If you're not getting enough cushioning and support from your mattress to sleep comfortably through the night, it may be time for an upgrade. But what if your mattress is new or you don't want to spend a lot of money on a new bed? Mattress toppers are a great cost-saving alternative.
Mattress toppers provide an extra layer of foam or cushioning to your bed to soften firmer mattresses or add more support to softer ones. They can also provide additional pressure-relieving qualities to ease post-workout aches or cooling technology to help you sleep cooler. There are several types available—memory foam, latex, feather, down alternative—it can get confusing. So, how do you find the best mattress topper for your sleep needs?
We teamed up with the expert review team at Mattress Advisor to see how some of the best mattress toppers compared. In this review, we reveal our favorite toppers for various material and sleep preferences. Read on to see our top picks.
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The Best Mattress Toppers - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Mattress Topper: TEMPUR-Adapt Topper
- Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper: Layla Memory Foam Topper
- Best Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers: Casper Comfy Mattress Topper
- Best Pillow Top Mattress Topper: Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper
- Best Firm Mattress Topper: Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper
- Best Luxury Mattress Topper: Saatva Mattress Topper
- Best Mattress Topper for Hip Pain: Tuft & Needle Mattress Topper
- Best Latex Mattress Topper: PlushBeds Natural Latex Topper
- Most Comfortable Mattress Topper: TEMPUR-Cloud Topper
- Best Budget Mattress Topper: Yoga Sleep 3" Down Alternative Mattress Topper
Best Overall - TEMPUR-Adapt Topper
SPECS
- Profile: 3"
- Sizes: Twin, twin long, full, queen, king, Cal king
- Material: Foam
- Firmness: Medium
- Care: Topper can't be washed or dried but cover is removable and washable
- Warranty: 10-year warranty
The TEMPUR-Adapt Topper is the next best thing to switching out your mattress for a TEMPUR-Pedic bed, but at a fraction of the price. The 3-inch topper is made with TEMPUR's softest version of its cushy proprietary foam. It allows you to sink in as it gently hugs the contours of your body. The topper is also designed to be more breathable so your body heat passes through it more easily. If you are a hot sleeper, the TEMPUR-Adapt comes in a cooling version at an additional cost.
One issue with mattress toppers is that they can slip out of place. The TEMPUR-Adapt comes with corner straps to help hold it securely on the bed. The topper is also wrapped in a dust-mite and allergen-resistant cover that's also removable and washable. One of the pricier toppers on our list, the TEMPUR-Adapt is often deeply discounted making this luxury topper much more affordable.
What We Like
- Cooling upgrade available for an additional cost
- Made with the same proprietary foam as TEMPUR mattresses
- Corner straps to hold topper in place
What We Don't Like
- Pricier when not on sale
- No sleep trial and returns are not permitted
BUY: TEMPUR-Adapt Topper
Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper - Layla Memory Foam Topper
SPECS
- Profile: 2"
- Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king
- Material: Copper gel-infused memory foam
- Firmness: Soft
- Care: Topper cannot be washed or dried, but removable cover can be machine washed, though dry cleaning is recommended
- Warranty: 5-year warranty
The Layla Memory Foam Topper adds 2 inches of soft, cushioning plushness to mattresses to help relieve pressure at sensitive points along the body. While not as thick as some of the toppers on our list, the Layla Memory Foam Topper is definitely softer on the firmness scale and should add at least a level or two of plushness to most mattresses. Layla infuses its topper with copper, an element that helps to counter the heat absorption of memory foam. It's then wrapped in a soft polyester-blend removable cover made with gel technology that's also designed to absorb excess heat so you sleep cooler.
Another plus—Layla offers a 120-night sleep trial. If you're not entirely satisfied with your foam mattress topper, you can return it within the sleep trial period for a full refund. Layla's mattress toppers are made to order, so be aware that it will take 3-5 business days for your mattress topper to be manufactured before it is shipped to your door.
What We Like
- 120-night sleep trial
- Memory foam infused with copper gel
- CertiPUR-US certified memory foam
What We Don't Like
- Soft topper may not be supportive enough for stomach sleepers or heavyweight sleepers
- Slight off-gassing upon unboxing
Best Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers - Casper Comfy Mattress Topper
SPECS
- Profile: 3"
- Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king
- Material: Perforated memory foam
- Care: Spot cleaning, as needed
- Warranty: 5-year warranty
The Mattress Advisor team tapped the Casper Comfy Mattress Topper as its top choice for side sleepers. It provides plenty of give in the shoulders and hips, two sensitive points where most side sleepers experience pain if they're sleeping on a mattress that doesn't offer good pressure relieving qualities. It's made with two types of foam—a plush and responsive top layer over a supportive memory foam base that helps keep side sleepers' spines aligned through the night. The base layer is also perforated with holes that allow air to flow through, aiding in temperature regulation.
Sleep trials with mattress toppers are not common, but Casper lets you sleep on your topper for 30 nights. If you decide within the trial period that you don't like the topper, just return it for a full refund. Another plus—Casper doesn't charge any stocking or other fees for returns.
What We Like
- CertiPUR-US certified memory foam
- Perforated foam promotes air flow
- Can support heavier-weight sleepers
- 30-night sleep trial
What We Don't Like
- Slight off-gassing upon unboxing
- May be too firm for sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds
BUY: Casper Comfy Mattress Topper
Best Pillow Top Mattress Topper - Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper
SPECS
- Profile: 3"
- Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king
- Material: Talalay latex
- Firmness: Medium-firm
- Care: Spot clean, as needed
- Warranty: 10-year warranty
The Plush Organic Mattress Topper from Birch, a Helix brand, is not only a billowing pillow-top topper, it's also made sustainably. The mattress uses all natural materials including Talalay latex sustainably tapped from tropical rubber trees grown in Southeast Asia, New Zealand Birch Wool, and 100 percent organic cotton. Latex offers a different feel than memory foam. Rather than sinking into the foam, latex feels more buoyant, as if you're floating on it rather than in it. Latex is also naturally breathable so it sleeps much cooler than memory foam.
The Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper is one of pricier toppers on our list of best mattress toppers, but it is also more durable and comes with a 10-year warranty. Plus, Birch offers a 100-night sleep trial and a full refund if you return it within the trial period.
What We Like
- 100-night sleep trial
- GREENGUARD Gold and GOTS certified
- Durable
What We Don't Like
- Expensive
- Not as soft or pressure-relieving as memory foam
BUY: Birch Plus Organic Mattress Topper
Best Firm Mattress Topper - Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper
SPECS
- Profile: 2"
- Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king
- Material: Latex
- Firmness: Firm
- Care: Spot clean, as needed
- Warranty: 10-year warranty
Medium and soft mattress toppers are a great way to add more cushioning and pressure-relieving qualities to your existing mattress. But what if your mattress is too soft? If you often wake with lower back pain, your mattress may not be supportive enough. The Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper is firm enough to provide more resilience and gentle support. This organic mattress topper is made with all-natural materials including latex from Avocado's own rubber trees, certified organic wool from Avocado's own sheep farms, and certified organic cotton. It also comes in a plush version for people who want a softer sleeping surface.
The Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper is the most expensive mattress topper on our list of best mattress toppers, but it also comes with a 10-year warranty. A 0% APR financing option also helps soften the blow. Plus, Avocado gives customers a full year to return their firm mattress topper if they are not completely satisfied with it.
What We Like
- GREENGUARD Gold and GOTS certified
- 1-year sleep trial
- Vegan option also available
What We Don't Like
- Very expensive
- May be too firm for side sleepers
BUY: Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper
Best Luxury Mattress Topper - Saatva Mattress Topper
SPECS
- Profile: 1.5"(foam, latex), 3" (graphite)
- Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king, split king
- Material: Foam, latex, or graphite-infused foam
- Firmness: Medium
- Care: Spot clean, as needed
- Warranty: 1-year warranty
Saatva offers three different foam types of mattress topper materials—foam, latex, or graphite-infused foam. The foam option adds 1.5 inches of high-density, body-hugging support to your bed. The latex option adds 1.5 inches of buoyant, breathable cushioning. And the graphite version adds 3 inches of foam including a graphite-infused layer designed to draw heat away from the body for a cooler night's sleep. All three mattress toppers are covered in a breathable and moisture-wicking cotton cover.
Saatva also offers a 180-day sleep trial on its mattress toppers with no restocking fees or penalties for used products. If you do choose to keep your mattress topper, be aware that the warranty will run out after just one year.
What We Like
- 3 material options to choose from
- 180-night sleep trial
- Elastic bands help secure mattress topper
- CertiPUR-US certified foam
What We Don't Like
- 1-year limited warranty pales compared to competitors
- Foam and latex options are thinner than most competitors' toppers
Best Mattress Topper for Hip Pain - Tuft & Needle Mattress Topper
SPECS
- Profile: 2"
- Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king
- Material: Open-cell foam
- Firmness: Medium-soft
- Care: Spot clean, as needed
- Warranty: 3-year warranty
Beds without enough give at sensitive pressure point areas can cause or worsen hip pain. A mattress topper with a responsive foam, like Tuft & Needle's topper, can add much needed pressure point relief to most firmer mattresses. This 2-inch high topper has an open-cell foam construction that provides cushioning and promotes airflow to keep you cooler. It's topped with a soft polyester-blend cover with a silicone beading bottom that prevents the mattress from slipping around.
The Tuft & Needle mattress topper comes with a three-year warranty and a 100-night sleep trial. The topper is highly rated by customers, but some complain that the non-skid backing doesn't prevent the topper from sliding as effectively as corner straps.
What We Like
- Competitively priced
- 100-night sleep trial
- CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD certified
What We Don't Like
- Slight off-gassing upon unboxing
- No straps to hold mattress in place
BUY: Tuft & Needle Mattress Topper
Best Latex Mattress Topper - PlushBeds Natural Latex Topper
SPECS
- Profile: 2", 3"
- Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king
- Material: Talalay latex
- Firmness: Soft, medium-soft, medium, medium-firm, extra-firm
- Care: Spot clean, as needed
- Warranty: 5-year warranty
For people who prefer the bouncy feel of latex over memory foam, the Mattress Advisor team recommends the Natural Latex Topper by PlushBeds. With two thickness options (2-inch and 3-inch) and five firmness levels, you're bound to find a PlushBeds Natural Latex Topper that suits your needs. The problem may be knowing exactly what thickness or firmness you should get. Thankfully, PlushBeds provides a great description of its many options, recommending its 2-inch topper for those who need a little extra support but still want to feel the mattress under it and the 3-inch option for those looking for more cushion and support.
PlushBeds also explains who its five firmness options are best for—soft for back and side sleepers, medium-firm for back and stomach sleepers, and extra firm for heavier-weight sleepers. Like other latex mattress toppers, PlushBeds' version is perforated with tiny holes which promotes airflow to allow body heat to escape. And because it's latex, it's also naturally hypoallergenic, anti-microbial, dust mite resistant, and mildew resistant.
What We Like
- 2 thickness options
- 5 firmness options
- GOTS, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, and GREENGUARD Gold certified
What We Don't Like
- Too many choices can be confusing to find your best option
- No sleep trial and not returnable
BUY: Plushbeds Natural Latex Topper
Most Comfortable Mattress Topper - TEMPUR-Cloud Topper
SPECS
- Profile: 2"
- Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king
- Material: Foam
- Firmness: Medium
- Care: Memory foam topper cannot be washed or dried, but cover is removable and washable
- Warranty: 10-year warranty
If you want a TEMPUR-Pedic mattress but can't afford one, the TEMPUR-Cloud mattress topper is a more affordable option. The Mattress Advisor team loves the comfort and simplicity of this 2-inch topper. It adds just the right amount of comfort and support to suit all sleep positions. It's also wrapped in a removable and washable cover that's both dust mite and allergen resistant, and has a stretch skirt to help hold it in place.
The TEMPUR-Cloud topper's competitive price makes it a great option for budget-conscious shoppers looking to test out the comfort of a memory foam bed. Unfortunately, TEMPUR does not accept returns on its mattress toppers. But with a 10-year warranty, it's bound to stand the test of time.
What We Like
- Made with the same foam as TEMPUR mattresses
- Stretch skirt to hold mattress pad in position
- Competitively priced
What We Don't Like
- No cooling option like with TEMPUR-Adapt
- No sleep trial and returns are not permitted
BUY: TEMPUR-Cloud Topper
Best Budget Mattress Topper - Yoga Sleep 3" Down Alternative Mattress Topper
SPECS
- Profile: 3"
- Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king
- Material: Down alternative fill
- Firmness: Medium
- Care: Professional laundering recommended
- Warranty: 1-year warranty
Good-quality memory foam and latex can cost a pretty penny. But they're not the only options for consumers looking for a good mattress topper. The Yoga Sleep 3" Down Alternative Mattress Topper is a great option for shoppers on a budget. The topper provides 3 inches of plush, hypoallergenic, light-as-a-feather down alternative fill encased in pure cotton.
The baffle-box construction of the Yoga 3" Down Alternative Topper helps prevent the fill from bunching up and ensures an even loft. It's a great option if you need to add a little softness to your current mattress. It also comes with the company's 101-Day Promise which allows you to return the mattress topper within that time for a full refund if you're not completely satisfied.
What We Like
- 101-day sleep trial
- Lighter and less restrictive than memory foam or latex
- Elastic bands help hold topper in place
What We Don't Like
- Less durable than memory foam or latex
- Not as supportive
BUY: Yoga Sleep 3" Down Alternative Mattress Topper
How to Choose the Best Mattress Topper
There are some factors you should consider when shopping for the best mattress topper:
Care
Like mattresses, most mattress toppers can't be tossed in the washer and dryer. Even if your machines are large enough to fit them, the foam and filling just wouldn't hold up well. If you think your mattress topper needs cleaning, be sure to carefully read the manufacturers' care instructions. Some can only be spot cleaned, and others have removable and washable covers.
Firmness
Before buying a mattress pad, be sure to understand why you want one. Softer, thicker mattress toppers can add more cushioning and pressure relieving qualities to firmer mattresses while firmer ones can add more support for softer mattresses. Remember, if your mattress is old and sagging in places, a mattress topper won't do much good. It may be wiser to invest in a new mattress instead.
Thickness
Mattress toppers vary in size from about 1 inch to up to 4 inches or more. Generally speaking, thicker mattresses offer more cushioning and thinner ones offer more support. But thicker mattress toppers may also trap more heat—especially if they are made with memory foam and are not made with any cooling technology.
Breathability
A more "breathable" mattress pad helps dissipate body heat so you sleep better at night. Memory foam is dense and therefore less breathable than latex, down, or down alternative fill. Memory foam toppers may not be a great idea for people who sleep hot unless the foam is perforated with holes to increase breathability or infused with cooling gels. Latex foam contains pinholes throughout making these toppers naturally breathable. Feather and down alternative fill are generally more breathable, as well.
FAQs About Mattress Toppers
How long do mattress toppers last?
Mattress toppers can last 3-5 years depending on the type and quality of material they are made with. Latex is more durable than other materials and can last longer than memory foam with proper care.
Do mattress toppers make beds more comfortable?
Yes. A mattress topper can add more cushioning comfort to firmer mattresses or more support to softer ones. But if your mattress is old and sagging, a mattress topper won't do much good.
Are thicker mattress toppers softer?
Generally speaking, yes. Thicker mattress toppers are softer and more cushioning than thinner ones. However, some thicker mattress toppers are made with more supportive materials such as high-density foam that can add more firmness and structure to a too-soft bed.
Are mattress toppers any good for your back?
Mattress toppers can add more support and pressure-relieving qualities, as well as keep the spine in alignment, which can help minimize back strain for backache sufferers. However, if your mattress is old and sagging, it's probably one of the sources of your back pain and a new mattress may be in order.
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