How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You

A mattress topper is the fastest and most convenient way to improve your mattress. Memory foam, polyfoam, and latex are among the most well-known materials.

A memory foam top is perfect for mattresses that are sagging or beds with excessive bounce. It molds to your body and provides support for back pain and pressure relief.

Comfort

A mattress topper can soften a mattress that is too firm. It also provides additional support that can reduce back pain. A memory foam topper can ease pressure points while toppers made of latex offer more bounce and breathability than polyurethane options.

The firmness of a topper is determined by its material the weight of your body, sleeping position and personal preferences. A person who sleeps on their side will prefer a more supple topper, whereas stomach and back sleepers prefer an option that is firm or medium. A topper's thickness can also affect its comfort. While the thicker ones provide more cushioning, they may not be as comfortable to your bed and can create an awkward feeling.

The ideal mattress topper for most people will be made of soft, durable fabric and is backed by a solid warranty. It must also be breathable and hypoallergenic, and free of harmful chemicals such as flame retardants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Toppers can be machine-washed to keep it clean and fresh.

Testers at GH rate the topper on its ease of use and temperature regulation and how it affects the feel of their mattress. We also want to know if the topper stays 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 score from customers of 4.4 out of 5 (as as of May 2023) and is available in a queen size. It's designed with a 2 inch layer of bouncy, open-cell foam that conforms to your body. This gives you support and keeps you cool.

An alternative that is less expensive is the Turmerry organic topper, which is made of three inches of breathable natural materials. It can be purchased in soft or firm options. It's a great choice for people with sagging beds or innerspring mattresses that have too high bounce, or couples who wish to minimize the sensation of motion transfer.

Linenspa's mattress topper that is GOTS certified is another popular option. 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 of organic materials and does not contain synthetic dyes or chemicals.

Support

A mattress topper is an extra thick layer that sits on top of your existing bed. It can be affixed to your thin mattress topper using elastic straps or a hem with a stretchy fit. Its thickness can range between two and four inches. Mattress toppers differ from mattress protectors that are essentially covers purely designed to safeguard your mattress from spills, allergens, and bed bugs.

The best mattress toppers can transform your sleep and help you alleviate pains and aches such as those caused by an old or less than ideal mattress. They can also help improve the comfort of a mattress that is uncomfortable or sagging with the right amount of support, softness and temperature control.

There are many different types of mattress toppers available, including memory foam, gel, latex and down. If you're looking to improve your spine alignment pick a memory foam mattress. It will provide cushioning and contour. A memory foam topper that is infused with gel can help decrease heat retention. This is ideal for those who suffer from night sweats or are hot sleepers.

If you suffer from a back problem, a memory foam cushion can aid in keeping your spine in alignment by reducing pressure on sensitive areas. If you are struggling with back pain, a cushion infused with copper may help to reduce inflammation and swelling, and may even help to alleviate pain from pressure points.

Cotton or wool toppers can make you sleep more comfortably and cooler. Wool is breathable and wicks moisture and is also tough and pliable. It is often mixed with down for extra firm mattress topper 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 ideal for those who prefer a plush feeling. Choose a mattress with feathers and down. This will provide you with a luxurious feel. This Brooklyn Bedding topper is a excellent choice, since it comes in a firm version for those who require extra support and durability and plush for those who want softness that resembles a cloud. It comes with a five-year warranty and offers an extended trial period and free shipping.

Temperature Control

If you have an memory foam mattress, you can increase your comfort level with this topper, which is both cooling and cushioning. It's filled with gel which is ventilated through holes. This makes it more breathable, and helps to disperse the heat as you rest. It comes with a bamboo-covered mattress that is soft, moisture-resistant and wicking. This keeps you cool as you sleep.

This topper is available in a variety of thicknesses, based on what you prefer. It also comes with a 10-year guarantee. If you prefer a more sturdier feel this topper is available in a Luxury Firm option (similar to a medium or 7/10). Both are manufactured in the USA and backed by a 100-night trial.

Latex and foam mattress toppers are both breathable materials which makes them excellent options for sleepers who are hot. Certain memory foam and latex mattress toppers can trap heat, which can be uncomfortable for certain people. Be sure to look for ones with cooling components like this model from Nolah. It has cooling fibers in the quilted cover as well as the company's trademark foam to keep you cool as you sleep. It also provides zones of support for the head, shoulders and hips.

Another way to ensure a cool night's sleep is to use mattress protectors. They can be placed over a mattress toppers for single beds and shield it from allergens, spills, bugs, dust mites and more. This one comes with a zip and is machine washable, making it simple to clean and remove.

If you prefer to sleep on your back or stomach you'll require a mattress topper that offers a lot of support. Mattresses that are too firm may cause you to slump forward and cause neck or back pain. Softer foams and down or down-alternative toppers offer extra comfort. Strategist contributing writer Lauren Levy slept on this one from Parachute and claims to have woken up feeling "gently wrapped between layers of marshmallow softness." It's also available in an organic cotton version, which is hypoallergenic and endorsed as OEKO TEX Standard 100, Global Organic Textile Standards, Fair for Life and GreenGuard Gold.

Breathability

A mattress topper is an ideal way to update an old mattress without breaking the budget. With so many choices available, finding the best one for you could be difficult. Whether your mattress is starting to lose its shape, you suffer from back pain or need to lessen the feeling of motion transfer from one person to the other, the right topper can make all the difference.

The material used in a topper could have a big impact on its feel. It could also impact your back health. Experts suggest that side sleepers should choose a softer topper, while stomach and back sleepers require a more firm one.

You can narrow down your choices by considering other factors, such as thickness and breathability. Although thicker toppers are more expensive, they provide better support. They are also typically more breathable since they have a larger surface area that allows air to circulate. Make sure to look for models with baffle box construction. This helps to prevent the clumping of the filling evenly dispersed (a major benefit for comfort).

If you sleep hot, consider gel-infused memory foam, that is designed to keep you cool as you sleep. You might also want to try a latex-based topper, which is extremely durable and bouncy. If you're trying to stay clear of any chemicals organic cotton or wool are great options.

While a topper isn't as likely to need washing as your sheets, it's still important to choose a model that is easy to clean and will be able to withstand repeated washes. A lot of the models we looked at come with wide elastic straps that bind them to your mattress which makes it easy to remove them and wash them. You'll also need a motorhome mattress topper topper that stays securely in place on the bed especially for those who are a combination sleeper who moves around frequently throughout the night.

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