Best Mattress Toppers For Side Sleepers And Hip Pain – UK 2022

Side sleeping is one of the most popular sleeping positions; however, this position can cause pressure to accumulate around the shoulders and hips. Using a mattress topper on top of your mattress can help alleviate some of this pressure build-up.

This article will share why side sleepers should use mattress toppers, what you should consider before buying a mattress topper, the benefits and drawbacks, and what materials should be used in your preferred mattress topper.

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The Best Mattress Toppers For Side Sleepers

Best Overall – Recci Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Best For Support – AviiatoR Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Best For Comfort –  viewstar Mattress Topper

Best For Cooling – Panda Gel Infused Bamboo Mattress Topper

Best For Luxury – Simba Hybrid Mattress Topper

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Why Should Side Sleepers Use A Mattress Topper?

Mattress toppers are very practical for side sleepers as they make the bed more comfortable and distribute weight more evenly. In addition, a mattress with the correct firmness for you helps in improving the alignment of the spine and neck.

A mattress topper adds a comfort layer to the top of your mattress and can help reduce pain and aches. It also protects your mattress from moisture, strain, sweat, and dust, keeping it in a clean state for a longer time.

What To Consider When Buying A Mattress Topper For Side Sleeping?

These are the following factors that should be considered while buying a mattress topper:

• Material.
• Price.
• Firmness.
• Build Quality.
• Thickness.
• Pressure Relief.

Benefits and Negatives of using a mattress topper for side sleeping?

Below are some benefits of using a mattress topper for side sleeping:

• Mattress toppers provide additional softness, comfort, and support while sleeping.
• They increase the lifespan of your mattress by covering the top surface.
• They make you feel relaxed with the additional soft material.
• They are very beneficial for the arthritic patient or for the person who has pain by relieving pressure.
• Some mattress toppers provide a cooling effect during the summer and a warm effect during the winter.

And here are some negatives of using a mattress topper for side sleeping:

• First, it is tough to find the exact size of the topper for your mattress if that is not of standard size.
• Some models of mattress toppers are too hard, making sleeping uncomfortable.
• Some of the mattress toppers may lead to allergies for some people.
• High-quality mattress toppers are very expensive.
• It is tough to wash a mattress topper at home, especially ones made from foam. Typically, they have to be spot cleaned.

Our Best Selections

Best Overall – Recci Memory Foam Mattress Topper

The Recci gel-infused memory foam mattress topper is a mattress topper designed to increase the comfort and support you get as you sleep and prevent overheating. It is popular on Amazon with over 650 ratings, over 80% of these are 4 or 5 stars. It is also manufactured by Recci who are incredibly popular on Amazon with their products. Highlights from customer reviews include ‘’I am delighted with this product and the improvement it has made to my life.’’ and ‘’Super fast delivery, great comfort’’.

This topper measures 5cm thick and is available in a wide range of different sizes. It has a bamboo viscose cover which is great for breathability and gives the topper a soft touch. The memory foam core is gel-infused which helps with temperature regulation and helps prevent overheating as you sleep. 

Best For Support – AviiatoR Memory Foam Mattress Topper

The AviiatoR memory foam mattress topper is a reasonably priced 5cm topper that consists of a 100% memory foam core and breathable CoolTouch/CoolMax cover. It is very popular on Amazon with over 1,500 ratings. Over 85% of these are 4 or 5 stars. Highlights from customer reviews include ‘’This mattress topper was cheaper and thought that it was worth a shot at it. I am delighted I gave it the chance.’’ and ‘’Would recommend this product to anyone who’s looking to make their mattress like new again. Worth every penny!’’

The topper has recently had elastic straps added onto each corner which helps keep it in place as you sleep. The cover is also removable and machine washable. When first received this UK produced topper is rolled up and vacuum packed in a small package. After a few hours, it will be ready to use and increase the support you get and also increase pressure relief as you sleep. 

Best For Comfort – viewstar Mattress Topper

The viewstar memory foam mattress topper is a 5cm thick topper that uses slow rebound foam to add to the comfort and pressure relief of your mattress. It has over 900 ratings on Amazon with over 85% of these being 4 or 5 stars. Highlights from customer reviews include ‘’Been having the best nights sleep since I brought this topper, don’t know why I didn’t purchase sooner!’’ and ‘’This mattress topper has evened out problems which have crept in over 10 years. Wonderful: firm but soft.’’

A slight downside of this topper compared to a few of the others on this list is that it does not have straps to help keep it in place as you sleep. It does have anti-slip material on the bottom of the cover, however. The viewstar topper is a practical and affordable mattress topper that is very effective at its job.

Best For Cooling – Panda Gel Infused Bamboo Mattress Topper

This topper is the highly-rated bamboo memory foam topper by Panda. It is incredibly well-received on Amazon. Gaining over 2,500 ratings, with over 90% of these being 4 or 5 stars rated! Highlights from customer reviews include ‘’This topper has transformed my bed into a blissful cloud and I am so glad I bought it.’’ and ‘’So happy with the product, really fantastic quality and would thoroughly recommend!’’

