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We spend approximately one-third of our lifetime in bed—so why would you settle for anything uncomfortable? A mattress topper adds a layer of softness to stiff mattresses, which can ultimately improve back pain, sleep quality, and comfort. Mattresses themselves are pricey, but a topper allows you to upgrade your bed at a fraction of the cost. Whether you’re subletting in a city and want to make moving easier, are looking to improve a stiff dorm bed, or need an extra layer of support on your joints and back, the best mattress toppers will make lights-out much better. 

How we selected the best mattress toppers

We considered a range of mattress toppers and selected top picks that varied in price, material, and firmness to suit different sleepers. Mattress toppers are typically designed with materials including latex, memory foam, polyester blends, feathers, and wool. While each type offers unique benefits, the longevity, durability, and support of latex and memory foam options are generally better than the polyester and feather mattress toppers. For this reason, we stuck to mattress toppers that will be worth the investment—and won’t require a repurchase in a few months time. The material of your topper also plays a part in determining its firmness, as latex options generally offer slightly more support than their memory-foam counterparts.  

And when it comes to finding a high-quality mattress topper, added features like cooling technology, antimicrobial properties, and the assurance of health certifications can make the difference between a good and great night’s sleep.

The best mattress toppers: Reviews & Recommendations

Best overall: Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR Supreme 3-Inch Medium Firm Mattress topper

Tempur-Pedic

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Why It Made the Cut: The Tempur-Pedic memory foam topper is designed to conform to your weight and temperature for personalized comfort as your sleep.

Specs:

  • Foam material
  • 3 inches thick
  • Medium-firm density 

Pros:

  • Cooling technology
  • Relieves back pain
  • Returns to original shape after sleep

Cons:

  • Heavy product
  • High price point

Tempur-Pedic is no newcomer to the mattress world—the brand was founded in 1992 and has been crafting specialty sleeping aids ever since. Tempur-Pedic uses memory-foam material in this mattress topper, which conforms to the body’s shape and for a deeper and more comfortable night’s sleep. 

Memory foam is known for its ultra soft quality, though it may not provide as firm support as other materials. This three-inch-thick, medium-firm mattress topper is outfitted with Tempur-Pedic technology that adapts to your body’s temperature, weight, and shape for personalized support as you sleep. For those who are stuck with uncomfortable dormitory beds, this topper can make your mattress feel like a high-quality foam design. The cover is also washable, so you can easily remove the dirt, dust, and allergens that accumulate on beds. 

Best value: TUFT & NEEDLE Supportive Adaptive Foam Mattress Topper

Tuft & Needle

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Why It Made the Cut: The adaptive foam on this Tuft & Needle mattress topper can be used with any mattress and provides firm support as you sleep.

Specs:

  • 2 inches wide
  • Adaptive foam 
  • Medium density 

Pros

  • Improves body aches
  • Affordable option
  • Lighter material

Cons:

  • Not washable
  • Thinner design

If you want to add a layer of comfort to your mattress and make sleeping a bit more luxurious, this topper from Tuft & Needle will send you off with sweet dreams. Unlike other mattress toppers, Tuft & Needle uses specially designed adaptive foam, which has cooling properties like open-cell foam, breathable materials, and less sink effect than most other foam mattress toppers. 

This two-inch mattress topper is encased in a non-skid luxe knit cover that prevents it from shifting overnight and keeps your sheets from bunching as you sleep. The responsive foam material responds to your body to relieve pressure points on your hips and shoulders, without the typical sinking feeling of memory foam that can leave you feeling uncomfortable. 

This topper is also third-party tested and certified with CertiPUR-US to ensure that it’s free of harmful chemicals or materials like mercury, lead, formaldehyde, and phthalates, so you can rest easy. This Tuft & Needle topper is also compatible with any brand of mattress, making it a one-step fix for a stiff or uncomfortable bed.

Best eco-friendly pick: Pure Green 100% Natural Latex Mattress Topper

Sleep On Latex

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Why It Made the Cut: The SleepOnLatex Mattress Topper is made with all-natural latex that’s durable, supportive, and adjusts to your body temperature. 

Specs:

  • 3 inches thick
  • Latex material
  • Medium firmness

Pros

  • Non-toxic
  • Ideal density
  • Regains shape quickly

Cons

Non suitable for those with latex allergy

You’re probably familiar with foam mattress toppers, but what about latex? If you don’t like the slight sinking sensation from memory foam, latex is a higher-density option that provides more support, and won’t sink as you sleep. Latex foam is also one of the most durable materials when it comes to bedding, so this investment will stand the test of time. 

The open-celled structure of natural latex foam allows air in to regulate the topper’s temperature. So if you’re looking for a mattress topper that will keep you cool all year round, you’ll appreciate this feature. The material allows for improved air circulation that doesn’t absorb body heat—so you can avoid the stuffy feeling of a body-temperature mattress topper. 

And unlike other latex mattress toppers, this one from SleepOnLatex is made with no fillers or synthetic latex, only natural latex harvested from rubber trees. During the production process, the latex is also tested by Oeko-Tex and is Class I-certified to ensure only the highest quality materials. 

Best for allergy sufferers: SafeRest Queen Size Premium Hypoallergenic Waterproof Mattress Protector

SafeRest

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Why It Made the Cut: This cover from SafeRest keeps bacteria, fluids, and allergens out of your mattress with its waterproof coating and hypoallergenic material.

Specs:

  • 60 inches x 80 inches
  • Fits 18-inch deep mattress
  • Cotton terry material 

Pros

  • Reduces allergies
  • Fitted design
  • Waterproof coating

Cons

  • No padding included
  • Thinner material

Not every mattress needs a plush topper to add softness and comfort—you may just want protection from fluids, allergens, and bacteria. A seven-year-old bed can harbor as many as 16 million bacteria per square inch, according to WebMD. If you want to keep your bed as clean as possible, a protective cover is essential to making sure bacteria and dust mites don’t make their way deep into your mattress. 

This pick from SafeRest has a hypoallergenic cotton terry surface that’s breathable for comfort all night long. You can easily remove the cover to toss in the washer to keep your bed more sanitary. It’s also Oeko-Tex certified, which means that every component of the cover has been tested for harmful substances and chemicals.

Best for cooling: subrtex Memory Foam Bed Mattress Topper

SUBRTEX

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Why It Made the Cut: The gel-infused memory foam material keeps you cool while you sleep and comes with a washable bamboo rayon cover.

Specs:

  • 3 inches thick
  • Gel-infused memory foam 
  • Bamboo rayon cover 

Pros

  • Washable cover
  • Cooling technology
  • No harmful chemicals

Cons

  • Elastic straps only suit up to 12-inch mattresses
  • Less warmth than other picks
  • Slightly sinking memory foam

If you toss and turn at night to find the coolest spot of the bed, this gel-infused memory foam topper will add a layer of comfort and chill to your nightly routine. While regular memory foam can feel stuffy or warm once you’re settled in, the ventilated design on this mattress topper optimizes the air flow throughout to reduce any trapped body heat. 

The gel technology from subrtrex also helps to disperse tension across its surface, which relieves stress on your body as you sleep. Plus, this pick comes with a machine-washable bamboo rayon cover for no-stress cleaning. For those who toss and turn, this pick comes with convenient elastic straps that prevent slipping and sliding. And fortunately for those of us who want to doze off without worrying about harmful chemicals in our mattress topper, this pick is both OekoTex- and CertiPur-certified.

Things to consider when buying the best mattress toppers

Best brands of mattress topper

When it comes to creating a dreamy bed that provides the perfect amount of support and softness, there is a huge range of mattress toppers that claim to improve sleep quality. We recommend companies like Tempur-Pedic and Tuft & Needle—they have a reputation for high-quality products and patented technology.

Types of mattress toppers

Latex, memory foam, polyester blends, feathers, and wool are the primary materials used to make mattress toppers. But not all are created equal—some are more affordable with less durability, while pricier picks can hold up better as you toss and turn. Our top types to look for are latex and memory foam, which tend to be higher quality, but also slightly more expensive than polyester or feather options. 

Memory foam is the most comfortable of the bunch, and is known for its ability to soften a hard mattress, improve back and hip pain, and reduce motion as you sleep. For those that prefer a slightly more dense option, latex offers a firm yet bouncy feel. Latex also offers antimicrobial properties and is an incredibly durable rubber-based material, allowing you to use it for years to come.

Cooling Technology

Nobody likes a sweaty night’s sleep, which is why many mattress toppers are outfitted with designs to improve air circulation. If you don’t like the feeling of a heat-absorbing mattress topper, we’ve hand-selected picks that wick away heat for a cooler sleep. Whether it be the gel-infused materials of this subrtex pick or open-celled natural latex that wicks heat away, these toppers provide plenty of cooling.

FAQs

Q: Which is better: memory foam or feather topper?

Both memory foam and feather toppers have unique benefits that will suit different types of sleepers. Memory foam adds a considerable layer of comfort between you and your mattress and reduces pressure on joints. A feather option is less expensive and doesn’t retain heat. For those who really want to make a difference to the comfort of their mattress, we’d stick with a memory foam option—the material is denser to turn a stiff bed to an ultra-soft one.

Q: Do feather mattress toppers make you hot?

One of the benefits of a feather mattress topper is that they don’t retain heat. Whether it’s chilly months in the winter or a hot summer night, a feather mattress topper will help keep your bed’s temperature comfortable.

Q: Is a thicker mattress topper better?

In general, the thicker your mattress topper is, the more support it will provide. Mattress toppers can range from two to four inches thick—so if you need significantly more support than your current mattress provides, a thicker topper will serve you better.

Q: Which is the most comfortable mattress topper?

Your most comfortable mattress topper will depend on your support and softness preferences. For an ultra-soft and conforming pick, the Tempur-Pedic option is a clear winner, but if you prefer a bit less give and more support in your mattress, the latex option from Pure Green will give a great night’s sleep. 

Q: How long do Tempur-Pedic mattress toppers last?

A Tempur-Pedic topper will last approximately three years if cared for properly.

Final thoughts on the best mattress toppers

You don’t need to go out and purchase a new mattress for a great night’s sleep. This range of mattress toppers provides an added layer of support, comfort, and cushion to your bed, so you can wake up feeling refreshed and well-rested. Whether you want a plush option that conforms to your body or a semi-firm pick that relieves pressure on your joints, a mattress topper is the easiest and most cost-effective way to improve your sleep.