You'll Never Be Able To Figure Out This Mattress Topper's Secrets
How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You
A mattress topper can be the most efficient and simple way to upgrade your mattress. Memory foam, polyfoam, and latex are the most sought-after materials.
A memory foam top is ideal for mattresses that are sagging or beds with a lot of bounce. It conforms to the body and offers support for back pain.
Comfort
If your mattress is too firm, a topper can soften it. It can also provide more support, which can help alleviate back pain by conforming to your body's contours. A memory foam topper can relieve pressure points, while latex toppers offer more bounce and breathability than polyurethane options.
The firmness of a topper is determined by the material, as well as your weight, your sleeping position and your personal preference. A side sleeper may choose a softer option, while back or stomach sleepers will prefer a medium-firm choice. The thickness of the topper can affect its comfort: While thicker toppers provide more cushioning, they may not be as comfortable to your mattress and may cause a sloppy feeling.
The top mattress covers for most people are made of a strong soft and comfortable material that is backed by an excellent warranty. It should also be breathable, hypoallergenic, and free of harmful chemicals such as fire retardants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A topper can be machine-washed to keep it fresh and clean.
Testers at GH rate the topper for its ease of use and temperature control and how it changes the feeling of their existing mattress. We also want to know whether the topper stays in place, if it makes any noise and how much better their sleep is.
The Saatva topper is at the top of our ranking and has a rating from customers of 4.4 (as as of May 2023) and is available in a queen size. It is designed with a two inch layer of bouncy, open-cell foam that conforms to your body. This provides support and helps keep you cool.
An option that is more affordable is the Turmerry organic topper, which features a three-inch layer of breathable natural material 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 want to minimize the sensation of motion transfer.
Another popular choice is the GOTS certified mattress topper made 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 label 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 on top of your current mattress. It secures to your mattress with elastic straps or a stretchy skirt, and it can range in thickness from two to four inches. Mattress toppers are different from mattress protectors that are essentially covers that are designed to protect your bed against allergens, spills and bed bugs.
The best mattress toppers can make a difference in your sleep and help avoid aches and pains that are caused by an older or softer than ideal mattress. They can also help to lift the mattress's weight or even improve an uncomfortable mattress with the right amount of softness, support, and temperature control.
There are a variety of mattress topper materials, such as memory foam, latex down and gel. If you're looking to improve the alignment of your spine opt for a memory foam topper. It will help cushion and shape. A memory foam topper that is filled with gel can help reduce heat retention and is a great option for those who are prone to sweaty nights.
A memory foam topper will aid in maintaining your spine's alignment by reducing the pressure on sensitive areas. If you are struggling with a sore back, a cushion infused with copper may help to reduce inflammation and swelling, and may even help to prevent pain from pressure points.
Wool or cotton topper can help you sleep more comfortably and cooler. Wool is breathable, wicks away moisture and is also tough and easily moldable. It's often mixed with other materials to provide comfort, like down. This mattress topper from Parachute, for example, includes a mix of durable and resilient latex with temperature-regulating wool.
A down mattress topper is a great choice for those who prefer a plush feel. Select a mattress topper that has feathers and down. This will provide you with a luxurious and soft texture. Brooklyn Bedding's topper is an excellent choice, as it comes in two distinct textures with firmness for those who need extra support and resilience, and plush for softness similar to clouds. It's covered by five years of warranty and comes with an extensive trial period as well as free shipping.
Temperature Control
This topper is cooling and cushions. It can be put on a memory foam mattress. It's filled with gel that's ventilated by holes. This makes it more breathable, and helps it dissipate the heat that you experience while you rest. It has a bamboo-covered mattress that is soft and wicks away moisture. This keeps you cool while you sleep.
mattress toppers double in a variety of thicknesses to suit your preference and is backed by 10 years of warranty. If you prefer a firmer 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.
Latex and foam are both breathable and make them a good choice for sleepers who are hot. Some latex and memory foam mattress toppers can trap heat, which is uncomfortable for some. Be sure to look for cooling components, like this Nolah model. It is made with the company's signature foam as well as quilted covers with cooling fibers to keep you cool as you sleep. Additionally, it provides zoned support for your shoulders, head the torso, hips, and legs.
Mattress protectors are another method to ensure you sleep cool. These slip over a bed and protect it from allergens, spills, dust mites, bugs and more. This one comes with an open zipper and is machine washable, making it easy to clean and remove.
If you prefer to sleep on your back or stomach, you will want a mattress that has a lot of support. A mattress that is too firm may cause you to hunch forward and aggravate neck or back pain. Softer foams and down or down-alternative toppers provide extra comfort. Strategist and contributing writer Lauren Levy slept on this one from Parachute and says she woke up feeling "gently sandwiched between layers of marshmallow softness." It's also available in an organic cotton version, which is hypoallergenic and certified as OEKO TEX Standard 100, Global Organic Textile Standards, Fair for Life and GreenGuard Gold.
Breathability
A mattress topper is a fantastic way to upgrade a worn out mattress without spending a fortune. Finding the right mattress topper can be challenging particularly with the many options available. Whether your mattress is starting to lose its shape, you suffer from back pain or need to lessen the feeling of motion transfer from one person to another, the right mattress can make all the difference.

The type of material used to create a topper is the most important factor in the feel of it and can impact not only how comfortable you sleep but also your back health. For example, experts say those who sleep on their sides should use a soft-feeling topper, while stomach or back sleepers require a firmer option.
You can narrow your options by weighing other factors, such as thickness and breathability. While thicker toppers are more expensive, they provide better support. They also have a better air-conditioned due to a larger surface area. Make sure to look for models with baffle box construction. This prevents the clumping of the filling evenly distributed (a major plus for comfort).
Gel-infused memory foam was created to keep people cool while they sleep. It is also possible to try a latex-based topper that is extremely durable and springy. And if you want to stay away from chemicals, organic cotton or wool are excellent choices.
Although the mattress topper isn't required to be washed as often as sheets, you should still look for a model that's easy to clean and will be able to withstand repeated washings. Many of the models we tested come with wide elastic straps to bind them to your bed, making it much easier to take them off and wash them. You'll want a mattress topper that will stay in place, particularly in the case of a mix sleeper who moves throughout the night.
The Brooklyn Bedding gel swirl memory foam mattress topper is a CertiPUR US and GREENGUARD Gold-certified option that is both durable and comfortable. It's a little pricier than other models that we have reviewed, but it has excellent reviews from users and comes with 90 days of money-back guarantee.