The Panda memory foam mattress topper features a bamboo infused topper which gives the topper a super soft and breathable finish. Panda London also has a focus on using sustainable products. The use of hydro foam within the mattress helps combat any potential overheating and ensures the mattress topper stays cool as you sleep. The mattress topper also comes with a 30-day money-back trial and a 10-year guarantee.

Best For Luxury – Simba Hybrid Mattress Topper

The Simba Hybrid mattress topper is very interesting and makes use of some great cutting edge technology. It provides a great balance of comfort and support and the layers complement each other extremely well. It will provide an excellent boost to your existing mattress and give it a good extra few years. Despite only having just over 50 ratings on Amazon, the Simba topper is very highly regarded on other websites. Highlights from customer reviews include ‘’I highly recommend this topper, it is just what I had hoped for and I look forward to going to bed now.’’ and ‘’I found it has really made a difference to the comfort of my sleep. And the heat regulation is also excellent in this summer heat!’’

While it is very highly regarded, it does come with a much higher than average price. For those that can afford the price tag then it is sure to be worth it. The combination of springs and layers of cooling and supportive foam make this topper an excellent all-rounder that gives any mattress a fantastic boost. In terms of toppers, it is hard to go wrong with the Simba Hybrid.

What To Look For When Buying A Mattress Topper

Why is Material Important for a Mattress Topper? 

Side sleepers should either use memory foam, down, alternative foam, wool, or feather mattress toppers. These materials depend on your existing mattress. Some toppers, such as memory foam, and polyfoam, help relieve the pressure accumulated much better than others and have additional benefits, such as:

• Memory foam can occasionally retain heat, so warm sleepers may be better suited to different materials or ones that use cooling technology.
• Feather toppers give you a cushioning feel and are more breathable.

Why is Price Important for a Mattress Topper?  

There are various price options available for less than 75 pounds. However, the luxurious toppers may exceed 500 pounds. 

The price of mattress toppers is in direct relation to their material type, make, and durability. Choosing a high-quality topper is always a better idea for those who want to invest in a product that will last a long time.

Why is Firmness Important for a Mattress Topper? 

A sleeper who weighs below 130 pounds may prefer a soft to the medium-soft mattress topper. For people with weights between 140 to 240 pounds, the firmness should be from medium to more firm. For the person with a weight exceeding 240 pounds, a medium-firm to firm topper is a good choice.

Side sleepers should lean towards the softer end of the spectrum when it comes to toppers, as opposed to back sleepers because side sleeping exerts pressure on the shoulders and hip.

Why is Build Quality Important for a Mattress Topper? 

Preferring the high-quality options of toppers helps resist long-term impressions. The high-quality topper may be more costly, but its durability gives a better value overall.

Why is Thickness Important for a Mattress Topper? 

The thickness of mattress toppers should be around 1 to 4 inches. The proper thickness will decide the surface of toppers and hence your sound sleep. 

If the thickness of the topper is less than the given value, it may be less comfortable to lie on overall. Side sleepers usually prefer thick toppers to cradle their shoulders and hips. 

Why is Pressure Relief Important for a Mattress Topper? 

The material used in the mattress toppers helps to relieve pressure. Beyond this, weight also plays a significant role in pressure relief. For example, for the sleeper with a weight below 130 pounds soft topper can help to relieve pressure. 

What Type Of Material Is Used For Making Mattress Toppers?

Mattress toppers are made from different types of material such as wool, feathers and memory foam.

The price of the mattress toppers depends upon the type of material that has been used. 

These are some of the qualities of different mattress toppers:

1. Wool mattress topper – This is extra soft and fluffy, with a warming and cooling effect.
2. Memory foam mattress topper – This is a very flexible and soft topper. It is best for side sleepers as it adapts the body’s position.
3. Feather or Down mattress topper – This is very fluffy, soft, and helps to regulate the temperature.
4. Cotton mattress topper – This is cheap, thin, breathable, and typically a cooling topper.
5. Polyester mattress topper – This is not as soft as an alternative fibre topper, but still a good option.

The Verdict: Mattress Toppers for Side Sleepers

The best options of mattress toppers for side sleepers may include; 

• Memory foam mattress topper
• Hybrid mattress toppers
• Ideally, any mattress topper with a thickness of at least two to four inches and a durable, soft material that matches your weight and mattress size will work perfectly.

Extra Tips for Sleeping Better on Your Side

Here are some extra tips for sleeping better on your side:

1. Use a wedge pillow for more comfort. Our favourite wedge pillows can be found here.
2. Try to keep the pillow below your knees; it will help drain pressure from your spine.
3. Try to brace your head up with the help of an extra pillow to improve the drainage.
4. Finally, always try to keep your head, neck, and spine in alignment.

Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API