The 15 Best Mattress Toppers, According to Sleep Experts
The best mattresses are a big investment, but even the most expensive ones will wear out over time. A removable topper can significantly extend the life of your mattress and is a more affordable solution to your nighttime woes than buying a new mattress right away. Mattress toppers are also a great option if you want to change the overall feel of your bed; for example, with the right product, you can easily make your bed feel softer or firmer. Some types provide pressure relief and alleviate back pain, while others help to isolate motion, which is ideal for couples. There are also temperature-regulating versions for sleepers who run hot, and if that sounds like you, you’ll want to consider cooling mattress pads and cooling bed sheets, as well.
How we chose the best mattress toppers
To find the best of the best, we turned to the people most knowledgeable in the field: certified sleep health specialists and experts who run websites solely dedicated to reviewing sleep products. We also scoured the web and combed through thousands of user reviews and ratings to find designs that earn top scores among consumers. And because everyone’s slumber tendencies are so unique, we found picks that appeal to a variety of preferences, at all price points. If this sounds like a dream come true, top your topper with the best pillows for your sleep style and you’ll really have the best night ever. But before you buy, there are a few things you need to know about this mattress must-have.
The difference between a mattress topper, mattress pad, and mattress protector
Yes, they sound similar, but they’re very different items. A mattress topper is typically one to four inches, rests on the surface of your bed, and is designed to make your mattress more comfortable. A mattress pad, which attaches like a fitted sheet, is usually a thin quilted layer that shields your mattress from sweat and stains. Mattress protectors, often made of thick plastic and high-performance fibers, encase the entire mattress to fend off contaminants like bed bugs, mold, bacteria, and other allergens.
What are the most comfortable mattress toppers?
Function and personal preference will determine the type of topper most suitable for your needs. Here are some important factors to consider:
Thickness: If you want an extremely plush feel, choose thicker toppers that are at least three inches, but if you want just a bit of added softness, consider something around one to 1.5 inches, says Victoria Wildhorn, a sleep health specialist at Mattress Clarity.
Support: Firmness can alter how a topper impacts your body. “Too firm or not enough cushion can cause pain or discomfort. Too soft and the feel of the mattress will be altered significantly,” says Robert Pagano, cofounder of Sleepline. “Cushioning is related to foam density, so look for one with softer foams that can conform well.”
Temperature regulation: Certain toppers—like memory foam models—tend to trap heat, while some sleepers just run hot at night. If that’s the case, look for designs that have built-in cooling features.
Sleeping position: The way you lie matters, too. “Side sleepers might like a softer material like memory foam, whereas back sleepers may prefer a slightly firmer and more responsive topper made from latex foam,” says Matthew Ross, the general manager and in-house sleep specialist at Slumber Yard.
Certifications: To ensure a topper doesn’t contain chemicals or potentially harmful materials, it’s worth researching its certifications. “Many manufacturers claim things like eco-sensitive and hypoallergenic, but without certification, it really can’t be verified,” warns Pagano. If this is important to you, you’ll also want to check out our list of the best non-toxic mattresses.
Our picks for the best mattress toppers
Best overall mattress topper: Saatva Mattress Topper
Best value mattress topper: Linenspa 3-inch Convoluted Gel Swirl Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Best splurge-worthy mattress topper: Birch by Helix Plush Organic Mattress Topper
Best mattress topper for back pain: Sleep Innovations 4-inch Dual Layer Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Best cooling mattress topper: Layla Memory Foam Topper
Best memory foam mattress topper: Lift by Amerisleep Mattress Topper
Best mattress topper for side sleepers: GhostBed Memory Foam Topper
Best pillow-top mattress topper: COONP Extra Thick Pillowtop Cooling Mattress Topper
Best firm mattress topper: Plushbeds Natural Latex Topper
Best organic mattress topper: Avocado Green Mattress Topper
Best machine-washable mattress topper: Sopat Extra Thick Mattress Topper
Best wool mattress topper: Plushbeds Handmade Natural Wool Topper
Best down mattress topper: Brooklinen Down Mattress Topper
Best down alternative mattress topper: LUCID Ultra Plush 3-inch Down Alternative Fiber Bed Mattress Topper
Best latex mattress topper: Brooklyn Bedding Organic Cotton Talalay Latex Topper
Saatva Mattress Topper
Best overall mattress topper
“What makes the Saatva topper stand out from the crowd is an extra-long in-home trial,” says Alex Savy, a certified sleep science coach and the founder of SleepingOcean. “It’s pretty rare for mattress toppers, which makes the Saatva the best solution for anyone who’s feeling even a bit hesitant.” It also comes in three variations: a three-inch graphite-infused memory foam ideal for cooling; a hypoallergenic 1.5-inch latex topper that provides pressure-point relief; and a 1.5-inch high-density body-contouring foam.
