Those who have had a mattress for a few years might get to a point where the firmness and feel just aren’t working anymore. If a new mattress isn’t in the budget just yet, or the mattress is still in good enough shape that you can’t justify purchasing a whole new one, then what can you do?
A mattress topper is a great way to spruce up an existing bed, and it can add an extra boost of comfort. But you may be wondering, “Which one is best?” I’ve tested over 100 different toppers, and I think these are the 10 best mattress toppers in 2024. To find the right mattress topper for your sleep needs, read my full buying guide below!
Our Verdict: What’s the Best Mattress Topper?
I named the Helix GlacioTex™ Premium mattress topper as the best overall pick. It’s basically a mini mattress to put on top of your existing mattress. It has a thin layer of microcoils between two slabs of memory foam. The foam comes inside of a cover, which has straps to attach it to your mattress. You can also choose between Luxury Plush or Luxury Firm depending on your needs.
Best Mattress Topper 2024: Our Top 10 Picks
- Helix GlacioTex™ Premium Topper – Best Overall
- Nolah – Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- Saatva – Best Luxury Mattress Topper
- Bear Pro Mattress Topper – Best Cooling Mattress Topper
- ViscoSoft High Density Mattress Topper – Best Mattress Topper for Back Sleepers
- TEMPUR-Adapt Topper – Best Plush Mattress Topper
- Dreamfoam Gel Swirl Memory Foam – Best Budget Mattress Topper
- Peacock Alley Down Alternative Topper – Best Hypoallergenic Mattress Topper
- COOP Sleep Goods Retreat Topper – Best King-Size Topper
- Birch Plush – Best Organic Mattress Topper
Best Mattress Toppers of 2024: Our Video Review
How We Chose Our Products
Our team of sleep specialists tested many mattress toppers currently on the market using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing. When building our roundup for the best mattress toppers of 2024, we paid special attention to cooling abilities, durability, overall feel, and quality of materials.
With our guide, we give you a number of options so you can select a product that not only fits your preferences, but one that is also long-lasting, breathable, and extremely comfortable. We also encourage you to check out our Buyer’s Guide at the bottom of the page. There, we take a deeper dive into all of these attributes so you can make the most informed purchase possible.
Best Overall – Helix
Helix GlacioTex Premium Mattress Topper
The Helix GlacioTex™ Mattress Premium mattress topper uses both foam and coils to offer comfort and support. It comes with a cooling cover to keep sleepers from overheating.
Our Expert’s Take
Believe it or not, there are mattress toppers that are true mini mattresses with a layer of coils in the middle of them, like the Helix GlacioTex™ Premium mattress topper. That’s right: Sandwiched between two thick layers of memory foam are micro coils. These both add support to the topper, and also help the memory foam contour to your body. The design is also what helps the GlacioTex™ topper provide ample pressure relief for back and side sleepers. Because of this, it just had to be named the best overall pick.
It comes in two firmnesses, so stomach sleepers should opt for the Luxury Firm version, although heavyweight back sleepers who prefer firm beds should enjoy this firmness as well. Side sleepers will want to opt for the Luxury Plush version to get the pressure relief they need. All of this comes inside Helix’s GlacioTex™ cover, which is a polyester cover designed to dissipate heat, making this a good choice for hot sleepers.
What our testers say: “I tested the Luxury Firm version of the Helix GlacioTex™ Premium topper. While it was too firm for me to sleep on my side, the top layers of foam contoured around my body when I was on my back. I didn’t feel the coils, but I knew they were there because they kept me from bottoming out of the topper.” – Tony Klespis, Reviewer
What We Love About the Helix GlacioTex™ Premium Mattress Topper
- Both versions of this topper are just under 4″ thick, so they are able to provide ample amounts of pressure relief for all three sleeping positions. Side sleepers do best on the Luxury Plush, while stomach sleepers do best on the Luxury Firm. Back sleepers can pick either firmness depending on their preference.
- The topper is wrapped in a cover designed for cooling. The surface feels cool to the touch and can dissipate body heat, making it good for hot sleepers.
- That same cover has elastic straps in the corners, which helps the topper attach securely to your mattress.
What to Keep In Mind About the Helix GlacioTex™ Premium Mattress Topper
- At full price, a queen-size topper costs around $500. While Helix does include this topper in seasonal discounts, and you can finance the purchase as well, this might be too pricey for some.
Other User Reviews
Helix doesn’t list an average star rating for the GlacioTex™ mattress topper. However, looking through some of the customer reviews, many had mixed feelings about the topper. Some found the off-gassing to be incredibly strong, so I recommend letting this topper unfurl in a well-ventilated area before placing it on your bed. One review mentioned it was too soft and squishy to move around on. However, those that loved the topper praised its ability to stay cool despite being a foam topper.
Read my full Helix GlacioTex™ Premium mattress topper review for more information.
Best Memory Foam – Nolah
Nolah Mattress Topper
The Nolah Mattress Topper uses its proprietary CertiPUR-US certified foam to achieve a super pressure-relieving yet supportive feel.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.90 / 5
Our Expert’s Take
Those with a mattress between 10” and 15” in height should strongly consider the Nolah Mattress Topper. It has two inches of foam made with high-quality materials. It also features an open-cell design, which means that the foam won’t trap heat, so it sleeps much cooler than traditional foam as well. This also gives it a leg up on other types of memory foam, which are known to trap heat. This durable option is also built for pressure relief, and you should feel it cradle sensitive joints.
Nolah AirFoam™ is a unique type of polyfoam that is still soft but is more responsive than traditional memory foam, so it’s much easier to move around on. The foam in this topper is CertiPUR-US® certified, meaning that the foam has passed rigorous tests, proving it is made without harmful chemicals. It also has a cover with corner straps, so the topper firmly attaches to the bed.
What the testers say: “As a side sleeper, I felt amazing pressure relief, especially in the pressure points along my hips. You’ll sink in just a little as this topper contours to your body, but it’s still very easy to move around on. I also didn’t sleep too hot because the topper doesn’t retain any body heat.” – Tony Klespis, Reviewer
What We Love About the Nolah Topper
- This topper isolates motion well, but you’ll still be able to move around on it. This makes it a great choice for couples.
- The breathable organic cotton cover and AirFoam™ are designed to regulate temperature.
- Its elastic straps make this topper easy to set up and remain secure even when you switch sleeping positions..
What to Keep in Mind About the Nolah Topper
- The Plush topper model is too soft for stomach sleepers to achieve neutral spinal alignment. Stomach sleepers should opt for the Luxury Firm model or one of the best mattress toppers for stomach sleepers.
- Some shoppers might prefer a thicker mattress topper to sink deeper into the topper.
Other user reviews
There aren’t any customer reviews for the mattress topper on Nolah’s website. However, the Nolah mattresses get rave reviews.
For more information, read our full Nolah Mattress Topper review.
Best Luxury – Saatva
Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper
If you love the pressure-relieving qualities of memory foam, but don’t want to invest in a brand new mattress, the Saatva Graphite mattress topper could be just the thing for you. In addition to its soft feel, this 3” topper has many cooling features.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.80 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
The Saatva mattress topper is a luxurious option for sleepers who are looking for a slow-moving feel. There are three different models to choose from, but for this review, I’ll focus on the Graphite Memory Foam mattress topper. This model’s graphite-infused memory foam is specifically designed to dissipate body heat and keep sleepers feeling cool all night long. Its 3″ height gives the Saatva topper a slow-moving memory foam feel that many people love.
What the testers say: “When I’m lying on my back, I feel a really good amount of body contouring, especially around my lower back and hips. This is a topper made with high-quality materials that offers a great deal of softness and pressure relief.” – Marten Carlson, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Saatva Memory Foam Topper
- The Saatva topper is soft enough for sleepers of all body types to feel significant pressure relief.
- The graphite topper model will soften your current mattress by 2.5 points on our firmness scale. If you sleep on an extra firm mattress, it will bring the firmness closer to the industry medium-firm standard of 6.5/10.
- Back and side sleepers will feel plenty of support around the shoulders and hips.
What to Keep in Mind About the Saatva Memory Foam Topper
- This topper is too soft for stomach sleepers to receive proper support around the hips.
- It does not come with a removable cover, so you cannot put it in the washing machine. This topper is spot-clean only.
Other user reviews
On the Saatva website, 174 shoppers rated the Graphite Mattress Topper 4.8 out of 5. Many users thought the topper was a great investment and significantly improved their sleep, but some found the topper too firm for their liking.
For more information, read our full Saatva Memory Foam mattress topper review.
Best Cooling – Bear
Bear Pro Mattress Topper
The Bear Pro Mattress Topper is a great addition to your mattress to help dissipate body heat and add extra comfort.
Our Expert’s Take
Some memory foam mattress toppers are known to trap heat, reflecting your body heat back on you. And while the Bear Pro mattress topper is a memory foam topper, it won’t have that issue. The memory foam is encased in a polyester cover that’s designed specifically to help dissipate body heat. It’s even cool to the touch, which is a huge plus for my fellow hot sleepers out there.
This is a 3″ thick topper that has a very soft, plush feel to it. It’s going to significantly soften mattresses that are too firm. Because of its thickness and soft feel, it can provide side sleepers with ample pressure relief, preventing shoulder and hip pain. It’s also a good choice for back sleepers because it will contour around your body. But because of its thickness, you won’t feel like you’re sinking straight through the topper, so it still has some support.
What our testers say: “I am a textbook hot sleeper. It can take me several minutes to cool off when I get in bed, and I’ve been known to kick the covers off during the night, too. However, that’s not the case with the Bear Pro topper. The outer cover felt cool to the touch, and I never felt like I was going to overheat.” – Tony Klespis, Reviewer
What We Love About the Bear Pro Mattress Topper
- The outer cover is designed for cooling, as it dissipates body heat. It’s also removable and machine-washable, making caring for it easy.
- Toppers that have covers also should last longer than those without. Because of this, I expect the Bear Pro topper to last around three to five years with good care.
- It’s 3″ thick, so it can provide good pressure relief for side sleepers. Back sleepers will get body contouring and additional comfort here, too.
What to Keep In Mind About the Bear Pro Mattress Topper
- While I love this topper for its softness, it’s too soft for stomach sleepers. These sleepers need a firm surface to sleep on so they can keep their hips elevated, which in turn protects their lower back.
- At full price, the Bear Pro topper is around $350. While it is included in seasonal discounts, and you do have the option to finance, some might find this to be out of their price range.
Other User Reviews
On Bear’s website, there are 21 total reviews for the Bear Topper, earning an average star rating of 4.2/5. The satisfied customers praised the topper for how comfortable it felt and how it was able to soften their mattress. Those that left three stars or lower were not satisfied with the fact that the topper slipped around under the sheets. There are silicone grips on the bottom of the cover, but there are no straps to attach it securely to your mattress.
Read my full Bear Pro mattress topper review.
Best for Back Sleepers – ViscoSoft
ViscoSoft Select High Density Mattress Topper
If you’re craving a memory foam sleeping surface, but don’t want to spring for a new mattress, the Select High-Density ViscoSoft mattress topper may just be the answer. This 3” gel-infused mattress topper has excellent body contouring at a low price.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.50 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
Back sleepers will love the ViscoSoft 3” High Density Mattress Topper. The high-density memory foam offers excellent lumbar support and body contouring, in addition to its superior cooling experience. Because it’s made with high-density memory foam, the topper also isolates motion well. If you share a bed with a partner and worry about feeling their movements at night, this is a great pick.
The ViscoSoft Mattress Topper will soften a mattress by two points and has a classic memory foam feel. And you can rest easy knowing that it’ll attach firmly to your mattress. The topper has a removable cover with corner straps.
What the testers say: “I tested the 3” version of this topper and I really felt that slow-moving feel. When I rested on my back, I felt a good balance of comfort and support. I also really enjoyed the pressure relief when I slept on my side.” – Elisa Regulski, Reviewer
What We Love About the ViscoSoft Topper
- The bamboo-rayon cover promotes airflow throughout the topper. This was named one of the best cooling mattress toppers.
- Side sleepers will feel nice pressure relief along their shoulders and hips.
- Its removable cover makes it easy to clean. All you have to do is throw it in the washing machine.
What to Keep in Mind About the ViscoSoft Topper
- Because of its slow-moving feel, some sleepers might find it hard to move around on.
- Average and heavyweight stomach sleepers won’t get enough support. Their hips will sink in too far, leading to lower back pain over time.
Other user reviews
On the Viscosoft website, their Select High-Density Mattress Topper has received nearly 3,000 reviews with an average rating of 4.5/5. Top reviews mentioned that the topper helped eliminate back pain and offered a comfortable night’s sleep. For some users, the topper was too soft for their liking. A few negative reviews also mentioned a chemical odor when first unboxing their topper.
Read our full ViscoSoft mattress topper review.
Best Plush Mattress Topper – TEMPUR-Adapt
TEMPUR-Adapt + Cooling Mattress Topper
The TEMPUR-Adapt is a soft memory foam mattress topper. It should be a good match for back sleepers, side sleepers, and fans of slow-moving memory foam.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.50 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
If you really want to soften your existing mattress with some plush comfort, check out the TEMPUR-Adapt Topper. It has a classic, slow-moving feel that memory foam lovers should really enjoy. With a height of 3″, this topper should make a bed feel 2.5 points softer.
The TEMPUR-Adapt Topper is a great choice for side sleepers and back sleepers. Because of its thickness, heavier sleepers should find the support they need as well. This is another topper that has a removable cover with corner straps that will prevent the topper from shifting around while you sleep.
What the testers say: “The TEMPUR material is what most people associate with memory foam. So, the TEMPUR-Adapt feels really soft and slow-moving. I felt some really good pressure relief along my shoulders and hips. I tend to switch sides while I sleep, and this topper was a little difficult to do that, however.” – Tony Klespis, Reviewer
What We Love About the TEMPUR-Adapt
- The topper is tall and soft enough for sleepers to sink into their mattress.
- It’s great for fans of a slow-moving feel. The company’s proprietary TEMPUR material cushions sleepers’ joints and lumbar area.
- It offers extra motion isolation for couples. This means one person won’t be disturbed by the other’s movements even if they are a light sleeper.
What to Keep in Mind About the TEMPUR-Adapt
- Memory foam tends to absorb body heat, and this topper does not come with a cooling cover. Hot sleepers should invest in a mattress topper with cooling technology, such as the Parachute Down topper.
- Its straps are designed to fit mattresses up to 13” tall. If you have a taller mattress, then this won’t be a good fit for you.
Other user reviews
There are about 8,000 reviews for the TEMPUR-Adapt on TEMPUR-Pedic’s website. There are a good number of four and five star reviews that average out to 4.2 overall. Those that are happy with the TEMPUR-Adapt praise it for the plush, slow-moving feel, and some even mentioned it helped with their back pain. Those that were unsatisfied with the topper mentioned how hot it was.
Read the full TEMPUR-Adapt Topper review.
Best Budget Mattress Topper – Dreamfoam
Dreamfoam 2″ Gel Swirl Memory Foam Mattress Topper
If you’re a fan of the slow-moving memory foam feel, but you’re not ready to spring for a brand new mattress, then the Dreamfoam mattress topper just may be the perfect thing for you.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.50 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
For those who are looking for an affordable mattress topper, the Dreamfoam Gel Swirl Memory Foam is a great choice; it’s significantly more affordable than the other mattress toppers on this list. While the Dreamfoam might not last the longest, it is a quick way to update a mattress for a value price.
Side and back sleepers should find the right balance of comfort and support on this topper. It also features a gel infusion, which helps dissipate body heat.
What the testers say: “Just like any other memory foam topper, the Dreamfoam has that classic, slow-moving feel to it. It does come in two height options, but I tested the 2” version. This offered just a bit of extra softness, but I still felt good pressure relief while I slept on my side. And with Mattress Clarity coupons it often costs less than $100, which is great for those on a budget.” – Elisa Regulski, Reviewer
What We Love About the Dreamfoam Topper
- Its gel-infused memory foam is designed to dissipate body heat and is more breathable than other types of memory foam.
- The Dreamfoam topper is a great value for the low price.
- Back and side sleepers will feel a balance of comfort and support.
What to Keep in Mind About the Dreamfoam Topper
- The Dreamfoam topper cannot be used for the first 48 hours after unboxing. You will need to give some time for it to fully expand.
- It does not come with straps to secure it to a mattress.
- Because it does not come with a removable cover, it is difficult to clean.
Other user reviews
Of the 947 reviews on the Brooklyn Bedding website, the Dreamfoam Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper earned a score of 4.3/5. Many reviews praised how this topper made their current mattress more comfortable. It was also able to provide sleepers with joint relief and body contouring. A few reviews mentioned how the topper tended to get hot while they slept.
Read the full Dreamfoam mattress topper review. Or check out our list of Best Cheap Mattress Toppers for more options.
Best Hypoallergenic – Peacock Alley
Peacock Alley Down Alternative Mattress Topper
The Peacock Alley Down Alternative Mattress Topper will add that pillow top look and feel to your mattress. It’s plush and hypoallergenic and will stay nice and fluffy.
Our Expert’s Take
Down alternative mattress toppers are great for those who also want a pillow top look and feel to their bed. The Peacock Alley Down Alternative mattress topper features a baffle box construction, keeping the down alternative fill evenly distributed across this topper. Down alternative, which is either a polyester or microfiber material, is great for people with sensitive allergies because it’s not known to trap allergens the way goose feather down can.
Out of the box, this topper might be around 2″ thick, but with some fluffing, or even a quick wash, it’ll become fluffier over time. Peacock Alley mentions they’ve added a level of water-proofing into the construction of this topper. This makes it ideal for kiddos or those who enjoy having a meal in bed, or those who tend to spill their bedside glass of water. To top it all off, if any major accidents do happen, the topper is entirely machine-washable to keep it clean and allergen-free.
Stay tuned for our full review of the Peacock Alley Down Alternative mattress topper to see what our testers think.
What We Love About the Peacock Alley Down Alternative Mattress Topper
- The down alternative fill is hypoallergenic, so it won’t trap allergens in your sleep environment.
- The plush down alternative will add a layer of softness to the top of your mattress, and gives it a pillow top look and feel.
- It’s entirely machine-washable and has some added water-proofing for when accidents do happen.
What to Keep In Mind About the Peacock Alley Down Alternative Mattress Topper
- Peacock Alley currently only sells this topper in a twin, queen, and king-size option. This is important to note for those who have full or California king mattresses.
Other User Reviews
With 70 customer reviews, the Peacock Alley mattress topper has earned an average star rating of 4.5/5. Customers who did not rate it a perfect score found that the loft was not quite what they were expecting. Though Peacock Alley mentions this topper will get loftier with more washes, if you’re looking for an especially thick topper, it’s best to go with a foam topper. However, the customers who did love it found that it added the right amount of softness to their firm mattresses.
Full review on the Peacock Alley Down Alternative mattress topper to come.
Best King-Size Topper – Coop Sleep Goods
Coop Retreat Mattress Topper
Breathable and comfy, the COOP Sleep Goods Retreat mattress topper is a great choice for a king-size bed.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.90 / 5
Our Expert’s Take
Made with breathable, cross-cut memory foam, the Coop Sleep Goods Retreat Topper is both comfy and pressure-relieving. And for those who have king size mattresses, this topper will be a breeze to set up thanks to the corner straps.
Coop Sleep Goods is known for its adjustable, shredded foam pillow. And the brand took that same concept and thought “what if we put it in a mattress topper?” The Retreat topper really feels like sleeping on mini pillows. The baffle box design keeps the fill evenly distributed, and this shredded foam is a bit easier to move around on than toppers that are made of solid slabs of memory foam.
What the testers say: “I’ve never seen a memory foam topper that has a baffle box construction. So right off the bat, that sets this topper apart from many foam toppers. And because of this, I had a really easy time moving around it. I really liked the shredded foam feel here, too. It offered a really good amount of pressure relief in my shoulders and hips” – Tony Klespis, Reviewer
What We Love About the Coop Sleep Goods Retreat Topper
- This topper’s shredded memory foam is CertiPUR-US® and GREENGUARD Gold-certified. So it has met rigorous standards for safe production, which includes being free from harmful chemicals.
- Based on our testing, this topper should soften your mattress by two points on the firmness scale.
- It offers pressure relief and body contouring to combination sleepers. It’s also easy to move around on because of its elastic straps that secure to the mattress.
What to Keep in Mind About the Coop Sleep Goods Retreat Topper
- The Retreat topper does not come in twin or full size options.
- It does not offer enough support for stomach sleepers.
Other user reviews
On the Coop Sleep Goods website, the Retreat Mattress Topper received a perfect 5/5 rating from 67 reviews. Sleepers love the cloud-like topper and said it made a positive impact on their sleep quality. Several reviews also commended Coop Sleep Goods for their incredible customer service.
For more information, read our full Coop Sleep Goods Retreat Mattress Topper review.
Best Organic Mattress Topper – Birch
Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper
The Birch mattress topper is 3” tall. The cover is made of organic cotton and is very breathable. The first layer contains Birch wool, which is both durable and breathable. Below that, there is a layer of Talalay latex. The Birch is a great option for those who want an eco-friendly mattress topper.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.70 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
Eco-conscious shoppers will love the Birch Organic Plush mattress topper. This mattress topper is made from organic wool, organic cotton and natural Talalay latex. All of these materials have been certified organic as well. Birch acquired Global Organic Textile Standard and GREENGUARD Gold certifications for these materials. These certifications prove that the materials are grown, harvested and produced in ethical, sustainable and eco-friendly ways.
A bonus of these eco-friendly materials? They are all naturally cooling! This latex topper has a slightly bouncy, responsive feel, so though it adds some softness, you won’t feel like you’re sinking into it. This topper is best for hot sleepers, lightweight sleepers and those who want an eco-friendly topper.
What the testers say: “Not all mattress toppers have to contain slow-moving memory foam in order to soften your bed. That’s what I enjoyed about the Birch mattress topper. It’s still going to soften your bed, but I thought it gave the bed a more pillow top feel. And latex is very bouncy and responsive, so it’s easy to move around on. And of course, the fact that Birch uses 100% organic materials is a great perk.” – Marten Carlson, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Birch Plush Topper
- Unlike memory foam toppers, this latex topper has a bouncy feel.
- Stomach sleepers will get enough hip support to maintain a neutral spinal alignment.
- Latex tends to sleep cooler than memory foam. And this topper’s wool cover also works to dissipate body heat, making this a great choice for hot sleepers.
What to Keep in Mind About the Birch Plush Topper
- Lightweight side sleepers may not feel as much pressure relief as heavier side sleepers.
- Sleepers looking for a very soft or slow-moving topper should consider the Nolah or Saatva toppers.
Other user reviews
From 853 reviews on the Helix website, their Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper boasts a 4.7/5 rating. Sleepers praise the topper for its high-quality materials and say it helps them get a good night’s sleep. Some reviews across the board agree that the topper was not as soft as they hoped. But overall, the vast majority of reviewers found it to be a great investment.
Check out our full Birch Organic Plush mattress topper review.
What Are the Benefits of Mattress Toppers?
A mattress topper is a well-known accessory used by many. But is it really worth the purchase? Let’s break down some of their benefits.
- They can extend the life of your mattress: If you’re currently sleeping on a mattress that feels stiff and uncomfortable, you may not have to purchase a brand new bed! Adding a mattress topper can not only save your mattress, but your bank account too.
- They can affect the overall feel of a bed: If you love memory foam, you can easily add a layer of luxurious, slow-moving comfort. If you prefer a mattress that feels bouncy, you can purchase a topper made out of responsive latex foam.
- They provide excellent pressure relief: This will especially benefit side sleepers who currently rest on a firm mattress. With the help of a thick and plush topper, sleepers can get the much-needed pressure relief along shoulders and hips.
- They can help isolate motion: For couples, this could be a game-changer. If your partner shifts sleeping positions during the night, many toppers will prevent the motion from traveling to your side of the bed.
What Are the Best Mattress Topper Types?
If you’ve spent some time shopping for different mattress toppers, you know the options can feel endless. To make things easier, we’ve broken down the six main types of mattress toppers.
Memory Foam
With its slow-moving feel, memory foam remains a popular pick for back and side sleepers. This material helps alleviate pressure on shoulders and hips, which is great for people who suffer from joint pain. It also makes mattresses feel softer, so it’s a quick way to adjust the firmness of your current bed.
However, memory foam does have a tendency to trap body heat. If you’re a hot sleeper, make sure your memory foam mattress topper has cooling features. Look for something with an open-celled construction, gel or graphite infusion, and a breathable cover.
Polyfoam
Unlike memory foam, polyfoam has a bouncy and responsive feel. Polyfoam costs less to manufacture than other types of foam, so these mattress toppers are typically more affordable. This could be a good option for those on a budget.
Latex
If you want a responsive topper that won’t trap heat, look for something made out of latex foam. When you press into this material, it quickly bounces back. This means you can easily move around on top of it, which is great for combination sleepers who change positions in the night. And because you shouldn’t sink inside the foam, you’ll sleep cooler at night.
Down
Down mattress toppers won’t adjust a bed’s overall firmness, but they do create a luxurious feel. These mattress toppers typically have a light and airy quality to them. They feel malleable and soft, but they won’t provide much support. If you want to learn more about this material, read our Parachute Down mattress topper review.
People who suffer from allergies may want to stay away from true down material, because it has a tendency to trap dust mites and pollen. If you really want this luxurious feel, we recommend finding a topper made with down alternative.
Feather
Feathers and down often get confused for one another, but they aren’t quite the same materials. Feather mattress toppers have a higher density and feel more supportive.
Wool
Wool mattress toppers can cost a bit more than foam toppers, but they have many benefits. First, they regulate temperature well. Wool tends to stay dry in the summer and warm in the winter. Wool toppers are also quite durable, and they give mattresses an extra layer of softness. However, they may not provide the necessary pressure relief for some sleepers.
What to Consider When Buying a Mattress Topper
Not all toppers will work for everyone. When shopping for a new mattress topper, we recommend taking these seven elements into consideration.
Feel
A major reason people buy a mattress topper is to update the feel of their mattress. Those who want to slowly sink into the topper should consider something with memory foam and, if they prefer something bouncier, they should think about a topper with good response like a latex mattress. Fans of a fluffier feel might want to take a look at a feather bed or something of that type.
Firmness
Another reason to look for a mattress topper is to soften or firm up a mattress, but if someone is looking for some additional softness, how much do they want? Those who wish for something very soft should consider a thicker topper (close to 3″), and those who want just a bit of softness should take a look at something closer to 1″ or 1.5″. People who want something to firm up their mattress should consider a firmer latex option.
RELATED: Best Firm Mattress
Sleeping Position
Mattress topper shoppers should think about their specific sleeping position. For instance, back sleepers should want something with a balance of comfort and support, while side sleepers should look for something on the softer side. Stomach sleepers are generally going to need more support, so consider something that firms up the mattress.
Thickness
Many people wonder which thickness mattress topper they should get. And this greatly depends on what you need from your topper. If your current mattress feels firm, you may benefit from the extra pressure relief found in a 3″ topper. But if you just want to adjust the overall feel of your mattress, a 1″ or 2″ topper will do the trick.
RELATED: Mattress Pad vs Mattress Topper
Cooling Features
When adding a mattress topper to a bed, sleepers want to know if it will make them overheat. When deciding on the right topper, make sure it will prevent one from sleeping hot. For instance, if it’s a memory foam topper, does it contain some cooling infusion or is it ventilated for airflow? Sleepers want their mattress topper to be a comfortable addition to their mattress, but not something that makes them sleep hot.
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Durability
When purchasing a mattress topper, shoppers definitely want to know how long it will last, so think about the durability of the materials used in the topper. If it uses a lower-density memory foam, the topper might break down very quickly but, if it uses a high-density memory foam or latex, it could last for a good amount of time.
Budget
Mattress toppers range from high-end to affordable. When shopping for a mattress topper, we always recommend people consider their budget. Will a simple 2″ topper do the trick? Or do you need something long-lasting and plush? Thankfully, our list of the best mattress toppers includes something that should suit everyone’s wallet.
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Summary
Once again, here are our top picks for the best mattress toppers!
| Mattress | Best For |
| Helix GlacioTex™ Premium Topper | Best Overall |
| Nolah | Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper |
| Saatva | Best Luxury Mattress Topper |
| Bear Pro Mattress Topper | Best Cooling Mattress Topper |
| ViscoSoft High Density Mattress Topper | Best Mattress Topper for Back Sleepers |
| TEMPUR-Adapt Topper | Best Plush Mattress Topper |
| Dreamfoam Gel Swirl Memory Foam | Best Budget Mattress Topper |
| Peacock Alley Down Alternative Topper | Best Hypoallergenic Mattress Topper |
| COOP Sleep Goods Retreat Topper | Best King-Size Topper |
| Birch Plush | Best Organic Mattress Topper |
If you need more ideas, you always take a look at our roundups of the best cooling mattress toppers and the best memory foam mattress toppers.
The Best Mattress Toppers FAQs
Does a mattress topper really help?
Yes! If you want to significantly soften your mattress or add a plush pillow-top feel, mattress toppers will do the trick. However, if your current mattress sags or sinks, no mattress topper can fully save it. In this case, we recommend upgrading to a new mattress.
What is the most comfortable mattress topper?
Like mattresses themselves, toppers are highly subjective. What works for one person may feel uncomfortable to another. But if you want a plush memory foam feel, we suggest the Saatva Graphite. If you want to make your current mattress feel firmer, check out the firm version of the Helix GlacioTex™ mattress topper.
What thickness mattress topper should I get?
This depends greatly on what you need from a mattress topper. If you need extra pressure relief, opt for a 3″ topper. If you just want to add a bit of cushioning, you can get a 1″ or 2″ topper.
