How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You
A mattress topper could be the fastest and easiest method of upgrading your sleeping surface. Memory foam, polyfoam, and latex are among the most well-known materials.
A memory foam top is ideal for mattresses that are too sagging or with a lot of bounce. It conforms to your body, offering support for back pain as well as pressure relief.
Comfort
A mattress topper can soften a mattress that is too firm. It can also provide additional support, which can help reduce back pain. Memory foam toppers can relieve pressure, while latex has more bounce and breathability than polyurethane.
The firmness of a topper is determined by the fabric, as well as your weight, your sleeping position and personal preference. A person who sleeps on their side will prefer a more supple topper, whereas back and stomach sleepers prefer a medium to firm option. The thickness of a topper can impact its comfort: Although thicker toppers provide more cushioning, they may not be as comfortable to your bed and can make a strange feel.
The ideal mattress topper for the majority of people will be made from soft, durable material and is backed by a solid warranty. It should also be breathable and hypoallergenic and free of harmful chemicals such as flame retardants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). To keep the topper fresh and clean, it can be machine washed.
Testers at GH rate the topper for the ease of use and temperature control as well as how it changes the feeling 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 high customer satisfaction rating of 4.4 out of 5 (as of May 2023) and is available in a queen size. It is constructed with a 2 inch layer of open-cell, bouncy foam that contours to your body. This provides support and keeps your body cool.
A more affordable option is the Turmerry organic topper, which is made of three inches of breathable natural materials. It comes in either the soft or firm option. It's an excellent choice for those who have an unbalanced bed or innerspring mattresses with too much bounce or couples who want to lessen the feel of motion transfer.
Linenspa's mattress topper that is GOTS certified is a different 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 indicates that the topper is organically grown standards and is free of chemical dyes and synthetic materials.
Support
A mattress topper is an extremely thick layer that is placed on top of your current bed. It can be affixed to your mattress by elastic straps or a stretchy hem. The thickness of the topper can vary from 2 to 4 inches. Mattress toppers differ from mattress protectors which are thin covers that are designed to protect your bed against allergens, spills and bed bugs.
The best mattress toppers can improve your sleep and help to avoid pain and aches, including those result from an older or less comfortable mattress. They can also improve a sagging mattress or improve an uncomfortable mattress with the right amount of cushioning, support, and temperature control.
There are many mattress topper materials including memory foam, latex down, and gel. Select a memory foam mattress if you're seeking comfort and contouring to improve spinal alignment. A memory foam topper that is packed with gel may aid in reducing heat retention and is a great option for those who are prone to sweaty nights.
If you suffer from back pain, a memory-foam topper can help you keep your spine in a good alignment by reducing pressure on the sensitive areas. If you are struggling with a sore back, a cushion infused with copper may help to reduce swelling and inflammation, and it may also alleviate pain from pressure points.
A topper made with natural fibers like wool or cotton, will aid in sleeping more comfortably and cooler. Wool is breathable, durable, moisture-wicking and flexible. It's often mixed 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 choice for those who like a soft feel. Look for one that includes both down and feathers for a luxurious feel that wraps your body in a softness. Brooklyn Bedding's topper is a great choice, as it comes in two textures: firm for those needing more support and resiliency, and plush for softness similar to clouds. It comes with a five-year warranty, a generous trial period, and free shipping.
Temperature Control
This topper is cooling and cushioning. It can be put on a memory-foam mattress. It features gel infused memory foam that is ventilated through holes that are specifically designed to make it breathable, and helping dissipate heat while you sleep. It also has bamboo covers that are soft, wicking, and moisture-resistant, keeping your body cool and comfortable as you relax.
It's available in various thicknesses to meet your needs and is covered by a 10-year warranty. This topper comes in a Luxury firm choice that is similar to a medium or a 7 out of 10. Both are made in America and come with a trial period of 100 nights.
Latex and foam mattress toppers are both breathable which makes them excellent choices for hot sleepers. Some memory foam and latex mattress toppers can trap heat, which can be uncomfortable for certain people. Make sure you choose cooling components like this Nolah model. It features cooling fibers within the quilted cover as well as the trademark foam of the company to keep you cool as you sleep. It also offers zones of support for your hips, shoulders and the head.
Another method of ensuring an unbeatable night's sleep is to use mattress protectors. They can be placed over a bed and protect it from allergens, spills bugs, dust mites and more. This one has zips and is machine washable, making it easy to clean and get rid of.
If you prefer to sleep on your back or stomach you'll require a mattress topper that offers a lot of support. A mattress that is too firm could cause you to hunch over and can cause neck or back pain. Softer foam and down or down-alternative topper options provide additional comfort. Strategist contributing writer Lauren Levy slept on this one from Parachute and says she woke up feeling "gently wrapped between layers of marshmallow softness." It's also available in a natural cotton version, which is hypoallergenic and has been certified as OEKO TEX Standard 100, Global Organic Textile Standards, Fair for Life and GreenGuard Gold.
Breathability
A mattress topper can be a great way to upgrade an old mattress without breaking the budget. Finding the perfect mattress topper can be challenging particularly with the many choices available. If your mattress is beginning to get sagging, you're suffering from back pain or you simply need to lessen the feeling of motion transfer from one person to the other, the right mattress can make all the difference.
The type of material used to make the topper is the primary factor in its feel and can impact not only how comfortable you sleep, but also your back health. Experts suggest that side sleepers should pick a softer topper, while stomach and back sleepers require a more firm one.
Other factors, including breathability and thickness, can aid in narrowing down your choices. The toppers that are thicker may be more expensive but provide better support. They are also typically more breathable, as they have a greater surface area that allows air to circulate. Find models with baffle box construction. This will prevent the clumping of the filling evenly distributed (a major plus for comfort).
Gel-infused memory foam is made to keep people cool when they sleep. You may also want to think about a latex top which is strong and flexible. If you're trying to stay clear of any chemicals, organic cotton or wool are excellent options.
Although a mattress topper won't need to be washed as often as sheets, you should still choose a model that is easy to clean and can stand up to repeated washings. Many of the models we looked at include wide elastic straps which bind them to your mattress, which makes it easier to take them off and wash them. You'll want a mattress topper that is able to stay in place, especially in the case of a mix sleeper and move throughout 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 some other models on our list, however it has excellent reviews from users and comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee.