How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You
A mattress topper could be the most efficient and simple method of upgrading your mattress. The most popular materials are memory foam, polyfoam, and latex.
A memory foam topper is ideal for sagging mattresses or beds with too much 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 more support, which can help alleviate back pain by contouring to your body's contours. A memory foam topper can relieve pressure points, while latex toppers offer more bounce and breathability than polyurethane options.
The firmness of a topper is determined by the material, along with your weight, sleeping position and personal preference. Typically, a side sleeper will opt for a softer topper, whereas stomach and back sleepers prefer an option that is firm or medium. The thickness of a topper can also affect comfort. While thicker toppers may offer more cushioning, it's likely that they will not fit and cause an uncomfortable sensation.
The top mattress protectors for most people are constructed of a strong, soft material that comes with an outstanding warranty. It should be hypoallergenic and comfortable, and free of harmful chemicals such as the fire retardants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Toppers can be washed in the machine to keep it clean and fresh.
Testers at GH rate toppers based on ease of use, temperature control and how it changes the feel of their existing mattresses. We also inquire about the ability of the topper to stay in place, if it creates noise and how much it enhances their sleep.
The Saatva topper at the top of our list has a very high customer satisfaction rating of 4.4 out of 5 (as as of May 2023) and is available in a queen size. It's designed with a two-inch layer of bouncy, open-cell foam that conforms to your body. This helps provide support and helps keep your body cool.
An alternative that is less expensive is the Turmerry organic topper, which has a three-inch layer of breathable natural materials. It can be purchased in the soft or firm option. It's a great option for those with sagging beds or innerspring mattresses that have too high bounce or couples who want to minimize the sensation of motion transfer.
Linenspa's GOTS-certified mattress topper is another popular 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 meets organic farming 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 mattress. It can be attached to your mattress with elastic straps or a hem with a stretchy fit. Its thickness can range from two to four inches. Mattress toppers are different from mattress protectors which are thin covers that are designed to protect your bed against spills, allergens, and bed bugs.
The best mattress toppers can make a difference in your sleeping habits and help you alleviate pains and aches that are caused by an older or less comfortable mattress. They can also help improve the comfort of a mattress that is uncomfortable or sagging with the right amount softness, support and temperature control.
You'll find a variety of mattress topper materials, including memory foam, latex, down, and gel. Choose a memory foam topper in case you're looking for the comfort of cushioning and a more rounded spinal alignment. A memory foam topper that is infused with gel will help to reduce heat retention. This is ideal for those who suffer from night sweats and are hot sleepers.
A memory foam topper can 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 swelling and inflammation, and can also help alleviate pain from pressure points.
A cotton or wool pillow can make you sleep more comfortably and cooler. Wool is breathable and moisture-wicking, and it's also durable and easily moldable. It's frequently blended 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 topper is perfect for those who want a plush feeling. Choose one that has feathers and down to create an exquisite texture that wraps your body in a softness. Brooklyn Bedding's topper is an excellent option, since it comes in two distinct textures with firmness for those who need extra support and durability, 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 own an memory foam mattress, you can upgrade your comfort level by using this topper that is both cooling and padded. It is made of gel-infused memory foam that is ventilated by holes that are specifically designed to make it breathable and helping it to disperse heat during your sleep. It comes with bamboo-covered mattresses that are soft and wicks moisture away. This keeps you cool as you sleep.
It's available in different thicknesses to suit your preference and is backed by a 10-year guarantee. The topper is available in a Luxury firm choice, which is similar to a medium or a 7/10. Both are made in America and come with a 100-night trial.
Latex and foam are both breathable materials that make them an excellent choice for hot sleepers. However, some memory foam and latex toppers can retain body heat and cause discomfort for some people. Look for ones that have cooling elements like this one from Nolah. It has cooling fibers in the quilted cover as well as the company's trademark foam to keep you cool as you sleep. It also offers zones of support for your hips, shoulders and the head.
Mattress protectors are another method to ensure you have a cool sleep. These protectors slip over the bed and shield it from spills, allergens and other things. It is machine washable and comes with an opening for a zipper, making it simple to clean and to put on and remove.
If you prefer to sleep on your stomach or back you'll require a mattress that has lots of support. A mattress that's too firm could cause you to hunch forward and cause neck or back pain. Softer foam and down or down-alternative topper options provide additional comfort. The Parachute pillow, reviewed by Strategist contributor Lauren Levy, is made of soft foam and down-alternative toppers.
Breathability
A mattress topper is an ideal way to update an old mattress without breaking the budget. But, with the many options available, choosing the best one for you can be difficult. Whether your mattress is starting to get sagging, you're suffering from back pain or want to reduce the feel of motion transfer from one partner to another, the right topper can make a huge difference.
The material used in a topper can affect its feel. It could also impact the health of your back. For instance, experts advise that those who sleep on their sides should use a soft topper while stomach or back sleepers require a more firm option.
Other factors, like thickness and breathability, can aid in narrowing down your options. While thicker toppers are more expensive, they offer more support. They are also generally more breathable, as they have a greater surface area that allows air to circulate. Find models that have baffle box construction. This helps prevent clumping and ensures that the filling is evenly distributed (a major benefit for comfort).
For those who are hot at night, consider gel-infused memory foam, that is designed to keep you cool while you sleep. You might also want to try a latex-based topper that is extremely tough and bouncy. If you're looking to stay away from chemicals organic wool or cotton are good choices.
While a topper isn't likely to need washing as your sheets, it's still essential to choose a model that is easy to clean and can endure repeated washes. Many of the models we tested had wide elastic straps that connect them to your bed, making it easier to take them off and wash them. You'll also want a topper that can be held securely in place on your bed, particularly for those who are a combination sleeper who is prone to moving around a lot throughout the night.
The Brooklyn Bedding gel swirl memory foam mattress topper is a certified CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold certified option that is sturdy and comfortable. It's a bit more expensive than the other models that we have reviewed, but it has excellent reviews from customers and comes with a 90-day money-back assurance.