Which Mattress Toppers Are Best?
Adding an extra layer of cushioning can make your bed more comfortable and can also help relieve the pressure on joints. But which mattress covers are best?
Dr. Holliday Bell recommends this organic option for people who want the firm support and comfort of memory foam, but don't want to use chemicals. It comes with an easy-to-clean cover and comes with a variety of firmness levels to accommodate the majority of sleepers.
1. Sleep Innovations Gel Memory Topper
The topper is soft and comfortable for most people, but still provides support. Our testers were impressed with how it moulded pleasantly to their bodies, offering support in all the right places. It works with the majority of mattresses, however it can be tricky to put the sheets on. (Read more about how to install mattress toppers here). The thick layer of memory foam is machine washable and naturally antibacterial. It comes with an organic bamboo cover that is non-toxic and sustainably sourced. It was a favorite of our panelists, though it's important to remember that it doesn't have any straps that help anchor the top of your bed as it can shift as you sleep.
The panelists who adored this topper also appreciated the fact that it eased back pain. It's also a great choice for those who sleep more heavily, and might find that a more substantial topper such as this one - three to four inches - provides more pressure relief for the sensitive areas such as shoulders and hips.
A memory foam with a copper-infused layer wicks away heat and promotes airflow to provide an ice-cold sleep. Our test subject Jaclyn found the mattress to be firm enough to ease the pressure on her back, front and side sleeping positions, but not so firm that it felt uncomfortable. She also noticed a significant improvement in her back pain, saying that it "pretty pretty much went away over night." She was impressed by how quiet the mattress is, too, even when paired with an extremely soft mattress. The topper also blocks motion transfer, making it an ideal option for couples sharing a bed.
2. Coop Home Goods Retreat
We love the plush feel of Coop Home Goods' mattress toppers and when this spot-clean only version popped up in our research, we knew it had to be included. It's made of the brand's crosscut memory foam and microfiber blend, so it's hypoallergenic and perfect for those looking to upgrade the mattress they have or re-energize a bed in a dorm, guest room, or rental home. What makes this topper especially distinctive is the presence of five body-zones, each with different density zones. This helps to shape and conform to your specific frame while still providing enough support.
The cover for this topper is made from 100 percent microfiber polyester that has been brushed, and it comes with an asymmetrical baffle box design that creates pockets of fill to ensure it is evenly dispersed. The topper is also equipped with four elastic straps at each corner that aid in keeping it in the mattress. A layer of copper-infused memory foam draws heat away from the body to keep you cool in the evening, and it's topped with a 2" layer of memory foam with a ventilated surface to allow for more airflow.
The Retreat is a great mattress topper if you're looking for the softness of. When Strategist writer Louise tried it, she noted that the topper quickly adapted to her frame and cradled her in a way that made her feel supported and comfortable. She is prone to overheating in bed but the Retreat managed to keep her cool and didn't shift significantly throughout the night. It is available in two firmness levels, so it will suit stomach, back and side sleepers.
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 pick from. Some are designed to help you stay cool or regulate your temperature, while others offer more support or comfort. A mattress topper is a great way to increase the comfort of your mattress without spending a lot of money. A memory foam mattress is a good choice for most sleepers, but should you prefer the bouncy feel of an innerspring mattress, think about a hybrid mattress that blends latex with tiny nano-springs.
A more firm topper can aid in aligning your spine for side and back sleepers and relieve pressure in the areas that are sensitive. Our test participant Julia was impressed by this four-inch mattress by Tempur It is manufactured in the US and has an impressive 120-night trial. It helped her sleep better and was delighted with the additional comfort it brought to her old mattress. She did smell an off-gassing smell when she first opened it up, but this went away after a day.
Another firm option is this one from Parachute that offers shredded foam that's not as dense as traditional memory foam but still feels extremely comfortable. Strategist contributor Lauren Levy says that it's "much cheaper than a down-topper" and offers the same marshmallow softness and baffle-box construction. She enjoyed sleeping on it, but wouldn't recommend for front sleepers because her torso was smashed in the top.
A topper made from natural wool fleece is soft and hypoallergenic. It is not as breathable and could make you feel hot at night. Cotton is a good choice, as it is comfortable and cool. Certain fabrics are infused with graphite or copper to keep your cool.
4. Sleep Innovations Gel Cooling Memory foam topper
This Puffy topper is a great value offering soft, comfortable support that relieves pressure for cost-effective prices. what mattress topper is best comes with a range of density and thickness options, making it simple to find the right mattress for you.
Strategist contributor Lauren Levy loved that this topper resembles 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 mattress.
The 2" layer of memory infused with copper is designed to promote airflow and help wick the body of moisture when you sleep. This lets you remain cool. And though it doesn't have as much bounce as latex toppers, Levy found it to be very supportive. It's perfect for those who sleep on their backs, sides, or stomachs, and for those with chronic pain.
Standard features include a 10-year guarantee with free shipping, as well as an extended warranty of 10 years. This topper is also simple to clean. Simply wipe it down and allow it to dry in the sunlight. It should not be put in a dryer or washer because this could void the warranty.
The Sleep Innovations Gel Cooling Memory Foam Topper is a great budget-friendly option for a comfortable and soft mattress. It has a medium (5) firmness, which makes it good for all sleepers, but more so for those who find their mattresses too firm. It also helps prevent motion transfer which is essential for sleepers who are combination. Like the Coop Home Goods Retreat topper, this one provides pressure relief for shoulder and neck pain. The only downside to this topper is that it might not be as comfortable as polyfoam or latex and is therefore not the ideal choice for hot sleepers.
5. Nolah Beds Luxury Plush Memory Foam Topper
The Nolah Beds Luxury Plush Memory Foam Topper is an excellent option for back sleepers who want to soften their mattress as well as for side sleepers who want extra cushioning. This topper is also good for people with chronic pain since it helps reduce pressure points. It is manufactured in the USA with non-toxic materials and is a great option for those who sleep hot. It has a 2" layer of a clever copper-infused foam which promotes breathability while also providing support. It has a cover made of organic cotton that helps control moisture. This topper was found by our tester Paige to be very effective at preventing motion transfer. It also gave a significant amount of softness, without giving up any support. However, she noticed that the edges didn't fully cover her mattress If support for the edges is important to you, this might not be the best mattress for you.
This topper is also easy to clean because it has a washable, removable cover. It's also hypoallergenic and antibacterial to provide a healthy night's sleep. It also has five body zones that support different parts of the mattress. It comes with a 10-year warranty as well as the 120-night trial period which is longer than the policies of rivals.
This is among our less expensive options but it doesn't sacrifice quality. It's made from a mix of memory foam and natural latex which provides a luxuriously soft feel. It has a thicker memory foam layer that provides extra comfort and promote restful sleep. It's not an ideal choice for stomach sleepers since it is prone to sinking in too deeply. This can cause spinal misalignment. However, it is an excellent option for those looking for a good night's rest at an affordable price.