How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You
A mattress topper can be the most efficient and simple method of upgrading your sleeping surface. Memory foam, polyfoam, and latex are among the most popular materials.
A memory foam top is ideal for mattresses that are sagging or that bounce too much. mattress toppers single conforms to your body, offering support for back pain and pressure relief.
Comfort
A mattress topper can soften a mattress that is too firm. It can also provide an additional level of support, which can ease back pain. Memory foam toppers can ease pressure, while latex offers more bounce and breathability than polyurethane.
The firmness of a topper is determined by the fabric, as well as your weight, position of sleep and your personal preference. A person who sleeps on their side prefers a soft topper, whereas stomach and back sleepers prefer a medium to firm option. The thickness of a topper may impact comfort. While thicker toppers might offer more cushioning, it's possible that they will not conform to your bed and cause an uncomfortable sensation.
The best mattress toppers for most people are constructed from a durable, soft material that is backed by an outstanding warranty. It should be hypoallergenic, air-tight, and free of harmful chemicals like the fire retardants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). To keep a topper fresh and clean it can be machine washed.
Testers at GH evaluate toppers on the ease of use, temperature regulation and how it alters the feel of their existing mattresses. We also inquire about whether the topper stays in position, if it makes noise, and how much it increases their sleep quality.
The Saatva topper at the top of our list has a great score from customers of 4.4 out of 5 (as of May 2023) and is available in the queen size. It is constructed with a 2 inch layer of bouncy, open-cell foam that conforms to your body. This provides support and keeps you cool.
An option that is more affordable is the Turmerry organic topper, which is made of three inches of breathable natural materials. It comes in either a firm or soft option. It's a great choice for those with sagging beds or innerspring mattresses that have too much bounce or couples looking to reduce the feeling of motion transfer.
Linenspa's GOTS-certified mattress protector is a different option. 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 grown standards and is free of chemical dyes and synthetic materials.
Support
A mattress topper is a thick layer that sits atop your existing bed. It can be affixed to your mattress by elastic straps or a stretchy hem. Its thickness ranges from two to four inches. Mattress toppers differ from mattress protectors which are thin covers purely designed to safeguard 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 enhance the comfort of a mattress that is uncomfortable or sagging with the right amount softness, support and temperature control.
There are many mattress topper materials, like memory foam, latex, down, and gel. If you want to improve your spinal alignment pick a memory foam mattress. It will provide cushioning and contour. A memory foam topper infused with gel will help to reduce heat retention. This is great for those who suffer from night sweats and hot sleepers.
If you have back issues, a memory foam cushion can help you keep your spine in a good alignment by reducing pressure on sensitive areas. If you have back pain, a cushion infused with copper can reduce swelling and inflammation and can also help prevent pain from pressure points.
A mattress cover made of natural fibers like wool or cotton, will make you sleep cooler and more comfortably. Wool is breathable and wicks moisture, and it's also durable and pliable. It is often blended with down for 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. Select a mattress topper that is made of both down and feathers. This will give you a luxurious texture. Brooklyn Bedding's topper is a great choice, as it comes in two distinct textures: firm for those needing extra support and durability and plush for softness like clouds. It comes with five years of warranty and comes with an extensive trial period as well as free shipping.
Temperature Control
This topper is cooling and provides cushioning. It can be placed on a memory foam mattress. It features gel infused memory foam that is breathable through specially-designed holes, making it breathable and helping dissipate heat while you sleep. It comes with a bamboo-covered mattress that is soft and wicks away moisture. This keeps you cool as you sleep.
It's available in different thicknesses to fit your preferences and is covered by 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 out of 10). Both are made in the USA and backed by a 100-night sleep trial.
Latex and foam mattress toppers are both breathable which makes them excellent choices for those who sleep hot. However certain toppers made of latex and memory foam can hold body heat and cause discomfort for some people. Be sure to look for cooling components, like this Nolah model. 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 head.
Another method to ensure you get a good night's rest is by using mattress protectors. They can be placed over a bed and protect it from allergens, spills dust mites, bugs and more. This one has zips and is machine washable, making it simple to clean and to remove.
If you prefer sleeping on your stomach or back, you will want a mattress topper that offers lots of support. Mattresses that are too firm can cause you to hunch forward, which can cause neck or back pain. Softer foams and down or down-alternative toppers provide additional comfort. The Parachute pillow, which was reviewed by Strategist contributor Lauren Levy, is made of soft foam and down-alternative toppers.
Breathability
A mattress topper is an excellent option to replace an old mattress without breaking the bank. With so many choices available, finding the right one for you can be difficult. The right mattress topper can make a huge difference in the quality of your mattress, whether it is sagging, you are suffering from back pain or you are looking to decrease motion transfer between your partner.
The kind of material used in the making of a topper is the most important factor in its feel and can impact not only the way you sleep but also your back health. Experts say that side sleepers should choose a soft topper, whereas back and stomach sleepers require a more rigid one.
Other factors, including breathability and thickness, can aid in narrowing down your choices. Although thicker toppers are more expensive, they offer more support. They are also generally more breathable since they have a larger surface area that allows air to circulate. Make sure to look for models with baffle box construction. This helps to prevent from clumping and keeps the filling evenly distributed (a major benefit for comfort).
If you sleep hot, think about gel-infused memory foam that is designed to keep you cool as you sleep. You may also want to think about a top made of latex which is strong and bouncy. If you're looking to avoid chemicals organic wool or cotton are good alternatives.
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. The majority of the models we tested have wide elastic straps to bind them to your mattress, making it easier to remove them and wash them. You'll also want a topper that can be held securely in place on the bed especially when you're a hybrid sleeper who is prone to moving around a lot during the 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 bit more expensive than other models that we have reviewed, but it has received excellent reviews from users and comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee.