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Mattress toppers offer an inexpensive option to upgrade your mattress. They are available in various sizes, materials, and price points. The best mattress topper will not only help you get a better night’s rest, but it will also help protect your mattress from moisture, debris, and general wear and tear. When shopping for a mattress topper, there are a few things to be aware of, including available materials, firmness, and densities. This guide covers the best mattress toppers and the various options, including which features to look for in each type.
- BEST OVERALL: Sleep Innovations 4-Inch Dual Layer Gel Memory Foam
- RUNNER UP: Pure Green 100% Natural Latex Mattress Topper
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Linenspa 3 Inch Gel Infused Memory Foam Topper
- UPGRADE PICK: Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR Supreme 3-Inch Mattress Topper
- BEST MEMORY FOAM: Lucid 3-Inch Lavender Infused Memory Foam Topper
- BEST PILLOW TOP: Lucid Ultra Plush Down Alternative Fiber Bed Topper
- BEST COOLING: Sleep Zone Cooling Mattress Topper
- BEST FIRM: ViscoSoft 3-Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper
What Is the Difference Between Toppers, Pads, and Protectors?
A mattress protector is a thin layer of bedding used to cover the mattress. Mattress protectors go beneath the fitted sheet to safeguard the bed from dust and moisture. Higher-quality mattress protection, such as the kind the best mattress pads and mattress toppers provide, increases the life of the mattress by reducing wear and tear. At the same time, mattress protectors make the bed more comfortable.
Mattress pads and mattress toppers add a layer of protective comfort to your mattress. Mattress pads offer a little plushness while protecting the cushion from stains and wear, prolonging the life of the mattress. There are also cooling mattress pads and heating mattress pads to regulate a sleeper’s temperature for more comfortable sleep. Mattress toppers, even a thin mattress topper, are thicker than mattress pads and offer excellent protection for mattress longevity. Use a mattress topper to change the bed’s comfort level, add firmness to a soft bed, or make a firm bed softer. Quality mattress toppers can completely change the feel of your bed.
Types of Mattress Toppers
If you’re looking to add high-level mattress protection and improve sleeping comfort, then top-rated mattress toppers are the way to go. There are several material options from which to choose.
Latex
Latex is a natural material derived from the rubber tree. The natural rubber is processed into a durable, open cell-foam. It is considered a renewable resource, and it does not produce harmful fumes.
Latex mattress toppers offer similar properties to memory foam, but with more bounce, and better air circulation for a more refreshing sleep. They come in numerous varieties and thicknesses. Latex is highly durable and the most expensive kind of mattress topper. Those with latex sensitivities should not use this material.
Memory Foam
Memory foam is made of polyurethane, a petrochemical product. An open-cell foam with a relatively low degree of air circulation, it conforms to body shape when you lie down and quickly returns to its original form when you get up.
The best memory-foam mattress toppers feature high-density foam. They conform closely to the user’s body weight for better support, offering high strength and durability. One of these models is probably the best mattress topper for side sleepers because it successfully relieves pressure at the sleeper’s shoulders and hips.
However, these models can become quite warm; in fact, for some users, they can become too warm. Hot sleepers should look for gel-infused memory foam or memory foam with aeration holes for better cooling. Finally, it’s important to note that memory-foam mattress toppers emit gases, including benzene and naphthalene, for up to 3 days after installation.
Fiber-Filled
Fiber-filled, or fiberfill, mattress toppers incorporate synthetic filling made of polyester fiber or down alternative fibers. They do not provide much support but are the best type of mattress topper to make a bed feel cozy. Fiberfill mattress toppers are inexpensive and offer excellent air circulation while providing an added layer of softness.
Fiber-filled mattress toppers do not trap air and moisture. However, they do provide significant loft, so they are relatively hot to sleep on unless they’re made with specially designed cooling fibers that promote airflow. They require regular maintenance in the form of shaking and fluffing the filler material. Some people may find that fiberfill toppers feel thin or lumpy.
Wool
Wool is a durable, breathable, and natural material that is resistant to moisture and stains. It stays cool in summer and warm in winter. These make some of the best cooling mattress toppers. Wool is also naturally wear- and tear-resistant.
