The best memory foam mattress toppers can soften a firm bed, adding an extra layer of cushioning to ease aches and pains. We've tested all the best mattress toppers you can buy online and here we're focusing on squishy, cushioned all-foam favorites.
Memory foam mattress toppers can do more than just cushioning, although for most shoppers, some extra padding is the main aim. But our expert testers have rounded up foam toppers to help soften, cool and even firm-up your current mattress.
A mattress topper can extend the lifespan of your bed but it won't fix a broken mattress — if yours is past saving, check out our guide to this year's best mattresses. Otherwise, keep scrolling for our top-rated memory foam mattress toppers.
The best memory foam mattress toppers in 2026
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Best memory foam mattress topper overall
The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt topper is the kind of premium option you'd expect from the brand known for making some of the best luxury mattresses around.
It's not cheap, but it is the most affordable way to inject some Tempur magic into your room. The plush memory foam (called 'Tempur Material') molds to the sleeper's shape, offering outstanding pressure relief and soothing cushioning. The softer feel is perfect for side sleepers and those looking to make their bed a little more plush, but stomach sleepers (and some back sleepers) might find it unsupportive.
Tempur Material is meant to regulate temperature, but our main tester woke up slightly warm some mornings (we had the same issue in our Tempur-Adapt mattress review). If you're a chronically hot sleeper, the Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Topper was a marked improvement in cooling when we tested it. We also recommend the Molecule CopperWELL (#4).
One disappointing thing, given the higher price, is that this topper doesn't come with a trial period, and it's also the only model on this list (as far as we can see) that doesn't allow returns unless there's a fault. As a result, it's a bit of a risk if you're not already familiar with how Tempur Material feels.
Our top tip is to keep an eye out for a deal – there are semi-regular Tempur-Pedic mattress sales that knock 40% off MSRP on this topper, which makes it a lot more affordable. Amazon also sells this topper (often at a lower price than Tempur-Pedic) and allows returns.
- Read more: Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt Topper review
Best soft memory foam mattress topper
The 3" Casper Comfy Mattress Topper will please sleepers who need to soften up a firm mattress in a major way. It comprises two types of mattress foams: a plush top panel of memory foam and a denser base foam, all wrapped in a smart grey knit cover.
We were extremely impressed with this topper when we tested it out. The sleep surface cradles your body and offers excellent pressure relief, but it's still responsive enough that you can still move around easily.
This plush cushioning is perfect for side sleepers who need softness around their hips and shoulders in this position. Both layers of foam are perforated to help disperse heat, and our tester found the temperature regulation very effective here.
Any downsides to be aware of? While our main tester found this topper comfortable in all sleep positions, their preference is for a softer bed, and in general, we'd recommend something slightly firmer for those who like to sleep on their stomach or back, or for heavier individuals. (See the Viscosoft at #5).
It's also annoying that while the cover is removable, Casper doesn't recommend machine washing it – officially, it's spot-clean only. The lack of straps means you're relying on gravity to anchor it to your bed, too (we'd suggest adding a mattress protector or fitted sheet to keep it in place).
Price-wise, this sits in the upper mid-range market and offers excellent build quality on par with the best Casper mattresses plus great value for money. If you have cash to splash for something more luxurious, definitely check out the Tempur-Pedic straight above.
This topper comes with a 30-night sleep trial to make sure it's right for you. It's not the longest on our list, but some toppers don't come with a trial at all. There's also a 5-year warranty included.
- Read more: Casper Comfy mattress topper review
Best affordable memory foam mattress topper
If you're on a tight budget and just want to give your current bed a plush upgrade, take a look at this Lucid Gel Memory Foam option.
At 2,3, or 4 inches tall, this topper is thick enough to mask all manner of lumps and bumps beneath, and it's very squishy. It's best suited to side sleepers seeking extra cushioning and pressure relief along their shoulders and knees.
Back and front sleepers are likely to find this topper uncomfortable and unsupportive. We'd also advise steering clear if you have any sort of lower back pain, as the lack of support could exacerbate that. (The Viscosoft at #5 would be ideal, although that is a fair bit pricier).
