How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You
A mattress topper is the fastest and easiest way to upgrade your mattress. The most well-known materials are memory foam, polyfoam and latex.
A memory foam top is ideal for mattresses that are too sagging or that bounce too much. It conforms to your body and provides support for back pain and pressure relief.
Comfort
If your mattress is too firm, a mattress topper can help it feel more comfortable. It also provides more support that can ease back pain by contouring to your body's shape. Memory foam toppers can ease pressure, while latex offers more bounce and breathability than polyurethane.
The firmness of a mattress can be determined by the material it is made of, your weight, your sleeping position, and your personal preferences. Most often, those who sleep on their sides will opt for a softer topper, whereas stomach and back sleepers favor an option that is firm or medium. The thickness of a topper can also affect the comfort. While heavier toppers can provide more cushioning, it's possible that they won't fit as well and create an uncomfortable feeling.
The ideal mattress topper for most people will be made of a soft, durable material, and covered by a good warranty. It should be hypoallergenic and breathable, and free from harmful chemicals like fire retardants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Toppers can be machine-washed to keep it clean and fresh.
Testers at GH evaluate toppers on the ease of use, temperature control and how it alters the feel of their current mattresses. We also ask whether the topper stays in its place, if the topper makes any noise, and how much more comfortable they sleep.
The Saatva topper at the top of our list has a very high customer rating of 4.4 out of 5 (as of May 2023) and is available in the queen size. It is designed with a two inch layer of open-cell, bouncy foam that molds to your body. memory foam mattress toppers gives you support and helps keep you cool.
Turmerry organic toppers are a more affordable alternative. They are available in a firm and soft option and have a three-inch thickness composed of natural materials that breathe. It's a great option for those with a bed that is sagging, innerspring mattresses that have too much bounce, or couples who want to reduce the feel of motion transfer.
Another popular option 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 certificate indicates that the topper is made from organic materials and is free of synthetic dyes or chemicals.
Support
A mattress topper is an additional thick layer that is placed on top of your mattress. It can be affixed to your mattress by elastic straps or a stretchy hem. Its thickness can range from 2 to 4 inches. Mattress toppers are different from mattress protectors, which are thin covers purely designed to safeguard your mattress from allergens, spills and bed bugs.
The top mattress covers can improve your sleep and help alleviate pains and aches, including those result from an older or less than ideal mattress. They can also enhance a mattress that is uncomfortable or sagging, by providing the proper level of support, softness, and temperature control.
There are many kinds of mattress toppers, including memory foam, gel, latex and down. Select a memory foam mattress in case you're looking for comfort and contouring to improve spinal alignment. A memory foam mattress filled with gel can help reduce heat retention which makes it a great choice for hot sleepers who suffer from night sweats.
A memory foam topper can aid in maintaining your spine's alignment by decreasing the pressure on your sensitive areas. A copper-infused topper can reduce swelling and inflammation, and could also help prevent pain from pressure point.
A cotton or wool pillow can make you sleep more comfortably and cooler. Wool is breathable and wicks moisture and is also tough and moldable. It's often blended with down for added 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 one that has feathers and down for an exquisite texture that wraps your body in a luxurious feeling of. This Brooklyn Bedding topper is a good choice as it comes in a firm version for those who need extra support and a firmer feel and also plush for those who prefer cloud-like softness. It comes with a five-year warranty and offers 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's filled with gel that's ventilated by holes. This makes it more breathable, and helps in dispersing the heat as you sleep. It has a bamboo-covered mattress that is soft, moisture-resistant and wicking. This keeps you cool while you sleep.
It's available in different thicknesses to fit your preferences and is backed by a 10-year guarantee. This topper comes in a Luxury firm option that is similar to a medium or 7 out of 10. Both are made in the United States and include a 100-night trial.
Foam and latex are both breathable materials that make them a good choice for hot sleepers. Some memory foam and latex mattress toppers can hold heat, which is uncomfortable for some. Make sure to choose ones with cooling elements, like this one from Nolah. It features cooling fibers within the quilted cover, and utilizes the trademark foam of the company to keep you cool as you sleep. It also offers zones of support for the hips, shoulders, and head.
Another method of ensuring you get a good night's rest is by using mattress protectors. The protectors slide over the mattress and protect it from allergens, spills and other things. It is machine washable and comes with a zipper, making it easy to clean as well as to put on and remove.
If you prefer sleeping on your stomach or back then you'll need a mattress that has a lot of support. A mattress that's too hard might cause you to hunch over and may exacerbate neck or back pain. Extra comfort is provided by softer foam and toppers made from 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 a great way to upgrade an old mattress without breaking the bank. Finding the ideal mattress topper can be a challenge particularly with the many options available. If your mattress is beginning to get sagging, you're suffering from back pain, or simply need to lessen the feeling of motion transfer from one partner to the next, the correct topper can make a huge difference.
The type of material used to create the topper is the primary element in its feel and can impact not only how comfortable you sleep but also your back health. Experts suggest that side sleepers should pick a soft topper, whereas back and stomach sleepers require a more rigid one.
Other factors, such as breathability and thickness, could aid in narrowing your choices. Toppers with a higher thickness can be more expensive, but they provide more support. They also have a better air-conditioned due to a larger surface area. Find models with baffle box construction, which helps to prevent clumping and keeps the filling evenly spaced (a major benefit for comfort).
Gel-infused memory foam is designed to keep people cool when they sleep. It is also possible to think about a latex top that is tough and bouncy. And if you want to avoid any chemicals organic cotton or wool are great choices.
While a mattress topper isn't as likely to need washing as your sheets, it's important to find a model that is easy to clean and can endure repeated washes. A lot of the options we examined include wide elastic straps that secure to the mattress which makes it easy to remove and wash them. Also, you'll need a topper that stays securely in place on the bed, particularly for those who are a combination sleeper who moves around a lot throughout the night.
Brooklyn Bedding's gel swirl memory foam topper is a CertiPUR US and GreenGuard gold-certified option. It's sturdy and comfortable. It is a little more expensive than other models, but has excellent customer reviews and a 90-day money-back guarantee.