How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You
A mattress topper is the quickest and most effective way to upgrade your sleeping surface. The most well-known materials are memory foam, polyfoam and latex.
A memory foam mattress is perfect for mattresses that are sagging or beds that have too many bounce. It conforms to your body, offering the support you need for back pain and pressure relief.
Comfort
A mattress topper can soften the mattress that is too firm. It can also provide additional support, which can help reduce back pain. Memory foam toppers can relieve pressure, while latex offers more bounce and breathability than polyurethane.
The firmness of a topper is determined by the material, and also your weight, position of sleep and your personal preference. Side sleepers may prefer the softest option, whereas stomach or back sleepers would prefer a medium-firm option. The thickness of a topper can affect its comfort: While thicker toppers provide more cushioning, they might not be as pliable to your bed and can cause a sloppy feel.
The best mattress toppers for most people are made of a strong soft and comfortable material that comes with a solid warranty. It should be hypoallergenic and comfortable, and free of harmful chemicals such as fire retardants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). To keep the topper fresh and clean it can be cleaned by a machine.
Testers at GH rate toppers based on ease of use, temperature regulation and how it affects the feel of their current mattresses. We also ask if the topper stays in its place, if the topper makes any noise, and how much better their sleep quality is.
The Saatva topper at the top of our list has a great customer satisfaction rating of 4.4 out of 5 (as of May 2023) and is available in a queen size. It's constructed with a 2-inch layer of bouncy open-cell foam to conform to your body and react to motion, providing support while keeping you cool.
Turmerry organic toppers are a more affordable option. They come in the form of a soft and firm choice, with a three-inch layer made of natural materials that breathe. It's a great choice for those who have beds that are sagging or innerspring mattresses that have too high bounce or couples looking to reduce the feeling of motion transfer.
Another popular option 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 made from organic materials and is free of chemicals or synthetic dyes.
Support
A mattress topper is a thick layer that sits on top of your current mattress. It secures to your mattress via elasticated straps or a stretchy skirt and ranges in thickness from two to four inches. Mattress toppers differ from mattress protectors which are thin covers purely designed to safeguard your mattress from allergens, spills, and bed bugs.
The top mattress protectors can improve your sleep and help avoid aches and pains that are caused by an old or less comfortable mattress. They can also boost a sagging mattress or improve an uncomfortable mattress with the right amount of comfort support, support, and temperature control.
There are many kinds of mattress toppers, such as memory foam gel, latex, gel and down. If you want to improve your spinal alignment opt for a memory foam topper. It will cushion and contour. A memory foam topper that is infused with gel will help reduce heat retention. This is a great option for those who suffer from night sweats and are hot sleepers.
A memory foam topper will aid in maintaining your spine's alignment by reducing the pressure on your sensitive areas. If you have back pain, a cushion infused with copper can reduce swelling and inflammation and it may also prevent pain from pressure points.
Wool or cotton topper can help you sleep more comfortably and cooler. Wool is durable, breathable and moisture-wicking, as well as 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 mattress topper made of down is a great option for those who like a soft feel. Find one that contains both down and feathers for a luxurious texture that covers your body in softness. This Brooklyn Bedding topper is a great option, as it's available in a firm version for those who require more support and a firmer feel and also plush for those who prefer softness that resembles a cloud. It comes with five years of warranty and comes with an extended trial period and free shipping.
Temperature Control
This topper is cooling and cushions. It can be placed on a memory foam mattress. It has gel-infused memory foam which is ventilated through holes. This makes it more breathable, and helps it dissipate the heat while you sleep. It comes with a bamboo-covered mattress that is soft and wicks away moisture. This keeps you cool while you sleep.
This topper is available in different thicknesses based on what you prefer. It also comes with a 10-year warranty. This topper comes in a Luxury firm version that's similar to a medium, or a 7 out of 10. Both are made in America and come with a 100-night trial.
Foam and latex mattress toppers are both breathable materials, which makes them good options for sleepers who are hot. However certain latex and memory foam toppers can trap body heat and cause discomfort for some people. Look for cooling components, like this Nolah model. It features cooling fibers within the quilted cover, and utilizes the company's trademark foam to keep you cool as you sleep. It also offers zoned support for head, shoulders and hips.
Another method of ensuring an unbeatable night's sleep is by using a mattress protector. They can be placed over a mattress and shield it from allergens, spills bugs, dust mites and more. The one you choose to wash is machine-washable and comes with an opening for a zipper, making it easy to clean as well as to put on and remove.
If you like to sleep on your stomach or back, you will want a mattress topper that offers lots of support. A mattress that's too firm could cause you to hunch over and cause neck or back pain. Softer foams and down or down-alternative topper options provide additional comfort. The Parachute pillow, which was reviewed by Strategist contributor Lauren Levy, is made of soft foam and down-alternative toppers.
Breathability
A mattress topper can be a great way to upgrade an old mattress without breaking the bank. With so many options available, choosing the best one for you could be difficult. If your mattress is beginning to sag, you have back pain or you simply want to reduce the feel of motion transfer from one partner to another, the right mattress can make all the difference.
The type of material used to create the topper is the primary element in its feel, and it can affect not only the way you sleep, but also your back health. Experts suggest that side sleepers should pick an easier topper, while back and stomach sleepers require a more rigid one.
You can narrow your options by taking into consideration other factors, such as thickness and breathability. While thicker toppers are more expensive, they provide more support. They also have a better breathable because they have a larger surface area. Look for models that have baffle box construction. This helps to prevent clumping and ensures that the filling is evenly spaced (a major benefit for comfort).
Gel-infused memory foam is made to keep people cool as they sleep. It is also possible to try a latex-based topper that is extremely tough and bouncy. If you're trying to avoid any chemicals wool or organic cotton are good choices.
Although the mattress topper isn't required to be washed as often as your sheets, you should still consider a mattress that is easy to clean and can stand up to repeated washings. Many of the options we reviewed come with wide elastic straps that secure to the mattress which makes it easy to remove them and wash them. You'll need a mattress protector that will stay in place, particularly in the case of a mix sleeper and move around a lot at night.
Brooklyn Bedding's gel swirl foam topper is a CertiPUR US and GREENGUARD gold certified option. It is sturdy and comfortable. It is a little more expensive than other models, but has a great customer review and a 90-day warranty.