How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You

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

A memory foam mattress is perfect for mattresses that are sagging or beds with too many bounce. It is shaped to fit the body and offers the support needed to ease back pain.

Comfort

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

The firmness of a mattress can be determined by the material used, as well as your weight, sleeping position and your personal preference. Typically, a side sleeper prefers a soft topper, whereas stomach and back sleepers favor a medium to firm option. The thickness of a topper can impact comfort. While thicker toppers may offer more cushioning, it's possible that they won't fit and cause an uncomfortable feeling.

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

Testers at GH rate topper for ease of use and temperature regulation and how it changes the feeling of their existing mattress. We also ask whether the topper stays in position, if it makes any noise and how much more comfortable they sleep.

The Saatva topper at the top of our list has a high score from customers of 4.4 out of 5 (as of May 2023) and is available in a queen size. It's made of a two-inch layer of bouncy open-cell foam to contour to your body and react to motion, offering support and keeping you cool.

Turmerry organic toppers are a cheaper option. They are available in a firm and soft option and have a three-inch thickness composed of natural materials that breathe. It's a great option for those who have beds that are sagging or innerspring mattresses that have too many bounce or couples looking to minimize the sensation of motion transfer.

Linenspa's GOTS-certified mattress protector is another popular option. 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 does not contain synthetic dyes or chemicals.

Support

A mattress topper is an extremely thick layer that is placed on top of your existing mattress. It is secured to your mattress using elastic straps or a stretchy skirt and can range in thickness ranging from two to four inches. Mattress protectors are covers that shield your mattress from allergens, spills and double bed mattress topper bugs.

The top mattress covers can improve your sleeping habits and help you to avoid pain and aches that are caused by an old or less than ideal mattress. They can also help to lift the sagging of a mattress or help improve a mattress that is uncomfortable by providing the right amount of comfort, support, and temperature control.

There are a variety of mattress topper materials like memory foam, latex, down and gel. Choose a memory foam topper in case you're looking for comfort and contouring to improve spinal alignment. A memory foam mattress filled with gel can help to reduce heat retention and is a great option for those who are prone to sweaty nights.

If you have back pain, a memory-foam topper can aid in keeping your spine in alignment by reducing pressure on the sensitive areas. If you are struggling with back pain, a topper that is infused with copper can reduce inflammation and swelling, and can also help prevent pain from pressure points.

A cotton or wool pillow can help you sleep more comfortably and cooler. Wool is durable, breathable and moisture-wicking, as well as moldable. It is often blended with down to provide 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 a great option for those who want a luxurious feel. Look for one that includes both down and feathers for an extravagant texture that covers your body in a softness. Brooklyn Bedding's topper is a great option, since it comes in two distinct textures with firmness for those who need extra support and durability, and plush for softness that resembles clouds. It's backed by a five-year warranty and offers a generous trial period and free shipping.

Temperature Control

This topper is cooling and cushioning. It can be placed on a memory foam mattress. It features gel infused memory foam that is ventilated by specially-designed holes, making it breathable, and helping to disperse heat during your sleep. It also has bamboo covers that are soft, wicking and water-resistant that keeps your body cool and comfortable as you rest.

It's available in a variety of thicknesses to fit your preferences and tempur mattress Topper comes with a 10-year guarantee. If you prefer a more firm feel this topper is available in a Luxury Firm variant (similar to a medium or 7 out of 10). Both are made in the United States and come with a trial period of 100 nights.

Foam and latex are both breathable and make them an excellent choice for sleepers who are hot. However, some latex and memory foam toppers can hold body heat, which can be uncomfortable for some people. Look for cooling components, like this Nolah model. It features cooling fibers in the quilted cover and uses the foam that is trademarked by the company to keep you cool while you sleep. It also offers zones of support for the head, shoulders and hips.

Mattress protectors are a great method to ensure you have a cool sleep. These protectors are able to be placed over the bed and protect it against spills, allergens and other things. The one you choose to wash is machine-washable and comes with an opening for a zipper, making it simple to clean and to put on and remove.

If you prefer to sleep on your back or stomach then you'll need a mattress topper that offers plenty of support. A mattress that's too firm can cause you to slump over and may exacerbate neck or back pain. Softer foams and down or down-alternative topper options provide additional comfort. Strategist contributing writer Lauren Levy slept on this one from Parachute and claims to have woken up feeling "gently sandwiched 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 way to upgrade an old mattress without breaking the budget. However, with so many choices available, finding the best one for you is difficult. Whether your mattress is starting to get sagging, you're suffering from back pain, or simply want to reduce the feel of motion transfer from one person to another, the right topper can make a huge difference.

The material used in a topper could have a significant impact on its feel. It could also impact your back health. For example, experts say side sleepers should choose a soft topper, while stomach or back sleepers require a more firm option.

You can narrow down your options by weighing other factors like thickness and breathability. Although toppers with more thickness are more expensive, they provide more support. They are also generally more breathable because 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).

Those who sleep hot should look into gel-infused memory foam that is designed to keep you cool while you sleep. You might also want to consider a latex mattress, which is extremely durable and springy. If you're looking to avoid chemicals, organic wool or cotton are good alternatives.

While a mattress topper isn't as likely to need washing as sheets, it's still essential to find one that is easy to clean and tempur mattress Topper can stand up to repeated washes. The majority of the models we tested come with large elastic straps that bind them to your tempur Mattress topper, making it easier to take them off and wash them. You'll want a mattress topper that stays in place, especially when you're a combination sleeper and move frequently during the night.

Brooklyn Bedding's gel-swirl memory foam topper is a CertiPUR US and GREENGUARD gold certified option. It is robust and comfortable. It's a little more expensive than other models, but has excellent customer reviews and a 90-day warranty.