The quick list
1. Best overall
2. Best cooling
3. Best cheap
4. Best for back pain
5. Best firm
6. Best organic
7. Best for side sleepers
8. Best luxury foam
9. Best memory foam
10. Best plush
11. Best luxury organic
12. Buying advice
The best mattress toppers can give your bedroom an instant refresh at a fraction of the cost of buying a new mattress. Whether you need to breathe new life into an older mattress or want to add more comfort, cooling, or height to your current bed, we've got you covered. Below are 11 mattress toppers that both our expert testers and everyday consumers recommend.
A few general rules to keep in mind when shopping for a mattress topper. First, look for a topper that's between two to four inches thick – although a shorter profile can work if you're only seeking a small change in bed feel. Next, don't go by price alone. There are plenty of cheap mattress toppers that can add comfort and support for less, as well as luxury options that are just as cozy as what you'll find in our best mattress guide – they’ll just cost you much less. Remember to keep your sleep preferences in mind, and also consider the feel and height of your mattress.
For most people, we think the Tempur-Adapt Mattress Topper (regularly from $191.40 when on sale) is this year's best mattress topper thanks to its thick slab of pressure-relieving Tempur material and a machine-washable cover. However, it can't be returned so if you want a bed topper that comes with a proper trial period, our list features options from Naturepedic (100 nights), Puffy (101 nights), and Saatva (180 nights).
You'll also find details on the mattress topper deals taking place right now. Most of our top picks are currently discounted and upcoming Memorial Day mattress sales will offer even more ways to save. Ready to shop? Keep scrolling for our top picks and the ways they can upgrade your sleep.
Best mattress toppers: quick list
Just need a quick rundown? Here's an overview of every mattress topper on our list. If you'd like to learn more about a select model, you can jump right to its full-length writeup
MSRP: From $319
Trial: None
Warranty: 10 years
Tempur-Pedic mattresses are considered some of the best in the world – but they're also very expensive. The 3-inch Tempur-Adapt Topper is an accessible way to bring the remarkable contouring of Tempur Material into your home for a relatively low price. (Frequent sales help, too.) Loads of pressure relief, a removable cover, and sturdy anchor straps help it earn the top spot on our list. Unfortunately, there's no trial period included.
Read more below
MSRP: From $179.99
Trial: 30 nights (direct from Molecule)
Warranty: 5 years
The Molecule CopperWELL stands out for its open-cell, copper-infused memory foam, which gives this 3-inch topper its outstanding cooling prowess. (Copper is an antimicrobial, too – great if you have allergies.) We're also fans of its 7-zoned ergonomic design and medium firmness, but we wish it came with a proper cover and a longer trial period.
MSRP: From $74.99
Trial: None
Warranty: 3 years
This memory foam topper from Lucid is an excellent buy if you're not looking to spend a lot. At 4 inches high, it'll add plenty of plushness and height to a short, firm bed. To our surprise, it didn't sleep too warm (but chronic overheaters may beg to differ). A cover doesn't come standard, although you can buy one at an extra cost. There's no official trial period but you can likely follow the return policy of wherever you buy it from.
MSRP: From $245
Trial: 180 nights
Warranty: 1 year
Saatva makes some of our favorite mattresses for back pain and the Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper is a worthy candidate if you can't quite afford a full-fledged Saatva bed. Three inches of graphite-infused memory foam will ease your lower back and joints while also keeping you cool at night (with help from the organic cotton cover). The 180-night trial is incredibly generous, but the 1-year warranty is questionably short.
MSRP: From $335
Trial: 90 nights
Warranty: 5 years
Most people buy a mattress topper to make their beds softer, but what if you need to turn the firmness up a notch? The 4-inch Viscosoft Active Cooling Mattress Topper offers exceptional support, especially for back sleepers. Although the cover wasn't cool-to-the-touch as advertised, it worked in tandem with the copper-infused memory foam to keep us comfortable and dry. Note that this topper often winds up on backorder.
