15 Things You Didn't Know About Mattress Topper 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 popular materials.

A memory foam mattress is perfect for mattresses that are sagging or beds that have too high bounce. It conforms to your body shape, providing the support you need for back pain and pressure relief.

Comfort

If your mattress is too firm, a topper can make it feel plush. It can also offer additional support, which can help reduce back pain. A memory foam topper can ease pressure points while toppers made of latex offer more bounce and breathability than polyurethane alternatives.

A topper's firmness can be determined by the fabric, and also your weight, position of sleep and personal preference. For those who sleep on their sides, they can choose the softest option, whereas stomach or back sleepers would prefer a medium-firm option. A topper's thickness can also impact its comfort: Although the thicker ones provide more cushioning, they may not be as comfortable to your mattress and may make a strange feel.

The ideal mattress topper for a majority of people will be made from a soft, durable fabric and covered by a good warranty. It must also be breathable and hypoallergenic, and free of harmful chemicals like flame retardants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Toppers can be washed in the machine to keep it clean and fresh.

Testers at GH rate the topper for its ease of use and temperature regulation as well as how it affects the comfort of their existing mattress. We also want to know whether the topper remains in its place, if the topper makes any noise and how much better their sleep is.

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

An option that is more affordable is the Turmerry organic topper, which is made of three inches of breathable natural material and comes in either soft or firm options. It's a great option for those who have a sagging bed or innerspring mattresses with too much bounce or couples who want to reduce the feeling of motion transfer.

Linenspa's mattress topper that is GOTS certified is a popular choice. 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 existing mattress. It secures to your mattress via elasticated straps or a skirt with a stretchy design, and it can range in thickness between two and four inches. Mattress toppers differ from mattress protectors that are essentially covers purely designed to safeguard your mattress from allergens, spills, and bed bugs.

The best mattress toppers can make a difference in your sleep and help you to avoid pain and aches that are result from an older or less than ideal mattress. They can also help to lift the mattress's weight or even improve a mattress that is uncomfortable by providing the right amount of cushioning and support as well as temperature control.

You'll find a variety of mattress topper materials, such as memory foam, latex down, and gel. Choose a memory foam topper for those who want cushioning and contouring for improved spinal alignment. A memory foam topper that is infused with gel will help to reduce heat retention. This is a great option for those who suffer from night sweats and hot sleepers.

If you're suffering from back pain, a memory-foam topper can help you keep your spine in a good alignment by reducing pressure on delicate areas. If you have back pain, a cushion infused with copper can help reduce inflammation and swelling, and it may also prevent pain from pressure points.


A topper made from natural fibers like wool or cotton, can aid in sleeping more comfortably and cooler. Wool is breathable, wicks away moisture It's also strong and moldable. It's 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 is a great choice for those who like a soft feel. Look for one that includes feathers and down to create an extravagant feel that wraps your body in a luxurious feeling of. This Brooklyn Bedding topper is a good choice as it's available in firm for those who require more support and resilience and plush for those who want cloud-like softness. It's backed by five years of warranty and comes with an extended trial period and free shipping.

Temperature Control

If you own an memory foam mattress, you can increase your comfort level with this mattress topper that's both cooling and padded. It features gel infused memory foam that is ventilated through purpose-made holes, making it breathable and helping dissipate heat while you sleep. It has bamboo-covered mattresses that are soft and wicks away moisture. This keeps you cool while you sleep.

This topper is available in a variety of thicknesses, based on your preference. It also comes with a 10-year guarantee. If you prefer a firmer feel the topper is available in a Luxury Firm variant (similar to a medium or 7/10). Both are made in America and come with a 100-night trial.

Latex and foam are both breathable materials, making them an excellent choice for hot sleepers. Some latex and memory foam 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 features the company's signature foam as well as a quilted cover with cooling fibers to keep you cool while you sleep, plus it provides zoned support for your head, shoulders and torso, as well as your hips and legs.

Another way to ensure you get a good night's rest is to use a mattress protector. They slide over the mattress and shield it from spills, allergens, bugs, dust mites and more. This one has an open zipper and is machine washable, making it easy to clean and remove.

If you prefer sleeping on your stomach or back then you'll need a mattress topper that provides lots of support. Mattresses that are too firm can cause you to hunch forward and cause back or neck pain. The extra comfort is provided by softer foam and toppers made of down or alternative down. Strategist contributing writer Lauren Levy slept on this one from Parachute and reports that she woke up feeling "gently wrapped between layers of marshmallow softness." It's also available in a natural cotton version that 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 can be an ideal way to update an old mattress without breaking the bank. Finding the perfect mattress topper can be a challenge when there are so many options available. If your mattress is beginning to sag, you have back pain or you simply want to decrease the sensation of motion transfer from one person to the next, the correct topper can make all the difference.

The type of material used to make the topper is the primary factor in its feel, and it can affect not only how well you sleep but also your back health. Experts suggest that side sleepers should choose an easier topper, while stomach and back sleepers require a more rigid one.

You can narrow your options by taking into consideration other factors such as the thickness and breathability. The toppers that are thicker may be more expensive, but offer more support. They also have a better air-conditioned due to a greater surface area. You should look for models with baffle box construction, which helps to prevent clumping and ensures that the filling is evenly spaced (a major benefit for comfort).

Gel-infused memory foam was created to keep people cool when they sleep. You may also want to think about a top made of latex that is tough and flexible. And if you want to stay clear of any chemicals, organic cotton or wool are excellent choices.

While a topper isn't as likely to require washing as sheets, it's still essential to find one that is easy to clean and will stand up to repeated washes. A lot of the options we reviewed have straps with elastic that secure to the mattress which makes 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 especially if you're a combination sleeper who moves around a lot throughout 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 some other models on our list, but it has a great rating from users and comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee.