How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You

A mattress topper is the quickest and most effective way to upgrade your sleeping surface. Memory foam, polyfoam and latex are among the most well-known materials.

A memory foam top is ideal for mattresses that are too sagging or with excessive bounce. It conforms to your body, offering the support you need for back pain and pressure relief.

Comfort

If your mattress is too firm, a mattress toppers latex topper can soften it. It can also offer an additional level of support, which can ease back pain. Memory foam toppers can ease pressure, while latex has more bounce and breathability than polyurethane.

The firmness of a topper is determined by the material it is made of and weight, as well as your sleeping position, and personal preferences. Most often, those who sleep on their sides prefers a soft topper, while back and stomach sleepers prefer an option that is firm or medium. The thickness of a topper can affect its comfort. While heavier toppers offer more cushioning, they might not conform as well to your bed and can create an awkward feel.

The best mattress toppers for most people are made from a tough, soft material that comes with an outstanding warranty. It should be hypoallergenic and air-tight, and free of harmful chemicals such as flame retardants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). To keep the topper clean and fresh it can be machine washed.

Testers at GH evaluate toppers on the ease of use, temperature control and how it changes the feel of their current mattresses. We also inquire about whether the topper stays in place, if it creates noise, and how much it increases their sleep quality.

The Saatva topper, which is at the top of our list, has a customer rating of 4.4 (as as of May 2023) and comes in a queen-sized. It is designed with a two inch layer of open-cell, bouncy foam that conforms to your body. This gives you support and helps keep you cool.

An option that is more affordable is the Turmerry organic topper, which has a three-inch layer of breathable natural material and can be purchased in soft or firm options. It's a great option for those who have a bed that is sagging or innerspring mattresses with too much bounce, or couples who wish to reduce the feeling of motion transfer.

Linenspa's GOTS-certified mattress topper 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 means the topper is organically produced according to standards and is free of synthetic and chemical dyes. materials.

Support

A mattress topper is a thick layer that sits atop your existing bed. It is secured to your mattress with elastic straps or a skirt with a stretchy design and can range in thickness from two to four inches. Mattress protectors are covers that shield your 4ft mattress topper from spills, allergens and bed bugs.

The top mattress protectors will transform your sleep, and prevent aches and discomforts caused by a worn-out or soft mattress. They can also improve a mattress that is uncomfortable or sagging with the right amount of support, softness and temperature control.

There are many mattress topper materials such as memory foam, latex, down and gel. Choose a single memory foam Mattress topper foam topper in case you're looking for comfort and contouring to improve spinal alignment. A memory foam topper that is infused with gel can help decrease heat retention. This is great for those who suffer from night sweats and hot sleepers.

A memory foam topper will aid in maintaining your spine's alignment by reducing the pressure on areas that are sensitive. If you have a sore back, a topper that is infused with copper can help reduce swelling and inflammation and may even help to reduce pain caused by pressure points.

A cotton or wool pillow can help you sleep more comfortably and cooler. Wool is breathable, durable and moisture-wicking, as well as flexible. 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 topper is a great option for those who want a luxurious feel. Look for one that includes both down and feathers for an extravagant texture that covers your body in a softness. Brooklyn Bedding's topper is an excellent choice, as it comes in two textures with firmness for those who need more support and resiliency and plush for a softness similar to clouds. It's backed by a five-year guarantee and includes a generous trial period and free shipping.

Temperature Control

This topper is cooling and provides cushioning. It can be placed on a memory foam mattress. It's filled with gel that is ventilated by holes. This makes it breathable and helps in dispersing 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 while you rest.

This topper comes in different thicknesses based on what you prefer. It also comes with a 10 year guarantee. If you prefer a firmer feel this topper is available in a Luxury Firm version (similar to a medium or 7/10). Both are manufactured in the USA and backed by a 100-night sleep test.

Foam and latex single mattress topper toppers are both breathable materials that makes them great choices for those who sleep hot. Some latex and memory foam mattress toppers can trap heat, which is uncomfortable for some. Look for cooling components, like this Nolah model. It is made with the company's signature foam as well as quilted cover that has cooling fibers to keep you cool as you sleep, plus it provides a zoned, padded support for your head, shoulders and torso, as well as your hips and legs.

A mattress protector is another method to ensure you have a cool sleep. They can be placed over a bed and protect it from spills, allergens dust mites, bugs and more. This one comes with a zip and is machine washable, making it simple to clean and to remove.

If you prefer to sleep on your stomach or back then you'll need a mattress that has lots of support. Mattresses that are too firm can cause you to hunch forward, which can cause neck or back pain. The extra comfort is provided by soft foam and toppers made of down or other alternatives to down. 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 improve an old mattress without breaking the budget. With so many choices available, finding the ideal one for you is difficult. The best mattress will make a significant difference in the quality of your mattress, whether it is getting sagging, or you are suffering from back pain, or you are looking to decrease motion transfer between your partner.

The material used in a topper can affect its feel. It could also impact your back health. Experts suggest that those who sleep on their sides should select a softer topper, while stomach and back sleepers require a more rigid one.

You can narrow your options by taking into consideration other factors like thickness and breathability. The toppers that are thicker may be more expensive, but they provide better support. They are also more air-conditioned due to a greater surface area. Look for models that have baffle box construction. This helps to prevent from clumping and keeps the filling evenly dispersed (a major plus for comfort).

For those who are hot at night, think about gel-infused memory foam that is designed to keep you cool while you sleep. You might also want to try a latex-based topper, which is extremely durable and springy. If you're looking to avoid chemicals, organic wool or cotton are good choices.

Although a mattress topper doesn't have to be washed as often as your sheets, you should still choose a model that is easy to clean and will stand up to repeated washings. A majority of the models we tested come with wide elastic straps that connect them to your bed, making it easier to take them off and wash them. You'll need a mattress topper that will stay in place, particularly when you're a combination sleeper who moves around a lot at 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 little pricier than some other models on our list, but it has received excellent reviews from customers and comes with 90 days of money-back guarantee.