How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You
A mattress topper is the most efficient and most effective way to upgrade your sleep surface. The most popular materials include
small double memory Foam mattress topper foam, polyfoam and latex.
A memory foam topper is perfect for mattresses that are too sagging or beds with too high bounce. It conforms to your body and offers the support needed to ease back pain.
Comfort
A mattress topper can soften mattresses that are too firm. It can also provide additional support that can reduce back pain. Memory foam toppers can relieve pressure, while latex offers more bounce and breathability than polyurethane.
The firmness of a topper is determined by its material and weight, as well as your sleeping position, and personal preferences. Typically, a side sleeper prefers a soft topper, whereas back and stomach sleepers prefer a medium to firm option. The thickness of the topper can impact its comfort: Although the thicker ones provide more cushioning, they might not be as comfortable to your bed and can create an awkward feel.
The best mattress topper for a majority of people will be made of a durable, soft material, and covered by a good warranty. It should be hypoallergenic and air-tight, 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 their ease of use, temperature control and how it affects the feel of their existing mattresses. We also ask about the ability of the topper to stay in position, if it makes noise and how much improves their sleep quality.
The Saatva topper is at the top of our ranking, has a customer rating of 4.4 (as of may 2023) and comes in a queen-sized. It's made of a two-inch layer of bouncy open-cell foam to contour to your body and adjust to movement, providing support while keeping you cool.
A more affordable option is the Turmerry organic topper, which has three inches of breathable natural materials and can be purchased in soft or firm options. It's an excellent choice for those with a bed that is sagging or innerspring mattresses with too much bounce, or couples who want to reduce the feeling 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 label indicates that the topper meets organic farming standards and is free of chemical dyes and synthetic materials.
Support
A mattress topper is an additional thick layer that sits on top of your mattress. It secures to your mattress with elastic straps or a skirt that is stretchy and can range in thickness between two and four inches. Mattress protectors are covers that shield your mattress from allergens, spills and bed bugs.
The best mattress toppers can transform your sleeping habits and help you avoid aches and pains such as those caused by an old or less comfortable mattress. They can also help to lift the mattress's weight or even improve a mattress that is uncomfortable by providing the right amount of comfort support, support, and temperature control.
There are many different types of mattress toppers, including memory foam, gel, latex and down. Select a memory foam mattress in case you're looking for cushioning and contouring for improved spinal alignment. A memory foam topper that is infused with gel will help reduce heat retention. This is ideal for those who suffer from night sweats and are hot sleepers.
If you suffer from back pain, a memory-foam topper can help keep your spine aligned by reducing pressure on delicate areas. If you are struggling with a sore back, a topper that is infused with copper can help reduce swelling and inflammation and may even help to alleviate pain from pressure points.
Cotton or wool toppers can help you sleep more comfortably and cooler. Wool is breathable, wicks away moisture, and it's also durable and moldable. It's often mixed with other materials for added 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 the softness of a mattress. Select a mattress topper with feathers and down. This will provide you with a luxurious feel. This Brooklyn Bedding topper is a great option, as it comes in a firm option for those who require extra support and a firmer feel and also plush for those who want softness that resembles a cloud. It's covered by five years of warranty and comes with an extensive trial period as well as free shipping.
Temperature Control
This topper is cooling and cushioning. It can be placed on a memory foam mattress. It is made of 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 bamboo covers that are soft, wicking and water-resistant, keeping you cool and comfortable while you relax.
This topper comes in different thicknesses based on what you prefer. It also comes with a 10 year guarantee. If you prefer a firmer feel the topper is available in a Luxury Firm option (similar to a medium or 7/10). Both are made in America and come with a 100-night trial.
Latex and foam are both breathable materials that make them a good choice for sleepers who are hot. Some memory foam and latex mattress toppers can trap heat, which can be uncomfortable for certain people. Make sure to choose ones with cooling components like this model from Nolah. It features cooling fibers in the quilted cover and uses the company's trademark foam to keep you cool while you sleep. It also offers zones of support for your hips, shoulders and the head.
travel mattress topper protectors are a great option to ensure that you get a cool night's sleep. These protectors are able to be placed over the bed and protect it from allergens, spills and other things. This one has an open zipper and is machine washable, making it easy to clean and to remove.
If you like to sleep on your back or stomach then you'll need a mattress topper that offers plenty of support. A mattress that's too hard can cause you to slump over and may exacerbate neck or back pain. Extra comfort is provided by soft foam and toppers that are made of down or alternative down. 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 ideal way to update an old mattress without breaking the bank. Finding the perfect mattress topper can be a challenge when there are so many options available. The right mattress topper can make a significant difference in your sleep, whether your mattress is sagging, you're suffering from back pain or you want to reduce motion transfer between partners.
The type of material used to make a topper is the most important factor in its feel, and it can affect not only how comfortable you sleep, but also your back health. Experts say that side sleepers should pick a soft topper, whereas stomach and back sleepers need a more firm one.
You can narrow your options by weighing other factors such as thickness and breathability. Thicker toppers can be more expensive, but they provide more support. They are also more comfortable due to their larger surface area. Look for models that have baffle box construction, which helps to prevent clumping and ensures that the filling is evenly spaced (a major benefit for comfort).
If you sleep hot, look into gel-infused memory foam which is designed to keep you cool as you sleep. You might also want to try a latex-based topper that is extremely durable and bouncy.