How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You

A mattress topper is the most efficient and simple way to upgrade your sleeping surface. Memory foam, polyfoam and latex are among the most well-known materials.

A memory foam top is ideal for mattresses that are sagging or with a lot of bounce. It conforms to the body and provides the support needed to ease back pain.

Comfort

A mattress topper can soften a mattress that is too firm. It also provides additional support, which can help reduce back pain. A memory foam topper can ease pressure points and pressure points, while latex toppers provide more breathability and bounce than polyurethane options.

The firmness of a topper is determined by the material used, along with your weight, sleeping position and your personal preference. A side sleeper may choose an option that is more soft, whereas stomach or back sleepers would prefer a medium-firm option. The thickness of a topper can affect its comfort: While the thicker ones provide more cushioning, they might not be as comfortable to your bed and could cause a sloppy feeling.

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

Testers at GH evaluate toppers on ease of use, temperature regulation and how it alters the feel of their existing mattresses. We also ask about the ability of the topper to stay in place, if it makes noise and how much it increases their sleep quality.

The Saatva topper at the top of our list has a very high customer rating of 4.4 out of 5 (as of May 2023) and is available in a queen size. It's designed with a two-inch layer of bouncy open-cell foam to conform to your body and respond to movement, providing support while keeping you cool.

A more affordable option is the Turmerry organic topper, which features a three-inch layer of breathable natural materials. It is available in the soft or firm option. It's a great choice for those with sagging beds, innerspring mattresses with too many bounce, or couples who wish to minimize the sensation of motion transfer.

Another popular option is the GOTS certified mattress topper made 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 signifies that the topper is made of organic materials and is free of chemicals or synthetic dyes.

Support

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

The best mattress toppers can make a difference in your sleeping habits and help you alleviate pains and aches such as those caused by an older or less than ideal mattress. They can also enhance a mattress that is uncomfortable or sagging by providing the right level of support, softness, and temperature control.

There are many kinds of mattress toppers available, including memory foam gel, latex, and down. Select a memory foam mattress for those who want comfort and contouring to improve spinal alignment. A memory foam topper that is infused with gel will help to reduce heat retention. This is a great option for those who suffer from night sweats and hot sleepers.

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 topper infused with copper may help to reduce swelling and inflammation, and may even help to prevent pain from pressure points.

A topper made from natural fibers, like wool or cotton, will aid in sleeping cooler and more comfortably. Wool is breathable, wicks away moisture, and it's also durable 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 perfect for those who want an incredibly soft feel. Choose one that has feathers and down for a luxurious feel that wraps your body in softness. This Brooklyn Bedding topper is a great option, as it comes in firm for those who require more support and resilience and plush for those looking for softness that resembles a cloud. It comes with a five-year warranty with a generous trial time and free shipping.

Temperature Control

If you own a memory foam mattress you can improve your comfort level by using this mattress topper that's both cooling and padded. It features gel infused memory foam that is ventilated through holes that are specifically designed to make it breathable, and helping dissipate heat while you sleep. It also has a bamboo cover that is soft, wicking and moisture-resistant which keeps your body cool and comfortable as you sleep.

The topper is available in a variety of thicknesses, Silentnight Mattress Topper based on the thickness you prefer. It also comes with a 10 year guarantee. The topper is available in a Luxury firm choice that is similar to a medium, or a 7/10. Both are manufactured in the USA and are backed by a 100-night sleep trial.

Latex and foam are both breathable materials, making them an excellent choice for hot sleepers. Some latex and memory foam mattress toppers can trap heat, which can be uncomfortable for certain people. 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 offers zones of support for the head, shoulders and hips.

4ft mattress topper protectors are a great method to ensure you get a cool night's sleep. These slip over a bed and protect it from spills, allergens dust mites, bugs and more. This one has an open zipper and is machine washable, making it simple to clean and to remove.

If you prefer sleeping on your stomach or back you'll require a mattress topper that provides plenty of support. A mattress that is too firm could cause you to hunch forward and aggravate neck or back pain. Softer foam and down or down-alternative topper options provide extra comfort. Writer and strategist Lauren Levy slept on this one from Parachute and reports that she woke up feeling "gently in between layers of marshmallow softness." It's also available in an organic cotton version, which is hypoallergenic and certified as OEKO-TEX Standard 100, Global Organic Textile Standards, Fair for Life and GreenGuard Gold.

Breathability

A mattress topper is an excellent way to improve the look of an old mattress without breaking the bank. Finding the ideal mattress topper can be difficult when there are so many choices available. The best mattress will make a significant difference in the quality of your mattress, whether it is sagging, Silentnight mattress topper you are suffering from back pain or you want to reduce motion transfer between partners.

The material used to make a topper can have a significant impact on its feel. It could also impact the health of your back. Experts say that those who sleep on their sides should select an easier topper, while stomach and back sleepers need a more firm one.

Other factors, like breathability and thickness, can aid in narrowing down your options. The toppers that are thicker may be more expensive, but they provide more support. They are also more breathable because they have a larger surface area. Make sure to look for models with baffle box construction. This prevents clumping, and keeps the filling evenly distributed (a major plus for comfort).

Gel-infused memory foam is made to keep people cool when they sleep. It is also possible to try a latex-based topper, which is extremely durable and bouncy. If you're looking to avoid chemicals organic wool or cotton are excellent choices.

Although a mattress topper doesn't have to be cleaned as often as sheets, you should consider a mattress that is easy to clean and will stand up to repeated washings. A majority of the models we tested had large elastic straps that bind them to your mattress, making it easier to take them off and wash them. You'll also need a mattress topper that is secure in place on the mattress, particularly for those who are 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 product that is both sturdy and comfortable. It's a bit more expensive than other models, however it has a great customer review and a 90-day guarantee.