Which Mattress Toppers Are Best?
The addition of a layer of cushioning can make your bed more comfortable and can also help relieve joint pressure. Which mattress toppers are the best?
Dr. Holliday-Bell recommends this organic alternative for those who require the supple support of memory foam but wish to stay clear of chemicals. It has an easy-to-clean cover and comes with a variety of firmness levels that will suit the majority of sleepers.
1. Sleep Innovations Gel Memory Topper
This topper is soft and comfortable for most people, yet still provides support. It molded to the shape of our testers' bodies and provided support in all the right areas. It is suitable for most mattresses, but it can be tricky to put the sheets on. (Read more about how to set up mattress toppers here). Its thick layer of memory foam is machine washed and naturally antibacterial. It also has the cover with a quilted design made of bamboo that is sustainably sourced and hypoallergenic. Our panelists were thrilled, however, it is important to know that there aren't any straps to fix it to your mattress. It may move while you sleep.
The panelists who loved this topper also appreciated the fact that it helped with their back pain. It's also an excellent choice for sleepers who are heavier, who might find that a larger topper like this one--three to four inches--offers more relief from pressure points in sensitive areas like shoulders and hips.
A two-inch layer of memory foam infused with copper wicks heat and promotes airflow for a cool night's sleep. The top layer was firm enough to relieve her back pressure, front and side sleeping positions, but not too rigid that it made her feel uncomfortable. She also noticed a significant difference in the back pain she was experiencing, saying that it "pretty almost disappeared overnight." She was awed by how quiet the topper is, as well, even when used with a soft spring mattress. The topper is also great for couples who share beds since it blocks motion transfer.
2. Coop Home Goods Retreat
We adore the soft and luxurious feel of Coop Home Goods' mattress toppers, so when this spot-clean-only version popped up during our research, we knew that it had to be part of. It's made with an intercut memory foam and microfiber blend that is made by the brand, making it hypoallergenic. This is a great option for anyone looking to upgrade the comfort of a mattress, or even re-decorate a bed in the guest room, dorm or rental. What makes this topper unique is the presence of five body-zones, each with different density zones. This allows it to be shaped and molded to your body's unique shape while still offering enough support.
The cover of this mattress protector is made from 100-percent microfiber poly that has been brushed. It has an elongated baffle box design that allows pockets to evenly distribute the fill. The topper is also equipped with four elastic straps at each corner that ensure it stays in position on your mattress. A layer of copper-infused memory foam wicks heat away from the body to keep you cool during the night and is topped off with a 2" layer of ventilated memory foam for even more breathability.
The Retreat is a great mattress topper if you're looking for an extra soft feel. When Strategist writer Louise tried it out, she reported that the topper quickly adapted to her body and hugged her so she felt well-supported and at ease. She tends to get hot in bed but the Retreat managed to keep her cool and didn't move significantly throughout the night. It's available in two firmness options and back, side and stomach sleepers will be able to find it fits their preferences.
3. Nolah Beds Luxury Firm Memory Foam Topper
If you're in the market for a mattress cover there are a lot of options to choose from. Some are designed to keep you cool or regulate your body temperature, while others offer some extra support or comfort. A mattress topper can be a great way to upgrade your bed without spending a lot of money. A memory foam mattress topper is a great option for most people. However, if you prefer a more springy innerspring mattress then a hybrid mattress topper that combines latex and nano-springs may be a better option.
For those who sleep on their sides and backs A more firm topper will better align your spine and relieve pressure on the sensitive areas. Our test subject Julia was impressed by this four-inch topper by Tempur, which is made in the US and comes with a remarkable 120-night trial. It helped her sleep better and was happy by the extra comfort it brought to her old mattress. She did notice a strong off-gassing scent when she opened it, but that dissipated after a couple of days.
This firm option from Parachute provides shredded memory foam that is not as dense, but is comfortable. Strategist contributor Lauren Levy says that it's "much more affordable than a down topper" and provides similar marshmallow softness and baffle-box construction. She loved sleeping on it, but would not recommend it for people who sleep on their fronts as her torso cratered into the top.
A topper made from natural wool fleece is soft and hypoallergenic. However, it's not as comfortable as memory foam and can make you feel warm at night. A cotton topper is an option as it's breathable and helps keep you cool. Some of the fabrics for topper are infused with graphite, copper and gel infusions that keep you cool.
4. Sleep Innovations Gel Cooling Memory Foam Topper
This Puffy topper is a great budget option offering a soft, gentle support that eases pressure at a low price. It also comes with a range of thickness and density options, making it simple to find the perfect mattress for you.
Strategist Contributing writer Lauren Levy loved that this topper is similar to down -- it's "marshmallow soft" and features the appearance of a baffle-box with pillow-like fiber-fill. It's hypoallergenic and comes with an easy-to-clean cover that will help you maintain the cleanliness in your bed.
The 2" layer of copper-infused memory is designed to increase airflow and help wick moisture away from your body while you sleep. This allows you to remain cool. And though it doesn't have the same bounce as latex toppers, Levy found it to be very supportive. It's ideal for people who sleep on their sides, backs or stomachs, and for those suffering from chronic pain.
A 10-year guarantee and free shipping come standard. This topper is also simple to clean. Just clean it with a spot of soap and let it dry in the sunlight. You should not put it in a dryer or washer because this could void the warranty.
The Sleep Innovations Gel Cooling Memory Foam Topper offers a great budget-friendly option for a comfortable soft mattress. It provides moderate (5) firmness which makes it suitable for most sleepers, but particularly those who find their mattresses too firm. It also helps prevent movement transfer which is crucial for those who sleep in a combination. It also eases neck and shoulder discomfort, just like the Coop Home Goods Retreat topper. The only drawback of this topper is that it might not be as breathable as latex or polyfoam which is why it's not the best for those who sleep hot.
5. Nolah Beds Luxury Plush Memory Foam Topper
The Nolah Beds Luxury Plush Memory Foam Topper is a great option for back sleepers looking to soften their mattress as well as for side sleepers who require more cushioning. This topper is also ideal for people with chronic pain as it eases pressure points. It's manufactured in the USA with non-toxic materials and is a great option for those who sleep hot. It features two" layer of copper-infused foam which promotes breathability as well as providing support. It has a cover made of organic cotton which helps control moisture. This topper was found by our tester Paige to be extremely effective at blocking motion transfer. It also gave an impressive amount of softness, without sacrificing any support. However, mattress topper double noticed that the edges didn't fully cover her mattress, so if edge support is important to you, this may not be the right topper for you.
The cover is machine washable, making it easy to clean. Additionally, it's hypoallergenic and antibacterial to ensure a healthy night's rest. It also features five body zones to support different parts of the mattress. It comes with a guarantee and a 120-night trial period, which is more than the policies of other brands.
This is one of our cheapest alternatives, but it does not compromise on quality. It's made with a blend of latex and memory foam that provides a luxuriously soft feel to any mattress. It has a thicker memory foam layer that provides extra comfort and promote restful sleep. It is not the best choice for stomach sleepers, as it sinks in too much. This can cause the spine to misalign. However, it's an excellent option for those who want an enjoyable night's sleep for a lower price.