How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You
A mattress topper can be the most efficient and simple method of upgrading your mattress. The most popular materials include memory foam, polyfoam and latex.
A memory foam topper is ideal for sagging mattresses or beds with too high bounce. It conforms to 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 offer more support, which can help alleviate back pain by contouring to the body's shape. A memory foam topper can ease pressure points, while latex toppers offer more breathability and bounce than polyurethane options.
The firmness of a mattress is determined by the material it is made of, your weight, your sleeping position, and personal preferences. Side sleepers may prefer the softest option, whereas stomach or back sleepers will prefer a medium firm option. A topper's thickness can also affect its comfort: While the thicker ones provide more cushioning, they may not be as pliable to your mattress and may cause a sloppy feeling.
The top mattress protectors for most people are made of a strong soft and comfortable material that is backed by an excellent warranty. It must also be breathable and hypoallergenic, and free of harmful chemicals like flame retardants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Toppers can be washed in the machine to keep it fresh and clean.
Testers at GH rate toppers based on their ease of use, temperature control and how it changes the feel of their current mattresses. We also inquire whether the topper stays in place, if it makes noise and how much improves 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 is available in queen size. It is constructed with a two inch layer of open-cell, bouncy 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 available in the form of a soft and firm choice and have a three-inch thickness made of natural materials that breathe. It's a great option for those who have beds that are sagging or innerspring mattresses that have too many bounce, or couples who wish to lessen the impact 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 organically produced according to standards and is free of synthetic dyes and chemical materials.
Support
A mattress topper is a thick layer that sits on top of your bed. It is secured to your mattress with elastic straps or a skirt with a stretchy design and ranges in thickness from two to four inches. Mattress protectors are thin covers that protect your mattress from allergens, spills and bed bugs.
The top mattress protectors will improve your sleep and help prevent discomforts and aches due to an old or soft mattress. They can also help improve the comfort of a mattress that is uncomfortable or sagging by providing the right level of support, softness, and temperature control.
There are a variety of mattress topper materials, such as memory foam, latex down and gel. Select a memory foam mattress in case you're looking for comfort and contouring to improve spinal alignment. A memory foam mattress infused with gel can help reduce heat retention, making it a good option for hot sleepers who suffer from night sweats.
If you have a back problem, a memory-foam topper can help you keep your spine in a good alignment by reducing pressure on delicate areas. A copper-infused topper can help reduce inflammation and swelling and may aid in preventing pain from pressure point.
A topper made with natural fibers, like cotton or wool, can aid in sleeping more comfortably and cooler. Wool is breathable, durable and moisture-wicking, as well as flexible. It's frequently blended 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 is a great choice for those who want a luxurious feel. Look for one that includes feathers and down to create a luxurious texture that covers your body in softness. This Brooklyn Bedding topper is a good choice as it is available in a firm option for those who need extra support and a firmer feel and also plush for those looking for cloud-like softness. It comes with a five-year warranty with a generous trial time and free shipping.
Temperature Control
This topper is cooling and cushions. It can be used on a memory-foam mattress. It features gel infused memory foam that is breathable through purpose-made holes, making it breathable, and helping eliminate heat while you sleep. It has a bamboo-covered mattress that is soft and wicks moisture away. This keeps you cool as you sleep.
This topper is available in different thicknesses based on what you prefer. It also comes with a 10-year warranty. If you prefer a more sturdier feel this topper is available in a Luxury Firm option (similar to a medium or 7 out of 10). Both are made in the USA and backed by a 100-night trial.
Latex and foam mattress toppers are both breathable that makes them great choices for hot sleepers. Some memory foam and latex mattress toppers trap heat, which is uncomfortable for some people. Look for cooling components, like this Nolah model. It has cooling fibers in the quilted cover and uses the company's trademark foam to keep you cool as you sleep. It also offers zoned support for hips, shoulders, and head.
A mattress protector is another option to ensure that you sleep cool. These slip over a mattress and shield it from allergens, spills bugs, dust mites and more. It is machine washable and has an opening for a zipper, making it easy to clean and to put on and remove.
The majority of people have a preferred sleeping position, and if prefer sleeping on your stomach or back you'll need a topper that offers a lot of support. A mattress that is too firm can cause you to slump forward and aggravate neck or back pain. Extra comfort is provided by softer foam and toppers that are 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 bank. Finding the ideal mattress topper can be a challenge, especially with so many choices available. The best mattress will make a significant difference in your sleep, whether your mattress is sagging, you're suffering from back pain or you're looking to cut down on motion transfer between your partner.
The type of material used to make the topper is the primary element in its feel and affects not only how well you sleep but also your back health. For instance, experts suggest that side sleepers should choose a soft topper, while stomach or back sleepers require a more firm option.
You can narrow down your options by taking into consideration other factors like the thickness and breathability. Toppers with a higher thickness can be more expensive but provide better support. They are also more breathable because they have a greater surface area. Find models that have baffle box construction, which will prevent clumping, and ensures that the filling is evenly spaced (a huge benefit for comfort).
Gel-infused memory foam was created to keep people cool as they sleep. mattress toppers double may also want to think about a latex top that is tough and flexible. If you're looking to avoid chemicals, organic wool or cotton are great choices.
Even though a mattress topper doesn't have to be cleaned as often as your sheets, you should look for a model that's easy to clean and can be able to withstand repeated washings. Many of the models we tested have large elastic straps that bind them to your bed, making it easier to take them off and wash them. You'll need a mattress protector that stays in place, particularly when you're a combination sleeper and move around a lot at night.
The Brooklyn Bedding gel swirl memory foam mattress topper is a CertiPUR US and GREENGUARD Gold-certified option that is both robust and comfortable. It's a bit more expensive than other models, but has great reviews from customers and a 90-day guarantee.