Are Mattress Topper The Greatest Thing There Ever Was?

How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You

A mattress topper is the most efficient and simple way to upgrade your sleeping surface. The most popular materials are memory foam, polyfoam, and latex.

A memory foam top is perfect for mattresses that are sagging or beds with excessive bounce. It conforms to your body, offering support for back pain and pressure relief.

Comfort

A mattress topper can soften mattresses that are too firm. It can also offer an additional level of support, which can ease back pain. Memory foam toppers are a great way to relieve pressure, whereas latex provides more bounce and breathability than polyurethane.

The firmness of a topper is determined by the material used, along with your weight, sleeping position and personal preference. A person who sleeps on their side prefers a soft topper, whereas stomach and back sleepers prefer a firm to medium option. The thickness of a topper can impact its comfort: Although thicker toppers provide more cushioning, they might not conform as well to your mattress and may cause a sloppy feeling.

The best mattress topper for the majority of people is made of a soft, durable material, and covered by a good warranty. It should be hypoallergenic, air-tight, and free of harmful chemicals like flame retardants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). To keep a topper clean and fresh it is possible to machine washed.

Testers at GH evaluate toppers on ease of use, temperature regulation and how it alters the feel of their existing mattresses. We also want to know if the topper stays in position, if it makes any noise, and how much more comfortable they sleep.

The Saatva topper at the top of our list has a high score from customers of 4.4 out of 5 (as as of May 2023) and is available in the queen size. It's designed with a two inch layer of bouncy, open-cell foam that molds to your body. This provides support and keeps you cool.

An alternative that is less expensive is the Turmerry organic topper, which is made of a three-inch layer of breathable natural material and comes in either a firm or soft option. It's a great choice for those who have beds that are sagging or innerspring mattresses that have too many bounce, or couples who wish to reduce the feeling 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 label indicates that the topper meets organic farming standards and is free of synthetic dyes and chemical materials.

Support

A mattress topper is an additional thick layer that sits on top of your bed. It can be affixed to your mattress with elastic straps or a hem with a stretchy fit. Its thickness ranges from 2 to 4 inches. Mattress toppers differ from mattress protectors that are essentially covers designed to protect your mattress from spills, allergens, and bed bugs.

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

There are many mattress topper materials, such as memory foam, latex, down, and gel. If you're looking to improve the alignment of your spine pick a memory foam mattress. It will provide cushioning and contour. A memory foam topper that is filled with gel can help reduce heat retention and is a great option for those who are prone to sweaty nights.

If you have a back problem, a memory-foam topper can aid in keeping your spine in alignment by reducing pressure on delicate areas. If you are struggling with back pain, a topper infused with copper may help to reduce swelling and inflammation and can also help reduce pain caused by pressure points.

Cotton or wool toppers can make you sleep more comfortably and cooler. Wool is breathable and wicks moisture, and it's also durable and easily moldable. It's frequently blended with other materials to provide comfort, like down. This mattress topper for Caravan Bed 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 want a luxurious feel. Look for one that includes feathers and down for an extravagant texture that wraps your body in a softness. Brooklyn Bedding's topper is a great option, since it comes in two textures: firm for those needing more support and resiliency, and plush for softness that resembles clouds. It comes with a five-year warranty and a long trial period and free shipping.

Temperature Control

If you have a memory foam mattress you can upgrade your comfort level by using this mattress topper that's both cooling and padded. It is made of gel-infused memory foam that is ventilated by purpose-made holes, making it breathable, and helping to disperse heat during your sleep. It has bamboo-covered mattresses that are soft and wicks away moisture. This keeps you cool while you sleep.

It's available in various thicknesses to meet your needs and is covered 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 7/10). Both are made in the USA and backed by a 100-night trial.

Latex and foam are both breathable materials that make them ideal for sleepers who are hot. Certain memory foam and latex mattress toppers trap heat, which can be uncomfortable for some people. Make sure to choose ones with cooling elements, like this one from Nolah. It is made with the company's signature foam and quilted covers with cooling fibers to keep you cool as you sleep, plus it provides a zoned, padded support for your shoulders, head and torso, as well as your hips and legs.

Another method of ensuring a cool night's sleep is by using mattress protectors. They slide over the bed and protect it from spills, allergens dust mites, bugs and more. This one comes with an open zipper and is machine washable, making it easy to clean and to remove.

If you prefer sleeping on your stomach or back you'll require a mattress topper double bed topper that provides lots of support. A mattress that is too firm could cause you to hunch forward and aggravate back or neck pain. Extra comfort is provided by softer foam and toppers made from down or other alternatives to down. The Parachute pillow, which was reviewed by Strategist contributor Lauren Levy, is made of soft foam and down-alternative toppers.

Breathability

A mattress topper is an excellent way to improve an old mattress without breaking the bank. Finding the perfect mattress topper can be difficult particularly with the many choices available. Whether your mattress is starting to get sagging, you're suffering from back pain, or simply want to reduce the feel of motion transfer from one person to the other, the right mattress can make all the difference.

The kind of material used in the making of the topper is the primary factor in the feel of it and can impact not only how comfortable you sleep, but also your back health. Experts say that side sleepers should pick a softer topper, while back and stomach sleepers require a more rigid one.

You can narrow your choices by considering other factors such as thickness and breathability. Toppers with a higher thickness can be more expensive, but offer more support. They are also typically more breathable since they have a larger surface area that allows air to circulate. You should look for models that have baffle box construction, which helps prevent clumping and ensures that the filling is evenly distributed (a major benefit for comfort).

Gel-infused memory foam is designed to keep people cool as they sleep. It is also possible to consider a latex top which is strong and bouncy. And if you want to avoid any chemicals organic cotton or wool are good choices.

Although the mattress topper isn't required to be washed as often as sheets, you should consider a mattress that is easy to clean and will be able to withstand repeated washings. Many of the models we tested come with wide elastic straps that connect them to your bed, making it much easier to remove them and wash them. You'll want a mattress topper that is able to stay in place, especially when you're a combination sleeper and move around a lot at night.

Brooklyn Bedding's gel-swirl memory foam topper is a CertiPUR US and GREENGUARD gold certified option. It is robust and comfortable. It's a little pricier than some other models that we have reviewed, but it has a great rating from users and comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee.