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We spend about one-third of our lifetime sleeping. That is, if you’re lucky enough to make it to 80. Still, we are in our beds A LOT. Aside from sleeping, we use our beds for everything from folding laundry to cuddling with our pets. Our beds are our sanctuaries, and we should be treating them as such.
Not only are our beds important, but how we sleep is also an important factor and plays a role in our bed comfort. Side sleeping is the most common sleeping position, with over 60% of adults preferring to sleep this way. Although there are some benefits to side sleeping, there are also some drawbacks.
Side Sleeper Problems
Side sleepers are more susceptible to neck pain and stiffness because their head and neck aren’t adequately supported. This lack of support can lead to spinal misalignment. Another issue is the development of shoulder and hip pain due to pressure exerted from only one side. Side sleeping can also lead to numbness and tingling over time in the arms and legs caused by poor circulation from resting on one side for long periods of time.
Since the majority of the population are side sleepers, these issues are fairly common. Side sleepers can suffer from shoulder and hip pain, so it’s best to find something that contours to the body to alleviate pressure. You could always change your sleeping position to alleviate these issues, but that would require some intense brain rewiring since you’re more than likely accustomed to side sleeping for years. You could get a specific pillow for side sleepers, but that’s only good for one person at a time. What if there are two people in one bed who are side sleepers? And pillows take up even more space. One option that can solve all of these issues is a mattress topper.
What is a Mattress Topper?
A mattress topper is a thick, removable layer of material that sits on top of your existing mattress to change how it feels. Think of it as the same concept as a seat cushion on top of a wooden chair. A mattress topper can help regulate temperature and make a super firm mattress a little softer or add extra support for a mattress that’s on the softer side. It can also relieve pressure by acting like a cushion for sore spots on the body, like the hips and shoulders. And it can extend the life of your existing mattress because it shields the bed from daily wear and tear.
Mattress toppers are made with various materials, but the most popular are memory foam, latex, and feathers or down. Your sleeping needs will determine the best material for you. For side sleepers, memory foam is best because it provides the most support and contours the body, relieving any pressure that occurs from sleeping on one side for too long. Down or feathers aren’t ideal because the material is a little too soft and won’t provide the necessary support. Latex is a good second option for those who want more firmness, but too firm can have the opposite effect and not be supportive. It’s also important to look at the thickness of the mattress topper. The thicker the topper, the more supported your body will be, so side sleepers should look for 2-3 inch toppers.
Now that you know what to look for, let’s dive into some of the best mattress toppers from top-rated brands.
Plush Organic Mattress Topper (Birch by Helix)
Twin Price: $279 Trial: 120 Nights Warranty: 10 years
Birch by Helix is a sub-brand of Helix Sleep that was launched in 2019. The brand has mattress products that are more eco-friendly and organic, such as organic latex, wool, and cotton. Birch uses no harmful chemicals, such as toxic fire retardants and off-gassing polyurethane, and the products are free from fiberglass. The mattress topper specifically is Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) certified and produces low volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which meet the chemical emissions requirements to achieve the GREENGUARD Gold certification. So if you prefer organic products and are more conscious about harmful chemicals, Birch by Helix is worth looking into.
One of their most popular products is the Plush Organic Mattress Topper. The mattress topper is available in sizes from twin to California King, and the topper is made with organic latex and cotton, adding two inches of comfort to your existing mattress. The latex cushions your body and relieves pressure while also keeping your spine in natural alignment, and the cover that surrounds the topper is made of organic cotton, which makes the topper soft to the touch. The use of latex and cotton makes the topper naturally breathable, moisture-wicking, and cooling, perfect for those who run warm while sleeping.
Twin Price: $255 Trial: 120 Nights Warranty: 1 year
Helix, the main brand of Birch by Helix, was started in 2015 and is based in NYC. All of their mattress products are made in the United States, and the brand functions by providing an online sleep quiz to shop for mattress products on their website, which includes questions about sleeping position, weight, and firmness preference.
Helix’s best-selling mattress topper is the Premium Mattress Topper with GlacioTex. Five layers compose this mattress topper, including the GlacioTex cooling cover, which draws heat away from the surface of the topper to keep your body cool. The mattress topper comes in two types of firmness: luxury plush and luxury firm. The luxury plush firmness offers stable, reinforced support and is best for those who have mattresses that are too firm and need something softer to sleep on. The luxury firm firmness also offers stable, reinforced support and provides structure for the lower back. Luxury firm is best for those who have mattresses that are too soft or an older mattress that is starting to sag.
AirFoam HD Mattress Topper (Nolah)
Twin Price: $244 Trial: 120 Nights Warranty: 10 years
Nolah is an online sleep technology brand whose goal is to support sleepers by bridging the gap between human physiology and the products on the market. Nolah takes pride in remedying sleep obstacles with cutting-edge coils and new conventions for contouring foams. Nolah debuted in 2016 and has launched various products, including mattresses, accessories, adjustable bases, premium pillows, and a bedding line.
Nolah has one mattress topper available in twin size, and sizes are available up to a California king. The mattress topper is available in two firmness types, plush or luxury firm. The topper features two inches of premium foam that protects your mattress, bolsters its support, and transforms its feel.
It’s made out of Nolah’s Airfoam HD, which is a high-density four-pound version of Nolah’s pressure-relieving comfort foam that’s designed for durability and deep contouring. There’s also an additional support foam layer that lends structure and durability to the topper. The cover is made of organic cotton that keeps the topper cool and makes it easier to clean. Corner straps are also included to keep the topper in place, and it features enhanced motion isolation, which is ideal for couples seeking disturbance-free sleep. No more waking up your partner when you have to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
Pro Topper (Bear)
Twin Price: $241.50 Trial: 120 Nights Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Bear was started by a family that’s been in the mattress business for over 25 years. Bear strives to deliver a first-class customer experience, provide the highest quality products, and superior value. The company believes in always putting the customer first and being an honest, transparent business. Bear’s main focus when creating products is on physical recovery and active lifestyles.
Bear has one mattress topper available, the Pro Topper. This mattress topper is available for a twin and goes up to size California king. The Pro Topper adds an extra layer of cooling, support, and pressure relief to help revitalize any mattress. It features cushioning, copper-infused memory foam that gently contours your curves for pressure point relief while actively drawing heat away from your body. The topper also features a removable cover that can be easily cleaned in your washer. However, the topper only comes in one firmness type, so there isn’t much customization there.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, a mattress topper may help if you’re struggling with body pains from side sleeping. The firmness and material you choose will depend on how much support you need. Not only is it worth getting for better sleep, but it could increase the longevity of your mattress. And considering how much a mattress can cost, you may be saving money in the long run, so both your body and your wallet will thank you.