How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You

A mattress topper is the fastest and easiest way to upgrade your sleeping surface. The most popular materials are memory foam, polyfoam and latex.

A memory foam topper is perfect for mattresses that are sagging or beds with too many bounce. It conforms to your body and provides support for back pain.

Comfort

If your mattress is too firm, a topper can help it feel more comfortable. It can also provide an additional level of support, which can ease back pain. 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, and also your weight, sleeping position and personal preference. Typically, a side sleeper will prefer a more supple topper, while stomach and back sleepers favor a medium to firm option. The thickness of a topper can affect its comfort. While heavier toppers offer more cushioning, they might not conform as well to your bed and can make a strange feel.

The best mattress toppers for most people are constructed of a strong soft and comfortable material that is backed by an excellent warranty. It should be hypoallergenic and air-tight, and free of 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 topper for the ease of use and temperature control as well as how it changes the feeling of their mattress. We also ask whether the topper stays in position, if it makes any noise and how much more comfortable they sleep.

The Saatva topper, which is at the top of our ranking is rated by customers with a score of 4.4 (as as of May 2023) and is available in a queen-sized. It's designed with a 2 inch layer of open-cell, bouncy foam that contours to your body. This gives you support and keeps your body cool.

Turmerry organic toppers are a less expensive alternative. They are available in a soft and firm option with a 3-inch layer composed of natural materials that breathe. It's a great option for people with sagging beds or innerspring mattresses that have too high bounce or couples looking to lessen the impact 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 label indicates that the topper is organically grown standards and is free of synthetic dyes and chemical materials.

Support

A mattress topper is an additional thick layer that sits on top of your bed. It secures to your mattress with elastic straps or a skirt with a stretchy design and ranges in thickness ranging from two to four inches. Mattress toppers differ from mattress protectors, which are thin covers designed to protect your bed against allergens, spills, and bed bugs.

The best mattress toppers can improve your sleep and help you avoid aches and pains that are caused by an old or softer than ideal mattress. They can also enhance the comfort of a mattress topper single that is uncomfortable or sagging, by providing the proper amount of support, softness and temperature control.

There are a variety of mattress toppers, including memory foam gel, latex, gel and down. If you're looking to improve your spine alignment, choose a memory-foam topper. It will provide cushioning and contour. A memory foam mattress filled with gel can aid in reducing heat retention, making it a good choice for hot sleepers who are prone to sweaty nights.

If you have back issues, a memory foam topper can help you keep your spine in a good alignment by reducing pressure on sensitive areas. A copper-infused topper can help reduce swelling and inflammation and can also help prevent pain from pressure point.

A cotton or wool pillow can help you sleep more comfortably and cooler. Wool is breathable and wicks moisture It's also strong and moldable. It is often blended with down for added comfort. 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. Look for one that includes feathers and down for an extravagant texture that covers your body in a softness. This Brooklyn Bedding topper is a good choice as it comes in firm for those who need extra support and a firmer feel and also plush for those looking for cloud-like softness. It's backed by five years of warranty and comes with an extensive trial period as well as free shipping.

Temperature Control

This topper is cooling and cushions. It can be used on a memory foam mattress. It's filled with gel that is ventilated by holes. This makes it breathable and helps it dissipate the heat while you sleep. It also comes with a bamboo cover that is soft, wicking and moisture-resistant, keeping you cool and comfortable as you relax.

It's available in various thicknesses to suit your preference and comes with a 10-year guarantee. This topper comes in a luxury mattress topper firm version that is similar to a medium or a 7/10. Both are manufactured in the USA and are backed by a 100-night trial.

Latex and foam mattress toppers are both breathable that makes them great choices for those who sleep hot. Some memory foam and latex mattress toppers trap heat, which can be uncomfortable for some. Look for ones that have cooling elements, like this one from Nolah. It is made with the company's signature foam as well as quilted cover that has cooling fibers to keep you cool as you sleep. Additionally, it provides a zoned, padded support for your head, shoulders and torso, as well as your hips and legs.

Another method of ensuring a cool night's sleep is by using a mattress protector. These protectors slip over the bed and protect it against spills, allergens and other things. This one has an open zipper and is machine washable, making it simple to clean and to remove.

If you prefer to sleep on your back or stomach you'll require a mattress topper that provides plenty of support. A mattress that is too firm can cause you to slump over and can cause back or neck pain. Softer foam and down or down-alternative toppers provide extra comfort. Strategist and contributing writer Lauren Levy slept on this one from Parachute and says she woke up feeling "gently in between layers of marshmallow softness." It's also available in an organic cotton version, which 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 great option to replace your mattress toppers best without breaking the bank. But, with the many choices available, finding the best one for you is difficult. The right mattress topper can make a significant difference in your sleep, whether your mattress is getting sagging, or you are 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 affects not only how comfortable you sleep, but also your back health. Experts say that those who sleep on their sides should select a soft topper, whereas stomach and back sleepers need a firmer one.

Other factors, including thickness and breathability, can aid in narrowing down your options. Toppers with a higher thickness can be more expensive, but they provide more support. They also have a better air-conditioned due to a larger surface area. 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 made to keep people cool when they sleep. You might also want to consider a latex mattress that is extremely durable and springy. If you want to avoid chemicals, organic wool or cotton are excellent choices.

Even though the mattress topper isn't required to be cleaned as frequently as sheets, you should consider a mattress that is easy to clean and will hold up to repeated washings. The majority of the models we tested come with 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 will stay in place, particularly if you are a combination sleeper who moves around a lot at night.

Brooklyn Bedding's gel-swirl memory foam topper is a CertiPUR US and GREENGUARD gold certified option. It's durable and comfortable. It is a little more expensive than other models, however it has a great customer review and a 90-day money-back guarantee.