15 Things You're Not Sure Of About Mattress Topper
How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You
A mattress topper can be the most efficient and simple method to improve your sleeping surface. The most popular materials include memory foam, polyfoam, and latex.
A memory foam mattress is perfect for mattresses that are sagging or beds with too high bounce. It conforms to your body and provides support for back pain.
Comfort
A mattress topper can soften a mattress that is too firm. It also provides more support, which can help alleviate back pain by contouring to the body's shape. Memory foam toppers can relieve pressure, while latex has more bounce and breathability than polyurethane.
A topper's firmness can be determined by the material used, and also your weight, sleeping position and personal preference. Most often, those who sleep on their sides prefers a soft topper, while stomach and back sleepers prefer a firm to medium option. The thickness of a topper can impact its comfort: Although thicker toppers provide more cushioning, they may not be as pliable to your bed and could make a strange feel.
The top mattress protectors for most people are constructed from a tough soft and comfortable material that comes with an outstanding warranty. It should be hypoallergenic, air-tight, and free of harmful chemicals such as the fire retardants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Toppers can be washed in the machine to keep it clean and fresh.
Testers at GH rate toppers based on their ease of use, temperature control and how it changes the feel of their current mattresses. We also ask if the topper stays in position, if it makes any noise, and how much more comfortable they sleep.
The Saatva topper at the top of our list has a very high customer satisfaction rating of 4.4 out of 5 (as of May 2023) and is available in the queen size. It's designed with a two-inch layer of open-cell foam that bounces to conform to your body and respond to motion, offering support and keeping you cool.
Turmerry organic toppers are a more affordable alternative. They are available in a firm and soft option with a 3-inch layer composed of natural materials that breathe. It's an excellent option for those who have beds that are sagging, innerspring mattresses with too much bounce or couples looking to minimize the sensation of motion transfer.
Another popular choice is the GOTS certified mattress topper 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 from natural materials and is free of synthetic dyes or chemicals.
Support
A mattress topper is an extra thick layer that sits on top of your existing mattress. It can be affixed to your mattress using elastic straps or a hem that is stretchy. Its thickness ranges from two to four inches. Mattress toppers differ from mattress protectors which are thin covers purely designed to safeguard your bed against allergens, spills and bed bugs.
The best mattress toppers can transform your sleep and help prevent discomforts and aches caused by an old or soft mattress. They can also improve a mattress that is uncomfortable or sagging with the right amount of support, softness and temperature control.
There are a variety of mattress topper materials like memory foam, latex down and gel. If you're looking to improve your spinal alignment, choose a memory-foam topper. It will provide cushioning and contour. A memory foam topper infused with gel can help decrease heat retention. This is ideal for those who suffer from night sweats and are hot sleepers.
A memory foam topper will help you maintain your spine's alignment by reducing the pressure on areas that are sensitive. A copper-infused topper can reduce swelling and inflammation, and could also reduce pain caused by pressure point.
A cotton or wool pillow can make you sleep more comfortably and cooler. Wool is breathable and wicks moisture and is also tough and easily moldable. It's often blended 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 ideal for those who want a plush feeling. Choose one that has feathers and down to create an extravagant texture that wraps your body in softness. This Brooklyn Bedding topper is a good choice as it comes in a firm version for those who require more support and resilience and plush for those looking for cloud-like softness. It comes with a five-year guarantee and includes an extended trial period and free shipping.
Temperature Control
This topper is cooling and cushions. It can be put on a memory-foam mattress. It features gel infused memory foam that is ventilated by specially-designed holes, making it breathable and helping dissipate heat while you sleep. It also comes with a bamboo cover that is soft, wicking and water-resistant, keeping your body cool and comfortable as you sleep.
This topper comes in different thicknesses, depending on what 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 the USA and are backed by a 100-night trial.
Latex and foam are both breathable and make them an excellent choice for sleepers who are hot. Some latex and memory foam mattress toppers trap heat, which is uncomfortable for some people. Look for cooling which mattress topper is best , like this Nolah model. It is made with the company's signature foam as well as quilted cover that has cooling fibers to keep you cool while you sleep, plus it provides a zoned, padded support for your shoulders, head the torso, hips, and legs.
Another method of ensuring you get a good night's rest is by using mattress protectors. They can be placed over a mattress to shield it from allergens, spills, dust mites, bugs and more. This one has zips and is machine washable, making it simple to clean and remove.
Most people have a go-to sleeping position and if you prefer sleeping on your back or stomach you'll need a topper with plenty of support. A mattress that's too firm can cause you to slump forward and aggravate back or neck pain. Softer foams and down or down-alternative toppers provide extra comfort. Strategist contributing writer Lauren Levy slept on this one from Parachute and says she woke up feeling "gently wrapped between layers of marshmallow softness." It's also available in an organic cotton version, which is hypoallergenic and certified as OEKO TEX Standard 100, Global Organic Textile Standards, Fair for Life and GreenGuard Gold.
Breathability
A mattress topper is a fantastic way to upgrade an old mattress without spending a fortune. However, with so many options, finding the ideal one for you could be difficult. Whether your mattress is starting to sag, you have back pain, or simply want to decrease the sensation of motion transfer from one person to the next, the correct mattress can make all the difference.
The material used to make a topper can have a big impact on its feel. It could also impact the health of your back. For example, experts say side sleepers should use a soft topper, while back or stomach sleepers need a firmer option.
You can narrow your options by taking into consideration other factors like the thickness and breathability. Thicker toppers can be more expensive, but they provide more support. They also have a better air-conditioned due to a greater surface area. Find models with baffle box construction. This will prevent from clumping and keeps the filling evenly dispersed (a important benefit for comfort).
Those who sleep hot should think about gel-infused memory foam which is designed to keep you cool as you sleep. It is also possible to consider a latex top that is tough and flexible. If you're trying to stay away from chemicals organic cotton or wool are good options.
Although a mattress topper won't need to be washed as often as sheets, you should still choose a model that is easy to clean and can hold up to repeated washings. Many of the models we tested had wide elastic straps that connect them to your bed, making it much easier to take them off and wash them. You'll want a mattress topper that is able to stay in place, especially when you're a combination sleeper and move around a lot at night.
The Brooklyn Bedding gel swirl memory foam mattress topper is a CertiPUR US and GREENGUARD Gold-certified option that is both sturdy and comfortable. It's a bit more expensive than other models on our list, however it has a great rating from customers and comes with a 90 days of money-back guarantee.