How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You
A mattress topper is the quickest and most convenient way to upgrade your sleeping surface. Memory foam, polyfoam and latex are among the most popular materials.
A memory foam top is perfect for mattresses that are sagging or beds that bounce too much. It molds to your body shape, providing support for back pain and pressure relief.
Comfort
A mattress topper can soften mattresses that are too firm. It can also offer more support that can ease back pain by conforming to your body’s shape. A memory foam topper can help relieve pressure points while toppers made of latex offer more bounce and breathability than polyurethane options.
The firmness of a topper is determined by the material used, along with your weight, position of sleep and personal preference. Most often, those who sleep on their sides prefers a soft topper, while back and stomach sleepers prefer a medium to firm option. The thickness of a topper may impact comfort. While heavier toppers can offer more cushioning, it’s likely that they will not fit and cause an uncomfortable sensation.
The best mattress toppers for most people are made from a durable, soft material that is backed by an outstanding warranty. It should also be breathable, 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 evaluate toppers on their ease of use, temperature regulation and how it alters the feel of their existing mattresses. We also ask whether the topper stays in its place, if the topper makes any noise, and how much better their sleep is.
The Saatva topper is at the top of our ranking and has a rating from customers of 4.4 (as as of May 2023) and comes in queen size. It is constructed with a two inch layer of bouncy, open-cell foam that conforms to your body. This helps provide support and keeps your body cool.
Turmerry organic toppers are a more affordable alternative. They are a soft and extra firm mattress topper option and have a three-inch thickness made of natural materials that breathe. It’s a great choice for those with sagging beds, innerspring mattresses with too high bounce or couples who want to reduce the feeling of motion transfer.
Another popular choice 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 signifies that the topper is constructed from natural materials and does not contain chemicals or synthetic dyes.
Support
A mattress topper is an extremely thick layer that is placed on top of your existing mattress. It can be affixed to your mattress by elastic straps or a stretchy hem. Its thickness can range between two and four inches. Mattress protectors are covers that protect your mattress from allergens, spills and bed bugs.
The top mattress protectors can transform your sleep and prevent aches and discomforts caused by a worn-out or soft mattress. They can also improve a sagging mattress or improve a mattress that is uncomfortable by providing the right amount of softness and support as well as temperature control.
There are a variety of mattress toppers, such as memory foam, gel, latex and down. If you’re looking to improve the alignment of your spine, choose a memory-foam topper. It will help cushion and shape. A memory foam topper infused with gel will help reduce heat retention. This is ideal for those who suffer from night sweats or are hot sleepers.
A memory foam topper will help you maintain your spine’s alignment by decreasing the pressure on areas that are sensitive. A copper-infused topper can help reduce inflammation and swelling and may also reduce pain caused by pressure points.
A topper made from natural fibers like wool or cotton, will aid in sleeping cooler and more comfortably. Wool is breathable, wicks away moisture It’s also strong and moldable. It’s often blended with down for added comfort. This mattress topper from Parachute, for example, includes a mix of durable and resilient latex with temperature-regulating wool.
A small double mattress topper topper made of down is a great option for those who want a luxurious feel. Look for one that includes both down and feathers for a luxurious texture that covers your body in a softness. Brooklyn Bedding’s topper is an excellent option, since it comes in two different textures: firm for those needing more support and resiliency, and plush for softness that resembles clouds. It comes with a five-year guarantee and a long trial period, and free shipping.
Temperature Control
This topper is cooling and provides cushioning. It can be placed on a memory foam mattress. It has gel-infused memory foam that is ventilated by holes. This makes it breathable, and helps to disperse the heat while you rest. It also has a bamboo cover that is soft, wicking, and moisture-resistant that keeps your body cool and comfortable as you rest.
It’s available in a variety of thicknesses to suit your preference and comes with a 10-year guarantee. The topper is available in a Luxury firm option that’s similar to a medium or 7 out of 10. Both are made in the USA and backed by a 100-night sleep test.
Latex and foam are both breathable materials that make them an excellent choice for sleepers who are hot. Some memory foam and latex mattress toppers can trap heat, which can be uncomfortable for some. Be sure to look for ones with cooling components like this model from Nolah. It features the company’s signature foam and quilted cover that has cooling fibers to keep you cool as you sleep, plus it provides a zoned, padded support for your shoulders, head and torso, as well as your hips and legs.
Another method to ensure an unbeatable night’s sleep is by using mattress protectors. 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.
The majority of people have a preferred sleeping position, and if prefer sleeping on your back or stomach you’ll need a topper with plenty of support. A mattress that’s too hard might cause you to hunch over and can cause back or neck pain. Additional comfort is offered by softer foam and toppers made from down or down alternatives. The Parachute pillow, reviewed by Strategist contributor Lauren Levy, is made of soft foam and down-alternative toppers.
Breathability
A mattress topper is a great way to improve the look of an old mattress without breaking the bank. But, with the many options, finding the right one for you could be difficult. The best mattress will make a big difference in the quality of your mattress, whether it is getting sagging, or you are suffering from back pain or you want to reduce motion transfer between partners.
The material used to make a topper can have a significant impact on its feel. It can also affect your back health. For instance, experts advise that side sleepers should use a soft topper while back or stomach sleepers need a more firm option.
Other factors, such as breathability and thickness, could aid in narrowing down your choices. Although thicker toppers are more expensive, they provide better support. They are also generally more breathable since they have a larger surface area that allows air to circulate. 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 when they sleep. You might also want to think about a latex top that is tough and springy. If you’re trying to avoid any chemicals, organic cotton or wool are great choices.
Even though a mattress topper won’t need to be cleaned as often as your sheets, you should choose a model that is easy to clean and can be able to withstand repeated washings. Many of the models we tested come with wide elastic straps to bind them to your bed, making it much easier to take them off and wash them. You’ll need a mattress topper that is able to stay in place, especially when you’re a combination sleeper who moves throughout the night.
Brooklyn Bedding’s gel swirl memory foam topper is a CertiPUR US and GreenGuard gold-certified option. It is durable and comfortable. It’s a bit more expensive than some other models on our list, however it has received excellent reviews from users and comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee.