“My personal favorite is the graphite model, as it has a pleasant hugging feel without sleeping too warm,” notes Savy. He also says the topper won him over with its elastic straps. “Most toppers simply lie on the mattress and can easily shift during the night. With the Saatva, sleepers won’t have this issue. As a combo sleeper, I was impressed that this mattress topper stayed in place even though I often switched positions when using it.” For an even better night’s sleep, cover your new topper with top-rated bed sheets.
Highlights:
Free shipping
180-night home trial
100 percent certified organic cotton wicks away moisture
Elastic bands keep the topper in place
Linenspa 3-inch Convoluted Gel Swirl Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Best value mattress topper
“Polyfoam has a bouncy and responsive feel and is typically more affordable, so it’s a good option for those on a budget,” explains Wildhorn. Savy agrees, adding that the Linenspa mattress topper, which rings in under $100, is a wallet-friendly option that doesn’t neglect quality or comfort. “This model uses gel-infused memory foam to combine pressure alleviation with cooling—something most cheap toppers can’t achieve,” he enthuses. “Additionally, it is plush and feels like a cloud.”
It’s an ideal pick for shoppers looking to add extra cushioning to their mattresses without spending a fortune. Bargain hunters searching for more ways to get cozy at home will also love our lists of the best warm socks, loungewear sets, and slippers.
Highlights:
Also available in a two-inch model that’s even more affordable
Helps regulate sleep temperature
Free shipping
Birch by Helix Plush Organic Mattress Topper
Best splurge-worthy mattress topper
Savy declares this mattress topper “the definition of luxury,” adding that this organic model with a latex core and wool pillow top is worth every penny. “It feels plush enough to give the body a pleasant hug, but remains supportive nonetheless,” he says. It features three inches of natural materials, each picked for its ability to maximize airflow. Savy explains that most plush models just envelop the sleeper, allowing the heavier parts to fall into misalignment with the rest of the body, which often leads to pressure buildup in certain areas. “However, with the Birch mattress topper, I did not have such issues,” he says. “It managed to keep me comfy but supported, which can be hard to achieve with plushier toppers.”
Ross also calls this one of his favorite mattress toppers. “It’s made from natural and organic materials, it’s comfortable yet supportive, and comes with a 10-year warranty,” he says.
Highlights:
100-night sleep trial
Free shipping
10-year warranty
Sleep Innovations 4-inch Dual Layer Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Best mattress topper for back pain
This luxurious, dual-layer mattress topper features a two-inch quilted pillow-top cover filled with plush fiber fill and two inches of cooling gel memory foam. It’s designed to relieve pressure on your back and joints, while providing support to align your spine. It has more than 17,000 five-star reviews on Amazon from people who insist it’s the best mattress topper ever made and like “sleeping on the fluffiest cloud.”
One devoted fan says, “I am still bewildered some mornings when I wake up with zero lower back pain and less aching in my body. If for some reason this one ever wears out or is destroyed, I would pay twice the price for another one. That is how much I love this thing!”
Another Amazon customer put it over a bed in a box purchase they felt was too hard and said the result was “life changing,” explaining: “I’m in my mid-50s. I do hard physical work, and for literally the first time in years, I wake up not feeling stiff and achy. My wife feels the same way about this and now has pain relief and restful sleep. If you have back pain, shoulder pain, or general aches, give this a try—it could be life changing for you, too.”
Highlights:
Hypoallergenic and CertiPUR-US certified
10-year warranty
Removable cover is machine washable and dryer safe
Layla Memory Foam Topper
Best cooling mattress topper
This two-inch, all-foam topper is infused with copper gel beads that work to draw heat away from the body. Most modern toppers typically use only one of those components (either gel or copper), but the Layla combines them for an enhanced cooling effect. Savy also points out that it’s not a super-thick topper, “therefore, its hug won’t feel overly enveloping, which contributes to the cooling effect.”
The foam also condenses under deep compression points like your hips and shoulders, giving you support where it’s needed most and keeping your body aligned. More to love: The copper-infused gel is naturally antimicrobial, which means it blocks and kills any potential bacteria from getting in your mattress. Good to know when it comes time to deep clean your mattress.
Highlights:
120-night sleep trial
Free shipping
CertiPUR-US certified
Lift by Amerisleep Mattress Topper
Best memory foam mattress topper
“Memory foam is an excellent choice for people who need added support,” says Pagano. He likes the Lift by Amerisleep because it’s available in two firmness options, making it great for almost everyone. The “Comfort” model is best for side sleepers, combo sleepers, and anyone who wants to add more softness to their mattress, while the “Support” version is for back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and those who want to add some firm-yet-gentle support.
