“A mattress topper is kind of a band-aid for a bad or uncomfortable bed,” says Dr. Michael Breus, clinical psychologist and founder of The Sleep Doctor. Adding a topper, consisting of a few inches worth of foam, to the top of your mattress can be a game changer for beds that are too soft or not giving enough support, he adds. To find the best mattress toppers, we researched a variety of picks, keeping in mind each pick’s size range, thickness, and fill materials. We also consulted Dr. Breus for additional insight. Overall, we chose the Lucid Down Alternative and Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper as the best mattress topper because of its supportive feel, ventilated design, and versatile use. Here, the best mattress toppers for your bedroom. Keep in Mind: If you prefer a firm, rigid mattress topper, this may not be the best option for you. This 250-thread count topper features memory foam that is both ventilated (to increase breathability) and hypoallergenic. The topper will also help regulate your body temperature and keep you from overheating at night, while simultaneously contouring to the shape of your body whether you sleep on your back, side, or stomach. It’s not ideal for those who prefer a firmer option, so keep that in mind depending on your needs. One of the best things about this topper is it’s essentially two in one— depending on your preference, you can use the down-alternative topper or the memory foam topper separately rather than together. If you do use the down-alternative topper, it fits over your mattress like a fitted sheet, so you don’t have to worry about the topper moving around as you sleep. If you enjoy using this topper, you can make your sleeping arrangements even more comfortable with the brand’s accompanying memory foam pillow. Price at time of publish: From $107 Product Details: Size: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Thickness: 4 inches | Fill Material: Memory foam Keep in Mind: It may be too soft for some sleepers. Because of the thickness of the mattress topper, your actual mattress will be protected from wear and tear, and the memory foam means that you’ll always feel like the topper was made specifically for you. Additionally, it comes in far more sizes than the typical topper, with options including RV queen, small single, and short queen. On the downside, this topper doesn’t come with a cover, but you can buy one separately at an additional cost. Price at time of publish: From $40 Product Details: Size: Twin, twin XL, small single, full, full XL, queen, RV queen, short queen, king, California king | Thickness: 2 to 3 inches | Fill Material: Polyurethane memory foam gel beads Keep in Mind: It’s only offered in one thickness, which may not suit everyone’s preferences. This topper is meant to be effective and satisfactory for all sleepers, whether you prefer a soft or firm topper. However, for hot sleepers, this topper is a smart option since it’s designed to respond to your body’s specific temperature and adjust the heat you experience. The design is durable and meant to last for many years, and even includes a ten-year warranty. Just keep in mind it’s only offered in one thickness option, which may not suit all needs. Available in several size options, you can pick up multiple options to use in various beds within your home. The included removable cover is made out of breathable material and is conveniently machine-washable. Price at time of publish: From $200 Product Details: Size: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Thickness: 3 inches | Fill Material: Memory foam Keep in Mind: It’s more expensive than some other styles. Part of what makes this pick one of the best mattress toppers is it’s a durable and long-lasting mattress topper. Because it’s made of memory foam, it’ll conform to the shape of your body to help pressure points while you sleep. Plus, it comes with a 10-year warranty. Another key benefit of this mattress topper is that the included knit performance cover is breathable, moisture-wicking, and high-stretch, keeping you cool, dry, and comfortable all night long. When it’s time for cleaning, remove the cover by unzipping it and wash on a gentle cycle. Additionally, this topper features corner straps that help keep it in place no matter how much you move around at night. Just keep in mind that this option is more expensive than other styles, so it’s a bit of an investment. Price at time of publish: From $240 Product Details: Size: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Thickness: 3 inches | Fill Material: Memory foam Keep in Mind: It weighs about 24 pounds, which is heavier than some softer options. The combination of these materials creates a luxurious experience and helps minimize pressure points. The 300-thread count topper is ideal for any person who enjoys having support and being surrounded by a lush, ultra-soft feeling. The topper also has adjustable straps and an elastic skirt that both work to prevent sliding during use. Designed to last for years, this mattress topper comes with a five-year warranty. Keeping it clean is simple and straightforward as the down alternative cover is machine washable. The topper is 24 pounds, however, so you may need an extra set of hands to get the cover back on. Price at time of publish: From $130 Product Details: Size: Twin, twin XL, full, short queen, queen, king, California king | Thickness: 3 and 4 inches | Fill Material: Memory foam Keep in Mind: Upon opening, it may have a slight smell from the memory foam being vacuum-sealed. Since this topper is delivered in vacuum-sealed packaging, it’s easy to set up—simply open the packaging and allow the mattress topper to expand. However, because of the packaging, the topper may have an odd smell upon opening. Don’t worry though—the smell isn’t harmful, and it goes away once the topper airs out a bit. This mattress topper is also relatively affordable compared to other options, an important perk for anyone trying to stay on a budget when furnishing their home. Price at time of publish: From $74 Product Details: Size: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Thickness: 2 and 3 inches | Fill Material: Memory foam and latex Keep in Mind: It only has one thickness option. The topper is made with the brand’s signature True Trip Fit Technology, which holds it in place throughout the night