MSRP: From $436
Trial: 100 nights
Warranty: 10 years
The 2-inch Birch Organic Mattress Topper has a quilted cotton cover plus wool and Talalay latex layers, yielding a sensation similar to memory foam but without heat retention. Buying organic means paying extra for a sustainably manufactured product using responsibly sourced materials. However, we think it's worth it here, and the 10-year warranty and 100-night trial are nice perks, too.
Expand list...
MSRP: From $199
Trial: 30 nights
Warranty: 5 years
The Casper Comfy Mattress Topper lives up to its namesake, especially for side sleepers who want a cushiony bed to sink into. This 3-inch topper has firmer base foam at the bottom, with body-cradling memory foam at the top – the latter of which is perforated to aid airflow. While you can remove the cover, you can't throw it in the wash, and since we found it tricky to take on/off, we suggest leaving it be in most cases.
MSRP: From $195
Trial: 180 nights
Warranty: 1 year
This is Saatva's most affordable mattress topper. This high-density foam topper is only 1.5 inches, so we think it'll best suit side sleepers who only need a slight boost in comfort. It also sleeps cooler than we anticipated, but we think its graphite-infused sibling elsewhere on this list will be a better bet for hot sleepers. You'll get 180 nights (or half a calendar year) to try it out...but the warranty is only valid for a year.
MSRP: From $179
Trial: 101 nights
Warranty: Lifetime
The 2.5-inch Puffy Deluxe Mattress Topper comes in two comfort levels: soft (good for strict side sleepers and lighter bodies) or firm (suitable for most average-sized side or back sleepers). Fidgety sleepers won't have to worry about this topper sliding off – anchor straps, a grippy lower cover, and a full elasticated skirt keep everything in place. This is the only mattress topper on our list to come with a lifetime warranty.
MSRP: From $199.95
Trial: 90 nights
Warranty: 5 years
Want to turn your mattress into a hotel bed? Pick up the Viscosoft Serene Hybrid Mattress Topper, which features down alternative fill, gel-infused memory foam, and a pillow-top cover you can comfortably sink into. (It's also a good pickup if your current mattress lacks decent motion isolation.) Choose from a 3 or 4-inch topper. (We tried the 4-inch version.) Our only real complaint is that this cover tends to shift if you move on it.
MSRP: From $499
Trial: 100 nights
Warranty: 10 years
This organic latex bed topper may cost roughly the same price as a budget mattress, but it's still considerably cheaper than buying an organic mattress outright. Unlike the Birch Organic topper elsewhere on this list, this one from Naturepedic is vegan; it contains no wool or other animal products. We also recommend it for hot sleepers since its latex core and cotton cover are naturally breathable.
The best mattress toppers 2024 – expert-tested
Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.
Best mattress topper overall
The Tempur-Adapt Mattress Topper is the best mattress topper around, offering the feel of this luxury bed brand's mattresses for a fraction of the price. The Adapt topper contains three inches of NASA-developed Tempur material, which will meld to your shape and provide custom, soothing support as you sleep.
In our Tempur-Adapt topper review, our tester found it delivered plush, luxurious cushioning, and recommend it for side sleepers of light or average weight who like to be cradled by their mattress. The softer, hugging sleep surface means it'd also be a great choice for anyone who suffers from joint pain. Stretchy, elastic straps keep the topper in place well, and there's a removable and machine-washable cover, which is good news from a hygiene point of view.
A browse through the other user reviews for the Tempur-Adapt topper reveal plenty of enthusiastic customers. Multiple customers comment that it has helped ease or even eliminate their back pain, as well as preventing achy shoulders and hips.
Memory foam can sometimes trap body heat, but we found that the Tempur-Adapt topper performed well when it came to temperature regulation. If you sleep really hot, there's the option to upgrade to a specialist cooling version; the Tempur Adapt+ Cooling costs $80 more, and features a phase-changing cover that's designed to stay cool to the touch. We didn't test it out ourselves, but plenty of customer reviews say it works impressively well to prevent night sweats.
