How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You

A mattress topper is the most efficient and simple way to upgrade your sleeping surface. Memory foam, polyfoam, and latex are among the most popular materials.

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

Comfort

If your mattress is too firm, a topper can soften it. It can also offer an additional level of support, which can ease back pain. A memory foam topper can ease pressure points while toppers made of latex offer more bounce and breathability than polyurethane alternatives.

The firmness of a mattress can be determined by the fabric, and also your weight, your sleeping position and personal preference. Most often, those who sleep on their sides will opt for a softer topper, while stomach and back sleepers favor a medium to firm option. The thickness of a topper can impact its comfort: Although thicker toppers provide more cushioning, they might not be as pliable to your bed and can create an awkward feel.

The ideal mattress topper for most people will be made from a soft, durable material and covered by a good warranty. It should be hypoallergenic and breathable, and free from 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 the topper for ease of use and temperature regulation and how it affects the feel of their existing mattress. We also ask whether the topper remains in position, if it makes any noise, and how much better their sleep is.

The Saatva topper at the top of our list has a high customer satisfaction rating of 4.4 out of 5 (as of May 2023) and is available in the queen size. It is designed with a two-inch layer of open-cell, bouncy foam that contours to your body. This gives you support and helps keep you cool.

An alternative that is less expensive is the Turmerry organic topper, which has a three-inch layer of breathable natural material and is available in soft or firm options. It's a great choice for those who have beds that are sagging, innerspring mattresses with too much bounce or couples who want to minimize the sensation of motion transfer.

Linenspa's mattress topper that is GOTS certified 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 indicates that the topper meets organic farming standards and is free of synthetic dyes and chemical materials.

Support

A mattress topper is a thick layer that sits on top of your mattress. It secures to your mattress using elastic straps or a skirt with a stretchy design, and it can range in thickness between two and four inches. Mattress protectors are covers that protect your mattress from allergens, spills and double bed mattress topper bugs.

The top mattress topper single bed covers can make a difference in your sleep and help you to avoid pain and aches that are caused by an older or less than ideal mattress. They can also boost the mattress's weight or even improve an uncomfortable mattress with the right amount of softness, support, and temperature control.

There are many mattress topper materials like memory foam, latex down and gel. If you're looking to improve your spinal alignment pick a memory foam mattress. It will cushion and contour. A memory foam topper infused with gel can help to reduce heat retention and is a great choice for hot sleepers who struggle with night sweats.

A memory foam topper can aid in maintaining your spine's alignment by reducing the pressure on sensitive areas. If you have a sore back, a cushion infused with copper can reduce inflammation and swelling, and it may also alleviate pain from pressure points.

A topper made from natural fibers, such as cotton or wool, can aid in sleeping cooler and more comfortably. Wool is breathable and moisture-wicking and is also tough and easily moldable. It is often mixed with down for extra comfort. This mattress topper from Parachute, for example, includes a mix of durable and resilient latex with temperature-regulating wool.

A down mattress is a great choice for those who want a luxurious feel. Choose a mattress topper with feathers and down. This will provide you with a luxurious and soft texture. Brooklyn Bedding's topper is an excellent choice, as 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 covered by a five-year warranty and offers an extensive trial period as well as free shipping.

Temperature Control

If you own an memory foam mattress, you can improve your comfort level with this topper, which is both cooling and cushioning. It has gel-infused memory foam that is ventilated through specially-designed holes, making it breathable and helping it dissipate heat while you sleep. It has bamboo-covered mattresses that are soft, moisture-resistant and wicking. This keeps you cool as you sleep.

This topper comes in different thicknesses, depending on your preference. It also comes with a 10-year guarantee. The topper is available in a Luxury firm choice that's similar to a medium or 7/10. Both are made in America and come with a 100-night trial.

Foam and latex mattress toppers are both breathable which makes them excellent choices for hot sleepers. However certain latex and memory foam toppers can retain body heat, which can be uncomfortable for some. Look for ones that have cooling elements, like this one from Nolah. It features the company's signature foam as well as quilted covers with cooling fibers to keep you cool as you sleep. It also provides zoned support for your head, shoulders and torso, as well as your hips and legs.

mattress toppers double bed protectors are another way to ensure that you have a cool sleep. These protectors are able to be placed over the mattress toppers cooling (why not try this out) and protect it against spills, allergens and other things. This one comes with zips and is machine washable, making it easy to clean and to remove.

Most people have a go-to sleeping position and if you like to sleep on your back or stomach, you'll want a topper that provides plenty of support. A mattress toppers gel that is too firm might cause you to hunch over and may exacerbate back or neck pain. Softer foams and down or down-alternative toppers offer extra 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 option to replace an old mattress without spending a fortune. Finding the ideal mattress topper can be difficult, especially with so many options available. Whether your mattress is starting to get sagging, you're suffering from back pain or need to lessen the feeling of motion transfer from one partner to the other, the right topper can make a huge difference.

The material used in a topper can have a significant impact on its feel. It could also impact the health of your back. Experts advise that side sleepers should pick an easier topper, while back and stomach sleepers require a more firm one.

Other factors, including breathability and thickness, can help you narrow down your options. Thicker toppers can be more expensive but provide more support. They also have a better air-conditioned due to a larger surface area. Look for models with baffle box construction. This helps prevent clumping and ensures that the filling is evenly distributed (a major benefit for comfort).

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

While a topper isn't likely to require washing as your sheets, it's still essential to find a model that is easy to clean and can be able to withstand repeated washes. A lot of the options we examined come with wide elastic straps that secure to the mattress which makes it easier to remove and wash them. You'll need a mattress protector that is able to stay in place, especially in the case of a mix sleeper and move frequently during the night.

Brooklyn Bedding's gel swirl memory foam topper is a CertiPUR US and greenguard gold-certified option. It is durable and comfortable. It's a little pricier than some other models on our list, but it has excellent reviews from users and comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee.