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Side sleeping on the right mattress topper can be as comfortable as resting on a cloud. However, many mattress toppers are not soft enough to cushion side sleepers, leaving soreness in the hips and shoulders. This can lead to a deterioration of sleep quality and waking up feeling sore.
This is why choosing a mattress topper with enough cushioning comfort for side sleepers is a must when considering new bedding for your home. I will share my top four best mattress toppers for side sleepers in Australia, plus some helpful hints on choosing the right topper.
Let’s dive in.
A Quick Preview
 | BEST OVERALL - EDITOR’S CHOICE Emma Diamond Mattress Topper | Read more about this mattress topper |
 | Best Budget Topper Emma Flip Topper | Read more about this mattress topper |
 | Best Latex Option Peace Lily Mattress Topper | Read more about this mattress topper |
 | Best Affordable Option Origin Contour Mattress Topper | Read more about this mattress topper |
Our Review of the 4 Best Mattress Toppers for Side Sleepers in Australia (March 2024)
Best Overall — Editor’s Choice — Emma Diamond Mattress Topper
Highlights
- The thick topper with foam totalling 3 inches is deep enough to cradle the shoulders and hips;
- The layer of graphite helps channel away heat, keeping hot sleepers in a more temperature neutral state;
- The cover can be removed in a matter of seconds, keeping your bed fresher.
The Emma Diamond Mattress Topper is my editor’s choice due to its thickness and sinkage, fast response, and edge support.
Side sleepers need as thick of a topper as possible so it can cushion the shoulders and hips effectively. The Emma Diamond Topper excels at this as it has a thickness of 3 inches, which is more than the recommended 2 inches. Through my tests, I calculated a sinkage of 2.4 inches. I was incredibly comfortable on my side, with my hips and shoulders well cushioned.
The Emma Diamond Topper had more sinkage than the Peace Lily by 0.15 inches. I suggest the Emma Diamond Topper to those who prefer as much cushioning as possible.
Despite the thick sinkage, you won’t feel stuck with this topper. In my tests with the Emma Diamond, I measured a response of 0.3 seconds. It was nearly instant for the topper to spring back whenever I would shift positions.
The Emma Diamond Topper had slightly faster response speed than the Emma Flip Topper by 0.1 second. The Emma Diamond Topper would be a great recommendation to those who want as much ease of movement as possible.
Due to the thickness, this topper is also able to firm up the edges of a mattress. From my tests, I measured a firming up of 0.4 inches. I was more stable at the edges with this topper, and felt more comfortable sitting or lying on the edge.
This topper was able to firm up the edges more than the Peace Lily by 0.3 inches. I think the Emma Diamond Topper is ideal for those who have too soft of edges on their mattress.
Based on Our Review
According to my tests, the Emma Diamond Topper was soft and supple, bringing ease to my joints. It was especially comfy on my side, and I enjoyed its extra thickness. The cover had a nice texture too, and was soft to the touch.
Pros:
- Superb motion isolation for couples who want less disturbances at night;
- Quick recovery for sleepers needing ease of movement;
- Excellent sinkage for side sleepers.
Cons:
- Not cool enough for hot sleepers;
- Not enough firmness for heavier side sleepers over 230 pounds.
Best Budget Topper — Emma Flip Topper
Highlights
- The deep, cradling sinkage of this topper can fill the lumbar and increase comfort in bed;
- The responsive foam gives this topper a modern memory foam feel which is excellent for ease of movement;
- The cover can be removed in a few seconds, making this a viable option for sleepers who like clean bedrooms.
The Emma Flip is my best budget topper due to its superb price, excellent sinkage, and adequate bounce.
The Emma Flip comes at an excellent price for what it offers. It is $429 cheaper than the Emma Diamond Topper, and $220 cheaper than the Peace Lily Topper. Even though there is a stark price difference, the Emma Flip doesn’t skimp on quality.
The Emma Flip offers side sleepers some of the best when it comes to sinkage. In my tests, I measured a sinkage of 2.2 inches on the soft side, and 2.1 inches on its firm side. I could lay on my side and enjoy the cradling sensation without feeling strain or pressure build up.
The Emma Flip’s soft side was right behind the Peace Lily Topper by about 0.05 inches. I think the Peace Lily is great for a a slightly more hugging topper.
On top of excellent sinkage, the Emma Flip’s foam layers are springy enough to offer good bounce to sleepers. In my tests, I measured a bounce of 7.8 inches. I could change from my back to my side and not feel like I was falling in quicksand; it adjusted very quickly.