Savy calls it a standout because of its special foams (BioPur or Affinity, depending on the topper’s firmness level). “They feel like memory foam and have the same pressure-alleviating properties, but Amerisleep foams have an open-cell structure that make them more breathable than traditional memory foam, leading to cooler sleep,” he explains. “To me, that’s a perfect compromise: The Lift offers the same cradling and contouring as memory foam without its biggest drawback—overheating.” If you run hot, the best cooling pillows can help, too.
Highlights:
Two firmness options
Free shipping
Five-year warranty
GhostBed Memory Foam Topper
Best mattress topper for side sleepers
This three-inch gel memory foam topper senses and contours to your body for maximum comfort. Savy says this GhostBed model ticks all the right boxes for side sleepers: “First of all, it’s soft and thick enough to cradle the protruding shoulder and hip. After all, side sleepers often experience pressure buildup and pain in those spots when the sleeping surface isn’t plush enough.”
Next, he points out, it uses gel infusion to prevent overheating, and because side sleepers typically experience a “deeper hug,” the cooling aspect can really come in handy. And lastly, he adds, “because side sleepers require softer surfaces, they often sink in too deep and experience unhealthy spine curvatures. The zoned design of the GhostBed topper can prevent that—each section responds differently to applied pressure.” As a result, it can promote proper spinal alignment and provide the added pressure relief that side sleepers require. While you’re shopping, you’ll also want to pick up the best pillows for side sleepers.
Highlights:
CertiPUR-US certified
Comes with a removable, waterproof, machine-washable cover
Elastic band keeps the topper in place
COONP Extra Thick Pillowtop Cooling Mattress Topper
Best pillow-top mattress topper
Filled with a supportive 3D down alternative, this plush topper will have you sleeping like a baby in no time. The combed cotton surface wicks away sweat and helps regulate your temperature. It does an excellent job of keeping you cool and dry, as opposed to memory foam models, which tend to trap heat. And more than 11,000 five-star reviews on Amazon concur. One shopper named Julie says it’s “like sleeping on a cloud,” adding that she highly recommends it if you’re looking to fix a mattress instead of spending money on a new one.
Another happy customer writes, “I really love this mattress pad. I shopped three or four department stores before I ordered it. This is, without a doubt, the best quality and the best price. If you’re thinking about it, get it. You will not be disappointed. I have allergies and I’m very sensitive to scents, and when I opened it, it had no smell whatsoever.” KJ Andrews simply stated: “You’ll never want to get out of bed.”
Highlights:
Affordable
Machine washable
Plushbeds Natural Latex Topper
Best firm mattress topper
“It’s difficult to find a topper to firm up a soft bed,” says Ross. That’s why this version, which is available in an extra-firm model, earns its spot on this list. It is optimized for pressure-point relief to provide the support you need, and the open-cell airflow design helps absorb the shock of a partner’s body movement, making it an ideal pick for couples, too. Latex toppers are very responsive, so you can easily move around, explains Wildhorn.
Plus, latex doesn’t trap heat, so it helps you sleep cooler at night. Other ways to stay cool-yet-comfy? These cooling weighted blankets.) Savy also loves its natural composition: “It is Greenguard certified, which means the Plushbeds topper does not contain any dangerous chemicals—hence, no off-gassing or unpleasant allergic reactions.”
Highlights:
Organic
Two thickness options (two or three inches)
Five firmness options (soft, medium-soft, medium, medium-firm, extra-firm)
Avocado Green Mattress Topper
Best organic mattress topper
If safety and sustainability are your top concerns, a latex topper is a good option. “It has the advantage of being hypoallergenic and has a cooling effect that enthusiasts say helps sleepers avoid overheating at night,” says Pagano. “These traits [also] make it a better choice for allergy sufferers or people with breathing sensitivities than other materials.” This eco-friendly choice from Avocado is free from any toxic or synthetic materials.
In fact, it’s the epitome of clean, featuring GOLS organic certified latex, GOTS organic and OEKO-TEK Standard 100 certified wool, and GOTS organic certified cotton. The two-inch topper comes in both plush and firm options to meet your individual needs, and the brand also sells a vegan version with cotton instead of wool. If this sounds right up your alley, consider swapping your current mattress with the Avocado Green mattress. (We tried it and loved it!)
Highlights:
365-night sleep trial
10-year warranty
Free shipping
Sopat Extra Thick Mattress Topper
Best machine-washable mattress topper
This plush pillow-top design promises to come stuffed with 50 percent more filling than other pads on the market. Savy calls it the best machine-washable pick, something many other toppers don’t offer. “The Sopat mattress topper has soft microfiber filling, so sleepers can wash it in the machine regularly to keep their bed extra fresh,” he says. “I also like that the Sopat is very generously stuffed. This is a thick, plush topper that made my medium-firm mattress feel like one of those luxurious hotel beds.” It also features a 400-thread-count cotton surface that’s cooling and breathable, and its deep pocket design keeps the topper in place and fits mattresses up to 21 inches.
