which mattress toppers are best (in the know)?

A layer of cushioning can make your bed more comfortable. It can also ease pressure on joints. Which mattress toppers work best?

Dr. Holliday Bell recommends this organic option for people who desire the supple support and the comfort of memory foam but do not want to use chemical. It comes with an easily removable cover, and the firmness options permit the majority of sleepers to find their ideal level of comfort.

1. Sleep Innovations Gel Memory Foam Topper

The topper is soft enough for Which Mattress Toppers Are Best most people to enjoy, but it doesn't sacrifice support. It moulded to the shape of our test subjects' bodies and provided support in all the right areas. It fits the majority of mattresses, however it can be a bit difficult to place the sheets on. (Read more about how to put in mattress toppers here). The thick layer of memory foam is machine washed and naturally antibacterial. It also comes with the cover with a quilted design made of bamboo that is sustainable and sourced from sustainable sources. It is also hypoallergenic. Our panelists were thrilled, but it is important to remember that there aren't any straps to secure it to your mattress. It can move while you rest.

The panelists who loved this topper also appreciated the fact that it helped ease back pain. It's also a great option for sleepers who are heavier, who might find that a larger topper like this one --three to four inches--provides more pressure relief for sensitive areas like hips and shoulders.

A two-inch layer of copper-infused memory foam wicks heat and promotes airflow for a cool and refreshing night's sleep. Our tester Jaclyn found the mattress to be firm enough to ease the pressure on her back, front and side sleeping positions but not too rigid that it made her feel uncomfortable. She also noticed a huge improvement in her back pain, saying that it "pretty much disappeared over night." She was also awed by the topper's quietness, even when paired with spring mattresses. The topper also prevents motion transfer, making it a great choice for couples who share beds.

2. Coop Home Goods Retreat

Coop Home Goods mattress toppers have a plush pillow-like feel and Which Mattress toppers Are Best we were thrilled to find this version that is only spot-cleanable. It's made with a crosscut memory-foam and microfiber blend that is made by the company, making it hypoallergenic. This is a great option for anyone looking to improve an existing mattress or even re-decorate a bed in the guest room, dorm, or rented. What makes this topper especially unique is the presence of five body-zones, each with different density zones, which helps to shape and conform to your body's unique shape while still providing sufficient support.

The cover of this mattress protector is made from 100-percent microfiber poly that has been brushed. It features an elongated baffle box design that creates pockets to evenly distribute the fill. It also features four elastic straps at each corner to help keep the topper securely on your mattress. A layer of copper-infused memory foam wicks heat away from your body to keep you cool at night, and it's topped with another 2" layer of memory foam that is ventilated to allow for more airflow.

The Retreat is the best mattress topper for those who prefer a soft feel. When Strategist writer Louise tried it out, she reported that the mattress quickly adapted to her body shape and supported her in a way that made her feel supported and comfortable. She is prone to overheating in bed, but the Retreat kept her cool and didn't move significantly throughout the night. It is available in two levels of firmness and is suitable for back, side and stomach sleepers.

3. Nolah Beds Luxury Firm Memory Foam Topper

There are a variety of options to you if you're looking for a mattress topper. Some are designed to keep you cool or regulate your temperature while others provide a little more support or comfort. A mattress topper can be a great way to upgrade your bed without spending much money. A memory foam mattress is an excellent option for most people. However, if you prefer an innerspring mattress that is more springy then a hybrid topper that blends latex and nano-springs may be a better option.

A firmer topper can aid in aligning your spine for side and back sleepers and ease pressure in the areas that are sensitive. This 4-inch Tempur topper, which is made in the US offers a 120-night trial and impressed our tester Julia. She was happy with the additional comfort and sleep quality it brought. There was a distinct off-gassing smell when she opened it, but it dissipated after a few days.

Another option that's firm is this one from Parachute, which offers shredded foam that isn't as dense as traditional memory foam but is still extremely comfortable. Lauren Levy, a Strategist contributor says it's "much cheaper than a down-topper" and has the same marshmallow softness. She was awed by sleeping on it, but would not recommend it for people who sleep on their fronts because her torso was smashed into the top.

A topper made of natural wool fleece is hypoallergenic and soft. It's not as breathable and can make you feel hot at night. A cotton topper is also an option, since it's breathable and helps keep you cool. Some topper fabrics are even made with graphite, copper and gel infusions that keep you cool.

4. Sleep Innovations Gel Cooling Memory Foam Topper

This Puffy topper is a great budget option offering a soft, gentle support that relieves pressure at an affordable price. It is available in a variety of different density and thickness options to assist you in finding the ideal fit for your bed.

Lauren Levy, a Strategist contributor, was awed by the fact that this topper is "marshmallow-soft mattress topper" and has a baffle box construction with pillows-like fiber-fill. It's hypoallergenic and comes with a washable cover that helps you maintain the cleanliness in your mattress.

The topper's 2" layer of clever copper-infused memory foam promotes airflow and wicks away moisture throughout the night which allows you to stay cool. And though 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 backs, sides, or stomachs, and also for those with chronic pain.

Standard features include a 10-year guarantee with free shipping, as well as an extended warranty of 10 years. This topper is also easy to clean; just clean it with a spot of soap and allow it to dry in the sun. It should not be put in a washer or dryer since this will invalidate the warranty.

The Sleep Innovations Gel Cooling Memory Foam Topper is an excellent budget option for a comfortable, supportive mattress. It provides moderate (5) firmness, which makes it good for most sleepers, but more so for those who feel their mattresses are too firm. It also helps prevent motion transfer which is a must for combination sleepers. And, like the Coop Home Goods Retreat topper, it offers relief from pressure for neck and shoulder pain. The only downside to this topper is that it might not be as comfortable as polyfoam or latex, so 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 is a great option for those who sleep on their backs and want to soften their firm mattress as well as for side sleepers who require more cushioning. This topper is also great for people with chronic pain since it helps reduce pressure points. It is manufactured in the USA with non-toxic materials and is a great option for those who sleep hot. It has two" layer that is cleverly infused with copper foam that helps in promoting ventilation while also providing support. It also has an organic cotton cover for optimal moisture management. This topper was found by our tester Paige to be extremely effective at preventing motion transfer. It also offered a significant amount of softness without giving up any support. However, she noticed that the edges did not fully cover her mattress, so if edge support is important for you, this might not be the right topper for you.

This topper is also simple to clean as it has a removable and washable cover. It's also hypoallergenic and antibacterial, which ensures you a comfortable and healthy sleep. It's also made with five body zones that support different parts of the mattress. It also comes with a lifetime warranty and a sleep trial of 120 nights which is a lot longer than the policies of competitors.

This is one of our cheapest alternatives but it doesn't sacrifice quality. It's made with a blend of memory foam and latex which provides an extremely soft feel to any mattress. It's got a thicker layer of memory foam to offer extra comfort and facilitate an unwinding sleep. It is not the best choice for stomach sleepers since it sinks in too much. This can cause spinal misalignment. However, it's a great option for those looking for a good night's rest at an affordable price.