How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You
A mattress topper is the quickest and most convenient way to improve your mattress. The most popular materials include memory foam, polyfoam, and latex.
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 make it feel plush. It can also provide an additional level of support, which can ease back pain. A memory foam topper can help relieve pressure points and pressure points, while latex toppers provide more breathability and bounce than polyurethane options.
The firmness of a topper can be determined by its material and weight, as well as your sleeping position, and your personal preferences. For mattress toppers best who sleep on their sides, they can choose the softest option, whereas stomach or back sleepers will prefer a medium-firm option. The thickness of a topper may impact comfort. While thicker toppers may provide more cushioning, it's possible that they will not conform to your bed and cause an uncomfortable feeling.
The top mattress protectors for most people are made from a durable soft material that comes with a solid warranty. It should be hypoallergenic, comfortable, and free of harmful chemicals such as the fire retardants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). To keep the topper clean and fresh, it can be cleaned by a machine.
Testers at GH rate the topper on its ease of use and temperature regulation as well as how it affects the feel of their existing mattress. We also want to know whether the topper remains 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 great customer rating of 4.4 out of 5 (as of May 2023) and is available in the queen size. It's made of a two-inch layer of bouncy open-cell foam to contour to your body and react to motion, providing support while keeping cool.
An option that is more affordable is the Turmerry organic topper, which is made of a three-inch layer of breathable natural materials and can be purchased in soft or firm options. It's a great option for people with sagging beds, innerspring mattresses with too high bounce or couples looking to minimize the sensation of motion transfer.
Another popular choice 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 label indicates that the topper is organically grown standards and is free of chemical dyes and synthetic materials.
Support
A mattress topper is a thick layer that sits on top of your bed. It is secured to your mattress via elasticated straps or a skirt that is stretchy and ranges in thickness from two to four inches. Mattress protectors are thin covers that shield your mattress from spills, allergens and bed bugs.
The top mattress covers will transform your sleep, and prevent aches and discomforts due to an old or soft mattress. They can also enhance an uncomfortable mattress or sagging, by providing the proper amount softness, support and temperature control.
There are a variety of mattress topper materials, like memory foam, latex, down, and gel. Select a memory foam mattress for those who want 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 hot sleepers.
If you're suffering from a back problem, a memory foam topper can help keep your spine aligned by reducing pressure on delicate areas. If you are struggling with back pain, a topper infused with copper can reduce inflammation and swelling, and it may also alleviate pain from pressure points.
Cotton or wool toppers can help you sleep more comfortably and cooler. Wool is breathable and moisture-wicking and is also tough and easily moldable. It's often mixed with other materials for added comfort, like 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 ideal for those who want the softness of a mattress. Find one that contains feathers and down to create an extravagant texture that covers your body in softness. Brooklyn Bedding's topper is a great choice, as it comes in two textures with firmness for those who need extra support and durability and plush for softness like clouds. It's covered by a five-year guarantee and includes a generous trial period and free shipping.
Temperature Control
If you own a memory foam mattress, you can upgrade your comfort level with this topper, which is both cooling and padded. It features gel infused memory foam that is ventilated through holes that are specifically designed to make it breathable and helping to disperse heat during your sleep. It comes with bamboo-covered mattresses that are soft and wicks moisture away. This keeps you cool as you sleep.
This topper comes in different thicknesses, depending on the thickness you prefer. 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 made in America and come with a 100-night trial.
Latex and foam are both breathable and make them a good choice for sleepers who are hot. Certain memory foam and latex mattress toppers can hold heat, which is uncomfortable for certain people. Look for cooling components, like this Nolah model. It is made with the company's signature foam and quilted cover that has cooling fibers to keep you cool as you sleep, plus it offers a zoned support system for your head, shoulders, torso, hips and legs.
Another method to ensure an unbeatable night's sleep is to use a mattress protector. These protectors are able to be placed over the bed and shield it from spills, allergens and other things. It is machine washable and has the zipper, making it easy to clean as well as to put on and remove.
The majority of people have a preferred sleeping position, and if prefer sleeping on your stomach or back you'll need a topper that provides plenty of support. A mattress that is too firm can cause you to slump over and may exacerbate neck or back pain. Softer foams and down or down-alternative toppers provide additional comfort. The Parachute pillow, reviewed by Strategist contributor Lauren Levy, is made of soft foam and down-alternative toppers.
Breathability
A mattress topper is a great way to improve the look of an old mattress without spending a fortune. Finding the perfect mattress topper can be difficult, especially with so many options available. Whether your mattress is starting to lose its shape, you suffer from back pain or you simply want to decrease the sensation of motion transfer from one partner to the next, the correct topper can make all the difference.
The kind of material used to create a topper is the biggest element in its feel, and it can affect not only how well you sleep, but also your back health. For example, experts say side sleepers should use a soft-feeling topper, while back or stomach sleepers need a firmer option.
Other factors, including breathability and thickness, could help you narrow down your options. Thicker toppers can be more expensive, but they provide more support. They are also generally more breathable because they have a larger surface area that allows air to circulate. Find models with baffle box construction. This will prevent the clumping of the filling evenly dispersed (a major benefit for comfort).
If you sleep hot, think about gel-infused memory foam that is designed to keep you cool as you sleep. You may also want to think about a latex top that is tough and springy. If you want to avoid chemicals organic wool or cotton are great alternatives.
While a mattress topper isn't as likely to require washing as your sheets, it's important to find a model that is easy to clean and able to endure repeated washes. A majority of the models we tested have large elastic straps that bind them to your mattress, making it easier to take them off and wash them. You'll want a mattress topper that stays in place, particularly when you're a combination sleeper who moves throughout the night.
Brooklyn Bedding's gel swirl memory foam topper is a CertiPUR US and GreenGuard gold-certified option. It is sturdy and comfortable. It's a bit more expensive than the other models on our list, however it has received excellent reviews from users and comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee.