Pregnancy puts unique demands on the body — especially the back, hips, and pelvis. As your body changes, many women find their regular mattress just doesn’t cut it anymore. A high-quality mattress topper can relieve pressure, improve spinal alignment, and make sleep more restful throughout pregnancy.
But not all mattress toppers are created equal. The right topper should:
- Cushion hips and shoulders
- Relieve lower-back pain
- Prevent overheating
- Support changing weight and sleep positions
- Help with pelvic girdle discomfort
This guide breaks down the best mattress toppers for pregnancy and offers practical tips for choosing the right one at each trimester.
Why Comfort Matters More During Pregnancy
Pregnancy affects sleep for many reasons:
🤰 Physical Changes
- Shifting center of gravity
- Increased weight on hips and pelvis
- Looser ligaments (due to relaxin)
- Back and hip pain
🌙 Sleep Position Changes
Most healthcare professionals recommend side sleeping, especially in the second and third trimesters. Side sleeping improves circulation and reduces pressure on the uterus — but it also increases pressure on the shoulder and hip.
A proper mattress topper:
- Helps cushion these pressure points
- Keeps the spine aligned
- Makes side sleeping more comfortable
What to Look for in a Mattress Topper for Pregnancy
There are four main factors to consider:
✅ 1. Pressure Relief
Side sleeping increases pressure at the hips and shoulders. Look for material that contours gently without bottoming out.
✅ 2. Support
Your body needs balance between cushioning and support — too soft and your pelvis drops, too firm and pressure builds in shoulders.
✅ 3. Cooling
Pregnancy can increase body temperature. Cooling features (gel, airflow design, breathable covers) can make nights more comfortable.
✅ 4. Safe, Non-Toxic Materials
Look for CertiPUR-US®-certified foam or natural latex, especially if you’re sensitive to odors or chemicals.
Best Mattress Toppers for Pregnancy — Tested & Recommended
⭐ Saatva Graphite Infused Memory Foam Topper — Best Overall for Pregnancy
Why it works:
Graphite-infused memory foam gently contours to the body while providing excellent pressure relief at the hips and shoulders — perfect for side sleeping during pregnancy. The graphite helps disperse heat, making it ideal if you’re dealing with pregnancy-related overheating.
Best For:
- Side sleepers
- Lower-back and hip pain
- Hot sleepers
Key Features:
- Cooling graphite infusions
- Medium contouring feel
- Durable and supportive
Potential Downsides:
- Slight edge compression
- Premium price
🌿 Sleep On Latex Pure Green Latex Topper — Best Natural & Supportive Option
Why it works:
Latex offers a responsive feel and effective support without excessive sinkage. It’s also breathable and naturally cooling — great if memory foam feels too warm during pregnancy.
Best For:
- Hot sleepers
- Women who want natural materials
- Those who prefer a slightly bouncier feel
Key Features:
- Natural Dunlop latex
- Hypoallergenic and breathable
- Longer lifespan than basic foams
Potential Downsides:
- Less contouring than memory foam
🛏 Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt Topper — Best for Severe Pressure Relief
Why it works:
Tempur-Pedic memory foam adapts deeply to the body, easing pressure on hips and shoulders and supporting side sleeping. Excellent choice if you experience significant discomfort.
Best For:
- Severe hip or shoulder pain
- Persistent back pain
Key Features:
- Premium adaptive foam
- Pressure reducing feel
- Great motion isolation
Potential Downsides:
- Warmer than latex
- Pricier than most toppers
💸 ViscoSoft Select High-Density 4″ Memory Foam Topper — Best Value
Why it works:
At 4″ thick and high-density foam, this topper provides generous cushioning without breaking the bank — ideal for pregnant sleepers who need extra softness and pressure relief.
Best For:
- Budget-aware moms-to-be
- Firm mattresses that need a softer layer
Key Features:
- Thick cushioning
- Washable cover
- Good pressure relief
Potential Downsides:
- Slight heat retention
- Foam smell on initial install
🌙 PlushBeds Talalay Latex Topper — Best for Balanced Comfort
Why it works:
Talalay latex delivers a plush yet supportive feel — excellent for side sleeping and hip relief. It stays cooler than many memory foams and is naturally breathable.
Best For:
- Women who want breathable comfort
- Pregnancy and postpartum use
Key Features:
- Breathable latex
- Soft yet supportive feel
- Chemical-free and natural
Potential Downsides:
- Higher price
- Less deep contouring than memory foam
Comparison Chart: Best Mattress Toppers for Pregnancy
| Topper | Material | Best Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saatva Graphite | Graphite foam | Cooling + contouring | Side sleepers with pain |
| Sleep On Latex | Dunlop latex | Natural cooling | Hot sleepers |
| Tempur-Adapt | Memory foam | Deep pressure relief | Severe pain |
| ViscoSoft Select 4″ | Memory foam | Best value | Budget-conscious |
| PlushBeds Talalay | Talalay latex | Balanced comfort | Breathable comfort |
How to Use a Topper During Pregnancy
🛏 1. Upgrade the Whole Sleep System
A topper does not fix structural sagging — if your mattress is worn, consider replacing the whole setup eventually.
💡 2. Pair With Pillows for Alignment
Using a body pillow or knee pillow can further support side sleeping posture.
🌀 3. Keep It Cool
Use breathable bedding to complement cooling toppers.
🧼 4. Hygiene Tip
Add a mattress protector to keep everything clean and allergen-free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When in pregnancy should I get a topper?
Most women notice changes in comfort by the second trimester, but there’s no wrong time to improve sleep.
Q: Should I go softer or firmer when pregnant?
The goal is pressure relief with support — medium-soft to medium is ideal. Too soft can misalign the spine; too firm can cause pressure points.
Q: Can a topper help with sciatica or pelvic pain?
Yes — especially memory foam and latex toppers that relieve pressure while maintaining spinal alignment.
Final Thoughts
Pregnancy is a time when sleep matters more than ever — and the right mattress topper can make a meaningful difference.
Here’s the short recommendation guide:
✨ Best Overall: Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Topper — perfect blend of contouring and cooling
🌿 Best Natural: Sleep On Latex Pure Green Latex Topper — breathable and supportive
🛌 Best for Pain: Tempur-Adapt — exceptional pressure relief
💰 Best Value: ViscoSoft Select High-Density 4″ Topper — thick cushioning without a high price
🌙 Best Balanced Comfort: PlushBeds Talalay Latex Topper — soft, supportive, breathable