How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You
A mattress topper is the fastest and most convenient way to improve your sleep surface. Memory foam, polyfoam, and latex are among the most sought-after materials.
A memory foam top is perfect for mattresses that are sagging or with a lot of bounce. It is shaped to fit the body and offers support for back pain.
Comfort
If your mattress is too firm, a topper can help it feel more comfortable. It also provides more support and help ease back pain by adjusting to the body's shape. Memory foam toppers can relieve pressure, whereas latex provides more bounce and breathability than polyurethane.
The firmness of a top can be determined by its material and weight, as well as your sleeping position and personal preferences. A person who sleeps on their side will prefer a more supple topper, whereas back and stomach sleepers prefer a medium to firm option. A topper's thickness can also affect its comfort. While the thicker ones provide more cushioning, they might not conform as well to your mattress and may create an awkward feel.
The top mattress covers for most people are made of a strong, soft material that comes with an outstanding warranty. It should be hypoallergenic, breathable, and free from harmful chemicals such as flame retardants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Toppers can be washed in the machine to keep it clean and fresh.
Testers at GH rate the topper on the ease of use and temperature control as well as how it changes the feeling of their mattress. We also ask about the ability of the topper to stay in place, if it creates noise and how much enhances their sleep.
The Saatva topper, which is at the top of our ranking is rated by customers with a score of 4.4 (as as of May 2023) and is available in a queen-sized. It's made of a two-inch layer of bouncy open-cell foam to contour to your body and adjust 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 can be purchased in the soft or firm option. It's a great choice for people with sagging beds, innerspring mattresses with too high bounce or couples looking to lessen the impact of motion transfer.
Linenspa's mattress topper that is GOTS certified is another popular 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 signifies that the topper is made of organic materials and does not contain synthetic dyes or chemicals.
Support
A mattress topper is an additional thick layer that is placed on top of your existing bed. It can be affixed to your mattress by elastic straps or a stretchy hem. Its thickness can range between two and four inches. Mattress protectors are thin covers that protect your mattress from spills, allergens and bed bugs.
The top mattress protectors can transform your sleep and help avoid aches and pains such as those caused by an old or less comfortable mattress. They can also improve a sagging mattress or make a mattress more comfortable by adding the right amount of softness and support as well as temperature control.
You'll find a variety of mattress topper materials like memory foam, latex down, and gel. If you're looking to improve your spinal alignment, choose a memory-foam topper. It will provide cushioning and contour. A memory foam topper that is infused with gel will help to reduce heat retention. This is a great option for those who suffer from night sweats and are hot sleepers.
A memory foam topper will aid in maintaining your spine's alignment by decreasing the pressure on your sensitive areas. If you struggle with a sore back, a cushion infused with copper may help to reduce inflammation and swelling, and it may also alleviate pain from pressure points.
Cotton or wool toppers can make you sleep more comfortably and cooler. Wool is durable, breathable and moisture-wicking. It is also flexible. It is often mixed with down to provide 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 ideal for those who want a plush feeling. Choose a mattress that has both down and feathers. This will provide you with a luxurious feel. Brooklyn Bedding's topper is an excellent option, since it comes in two different textures with firmness for those who need extra support and resilience, and plush for softness like clouds. It comes with a five-year warranty with a generous trial time, and free shipping.
Temperature Control
This topper is cooling and cushioning. It can be placed on a memory-foam mattress. It has gel-infused memory foam that is breathable through specially-designed holes, making it breathable and helping it eliminate heat while you sleep. It comes with a bamboo-covered mattress that is soft, moisture-resistant and wicking. This keeps you cool as you sleep.
This topper is available in different thicknesses, depending on your preference. It also comes with a 10 year guarantee. If you prefer a more firm feel, this topper is also available in a Luxury Firm version (similar to a medium or 7 out of 10). Both are made in the USA and are backed by a 100-night sleep trial.
Foam and latex are both breathable materials, making them an excellent choice for hot sleepers. Some memory foam and latex mattress toppers trap heat, which can be uncomfortable for some people. Look for ones that have cooling elements like this one from Nolah. It uses the company's signature foam as well as a quilted cover with cooling fibers to keep you cool while you sleep, plus it provides zoned support for your head, shoulders, torso, hips and legs.
Mattress protectors are a great method to ensure you have a cool sleep. These protectors slip over the bed and shield it from spills, allergens and other things. This one comes with a zip and is machine washable, making it simple to clean and get rid of.
The majority of people have a preferred sleeping position and if you like to sleep on your back or stomach, you'll want a topper with plenty of support. A mattress that is too firm can cause you to hunch forward, which can cause back or neck pain. Softer foam and down or down-alternative toppers provide extra comfort. mattress topper best and strategist Lauren Levy slept on this one from Parachute and reports that she woke up feeling "gently wrapped between layers of marshmallow softness." It's also available in an organic cotton version that is hypoallergenic and 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 bank. But, with the many options, finding the ideal one for you is difficult. Whether your mattress is starting to lose its shape, you suffer from back pain, or simply want to decrease the sensation of motion transfer from one person to the other, the right mattress can make all the difference.
The type of material used to make the topper is the primary element in its feel and affects not only how well you sleep, but also your back health. Experts say that side sleepers should pick a soft topper, whereas stomach and back sleepers need a more firm one.
Other factors, like breathability and thickness, could aid in narrowing your options. While thicker toppers are more expensive, they provide better support. They are also typically more breathable because they have a greater surface area that allows air to circulate. You should look for models with baffle box construction, which helps to prevent clumping and ensures that the filling is evenly spaced (a huge benefit for comfort).
Gel-infused memory foam was created to keep people cool when they sleep. It is also possible to think about a top made of latex that is tough and springy. And if you want to stay clear of any chemicals wool or organic cotton are good options.
Even though a mattress topper doesn't have to be cleaned as often as your sheets, you should choose a model that is easy to clean and can stand up to repeated washings. The majority of the models we tested come with wide elastic straps to bind them to your mattress, making it easier to take them off 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.
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 more expensive than other models, but has great reviews from customers and a 90-day money-back guarantee.