-inch or five-inch topper better?
Neither thickness is best for everyone. A three-inch topper can make a noticeable comfort change, while a five-inch design adds more height and a thicker layer between you and the mattress. Check your sheet fit and consider how much you want to change the bed’s feel.
Can a mattress topper help with shoulder and hip pressure?
A topper with a cushioning surface may help soften pressure points, especially when the mattress underneath feels too firm. Results depend on your body, sleeping position, and mattress condition. A topper will not fix a mattress that has lost its underlying support.
Do cooling features mean a topper will stay cool all night?
No. Gel, ventilation, and airflow channels are design features intended to help manage heat, but comfort varies from person to person. If you sleep warm, consider these features alongside the topper’s material and thickness.
How do I stop a queen mattress topper from shifting?
Choose a design with a secure fit, such as straps, a non-slip base, or a deep-pocket skirt. Match the stated mattress-depth range to your mattress, and make sure the topper is positioned correctly before putting on your fitted sheet.
Which option is the strongest starting point for a side sleeper?
The SurChic is the most directly positioned for side sleepers in this selection because it combines a plush pillow top with foam layers designed for pressure relief. If you prefer a thinner layer, PERLECARE is a softer three-inch alternative. If you want firm rather than plush support, compare BedStory and Sleepmax.
Final Recommendation
For side sleepers looking for substantial cushioning, the SurChic is the strongest overall match in this group, with its plush pillow top, layered foam, and stated focus on shoulder and hip pressure. PERLECARE is a practical alternative if you want a softer three-inch layer with a washable cover and securing straps. Choose BedStory or Sleepmax only if a firm or extra-firm feel is your priority, and consider WhatsBedding if airflow and its deep-pocket fit are especially important to you.