How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You

A mattress topper is the fastest and most effective way to upgrade your sleeping surface. The most popular materials are memory foam mattress toppers, polyfoam, and latex.

A memory foam topper is ideal for sagging mattresses or beds with too many bounce. It is shaped to fit the body and offers support for back pain.

Comfort

If your mattress is too firm, a mattress topper can make it feel plush. It also provides more support and help ease back pain by contouring to the body's shape. A memory foam topper can relieve pressure points while toppers made of latex offer more bounce and breathability than polyurethane options.

The firmness of a top can be determined by the material it is made of the weight of your body, sleeping position, and your personal preferences. Most often, those who sleep on their sides prefers a soft topper, whereas stomach and back sleepers favor an option that is firm or medium. The thickness of a topper can affect comfort. While thicker toppers might offer more cushioning, it is possible that they won't be able to conform to your mattress in the same way and can cause uncomfortable feelings.

The best mattress topper for a majority of people will be made of a durable, soft material and is backed by a solid warranty. It should be hypoallergenic, breathable, and free from harmful chemicals like the fire retardants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). To keep a topper fresh and clean it can be machine washed.

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

The Saatva topper, which is at the top of our list, has a customer rating of 4.4 (as of may 2023) and is available in a queen size. It is constructed with a 2 inch layer of bouncy, open-cell foam that conforms to your body. This provides support and helps keep your body cool.

Turmerry organic toppers are a more affordable alternative. They are a soft and firm option with a 3-inch layer made of natural materials that breathe. It's a great option for those who have a sagging bed or innerspring mattresses with too much bounce, or couples who wish to reduce the sensation of motion transfer.

Another popular choice is the GOTS certified mattress topper by Linenspa. 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 indicates that the topper is organically grown standards and is free of synthetic dyes and chemical materials.

Support

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

The top mattress covers can improve your sleeping habits and help you alleviate pains and aches that are caused by an old or less comfortable mattress. They can also help improve the comfort of a mattress that is uncomfortable or sagging, by providing the proper amount of support, softness and temperature control.

There are many kinds of mattress topper single bed toppers, including memory foam gel, latex, gel and down. If you want to improve the alignment of your spine, choose a memory-foam topper. It will help cushion and shape. A memory foam topper infused with gel will help to reduce heat retention. This is ideal for those who suffer from night sweats and hot sleepers.

If you suffer from back issues, a memory foam topper can aid in keeping your spine in alignment by reducing pressure on delicate areas. If you have a sore back, a topper that is infused with copper can help reduce swelling and inflammation and can also help reduce pain caused by pressure points.

A cotton or wool pillow can help you sleep more comfortably and cooler. Wool is breathable, wicks away moisture, and it's also durable and pliable. It's frequently blended with other materials for greater comfort, like 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 ideal for those who prefer a plush feeling. Choose one that has both down and feathers for an exquisite feel that wraps your body in a softness. Brooklyn Bedding's topper is a great choice, as it comes in two distinct textures that are firm for those who require extra support and resilience, and plush for softness that resembles clouds. It's covered by a five-year warranty and offers an extensive trial period as well as free shipping.

Temperature Control

If you have an memory foam mattress, you can increase your comfort level by using this topper that is both cooling and cushioning. It is made of gel-infused memory foam that is ventilated by specially-designed holes, making it breathable, and helping eliminate heat while you sleep. It comes with a bamboo-covered mattress that is soft and wicks away moisture. This keeps you cool while you sleep.

It's available in a variety of thicknesses to suit your preference and is covered by 10 years of warranty. If you prefer a firmer feel the topper is available in a Luxury Firm variant (similar to a medium or 7/10). Both are manufactured in the USA and backed by a 100-night trial.

Latex and foam are both breathable materials that make them an excellent choice for hot sleepers. Some memory foam and latex mattress toppers can trap heat, which can be uncomfortable for some. Be sure to look for ones with cooling elements, like this one from Nolah. It uses the company's signature foam and quilted cover that has cooling fibers to keep you cool while you sleep. Additionally, it provides zoned support for your head, shoulders and torso, as well as your hips and legs.

Another way to ensure an unbeatable night's sleep is to use mattress protectors. They slide over the mattress and shield it from allergens, spills, bugs, dust mites and more. This one is machine-washable and has a zipper, making it easy to clean as well as to put on and remove.

Many people have a standard sleeping position, and if prefer sleeping on your back or stomach you'll need a topper with plenty of support. A mattress that's too firm could cause you to slump forward and aggravate neck or back pain. Additional comfort is offered by softer foam and toppers made from down or down alternatives. The Parachute pillow, which was reviewed by Strategist contributor Lauren Levy, is made of soft foam and down-alternative toppers.

Breathability

A mattress topper is an excellent way to upgrade a worn out mattress without costing you a fortune. With so many options available, choosing the ideal one for you is difficult. The right topper will make a significant difference, whether your mattress is sagging, you're suffering from back pain or you are looking to decrease motion transfer between your partner.

The type of material used in the making of a topper is the most important factor in its feel and affects not only how comfortable you sleep, but also your back health. Experts suggest that those who sleep on their sides should select a soft topper, whereas stomach and back sleepers require a more rigid one.

Other factors, including breathability and thickness, could aid in narrowing your choices. Toppers with a higher thickness can be more expensive, but offer better support. They also have a better breathable because they have a greater surface area. Look for models with baffle box construction, which helps prevent clumping and ensures that the filling is evenly spaced (a big plus for comfort).

Those who sleep hot should think about gel-infused memory foam which is designed to keep you cool while you sleep. You may also want to consider a latex mattress topper mattress that is extremely tough and springy. If you want to avoid chemicals, organic wool or cotton are good choices.

While a topper isn't likely to require washing as sheets, it's important to find a model that is easy to clean and can endure repeated washes. Many of the models we looked at come with wide elastic straps that secure them to your mattress making it easier to remove them and wash them. You'll also need a mattress topper that can be held securely in place on your bed, particularly for those who are a combination sleeper who is prone to moving around frequently throughout the night.

The Brooklyn Bedding gel swirl memory foam mattress topper, Keep Reading, is a CertiPUR US and GREENGUARD Gold-certified option that is sturdy and comfortable. It's a little pricier than the other models on our list, however it has excellent reviews from customers and comes with 90 days of money-back guarantee.