Although the Tempur-Adapt topper will be a great choice for many people, we wouldn't necessarily recommend it to back sleepers or stomach sleepers, as the soft sleep surface won't provide the support needed in these positions. We also think it'll be too soft for heavier bodies.
Another potential sticking point is price. This might be the best memory foam mattress topper around, but it's not cheap, even if you manage to snap it up at a discount in a Tempur-Pedic mattress sale. The extras are a bit stingy, too – there's no trial and unless it's damaged at delivery, the topper can't be returned. That's a bit of a risk to take if you're unfamiliar with the feel of the mattress. On the other hand, it is far cheaper than going for the full mattress (which you can read about in our Tempur-Adapt mattress review), but still delivers the same sleep feel and level of quality.
The best time to buy is always in the Black Friday mattress deals where we see 40% off the Tempur-Adapt in every size. This saving usually lasts through Cyber Monday mattress deals too, helping you get this top-rated mattress topper for less.
Best cooling mattress topper
Unlike other models on this list, the Molecule CopperWELL Mattress Topper features an ergonomic multi-zone design. There are three softer relief zones (for the shoulders, hips, and knees) plus four firmer areas (around the head, waist, legs, and feet). This targeted support will ensure your pressure points aren't triggered, whilst promoting proper alignment.
The medium-firm sleep feel should suit a wide array of sleepers, but in our Molecule CopperWELL Mattress Topper review, we found it to be most comfortable for side sleeping. The Molecule's open-cell, copper-infused memory foam kept us comfortably cool throughout our testing period. As a bonus, copper has anti-microbial properties, so it's also a great choice for those with allergies.
The main downside is that there's no cover to speak of. The brand suggests that's so sleepers can fully experience the zoned support and airflow benefits, but in reality, it means it'll be a bit of a pain to keep clean. We'd recommend finding a machine-washable mattress protector that'll safeguard it from spills, as well as help anchor it in place on the bed (there are no straps here).
Price-wise, the Molecule CopperWELL Mattress Topper sits at the higher end of the mid-range bracket. A queen retails for $249.99, but you can find it on sale from Molecule directly plus third-party retailers like Amazon and Target. Regardless of where you buy, your purchase will be backed by a 5-year warranty. Buy from Molecule and you'll have 30 nights to trial it at home.
The best cheap mattress topper
The Lucid Gel Memory Foam mattress topper is a budget model worth considering if you want a thick bed topper with decent cooling and a lower price. At 4 inches deep, there's lots of cushioning for maximum pressure relief, and it's chunky enough to mask an uncomfortable sleep surface too (for example, if you've got an old innerspring mattress, and the coils have become bumpy).
Although there are cooler toppers out there if you're willing to pay a bit more, in our Lucid Gel Memory Foam mattress topper review we were surprised at how well it regulated our body temperature. We tested out the foam-only version, but you can opt to add on a polyester-blend cover that can be machine-washed. The cover also features a non-slip rubberized base, although there are no straps to anchor your topper in place.
This topper has a high star rating of 4.4 out of 5 on Amazon with over 28k reviews. Many happy customers sing its praises, commenting on how it transformed their sleep and improved their current firm mattress. Of those who didn't like it, the main complaints surround it being too squishy and unsupportive. We wouldn't recommend it to back or stomach sleepers, who need a supportive sleep surface, and you might find it's too unstable if you suffer back pain. Note, that there are shallower versions available, which might address the issue.
Another big draw here is the price. A queen retails for $120 (based on the 4-inch, no-cover version). Since multiple retailers sell it, you'll be able to shop around for a good deal, too. In the budget arena, it's also worth checking out the Linenspa topper – our Linenspa vs Lucid mattress topper comparison feature breaks down the differences between the two.
The best mattress topper for back pain
If you read our Saatva Classic mattress review and want all that Saatva luxury and comfort but don't have the budget or need for a whole new mattress just yet, a Saatva mattress topper is the next best thing. This brand makes a variety of toppers; we tested out the Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper and were very impressed.