Highlights:
Affordable
Breathable
Free shipping
Plushbeds Handmade Natural Wool Topper
Best wool mattress topper
“Wool toppers help regulate temperature, are quite durable, and give your mattress an added layer of softness,” says Wildhorn. “The drawback is that they can lack pressure relief.” Savy names this the best wool option on the market, in part because it addresses that concern: “It is soft but somewhat resilient, so it doesn’t feel overly plush. This model is three inches tall, so it provides enough cushioning and does an excellent job of relieving pressure.”
He also appreciates the fact that the filling is not chemically treated, which is ideal for anyone who has allergies or is sensitive to chemical off-gassing. In fact, each natural topper is hand-tufted and carefully stitched using ethically sourced, 100 percent natural wool and cotton. It is hypoallergenic and 100 percent chemical- and cruelty-free.
Highlights:
Moisture-wicking
Good for those with allergies
Ethically sourced GOTS certified organic cotton and wool
Brooklinen Down Mattress Topper
Best down mattress topper
“Down toppers create a luxurious feel and are malleable and soft,” says Wildhorn. And this Brooklinen version is the best mattress topper for anyone who wants to feel like they’re sleeping on a cloud. The combination of the duck-down-filled top and the feather-filled base create the perfect fluffy feel. A baffle box construction evenly distributes the 600-fill power down and allows the featherbed to breathe. Brooklinen also treats their toppers with antimicrobial additives, which inhibits the growth of bacteria and keeps it fresh, clean, and odor-free.
Before buying down, though, you should consider your sleeping position. Pagano says this material is preferable for those who sleep on their sides or stomachs, as opposed to memory foam, which may be too dense to provide support. With down toppers, he explains, “you probably won’t sink down as much, so it won’t cause your neck and shoulders any strain.” No matter your sleeping style, you can still snuggle up with one of the best down comforters.
Highlights:
Can be returned or exchanged within 365 days (they’ll pay for the return shipping, too)
Thick, plush feel
Antimicrobial
LUCID Ultra Plush Down Alternative Fiber Bed Mattress Topper
Best down alternative mattress topper
Down toppers aren’t ideal for people with allergies, as they can trap dust mites and pollen, notes Wildhorn, “but if you really want that soft, luxurious feel, down alternative toppers are for you.” Savy picks this three-inch model as his favorite in the category. “There’s a lot to love about this mattress topper: It is thick, airy, plush, and affordably priced,” he says. “LUCID added a breathable cotton cover, so this topper doesn’t sleep hot. Plus, it’s super easy to care for.”
More positive attributes include the baffle box construction, which helps keep an equal amount of fill throughout and prevents it from shifting or bunching up in one area. It also has another detail that many toppers don’t offer: Elastic straps on each corner secure it to your mattress, ensuring that it stays put—no matter how much you toss and turn.
Highlights:
Hypoallergenic
Affordable
Machine washable and dryer safe
Brooklyn Bedding Organic Cotton Talalay Latex Topper
Best latex mattress topper
If your mattress is old and doesn’t feel supportive, or if you feel like it’s too firm, this is a great solution to help improve your sleep quality. It’s also Savy’s top selection for any latex topper. He loves the comfort variety it offers, noting it can work for pretty much any type of sleeper since it’s offered in three firmness levels (soft, medium, and firm). He also points out that “Brooklyn Bedding uses dense latex, which means it can promise long-lasting performance. Even the soft model feels sturdy and ready to withstand active use.” Another selling incentive? This topper is three inches thick, which is enough to change the feel of your mattress in a significant way.
Satisfied customers rave about the different ways it has improved their slumber, including Julie N., who tried many other brands before landing on this one. “Hubby had a back surgery and has four screws in his back, so pain is a common reality for him. Additionally, we’re in our mid-30s, so despite sleeping on a thick, high-quality memory foam Serta mattress, we were waking up with little aches and pains. We then bought this topper. AWESOME. We sleep more deeply, better, and wake up pain-free. Totally worth it and way better than the hassle of mattress shopping.”
Highlights:
Organic
Removable, machine-washable cover
Custom sizes available upon request
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Sources:
Alex Savy, certified sleep science coach and founder of SleepingOcean
Victoria Wildhorn, sleep health specialist at Mattress Clarity
Robert Pagano, cofounder of Sleepline
Matthew Ross, general manager and in-house sleep specialist at Slumber Yard
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