The Best Mattress Toppers
Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Mattress Toppers and hope the blog can help you.
Make your mattress feel brand new again with a comfy topper.
Mattress toppers offer an inexpensive option to upgrade your mattress. They are available in various sizes, materials, and price points. The best mattress topper will not only help you get a better night’s rest, but it will also help protect your mattress from moisture, debris, and general wear and tear. When shopping for a mattress topper, there are a few things to be aware of, including available materials, firmness, and densities. This guide covers the best mattress toppers and the various options, including which features to look for in each type.
- BEST OVERALL: Sleep Innovations 4-Inch Dual Layer Gel Memory Foam
- RUNNER UP: Pure Green 100% Natural Latex Mattress Topper
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Linenspa 3 Inch Gel Infused Memory Foam Topper
- UPGRADE PICK: Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR Supreme 3-Inch Mattress Topper
- BEST MEMORY FOAM: Lucid 3-Inch Lavender Infused Memory Foam Topper
- BEST PILLOW TOP: Lucid Ultra Plush Down Alternative Fiber Bed Topper
- BEST COOLING: Sleep Zone Cooling Mattress Topper
- BEST FIRM: ViscoSoft 3-Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper
What Is the Difference Between Toppers, Pads, and Protectors?
A mattress protector is a thin layer of bedding used to cover the mattress. Mattress protectors go beneath the fitted sheet to safeguard the bed from dust and moisture. Higher-quality mattress protection, such as the kind the best mattress pads and mattress toppers provide, increases the life of the mattress by reducing wear and tear. At the same time, mattress protectors make the bed more comfortable.
Mattress pads and mattress toppers add a layer of protective comfort to your mattress. Mattress pads offer a little plushness while protecting the cushion from stains and wear, prolonging the life of the mattress. There are also cooling mattress pads and heating mattress pads to regulate a sleeper’s temperature for more comfortable sleep. Mattress toppers, even a thin mattress topper, are thicker than mattress pads and offer excellent protection for mattress longevity. Use a mattress topper to change the bed’s comfort level, add firmness to a soft bed, or make a firm bed softer. Quality mattress toppers can completely change the feel of your bed.
Types of Mattress Toppers
If you’re looking to add high-level mattress protection and improve sleeping comfort, then top-rated mattress toppers are the way to go. There are several material options from which to choose.
Latex
Latex is a natural material derived from the rubber tree. The natural rubber is processed into a durable, open cell-foam. It is considered a renewable resource, and it does not produce harmful fumes.
Latex mattress toppers offer similar properties to memory foam, but with more bounce, and better air circulation for a more refreshing sleep. They come in numerous varieties and thicknesses. Latex is highly durable and the most expensive kind of mattress topper. Those with latex sensitivities should not use this material.
Memory Foam
Memory foam is made of polyurethane, a petrochemical product. An open-cell foam with a relatively low degree of air circulation, it conforms to body shape when you lie down and quickly returns to its original form when you get up.
The best memory-foam mattress toppers feature high-density foam. They conform closely to the user’s body weight for better support, offering high strength and durability. One of these models is probably the best mattress topper for side sleepers because it successfully relieves pressure at the sleeper’s shoulders and hips.
However, these models can become quite warm; in fact, for some users, they can become too warm. Hot sleepers should look for gel-infused memory foam or memory foam with aeration holes for better cooling. Finally, it’s important to note that memory-foam mattress toppers emit gases, including benzene and naphthalene, for up to 3 days after installation.
Fiber-Filled
Fiber-filled, or fiberfill, mattress toppers incorporate synthetic filling made of polyester fiber or down alternative fibers. They do not provide much support but are the best type of mattress topper to make a bed feel cozy. Fiberfill mattress toppers are inexpensive and offer excellent air circulation while providing an added layer of softness.
Fiber-filled mattress toppers do not trap air and moisture. However, they do provide significant loft, so they are relatively hot to sleep on unless they’re made with specially designed cooling fibers that promote airflow. They require regular maintenance in the form of shaking and fluffing the filler material. Some people may find that fiberfill toppers feel thin or lumpy.
Wool
Wool is a durable, breathable, and natural material that is resistant to moisture and stains. It stays cool in summer and warm in winter. These make some of the best cooling mattress toppers. Wool is also naturally wear- and tear-resistant.
Wool mattress toppers feel soft and luxurious—an excellent choice for those looking for a natural bedding material to protect the mattress while adding some softness. However, side sleepers may find wool toppers lack cushioning, and wool is a relatively expensive material.
Feather
Natural feather-filled mattress toppers, also called featherbeds, add plush softness to all mattress surfaces. They are thick and soft and absorb very little body heat. A feather mattress topper is an excellent choice for a hot sleeper who wants deep cushioning.
Feather mattress toppers cost less than many other mattress toppers. However, they do lose some of their loft over time. Many feather mattress toppers end up with quills poking through, so look for models that address this issue with better fabric covering, or that have filler feathers with quills removed.
What to Consider When Buying the Best Mattress Topper
A good mattress topper can help prolong the life of a mattress. It’s also an inexpensive option for those looking to upgrade. It’s important for users to find the material that best suits their comfort level and provides their ideal level of firmness. Here are a few things to think about before purchasing a mattress topper.
Type of Mattress
The mattress itself plays a huge role when choosing a topper. The purpose of the mattress topper is to protect the mattress and supplement the support and comfort the mattress provides. The mattress topper need not match the mattress, but it should complement it.
Those with a firm mattress may wish to soften it by selecting a plush topper. Conversely, users with a soft mattress may want to add support with a firmer topper. The best mattress toppers for back pain can give a mattress new life by smoothing out lumps and bumps and providing support. The thickest mattress topper may completely rejuvenate the mattress.
Material
Choose the material that will best improve your sleep. Side sleepers often need deeper cushioning and spinal support than latex or memory foam offers. Hot sleepers benefit from the improved air circulation of wool or the cooling effect of gel-infused memory foam. Fiber-fill and feather mattress toppers are excellent choices when you only need to add a bit of softness.
Firmness
The two ends of the firmness spectrum are “firm” and “plush.” The two most significant factors determining a sleeper’s firmness preference are their sleep position and weight. Back sleepers and side sleepers tend to feel most comfortable on plush or medium-firm sleep surfaces. Stomach sleepers benefit from firm to medium surfaces. Heavier individuals benefit from increased firmness and support.
Density & Thickness
Foam density, measured in pounds per cubic foot, is a measure of firmness, support, and durability. Anything over 6 pounds per cubic foot is high density. Medium density is 4 to 5 pounds per cubic foot. If it is 3 pounds per cubic foot or less, it is considered low density.
Higher-density foams are long lasting, supportive, and firmer. Lower-density foams provide softness. Foam mattress toppers often feature different layers, with a deeper high-density layer that offers more structure and a lower-density surface layer for more softness.
Thickness determines how well the mattress topper buffers the sleeper from the mattress below. A thicker mattress topper affects the sleep surface more than a thin topper will. Use a thick topper to improve the feel of a lumpy mattress or to soften a mattress that is too firm. A thinner mattress topper is adequate to add protection and support to an otherwise comfy bed.
Back and side sleepers often prefer thick, low- to medium-density foam mattress toppers. Stomach sleepers may find higher density or thinner toppers more comfortable because they prevent the hips from sinking into the surface of the mattress. Keep in mind that a foldable mattress might require a thinner mattress topper that will flex when folded.
Size
The mattress topper you choose should match your mattress size. The thickness of the topper will affect the fitted sheet’s depth you can use to dress your bed.
Comfort & Body Support
Memory foam material cushions pressure points and contours the body to support the spine and neck, giving the feeling of being enveloped in the bed. Latex does the same, with added springiness. Fiber, feather, and wool toppers simply cushion the body and add a cozier feel. They provide less spinal support than foam.
Temperature Regulation
Moisture wicking and air circulation are the keys to temperature regulation. Wool is the best-rated mattress topper material for temperature regulation, followed by feather and fiberfill.
Standard memory foam allows heat to build up to the point that sleepers may become clammy and overheated. Gel-infused memory foam, especially when supplemented by air channels and other cooling technologies, significantly improves breathability. Latex provides better temperature regulation than standard memory foam but may also have aeration channels to promote air circulation.
Our Top Picks
We reviewed the most popular mattress toppers by the top brands in the industry. After weighing them against our criteria, and considering other optional features, we narrowed it down to the some of the best mattress toppers available.
Best Overall
Sleep Innovations 4-Inch Dual Layer Gel Memory Foam
Photo: amazon.com
One of our highest-rated mattress toppers, Sleep Innovations Dual Layer Gel Memory Foam brings together the firmness of memory foam and the loftiness of fiberfill into one product. The base layer is a 2-inch-thick gel memory foam designed to draw heat away, keeping the body at an optimal temperature for a full night of undisturbed sleep. The top layer is an easily removable, machine-washable quilted cover filled with hypoallergenic fiberfill. The quilted layer plus the gel foam layer provide 4 inches of cushioning.
Because this is a two-piece setup, there is a question of shifting. The top layer features elastic corners that fit around the foam layer and the mattress snuggly (like an extra-deep fitted sheet). This dual-layer system gives users the option of using one or both of the layers. For those who find it difficult to decide between memory foam or a quilted mattress topper, this pick by Sleep Innovations provides both and comes with a 10-year limited warranty.
Product Specs
- Material: Memory foam and fiberfill
- Height: 4 inches
- Available sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California (Cal) king
Pros
- Removable top layer
- Benefits of memory foam and fiberfill
- 10-year warranty
- Gel memory foam helps temperature regulation
Cons
- 2-layer design can lead to slippage
Get the Sleep Innovations mattress topper on Amazon or Sleep Innovations.