and keeps it feeling both snug and smooth as you sleep. Additionally, this topper comes with a soft cotton cover that can go straight into the wash as needed. Another great perk of this topper is its price, which is far less than many other toppers out there. Keep in mind that the thickness level only comes in a two-inch option, unlike other mattress toppers that typically offer three or four inches. Despite this, it still offers a snug and comfortable feeling. Price at time of publish: From $64 Product Details: Size: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Thickness: 2 inches | Fill Material: Polyester Keep in Mind: There aren’t as many thicknesses or mattress size options as opposed to other styles. The two-layer topper features two inches of cooling gel memory foam inside, as well as a two-inch quilted pillow top cover with soft plush fiber fill. Although it won’t fully cure back pain on its own, this combination helps relieve pressure points. Plus, it’s also meant to be effective for a number of different sleeping positions. Putting the pillow top cover on your bed is effortless, as it’s designed to stretch across your bed like a fitted sheet to hold the mattress topper firmly in place. When it’s time to wash the cover, simply wash it in the washing machine. As far as price, it’s not the cheapest nor the most expensive, but it’s still a durable, smart choice. Although all the standard mattress sizes are still available for this mattress topper, there aren’t as many options as others on our list that had less common sizes, like twin XL or short queen. There’s also only one thickness option available. But given its dual layers and potential to help relieve pressure points, this is the best mattress topper for back pain. Price at time of publish: From $90 Product Details: Size: Twin, full, queen, king, California king | Thickness: 4 inches | Fill Material: Memory foam Keep in Mind: Depending on what size you get, it can weigh around 20 pounds. In addition to keeping you cool, this mattress topper includes a bamboo rayon cover made with soft knitted fabric. To help prevent the topper from sliding, the underside features a mesh fabric backing to help keep it in place, while adjustable elastic straps secure the topper to the mattress. When it’s time to clean the cover, simply unzip it and launder it in the washing machine. Because this mattress topper comes in three different thickness levels, you can pick the one that fits your specific needs and ensures that you rest in ultimate comfort. It comes in sizes ranging from Twin to California King, too, so you can stock up on multiple options if you have more than one bed. Note that the mattress toppers can weigh 20 to 24 pounds, so they aren’t the most lightweight option. Price at time of publish: From $90 Product Details: Size: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Thickness: 2, 3, and 4 inches | Fill Material: Memory foam Keep in Mind: It weighs about 50 pounds and a cover costs extra. It comes in numerous sizes and three different thickness levels, so you can get the exact support that fits your body’s needs. And because of the topper’s durability and overall high quality, you don’t have to worry about depression or low spots occurring due to daily use; this topper is firm and includes a five-year warranty. This latex topper is a bit pricier than some of the other options on our list, but it’s definitely worth the splurge if you’re able to swing it, as it’ll provide you with a comfortable yet supportive sleep all night long. Keep in mind that it’s about 50 pounds, so you might want some help setting it up on your bed and taking it off as needed. If you need a cover, it’ll be an additional cost. Price at time of publish: From $120 Product Details: Size: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Thickness: 1 inch, 2 inches, 3 inches | Fill Material: Latex
What To Know About Mattress Toppers Before Shopping
Size
Like mattresses themselves, mattress toppers come in a variety of sizes, often ranging from twin to California king (and sometimes even including specialty sizes like a small single or short queen). Make sure you pick the right size for your bed to avoid ending up with a mattress topper that doesn’t fit properly and slides off the bed.
Thickness
Depending on how much support you want and whether you prefer your bed to feel softer or firmer, you’ll want to look for different thickness levels in your mattress topper. If you go with a 2-inch option, it’ll have a firmer feel. A 3-inch topper is great for those who prefer more of an in between while a 4-inch pick will offer the most support.
Fill Material
Most mattress toppers are filled with either memory foam or latex (although a few are filled with feathers, polyester, or other materials). Memory foam toppers are great picks for people who want to relieve pressure on their joints and want a softer feel overall, versus latex toppers which tend to have firmer feels and be more durable.
Your Questions, Answered
What is the benefit of a mattress topper?
Unsurprisingly, the main plus of a mattress topper is the comfort it provides, says Dr. Breus. But another key benefit is how great it can be for compromise between partners who prefer different degrees of firmness in their bed. “If you and your bed partner cannot agree on a firmness, you can get a firm bed and put a topper on half, and then the other person has a softer place to sleep,” says Dr. Breus.
What is the lifespan of a mattress topper?
The lifespan of a mattress topper can vary, keeping in mind material, amount of usage, and care, amongst other factors. However, according to Dr. Breus, a high-quality mattress topper can last over 10 years.
Do mattress toppers help with back pain?
Unless they’re “specially designed and tested” to help with this concern, mattress toppers do not typically help with back pain, says Dr. Breus. Still, because they do add extra support, they can often help relieve at least a bit of “stiffness and soreness” in the morning, he adds.
Who We Are
This article was written by Rachel Simon, a writer for Better Homes & Gardens, Real Simple, The New York Times, and many other publications. She frequently covers home products and did significant research on mattress toppers for this story, including speaking to Dr. Michael Breus, clinical psychologist and founder of The Sleep Doctor.
