How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You

A mattress topper is the most efficient and simple method of upgrading your sleeping surface. Memory foam, polyfoam, and latex are among the most sought-after materials.

A memory foam topper is ideal for sagging mattresses or beds that have too much bounce. It molds to your body shape, providing the support you need for back pain and pressure relief.

Comfort

A mattress topper can soften a mattress that is too firm. It can also provide an additional level of support, which can ease back pain. A memory foam topper can ease pressure points and pressure points, while latex toppers provide more bounce and breathability than polyurethane options.

The firmness of a top will be determined by its material the weight of your body, sleeping position, and your personal preferences. Typically, a side sleeper will prefer a more supple topper, whereas stomach and back sleepers favor a firm to medium option. The thickness of a topper may affect the comfort. While thicker toppers might offer more cushioning, it is possible that they will not be able to conform to your mattress as well and create uncomfortable feelings.

The best mattress topper for most people will be made of a durable, soft material, and backed by a good warranty. It should also be breathable, hypoallergenic and free of harmful chemicals such as fire retardants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Toppers can be machine-washed to keep it clean and fresh.

Testers at GH rate toppers for the ease of use, temperature regulation and how it changes the feel of their existing mattresses. We also ask about whether the topper stays in place, if it creates noise and how much enhances their sleep.

The Saatva topper at the top of our list has a very high score from customers of 4.4 out of 5 (as as of May 2023) and is available in the queen size. It is constructed with a 2 inch layer of open-cell, bouncy foam that conforms to your body. This gives you support and helps keep you cool.

An alternative that is less expensive is the Turmerry organic topper, which has a three-inch layer of breathable natural material and is available in a firm or soft option. It's an excellent choice for those with an unbalanced bed or innerspring mattresses that have too much bounce, or couples who want to lessen the feel of motion transfer.

Linenspa's GOTS-certified mattress protector is a popular choice. It has a four-inch layer of breathable, temperature-regulating wool with a cotton cover and comes in a medium or firm option. The GOTS certificate indicates that the topper is made of organic materials and is free of chemical dyes or synthetic chemicals.

Support

A mattress topper is a thick layer that sits on top of your mattress. It can be attached to your mattress with elastic straps or a hem with a stretchy fit. The thickness of the topper can vary from 2 to 4 inches. Mattress protectors are thin covers that protect your mattress from spills, allergens and bed bugs.

The best mattress toppers will improve your sleep and prevent aches and discomforts caused by an old or soft mattress. They can also enhance a mattress that is uncomfortable or sagging with the right level of support, softness, and temperature control.

There are a variety of mattress topper materials like memory foam, latex down, and gel. If you want to improve your spine alignment opt for a memory foam topper. It will provide cushioning and contour. A memory foam topper infused with gel can help decrease heat retention. This is ideal for those who suffer from night sweats and are hot sleepers.

If you have a back problem, a memory foam topper can aid in keeping your spine in alignment by reducing pressure on sensitive areas. A copper-infused topper can help reduce swelling and inflammation and can aid in preventing pain from pressure points.

A mattress cover made of natural fibers like cotton or wool, can help you sleep cooler and more comfortably. Wool is durable, breathable, moisture-wicking and easily moldable. It's often blended with down for added comfort. This mattress topper from Parachute, for example, includes a mix of durable and resilient latex with temperature-regulating wool.

A down mattress topper is ideal for those who like a plush feeling. Select a mattress topper with feathers and down. This will provide you with a luxurious feel. This Brooklyn Bedding topper is a great option, Mattress Topper Best as it is available in firm for those who require extra support and a firmer feel and also plush for those looking for cloud-like softness. It comes with a five-year warranty, a generous trial period and free shipping.

Temperature Control

If you have a memory foam mattress, you can increase your comfort level by using this topper that is both cooling and cushioning. It's made of gel-infused memory foam that's ventilated by holes. This makes it more breathable, and helps in dispersing the heat while you sleep. It comes with bamboo-covered mattresses that are soft, moisture-resistant and wicking. This keeps you cool as you sleep.

This topper comes in different thicknesses, depending on what you prefer. It also comes with a 10-year guarantee. The topper is available in a Luxury firm option that's similar to a medium, or a 7/10. Both are made in the United States and include a 100-night trial.

Foam and latex mattress toppers are both breathable materials which makes them excellent choices for hot sleepers. Some latex and memory foam mattress toppers trap heat, which can be uncomfortable for some. Be sure to look for ones with cooling elements, like this one from Nolah. It has cooling fibers in the quilted cover, and utilizes the foam that is trademarked by the company to keep you cool as you sleep. It also provides zoned support for head, shoulders and hips.

Another method of ensuring a cool night's sleep is to use a mattress protector. They slide over the bed and protect it from spills, allergens dust mites, bugs and more. It is machine washable and comes with a zipper, making it simple to clean and to put on and take off.

If you like to sleep on your back or stomach then you'll need a mattress that has lots of support. A mattress that's too firm may cause you to slump forward and cause back or neck pain. The extra comfort is provided by soft foam and toppers made of down or down alternatives. Strategist and contributing writer Lauren Levy slept on this one from Parachute and claims to have woken up feeling "gently in between layers of marshmallow softness." It's also available in a natural cotton version, which is hypoallergenic and certified as OEKO TEX Standard 100, Global Organic Textile Standards, Fair for Life and GreenGuard Gold.

Breathability

A mattress topper can be a great way to upgrade an old mattress without breaking the budget. With so many choices available, finding the right one for you is difficult. The right topper will make a big difference in your sleep, whether your mattress is sagging, you are suffering from back pain or you want to reduce motion transfer between partners.

The kind of material used to create a topper is the biggest element in its feel and affects not only how well you sleep, but also your back health. Experts suggest that those who sleep on their sides should select a softer topper, while back and stomach sleepers require a more rigid one.

You can narrow down your options by taking into consideration other factors like the thickness and breathability. While thicker toppers are more expensive, they provide better support. They are also typically more breathable because they have a greater surface area that allows air to circulate. Look for models that have baffle box construction. This will prevent from clumping and keeps the filling evenly distributed (a important benefit for comfort).

Gel-infused memory foam is designed to keep people cool while they sleep. You might also want to try a latex topper that is extremely tough and bouncy. If you're looking to stay away from chemicals organic wool or cotton are great choices.

Even though a mattress topper doesn't have to be cleaned as frequently as your sheets, you should consider a mattress topper for back pain that is easy to clean and will hold up to repeated washings. Many of the models we looked at include wide elastic straps that secure to the mattress which makes it easy to remove and wash them. You'll want a mattress topper that will stay in place, particularly if you are a combination sleeper who moves around a lot at night.

Brooklyn Bedding's gel swirl foam topper is a CertiPUR US and GREENGUARD gold certified option. It's robust and comfortable. It's more expensive than some other models that we have reviewed, but it has received excellent reviews from users and comes with 90-day money-back assurance.