How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You
A mattress topper is the fastest and most convenient way to improve 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 that bounce too much. It conforms to your body and provides support for back pain.
Comfort
A mattress topper can soften the mattress that is too firm. It also provides additional support that can reduce back pain. A memory foam topper can ease pressure points and pressure points, while latex toppers provide more breathability and bounce than polyurethane alternatives.
The firmness of a mattress can be determined by the material, along with your weight, position of sleep and personal preference. A person who sleeps on their side will prefer a more supple topper, whereas stomach and back sleepers prefer a medium to firm option. The thickness of a topper can also impact the comfort. While heavier toppers can provide more cushioning, it is possible that they will not conform to your bed and cause an uncomfortable feeling.
The ideal mattress topper for the majority of people will be made from soft, durable material, and is backed by a solid warranty. It should be hypoallergenic, comfortable, and free of harmful chemicals such as the fire retardants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Toppers can be machine-washed to keep it clean and fresh.
Testers at GH rate the topper on its ease of use and temperature control as well as how it changes the feeling of their existing mattress. We also ask whether 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 high score from customers of 4.4 out of 5 (as as of May 2023) and is available in the queen size. It's designed with a two inch layer of bouncy, open-cell foam that conforms to your body. This gives you support and helps keep your body cool.
Turmerry organic toppers are a less expensive option. They are the form of a soft and firm choice with a 3-inch layer made of natural materials that breathe. It's a great choice for people with sagging beds or innerspring mattresses that have too much bounce, or couples who wish to minimize the sensation of motion transfer.
Another popular option is the GOTS certified mattress topper made 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 certificate indicates that the topper is made from natural materials and does not contain synthetic dyes or chemicals.
Support
A mattress topper is an extremely thick layer that is placed on top of your current bed. It is secured to your mattress using elastic straps or a skirt that is stretchy, and it can range in thickness between two and four inches. Mattress protectors are thin covers that protect your mattress from spills, allergens and bed bugs.
The best mattress toppers can make a difference in your sleeping habits and help you to avoid pain and aches such as those result from an older or less than ideal mattress. They can also improve a mattress that is uncomfortable or sagging, by providing the proper amount of support, softness and temperature control.
You'll find a variety of mattress topper materials, including memory foam, latex down and gel. If you're looking to improve your spinal alignment opt for a memory foam topper. It will help cushion and shape. A memory foam topper infused with gel can help to reduce heat retention and is a great option for those who struggle with night sweats.
If you have back issues, a memory-foam topper can help keep your spine aligned by reducing pressure on sensitive areas. A copper-infused topper can help reduce inflammation and swelling and may also help prevent pain from pressure point.
A cotton or wool pillow can help you sleep more comfortably and cooler. Wool is durable, breathable and moisture-wicking, as well as moldable. It's often mixed with other materials for added comfort, like 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 a great choice for those who prefer a plush feel. Choose a mattress with both down and feathers. This will provide you with a luxurious and soft texture. Brooklyn Bedding's topper is a great choice because it comes in two distinct textures with firmness for those who need extra support and durability, and plush for softness similar to clouds. It comes with a five-year guarantee and a long 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 cushioning. It features gel infused memory foam that is ventilated through specially-designed holes, making it breathable and helping it to disperse heat during your sleep. It comes with bamboo-covered mattresses that are soft, moisture-resistant and wicking. This keeps you cool while you sleep.
This topper comes in a variety of thicknesses, based on the thickness you prefer. It also comes with a 10-year guarantee. If you prefer a more firm feel the topper is available in a Luxury Firm option (similar to a medium or 7/10). Both are made in the USA and backed by a 100-night trial.
Latex and foam mattress toppers are both breathable materials which makes them excellent options for sleepers who are hot. However, some toppers made of latex and memory foam can hold body heat and cause discomfort for some. Make mattress toppers memory foam Bunk Beds Store to choose ones with cooling elements, like this one from Nolah. It has cooling fibers in the quilted cover and uses the foam that is trademarked by the company to keep you cool while you sleep. It also provides zones of support for the hips, shoulders and the head.
Mattress protectors are another way to ensure that you sleep cool. These slip over a mattress to shield it from spills, allergens dust mites, bugs and more. This one is machine-washable and comes with an opening for a zipper, making it simple to clean as well as to put on and take off.
The majority of people have a preferred sleeping position and if you prefer sleeping on your stomach or back you'll need a topper with plenty of support. Mattresses that are too firm may cause you to slump forward, which can cause back or neck pain. The extra comfort is provided by softer foam and toppers that are made of down or alternative down. Strategist contributing writer Lauren Levy slept on this one from Parachute and says she woke up feeling "gently in between layers of marshmallow softness." It's also available in an organic cotton version, which 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 is a great way to improve the look of your mattress without costing you a fortune. Finding the right mattress topper can be difficult, especially with so many options available. The right mattress topper can make a huge 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 partners.
The material used to make a topper can affect its feel. It can also affect the health of your back. For instance, experts advise that side sleepers should choose a soft topper while stomach or back sleepers require a more firm option.
Other factors, like thickness and breathability, can aid in narrowing your choices. The toppers that are thicker may be more expensive, but offer more support. They are also more breathable since they have a greater surface area that allows air to circulate. Look for models that have baffle box construction. This will prevent clumping, and keeps the filling evenly dispersed (a major benefit for comfort).
Gel-infused memory foam is made to keep people cool while they sleep. You might also want to try a latex-based topper, which is extremely durable and bouncy. If you're looking to stay away from chemicals organic wool or cotton are great choices.
Although the mattress topper isn't required to be cleaned as often as your sheets, you should still look for a model that's easy to clean and can stand up to repeated washings. Many of the options we reviewed include wide elastic straps that secure them to your mattress, making it easier to take them off and wash them. You'll need a mattress protector that will stay in place, especially in the case of a mix sleeper and move throughout the night.
The Brooklyn Bedding gel swirl memory foam mattress topper is a CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold certified option that is robust and comfortable. It's a little pricier than other models on our list, but it has a great rating from users and comes with 90 days of money-back guarantee.