The Lucid topper is perforated and infused with cooling gel to stop it from trapping too much body heat, a common issue with cheap memory foam. Our testers found it did a decent job at temperature regulation, although if you struggle with overheating at night, this might not work for you.
Aside from the cooling features, the design is about as basic as it comes – it's just a big old chunk of foam with no cover and no straps to keep it in place. There is the option to add a cover for an extra fee over at Amazon – but again, no straps.
There are also question marks around its durability. Lucid includes a 3-year warranty, but some Amazon reviews suggest it might not last that long with regular use. Alternatively, for ultra-basic options, head to our guide for the best cheap mattress toppers under $50.
- Read more: Lucid Gel Memory Foam Topper review
Best cooling memory foam topper
The best memory foam mattress topper for hot sleepers is the Molecule CopperWELL Topper.
Memory foam can have a habit of trapping body heat, which means it's not always the best choice for those who naturally run warm. However, this copper-infused topper is designed with temperature regulation in mind, and delivers on those promises.
During our review period, our testers slept cool on this topper no matter how much bedding they placed over it or what the weather was doing and found it offered an experience on par with some of the best cooling mattresses they'd tested.
However, our one big complaint is that this topper does not come with a cover, which the brand says is deliberate so you can feel the full benefit of the breathable open-cell design. Honestly, this can be a nuisance if you want an easy clean.
The sleep feel is medium-firm (around a 6/10 in terms of firmness) and while we found it comfortable in all sleep positions, we felt most at ease resting on our side. The 7-zoned surface provides plusher pressure relief along the shoulders, hips, and knees.
This is a mid-range topper that's rarely on sale, though we have seen some discounts around holidays such as Labor Day. While this bed topper isn't as cheap as the cooling gel-infused Lucid Gel Memory Foam Topper (#3), the ultra-cool CopperWELL has much more advanced temperature control, making it a worthy investment if you sleep warm.
- Read more: Molecule CopperWELL Mattress Topper review
Best firm memory foam mattress topper
If you have a too-soft mattress, the best memory foam mattress topper for you comes from Viscosoft. This medium-firm topper contains two different layers of foam and offers some subtle cradling on the joints rather than a full memory foam 'hug'.
This stable cushioning may be just what you're looking for if you're a back sleeper (or even a front sleeper) who needs support along the lumbar to keep everything properly aligned. During our testing period, we were impressed with how this topper distributed our reviewer's body weight evenly.
As the name suggests, the Viscosoft Active Cooling Mattress Topper is designed to relieve hot sleepers. Our testers were pretty impressed with this topper's temperature regulation properties. While we had no issues with overheating, for maximum cooling, consider looking out for the Molecule just above it.
At full MSRP this Viscosoft topper is pricey, but there seems to be a permanent discount that makes it more affordable than the MSRP would suggest. A 5-year warranty applies. And if you're keen on coordinating your topper to match the aesthetic of your room, this is the only topper that's also available in a black colorway.
How we test memory foam mattress toppers
At Tom's Guide our mattress topper review process is editorially independent and not influenced by any third parties. We test each mattress topper for a minimum of three weeks, which gives time for the body to adjust to the feel.
We test each memory foam mattress topper in key areas such as comfort, support and pressure relief, plus performance areas including motion isolation and temperature regulation. Other important considerations are delivery, setup, and off-gassing. We then score the topper on a scale out of five.
Comfort is subjective, so to ensure we get a well-rounded view of the memory foam mattress topper, we ask a testing panel to try it out. This testing panel includes people of different builds and sleep preferences, so we can best understand which sleepers the topper will suit.
As well as our first-hand testing experience, we also analyze customer reviews. This helps us identify any common complaints (or positives) and better understand how the topper is performing for a wide cross section.
While the testing process here is slightly different, our mattress testing methodology guide can help you better understand our topper testing process.