The graphite layer is designed to draw heat away from your body, and in our Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper review, we were very impressed with its temperature regulation. This topper stayed cool to the touch throughout our test period, making it a great choice for anyone prone to sleeping warm.
This topper includes three inches of memory foam, which delivers loads of pressure relief, especially in the lumbar. The medium-firm sleep feel (we'd rate it a 6 out of 10) will suit any sleep position, but we'd especially recommend it to those who like to sleep on their back. We sank into it but also felt well-supported in this position.
The build quality here is excellent, as we'd expect from Saatva. Stretchy, elasticated bands anchor the topper in place – it somehow fared better in this area than the Saatva Foam Topper (below), which we've also reviewed. One slight downside is that the cover cannot be removed, so this model is spot-clean only.
It's a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to extras, too. On the one hand, there's a 180-night home trial – the longest of any brand on this list. On the other, it's only backed by a 1-year limited warranty, which is very short for a product of this price. Typically, toppers aren't discounted in the Saatva mattress sales, but it's worth checking before you buy, just in case. Torn between the Saatva and the number one-ranked Tempur-Pedic? We talk you through it in our Saatva vs Tempur-Pedic mattress topper comparison.
The best firm mattress topper
If you're not a fan of the contouring 'hug' of memory foam, check out the Viscosoft Active cooling topper. This 4-inch thick, medium-firm option offers gentle pressure relief alongside more solid support, and it's perfect for back sleepers. As you'd guess from the name, it also offers good temperature regulation. Although the phase-change cover wasn't cold-to-the-touch for us, the copper-infused foam kept our testers comfortably cool on even the warmest nights.
The Viscosoft topper attaches to your mattress securely with easy-to-fit elastic straps. The cover, which is made from a breathable mesh with an airy feel, has anti-slip properties too. In our ViscoSoft Active Cooling Topper review, we were pleased to find that the cover can be removed and washed, but did find it a little bit tricky to get on and adjust. Our tester also noted some potent off-gassing, which shouldn't be a deal-breaker but is worth being aware of before you buy. It's worth noting that lighter side sleepers might find this topper a touch too solid for comfort (it's slightly firmer than the Saatva Graphite topper above).
While the ViscoSoft Active Cooling Copper Topper is at the pricier end of our best mattress toppers list, it is a high-quality option. Other customers agree, with this topper getting an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars (~150 reviews, as of April 2024) on the company website. The reviews highlight the topper’s comfort and luxurious feel. What's more, regular discounts will drop the price into a more affordable bracket for most, although stock can be hard to come by for some sizes.
Officially, there's no trial period for this topper, although if you buy direct from Viscosoft, there's a 90-day money-back guarantee, during which time the brand will refund you if you're not satisfied with your purchase. You'll also get a 5-year warranty.
The best organic mattress topper
If you are an eco-conscious shopper, there's plenty to love about Birch’s organic mattress topper. It's responsibly sourced, sustainably produced, and uses premium natural materials. On top, you'll find a soft quilted cover made from breathable cotton. In the middle is a layer of wool, which delivers an extra bit of cushioning as well as being hypoallergenic, temperature-regulating, and a natural fire retardant. Finally, at the base, there's a layer of Talalay latex.
Latex has some similar properties to memory foam, in that it'll mold to your shape and relieve pressure points, but if you go for a natural latex it's also eco-friendly, biodegradable, and hypoallergenic (see our memory foam vs latex mattress comparison for more detail). Talalay latex is the spongier, less dense, and more cushioning type of latex, which makes it perfect for a topper.
While the internal design is relatively complicated, the outside is quite basic. The organic cotton cover can't be removed and is spot-clean only, and there are no straps to secure the topper to the bed. Birch says the weight of the topper should keep it in place, and a fitted sheet or mattress protector will help.
