The One Mattress Topper Mistake Every Beginner Makes
How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You
A mattress topper is the most efficient and simple method of upgrading your mattress. Memory foam, polyfoam, and latex are among the most well-known materials.
A memory foam topper is ideal for sagging mattresses or beds that have too many bounce. It molds to your body shape, providing support for back pain as well as pressure relief.
Comfort
A mattress topper can soften mattresses that are too firm. It also provides an additional level of support, which can ease back pain. A memory foam topper can relieve pressure points, while latex toppers offer more bounce and breathability than polyurethane options.
A topper's firmness can be determined by the material, and also your weight, sleeping position and your personal preference. For those who sleep on their sides, they can choose the softest option, whereas stomach or back sleepers will prefer a medium firm option. A topper's thickness can also affect its comfort: While heavier toppers offer more cushioning, they might not be as comfortable to your bed and could make a strange feel.
The best mattress toppers for the majority of people are made from a tough soft material that is backed by a solid warranty. It should be hypoallergenic and comfortable, and free of 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 rate toppers for ease of use, temperature control and how it changes the feel of their current mattresses. We also ask if the topper stays in place, if it makes any noise or noise, and how more comfortable they sleep.
The Saatva topper at the top of our list has a very high customer rating of 4.4 out of 5 (as of May 2023) and is available in the queen size. It's designed with a two-inch layer of bouncy open-cell foam to conform to your body and react to motion, providing support while keeping you cool.
A more affordable option is the Turmerry organic topper, which features three inches of breathable natural material and is available in soft or firm options. It's a great choice for those with sagging beds, innerspring mattresses with too high bounce or couples looking to minimize the sensation of motion transfer.
Linenspa's mattress topper that is GOTS certified 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 label indicates that the topper is organically grown standards and is free of synthetic dyes and chemical materials.
Support
A mattress topper is an extremely thick layer that is placed on top of your current mattress. It secures to your mattress using elastic straps or a skirt that is stretchy and ranges in thickness between two and four inches. Mattress toppers differ from mattress protectors that are essentially covers that are designed to protect your mattress from allergens, spills, and bed bugs.
The best mattress toppers will transform your sleep, and prevent aches and discomforts caused by an old or soft mattress. They can also boost the mattress's weight or even improve a mattress that is uncomfortable by providing the right amount of softness 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 in case you're looking for comfort and contouring to improve spinal alignment. A memory foam topper infused with gel will help to reduce heat retention. This is ideal for those who suffer from night sweats or are hot sleepers.
If you have back pain, a memory-foam topper can help you keep your spine in a good alignment by reducing pressure on delicate areas. A copper-infused topper can help reduce inflammation and swelling and may also reduce pain caused by pressure point.
A cotton or wool pillow can make you sleep more comfortably and cooler. Wool is breathable, wicks away moisture and is also tough and pliable. 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 prefer a plush feel. Choose a mattress topper that has both down and feathers. This will provide you with a luxurious and soft texture. Brooklyn Bedding's topper is an excellent choice, as it comes in two distinct textures that are firm for those who require extra support and resilience and plush for a softness that resembles clouds. It's backed by a five-year warranty and offers a generous trial period and free shipping.
Temperature Control
This topper is cooling and provides cushioning. It can be used on a memory-foam mattress. It's filled with gel which is ventilated through holes. This makes it breathable and helps it dissipate the heat that you experience while you rest. It also comes with a bamboo cover that is soft, wicking and water-resistant that keeps you cool and comfortable as you relax.
It's available in different thicknesses to fit your preferences and comes with a 10-year guarantee. If you prefer a firmer feel the topper is available in a Luxury Firm option (similar to a medium or 7/10). Both are made in America and come with a trial period of 100 nights.
Foam and latex are both breathable materials that make them a good choice for sleepers who are hot. Certain memory foam and latex mattress toppers can hold heat, which is uncomfortable for some people. Be sure to look for ones with cooling components like this model from Nolah. It uses the company's signature foam and a quilted cover with cooling fibers to keep you cool as you sleep. It also provides zoned support for your shoulders, head the torso, hips, and legs.

Mattress protectors are a great method to ensure you sleep cool. These protectors slip over the bed and protect it from spills, allergens and other things. The one you choose to wash is machine-washable and has a zipper, making it easy to clean and to put on and remove.
If you like to sleep on your back or stomach you'll require a mattress topper that offers lots of support. A mattress that's too firm can cause you to slump forward and cause neck or back pain. Softer foams and down or down-alternative topper options provide extra 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 excellent way to upgrade an old mattress without breaking the bank. Finding the ideal mattress topper can be a challenge, especially with so many choices available. 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 the other, the right topper can make all the difference.
The material used to make a topper can have a big impact on its feel. It can also affect the health of your back. Experts suggest that those who sleep on their sides should select a softer topper, while stomach and back sleepers require a firmer one.
Other factors, including thickness and breathability, can aid in narrowing down your options. The toppers that are thicker may be more expensive, but offer more support. They are also more air-conditioned due to a larger surface area.
mattress toppers double should look for models that have baffle box construction, which will prevent clumping, and ensures that the filling is evenly spaced (a huge benefit for comfort).
If you sleep hot, consider gel-infused memory foam, which is designed to keep you cool as you sleep. You might also want to try a latex topper that is extremely tough and springy. And if you want to avoid any chemicals, organic cotton or wool are excellent options.
Even though the mattress topper isn't required to be washed as often as your sheets, you should still look for a model that's easy to clean and can be able to withstand repeated washings. The majority of the models we tested have large elastic straps that bind them to your bed, making it much easier to take them off and wash them. You'll want a mattress topper that is able to stay in place, particularly if you are 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's robust and comfortable. It's a little pricier than other models that we have reviewed, but it has excellent reviews from customers and comes with a a 90-day money-back guarantee.