How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You

A mattress topper is the fastest and easiest way to upgrade your mattress. Memory foam, polyfoam, and latex are the most sought-after materials.

A memory foam topper is ideal for sagging mattresses or beds that have too much bounce. It is shaped to fit the body and provides support for back pain.

Comfort

A mattress topper can soften the mattress that is too firm. It can also offer more support that can ease back pain by conforming to the body's shape. A memory foam topper can relieve pressure points while toppers made of latex offer more bounce and breathability than polyurethane options.

The firmness of a mattress can be determined by the fabric, as well as your weight, position of sleep and personal preference. Most often, those who sleep on their sides prefers a soft topper, while stomach and back sleepers favor an option that is firm or medium. The thickness of a topper may affect comfort. While thicker toppers may provide more cushioning, it is possible that they will not conform to your bed and cause uncomfortable feelings.

The top mattress protectors for the majority of people are made from a tough soft material that is backed by a solid warranty. It should be hypoallergenic, breathable, and free from harmful chemicals such as fire retardants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Toppers can be machine-washed to keep it fresh and clean.

Testers at GH evaluate toppers on the ease of use, temperature control and how it affects the feel of their existing mattresses. We also want to know whether the topper stays in position, if it makes any noise, and how much better their sleep quality is.

The Saatva topper at the top of our list has a great score from customers of 4.4 out of 5 (as as of May 2023) and is available in the queen size. It's constructed with a 2-inch layer of bouncy open-cell foam that conforms to your body and respond to motion, providing support while keeping cool.

Turmerry organic toppers are a more affordable option. They are a soft and firm option and have a three-inch thickness made of natural materials that breathe. It's an excellent option for those who have beds that are sagging, innerspring mattresses with too high bounce, or couples who wish to minimize the sensation of motion transfer.

Another option that is popular is the GOTS certified mattress topper 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 certificate indicates that the topper is constructed from organic materials and is free of chemical dyes or synthetic chemicals.

Support

A mattress topper is a thick layer that sits on top of your current mattress. It can be affixed to your mattress by elastic straps or a stretchy hem. Its thickness can range from two to four inches. Mattress toppers differ from mattress protectors, which are thin covers that are designed to protect your mattress from allergens, spills, and bed bugs.

The top mattress protectors can transform your sleep and prevent aches and discomforts caused by a worn-out or soft mattress. They can also help improve a mattress that is uncomfortable or sagging by providing the right amount of support, softness and temperature control.

There are many kinds of mattress toppers available, including memory foam gel, latex, and down. Choose a memory foam topper if you're seeking comfort and contouring to improve spinal alignment. A memory foam topper infused with gel can help decrease heat retention. This is great for those who suffer from night sweats and hot sleepers.

A memory foam topper will help you maintain your spine's alignment by decreasing the pressure on sensitive areas. If you are struggling with back pain, a topper infused with copper can reduce inflammation and swelling, and it may also prevent pain from pressure points.

A topper made with natural fibers like cotton or wool, can help you sleep more comfortably and cooler. Wool is durable, breathable and moisture-wicking. It is also flexible. It's frequently blended with other materials for greater 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 topper is a great choice for those who prefer a plush feel. Select a mattress topper that has both down and feathers. This will provide you with a luxurious feel. Brooklyn Bedding's topper is a great option, since it comes in two textures with firmness for those who need extra support and resilience and plush for softness like clouds. It comes with a five-year guarantee, 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 has gel-infused memory foam that is ventilated by holes that are specifically designed to make it breathable, and helping to disperse heat during your sleep. It also comes with a bamboo cover that is soft, wicking and moisture-resistant which keeps you cool and comfortable while you relax.

The topper is available in different thicknesses, depending on what you prefer. It also comes with a 10 year guarantee. The topper is available in a Luxury firm choice, which is similar to a medium or a 7 out of 10. Both are made in the United States and come with a 100-night trial.

Foam and latex mattress topper are both breathable materials, making them ideal for sleepers who are hot. However certain memory foam and latex toppers can hold body heat and cause discomfort for some people. Look for ones that have cooling elements like this one from Nolah. It uses the company's signature foam and a quilted cover with cooling fibers to keep you cool as you sleep, plus it provides zoned support for your head, shoulders the torso, hips, and legs.

Another method to ensure a cool night's sleep is by using a mattress protector. These slip over a mattress toppers single bed to shield it from spills, allergens, bugs, dust mites and more. This one comes with an open zipper and is machine washable, making it easy to clean and remove.

Most people have a go-to sleeping position, and if like to sleep on your stomach or back you'll need a topper with plenty of support. A mattress that's too hard might cause you to hunch over and cause neck or back pain. Extra comfort is provided by soft foam and toppers made from down or down alternatives. Writer and strategist 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 a natural cotton version that is hypoallergenic and certified 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. However, with so many choices available, finding the right one for you could be difficult. If your mattress is beginning to lose its shape, you suffer from back pain, or simply want to decrease the sensation of motion transfer from one person to the next, the correct topper can make all the difference.

The material used to make a topper can have a significant impact on its feel. It could also impact your back health. Experts advise that side sleepers should pick a softer topper, while stomach and back sleepers require a firmer one.

You can narrow your options by taking into consideration other factors like thickness and breathability. The toppers that are thicker may be more expensive but provide better support. They are also typically more breathable since they have a greater surface area that allows air to circulate. You should look for models that have baffle box construction. This will prevent clumping, and ensures that the filling is evenly spaced (a major benefit for comfort).

Those who sleep hot should consider gel-infused memory foam, which is designed to keep you cool while you sleep. You might also want to consider a latex top that is tough and flexible. If you want to avoid chemicals organic wool or cotton are good choices.

While a topper isn't likely to require washing as your sheets, it's still important to find a model that is easy to clean and able to endure repeated washes. Many of the models we looked at include wide elastic straps that bind to the mattress making it easier to take them off and wash them. You'll need a mattress protector that is able to stay in place, particularly when you're a combination sleeper and move frequently during 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 more expensive than other models on our list, however it has excellent reviews from customers and comes with 90-day money-back assurance.