Memory foam mattress topper FAQs
How to choose the best memory foam mattress topper
When it comes to choosing the best memory foam mattress topper you’ll want to pay mind to the following...
Firmness level
Depending on what you’re looking to address with a mattress topper, you’ll want to pick either a plush or firm one. The taller the bed topper, the softer it'll be.
A soft, plush topper is great for those who want to sink into bed at night and be cradled in support from all sides. Especially ideal for side sleepers, these types of mattress toppers aid in more pressure relief compared to firmer toppers.
However, for those who need more support during the night – particularly back and stomach sleepers – a firm topper will provide a more sturdy surface to promote spinal alignment.
Temperature regulation
If you’re a hot sleeper, you’ll want to choose a memory foam mattress topper that's ventilated to increase airflow. You can also opt for a foam topper that's infused with cooling elements to draw away heat – for instance, graphite, gel, or copper. Some memory foam mattress toppers include covers made from breathable materials to aid in cooling.
Cost
Purchasing a mattress topper is always going to be a more economical alternative to buying a new mattress outright. However, prices vary among bed toppers. For a short-term solution that'll tide you over until you're ready to buy a new mattress in a year or two, a budget-priced topper should suit just fine.
On the other hand, if you're hoping for a longer-term fix – for instance, you're a student who doesn't want to spend four years on an uncomfortable dorm cot – spending a little extra will go a long way in enjoying continuous nights of restful, quality sleep. (If you're wondering whether it's worth a proper upgrade, our ranking of the best mattresses for college students has plenty of budget-friendly picks.)
When is the best time to buy a memory foam mattress topper?
Historically, brands save their best mattress deals for Black Friday, and the same is true for mattress toppers. But lately, we've seen Black Friday sleep deals tied or even beaten during other major holidays such as Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day.
The best time to buy a memory foam mattress topper is when you need one, but if possible, try to time your purchase around holidays to reap the benefits of landing a great deal.
What's the difference between foam and memory foam mattress toppers?
At first glance, you may think that all foam toppers are memory foam but that’s not the case, even though they may look similar.
Unlike traditional foam, memory foam has more density and viscosity. It creates a ‘hug-like’ feel that cradles the body at every point for ideal pressure relief and comfort that traditional foam doesn’t do in the same way. Additionally, memory foam springs back into shape a lot quicker than regular foam.
Memory foam is typically more expensive than its standard foam counterparts because of these properties, but there are affordable options available at many online retailers to browse and shop. You'll find them discounted during year-long mattress sales.
How do you clean a memory foam mattress topper?
Most memory foam mattress toppers come with a cover that you can put in your washer and dryer. Care instructions will vary by brand, so make sure to read them carefully. (For instance, the cover. for the Casper Comfy Topper is spot-clean only.)
We recommend cleaning your foam mattress topper every one to two months. For general maintenance, you can simply run your vacuum using a soft brush attachment through both sides of the memory foam (sans cover).
For stains and spills, time is of the essence so you'll want to tackle them immediately. Spot-cleaning will be your best bet here. You can use either a commercial stain remover or a mixture of baking soda with vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Check the care instructions to be sure.
Since memory foam is porous, you'll need to make sure your topper is totally dry before placing it back on your mattress. Otherwise, it'll breed mold and mildew, which will make the foam stink (at best).
Cleaning your memory foam mattress topper properly will help it last a long time, as will knowing how to store your memory foam bed topper when it's not in use.
How thick should a memory foam mattress topper be?
The ideal mattress topper thickness is between two and four inches tall. A two-inch memory foam mattress topper is best for new beds that need a little extra cushioning, while a thicker topper will better suit older beds that need a more of a comfort overhaul.
Any thicker than four inches and you might find your mattress becomes too tall to climb comfortably. And if you think you need a topper this thick to fix your bed, you're probably better off looking for a new mattress.
Thinner than two inches and you'll likely find it doesn't do much to change the feel of your bed. There are some exceptions to this rule but good mattress toppers under two inches thick tend to use high-density foams such as latex, or multiple foam layers.
