Which Mattress Toppers Are Best?

A layer of extra cushioning can make your bed more comfortable and can also ease the joint pressure. Which mattress toppers work best?

Dr. Holliday-Bell recommends this organic alternative for those who require the firm support of memory foam, but prefer to stay clear of chemical. It comes with a removable cover, and the firmness options allow the majority of sleepers to find their comfort.

1. Sleep Innovations Gel Memory Foam Topper

This topper is soft and comfortable for most people, but still provides support. It was shaped to fit the contours of our testers' bodies and offered support in all the right places. It also fits most mattresses well, although it's a little difficult to get the sheets on (read more about how to install mattress toppers here). Its thick layer of memory foam is machine washed and naturally antibacterial. It comes with an organic bamboo cover that is non-toxic and sustainably harvested. Our panelists were thrilled, but it's important to note that there aren't any straps to fix it to your bed. It could move as you rest.

The people who voted on this topper also loved the way it eased back pain. It's a great choice for those who sleep heavier and consider a mattress with three to four inches will ease pressure on a sensitive area such as hips and shoulders.

A memory foam with a copper-infused layer wicks away heat and promotes airflow to ensure a cool sleep. Our test participant Jaclyn found the mattress adequate in its firmness to relieve pressure on her back front, and side sleeping positions, but not so firm that it was uncomfortable. She also noticed a massive improvement in her back pain, saying that it "pretty pretty much went away over night." She was also awed by the quietness of the topper, even when paired with a spring mattress. The topper is also good for couples who share beds as it stops motion transfer.

2. Coop Home Goods Retreat

We adore the soft and luxurious feel of Coop Home Goods' mattress toppers, so when this spot-clean-only version popped up during our research, we knew it had to be included. It's made of the crosscut memory foam and Sleep like royalty with Our soft topper the microfiber blend that is made by the brand, which makes it hypoallergenic. This is ideal for anyone looking to upgrade an existing mattress or to refresh a bed in a guest room, dorm or rented. This mattress is unique in that it has five zones of different densities. It conforms to your body and provides enough support.

The cover of this topper is made of 100 percent microfiber that is brushed and it features a baffle box construction that creates pockets of filling to keep it evenly distributed. The topper also has four elastic straps on each corner to help it stay firmly in place on your mattress. The copper-infused memory absorbs heat from your body which keeps you cool during the night. It's topped with 2" layer ventilated memory for greater breathability.

The Retreat is the ideal mattress topper for people who want a plush feel. Louise, a Strategist writer, claimed that when she tested it out, the topper quickly adjusted and cradled so she felt at ease and well-supported. She typically overheats in bed but the Retreat managed to keep her cool and didn't move significantly throughout the night. It comes in two different firmness options, and back, side and stomach sleepers will find it suits their preferences.

3. Nolah Beds Luxury Firm 7 cm Memory Foam Bunk Bed Topper Foam Topper

If you're looking for a mattress cover, there are plenty of options available. Some are designed to help you stay cool or regulate your temperature while others provide a little more support or comfort. A mattress topper is a great option to improve the comfort of your mattress without spending an excessive amount of money. A memory foam mattress is a great choice for the majority of people. If, however, you prefer a more springy innerspring mattress then a hybrid topper combining nano-springs and latex could be a better option.

For those who sleep on their sides and backs, a more firm topper can better align your spine and ease pressure on areas that are sensitive. This four-inch Tempur topper, manufactured in the US offers a 120-night trial and impressed our test subject Julia. She was delighted with the added comfort and sleep quality it provided. There was a distinct off-gassing scent when she opened it, but it dissipated after a day.

Another option that is firm is this one from Parachute which provides shredded foam that's not as dense as traditional memory foam, but nevertheless very comfortable. Lauren Levy, a Strategist contributor says it's "much cheaper than a down topper" and has similar marshmallow softness. She loved sleeping on it, but would not recommend it for people who sleep in front because her torso cratered in the topper.

A topper made from natural wool fleece is hypoallergenic and soft. However it's not as permeable as memory foam, and could make you feel warm in the night. A cotton topper is a good option, as it's breathable and will keep your cool. Some fabrics are infused graphite or copper to keep you cool.

4. Sleep like royalty with our soft Topper Innovations Gel Cooling Memory foam topper

This Puffy topper is a great budget option that provides a soft, soft support that eases pressure at cost-effective prices. It also comes with a range of density and thickness options, making it easy to find the ideal mattress for you.

Strategist contributor Lauren Levy loved that this topper is similar to down -- it's "marshmallow soft" and features the appearance of a baffle-box with pillow-like fiber-fill. Plus, it's hypoallergenic, and comes with a machine washable cover to help maintain the hygiene of your bed.

The 2" layer of memory infused with copper is designed to increase airflow and draw moisture away from your body while you sleep. This helps you remain cool. Although it doesn't have the same bounce as latex toppers, Levy found it to be extremely comfortable. It's a great choice for people who sleep on their sides, backs or stomachs, as well as for those with chronic pain.

Standard features include a 10-year warranty with free shipping, Sleep like royalty with our Soft topper as well as a 10-year warranty. This topper is also simple to clean; just spot-clean it and allow it to dry in the sun. Be sure not to put it in the dryer or washer because it will invalidate the warranty.

The Sleep Innovations Gel Cooling Memory Foam Topper is an excellent budget option for a soft and comfortable mattress. It offers medium (5) firmness, which makes it good for all sleepers, but especially those who feel their mattresses are too firm. It also stops motion transfer, which is a must for combination sleepers. It also alleviates neck and shoulder discomfort, like the Coop Home Goods Retreat topper. The only drawback to this topper is that it may not be as comfortable as polyfoam or latex which is why it's not the best for sleepers who are hot.

5. Nolah Beds Luxury Plush Memory Foam Topper

The Nolah Beds Luxury Plush Memory Foam Topper provides a great solution for side sleepers as well as back sleepers who want to soften a firm mattress. This topper is also good for people with chronic pain since it helps reduce pressure points. It's made in the USA with non-toxic materials and is a great option for hot sleepers. It has a 2" layer of cleverly infused copper foam that promotes ventilation while also providing support. It also has an organic cotton cover that provides optimal moisture management. The topper was discovered by our test subject Paige to be extremely effective at stopping motion transfer. It also provided substantial softness, without sacrificing any support. However, she did notice that the edges did not fully hug her mattress. If support for the edges is important to you, this may not be the ideal mattress for your needs.

The cover is removable and machine washable, which makes it easy to clean. It's also hypoallergenic as well as antibacterial, which ensures a healthy sleep. It's also made with five body zones to help support different areas of the mattress. It also comes with a lifetime warranty and a sleep trial of 120 nights which is more than other mattress warranties.

This is among the more affordable alternatives in our list, but it doesn't skimp on quality. It's made from a combination of memory foam and natural latex, which gives it a luxuriously supple feel. It features a more dense memory foam layer to offer more comfort and promote a restful sleep. While it may not be the best option for stomach sleepers since it tends to sink in too much and can cause misalignment of the spine It's a great option for those trying to get better sleep for less.