The Emma Flip is better when it comes to bounce than the Emma Diamond by about 1 inch. I suggest the Emma Flip Topper to anyone who don’t want to struggle in bed.
Based on Our Review
From my experience testing the Emma Flip Topper, I can say with confidence it is as soft as it is responsive. I was cradled gently in its foam layers with adequate sinkage to hug my body. Sleeping on my side was a comfortable endeavour.
Pros:
- Easy-to-remove cover in under a few seconds, ideal for sleepers who want a fresher bed;
- Excellent price point for sleepers on tight budgets;
- Superb sinkage for side sleepers.
Cons:
- Too thin of material for heavier sleepers;
- Too soft for sleepers over 230 pounds.
Best Latex Option — Peace Lily Mattress Topper
Highlights
- The use of latex and cotton disperse heat, which is ideal for hot sleepers;
- The topper is chemical-free, which is a benefit to sensitive sleepers;
- The generous sinkage in the topper allows for the cradling of the shoulders and hips of side sleepers.
The Peace Lily Mattress Topper is my best latex option due to its soft sinkage, coolness, and bounce.
The Peace Lily Topper is one of the softest when it comes to cradling support, with a firmness of 5 on a scale out of 10. When testing this topper, I measured a sinkage of 2.25 inches, attesting to its soft nature. I felt like I was sleeping on clouds when lying on this topper.
The Peace Lily Topper had more sinkage than Emma Flip’s firm side by a factor of 0.15 inches. I think the Peace Lily Topper is better for anyone who enjoys a soft and cradling sleeping surface.
The latex in the Peace Lily Topper doesn’t hold on to heat, making this topper an excellent choice for sleepers who are sensitive to excessive heat. From my tests, I measured a temperature of 28.1 degrees Celsius. I could lie on the topper comfortably, and felt cool.
The Peace Lily Topper had more coolness than the Emma Diamond by 2.6 degrees. I would recommend the Peace Lily Topper to any sleeper who overheats in bed easily.
In addition to being cool, the Peace Lily Topper has an added benefit of being bouncy. Its latex is naturally springy, allowing for effortless movement across the topper’s surface. According to my tests, I measured a bounce of 8.5 inches. I could toss and turn without any inhibition of movement.
The Peace Lily Topper was bouncier than the Emma Flip by about 0.7 inches. I suggest the Peace Lily Topper to anyone who wants softness for their hips without feeling stuck in the material.
Based on Our Review
With my tests regarding the Peace Lily Topper, I was quite impressed with its latex. It’s soft with a generalized contour. I could rest on my side and feel my weight evenly spread out, without any pressure on my shoulders or hips.
Pros:
- Excellent non-toxic nature for sensitive sleepers;
- Superb cradling for side sleepers;
- Amazing cooling for hot sleepers.
Cons:
- Too soft for heavier side sleepers over 230 pounds;
- Not supportive enough to firm up a too-soft mattress.
Best Affordable Option — Origin Contour Mattress Topper
Highlights
- Comes at an easy and cost-effective price that’s ideal for sleepers with small budgets;
- The firmness balanced out its contouring effect, ensuring spinal support for side sleepers;
- It is cool for hot sleepers, absorbing heat and keeping your temperature neutral.
The Origin Contour Topper is my most affordable option due to its price, firmness, and sinkage.
Side sleepers need a topper that isn’t going to cost half the price of a brand-new mattress. This is why the Origin Contour Topper can be an excellent choice for sleepers who want affordability without compromising comfort. It is less expensive than the Emma Flip Topper by $150, and less expensive than the Peace Lily Topper by $350.
Not only is it priced well, but the Origin Contour has enough firmness to suit sleepers who want a slightly firmer feel to their topper. From my tests, I noted a firmness of 7 out of 10, with 10 being the firmest. It was great at keeping me well supported so I didn’t have to worry about my spine being out of line.
The Origin Contour had more firmness than the Peace Lily Topper by 2 points. I would go for the Origin Contour Topper if you’re seeking pressure relief and spinal alignment.
Firmness plays a role in sinkage, and offers a unique look into the contouring ability of the Origin Contour Topper. In light of my tests, I noted a sinkage depth of 1.9 inches. I could sink in deep enough where my side was contoured, yet my hips also remained lifted and kept me straight.
The Origin Contour Topper had less measured sinkage than the Peace Lily Topper by 0.35 inches. I would suggest the Origin Contour Topper to sleepers who want less of a hugging feeling from their topper.
Based on Our Review
Through my tests, I found this will suit most side sleepers as I found I had no trouble with it whatsoever. The two inches was enough thickness, and I was heavy enough to sink through and be cradled. Overall, I was quite comfortable on my side.