Wool mattress toppers feel soft and luxurious—an excellent choice for those looking for a natural bedding material to protect the mattress while adding some softness. However, side sleepers may find wool toppers lack cushioning, and wool is a relatively expensive material.
Feather
Natural feather-filled mattress toppers, also called featherbeds, add plush softness to all mattress surfaces. They are thick and soft and absorb very little body heat. A feather mattress topper is an excellent choice for a hot sleeper who wants deep cushioning.
Feather mattress toppers cost less than many other mattress toppers. However, they do lose some of their loft over time. Many feather mattress toppers end up with quills poking through, so look for models that address this issue with better fabric covering, or that have filler feathers with quills removed.
What to Consider When Buying the Best Mattress Topper
A good mattress topper can help prolong the life of a mattress. It’s also an inexpensive option for those looking to upgrade. It’s important for users to find the material that best suits their comfort level and provides their ideal level of firmness. Here are a few things to think about before purchasing a mattress topper.
Type of Mattress
The mattress itself plays a huge role when choosing a topper. The purpose of the mattress topper is to protect the mattress and supplement the support and comfort the mattress provides. The mattress topper need not match the mattress, but it should complement it.
Those with a firm mattress may wish to soften it by selecting a plush topper. Conversely, users with a soft mattress may want to add support with a firmer topper. The best mattress toppers for back pain can give a mattress new life by smoothing out lumps and bumps and providing support. The thickest mattress topper may completely rejuvenate the mattress.
Material
Choose the material that will best improve your sleep. Side sleepers often need deeper cushioning and spinal support than latex or memory foam offers. Hot sleepers benefit from the improved air circulation of wool or the cooling effect of gel-infused memory foam. Fiber-fill and feather mattress toppers are excellent choices when you only need to add a bit of softness.
Firmness
The two ends of the firmness spectrum are “firm” and “plush.” The two most significant factors determining a sleeper’s firmness preference are their sleep position and weight. Back sleepers and side sleepers tend to feel most comfortable on plush or medium-firm sleep surfaces. Stomach sleepers benefit from firm to medium surfaces. Heavier individuals benefit from increased firmness and support.
Density & Thickness
Foam density, measured in pounds per cubic foot, is a measure of firmness, support, and durability. Anything over 6 pounds per cubic foot is high density. Medium density is 4 to 5 pounds per cubic foot. If it is 3 pounds per cubic foot or less, it is considered low density.
Higher-density foams are long lasting, supportive, and firmer. Lower-density foams provide softness. Foam mattress toppers often feature different layers, with a deeper high-density layer that offers more structure and a lower-density surface layer for more softness.
Thickness determines how well the mattress topper buffers the sleeper from the mattress below. A thicker mattress topper affects the sleep surface more than a thin topper will. Use a thick topper to improve the feel of a lumpy mattress or to soften a mattress that is too firm. A thinner mattress topper is adequate to add protection and support to an otherwise comfy bed.
Back and side sleepers often prefer thick, low- to medium-density foam mattress toppers. Stomach sleepers may find higher density or thinner toppers more comfortable because they prevent the hips from sinking into the surface of the mattress. Keep in mind that a foldable mattress might require a thinner mattress topper that will flex when folded.
Size
The mattress topper you choose should match your mattress size. The thickness of the topper will affect the fitted sheet’s depth you can use to dress your bed.
Comfort & Body Support
Memory foam material cushions pressure points and contours the body to support the spine and neck, giving the feeling of being enveloped in the bed. Latex does the same, with added springiness. Fiber, feather, and wool toppers simply cushion the body and add a cozier feel. They provide less spinal support than foam.
Temperature Regulation
Moisture wicking and air circulation are the keys to temperature regulation. Wool is the best-rated mattress topper material for temperature regulation, followed by feather and fiberfill.
Standard memory foam allows heat to build up to the point that sleepers may become clammy and overheated. Gel-infused memory foam, especially when supplemented by air channels and other cooling technologies, significantly improves breathability. Latex provides better temperature regulation than standard memory foam but may also have aeration channels to promote air circulation.
Our Top Picks
We reviewed the most popular mattress toppers by the top brands in the industry. After weighing them against our criteria, and considering other optional features, we narrowed it down to the some of the best mattress toppers available.
Best Overall
Sleep Innovations 4-Inch Dual Layer Gel Memory Foam
One of our highest-rated mattress toppers, Sleep Innovations Dual Layer Gel Memory Foam brings together the firmness of memory foam and the loftiness of fiberfill into one product. The base layer is a 2-inch-thick gel memory foam designed to draw heat away, keeping the body at an optimal temperature for a full night of undisturbed sleep. The top layer is an easily removable, machine-washable quilted cover filled with hypoallergenic fiberfill. The quilted layer plus the gel foam layer provide 4 inches of cushioning.
Because this is a two-piece setup, there is a question of shifting. The top layer features elastic corners that fit around the foam layer and the mattress snuggly (like an extra-deep fitted sheet). This dual-layer system gives users the option of using one or both of the layers. For those who find it difficult to decide between memory foam or a quilted mattress topper, this pick by Sleep Innovations provides both and comes with a 10-year limited warranty.
Product Specs
- Material: Memory foam and fiberfill
- Height: 4 inches
- Available sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California (Cal) king
Pros
- Removable top layer
- Benefits of memory foam and fiberfill
- 10-year warranty
- Gel memory foam helps temperature regulation
Cons
- 2-layer design can lead to slippage
Get the Sleep Innovations mattress topper on Amazon or Sleep Innovations.
Runner Up
Pure Green 100% Natural Latex Mattress Topper
Pure latex is breathable, durable, and offers the right blend of comfort and firmness. This mattress topper by Pure Green is made from 100 percent natural latex farmed on a sustainable plantation in Sri Lanka. It’s Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) certified, which means it’s been harvested from organic rubber trees and contains a minimum of 95 percent certified organic material. Latex toppers are a good choice for those who prefer mattresses on the firm side but need some extra breathability.
Latex is more responsive than memory foam, and it lets air flow for cooling. When we use the term “responsive,” we mean that the latex has a little bit of bounce to it so that it readily responds to the sleeper’s movements. The topper takes advantage of the natural bubbles in latex, and the added pinholes on the topper allow air to travel freely through the material without getting trapped next to the sleeper’s body. This topper can also help to cool or neutralize the temperature of an existing mattress.
This latex topper is available in three thicknesses, with the 2-inch height being the most popular choice. The topper comes with a 5-year warranty and a 30-day trial with free returns. Latex toppers are among the most durable materials available and are well worth the investment.
Product Specs
- Material: Natural latex
- Height: 1 inch, 2 inches, or 3 inches
- Available sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king
Pros
- Aeration channels improve breathability
- GOLS-certified latex
- Contouring but responsive to movement
- 3 thickness options
Cons
- Expensive
- Has a latex odor
Get the Pure Green mattress topper on Amazon or Sleep on Latex.
Best Bang For The Buck
LINENSPA Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Memory foam tends to retain heat and is not a great choice for a hot sleeper. However, this gel memory-foam topper features polyurethane gel beads that help distribute heat and maintain a cool and comfortable sleep temperature. For those looking to give gel memory foam a shot, this topper by Linenspa is affordable and will allow users to get a few more years out of an old mattress.
Made from 100 percent supersoft conforming memory foam, this topper aligns the spine and evenly disperses body weight to relieve pressure points. The topper is available in 2- and 3-inch profile options, and although both have the same plush feel, go with the 3-inch profile to get the most bang for the buck. The topper also comes with a 3-year warranty.
Product Specs
- Material: Memory foam
- Height: 2 or 3 inches
- Available sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, full XL, short queen, queen, RV (recreational vehicle) queen, king, Cal king (all sizes may not be available)
Pros
- Cooling gel beads
- Conforms to the shoulders and hips
- 2 height options
Cons
- Some sleepers still overheat
Get the Linenspa mattress topper on Amazon or Linenspa.
Upgrade Pick
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR Supreme 3-Inch Mattress Topper
is one of the top brands when it comes to memory-foam mattresses. If a full memory-foam mattress is out of budget, consider getting a 3-inch topper made from the same pressure-relieving Tempur material found in the brand’s mattresses. This medium firmness memory-foam topper conforms to the body to deliver more restful sleep.
Originally formulated by NASA, Tempur is one of the highest-quality foams available. Tempur-Pedic has continued to develop the formula to create a more comfortable sleep surface. Tempur foam is higher in density, making it very durable. However, more mass means more heat retention, which can be a problem for some warm sleepers.
The Tempur-Pedic Supreme is costly, but it’s a good pick for someone who needs extra back support and is looking for a cost-effective alternative to buying a high-end mattress. Tempur-Pedic mattress toppers are backed by a 10-year limited warranty and also come with a washable polyester-blend hypoallergenic cover.
Product Specs
- Material: Memory foam
- Height: 3 inches
- Available sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king
Pros
- Comes with a washable cover
- Medium firmness works for most sleep styles
- 10-year warranty
- Dense foam offers more support and durability
Cons
- Expensive
Get the Tempur-Pedic mattress topper on Amazon,Wayfair, or Tempur-Pedic.
Best Memory Foam
Lucid 3-Inch Lavender Infused Memory Foam Topper
Most memory-foam mattresses have an unpleasant chemical odor that dissipates after a month or so. For those who are sensitive to the odor, it can be hard to wait that long. But Lucid has a solution: Its 3-inch mattress topper is infused with lavender for calming comfort, and it doesn’t have that awful chemical smell.
Lavender is known for its naturally relaxing properties. Combined with Lucid’s 3 inches of pressure-relieving memory foam, this topper offers softness and scent that work together to promote a restful sleep. It also features a ventilated design that provides a more breathable and cooler feel than traditional memory-foam toppers. It comes with a 3-year warranty and is affordably priced.
Product Specs
- Material: Memory foam
- Height: 3 inches
- Available sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king
Pros
- Pleasant lavender scent
- Lavender promotes relaxation
- Aeration holes improve breathability
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Can lose its firmness over time
Get the Lucid memory-foam mattress topper at Amazon, The Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Lucid Mattress.
Best Pillow Top
Lucid Ultra Plush Down Alternative Fiber Bed Topper
For those who have dreamed of sleeping on a cloud, this topper may bring that dream to life. The Lucid Ultra Plush mattress topper features a pure cotton percale cover with baffle box construction and soft hypoallergenic fill that creates a smooth, breathable, and even sleep surface.
The baffle box stitching helps maintain loft and improve breathability. It also keeps the fill from shifting and bunching. The topper features thick elastic straps positioned on each corner that attach it to the mattress. This model is machine washable and dryer safe and needs only a fluff now and then to maintain its loft. This topper comes with a 3-year warranty.
Product Specs
- Material: Down alternative fill
- Height: 3 inches
- Available sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, full XL, queen, king, Cal king
Pros
- Machine washable and dryable
- Easy to maintain loft
- Creates a soft, breathable sleep surface
Cons
- Some users complain of weak corner straps
Get the Lucid down alternative mattress topper on Amazon.
Best Cooling
Sleep Zone Cooling Mattress Topper
If you sleep warm, the Sleep Zone is made for you. This mattress topper hovers between a topper and a mattress pad. It’s tightly filled with plush fiberfill, but it’s on the thinner side compared to other models on our list. However, it’s a great solution for people who easily overheat and need a little extra cushioning. This model is constructed with Nanotex technology, which creates a modified fiber that wicks away moisture, cooling the sleeper. The cover fabric is embossed to further enhance breathability.
Additionally, the stitching and fiberfill are arranged into three zones to better support different areas of the body. The sides fit mattresses up to 21 inches deep, and an extra-thick band of elastic (1.5 inches) helps snuggly hold the mattress topper in place. This model is also machine washable and dryable and comes with a lifetime warranty.
Product Specs
- Material: Fiberfill
- Height: Not available
- Available sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king
Pros
- Easy to care for and maintain
- Fabric improves breathability and wicks away moisture
- Deep pocket fits taller mattresses
- Thick elastic holds the topper in place
- Affordable price
Cons
- May not have enough cushioning for larger sleepers
Get the Sleep Zone mattress topper on Amazon or Sleep Zone.
