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Most adults sleep on their sides, and doing so may have some health benefits. However, it is important to have enough spinal support throughout the night.

A good mattress topper can help provide necessary support and comfort, preventing aches and pains and helping ensure that a person wakes feeling refreshed.

Below, we explore the potential benefits of sleeping on one side. We also look into specific mattress toppers that may provide support for people who prefer this position.

Sleeping on one or either side may bring certain health benefits.

For example, according to various experts, sleeping on the left side can help prevent heartburn and other pain linked with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This position helps keep stomach acid from traveling upward into the esophagus.

Sleeping on one side may also help prevent sleep apnea and snoring. As one 2013 review of studies observes, sleeping on the back is the worst position for both of these issues.

A different review, from 2019, suggests that sleeping on one side can have a positive effect on spinal health. The researchers report that a person may experience fewer aches and pains in this position, compared with sleeping on the back.

However, side sleeping may also cause certain issues, such as increasing the risk of developing wrinkles on the face.

Mattress toppers can help provide key comfort and support and present a less expensive alternative to buying a new mattress.

When looking for a mattress topper, a person should consider its:

  • Materials: A filling of gel, latex, memory foam, or other materials can affect the feel of the topper and how much support it provides.
  • Safety and sustainability certification: Several independent testing organizations, including CertiPUR-US and Oeko-Tex, verify that bedding is environmentally friendly, free from toxins, or both.
  • Price: The prices of mattress toppers range widely.
  • Thickness: Thinner toppers tend to offer less support, though they may fit more easily under regular sheets.
  • Additional features: It may be particularly important that a topper is hypoallergenic, waterproof, durable, easy to clean, or easy to attach to the bed.
  • Customer reviews: It is important to check reviews on different websites.

Below, we look into mattress toppers that may suit people who sleep on their sides.

Please note that the writer has not tested these products. All information is purely research-based.

Polar Sleep Gel Swirl Memory Foam Mattress Topper

The makes of this topper highlight its support for the spine. They also say that:

  • Its gel-infused memory foam helps keep sleepers cool.
  • Its foam has CertiPUR-US certification.
  • It contours to a person’s curves.
  • It comes in sizes ranging from twin to king and 2- or 3-inch varieties.

The Polar Sleep Gel Swirl Memory Foam Mattress Topper is available for purchase online.

ViscoSoft 3-inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper

This is a heavy mattress topper designed to support all sleeping positions, its makers say. They also note that their product:

  • provides body heat regulation
  • provides pressure point relief
  • reduces motion transfer
  • has a removable, washable cover
  • has a 60-day return policy and a 3-year warranty
  • comes in sizes ranging from twin to California king

The ViscoSoft 3-inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper is available for purchase online.

Linenspa 3-inch Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper

The makers say that this topper provides support for side sleepers. According to the company’s website, the mattress topper also:

  • has a cooling effect
  • is CertiPUR-US certified
  • has a 3-year warranty
  • comes in sizes ranging from twin to California king

The Linenspa 3-inch Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper is available for purchase online.

Nelaukoko 2-inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper

This provides supportive comfort for side sleepers, according to its makers, who add that the topper:

  • is made of CertiPUR-US-certified foam
  • offers spinal support for any sleeping position
  • has a cooling effect
  • comes with a 120-day return policy
  • has a 3-year warranty
  • comes in sizes ranging from twin to king

The Nelaukoko 2-inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper is available for purchase online.

Slumber Cloud Nacreous Mattress Pad

Slumber Cloud highlight the support and comfort of this mattress pad on their website.

They also say that it contains temperature regulating technology designed for the United States space program and that it:

  • stays in place on the bed
  • has a cleanable cover
  • comes in sizes ranging from twin to split king

The Slumber Cloud Nacreous Mattress Pad is available for purchase online.

Several products other than mattress pads can help maintain the alignment of the back and neck throughout the night.

For example, side sleepers may also want to consider body pillows, which provide soft support for the legs and hips.

It is also worth keeping in mind that a topper may be insufficient if the mattress itself is no longer supportive. Several mattresses have been designed with side sleepers in mind.

People who sleep on their sides may have reduced GERD-related pain, general aches and pains, snoring, and sleep apnea.

A mattress topper may help maintain the alignment of the neck and back and provide enough comfort for quality sleep. Before making a purchase, it is a good idea to research materials, prices, reviews, and health and sustainability certifications.