How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You

A mattress topper could be the most efficient and simple method to improve your mattress. Memory foam, polyfoam and latex are among the most sought-after materials.

A memory foam top is ideal for mattresses that are sagging or with a lot of 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 also provides more support, which can help alleviate back pain by conforming to your body's contours. Memory foam toppers can ease pressure, whereas latex provides more bounce and breathability than polyurethane.

A topper's firmness can be determined by the material used, and also your weight, position of sleep and personal preference. A person who sleeps on their side will opt for a softer topper, while stomach and back sleepers prefer an option that is firm or medium. The thickness of the topper can impact its comfort: Although the thicker ones provide more cushioning, they might not be as pliable to your bed and could make a strange feeling.

The best mattress toppers for most people are made of a strong soft and comfortable material that is backed by a solid warranty. It should be hypoallergenic and breathable, and free from harmful chemicals like the fire retardants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A topper can be machine-washed to keep it fresh and clean.

Testers at GH rate topper for its ease of use and temperature control as well as how it affects the feel of their mattress. We also ask about the ability of the topper to stay in place, if it creates noise, and how much it increases their sleep quality.

The Saatva topper at the top of our list has a very high customer satisfaction rating of 4.4 out of 5 (as of May 2023) and is available in the queen size. It is designed with a two inch layer of bouncy, open-cell foam that molds to your body. This provides support and keeps your body cool.

An alternative that is less expensive is the Turmerry organic topper, which has three inches of breathable natural material and is available in soft or firm options. It's an excellent choice for those who have an unbalanced bed, innerspring mattresses that have too much bounce, or couples who want to reduce the sensation of motion transfer.

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

Support

A mattress topper is an extra thick layer that sits atop your existing bed. It can be attached to your mattress by elastic straps or a stretchy hem. The thickness of the topper can vary from two to four inches. Mattress protectors are covers that protect your mattress toppers cooling from allergens, spills and bed bugs.

The best mattress toppers can transform your sleep and help avoid aches and pains, including those result from an older or less comfortable mattress. They can also boost the sagging of a mattress or help improve an uncomfortable mattress with the right amount of softness and support as well as temperature control.

There are many different types of mattress toppers available, including memory foam gel, latex, gel and down. Select a memory foam mattress if you're seeking the comfort of cushioning and a more rounded spinal alignment. A memory foam topper that is packed with gel may help reduce heat retention and is a great option for those who struggle with night sweats.

If you suffer from back pain, a memory foam topper can aid in keeping your spine in alignment by reducing pressure on delicate areas. If you struggle with back pain, a topper that is infused with copper can reduce inflammation and swelling, and it may also alleviate pain from pressure points.

A cotton or wool pillow can make you sleep more comfortably and cooler. Wool is breathable, durable, moisture-wicking and flexible. It's often mixed 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 mattress topper made of down is a great option for those who prefer a plush feel. Choose a mattress that has feathers and down. This will provide you with a luxurious and soft texture. This Brooklyn Bedding topper is a excellent choice, since it is available in a firm mattress topper for back pain option for those who require extra support and durability and plush for those who want cloud-like softness. It comes with a five-year warranty and a long trial period and free shipping.

Temperature Control

This topper is cooling and provides cushioning. It can be placed on a memory-foam mattress toppers for double bed. It features gel infused memory foam that is ventilated by holes that are specifically designed to make it breathable and helping it dissipate heat while you sleep. It has a bamboo-covered mattress that is soft and wicks moisture away. This keeps you cool as you sleep.

It's available in different thicknesses to suit your preference and comes with a 10-year guarantee. This topper comes in a Luxury firm version that is similar to a medium, or a 7 out of 10. Both are made in America and include a 100-night trial.

Latex and foam are both breathable and make them an excellent choice for hot sleepers. However, some memory foam and latex toppers can retain body heat which can make them uncomfortable for some. Make sure you choose cooling components like this Nolah model. It features the company's signature foam and quilted covers with cooling fibers to keep you cool while you sleep. It also offers a zoned support system for your head, shoulders and torso, as well as your hips and legs.

Another method of ensuring an unbeatable night's sleep is by using a mattress protector. The protectors slide over the mattress and protect it from allergens, spills and other things. This one is machine-washable and has a zipper, making it simple to clean as well as to put on and take off.

If you prefer to sleep on your back or stomach, you will want a mattress topper that provides plenty of support. A mattress that is too firm could cause you to slump forward, which can cause neck or back pain. Additional comfort is offered by softer foam and toppers that are made of down or other alternatives to down. Strategist and 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 that is hypoallergenic and certified as OEKO TEX Standard 100, Global Organic Textile Standards, Fair for Life and GreenGuard Gold.

Breathability

A mattress topper is a fantastic way to improve the look of an old mattress without costing you a fortune. Finding the perfect mattress topper can be a challenge when there are so many options available. The right mattress topper can make a big difference, whether your mattress is getting sagging, or you are suffering from back pain, or you want to reduce motion transfer between your partner.

The type of material used in the making of a topper is the most important factor in its feel and can impact not only how comfortable you sleep but also your back health. For instance, experts advise that side sleepers should use a soft topper, while back or stomach sleepers need a firmer option.

Other factors, like breathability and thickness, can aid in narrowing down your options. Thicker toppers can be more expensive, but they provide better support. They are also more breathable, as they have a greater surface area that allows air to circulate. Look for models that have baffle box construction. This helps to prevent clumping and keeps the filling evenly distributed (a huge benefit for comfort).

Gel-infused memory foam is designed to keep people cool while they sleep. You may also want to think about a latex top that is tough and flexible. If you're trying to stay clear of any chemicals, organic cotton or wool are good alternatives.

While a topper isn't likely to need washing as your sheets, it's still important to find one that is easy to clean and can stand up to repeated washes. A majority of the models we tested come with wide elastic straps that connect 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, particularly in the case of a mix sleeper and move around a lot at night.

The Brooklyn Bedding gel swirl memory foam mattress topper is a CertiPUR US and GREENGUARD Gold-certified option that is durable and comfortable. It's a bit more expensive than other models on our list, but it has excellent reviews from customers and comes with a a 90-day money-back guarantee.