Best Firm
ViscoSoft 3-Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Denser memory foam will outperform and outlast the lighter variety, but it also means it has less breathability. That’s not the case with the ViscoSoft memory-foam topper. It is dense, durable, and engineered to optimize airflow while reducing trapped body heat. Adjustable corner straps help hold the top in place.
ViscoSoft’s high-density, gel-infused memory-foam formula aligns the spine to relieve common pressure points and prevent sleepers from sinking into the foam. It supports the neck and back by contouring to the body’s curves while eliminating motion transfer from one’s partner or pets. This topper also has a ventilated core that works with the gel infusion to prevent overheating.
The topper comes with a machine-washable bamboo-rayon cover and a 60-day no-hassle money-back guarantee with a 3-year warranty.
Product Specs
- Material: Memory foam
- Height: 2, 3, or 4 inches
- Available sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, short queen, queen, king, Cal king
Pros
- Dense memory foam provides a firm sleep surface
- Washable cover
- Gel-infused ventilated core improves breathability
- Excellent contouring
Cons
- May be too firm for side sleepers
Get the ViscoSoft mattress topper on Amazon or ViscoSoft.
Our Verdict
The Sleep Innovations mattress topper combines the contouring and pressure relief of memory foam with the cushioning and loft of fiberfill in one mattress topper. This model can accommodate all sleep positions and people of varying weight. It has some of the best (and most) mattress topper reviews on Amazon. A close contender is our runner-up pick, the Pure Green mattress topper. This eco-friendly mattress topper is made of natural latex, offering excellent pressure relief with more responsiveness than memory foam offers.
How We Chose the Best Mattress Toppers
We researched not only what makes a great mattress topper but also the brands that consistently produce the best mattress toppers on the market. The materials, craftsmanship, cooling features/technology, and durability all factored into our decisions. When looking at materials, we considered the density of the foam, which heavily influences durability. If the mattress topper was made of fiberfill, we considered how easy it was to care for and maintain the loft. We also took a good look at breathability and cooling features/technology. Not everyone sleeps warm, but some materials are known for trapping body heat. For that reason, we looked for gel infusions and aeration channels in memory foam as well as cover materials that wick away moisture and further improve breathability.
And finally, though a slightly less important consideration, we considered how many sizes the mattress topper came in. All the models came in the standard twin, full, queen, and king sizes, but we also looked for models that would fit less popular mattress sizes.
The Advantages of Owning a Mattress Topper
Mattress toppers add a layer of comfort and protection for a better night’s sleep and a longer-lasting mattress. There are many options available, but the best mattress topper will offer the following advantages:
- Mattress toppers improve the comfort of the sleep surface
- They protect the mattress from dust, dirt, and moisture
- Adding a mattress topper to a slightly worn bed is a cost-effective way to add years to its life
FAQs
Mattress toppers are cost-effective alternatives to full-sized mattresses. Are they worth getting versus a full mattress? Here are some frequently asked questions about mattress toppers.
Q. Do mattress toppers really work?
Mattress toppers offer added comfort, protection, and longevity to both old and new mattresses.
Q. Is it better to get a memory-foam mattress or a topper?
The decision between a mattress or topper often depends on your budget and the state of one’s current mattress. If the mattress has valleys or canoes on its surface and is over 7 or 8 years old, it’s probably time for a new mattress. However, for those on a tight budget with a mattress that is in good condition, a topper can offer comfort at a much more affordable price.
Q. What is the best thickness for a mattress topper?
Thick mattress toppers, 3 inches or greater, are best for improving the comfort of a bed that is too firm or too soft. The choice of material also helps to determine the mattress topper’s effectiveness.
Q. How do you keep a mattress topper from sliding?
Most mattress toppers come with corner straps or full sides (similar to a fitted sheet) that help hold them in place. Some memory-foam models that don’t have a cover do not need extra help staying in place because of the natural texture of the foam.
Q. How long does a mattress topper last?
With proper care, a good mattress topper will last up to 10 years.