Runner Up
Pure Green 100% Natural Latex Mattress Topper
Photo: amazon.com
Pure latex is breathable, durable, and offers the right blend of comfort and firmness. This mattress topper by Pure Green is made from 100 percent natural latex farmed on a sustainable plantation in Sri Lanka. It’s Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) certified, which means it’s been harvested from organic rubber trees and contains a minimum of 95 percent certified organic material. Latex toppers are a good choice for those who prefer mattresses on the firm side but need some extra breathability.
Latex is more responsive than memory foam, and it lets air flow for cooling. When we use the term “responsive,” we mean that the latex has a little bit of bounce to it so that it readily responds to the sleeper’s movements. The topper takes advantage of the natural bubbles in latex, and the added pinholes on the topper allow air to travel freely through the material without getting trapped next to the sleeper’s body. This topper can also help to cool or neutralize the temperature of an existing mattress.
This latex topper is available in three thicknesses, with the 2-inch height being the most popular choice. The topper comes with a 5-year warranty and a 30-day trial with free returns. Latex toppers are among the most durable materials available and are well worth the investment.
Product Specs
- Material: Natural latex
- Height: 1 inch, 2 inches, or 3 inches
- Available sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king
Pros
- Aeration channels improve breathability
- GOLS-certified latex
- Contouring but responsive to movement
- 3 thickness options
Cons
- Expensive
- Has a latex odor
Get the Pure Green mattress topper on Amazon or Sleep on Latex.
Best Bang For The Buck
LINENSPA Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Photo: amazon.com
Memory foam tends to retain heat and is not a great choice for a hot sleeper. However, this gel memory-foam topper features polyurethane gel beads that help distribute heat and maintain a cool and comfortable sleep temperature. For those looking to give gel memory foam a shot, this topper by Linenspa is affordable and will allow users to get a few more years out of an old mattress.
Made from 100 percent supersoft conforming memory foam, this topper aligns the spine and evenly disperses body weight to relieve pressure points. The topper is available in 2- and 3-inch profile options, and although both have the same plush feel, go with the 3-inch profile to get the most bang for the buck. The topper also comes with a 3-year warranty.
Product Specs
- Material: Memory foam
- Height: 2 or 3 inches
- Available sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, full XL, short queen, queen, RV (recreational vehicle) queen, king, Cal king (all sizes may not be available)
Pros
- Cooling gel beads
- Conforms to the shoulders and hips
- 2 height options
Cons
- Some sleepers still overheat
Get the Linenspa mattress topper on Amazon or Linenspa.
Upgrade Pick
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR Supreme 3-Inch Mattress Topper
Photo: amazon.com
is one of the top brands when it comes to memory-foam mattresses. If a full memory-foam mattress is out of budget, consider getting a 3-inch topper made from the same pressure-relieving Tempur material found in the brand’s mattresses. This medium firmness memory-foam topper conforms to the body to deliver more restful sleep.
Originally formulated by NASA, Tempur is one of the highest-quality foams available. Tempur-Pedic has continued to develop the formula to create a more comfortable sleep surface. Tempur foam is higher in density, making it very durable. However, more mass means more heat retention, which can be a problem for some warm sleepers.
The Tempur-Pedic Supreme is costly, but it’s a good pick for someone who needs extra back support and is looking for a cost-effective alternative to buying a high-end mattress. Tempur-Pedic mattress toppers are backed by a 10-year limited warranty and also come with a washable polyester-blend hypoallergenic cover.
Product Specs
- Material: Memory foam
- Height: 3 inches
- Available sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king
Pros
- Comes with a washable cover
- Medium firmness works for most sleep styles
- 10-year warranty
- Dense foam offers more support and durability
Cons
- Expensive
Get the Tempur-Pedic mattress topper on Amazon,Wayfair, or Tempur-Pedic.
Best Memory Foam
Lucid 3-Inch Lavender Infused Memory Foam Topper
Photo: amazon.com
Most memory-foam mattresses have an unpleasant chemical odor that dissipates after a month or so. For those who are sensitive to the odor, it can be hard to wait that long. But Lucid has a solution: Its 3-inch mattress topper is infused with lavender for calming comfort, and it doesn’t have that awful chemical smell.
Lavender is known for its naturally relaxing properties. Combined with Lucid’s 3 inches of pressure-relieving memory foam, this topper offers softness and scent that work together to promote a restful sleep. It also features a ventilated design that provides a more breathable and cooler feel than traditional memory-foam toppers. It comes with a 3-year warranty and is affordably priced.
Product Specs
- Material: Memory foam
- Height: 3 inches
- Available sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king
Pros
- Pleasant lavender scent
- Lavender promotes relaxation
- Aeration holes improve breathability
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Can lose its firmness over time
Get the Lucid memory-foam mattress topper at Amazon, The Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Lucid Mattress.