Which Mattress Toppers Are Best?

The addition of a layer of cushioning can make your bed more comfortable and can also ease the pressure on joints. But which mattress toppers are best?

Dr. Holliday-Bell recommends this natural alternative for those who require the firm support of memory foam, but prefer to stay clear of chemical. It comes with an easily removable cover and provides a range of firmness levels that will suit the majority of sleepers.

1. Sleep Innovations Gel Memory Foam Topper

The topper is soft enough for most people to enjoy, but it's not sacrificing support. It was shaped to fit the contours of our testers' bodies and offered support in all the right areas. It can also be fitted to most mattresses however it can be a bit tricky to get the sheets on (read more about how to install mattress toppers here). The thick memory foam layer is machine-washable and naturally anti-bacterial. It also features an upholstered cover made of sustainably-sourced bamboo and is hypoallergenic. It was a popular choice of our panelists, though it's important to remember that it doesn't come with straps that help anchor the topper to your mattress and it's possible that it will move during sleep.

The panelists who adored this topper also appreciated the fact that it helped with their back pain. It's also a great choice for heavier sleepers, who might find that a larger topper like this one--three to four inches--provides more relief from pressure points in sensitive areas like shoulders and hips.

A memory foam with a copper-infused layer absorbs heat and improves airflow to ensure a cool sleep. Our tester Jaclyn found the topper to be firm enough to relieve the pressure on her back, front, and side sleeping positions, but not so firm that it was uncomfortable. She also noticed that her back pain "pretty well disappeared overnight." She was impressed by how quiet the mattress is, as well, even when paired with a soft spring mattress. It also stops motion transfer, making it an ideal option for couples sharing the bed.

2. Coop Home Goods Retreat

Coop Home Goods mattress toppers have a soft, pillow-like feel and we were thrilled to discover this model that is able to be cleaned only on a spot. It's made of the crosscut memory foam and the microfiber blend that is made by the brand, making it hypoallergenic. This is ideal for anyone who wants to upgrade a soft mattress, or Which Mattress Toppers Are Best even re-decorate a double bed mattress topper in a guest room, dorm, or rental. This topper is unique as it has five zones of different densities. It conforms to your body and offers enough support.

The cover for this topper is made of 100% brushed microfiber polyester, and it comes with an asymmetrical baffle box design that creates pockets of fill to ensure that it is evenly dispersed. The topper also has four elastic straps on each corner to aid in keeping it in the mattress. The copper-infused memory wicks away heat from your body, keeping you cool during the night. It's finished off with a 2" layer of ventilated memory for more breathability.

The Retreat is an excellent mattress topper if you're looking for an extra soft feel. Louise who is a Strategist writer, stated that when she tested it out, the topper quickly adjusted and cradled so that she felt at ease and well-supported. She typically overheats in bed but the Retreat managed to keep her cool and didn't change much during the night. It comes in two firmness levels and is suitable for back, side and stomach sleepers.

3. Nolah Beds Luxury Firm Memory Foam Topper

If you're looking for a mattress protector There are plenty of options to pick from. Some are designed to help you stay cool or regulate your temperature, while others provide a little extra support or comfort. A mattress topper is an excellent way to improve your current bed without spending much money. A memory foam mattress is a great option for the majority of sleepers, however if you prefer the bouncier feel of an innerspring mattress, consider a hybrid topper that blends latex with tiny nano-springs.

A topper that is firmer can help align your spine for side and back sleepers and relieve pressure in the areas that are sensitive. Our test subject Julia was impressed with the four-inch topper made by Tempur that is manufactured in the US and has an impressive 120-night trial. She found it helped her sleep better and was happy with the extra comfort it brought to her old mattress. She did notice an off-gassing scent when she first opened the mattress, but this went away after the next day.

Another firm option is this one from Parachute, which offers shredded foam that isn't as dense as traditional memory foam but still feels extremely comfortable. Strategist contributor Lauren Levy says that it's "much more affordable than a down-topper" and offers the same marshmallow softness and baffle-box construction. She loved sleeping on it but wouldn't recommend it to front sleepers since her torso got sucked into the topper.

A topper made of natural wool fleece is soft and hypoallergenic. It's not as breathable and could make you feel hot at night. Cotton is a great choice, as it is breathable and keeps you cool. Some of the fabrics for topper are made with graphite, copper and gel infusions to 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 eases pressure at a low price. It also offers a variety of density and thickness options, making it easy to find the ideal fit for your bed.

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

The 2" layer of copper-infused memory is designed to help promote airflow and draw moisture away from your body while you sleep. This lets you remain cool. And though it doesn't have the same bounce as latex toppers, Levy found it to be extremely supportive. It's great for side, back, or stomach sleepers as well as those suffering from chronic pain who require extra cushioning.

Standard features include a 10-year guarantee with free shipping, as well as 10 years of warranty. This topper is also simple to clean; just clean it with a spot of soap and let it dry in the sunlight. You should not put it in a washer or dryer since this will invalidate the warranty.

The Sleep Innovations Gel Cooling Memory Foam Topper is a great budget-friendly option for a comfortable and soft mattress. It is medium (5) firm, making it suitable for most sleepers. However, those who find their mattress too firm can benefit from this mattress. It also prevents movement transfer which is crucial for those who sleep in a combination. Like the Coop Home Goods Retreat topper, this one provides relief from pressure for neck and shoulder pain. This topper comes with one drawback that it might not breathe as well as foam or latex which is why it's not the best choice for sleepers who are hot.

5. Nolah Beds Luxury Plush Memory Foam Topper

The Nolah Beds Luxury Plush Memory Foam Topper offers a great solution for side sleepers and back sleepers who are looking to soften a firm mattress. This topper is also ideal for people with chronic pain because it reduces pressure points. It's made in the USA with non-toxic materials and is a good choice for those who sleep hot. It features a 2" layer of clever copper-infused foam that encourages breathable while also providing support. It also comes with an organic cotton cover for optimal moisture management. Our test participant Paige discovered that this topper did a great job of stopping motion transfer and providing substantial softness, without sacrificing support. However, she noted that the edges did not fully fit her mattress, so if edge support is important for you, this may not be the right topper for you.

This topper is also easy to clean as it has a washable, removable cover. In addition, it's hypoallergenic as well as antibacterial to provide a healthy night's rest. It also has five body zones that support different parts of the mattress. It comes with a guarantee and a 120-night trial, which is longer than policies of competitors.

This is one of the cheapest options in our roundup, but it doesn't skimp on quality. It's made of a combination of memory foam and natural latex that gives it a luxuriously supple feel. It's a more dense layer of memory foam to offer additional comfort and promote a restful sleep. It's not an ideal choice for stomach sleepers as it sinks too deeply. This can cause spinal misalignment. However, it's an excellent option for those looking for a good night's rest at an affordable price.