The Best Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers

Side sleepers need a topper that cushions the shoulders and hips while keeping the spine aligned, which usually means a softer, thicker topper. For most side sleepers, a 3-inch Pure Talalay® latex topper (our Plush firmness) is the strongest match, because it relieves pressure at the contact points without letting the body sink out of alignment.

When you sleep on your side, your body weight concentrates on two narrow areas: the shoulder and the hip. On a surface that is too firm, those points take the pressure, and you wake up sore. A topper with enough give lets the shoulder and hip settle in while supporting the waist, which keeps the spine in a neutral line from neck to hips.
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Pure Talalay® latex is the best fit for most side sleepers. Its softer, more buoyant feel contours to the shoulders and hips and rebounds quickly, so you get pressure relief without the slow-sinking sensation of memory foam. Organic Dunlop latex is the better choice if your mattress is already soft and you want firmer, more supportive latex on top rather than added cushioning.

Most side sleepers should choose a 3-inch topper. The extra depth gives the shoulders and hips room to settle before reaching the firmer mattress underneath. A 2-inch topper can work for lighter-weight sleepers, or those who only want a slight adjustment, but 3 inches delivers the pressure relief side sleeping usually calls for.

On a mattress that feels too firm for side sleeping, a Talalay topper adds cushioning while still providing support beneath. The result is a bed that cradles the shoulders and hips and holds the spine in a straighter line, which is the alignment side sleepers are after.
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The Avocado Eco Organic Topper holds the same finished-product certifications as our mattresses: GOTS, OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Class I, MADE SAFE®, EWG Verified®, GREENGUARD Gold, and UL® Formaldehyde-Free. It is also Certified Vegan by Vegan Action® and PETA®-approved. The Dunlop latex inside is GOLS-certified organic and FSC®-certified, and the Pure Talalay® latex is FSC-certified.
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A 3-inch topper is best for most side sleepers, giving the shoulders and hips enough room to settle in while the underlying mattress continues to support the spine.

Pure Talalay® is usually the better choice for side sleepers because its softer, contouring feel relieves pressure at the shoulders and hips. Choose Dunlop if you want firmer, more supportive latex instead of extra cushioning.

A cushioning topper can help by relieving pressure on the shoulder, a common sore spot for side sleepers. A softer, thicker latex topper lets the shoulder settle in rather than pressing against a firm surface.

Side sleepers generally do best with a softer topper for pressure relief. A firmer topper suits side sleepers only if the underlying mattress is already very soft and needs added support.