How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You

A mattress topper is the fastest and most effective way to upgrade your sleeping surface. Memory foam, polyfoam and latex are the most sought-after materials.

A memory foam top is ideal for mattresses that are too sagging or that bounce too much. It conforms to the body and provides support for back pain.

Comfort

If your mattress is too firm, a topper can help it feel more comfortable. It can also offer an additional level of support, which can ease back pain. A memory foam topper can help relieve pressure points and pressure points, while latex toppers provide more breathability and bounce than polyurethane options.

A topper's firmness can be determined by the material used, and also your weight, position of sleep and personal preference. Side sleepers may prefer the softest option, whereas stomach or back sleepers would prefer a medium-firm option. A topper's thickness can also impact its comfort: Although the thicker ones provide more cushioning, they might not be as pliable to your bed and could cause a sloppy feel.

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

Testers at GH rate toppers for the ease of use, temperature regulation and how it alters the feel of their existing mattresses. We also ask whether the topper stays in place, if it makes any noise and how much better their sleep is.

The Saatva topper is at the top of our list and best mattress toppers has a rating from customers of 4.4 (as as of May 2023) and comes in queen size. It is constructed with a two-inch layer of bouncy, open-cell foam that conforms to your body. This provides support and helps keep your body cool.

An alternative that is less expensive is the Turmerry organic topper, which has a three-inch layer of breathable natural materials and can be purchased in soft or firm options. It's a great choice for those who have a sagging bed, innerspring mattresses that have too much bounce, or couples who want to lessen the feeling of motion transfer.

Linenspa's GOTS-certified mattress topper 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 certification signifies that the topper is constructed from organic materials and is free of chemicals or synthetic dyes.

Support

A mattress topper is an extra thick layer that sits on top of your existing mattress. It can be affixed to your mattress with elastic straps or a hem with a stretchy fit. Its thickness can range from two to four inches. Mattress toppers differ from mattress protectors which are thin covers purely designed to safeguard your bed against allergens, spills and bed bugs.

The best mattress toppers can make a difference in your sleep and help alleviate pains and aches that are caused by an old or less comfortable mattress. They can also boost the sagging of a mattress or help make a mattress more comfortable by adding the right amount of softness support, support, and temperature control.

There are many different types of mattress toppers, including memory foam gel, latex, gel and down. If you want to improve your spine alignment, choose a memory-foam topper. It will cushion and contour. A memory foam mattress filled with gel can help to reduce heat retention and is a great choice for hot sleepers who suffer from night sweats.

If you have a back problem, a memory-foam topper can help you keep your spine in a good alignment by reducing pressure on sensitive areas. A copper-infused topper can reduce inflammation and swelling and may also help prevent pain from pressure point.

A mattress cover made of natural fibers, such as wool or cotton, can help you sleep cooler and more comfortably. Wool is durable, breathable and moisture-wicking. It is also flexible. It is often blended with down for extra 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. Look for one that includes feathers and down to create an exquisite texture that covers your body in a luxurious feeling of. This Brooklyn Bedding topper is a great option, as it's available in a firm option for those who require extra support and durability and plush for those looking for cloud-like softness. It's backed by a five-year warranty and offers an extended trial period and free shipping.

Temperature Control

This topper is cooling and cushions. It can be placed on a memory foam mattress. It's filled with gel that's ventilated by holes. This makes it more breathable, and helps in dispersing the heat as you sleep. It also has a bamboo cover that is soft, wicking and moisture-resistant that keeps you cool and comfortable while you rest.

The topper is available in different thicknesses based on your preference. It also comes with a 10 year guarantee. This topper comes in a Luxury firm version, which is similar to a medium or 7/10. Both are made in the USA and are backed by a 100-night sleep trial.

Latex and foam mattress toppers are both breathable, which makes them good options for sleepers who are hot. Some latex and memory foam mattress toppers can hold heat, which can be uncomfortable for some. Look for cooling components, like this Nolah model. It features cooling fibers in the quilted cover as well as the trademark foam of the company to keep you cool as you sleep. It also provides zoned support for hips, shoulders and the head.

Another method to ensure a cool night's sleep is to use mattress protectors. These protectors are able to be placed over the mattress and protect it from spills, allergens and other things. It is machine washable and has the zipper, making it easy to clean and to put on and take off.

If you like to sleep on your back or stomach, you will want a mattress that has plenty of support. Mattresses that are too firm can cause you to slump forward and cause back or neck pain. Softer foam and down or down-alternative topper options provide additional comfort. Strategist contributing writer Lauren Levy slept on this one from Parachute and reports that she woke up feeling "gently wrapped between layers of marshmallow softness." It's also available in a natural cotton version, which is hypoallergenic and has been certified as OEKO TEX Standard 100, Global Organic Textile Standards, Fair for Life and GreenGuard Gold.

Breathability

A mattress topper is a great option to replace a worn out mattress without costing you a fortune. But, with the many choices available, finding the right one for you is difficult. The best mattress will make a big difference in the quality of your mattress, whether it is sagging, you are suffering from back pain or you are looking to decrease motion transfer between partners.

The kind of material used to create the topper is the primary factor in the feel of it and can impact not only how well you sleep, but also your back health. For instance, experts suggest that those who sleep on their sides should use a soft topper while stomach or back sleepers require a more firm option.

You can narrow your choices by considering other factors like the thickness and breathability. Although thicker toppers are more expensive, they provide better support. They are also more comfortable due to their greater surface area. Look for models that have baffle box construction. This helps to prevent clumping, and keeps the filling evenly dispersed (a major benefit for comfort).

Gel-infused memory foam was created to keep people cool while they sleep. You may also want to try a latex topper that is extremely tough and bouncy. If you want to avoid chemicals organic wool or cotton are excellent alternatives.

While a topper isn't likely to require washing as sheets, it's important to choose a model that is easy to clean and can endure repeated washes. A lot of the models we looked at have straps with elastic which bind to the mattress which makes it easy to remove and wash them. Also, you'll need a topper that stays securely in place on the double bed mattress topper, particularly if you're a combination sleeper who moves frequently during the night.

The Brooklyn Bedding gel swirl memory foam mattress topper is a CertiPUR US and GREENGUARD Gold-certified option that is durable and comfortable. It's a bit more expensive than some other models on our list, but it has excellent reviews from users and comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee.