How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You
A mattress topper is the most efficient and most convenient way to improve your sleep surface. The most popular materials include memory foam, polyfoam, and latex.
A memory foam top is perfect for mattresses that are sagging or with excessive bounce. It conforms to your body and provides support for back pain.
Comfort
A mattress topper can soften mattresses that are too firm. It can also offer an additional level of support, which can ease back pain. Memory foam toppers can relieve pressure, whereas latex provides more bounce and breathability than polyurethane.
The firmness of a mattress can be determined by the material, and also your weight, position of sleep and personal preference. Most often, those who sleep on their sides prefers a soft topper, while stomach and back sleepers prefer a firm to medium option. The thickness of a topper can impact comfort. While thicker toppers might offer more cushioning, it is possible that they won't conform to your bed as well and create an uncomfortable sensation.
The top mattress covers for most people are made of a strong soft and comfortable material that comes with an excellent 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 clean and fresh.
Testers at GH rate the topper for its ease of use and temperature control and how it changes the feeling of their mattress. We also want to know whether the topper remains in place, if it makes any noise and how much more comfortable they sleep.
The Saatva topper is at the top of our list is rated by customers with a score of 4.4 (as as of May 2023) and comes in a queen-sized. It's made of a two-inch layer of open-cell foam that bounces to conform to your body and respond to motion, providing support while keeping you cool.
Turmerry organic toppers are a less expensive alternative. They are available in a soft and firm option, with a three-inch layer made of natural materials that breathe. It's a great option for people with sagging beds, innerspring mattresses with too high bounce or couples who want to reduce the feeling of motion transfer.
Linenspa's GOTS-certified mattress topper is a different 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 indicates that the topper is made from natural materials and does not contain synthetic dyes or chemicals.
Support
A mattress topper is a thick layer that sits on top of your existing bed. It is secured to your mattress using elastic straps or a skirt that is stretchy, and it can range in thickness ranging from two to four inches. Mattress protectors are thin covers that shield your mattress from allergens, spills and bed bugs.
The top mattress protectors will improve your sleep and will help you avoid aches and discomforts due to an old or soft mattress. They can also enhance the comfort of a mattress that is uncomfortable or sagging with the right amount of support, softness and temperature control.
There are many different types of mattress toppers, including memory foam gel, latex, and down. If you're looking to improve your spine alignment opt for a memory foam topper. It will provide cushioning and contour. A memory foam topper that is filled with gel can help to reduce heat retention which makes it a great option for hot sleepers who are prone to sweaty nights.
If you're suffering from back issues, a memory foam cushion can help keep your spine aligned by reducing pressure on sensitive areas. A copper-infused topper can reduce inflammation and swelling and may also reduce pain caused by pressure point.
A topper made with natural fibers, like cotton or wool, can help you sleep more comfortably and cooler. Wool is durable, breathable and moisture-wicking, as well as flexible. It's often mixed with other materials for greater comfort, like down. This mattress topper from Parachute, for example, includes a mix of durable and resilient latex with temperature-regulating wool.
A mattress topper made of down is a great option for those who want a luxurious feel. Choose one that has feathers and down to create a luxurious feel that wraps your body in a softness. Brooklyn Bedding's topper is an excellent option, since it comes in two distinct textures with firmness for those who need more support and resiliency, and plush for softness similar to clouds. It comes with a five-year guarantee with a generous trial time, and free shipping.
Temperature Control
If you have a memory foam mattress, you can increase your comfort level with this topper, which is both cooling and cushioning. It has gel-infused memory foam which is ventilated through holes. This makes it breathable and helps to disperse the heat while you sleep. It has a bamboo-covered mattress that is soft and wicks moisture away. This keeps you cool as you sleep.
The topper is available in a variety of thicknesses, based on the thickness you prefer. It also comes with a 10 year guarantee. The topper is available in a Luxury firm choice, which is similar to a medium or a 7 out of 10. Both are made in America and come with a 100-night trial.
Latex and foam are both breathable materials that make them an excellent choice for sleepers who are hot. Some latex and memory foam mattress toppers can hold heat, which is uncomfortable for some. Be sure to look for ones with cooling elements, like this one from Nolah. It uses the company's signature foam and a quilted cover with cooling fibers to keep you cool while you sleep, plus it provides a zoned, padded support for your shoulders, head, torso, hips and legs.
Another method to ensure a cool night's sleep is to use mattress protectors. These protectors are able to be placed over the bed and shield it from allergens, spills and other things. This one is machine-washable and has the zipper, making it simple to clean and to put on and take off.
The majority of people have a preferred sleeping position and if you like to sleep on your back or stomach you'll need a mattress with plenty of support. Mattresses that are too firm could cause you to slump forward, which can cause neck or back pain. Softer foam and down or down-alternative toppers offer additional comfort. The Parachute pillow, reviewed by Strategist contributor Lauren Levy, is made of soft foam and down-alternative toppers.
Breathability
A mattress topper can be an excellent way to improve an old mattress without breaking the bank. Finding the perfect mattress topper can be difficult, especially with so many choices available. The right topper will make a significant difference in the quality of your mattress, whether it is sagging, you're suffering from back pain or you are looking to decrease motion transfer between partners.
The kind of material used in the making of the topper is the primary factor in the feel of it, and it can affect 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 topper, while back or stomach sleepers need a firmer option.
Other factors, such as breathability and thickness, can help you narrow down your choices. Thicker toppers can be more expensive, but they provide more support. They also have a better breathable because they have a greater surface area. Look for mattress topper best that have baffle box construction. This will prevent the clumping of the filling evenly dispersed (a major plus for comfort).
If you sleep hot, look into gel-infused memory foam that is designed to keep you cool as you sleep. It is also possible to think about a latex top which is strong and flexible. If you want to avoid chemicals, organic wool or cotton are excellent choices.
While a mattress topper isn't as likely to need washing as sheets, it's still important to choose a model that is easy to clean and able to be able to withstand repeated washes. Many of the options we examined come with wide elastic straps that secure to the mattress which makes it easier to take them off and wash them. You'll also need a mattress topper that is secure in place on the mattress especially if you're a combination sleeper who moves around a lot during the night.
The Brooklyn Bedding gel swirl memory foam mattress topper is a certified CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold certified product that is sturdy and comfortable. It's a bit more expensive than some other models that we have reviewed, but it has received excellent reviews from customers and comes with 90-day money-back assurance.