✔️ Choose the best material. “Memory foam and latex are recommended materials for side sleepers as they provide contouring support, relieve pressure points, and help maintain proper spinal alignment,” says Harris. Memory foam is generally a good choice due to its supportive properties, agrees Dr. Winter. You may also want to consider a latex topper, which is naturally hypoallergenic and may provide a bouncier feel. Breus also recommends latex specifically for hot sleepers as it “breathes better and stays responsive,” he notes. You can also opt for a hybrid topper, which combines pressure-relieving memory foam with a soft, plush pillow-top cover.
✔️ Find the right firmness. According to Harris, side sleepers should ideally choose a mattress topper that’s not too firm. “A medium to medium-soft mattress topper is good because it supports your hips and shoulders, keeps your spine aligned, and reduces pressure on your body,” she says. Ultimately, you should try to find an ideal firmness based on your needs: If your mattress feels too firm on your pressure points, for example, you may want to opt for a softer topper for more cushioning. Alternatively, if you find that your body is sinking in too much on your current mattress, look for a firmer topper for more support.
✔️ Consider the thickness. Mattress toppers typically range from two to four inches thick. Generally, for more support and cushioning, you’ll want to opt for a thicker topper—but keep in mind that this will increase the height of your bed.
✔️ Look for temperature-regulating features. “For those who like a cooler sleep experience, gel-infused memory foam can help make [a mattress topper] cooler,” says Dr. Winter. You can also look for cooling features in the topper’s construction, like ventilated foam, which helps increase airflow.
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