How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You
A mattress topper is the fastest and easiest method to improve your sleeping surface. Memory foam, polyfoam, and latex are among the most sought-after materials.
A memory foam top is perfect for mattresses that are too sagging or with a lot of bounce. It molds to your body shape, providing the support you need for back pain and pressure relief.
Comfort
A mattress topper can soften a mattress that is too firm. It can also offer additional support that can reduce back pain. A memory foam topper can relieve pressure points while toppers made of latex offer more bounce and breathability than polyurethane options.
A topper's firmness can be determined by the material, as well as your weight, sleeping position and personal preference. Typically, a side sleeper will opt for a softer topper, while stomach and back sleepers prefer an option that is firm or medium. The thickness of a topper can impact its comfort: Although heavier toppers offer more cushioning, they might not conform as well to your mattress and may make a strange feel.
The best mattress toppers for most people are made from a tough soft and comfortable material that is backed by a solid warranty. It should be hypoallergenic and breathable, and free from harmful chemicals like flame retardants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). To keep a topper fresh and clean it can be cleaned by a machine.
Testers at GH rate toppers for ease of use, temperature control and how it affects the feel of their current mattresses. We also want to know if the topper stays in its place, if the topper makes any noise or noise, and how more comfortable they sleep.
The Saatva topper at the top of our list has a very high customer satisfaction rating of 4.4 out of 5 (as as of May 2023) and is available in the queen size. It's designed with a two-inch layer of bouncy open-cell foam that conforms to your body and respond to motion, offering support while keeping cool.
A more affordable option is the Turmerry organic topper, which features three inches of breathable natural material and can be purchased in the soft or firm option. It's a great option for those with an unbalanced bed or innerspring mattresses that have too much bounce or couples who want to reduce the feel of motion transfer.
Linenspa's GOTS-certified mattress topper is a popular choice. 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 signifies that the topper is constructed from natural materials and is free of chemicals or synthetic dyes.
Support
A mattress topper is a thick layer that sits atop your existing bed. It secures to your mattress with elastic straps or a stretchy skirt, and it can range in thickness ranging from two to four inches. Mattress protectors are covers that shield your mattress from spills, allergens and bed bugs.
The best mattress toppers can make a difference in your sleep and help you to avoid pain and aches that are caused by an older or softer than ideal mattress. They can also improve 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 kinds of mattress toppers available, including memory foam, gel, latex and down. Choose a memory foam topper in case you're looking for cushioning and contouring for improved spinal alignment. A memory foam topper packed with gel may help reduce heat retention which makes it a great choice for hot sleepers who suffer from night sweats.
If you're suffering from back pain, a memory foam cushion can help you keep your spine in a good alignment by reducing pressure on the sensitive areas. A copper-infused topper can reduce swelling and inflammation and can aid in preventing pain from pressure points.
A topper made from natural fibers, like cotton or wool, can aid in sleeping cooler and more comfortably. Wool is breathable, wicks away moisture, and it's also durable and easily moldable. It is often mixed with down to provide extra comfort. This mattress topper from Parachute, for example, includes a mix of durable and resilient latex with temperature-regulating wool.
A down mattress topper is a great choice for those who want a luxurious feel. Choose a mattress topper with both down and feathers. This will provide you with a luxurious and soft texture. Brooklyn Bedding's topper is a great choice because it comes in two distinct textures with firmness for those who need extra support and resilience and plush for softness similar to clouds. It's backed by five years of warranty and comes with a generous trial period and free shipping.
Temperature Control
This topper is cooling and provides cushioning. It can be used on a memory-foam mattress. It's made of gel-infused memory foam which is ventilated through holes. This makes it breathable, and helps to disperse the heat while you sleep. It has a bamboo-covered mattress that is soft, moisture-resistant and wicking. This keeps you cool while you sleep.
This topper is available in different thicknesses, depending on your preference. which mattress topper is best 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 the USA and are backed by a 100-night trial.
Foam and latex mattress toppers are both breathable that makes them great options for sleepers who are hot. Certain memory foam and latex mattress toppers trap heat, which can be uncomfortable for certain people. Make sure you choose cooling components like this Nolah model. It has cooling fibers in the quilted cover and uses the company's trademark foam to keep you cool while you sleep. It also provides zoned support for hips, shoulders and the head.
Mattress protectors are another method to ensure you get a cool night's sleep. These protectors slip over the mattress and protect it from allergens, spills and other things. This one comes with zips and is machine washable, making it simple to clean and remove.
Most people have a go-to sleeping position and if you prefer sleeping on your back or stomach, you'll want a topper with plenty of support. A mattress that's too hard could cause you to hunch over and may exacerbate back or neck pain. The extra comfort is provided by softer foam and toppers made from down or down alternatives. The Parachute pillow, reviewed by Strategist contributor Lauren Levy, is made of soft foam and down-alternative toppers.
Breathability
A mattress topper is an excellent option to replace an old mattress without breaking the bank. Finding the ideal mattress topper can be a challenge, especially with so many options available. The right topper will make a big difference in the quality of your mattress, whether it is getting sagging, or you are suffering from back pain, or you're looking to cut down on motion transfer between partners.
The type of material used to create the topper is the primary factor in the feel of it and affects not only how well you sleep but also your back health. Experts suggest that side sleepers should choose a soft topper, whereas stomach and back sleepers require a more firm one.
You can narrow down your options by weighing other factors such as the thickness and breathability. Although toppers with more thickness are more expensive, they provide more support. They also have a better air-conditioned due to a larger surface area. Find models with baffle box construction, which helps to prevent clumping and keeps the filling evenly distributed (a big plus for comfort).
Gel-infused memory foam is made to keep people cool when they sleep. You might also want to try a latex topper that is extremely durable and bouncy. If you're looking to stay away from chemicals, organic wool or cotton are excellent options.
Even though a mattress topper doesn't have to be cleaned as often as 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 that bind them to your mattress, making it easier to remove and wash them. You'll also need a mattress topper that can be held securely in place on your bed, particularly for those who are a combination sleeper who is prone to moving around a lot during the night.
The Brooklyn Bedding gel swirl memory foam mattress topper is a CertiPUR US and GREENGUARD Gold-certified option that is both robust and comfortable. It's a little pricier than other models that we have reviewed, but it has excellent reviews from customers and comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee.