How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You
A mattress topper can be the most efficient and simple method to improve your mattress. The most well-known materials are memory foam, polyfoam, and latex.
A memory foam mattress is perfect for mattresses that are too sagging or beds with too much bounce. It is shaped to fit the body and offers the support needed to ease back pain.
Comfort
If your mattress is too firm, a topper can help it feel more comfortable. It can also offer additional support, which can help reduce back pain. Memory foam toppers are a great way to relieve pressure, while latex has more bounce and breathability than polyurethane.
The firmness of a mattress can be determined by its material and weight, as well as your sleeping position and personal preferences. A person who sleeps on their side prefers a soft topper, while stomach and back sleepers favor a medium to firm option. The thickness of a topper can impact its comfort: Although the thicker ones provide more cushioning, they might not be as pliable to your bed and could make a strange feeling.
The best mattress toppers for the majority of people are made of a strong, soft material that is backed by an excellent warranty. It should be hypoallergenic, comfortable, and free of harmful chemicals like flame 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 changes the feel of their current mattresses. We also inquire about the ability of the topper to stay in place, if it creates noise and how much increases their sleep quality.
The Saatva topper, which is at the top of our ranking is rated by customers with a score of 4.4 (as of may 2023) and is available in queen size. It's designed with a two-inch layer of bouncy open-cell foam to conform to your body and adjust to motion, providing support while keeping you cool.
An alternative that is less expensive is the Turmerry organic topper, which is made of three inches of breathable natural material and can be purchased in the soft or firm option. It's an excellent option for people with sagging beds, innerspring mattresses with too much bounce, or couples who wish to reduce the feeling of motion transfer.
Another option that is popular is the GOTS certified mattress topper from 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 of organic materials and is free of chemicals or synthetic dyes.
Support
A mattress topper is an extra thick layer that is placed on top of your existing bed. It is secured to your mattress using elastic straps or a stretchy skirt and ranges in thickness from two to four inches. Mattress toppers are different from mattress protectors which are thin covers designed to protect your mattress from spills, allergens, and bed bugs.
The best mattress toppers can transform 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 amount of support, softness and temperature control.
There are mattress topper best of mattress topper materials like memory foam, latex, down, and gel. Choose a memory 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 ideal for those who suffer from night sweats or are hot sleepers.
A memory foam topper will aid in maintaining your spine's alignment by reducing the pressure on areas that are sensitive. A copper-infused topper can help reduce swelling and inflammation and can aid in preventing pain from pressure points.
Cotton or wool toppers can make you sleep more comfortably and cooler. Wool is durable, breathable and moisture-wicking, as well as easily moldable. It is often mixed 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 is a great choice for those who like a soft feel. Choose a mattress topper that is made of feathers and down. This will give you a luxurious texture. This Brooklyn Bedding topper is a good choice as it is available in a firm option for those who need extra support and resilience and plush for those who want cloud-like softness. It comes with a five-year warranty, a generous trial period and free shipping.
Temperature Control
If you own a memory foam mattress, you can improve your comfort level by using this topper, which is both cooling and padded. It is made of gel-infused memory foam that is breathable through specially-designed holes, making it breathable and helping to disperse heat during your sleep. It comes with bamboo-covered mattresses that are soft, moisture-resistant and wicking. This keeps you cool as you sleep.
This topper is available in different thicknesses, depending on the thickness you prefer. It also comes with a 10-year guarantee. If you prefer a more firm feel, this topper is also 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 sleep trial.
Foam and latex mattress toppers are both breathable materials that makes them great choices for those who sleep hot. Some memory foam and latex mattress toppers can hold heat, which is uncomfortable for certain people. Look for ones that have cooling elements like this one from Nolah. It features cooling fibers in the quilted cover, and utilizes the company's trademark foam to keep you cool while you sleep. It also provides zones of support for your hips, shoulders and the head.
A mattress protector is another way to ensure that you have a cool sleep. These protectors slip over the mattress and protect it against spills, allergens and other things. This one is machine-washable and comes with the zipper, making it simple to clean as well as to put on and remove.
If you prefer sleeping on your stomach or back, you will want a mattress that has lots of support. A mattress that's too firm could cause you to hunch forward and cause back or neck pain. Softer foam and down or down-alternative topper options provide additional comfort. 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 upgrade a worn out mattress without breaking the bank. With so many choices available, finding the right one for you can be difficult. The right topper will make a significant difference, whether your mattress is getting sagging, or you are suffering from back pain or you're looking to cut down on motion transfer between your partners.
The type of material used to create a topper is the biggest factor in its feel and can impact not only the way you sleep, but also your back health. For instance, experts advise that those who sleep on their sides should use a soft-feeling topper, while back or stomach sleepers need a firmer option.
You can narrow your choices by considering other factors such as thickness and breathability. While thicker toppers are more expensive, they offer more support. They also have a better comfortable due to their greater surface area. You should look for models with baffle box construction, which will prevent clumping, and ensures that the filling is evenly distributed (a huge benefit for comfort).
For those who are hot at night, consider gel-infused memory foam, that is designed to keep you cool while you sleep. It is also possible to try a latex topper that is extremely tough and bouncy. If you want to avoid chemicals organic wool or cotton are good choices.
While a mattress topper isn't as likely to require washing as your sheets, it's still important to find one that is easy to clean and can stand up to repeated washes. A lot of the options we reviewed have straps with elastic that secure them to your mattress which makes it easy to remove and wash them. You'll need a mattress protector that will stay in place, especially if you are a combination sleeper and move around a lot at night.
Brooklyn Bedding's gel swirl memory foam topper is a CertiPUR US and greenguard gold-certified option. It is robust and comfortable. It's a bit more expensive than some other models that we have reviewed, but it has a great rating from customers and comes with a a 90-day money-back guarantee.