Reviews on the brand website are overwhelmingly positive. As of May 2023, this topper has an average of 4.7 out of 5 from over 800 reviews. Customers say it offers the perfect balance of softness and support, praise the build quality and say it's worth the money. There's a little disagreement in terms of heat retention – lots of people comment that it stays at a comfortable temperature, although a minority found it sleeps slightly warm (not enough to suggest this is a major issue, though). We haven't rested this topper out ourselves, but we were very impressed by this brand's full mattress in our Birch Natural mattress review.
The Birch organic topper is one of the pricier options on our list, which is what you'd expect for an organic product. (However, it's less than the Naturepedic topper elsewhere on this list.) Semi-regular Helix mattress sales (the parent company) mean you might not need to pay full price if you time things right, though. You have a 100-night sleep trial to make sure it suits you, and it comes backed by a 10-year warranty.
The best mattress topper for side sleepers
The Casper Comfy Mattress Topper is like adding a giant pillow to your bed. This 3-inch tall topper topper is luxuriously cushiony, and the perfect way to add some softness to a too-firm bed.
Inside, you'll find two layers of memory foam: a firmer base layer at the bottom, and a body-cradling layer of memory foam at the top. In our Casper Comfy Mattress Topper review, our tester found it delivered excellent comfort and good support in a side sleeping position, although stomach or back sleepers might need something slightly firmer to promote healthy spinal alignment.
One area in which this topper particularly impressed us is temperature regulation. The foam is perforated to encourage movement of air, and in our tests, we found it worked well – our testers didn't overheat when trying out this topper, even with a heavy duvet added.
There's a removable knit cover made from partly recycled materials, although the benefits of that are somewhat undermined by the fact that it's not machine washable (spot-clean only). It can be a bit of a pain to get on and off, and there are no straps to keep it in place.
Price-wise, we're at the lower end of mid-range here. Casper sales and deals aren't super common, but you might get luckier at third-party sellers like Target (our widget above will pull in the best prices for you). A 30-night trial gives you a bit of time to test it out and make sure it's a good fit for you.
- Read our Casper Comfy Mattress Topper review
The best luxury foam mattress topper
The Saatva Foam Mattress Topper is the brand's least expensive topper. It's also the thinnest in Saatva's lineup with a 1.5-inch profile. This will yield a small comfort boost, but for some people who otherwise like the feel of their mattress, this could be all they need to bump it from good to great.
This high-density foam topper has a medium-firm feel to gently cradle your body. Our tester placed her Saatva Foam Mattress Topper on a Tempur-Pedic mattress she found a little too firm for side sleeping. After adding the topper, she experienced the pressure relief along her shoulders that the Tempur-Pedic wasn't giving her. However, she preferred the Tempur-Pedic on its own for stomach sleeping, as the Saatva topper wasn't supportive enough for her midsection in that position.
Another issue our tester had with her Tempur-Pedic mattress was overheating. Although the Saatva Foam Topper isn't a cooling model, she barely broke a sweat when sleeping on it. (Her theory is that the organic cotton cover played a role in wicking away heat and moisture.) Still, if you deal with chronic hot flashes or night sweats, a proper cooling topper like the Saatva Graphite or Molecule CopperWELL (#2) will be a better choice for you.
There are a few quibbles to point out. As we note in our Saatva Foam Mattress Topper review, the straps didn't do a good job of keeping the topper in place, as our tester had to adjust it most mornings. (This could also depend on how flat or smooth your mattress is – but we were disappointed, nonetheless.) Also, the warranty is only valid for a year, which is shockingly short for a brand that's known for its lifetime mattress warranties.
But if you want a taste of Saatva's signature luxury comfort at a fraction of the cost of one of its full-fledged mattresses, the Saatva Foam Mattress Topper is an excellent place to start. You can take your time trying it out, as well, since it comes with a 180-night sleep trial. Discounts are rare, unfortunately, as with any other Saatva mattress topper.
- Read more: Saatva Foam Mattress Topper review
Best memory foam mattress topper
The 2.5-inch Puffy Deluxe Mattress Topper comes in two comfort levels: soft or firm. This gives you a little more freedom in adjusting your bed feel so you can make it cozier or more supportive as needed.
We tested the firm version in our Puffy Deluxe Mattress Topper review – which we placed atop a super firm innerspring bed. It has that classic memory foam sensation; our tester could feel it gradually mold to her shape. We found it comfortable in any sleep position – though we reckon the soft version will be better for side sleepers who crave a plusher bed feel, as well as lighter bodies who don't like anything too firm.
Good news if you deal with allergies, as this topper comes with a hypoallergenic bamboo rayon/polyester cover you can throw in the wash. Unlike most mattress toppers that exclusively use anchor straps, you'll find straps, a grippy lower cover, and a full elasticated skirt, akin to what you'd find on a mattress pad. If you're a fidgety sleeper, you can expect this mattress topper to stay in place.
Just be careful if you sleep warm, as this memory foam mattress topper traps heat. (That's a common issue with memory foam in general.) Also, if you're over 250lbs, the Puffy Deluxe Mattress Toper may not be supportive enough for you, regardless of the feel. We'd recommend a durable latex topper such as the Naturepedic Adagio (#12) or Birch Natural (#6) for heavier bodies instead.
Puffy includes a 101-night trial and a lifetime warranty with its mattresses – and offers those same extras with its mattress toppers. Sleep companies usually truncate the warranty and trial periods for their toppers, so it's nice to see Puffy go against the norm. (No other topper on this list comes with a lifetime warranty, either.)
- Read more: Puffy Deluxe Mattress Topper review
The best plush mattress topper
Just like a hybrid mattress, the 4-inch Viscosoft Serene Hybrid Mattress Topper features a combination of materials. Here, you'll find a 400gsm down alternative fill and 2.5-inch gel-infused memory foam, capped by a 1.5-inch pillow-top cover. The result is a medium-soft surface with a plush sink-in sensation that's still plenty supportive. There's also a 3-inch version that instead has 2 inches of gel-infused foam.
For our Viscosoft Serene Hybrid Mattress Topper review, we placed it on a Brooklyn Aurora Luxe mattress, which our tester already found cozy. However, adding the topper made the mattress look and feel even more luxurious, which we didn't think was even possible. Most side and back sleepers will find it offers the right amount of pressure relief and support, and combi sleepers will have no problem shifting positions at night, either.
There aren't any specialty cooling materials within, but our tester never felt warm when sleeping on this topper. (Down-alternative fill allows for good airflow, while gel-infused memory foam helps minimize heat buildup.) This topper also dampens movement very well, something our tester's mattress couldn't do effectively.
Of course, a plush mattress topper such as this one will be an automatic 'no' for strict front sleepers. And beware if you thrash about at night. Although this topper is ace at isolating motion, its adjustable straps and elastic skirt still weren't enough to prevent it from going askew during our testing. (The Puffy Deluxe above, on the other hand, will hardly budge.)
In our opinion, this topper is more than a Band-Aid for a mattress that's seen better days. You can use it to transform a bed you already love into a luxury hotel mattress. Fortunately, it costs much less than a night at a 5-star suite. This mid-range mattress topper is often on sale. It comes with a 5-year warranty and 90 nights to test it out.
Best luxury organic mattress topper
The Naturepedic Adagio Organic Latex Topper is the priciest option on our list – some of our favorite budget mattresses don't even cost this much. But if you're keen on latex and want a topper that's made without animal products, then give this a look over the Birch Natural (#6), which contains wool.
The construction here is simple: two inches of organic latex foam and a stretch-knit organic cotton cover. Naturepedic doesn't specify if it's Dunlop or Talalay latex, just that it's organic and GOTS-approved. So what's it like to sleep on? In our Naturepedic Adagio Organic Latex Topper review, our side-sleeping tester found it soft and supportive, with loads of pressure relief so she never woke up achy.