Pros:
- Excellent balanced sinkage for spinal neutrality;
- Superb cooling for hot sleepers;
- Good edge support for sleepers needing stability;
- Good motion isolation for couples.
Cons:
- Too soft for heavier stomach sleepers;
- Slightly thin for light-weight side sleepers who want more cushioning.
Why You Should Trust Me
I’ve spent many years analyzing the sleep industry, its trends, technologies and products. Each sleep product I talk about I’ve tested hands on, like the mattress toppers I’ve mentioned. My tests include measuring factors like comfort, softness, and coolness.
The best mattress toppers for side sleepers in Australia are soft enough to cushion the shoulders and hips, leading to overall better comfort. They are also cool, which is especially helpful for hot sleepers. That’s why I’ve selected toppers that excelled in these three categories. To see how I test toppers and the quantitative techniques used, you can learn more here.
Additional factors to look at
There are a few additional factors you may want to look over before choosing a mattress topper as a side sleeper, which include:
- Price
- Thickness
- Coolness
Price
The mattress topper market is booming, rated at a global value of $6.5 billion in 2022 (1). This means there’s more options to choose from, and more variance in price. If you’re interested in a thinner topper with more of a basic design, you can find something in the $200 - $300 range. However, if you want a topper with more bells and whistles, and a higher thickness, you can be looking in the $500 - $700 range. Luxury toppers are primed to offer more, while basic toppers are set to be functional in the home.
Thickness
Thickness plays a crucial role in how comfortable a topper is going to feel for a sleeper, especially one who sleeps on their side. The shoulders and hips protrude, necessitating a thicker topper. Typically, these protruding parts can be cushioned adequately with 2-3 inches of foam and material, which can help you understand how thick a topper should be.
However, it’s important to note that responsiveness also affects sleep quality and comfort. According to studies, a mattress topper with higher rebound, or faster response, is more likely to induce better initial sleep quality (2). So, when looking for a topper, keep in mind that while it may be thick, it may not have the speedy recovery that you could be benefitting from.
Also Read: The Best Mattress Topper for Back Pain
Coolness
Coolness is the last essential factor you will want to consider when choosing a mattress topper. Thick toppers sometimes have trouble dispersing heat, which can irritate and distract hot sleepers from a better night’s sleep.
Instead, the best mattress toppers have cooling qualities, such as graphite foam, or heat-barring latex. As a last alternative, you can also consider open-cell foam. Avoid toppers that are thick, yet don’t offer any of these options. That way you can avoid finding a topper that’s comfortable, yet feels hot.
F.A.Q.
Are mattress toppers any good for side sleepers?
Mattress toppers are great for side sleepers as long as they are soft and somewhat thick, at least 2-3 inches. If they can cradle the shoulders and hips, they will be incredibly comfortable.
How thick should a mattress topper be for side sleepers?
A mattress topper should be at least 2-3 inches for side sleepers. This allows for enough material to support and cradle the protruding parts of the body.
Conclusion
Selecting the best mattress topper for side sleepers in Australia doesn’t have to cost hours of time and painstaking research. By knowing a few things to keep an eye out for, like how thick a topper should be, and how softness is better for side sleepers, you’ll be able to choose the best topper for your home.
In my opinion, the best mattress topper for side sleepers in Australia is the Emma Diamond Mattress Topper. It is thick and soft, making it the ideal companion to side sleepers who want a comfortable sleep surface. I think sleepers who want a responsive sleep surface, without the feeling of quicksand, will enjoy this topper the most. Sleepers who enjoy thickness with considerable motion isolation will also benefit.
References:
- LinkedIn (2023.) Mattress Toppers Market Size In 2023. Retrieved from: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/mattress-toppers-market-size-2023-share-trends
- NIH National Library of Medicine (2018.) High rebound mattress toppers facilitate core body temperature drop and enhance deep sleep in the initial phase of nocturnal sleep. Retrieved from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29949584/
Allana Wass is the Co-Founder and Editor-in-chief at Comfybeddy. She was trained at the Spencer Institute to become a Certified Sleep Science Coach and has been featured in VeryWellMind, U.S. News, and Bustle. She has tested over 50 sleep products, which include mattresses, mattress toppers, and pillows. She has spent countless hours researching the mattress industry and learning about its cutting-edge technology for over four years, helping you improve your sleep. With her wealth of experience, she thoroughly reviews mattresses and other sleep products to give the best recommendations for each kind of sleeper.
Our research
45
Mattress Toppers Considered
150
Hours of Research
2
Sleep Experts Consulted