How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You
A mattress topper could be the most efficient and simple way to upgrade your sleeping surface. Memory foam, polyfoam, and latex are among the most sought-after materials.
A memory foam mattress is perfect for mattresses that are sagging or beds with too much bounce. It is shaped to fit the body and provides support for back pain.
Comfort
A mattress topper can soften a mattress that is too firm. It can also provide more support that can ease back pain by conforming to your body's shape. Memory foam toppers can ease pressure, while latex has more bounce and breathability than polyurethane.
The firmness of a topper can be determined by its material, your weight, your sleeping position, and personal preferences. Typically, a side sleeper will opt for a softer topper, while stomach and back sleepers prefer a medium to firm option. The thickness of the topper can affect its comfort. While the thicker ones provide more cushioning, they might not be as pliable to your bed and can cause a sloppy feel.
The top mattress protectors for most people are made from a tough, soft material that comes with an outstanding warranty. It should also be breathable and hypoallergenic and free of harmful chemicals such as fire retardants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A topper can be machine-washed to keep it clean and fresh.
Testers at GH rate toppers based on their ease of use, temperature regulation and how it alters the feel of their current mattresses. We also inquire about the ability of the topper to stay in position, if it makes noise, and how much it improves their sleep quality.
The Saatva topper, which is at the top of our ranking and has a rating from customers of 4.4 (as of may 2023) and comes in queen size. It's designed with a two-inch layer of bouncy open-cell foam that conforms to your body and react to motion, offering support and keeping you cool.
An option that is more affordable is the Turmerry organic topper, which is made of a three-inch layer of breathable natural material and comes in either a firm or soft option. It's a great option for those with an unbalanced bed or innerspring mattresses that have too much bounce, or couples who want to lessen the feeling of motion transfer.
Another popular option is the GOTS certified mattress topper made by Linenspa. It has a four-inch layer of breathable, temperature-regulating wool with a cotton cover and comes in a medium or firm option. The GOTS certificate indicates that the topper is made of organic materials and does not contain chemical dyes or synthetic chemicals.
Support
A mattress topper is an extra thick layer that is placed on top of your mattress. It can be attached to your mattress using elastic straps or a hem that is stretchy. Its thickness ranges from 2 to 4 inches. Mattress protectors are thin covers that protect your mattress from allergens, spills and bed bugs.
The top mattress protectors can improve your sleep and help avoid aches and pains such as those caused by an old or less than ideal mattress. They can also improve a mattress that is uncomfortable or sagging by providing the right level of support, softness, and temperature control.
There are many mattress topper materials, such as memory foam, latex down, and gel. Choose a memory foam topper for those who want the comfort of cushioning and a more rounded spinal alignment. A memory foam topper that is filled with gel can aid in reducing heat retention, making it a good option for hot sleepers who are prone to sweaty nights.
If you suffer from a back problem, a memory-foam topper can help keep your spine aligned by reducing pressure on the sensitive areas. If you have a sore back, a cushion infused with copper may help to reduce inflammation and swelling, and it may also alleviate pain from pressure points.
A cotton or wool pillow can help you sleep more comfortably and cooler. Wool is breathable and moisture-wicking, and it's also durable and pliable. It's often mixed with other materials for added comfort, like down. This mattress topper from Parachute, for example, includes a mix of durable and resilient latex with temperature-regulating wool.
A down mattress topper is perfect for those who prefer a plush feeling. Choose a mattress topper with feathers and down. double mattress topper will give you a luxurious texture. This Brooklyn Bedding topper is a good choice as it's available in a firm version for those who need extra support and a firmer feel and also plush for those who want softness that resembles a cloud. It's covered by a five-year guarantee and includes an extensive trial period as well as free shipping.
Temperature Control
This topper is cooling and cushioning. It can be put on a memory foam mattress. It has gel-infused memory foam that is breathable through purpose-made holes, making it breathable and helping it to disperse heat during your sleep. It comes with a bamboo-covered mattress that is soft, moisture-resistant and wicking. This keeps you cool while you sleep.
The topper is available in different thicknesses, depending on the thickness you prefer. It also comes with a 10 year guarantee. If you prefer a firmer feel, this topper is also available in a Luxury Firm option (similar to a medium or 7/10). Both are made in America and come with a 100-night trial.
Foam and latex mattress toppers are both breathable materials which makes them excellent options for sleepers who are hot. However certain memory foam and latex toppers can hold body heat and cause discomfort for some. Look for cooling components, like this Nolah model. It features cooling fibers within the quilted cover and uses the foam that is trademarked by the company to keep you cool as you sleep. It also offers zones of support for the hips, shoulders, and head.
Another method of ensuring a cool night's sleep is by using a mattress protector. These protectors are able to be placed over the bed and shield it against spills, allergens and other things. The one you choose to wash is machine-washable and comes with an opening for a zipper, making it simple to clean and to put on and take off.
The majority of people have a preferred sleeping position, and if you like to sleep on your back or stomach, you'll want a topper that offers a lot of support. A mattress that's too firm could cause you to hunch over and can cause back or neck pain. Additional comfort is offered by soft foam and toppers made of down or alternative down. The Parachute pillow, which was reviewed by Strategist contributor Lauren Levy, is made of soft foam and down-alternative toppers.
Breathability
A mattress topper can be an ideal way to update an old mattress without breaking the bank. Finding the perfect mattress topper can be a challenge, especially with so many options available. The right mattress topper can make a big difference in your sleep, whether your mattress is sagging, you are suffering from back pain, or you're looking to cut down on motion transfer between your partners.
The type of material used to make a topper is the most important factor in its feel and can impact not only how comfortable you sleep, but also your back health. For example, experts say side sleepers should use a soft topper while stomach or back sleepers require a more firm option.
You can narrow your options by taking into consideration other factors such as the thickness and breathability. Thicker toppers can be more expensive, but offer better support. They are also more breathable because they have a greater surface area that allows air to circulate. Make sure to look for models with baffle box construction. This prevents clumping, and keeps the filling evenly dispersed (a major plus for comfort).
Gel-infused memory foam is designed to keep people cool while they sleep. You may also want to consider a latex top which is strong and springy. And if you want to stay clear of any chemicals wool or organic cotton are excellent options.
Although the mattress topper isn't required to be cleaned as frequently as sheets, you should look for a model that's easy to clean and will hold up to repeated washings. A majority of the models we tested had wide elastic straps that connect them to your bed, making it easier to remove them and wash them. You'll also want a topper that is secure in place on the bed, particularly when you're a hybrid sleeper who is prone to moving around a lot during the night.
The Brooklyn Bedding gel swirl memory foam mattress topper is a CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold-certified option that is robust and comfortable. It's a little more expensive than other models, however it has excellent customer reviews and a 90-day money-back guarantee.