Since latex and cotton are naturally breathable materials, our tester remained comfortably cool whether she slept on the topper as-is or covered it with sheets. There aren't any anchor straps but this topper is heavy – good for helping it stay in place throughout the night, but a bit of a hassle when moving it or setting it up.
And then there's the cost. Although Naturepedic occasionally offers percent-off discounts, you're still shelling out quite a bit of cash. On the other hand, our tester enjoys it so much that it's her go-to when she's not reviewing other toppers. It's nicely crafted, too, although we wish the cover was machine-washable.
The Naturepedic Adagio Organic Latex Topper comes with a 100-night risk-free trial and a 10-year warranty.
Best mattress toppers: Buying advice
What is the best mattress topper in 2024?
The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt is our number one pick of the best mattress toppers. This three-inch thick luxury foam topper offers a lot of comfort and pressure relief at a fraction of the cost of a full-fledged Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt Mattress. Prices start at $319 for a twin, but there are regular sales and promotions.
The Tempur topper gets an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 5,400 user reviews, and with a 10-year warranty, you're covered for the long haul. We recommend most it for side sleepers who like an ultra-plush bed.
How to choose the best mattress topper for you
Choosing the best mattress topper for you is easier when you know what qualities you would like it to have. For example, if your existing mattress is the wrong firmness, look for a bed topper such as the Turmerry Organic Latex Mattress Topper that offers a choice of firmnesses so you can find one that’s more suitable.
You might want a firmer topper that supports you if you sleep on your back or front, or you might prefer a softer memory foam or plush-top option to cushion joints.
If you need something vegan or hypoallergenic, then the best mattress topper for you is The Company Store Legends Hotel Down Alternative Baffled Featherbed. This one offers luxurious levels of comfort, while also taking the strain off your hips, shoulders and knees.
There’s plenty of choice if you need a mattress topper with cooling properties. It’s best to find one with a removable cover, as well as antimicrobial properties to keep the topper hygienic. Saatva and Eight Sleep go the extra mile when it comes to keeping things cool at night, with innovative materials or tech that help keep the body at a comfortable temperature for sleeping.
When is the best time to buy a mattress topper?
Good value mattress topper deals come up regularly throughout the year. Usually at least one of the toppers in our guide will have a discount at any given time. That said, there are some key periods that tend to offer slightly bigger discounts. November is when we normally see some of the best Black Friday mattress topper deals from the biggest names in sleep, and these usually form part of the wider Black Friday mattress sales.
In February, there are big discounts in the Presidents Day mattress sales; and in May there's always a wide variety of toppers on sale during Memorial Day. We also tend to see decent deals during the summer sales, on Labor Day in September, and in early December with Cyber Monday.
Mattress toppers vs mattress pads vs protectors
This is a common question, but there’s an easy way to tell the difference between these three main mattress accessories:
Mattress toppers, also known as bed toppers, are the thickest of the three and are designed to sit right on top of your mattress. They are usually anchored in place by thick straps that go over and under your mattress. You can buy toppers that are up to seven inches deep, and their goal is to make your bed more comfortable for your body. That could be by adding firmer support or quilted top softness, or even dedicated cooling gels to dissipate body heat.
Mattress pads are thinner and therefore make less of an impact than toppers. Some people choose them if they aren’t sure whether they need a full bed topper, but keep in mind that mattress pads won’t add anywhere near as much comfort as a proper topper will. They are cheaper though and can add a layer of protection to help protect your bed from stains.
Mattress protectors are the thinnest of the three but they play a very important role: they are designed to keep spills, dust, urine, dust mites and pesky bed bugs away from your mattress. We always recommend placing a protector over your mattress topper for maximum hygiene, and to help all of your accessories last longer, giving you more value for money in the long-term.
What are the benefits of a mattress topper?
If your mattress is still in good condition, but isn’t quite right – maybe it’s too soft, too firm, or not cooling enough – then there will be a mattress topper to help. Bed toppers are a simple way to transform any mattress, instantly, cheaply and easily, with just a few inches of memory foam, latex, or feathers providing that little extra something you need.
