How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You
A mattress topper is the quickest and most convenient method to improve your mattress. Memory foam, polyfoam, and latex are the most popular materials.
A memory foam top is ideal for mattresses that are sagging or beds with a lot of bounce. It is shaped to fit your body, offering support for back pain and pressure relief.
Comfort
A mattress topper can soften the mattress that is too firm. It also provides additional support, which can help reduce back pain. 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, along with your weight, your sleeping position and personal preference. Typically, a side sleeper prefers a soft topper, while back and stomach sleepers prefer a medium to firm option. The thickness of the topper can affect its comfort: While the thicker ones provide more cushioning, they may not be as pliable to your bed and could create an awkward feeling.
The ideal mattress topper for the majority of people is made of a soft, durable material and covered by a good warranty. It should also be breathable, hypoallergenic and free of harmful chemicals such as fire retardants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A topper can be machine-washed to keep it clean and fresh.
Testers at GH evaluate toppers on ease of use, temperature regulation and how it alters the feel of their existing mattresses. We also ask if the topper stays in its place, if the topper makes any noise or noise, and how better their sleep is.
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 the queen size. It's constructed with a 2-inch layer of open-cell foam that bounces that conforms to your body and adjust to movement, providing support and keeping you cool.
An option that is more affordable is the Turmerry organic topper, which features three inches of breathable natural material and comes in either soft or firm options. It's an excellent option for those who have beds that are sagging, innerspring mattresses with too many bounce, or couples who wish to reduce the feeling 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 certification 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 existing bed. It is secured to your mattress via elasticated straps or a stretchy skirt and can range in thickness from two to four inches. Mattress toppers differ from mattress protectors that are essentially covers designed to protect your mattress from allergens, spills, and bed bugs.
The best mattress toppers can transform your sleep and help you to avoid pain and aches that are caused by an older or less comfortable mattress. They can also help improve an uncomfortable mattress or sagging with the right amount softness, 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, choose a memory-foam topper. It will provide cushioning and contour. A memory foam topper packed with gel may help reduce heat retention, making it a good option for those who suffer from night sweats.
If you're suffering from back pain, a memory-foam topper can aid in keeping your spine in alignment by reducing pressure on the sensitive areas. A copper-infused topper can reduce swelling and inflammation, and could also reduce pain caused by pressure point.
Wool or cotton topper can help you sleep more comfortably and cooler. Wool is breathable, wicks away moisture and is also tough and easily moldable. It is often blended with down to provide extra 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 a great option for those who want a luxurious feel. Choose a mattress that has both down and feathers. This will provide you with a luxurious and soft texture. Brooklyn Bedding's topper is an excellent choice because it comes in two textures that are firm for those who require extra support and resilience and plush for a softness like clouds. It comes with a five-year warranty, a generous trial period and free shipping.
Temperature Control
This topper is cooling and cushions. It can be used on a memory foam mattress. It is made of gel-infused memory foam that is ventilated through purpose-made holes, making it breathable, and helping to disperse heat during your sleep. It also comes with bamboo covers that are soft, wicking and water-resistant, keeping you cool and comfortable as you sleep.
The topper is available in different thicknesses based on your preference. It also comes with a 10-year warranty. The topper is available in a Luxury firm option that is similar to a medium or 7 out of 10. Both are manufactured in the USA and backed by a 100-night sleep test.
Latex and foam are both breathable materials, making them ideal for sleepers who are hot. However certain latex and memory foam toppers can trap body heat and cause discomfort for some people. Look for ones that have cooling elements, like this one from Nolah. It features cooling fibers within the quilted cover, and utilizes the trademark foam of the company to keep you cool as you sleep. It also offers zones of support for the hips, shoulders, and head.
Mattress protectors are a great option to ensure that you sleep cool. The protectors slide over the mattress and protect it against spills, allergens and other things. This one has an open zipper and is machine washable, making it easy to clean and get rid of.
Most people have a go-to sleeping position, and if prefer sleeping on your back or stomach you'll need a topper with plenty of support. A mattress that's too hard can cause you to slump over and can cause neck or back pain. Softer foams and down or down-alternative topper options provide extra comfort. Strategist contributing writer Lauren Levy slept on this one from Parachute and says she woke up feeling "gently in between layers of marshmallow softness." It's also available in an organic cotton version, which is hypoallergenic and has been 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 bank. With so many choices available, finding the ideal one for you could be difficult. The right topper will make a huge difference, whether your mattress is sagging, you're suffering from back pain, or you want to reduce motion transfer between your partner.
The material used in a topper can have a big impact on its feel. It could also impact the health of your back. Experts suggest that side sleepers should pick a soft topper, whereas back and stomach sleepers require a more firm one.
You can narrow down your options by taking into consideration other factors, such as the thickness and breathability. Toppers with a higher thickness can be more expensive, but offer more support. They also have a better breathable because they have a greater surface area. Make sure to look for models with baffle box construction. This will prevent the clumping of the filling evenly dispersed (a major benefit for comfort).
For those who are hot at night, look into gel-infused memory foam which is designed to keep you cool while you sleep. You may also want to consider a latex top that is tough and flexible. If you're looking to stay away from chemicals, organic wool or cotton are excellent choices.
Although a mattress topper won't need to be cleaned as frequently as sheets, you should choose a model that is easy to clean and will hold up to repeated washings. Many of the models we tested have large elastic straps that bind them to your mattress, making it easier to take them off and wash them. You'll also need a mattress topper that is secure in place on the bed especially if you're a combination sleeper who moves frequently during 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 more expensive than the other models that we have reviewed, but it has received excellent reviews from customers and comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee.