Which Mattress Toppers Are Best?

A layer of cushioning can make your bed feel more comfortable. It can also help relieve pressure on joints. Which mattress toppers work best?

Dr. Holliday-Bell suggests this organic alternative for those who require the supple support of memory foam but wish to stay clear of chemical. It has an easy-to-clean cover and the firmness options allow the majority of sleepers to find their comfort.

1. Sleep Innovations Gel Memory Topper

The topper is soft and comfortable for most people, yet still provides support. It moulded to the shape of our test subjects’ bodies and provided support in all the right places. It works with most mattresses, but it can be a bit difficult to put the sheets on. (Read more about how to set up mattress toppers here). The thick memory foam layer is machine-washable and naturally anti-bacterial. It also features the cover with a quilted design made of sustainably-sourced bamboo and is hypoallergenic. It was a favorite of our panelists, though it’s important to keep in mind that it doesn’t come with straps to anchor the topper to your bed and it’s possible that it will move as you sleep.

The panelists who adored this topper also praised how it eased back pain. It’s an excellent choice for those who sleep heavier and discover that a topper with an average depth of three to four inches will ease pressure on a sensitive area like shoulders and hips.

A two-inch layer of memory foam infused with copper helps to wick heat and improves airflow for a cool and refreshing night’s sleep. Our tester Jaclyn found the topper sufficient firmness to relieve the pressure on her back, front and side sleeping positions, but not so firm that it was uncomfortable. She also noticed that the back pain “pretty quickly disappeared over the course of the night.” She was impressed by how quiet the topper is, and even when it is paired with an extremely soft mattress. It is also a good choice for couples who share beds because it prevents motion transfer.

2. Coop Home Goods Retreat

We love the plush feel of Coop Home Goods’ mattress toppers and when this spot-clean only version came up during our research, we knew it was a must to be included. It’s made of the brand’s crosscut memory foam and microfiber blend which is hypoallergenic, making it ideal for anyone who wants to upgrade an existing mattress or re-energize the look of a bed in a dorm room or guest room rental home. This topper is unique as it has five zones with different densities. It is shaped to fit your body shape and provides adequate support.

This topper’s cover is made from 100 percent microfiber polyester that has been brushed, and it comes with a baffle box construction that creates pockets of filling to ensure it is evenly distributed. The topper also features four elastic straps at each corner that ensure it stays in the mattress. A layer of memory foam with copper infusion wicks heat away from your body to keep you cool at night, and it’s topped with a 2″ layer of memory foam that is ventilated to provide even more airflow.

The Retreat is the ideal mattress topper for those who prefer a soft feel. When Strategist writer Louise tried it out, she said that the mattress quickly adapted to her body shape and supported her, making her feel well-supported and at ease. She usually overheats while in the bed, but she discovered that the Retreat helped keep her cool. It also didn’t move a lot during the night. It is available in two firmness levels which means it’s suitable for back, side and stomach sleepers.

3. Nolah Beds Luxury Firm Memory Foam Topper

If you’re in the market for a mattress protector, there are plenty of options to choose from. Some are designed to keep you cool or regulate your temperature while others provide a little more support or comfort. A mattress topper is an excellent way to improve your mattress without spending a lot of money. A memory foam mattress is a good option for most sleepers, but you may prefer the more bouncier feel of an innerspring mattress, look into a hybrid topper which combines latex and tiny nano-springs.

For those who sleep on their sides and backs, a firmer topper will better align your spine and reduce pressure on the sensitive areas. Our tester Julia was impressed by this four-inch mattress toppers orthopedic by Tempur that is manufactured in the US and comes with an impressive 120-night trial. She was able to sleep better and was pleased by the extra thick mattress topper comfort it gave her old mattress. There was an off-gassing odor when she first opened it, but this went away after the next day.

Another option that is firm is this one from Parachute, which offers shredded foam that isn’t as dense as traditional memory foam, but still feels extremely comfortable. Strategist contributor Lauren Levy says that it’s “much cheaper than a down-topper” and has the same marshmallow softness and baffle-box construction. She loved sleeping on it, but would not recommend it to front sleepers since her torso got sucked into the topper.

A topper made from natural wool fleece is soft and hypoallergenic. However, it’s not as breathable as memory foam and could make you feel warm in the night. A cotton topper is an option as it’s breathable and will keep your cool. Certain fabrics are infused with graphite or copper to keep you cool.

4. Sleep Innovations Gel Cooling Memory Foam Topper

This Puffy topper is a great option for those on a budget that provides a soft, soft support that relieves pressure for an affordable price. It comes in a variety of in density and thickness options to assist you in finding the ideal suitable bed.

Lauren Levy, a Strategist contributor, was thrilled that this topper is “marshmallow-soft” and has a baffle-box construction that has pillows-like fiber-fill. It’s hypoallergenic and comes with an easy-to-clean cover that helps maintain the cleanliness in your mattress.

The topper’s 2″ layer of copper-infused memory foam helps to increase airflow and wicks moisture while you sleep, allowing you to remain cool. Even though it’s not as bouncy as much bounce as latex toppers, Levy found it to be extremely comfortable. It’s a great choice for people who sleep on their sides, backs or stomachs, and for those suffering from chronic pain.

Standard features include a 10-year guarantee, free shipping and a 10-year warranty. This topper is also simple to clean. Just clean it with a spot of soap and let it dry in the sunlight. It is not recommended to put it in a dryer or washer since this will invalidate the warranty.

The Sleep Innovations Gel Cooling Memory Foam Topper is a fantastic budget option for a comfortable and supportive mattress. It’s medium (5) firm, making it suitable for all sleepers. However, those who feel their mattress is too firm will benefit from this mattress. It also prevents motion transfer which is a must for sleepers who are combination. It also eases shoulder and neck pain, like the Coop Home Goods Retreat topper. This topper has one drawback: it may not breathe as well as foam or latex which is why it’s not the best choice for sleepers who are hot.

5. Nolah Beds Luxury Plush Memory Foam Topper

The Nolah Beds Luxury Plush Memory Foam Topper is an excellent choice for back sleepers who want to soften their firm mattress, as well as side sleepers looking for more cushioning. This topper also helps reduce pressure points which makes it a great option for those suffering from chronic pain. It’s made in the USA with non-toxic materials and is a great option for hot sleepers. It has two” layer cleverly infused with copper foam that promotes ventilation while also providing support. It is covered of organic cotton that helps in regulating the moisture. Our test subject Paige found that this topper did a good job of blocking motion transfer and offered substantial softness, without sacrificing support. However, she noticed that the edges didn’t completely hug her mattress, so if edge support is important for you, this might not be the best mattress for you.

The cover is removable and machine washable, which makes it easy to clean. It is also hypoallergenic and antibacterial, which ensures an uninhibited sleep. It also has five body zones to help support different parts of the mattress. It comes with a guarantee and the 120-night trial period which is longer than policies of competitors.

It’s one of the more affordable choices in our roundup however it doesn’t compromise on quality. It’s made with a blend of latex and memory foam that adds an extremely soft feel to any mattress. It features a more dense memory foam layer that provides more comfort and promote a restful sleep. It is not the best choice for stomach sleepers as it sinks too deeply. This can cause the spine to misalign. It is an excellent choice for those looking for an enjoyable night’s sleep for a lower price.