How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You

A mattress topper could be the fastest and easiest method of upgrading your mattress. Memory foam, polyfoam, and latex are among the most well-known materials.

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

Comfort

A mattress topper can soften mattresses that are too firm. It can also offer additional support that can reduce back pain. Memory foam toppers can ease pressure, while latex offers more bounce and breathability than polyurethane.

The firmness of a mattress can be determined by the fabric, and also your weight, position of sleep and personal preference. Most often, those who sleep on their sides will opt for a softer topper, whereas stomach and back sleepers favor a medium to firm option. A topper's thickness can also affect its comfort: While the thicker ones provide more cushioning, they may not conform as well to your bed and can cause a sloppy feeling.

The top mattress protectors for the majority of people are made of a strong soft and comfortable material that is backed by an outstanding warranty. It should be hypoallergenic and breathable, and free from harmful chemicals such as fire retardants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). To keep the topper fresh and clean it can be machine washed.

Testers at GH rate toppers based on ease of use, temperature regulation and how it alters the feel of their existing mattresses. We also want to know if the topper stays in position, if it makes any noise and how much better their sleep quality is.

The Saatva topper is at the top of our ranking is rated by customers with a score of 4.4 (as as of May 2023) and is available in queen size. It's constructed with a 2-inch layer of bouncy open-cell foam that conforms to your body and adjust to movement, providing support and keeping you cool.

An option that is more affordable is the Turmerry organic topper, which features a three-inch layer of breathable natural material and comes in either the soft or firm option. It's an excellent option for people with sagging beds, innerspring mattresses with too many bounce, or couples who wish to reduce the feeling 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 is organically grown standards and is free of synthetic dyes and chemical materials.

Support

A mattress topper is an extremely thick layer that is placed on top of your current bed. It can be attached to your mattress using elastic straps or a hem that is stretchy. Its thickness ranges from 2 to 4 inches. Mattress toppers differ from mattress protectors, which are thin covers designed to protect your bed against spills, Mattress Topper Best allergens, and bed bugs.

The best mattress toppers can make a difference in your sleep and help you to avoid pain and aches such as those caused by an old or less than ideal mattress. They can also enhance the comfort of a mattress that is uncomfortable or sagging by providing the right level of support, softness, and temperature control.

There are a variety of mattress topper materials including memory foam, latex, down, and gel. Choose a memory foam topper in case you're looking for cushioning and contouring for improved spinal alignment. A memory foam mattress topper foam mattress infused with gel can aid in reducing heat retention and is a great option for hot sleepers who struggle with night sweats.

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

Cotton or wool toppers can help you sleep more comfortably and cooler. Wool is breathable and wicks moisture, and it's also durable and pliable. It's frequently blended with other materials to provide 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 is a great choice for those who prefer a plush feel. Find one that contains feathers and down to create an exquisite texture that covers your body in a softness. Brooklyn Bedding's topper is an excellent choice because it comes in two textures with firmness for those who need more support and resiliency and plush for a softness similar to clouds. 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 with this mattress topper that's both cooling and cushioning. It's filled with gel that is ventilated by holes. This makes it breathable and helps to disperse the heat while you rest. It also has bamboo covers that are soft, wicking and water-resistant that keeps your body cool and comfortable as you sleep.

It's available in different thicknesses to meet your needs and is backed by 10 years of warranty. This topper comes in a Luxury firm option that's similar to a medium or 7/10. Both are made in the USA and backed by a 100-night trial.

Foam and latex are both breathable and make them a good choice for hot sleepers. Some memory foam and latex mattress toppers can hold heat, which is uncomfortable for some. Make sure to choose ones with cooling elements like this one from Nolah. It features cooling fibers within the quilted cover as well as the company's trademark foam to keep you cool as you sleep. It also offers zones of support for the head, shoulders and hips.

A mattress protector is another way to ensure that you sleep cool. They can be placed over a bed and protect it from spills, allergens, bugs, dust mites and more. This one is machine-washable and comes with an opening for a zipper, making it easy to clean and to put on and remove.

If you prefer sleeping on your back or stomach, you will want a mattress topper that offers plenty of support. A mattress that's too hard could cause you to hunch over and may exacerbate neck or back pain. Softer foam and down or down-alternative topper options provide extra comfort. The Parachute pillow, reviewed by Strategist contributor Lauren Levy, is made of soft foam and down-alternative toppers.

Breathability

A mattress topper can be a great way to upgrade an old mattress without breaking the bank. Finding the ideal mattress topper can be a challenge, especially with so many choices available. If your mattress is beginning to sag, you have back pain or want to reduce the feel of motion transfer from one person to the next, the correct topper can make all the difference.

The material used in a topper can affect its feel. It could also impact your back health. Experts suggest that side sleepers should pick a soft topper, whereas back and stomach sleepers require a firmer one.

Other factors, including breathability and thickness, could aid in narrowing down your choices. Thicker toppers can be more expensive but provide more support. They are also typically more breathable, as they have a larger surface area that allows air to circulate. Find models that have baffle box construction, which helps prevent clumping and ensures that the filling is evenly distributed (a big plus for comfort).

Gel-infused memory foam was created to keep people cool as they sleep. You might also want to consider a latex top that is tough and flexible. If you're trying to stay clear of any chemicals wool or organic cotton are great alternatives.

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 will stand up to repeated washes. A lot of the options we reviewed include wide elastic straps which bind to the mattress which makes it easy to take them off and wash them. You'll need a mattress protector that will stay in place, particularly if you are a combination sleeper and move around a lot at night.

Brooklyn Bedding's gel swirl foam topper is a CertiPUR US and greenguard gold-certified option. It is robust and comfortable. It's a little pricier than the other models on our list, but it has received excellent reviews from users and comes with 90-day money-back assurance.