Choosing the right mattress topper thickness can make the difference between waking up refreshed or waking up with shoulder and hip pain — especially if you’re a side sleeper.
Two of the most common options are 2-inch and 3-inch mattress toppers, but they perform very differently depending on body weight, mattress firmness, and pain points.
In this guide, we’ll break down 2 inch vs 3 inch mattress toppers for side sleepers, explain who each one is best for, and help you avoid buying a topper that feels good for a week and then fails.
Why Thickness Matters for Side Sleepers
Side sleeping concentrates pressure on:
- The shoulders
- The hips
If a topper is too thin, those pressure points push straight through to the mattress underneath. If it’s thick enough, it allows the shoulders and hips to sink in without throwing off spinal alignment.
That’s why thickness matters more for side sleepers than for back or stomach sleepers.
Quick Overview: 2 Inch vs 3 Inch Mattress Toppers
| Feature | 2 Inch Topper | 3 Inch Topper |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure relief | Limited | Much better |
| Shoulder comfort | Often insufficient | Usually adequate |
| Hip support | Minimal | Stronger |
| Risk of bottoming out | High (for many) | Lower |
| Best for | Lighter sleepers, minor softness | Most side sleepers |
| Common regret | “Didn’t change much” | Rare |
2 Inch Mattress Toppers for Side Sleepers
When a 2 Inch Topper Can Work
A 2-inch mattress topper may be enough only if all of the following are true:
- You weigh under ~180 lbs
- Your mattress is already fairly comfortable
- You only need a small amount of pressure relief
- You’re trying to slightly soften a bed, not fix pain
For these sleepers, a 2-inch topper can add a subtle layer of cushioning without dramatically changing how the mattress feels.
Downsides of 2 Inch Toppers for Side Sleepers
For most side sleepers, especially adults with shoulder or hip pain, 2 inches is borderline inadequate.
Common complaints include:
- Shoulders still pressing into the mattress
- Hips sinking unevenly
- Pain returning after a few nights
- Foam compressing too easily
This is especially true if you:
- Weigh over 200 lbs
- Have a firm or extra-firm mattress
- Sleep with broad shoulders
Best Uses for a 2 Inch Topper
A 2-inch topper is best used when:
- The mattress is almost right
- You want minimal change
- You’re on a very tight budget
- You sleep on your side only part of the night
For true side sleepers, it’s usually a temporary or compromise solution.
3 Inch Mattress Toppers for Side Sleepers
Why 3 Inches Is the Sweet Spot
For most side sleepers, 3 inches is the ideal thickness.
It provides:
- Enough depth for shoulders and hips to sink in
- Better spinal alignment
- Noticeable pressure relief
- Reduced risk of bottoming out
This is why most mattress companies and sleep specialists recommend 3 inches for side sleeping.
Who Benefits Most from a 3 Inch Topper?
A 3-inch topper is usually the best choice if you:
- Sleep primarily on your side
- Weigh 180–250 lbs
- Have shoulder or hip pain
- Sleep on a firm or hybrid mattress
- Want a noticeable comfort upgrade
It’s thick enough to make a real difference without feeling unstable or overly soft.
Potential Downsides of 3 Inch Toppers
While 3 inches works well for most side sleepers, there are a few considerations:
- Slightly higher cost than 2 inches
- Heavier and harder to move
- Can feel too soft if the foam density is low
The key is pairing 3 inches with the right material and density.
Material Matters as Much as Thickness
Thickness alone isn’t enough. A 3-inch topper made from low-density foam can fail faster than a dense 2-inch topper.
Memory Foam
- Best for deep pressure relief
- Ideal for shoulder and hip pain
- Must be high density for heavier sleepers
Latex
- More responsive and supportive
- Sleeps cooler
- Feels firmer than memory foam at the same thickness
What to Avoid
- Fiberfill
- Egg crate foam
- Low-density “soft” foam
These materials compress quickly and don’t provide lasting support for side sleepers.
2 Inch vs 3 Inch for Different Body Weights
Under 180 lbs
- 2 inch: Sometimes sufficient
- 3 inch: Still more comfortable
180–220 lbs
- 2 inch: Often too thin
- 3 inch: Recommended
Over 220 lbs
- 2 inch: Very likely to bottom out
- 3 inch: Minimum recommended
- 4 inch: May be worth considering on very firm mattresses
Mattress Firmness Also Plays a Role
Firm or Extra-Firm Mattress
- 2 inch: Usually not enough
- 3 inch: Strongly recommended
Medium Mattress
- 2 inch: Possibly okay for lighter sleepers
- 3 inch: Better pressure relief
Soft Mattress
- 2 inch: May be enough
- 3 inch: Risk of too much sink if foam is soft
Common Mistakes Side Sleepers Make
- Choosing 2 inches to save money and regretting it
- Ignoring body weight when selecting thickness
- Choosing softness over density
- Expecting a thin topper to fix serious pain
A topper should enhance a mattress — not fight against it.
So… 2 Inch or 3 Inch: Which Should You Choose?
Choose a 2 Inch Mattress Topper if:
- You’re under 180 lbs
- Your mattress is already comfortable
- You want minimal change
- You’re just adding slight softness
Choose a 3 Inch Mattress Topper if:
- You’re a true side sleeper
- You have shoulder or hip pain
- You weigh over 180 lbs
- Your mattress is firm
- You want noticeable pressure relief
For most side sleepers, especially adults, 3 inches is the safer and more effective choice.
Final Verdict
If you’re deciding between a 2-inch and 3-inch mattress topper for side sleeping, the answer is simple:
When in doubt, choose 3 inches.
It provides better pressure relief, lasts longer, and reduces the chance of waking up sore — especially for side sleepers with real comfort needs.
A 2-inch topper can work in limited situations, but for most side sleepers, it simply doesn’t provide enough cushioning to make a meaningful difference.