How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You
A mattress topper can be 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 mattress is perfect for mattresses that are sagging or beds with too much bounce. It is shaped to fit your body and provides the support you need for back pain and pressure relief.
Comfort
A mattress topper can soften mattresses that are too firm. It can also provide more support that can ease back pain by adjusting to the body's shape. A memory foam topper can relieve pressure points, while latex toppers offer more bounce and breathability than polyurethane options.
The firmness of a top will be determined by its material, your weight, your sleeping position and personal preferences. For those who sleep on their sides, they can choose an option that is more soft, whereas stomach or back sleepers would prefer a medium firm option. The thickness of a topper may impact comfort. While thicker toppers may offer more cushioning, it is likely that they will not fit as well and create an uncomfortable feeling.
The best mattress topper for the majority of people is made of a soft, durable fabric and backed by a good warranty. It should also be breathable and hypoallergenic, and free of harmful chemicals like the fire retardants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Toppers can be machine-washed to keep it clean and fresh.
Testers at GH rate toppers based on their ease of use, temperature control and how it affects the feel of their current mattresses. We also inquire about the ability of the topper to stay in position, if it makes noise, and how much it increases their sleep quality.
The Saatva topper at the top of our list has a high customer 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 bouncy open-cell foam to contour to your body and react to motion, offering support while keeping cool.
An alternative that is less expensive is the Turmerry organic topper, which features three inches of breathable natural material and comes in either soft or firm options. It's a great choice for those with sagging beds, innerspring mattresses with too high bounce, or couples who wish to minimize the sensation 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 certificate indicates that the topper is constructed of organic materials and is free of synthetic dyes or chemicals.
Support
A mattress topper is a thick layer that is placed on top of your bed. It can be affixed to your mattress by elastic straps or a hem with a stretchy fit. The thickness of the topper can vary from 2 to 4 inches. Mattress toppers differ from mattress protectors that are essentially covers designed to protect your mattress from allergens, spills, and bed bugs.
topper mattress will transform your sleep, and prevent aches and discomforts caused by an old or soft mattress. They can also enhance the comfort of a mattress that is uncomfortable or sagging, by providing the proper level of support, softness, and temperature control.
You'll find a variety of mattress topper materials such as memory foam, latex down and gel. If you want to improve your spine alignment, choose a memory-foam topper. It will provide cushioning and contour. A memory foam topper filled with gel can aid in reducing heat retention, making it a good choice for hot sleepers who are prone to sweaty nights.
A memory foam topper can aid in maintaining your spine alignment by reducing the pressure on areas that are sensitive. If you struggle with a sore back, a topper that is infused with copper can reduce inflammation and swelling, and it may also reduce pain caused by pressure points.
A mattress cover made of natural fibers, such as cotton or wool, can make you sleep cooler and more comfortably. Wool is durable, breathable and moisture-wicking. It is also flexible. It's frequently blended with other materials for greater comfort, such as 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 like the softness of a mattress. Select a mattress topper with feathers and down. This will give you a luxurious texture. This Brooklyn Bedding topper is a good choice as it comes in a firm option for those who require more support and resilience and plush for those who prefer cloud-like softness. It's covered by five years of warranty and comes with a generous trial period and free shipping.
Temperature Control
If you own a memory foam mattress you can increase your comfort with this topper, which is both cooling and padded. It has gel-infused memory foam that is ventilated through purpose-made holes, making it breathable and helping dissipate heat while you sleep. It also has bamboo covers that are soft, wicking, and moisture-resistant which keeps you cool and comfortable while you sleep.
It's available in various thicknesses to suit your preference and comes with a 10-year warranty. If you prefer a more firm feel this topper is available in a Luxury Firm version (similar to a medium or 7/10). Both are made in the United States and come with a trial period of 100 nights.
Latex and foam are both breathable materials that make them ideal for hot sleepers. Some latex and memory foam mattress toppers trap heat, which is uncomfortable for some. Look for ones that have cooling components like this model from Nolah. It uses the company's signature foam and quilted covers with cooling fibers to keep you cool as you sleep. Additionally, it provides zoned support for your shoulders, head and torso, as well as your hips and legs.
Mattress protectors are another method to ensure you have a cool sleep. They slide over the bed and protect it from allergens, spills, bugs, dust mites and more. The one you choose to wash is machine-washable and has the zipper, making it easy to clean as well as to put on and remove.
If you prefer sleeping on your back or stomach, you will want a mattress that has plenty of support. A mattress that's too firm could cause you to slump forward and cause neck or back pain. Extra comfort is provided by softer foam and toppers that are made of down or alternative 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 a fantastic way to upgrade an old mattress without breaking the bank. However, with so many options available, choosing the ideal one for you is difficult. Whether your mattress is starting to lose its shape, you suffer from back pain or you simply want to reduce the feel of motion transfer from one partner to another, the right topper can make all the difference.
The material used in a topper can have a big impact on its feel. It can also affect your back health. 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.
You can narrow down your choices by considering other factors, such as the thickness and breathability. Toppers with a higher thickness can be more expensive but provide more support. They are also more breathable because they have a larger surface area that allows air to circulate. Find models with baffle box construction, which helps to prevent clumping and ensures that the filling is evenly distributed (a major benefit for comfort).
Gel-infused memory foam is made to keep people cool while they sleep. It is also possible to consider a latex top which is strong and flexible. If you're trying to stay clear of any chemicals wool or organic cotton are great options.
Even though the mattress topper isn't required to be washed as often as sheets, you should still consider a mattress that is easy to clean and can stand up to repeated washings. A lot of the options we reviewed have straps with elastic that bind to the mattress making it easier to take them off and wash them. You'll also need a mattress topper that stays securely in place on the bed, particularly when you're a hybrid sleeper who moves frequently throughout the night.
Brooklyn Bedding's gel-swirl memory foam topper is a CertiPUR US and greenguard gold-certified option. It is sturdy and comfortable. It's a bit more expensive than the other models on our list, however it has received excellent reviews from users and comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee.