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 among the most popular materials.

A memory foam top is ideal for mattresses that are sagging or with excessive bounce. It is shaped to fit the body and offers support for back pain.

Comfort

If your mattress is too firm, a motorhome mattress topper topper can soften it. It also provides more support and help ease back pain by conforming to the body's shape. Memory foam toppers can ease pressure, while latex offers more bounce and breathability than polyurethane.

The firmness of a mattress pillow topper can be determined by the material, as well as your weight, position of sleep and personal preference. For those who sleep on their sides, they can choose a softer option, while stomach or back sleepers would prefer a medium-firm choice. A topper's thickness can also affect its comfort. While the thicker ones provide more cushioning, they might not be as pliable to your bed and could make a strange feel.

The best mattress topper mattress toppers 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, breathable, and free from harmful chemicals such as flame retardants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A topper can be machine-washed to keep it fresh and clean.

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

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

An alternative that is less expensive is the Turmerry organic topper, which has three inches of breathable natural material and can be purchased in soft or firm options. It's a great option for those who have beds that are sagging, innerspring mattresses with too much bounce or couples looking to reduce the feeling of motion transfer.

Another option that is popular is the GOTS certified mattress topper from 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 indicates that the topper is organically produced according to standards and is free of synthetic dyes and chemical materials.

Support

A mattress topper is an extra thick layer that sits atop your bed. It is secured to your mattress with elastic straps or a skirt that is stretchy and ranges in thickness from two to four inches. Mattress toppers are different from mattress protectors which are thin covers designed to protect your mattress from spills, allergens, and bed bugs.

The best mattress toppers can make a difference in your sleep and help you avoid aches and pains such as those result from an older or less than ideal mattress. They can also improve a mattress that is uncomfortable or sagging, by providing the proper amount of support, softness and temperature control.

There are many different types of mattress toppers, such as memory foam gel, latex, gel and down. Choose a memory foam topper for those who want cushioning and contouring for improved spinal alignment. A memory foam topper filled with gel can help reduce heat retention and is a great option for hot sleepers who suffer from night sweats.

If you suffer from back issues, a memory foam topper can aid in keeping your spine in alignment by reducing pressure on delicate areas. A copper-infused topper can reduce swelling and inflammation and can aid in preventing pain from pressure points.

A topper made with natural fibers like wool or cotton, will help you sleep more comfortably and cooler. Wool is breathable and moisture-wicking and is also tough and moldable. It's often blended with other materials to provide 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 like a plush feeling. Find one that contains feathers and down for an extravagant feel that wraps your body in softness. Brooklyn Bedding's topper is a great choice because it comes in two different textures: firm for those needing extra support and resilience, and plush for softness that resembles clouds. It's covered by a five-year guarantee and includes an extensive trial period as well as free shipping.

Temperature Control

If you have a memory foam mattress you can upgrade your comfort with this mattress topper that's both cooling and padded. It features gel infused memory foam that is breathable through purpose-made holes, making it breathable and helping to disperse heat during your sleep. It also has a bamboo cover that is soft, wicking and water-resistant which keeps you cool and comfortable while you sleep.

It's available in a variety of thicknesses to fit your preferences and comes with a 10-year warranty. This topper comes in a Luxury firm choice that's similar to a medium, or a 7/10. Both are made in America and come with a 100-night trial.

Foam and latex are both breathable and make them ideal for sleepers who are hot. Certain memory foam and latex mattress toppers can hold heat, which can be uncomfortable for some. Be sure to look for cooling components, like this Nolah model. It is made with the company's signature foam as well as a quilted cover with cooling fibers to keep you cool as you sleep. Additionally, it offers a zoned support system for your shoulders, head the torso, hips, and legs.

A mattress protector is another option to ensure that you sleep cool. These slip over a mattress and shield it from allergens, spills, dust mites, bugs and more. 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.

Most people have a go-to sleeping position, and if like to sleep on your back or stomach you'll need a topper that offers a lot of support. Mattresses that are too firm can cause you to hunch forward, which can cause back or neck pain. Extra comfort is provided by soft foam and toppers that are made of down or other alternatives to down. 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 endorsed 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. Finding the right mattress topper can be a challenge particularly with the many options available. The right mattress topper can make a significant difference in the quality of your mattress, whether it is sagging, you're suffering from back pain, or you want to reduce motion transfer between your partners.

The kind of material used to make a topper is the biggest factor in the feel of it, and it can affect not only how well you sleep, but also your back health. For instance, experts suggest that side sleepers should choose a soft topper, while stomach or back sleepers require a firmer option.

You can narrow down your options by taking into consideration other factors, such as the thickness and breathability. The toppers that are thicker may be more expensive, but offer more support. They are also more breathable because they have a greater surface area that allows air to circulate. Find models that have baffle box construction. This helps prevent clumping and keeps the filling evenly spaced (a huge benefit for comfort).

If you sleep hot, think about gel-infused memory foam which is designed to keep you cool as you sleep. You might also want to think about a top made of latex, which is durable and springy. If you want to avoid chemicals, organic wool or cotton are excellent choices.

Even though a mattress topper won't need to be washed as often as your sheets, you should choose a model that is easy to clean and will stand up to repeated washings. A lot of the models we looked at have straps with elastic which bind them to your mattress, which makes it easier to remove and wash them. You'll need a mattress protector that will stay in place, especially if you are a combination sleeper who moves around a lot at night.

The Brooklyn Bedding gel swirl memory foam mattress topper is a certified CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold certified product that is robust and comfortable. It is a little more expensive than other models, but has a great customer review and a 90-day money-back guarantee.