How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You
A mattress topper is the quickest and easiest way to upgrade your mattress. The most popular materials are memory foam, polyfoam, and latex.
A memory foam top is ideal for mattresses that are too sagging or with excessive 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 more support that can ease back pain by adjusting to your body's contours. A memory foam topper can ease pressure points and pressure points, while latex toppers provide more bounce and breathability than polyurethane alternatives.
The firmness of a top can be determined by its material, your weight, your sleeping position, and personal preferences. A person who sleeps on their side will opt for a softer topper, while stomach and back sleepers favor an option that is firm or medium. The thickness of a topper can also affect the comfort. While heavier toppers can provide more cushioning, it is possible that they won't fit and cause uncomfortable feelings.
The best mattress toppers for most people are made from a durable soft material that is backed by an excellent warranty. It should be hypoallergenic, breathable, and free from harmful chemicals like the fire retardants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A topper can be machine-washed to keep it fresh and clean.
Testers at GH rate topper for its ease of use and temperature control as well as how it affects the feel of their mattress. We also ask whether the topper stays in place, if it creates noise, and how much it improves their sleep quality.
The Saatva topper is at the top of our ranking is rated by customers with a score of 4.4 (as as of May 2023) and comes in a queen size. It's made of a two-inch layer of open-cell foam that bounces to contour to your body and adjust to motion, providing support while keeping you cool.
Turmerry organic toppers are a more affordable option. They are available in a firm and soft option, with a three-inch layer made of natural materials that breathe. It's a great option 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.
Another popular option is the GOTS certified mattress topper made 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 certification indicates that the topper meets organic farming standards and is free of chemical dyes and synthetic materials.
Support
A mattress topper is a thick layer that sits on top of your current bed. It can be attached to your mattress with elastic straps or a stretchy hem. Its thickness can range between two and four inches. Mattress toppers are different from mattress protectors, which are thin covers designed to protect your bed against allergens, spills, and bed bugs.
The top mattress protectors can improve your sleep and help you to avoid pain and aches that are result from an older or less comfortable 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, including memory foam gel, latex, and down. If you're looking to improve the alignment of your spine opt for a memory foam topper. It will provide cushioning and contour. A memory foam topper infused with gel will help reduce heat retention. This is ideal for those who suffer from night sweats and hot sleepers.
A memory foam topper can aid in maintaining your spine alignment by reducing the pressure on sensitive areas. If you struggle with back pain, a topper infused with copper can help reduce inflammation and swelling, and may even help to reduce pain caused by pressure points.
A topper made from natural fibers like cotton or wool, can help you sleep cooler and more comfortably. Wool is durable, breathable, moisture-wicking and flexible. It's often blended with other materials to provide comfort, such as 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 like an incredibly soft feel. Look for one that includes feathers and down to create an exquisite texture that wraps your body in softness. This Brooklyn Bedding topper is a great option, as it is available in a firm option for those who require more support and a firmer feel and also plush for those looking for cloud-like softness. It comes with a five-year warranty, a generous trial period and free shipping.
Temperature Control
If you own a memory foam mattress, you can increase your comfort level by using this topper, which is both cooling and cushioning. It has gel-infused memory foam which is ventilated through holes. This makes it breathable and helps to disperse the heat as you rest. It also has a bamboo cover that is soft, wicking and water-resistant, keeping you cool and comfortable as you relax.
It's available in different thicknesses to suit your preference and is backed by a 10-year warranty. If you prefer a firmer feel the topper is available in a Luxury Firm variant (similar to a medium or 7/10). Both are made in the United States and come with a 100-night trial.
Foam and latex mattress toppers are both breathable materials 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. 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 foam that is trademarked by the company to keep you cool while you sleep. It also provides zoned support for hips, shoulders, and head.
Another way to ensure you get a good night's rest is by using a mattress protector. They can be placed over a mattress and shield 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.
Many people have a standard sleeping position, and if prefer sleeping on your back or stomach you'll need a topper that offers a lot of support. Mattresses that are too firm can cause you to hunch forward and aggravate neck or back pain. Softer foam 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 fantastic way to upgrade a worn out mattress without breaking the bank. With so many options, finding the ideal one for you can be difficult. The best mattress will make a huge difference in the quality of your mattress, whether it is sagging, you are suffering from back pain or you're looking to cut down on motion transfer between your partner.
The material used to make a topper can affect its feel. It could also impact the health of your back. Experts say that those who sleep on their sides should select a soft topper, whereas back and stomach sleepers require a more rigid one.
Other factors, like breathability and thickness, can aid in narrowing down your choices. The toppers that are thicker may be more expensive, but offer more support. They are also generally more breathable, as they have a larger surface area that allows air to circulate. Look for models that have baffle box construction. This helps prevent clumping and keeps the filling evenly spaced (a major benefit for comfort).
Gel-infused memory foam is designed to keep people cool when they sleep. You might also want to consider a latex mattress that is extremely tough and bouncy. If you're looking to stay away from chemicals organic wool or cotton are good options.
While a topper isn't as likely to need washing as your sheets, it's still essential to choose a model that is easy to clean and will stand up to repeated washes. A majority of the models we tested had wide elastic straps to bind them to your mattress, making it easier to remove them and wash them. You'll also need a mattress topper that can be held securely in place on the bed especially if you're a combination sleeper who is prone to moving frequently throughout the night.
The Brooklyn Bedding gel swirl memory foam mattress topper is a CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold certified product that is sturdy and comfortable. It's a bit more expensive than other models, but has great reviews from customers and a 90-day money-back guarantee.