How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You
A mattress topper is the quickest and most effective way to upgrade your mattress. Memory foam, polyfoam, and latex are the most well-known materials.
A memory foam top is perfect for mattresses that are sagging or with a lot of bounce. It molds to your body, offering the support you need for back pain and pressure relief.
Comfort
If your mattress is too firm, a topper can help it feel more comfortable. It can also offer more support and help ease back pain by adjusting to your body’s contours. Memory foam toppers can ease pressure, whereas latex provides more bounce and breathability than polyurethane.
The firmness of a topper will be determined by the material it is made of and weight, as well as your sleeping position and personal preferences. A person who sleeps on their side will prefer a more supple topper, while stomach and back sleepers prefer a firm to medium option. A topper’s thickness can also affect its comfort: While heavier toppers offer more cushioning, they may not be as comfortable to your bed and can make a strange feel.
The best mattress topper for most people will be made of a soft, best mattress toppers durable material, and is backed by a solid warranty. It should also be breathable, hypoallergenic, and free of harmful chemicals like the fire retardants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Toppers can be machine-washed to keep it fresh and clean.
Testers at GH evaluate toppers on ease of use, temperature regulation and how it affects the feel of their existing mattresses. We also ask whether the topper stays in its place, if the topper makes any noise, and how much more comfortable they sleep.
The Saatva topper at the top of our list has a high customer satisfaction rating of 4.4 out of 5 (as of May 2023) and is available in the queen size. It’s designed with a two-inch layer of bouncy open-cell foam that conforms to your body and respond to movement, providing support and keeping you cool.
A more affordable option is the Turmerry organic topper, which has three inches of breathable natural materials. It comes in either soft or firm options. It’s an excellent option for people with sagging beds, innerspring mattresses with too high bounce or couples looking to reduce the feeling of motion transfer.
Linenspa’s GOTS-certified mattress protector 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 certification means the topper is organically produced according to standards and is free of chemical dyes and synthetic materials.
Support
A mattress topper is an extremely thick layer that is placed on top of your current bed. It can be affixed to your mattress toppers double by elastic straps or a hem with a stretchy fit. Its thickness can range between two and four inches. Mattress toppers differ from mattress protectors, which are thin covers designed to protect your mattress from allergens, spills, and bed bugs.
The best mattress toppers will improve your sleep and prevent aches and discomforts caused by a worn-out or soft mattress. They can also improve an uncomfortable mattress or sagging by providing the right amount softness, support and temperature control.
There are a variety of mattress toppers available, including memory foam, gel, latex and down. Select a memory foam mattress if you’re seeking comfort and contouring to improve spinal alignment. A memory foam topper that is infused with gel can help to reduce heat retention, making it a good option for those who are prone to sweaty nights.
If you’re suffering from back pain, a memory foam topper can aid in keeping your spine in alignment by reducing pressure on delicate areas. If you are struggling with a sore back, a cushion infused with copper may help to reduce inflammation and swelling, and it may also prevent pain from pressure points.
A topper made with natural fibers, like wool or cotton, can make you sleep more comfortably and cooler. Wool is breathable and moisture-wicking, and it’s also durable and moldable. It’s 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. Choose a mattress that has feathers and down. This will provide you with a luxurious feel. This Brooklyn Bedding topper is a excellent choice, since it is available in a firm mattress topper version for those who require more support and durability and plush for those who prefer cloud-like softness. It’s covered by five years of warranty and comes with an extended trial period and free shipping.
Temperature Control
If you have an memory foam mattress, you can upgrade your comfort level with this topper that is both cooling and padded. It has gel-infused memory foam that is ventilated through purpose-made holes, making it breathable and helping it eliminate heat while you sleep. It has a bamboo-covered mattress that is soft, moisture-resistant and wicking. This keeps you cool as you sleep.
This topper is available in different thicknesses based on your preference. It also comes with a 10-year guarantee. If you prefer a firmer feel this topper is available in a Luxury Firm variant (similar to a medium or 7 out of 10). Both are manufactured in the USA and are backed by a 100-night trial.
Latex and foam are both breathable and make them ideal for sleepers who are hot. Some latex and memory foam mattress toppers trap heat, which is uncomfortable for some. Make sure you choose cooling components like this Nolah model. It uses the company’s signature foam as well as a quilted cover with cooling fibers to keep you cool as you sleep. Additionally, it provides a zoned, padded support for your shoulders, head and torso, as well as your hips and legs.
Another way to ensure an unbeatable night’s sleep is to use mattress protectors. These protectors slip over the mattress and protect it from spills, allergens and other things. This one is machine-washable and comes with a zipper, making it easy to clean as well as to put on and take off.
If you like to sleep on your stomach or back then you’ll need a mattress that has plenty of support. A mattress that’s too firm could cause you to hunch over and cause neck or back pain. Softer foams and down or down-alternative topper options provide additional comfort. Strategist and contributing writer Lauren Levy slept on this one from Parachute and says she woke up feeling «gently in between layers of marshmallow softness.» It’s also available in an organic cotton version that is hypoallergenic and endorsed as OEKO-TEX Standard 100, Global Organic Textile Standards, Fair for Life and GreenGuard Gold.
Breathability
A mattress topper can be a great way to upgrade an old mattress without breaking the budget. Finding the right mattress topper can be difficult, especially with so many choices available. The right topper will make a huge difference, whether your mattress is getting sagging, or you are suffering from back pain or you are looking to decrease motion transfer between your partner.
The kind of material used in the making of the topper is the primary element in its feel, and it can affect not only how comfortable you sleep, but also your back health. For instance, experts suggest that side sleepers should use a soft topper, while back or stomach sleepers need a firmer option.
You can narrow down your options by taking into consideration other factors like the thickness and breathability. Although toppers with more thickness are more expensive, they provide better support. They also have a better breathable because they have a larger surface area. Make sure to look for models with baffle box construction. This prevents the clumping of the filling evenly distributed (a major benefit for comfort).
For those who are hot at night, think about gel-infused memory foam that is designed to keep you cool while you sleep. It is also possible to think about a top made of latex that is tough and flexible. If you’re looking to avoid any chemicals wool or organic cotton are great alternatives.
Even though a mattress topper won’t need to be cleaned as often as your sheets, you should look for a model that’s easy to clean and will be able to withstand repeated washings. The majority of the models we tested had large elastic straps that bind them to your bed, making it much easier to take them off and wash them. You’ll need a mattress topper that stays in place, especially if you are a combination sleeper who moves frequently during the night.
The Brooklyn Bedding gel swirl memory foam mattress topper is a certified CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold-certified option that is both durable and comfortable. It’s a bit more expensive than the other models that we have reviewed, but it has a great rating from customers and comes with a 90 days of money-back guarantee.