How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You
A mattress topper is the fastest and most effective way to upgrade 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 with excessive bounce. It conforms to your body and provides the support you need for back pain and pressure relief.
Comfort
If your mattress is too firm, a topper can soften it. It also provides additional support, which can help reduce back pain. Memory foam toppers can relieve pressure, while latex has more bounce and breathability than polyurethane.
A topper's firmness can be determined by the material, as well as your weight, position of sleep and your personal preference. Typically, a side sleeper will prefer a more supple topper, while back and stomach sleepers prefer a firm to medium option. The thickness of the topper can impact its comfort: Although thicker toppers provide more cushioning, they might not be as pliable to your bed and can make a strange feel.
The best mattress topper for most people is made of soft, durable material, and covered by a good warranty. It should also be breathable, hypoallergenic, and free of harmful chemicals such as flame retardants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Toppers can be washed in the machine to keep it fresh and clean.
Testers at GH rate the topper on ease of use and temperature control, as well as how it affects the comfort of their existing mattress. We also ask about the ability of the topper to stay in position, if it makes noise and how much increases their sleep quality.
The Saatva topper at the top of our list has a great customer satisfaction rating of 4.4 out of 5 (as as of May 2023) and is available in a queen size. cooling mattress topper 's made of a two-inch layer of open-cell foam that bounces that conforms to your body and react to motion, providing support while keeping cool.
A more affordable option is the Turmerry organic topper, which has a three-inch layer of breathable natural materials and comes in either the soft or firm option. It's a great option for those with sagging beds, innerspring mattresses with 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 constructed from organic materials and is free of chemicals or synthetic dyes.
Support
A mattress topper is a thick layer that sits on top of your bed. It can be attached to your mattress by elastic straps or a hem with a stretchy fit. The thickness of the topper can vary from 2 to 4 inches. Mattress toppers differ from mattress protectors which are thin covers that are designed to protect your mattress from allergens, spills and bed bugs.
The top mattress covers can improve your sleep and help you to avoid pain and aches, including those result from an older or softer than ideal mattress. They can also boost the sagging of a mattress or help make a mattress more comfortable by adding the right amount of comfort support, support, and temperature control.
You'll find a variety of mattress topper materials like memory foam, latex, down and gel. If you want to improve your spine alignment pick a memory foam mattress. It will help cushion and shape. A memory foam mattress infused with gel can aid in reducing heat retention which makes it a great option for hot sleepers who struggle with night sweats.
A memory foam topper can help you maintain your spine's alignment by decreasing the pressure on areas that are sensitive. If you are struggling with a sore back, a topper that is infused with copper may help to reduce swelling and inflammation and may even help to reduce pain caused by pressure points.
A cotton or wool pillow can help you sleep more comfortably and cooler. Wool is breathable, wicks away moisture, and it's also durable and moldable. It's 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 topper is perfect for those who like a plush feeling. Choose one that has feathers and down to create an extravagant texture that wraps your body in a luxurious feeling of. This Brooklyn Bedding topper is a good choice as it comes in firm for those who require more support and durability and plush for those who want softness that resembles a cloud. It's backed by a five-year guarantee and includes a generous trial period and free shipping.
Temperature Control
This topper is cooling and provides cushioning. It can be put on a memory-foam mattress. It has gel-infused memory foam that is ventilated by holes that are specifically designed to make it breathable, and helping to disperse heat during your sleep. It also has a bamboo cover that is soft, wicking and moisture-resistant which keeps you cool and comfortable while you relax.
It's available in different thicknesses to meet your needs and comes with a 10-year warranty. If you prefer a more firm feel, this topper is also available in a Luxury Firm version (similar to a medium or 7/10). Both are made in the United States and include a 100-night trial.
Foam and latex are both breathable and make them ideal for sleepers who are hot. Certain memory foam and latex mattress toppers trap heat, which can be uncomfortable for some. Make sure you choose cooling components like this Nolah model. It has cooling fibers in the quilted cover as well as the foam that is trademarked by the company to keep you cool as you sleep. It also provides zoned support for hips, shoulders and the head.
Mattress protectors are another method to ensure you have a cool sleep. These protectors are able to be placed over the bed and protect it against spills, allergens and other things. The one you choose to wash is machine-washable and comes with the zipper, making it easy to clean as well as to put on and take off.
Most people have a go-to sleeping position and if you like to sleep on your back or stomach, you'll want a topper that offers a lot of support. Mattresses that are too firm could cause you to hunch forward and aggravate neck or back pain. The extra comfort is provided by soft foam and toppers made of down or other alternatives to down. Strategist contributing writer Lauren Levy slept on this one from Parachute and reports that she woke up feeling "gently in between layers of marshmallow softness." It's also available in a natural cotton version, which is hypoallergenic and has been certified as OEKO-TEX Standard 100, Global Organic Textile Standards, Fair for Life and GreenGuard Gold.
Breathability
A mattress topper can be an excellent way to improve an old mattress without breaking the budget. Finding the ideal mattress topper can be difficult particularly with the many choices available. The right topper will make a huge difference in your sleep, whether your mattress is getting sagging, or you are suffering from back pain or you want to reduce motion transfer between your partner.
The type of material used in the making of the topper is the primary factor in its feel and affects not only the way you sleep, but also your back health. For instance, experts suggest that side sleepers should use a soft-feeling topper, while stomach or back sleepers require a firmer option.
Other factors, like breathability and thickness, can aid in narrowing your options. Although thicker toppers are more expensive, they offer more support. They are also typically more breathable since they have a greater surface area that allows air to circulate. Look for models that have baffle box construction. This will prevent clumping, and keeps the filling evenly dispersed (a major benefit for comfort).
If you sleep hot, consider gel-infused memory foam, that is designed to keep you cool as you sleep. You may also want to try a latex-based topper, which is extremely durable and bouncy. If you're looking to stay away from chemicals, organic wool or cotton are good options.
Even though the mattress topper isn't required to be cleaned as often as sheets, you should choose a model that is easy to clean and will stand up to repeated washings. A majority of the models we tested have large elastic straps that bind them to your mattress, making it easier to take them off and wash them. Also, you'll need a topper that can be held securely in place on the mattress, particularly for those who are a combination sleeper who is prone to moving around frequently during the 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 other models, but has a great customer review and a 90-day money-back guarantee.