Which Mattress Toppers Are Best?
Adding an extra layer of cushioning can make your bed more comfortable and can also ease pressure on joints. But which mattress toppers are the best?
Dr. Holliday-Bell suggests this organic alternative for those who require the conforming support of memory foam but wish to stay clear of chemicals. It has a removable cover, and the firmness options allow most sleepers to find their comfort.
1. Sleep Innovations Gel Memory Topper
This topper is soft and comfortable for most people, but still provides support. Our testers were impressed with how it molded to their bodies, giving support in all the proper places. It is suitable for the majority of mattresses, however it can be a bit 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 features a quilted cover made from bamboo that is sustainably sourced and hypoallergenic. Our panelists loved it, however, it is important to know that there are no straps to fix it to your mattress toppers for single beds. It could move as you rest.
The panelists who liked this topper also praised how it helped ease 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 – provides more pressure relief for sensitive areas such as shoulders and hips.
A two-inch layer of copper-infused memory foam absorbs heat and helps promote airflow for a cool and refreshing night’s sleep. Our test subject Jaclyn found the topper sufficient firmness to ease the pressure on her back, front and side sleeping positions but not too rigid that it made her feel uncomfortable. She also noticed that the back pain “pretty easily disappeared over the course of the night.” She was also amazed by the topper’s quietness, even when it’s coupled with a spring mattress. It is also a good choice for couples sharing beds because it prevents motion transfer.
2. Coop Home Goods Retreat
Coop Home Goods mattress toppers have a soft, pillow-like feel We were ecstatic to find a model that can only be spot-cleaned. It’s made of the brand’s crosscut memory foam and microfiber blend which is hypoallergenic, making it ideal for anyone looking to upgrade an existing mattress or re-energize the bed in a dorm or guest room rental home. What makes this topper distinctive is the inclusion of five body-zones that have different density zones. This allows it to be shaped and molded to your body’s unique shape while still offering sufficient support.
The cover for this topper is made of 100% microfiber polyester that has been brushed, and it comes with the baffle box structure that creates pockets of filling to keep it evenly dispersed. It also has four elastic straps in each corner to keep the cover securely on your mattress. The copper-infused memory helps to wick away heat from your body and keeps you cool throughout the night. It’s finished off with two” layer of ventilated memory for more breathability.
The Retreat is the ideal mattress topper for people who want a plush feel. When Strategist writer Louise tried it, she noted that the mattress quickly adapted to her frame and cradled her in a way that made her feel supported and comfortable. She typically overheats in bed but the Retreat managed to keep her cool and didn’t change significantly throughout the night. It comes in two different firmness options, and back, side, and stomach sleepers will find it suits their preferences.
3. Nolah Beds Luxury Firm Mattress topper Memory Foam Topper
There are a variety of options if you’re looking for a mattress topper. Some are designed to aid in keeping you cool or regulate your temperature while others offer extra support or comfort. A mattress topper can be an excellent way to improve your bed without spending a lot of money. A memory foam topper is a good choice for the majority of sleepers, however should you prefer the bouncy feel of an innerspring mattress, think about a hybrid mattress that combines latex with tiny nano-springs.
For back and side sleepers, a more firm topper can better align your spine and relieve pressure on areas that are sensitive. Our tester Julia was impressed by this four-inch topper by Tempur that is manufactured in the US and comes with an impressive 120-night trial. She was happy with the additional comfort and quality of sleep it brought. There was an off-gassing scent when she first opened the mattress, but this dissipated within the next day.
This firm version from Parachute offers shredded memory foam that’s 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 liked sleeping on it, but wouldn’t recommend it for front sleepers due to her torso got smashed by the top.
A topper made from natural wool fleece is soft and hypoallergenic. It’s not as breathable and can make you feel hot in the evening. A cotton topper is an option, since it’s breathable and keeps your cool. Certain fabrics are infused with graphite or copper to keep your cool.
4. Sleep Innovations Gel Cooling Memory Foam Topper
This topper made by Puffy is an excellent budget choice, offering a soft feel and gentle, pressure-relieving support for a affordable price. It comes in a variety different density and thickness options to help you find the perfect mattress.
Lauren Levy, a Strategist contributor, was thrilled that this topper is “marshmallow-soft” and features a baffle-box construction that has the appearance of a pillow with a fiber-fill. It’s also hypoallergenic, and comes with a machine washable cover to ensure the hygiene of your bed.
The 2″ layer of memory infused with copper is designed to increase airflow and help wick moisture away from the body when you sleep. This lets you remain cool. Levy found that it was very comfortable, even when it didn’t bounce nearly as much as latex toppers. It’s ideal for people who sleep on their backs, sides, or stomachs, and also for those suffering from chronic pain.
Standard features include a 10-year guarantee, free shipping and 10 years of warranty. The topper can be cleaned easily by simply spot-cleaning and letting it air dry. You should not put it in a washer or dryer because this could void the warranty.
The Sleep Innovations Gel Cooling Memory Foam Topper is an excellent budget option for a comfortable and supportive mattress. It’s medium (5) firm, making it suitable for most sleepers. However those who find their mattress too firm will benefit from this mattress. It also stops movement transfer which is vital for combination sleepers. Similar to the Coop Home Goods Retreat topper, it offers pressure pain relief for shoulder and neck pain. The only drawback of this topper is that it might not be as comfortable as polyfoam or latex, so it’s not the ideal choice for those who sleep hot.
5. Nolah Beds Luxury Plush Memory Foam Topper
The Nolah Beds Luxury Plush Memory Foam Topper is an excellent choice for those who sleep on their backs and want to soften their firm mattress, as well as side sleepers who want extra cushioning. The topper also helps to reduce pressure points, making it a good option for those suffering from chronic pain. It’s made in the USA from non-toxic materials, and it’s a great choice for those who sleep hot. It has a 2″ layer of cleverly infused copper foam that promotes ventilation while also providing support. It also has an organic cotton cover that provides optimal moisture management. The topper was discovered by our tester Paige to be very effective in preventing motion transfer. It also offered substantial softness, without giving up any support. She noticed that the edges did not completely hug her mattress. If support for the edges is important to you, this may not be the ideal mattress for you.
This topper is also simple to clean because it has an easily washable and removable cover. It’s also hypoallergenic and antibacterial, which ensures an uninhibited sleep. It also has five body zones to support various areas of the mattress. It comes with a 10-year warranty as well as a 120-night trial period, which is more than the policies of other brands.
This is one of our cheapest alternatives however it doesn’t compromise on quality. It is made from a mixture of natural latex and memory foam that gives it a luxuriously supple feel. It has a thicker memory foam layer to provide additional comfort and encourage a the restful sleep. While it may not be the ideal choice for stomach sleepers since it tends to sink in too much, and may cause spinal misalignment, it’s a solid option for those who are seeking more restful sleep for less.