How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You

A mattress topper can be 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 top is ideal for mattresses that are too sagging or with a lot of bounce. It conforms to your body and provides the support needed to ease back pain.

Comfort

A mattress topper can soften mattresses that are too firm. It can also provide more support that can ease back pain by adjusting to your body's contours. Memory foam toppers are a great way to relieve pressure, whereas latex provides more bounce and breathability than polyurethane.

The firmness of a topper will be determined by its material and weight, as well as your sleeping position and personal preferences. A side sleeper may choose an option that is more soft, whereas stomach or back sleepers will prefer a medium-firm option. The thickness of a topper may impact comfort. While heavier toppers can offer more cushioning, it is possible that they won't be able to conform to your mattress and cause an uncomfortable sensation.

The top mattress protectors for most people are made from a durable soft and comfortable material that comes with an excellent warranty. It should also be breathable, hypoallergenic, and free of harmful chemicals such as fire retardants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Toppers can be washed in the machine to keep it fresh and clean.

Testers at GH evaluate toppers on the ease of use, temperature control and how it affects the feel of their current mattresses. We also want to know whether the topper stays in place, if it makes any noise, and how much more comfortable they sleep.

The Saatva topper, which is at the top of our ranking and has a rating from customers of 4.4 (as as of May 2023) and comes in a queen-sized. It's designed with a two-inch layer of open-cell, bouncy foam that molds to your body. This gives you support and helps keep your body cool.

A more affordable option is the Turmerry organic topper, which features a three-inch layer of breathable natural material and comes in either a firm or soft option. It's a great choice for those who have an unbalanced bed, innerspring mattresses that have too much bounce, or couples who wish to reduce the sensation of motion transfer.

Linenspa's mattress topper that is GOTS certified 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 label indicates that the topper meets organic farming standards and is free of synthetic dyes and chemical materials.

Support

A mattress topper is an additional thick layer that sits on top of your mattress. It can be affixed to your mattress by elastic straps or a hem with a stretchy fit. Its thickness can range from two to four inches. Mattress protectors are covers that protect your mattress from spills, allergens and bed bugs.

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

There are a variety of mattress topper materials like memory foam, latex down and gel. Select a memory foam mattress for those who want the comfort of cushioning and a more rounded spinal alignment. A memory foam mattress filled with gel can help reduce heat retention, making it a good option for hot sleepers who suffer from night sweats.

A memory foam topper will aid in maintaining your spine's alignment by reducing the pressure on sensitive areas. If you struggle with back pain, a cushion infused with copper may help to reduce swelling and inflammation, and it may also prevent pain from pressure points.

A topper made from natural fibers, like wool or cotton, can aid in sleeping cooler and more comfortably. Wool is breathable and moisture-wicking It's also strong and pliable. It's frequently blended with other materials for greater comfort, such as down. This mattress topper from Parachute, for example, includes a mix of durable and resilient latex with temperature-regulating wool.

A down mattress topper is a great option for those who want a luxurious feel. Find one that contains both down and feathers for an extravagant texture that covers your body in a softness. Brooklyn Bedding's topper is an excellent option, since it comes in two textures: firm for those needing more support and resiliency, and plush for softness like clouds. It comes with a five-year guarantee and includes a generous trial period and free shipping.

Temperature Control

If you own an memory foam mattress, you can improve your comfort with this topper, which is both cooling and cushioning. It features gel infused memory foam that is ventilated by holes that are specifically designed to make it breathable, and best mattress toppers helping to disperse heat during your sleep. It also has bamboo covers that are soft, wicking and water-resistant which keeps your body cool and comfortable as you sleep.

It's available in different thicknesses to fit your preferences and is covered by a 10-year warranty. This topper comes in a Luxury firm option, which is similar to a medium, or a 7 out of 10. Both are made in the USA and are backed by a 100-night sleep trial.

Latex and foam are both breathable materials that make them an excellent choice for sleepers who are hot. Certain memory foam and latex mattress toppers can trap heat, which is uncomfortable for some. Make sure you choose cooling components like this Nolah model. It features the company's signature foam and a quilted cover with cooling fibers to keep you cool while you sleep. It also provides zoned support for your shoulders, head, torso, hips and legs.

Another way to ensure you get a good night's rest is to use a mattress protector. These protectors slip over the mattress and protect it from spills, allergens and best mattress toppers other things. The one you choose to wash is machine-washable and has an opening for a zipper, making it easy to clean as well as to put on and take off.

Most people have a go-to sleeping position and if you prefer sleeping on your back or stomach you'll need a topper that offers a lot of support. A mattress that's too firm could cause you to hunch over and may exacerbate back or neck pain. The extra comfort is provided by softer foam and toppers that are made of down or alternative down. Strategist and contributing writer Lauren Levy slept on this one from Parachute and says she woke up feeling "gently wrapped between layers of marshmallow softness." It's also available in a natural cotton version that is hypoallergenic and endorsed as OEKO-TEX Standard 100, Global Organic Textile Standards, Fair for Life and GreenGuard Gold.

Breathability

A mattress topper is an excellent way to upgrade your mattress without costing you a fortune. Finding the ideal mattress topper can be a challenge, especially with so many options available. The best mattress will make a significant difference in the quality of your mattress, whether it is sagging, you're suffering from back pain or you are looking to decrease motion transfer between partners.

The kind of material used to make a topper is the biggest factor in the feel of it and can impact not only how well you sleep, but also your back health. Experts advise that those who sleep on their sides should select a soft topper, whereas stomach and back sleepers need a more firm one.

Other factors, such as breathability and thickness, could aid in narrowing your choices. Toppers with a higher thickness can be more expensive but provide more support. They are also generally more breathable because they have a greater surface area that allows air to circulate. Find models with baffle box construction, which helps to prevent clumping and ensures that the filling is evenly spaced (a major benefit for comfort).

If you sleep hot, consider gel-infused memory foam, which is designed to keep you cool as you sleep. You may also want to consider a latex top, which is durable and springy. If you're trying to avoid any chemicals organic cotton or wool are excellent choices.

While a mattress topper isn't as likely to require washing as sheets, it's still important to find one that is easy to clean and able to be able to withstand repeated washes. A lot of the models we looked at come with wide elastic straps which bind them to your mattress making it easier to remove them and wash them. You'll also want a topper that is secure in place on the bed, particularly if you're a combination sleeper who is prone to moving around a lot throughout the night.

The Brooklyn Bedding gel swirl memory foam mattress topper is a certified CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold certified option that is durable and comfortable. It is a little more expensive than other models, however it has great reviews from customers and a 90-day guarantee.