How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You
A mattress topper is the most efficient and most effective way to upgrade your sleep surface. Memory foam, polyfoam, and latex are the most well-known materials.
A memory foam top is perfect for mattresses that are too sagging or with a lot of bounce. It is shaped to fit the body and offers support for back pain.
Comfort
A mattress topper can soften the mattress that is too firm. It can also provide an additional level of support, which can ease back pain. Memory foam toppers can ease pressure, while latex has more bounce and breathability than polyurethane.
The firmness of a mattress will be determined by its material and weight, as well as your sleeping position and personal preferences. Side sleepers may prefer an option that is more soft, whereas stomach or back sleepers will prefer a medium-firm choice. The thickness of a topper can affect its comfort. While the thicker ones provide more cushioning, they might not conform as well to your mattress and may make a strange feel.
The top mattress protectors for most people are constructed from a durable, soft material that comes with a solid warranty. It should be hypoallergenic, air-tight, and free of harmful chemicals like flame retardants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Toppers can be washed in the machine to keep it clean and fresh.
Testers at GH rate toppers based on ease of use, temperature regulation and how it affects the feel of their existing mattresses. We also ask whether the topper stays in its place, if the topper makes any noise, and how much better their sleep is.
The Saatva topper is at the top of our list and has a rating from customers of 4.4 (as of may 2023) and comes in a queen size. It's 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.
Turmerry organic toppers are a more affordable alternative. They are a soft and firm option with a 3-inch layer made of natural materials that breathe. It's a great option for those who have a bed that is sagging or innerspring mattresses with too much bounce, or couples who want to lessen the feeling of motion transfer.
Linenspa's GOTS-certified mattress protector 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 made of organic materials and does not contain chemical dyes or synthetic chemicals.
Support
A mattress topper is an extremely thick layer that is placed on top of your existing mattress. It secures to your mattress with elastic straps or a skirt with a stretchy design, and it can range in thickness from two to four inches. Mattress toppers are different from mattress protectors, which are thin covers purely designed to safeguard your mattress from allergens, spills and bed bugs.
The top mattress covers will transform your sleep, and will help you avoid aches and discomforts due to an old or soft mattress. They can also improve an uncomfortable mattress or sagging by providing the right amount of support, softness and temperature control.
There are a variety 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 infused with gel will help to reduce heat retention. This is ideal for those who suffer from night sweats or are hot sleepers.
A memory foam topper will help you maintain your spine alignment by reducing the pressure on sensitive areas. If you struggle with a sore back, a cushion infused with copper can help reduce swelling and inflammation and it may also reduce pain caused by pressure points.
A cotton or wool pillow can make you sleep more comfortably and cooler. which mattress toppers are best is breathable, durable, moisture-wicking and moldable. It's frequently blended with other materials for added comfort, like down. 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 option for those who want an incredibly soft feel. Find one that contains feathers and down to create a luxurious feel that wraps your body in softness. This Brooklyn Bedding topper is a good choice as it comes in a firm version for those who require extra support and durability and plush for those looking for cloud-like softness. It comes with a five-year warranty, a generous trial period, and free shipping.
Temperature Control
This topper is cooling and cushions. It can be put on a memory-foam mattress. It's filled with gel that is ventilated by holes. This makes it more breathable, and helps in dispersing the heat that you experience while you sleep. It has a bamboo-covered mattress that is soft, moisture-resistant and wicking. This keeps you cool while you sleep.
It's available in various thicknesses to suit your preference and is backed by 10 years of warranty. If you prefer a firmer feel this topper is available in a Luxury Firm option (similar to a medium or 7 out of 10). Both are made in the USA and backed by a 100-night sleep trial.
Foam and latex are both breathable materials that make them a good choice for hot sleepers. Some memory foam and latex mattress toppers can trap heat, which can be uncomfortable for some people. Be sure to look for ones with cooling elements, like this one from Nolah. It features cooling fibers within the quilted cover, and utilizes the company's trademark foam to keep you cool while you sleep. It also offers zones of support for your head, shoulders and hips.
Mattress protectors are a great way to ensure that you sleep cool. These slip over a mattress and shield it from allergens, spills, bugs, dust mites and more. The one you choose to wash is machine-washable and has an opening for a zipper, making it easy to clean and to put on and remove.
The majority of people have a preferred sleeping position, and if like to sleep on your back or stomach you'll need a topper that provides plenty 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 topper options provide 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 an excellent option to replace an old mattress without spending a fortune. But, with the many options, finding the ideal one for you is difficult. The right mattress topper can make a huge 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 your partner.
The kind of material used in the making of a topper is the biggest factor in the feel of it and can impact not only how comfortable you sleep but also your back health. For instance, experts suggest that side sleepers should choose a soft topper while back or stomach sleepers need a more firm option.
Other factors, like breathability and thickness, can aid in narrowing down your options. Although thicker toppers are more expensive, they provide more support. They are also more comfortable due to their greater surface area. Find models that have baffle box construction, which will prevent clumping, and ensures that the filling is evenly distributed (a big plus for comfort).
Those who sleep hot should think about gel-infused memory foam which is designed to keep you cool while you sleep. You may also want to try a latex-based topper, which is extremely durable and springy. If you're looking to stay away from chemicals wool or organic cotton are good options.
While a topper isn't likely to require washing as sheets, it's still essential to find a model that is easy to clean and will endure repeated washes. Many of the options we reviewed have straps with elastic that secure them to your mattress which makes it easier to remove and wash them. You'll need a mattress topper that is able to stay in place, especially if you are a combination sleeper and move throughout the night.
The Brooklyn Bedding gel swirl memory foam mattress topper is a certified CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold-certified option that is both durable and comfortable. It's a little more expensive than other models, however it has excellent customer reviews and a 90-day warranty.