If you’re looking to bring the temperature down, try a bed topper with cooling qualities such as a gel-infused top or a sweat-wicking cover. Many come with covers that can be removed and washed too, making it easier to keep fresh.
Most mattress toppers are around 3 inches thick, but there are many that are deeper if you need extra support or stability beyond your existing mattress. If you need more relief for pressure points, then a memory foam topper is ideal.
Mattress topper materials guide: foam, gel, latex
There are countless number of mattress toppers available, so it can be difficult to know what to choose. Here’s a quick guide to the three main materials that you’ll find in bed toppers and the benefits of each.
Memory foam – a popular material used to make many of the best mattresses in a box, memory foam bed toppers are a cheap and easy way to change up your mattress, making it softer or firmer depending on what you need. If you get chilly, then memory foam is a cosier option as it tends to retain heat, although there are some cooling options too.
Gel – if you sleep hot then bed toppers made with cooling gel-infused foam are designed to keep your body temperature at a cooler level as you sleep. These are often cool to the touch, which is total bliss for hot sleepers. Look out for gel-infused toppers that also have washable and antimicrobial covers, which is essential for keeping your bed topper hygienic if you sweat.
Latex – natural latex is extremely durable, nicely springy and breathable making it ideal if you’re looking for something long-lasting and hard-wearing on top of the comfort. Latex mattress toppers are often a good choice for RVs/campervans. To find out which type of latex is best for you, take a look at our Dunlop vs Talalay latex comparison guide.
How thick should a mattress topper be?
Mattress toppers can range in thickness greatly, from just an inch or two to eight inches or more. However, a happy medium for most is around four inches, and those under two inches should probably be avoided.
A thin topper is unlikely to actually provide much extra support or cushioning, and in use you're likely to 'bottom out', meaning your pressure points won't really be feeling any difference compared to your mattress alone.
Those that are too thick, however (especially standard memory foam toppers), will have you sinking deeply into the topper. While some might enjoy this, it can prove problematic when it comes to moving around in bed. You might find yourself feeling a little trapped, and if it doesn't spring back into shape immediately you could also struggle to get comfy when you change position.
While it all depends on your preference and what material you've chosen, we think between two to four inches is the best for a mattress topper.
Are mattress toppers good for back and hip pain?
If you suffer from back ache and suspect it could be caused by your mattress, it could just take adding a mattress topper to help relieve the pain. Side sleepers, for instance, should be properly supported along the spine and at the pressure points, something a memory foam topper can help with.
If you’re sinking too much into your mattress, that can push your spine out of alignment, so a firmer topper will help even straighten things out. The same is true for a mattress that is too firm, which can quickly cause soreness. A mattress topper with a softer surface, such as a plush top, will soon transform your sleep and make it less painful at pressure points too.
If your pain is severe or persistent then check with a healthcare professional, who should be able to advise you further.
The best way to wash a mattress topper
When browsing for mattress toppers online, check to see what the care instructions are, because not all bed toppers can be washed, although you should still be able to spot clean them. Meanwhile, some mattress toppers are machine washable, while others offer a middle ground with a removable washable cover.
Whatever the care instructions are for your bed topper, using the best mattress protector you can afford will help keep the topper fresh and protected against accidental spills, sweat and dust mites. It’s always a good idea to freshen up your topper by airing it regularly if you can.
Gel vs memory foam mattress toppers
Memory foam bed toppers dominate the market and provide affordable, effective ways of both firming up or softening your current mattress, depending on the thickness you choose. However, cheaper versions often suffer from heat retention, which can make some sleepers overheat at night.
Gel and gel-infused foams perform much in the same was as memory foam toppers but have technologies baked in to help dissipate heat. This is great if you tend to run hot, but many premium foams without gel have other ways of dissipating heat. We pit two of these types against one another in our Saatva vs Tempur-Pedic mattress toppers article.
