How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You
A mattress topper is the quickest and most convenient way to improve your sleeping surface. The most popular materials include memory foam, polyfoam, and latex.
A memory foam top is ideal for mattresses that are too sagging or that bounce too much. It molds to your body, offering the support you need for back pain and pressure relief.
Comfort
If your mattress is too firm, a mattress topper can soften it. It can also offer more support and help ease back pain by conforming to your body's contours. Memory foam toppers can ease pressure, whereas latex provides more bounce and breathability than polyurethane.
The firmness of a topper is determined by its material, your weight, 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 option. The thickness of a topper can also impact the comfort. While heavier toppers can provide more cushioning, it's possible that they will not conform to your bed as well and create an uncomfortable feeling.
The best mattress topper for most people will be made of soft, durable fabric and is backed by a solid warranty. It should be hypoallergenic, comfortable, and free of harmful chemicals such as the fire retardants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). To keep a topper clean and fresh, it can be washed by machine.
Testers at GH rate topper for ease of use and temperature regulation, as well as how it affects the comfort of their existing mattress. We also inquire whether the topper stays in position, if it makes noise and how much increases their sleep quality.
The Saatva topper at the top of our list has a very high score from customers of 4.4 out of 5 (as 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 molds to your body. This helps provide support and helps keep your body cool.
Turmerry organic toppers are a more affordable option. They are a soft and firm option and have a three-inch thickness composed of natural materials that breathe. It's a great option for those who have a bed that is sagging or innerspring mattresses that have too much bounce, or couples who want to lessen the sensation of motion transfer.
Another popular option is the GOTS certified mattress topper from 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 label indicates that the topper is organically grown standards and is free of synthetic dyes and chemical materials.
Support
A mattress topper is an extra thick layer that sits on top of your current bed. It is secured to your mattress using elastic straps or a stretchy skirt, and it can range in thickness between two and four inches. Mattress protectors are thin covers that shield your mattress from spills, allergens and bed bugs.
The top mattress protectors will improve your sleep and will help you avoid aches and discomforts caused by a worn-out or soft mattress. They can also help to lift a sagging mattress or improve an uncomfortable mattress with the right amount of cushioning, support, and temperature control.
You'll find a variety of mattress topper materials, like memory foam, latex, down and gel. Choose a memory foam topper for those who want comfort and contouring to improve spinal alignment. A memory foam topper that is infused with gel will help to reduce heat retention. This is great for those who suffer from night sweats or are hot sleepers.
If you have back issues, a memory foam topper can help keep your spine aligned by reducing pressure on the sensitive areas. If you are struggling with back pain, a topper that is infused with copper may help to reduce swelling and inflammation, and it may also alleviate pain from pressure points.
Cotton or wool toppers can make you sleep more comfortably and cooler. Wool is breathable, durable and moisture-wicking. It is also flexible. It is often mixed with down for added 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. Find one that contains both down and feathers for an extravagant feel that wraps your body in softness. This Brooklyn Bedding topper is a great option, as it is available in a firm version for those who require extra support and resilience and plush for those who want cloud-like softness. It comes with a five-year guarantee, a generous trial period, and free shipping.
Temperature Control
If you have an memory foam mattress, you can improve your comfort level by using this topper that is both cooling and cushioning. It has gel-infused memory foam that is ventilated by holes. This makes it breathable and helps in dispersing the heat as you rest. It also comes with a bamboo cover that is soft, wicking and moisture-resistant which keeps your body cool and comfortable as you sleep.
It's available in a variety of thicknesses to fit your preferences and comes with a 10-year warranty. If you prefer a more sturdier feel the topper is available in a Luxury Firm option (similar to a medium or 7 out of 10). Both are made in America and come with a trial period of 100 nights.
Latex and foam are both breathable materials that make them a good choice for hot sleepers. However some toppers made of latex and memory foam can trap body heat, which can be uncomfortable for some people. Be sure to look for cooling components, like this Nolah model. It is made with the company's signature foam as well as quilted cover that has cooling fibers to keep you cool as you sleep, plus it offers a zoned support system for your shoulders, head, torso, hips and legs.
Another method to ensure an unbeatable night's sleep is to use a mattress protector. They slide over the mattress to shield it from spills, allergens dust mites, bugs and more. This one has a zip and is machine washable, making it simple to clean and remove.
Many people have a standard sleeping position and if you like to sleep on your back or stomach you'll need a mattress with plenty of support. Mattresses that are too firm may cause you to hunch forward and aggravate neck or back pain. Additional comfort is offered by softer foam and toppers made of down or alternative down. Strategist contributing writer Lauren Levy slept on this one from Parachute and claims to have woken up feeling "gently sandwiched between layers of marshmallow softness." It's also available in an organic cotton version that 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 excellent way to improve an old mattress without breaking the budget. With so many choices available, finding the best one for you is difficult. Whether your mattress is starting to sag, you have back pain, or simply want to reduce the feel of motion transfer from one person to the next, the correct topper can make a huge difference.
The kind of material used to make the topper is the primary factor in the feel of it, and it can affect not only how well you sleep but also your back health. Experts say that those who sleep on their sides should select an easier topper, while stomach and back sleepers need a firmer one.
Other factors, including breathability and thickness, could aid in narrowing your options. Toppers with a higher thickness can be more expensive, but they provide better support. They are also more comfortable due to their larger surface area. Find models with baffle box construction. This will prevent clumping, and keeps the filling evenly distributed (a major plus for comfort).
Gel-infused memory foam was created to keep people cool as they sleep. You might also want to try a latex topper, which is extremely durable and bouncy. If you're looking to avoid chemicals organic wool or cotton are great choices.
Although the mattress topper isn't required to be cleaned as frequently as your sheets, you should still choose a model that is easy to clean and can be able to withstand repeated washings. A lot of the options we reviewed have straps with elastic that bind them to your mattress making it easier to remove and wash them. Also, you'll need a topper that can be held securely in place on the bed especially for those who are a combination sleeper who is prone to moving around frequently during the night.
Brooklyn Bedding's gel swirl memory foam topper is a CertiPUR US and GreenGuard gold-certified option. It is sturdy and comfortable. memory foam mattress toppers is a little more expensive than other models, however it has great reviews from customers and a 90-day guarantee.