Tom's Guide Verdict
If you’re looking for extra height and softness on your bed, the 4-inch Lucid Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper offers a ‘hug’ feel that makes it best suited to side sleepers. We found it provided cozy pressure relief to the shoulders and knees in that position, and not too much dipping of the hips. However, back and stomach sleepers will likely find this topper creates too soft a feel for them, and may cause the pelvis to sink too far to keep the spine properly aligned. It performed well at regulating temperature for a lower-mid range topper, but may not suit the hottest of sleepers. If you’re looking to soften up a firmer bed, this could be an affordable way to do so.
Pros
- +
Exquisitely plush
- +
Great for side sleepers
- +
Above-average temp regulation
Cons
- -
Many will find it too soft
- -
Takes some time to set up
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Not a long-term solution
Why you can trust Tom's Guide
The 4-inch Lucid Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper is the tallest of the three height profiles for this topper (the others being 2-inch and 3-inch) but it’s still a budget-friendly option for adding extra softness to your bed — prices start at $74.99 for a twin size. But how does it compare to the more expensive among our best mattress toppers?
After testing a twin-sized, 4-inch Lucid Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper for two weeks, we’ve given our verdict on its performance in temperature regulation, firmness, comfort, detailed exactly what the set-up process involved and evaluated the price and design.
It’s worth noting that while adding a topper can improve the feel of your mattress, and help increase its lifespan, it can’t replicate the performance of the best mattresses out there, and won’t be a solution if your bed really needs replacing. But, to find out more about the Lucid Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper, read on…
Lucid Gel Foam Mattress Topper review in brief
The Lucid Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper is worth considering if you don't want to spend a lot on a bed topper. At 4 inches tall, it'll transform the firmest bed into a plush paradise. It's also perforated, which allows it to breathe better than typical memory foam. Overall, we rank it amongst the best memory foam mattress toppers – although it won't suit everyone, as we'll get into.
The Lucid mattress topper won't win any style points: it's simply a big blue slab of foam. You can buy a separate cover, which has a layer of rubberized dots on the bottom to keep the mattress topper in place. (It otherwise lacks any means of securing the topper to the bed, so make sure you have some deep pocket sheets on hand.)
It took us some time to set up our Lucid mattress topper, as it was quite lumpy when we removed it from its packaging. After 24 hours, it fully took shape so we were able to set it up and ultimately sleep on it then.
Type: Gel-infused memory foam
Cover: None
Straps: None
Depth: 4 inches
Trial period: 30 days
Warranty: 3 years
Price bracket: Lower mid-range
Whilst the topper remained in place on top of our mattress when we slept on it, we just couldn't get comfortable because it made our existing bed way too soft. Since we didn't have another twin-sized bed to use, we finished our testing by placing the Lucid mattress topper on the floor to simulate the effect it would have on a firmer bed.
We were most comfortable sleeping on our sides, as the Lucid's exceptional pressure relief allowed the shoulders and knees to relax. However, our head tester carries most of her weight in her mid-section, which meant her pelvis sank when resting on her front or back. That also put her in danger of re-injuring her lower back.
However, the Lucid Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper impressed us when it came to temperature regulation. Its ventilated design combined with an infusion of cooling gel meant we didn't get too overheated. That's not to say we didn't experience some trapped heat, but it was fairly minimal for us.
This is one of the more affordable mattress toppers out there, with a starting MSRP of $74.99 for a twin. You might even be able to pick one up for below that if you keep an eye out for a mattress topper deal. If you're really strapped for cash, be aware that there are even cheaper options out there (head to our best cheap mattress topper under $50 ranking for our picks).
Keep in mind that you'll be making some concessions for that lower price, though. There are questions surrounding the longevity of the Lucid mattress topper (a 3-year limited warranty is included, which is somewhat reassuring). Thus, we recommend the Lucid Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper if you need a short-term fix or are hoping to spruce up a seldom-used guest bed.
Lucid Mattress Topper review: Materials
- A 4-inch slab of perforated gel-infused memory foam
- Foam is CertiPUR-US certified and hypoallergenic
- An optional cover adds non-stick grips to keep it in place
The Lucid mattress topper is a blue, 4-inch slab of gel-infused memory foam dotted with perforations to increase airflow. It's a straightforward yet practical design meant to comfortably envelop sleepers without overheating them. Lucid claims its foams are CertiPUR-US certified and hypoallergenic, which means they're free from harmful toxins and are less prone to trigger allergies.
A cover is not included as standard, but you can purchase one separately or as part of a bundle. The cover is machine-washable and features a layer of rubberized dots on the bottom to help keep the mattress topper in place.
Just like our bedsheets, mattress toppers are prone to developing buildup due to sweat, dead skin, and grease. Learn how to clean a mattress topper for healthy, hygienic sleep.
Lucid Mattress Topper review: Price & deals
- The 4-inch model is lower-mid range in price at full MSRP from Lucid, but discounts bring it lower
- Also retails at Amazon, Wayfair and more, sometimes on sale
- Lucid offer a 3-year warranty and a 30-day sleep trial
The Lucid Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper comes in three height profiles; 2-inch, 3-inch and the 4-inch model that we tested. While the less lofty toppers are, naturally, cheaper, the 4-inch version starts at $74.99 for a twin-size when purchased direct from the brand, which is still affordably lower-mid range.
It’s worth keeping an eye out for mattress topper deals, as well as checking out retailers such as Wayfair and Amazon, who also sell this topper (though Wayfair appears to currently only sell it with an added cover) and sometimes run discounts.
The 4” Lucid Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper is priced as following when at full MSRP:
- Twin: $74.99
- Twin XL: $89.99
- Full: $99.99
- Full XL: $104.99
- Queen: $119.99
- King: $149.99
- California King: $149.99
Although there was no sale on at Lucid at the time of writing, the brand is currently offering 5% off if you buy two, or 8% off if you buy three, which could be handy if you’re upgrading several beds at the same time.
They also offer a 3-year warranty and a 30-day sleep trial (which is also the length of Lucid’s returns period). Amazon and Wayfair offer the same warranty length, and 30 day returns, as of May 2025.
If budget is a real sticking point, our guide to the best cheap mattress toppers under $50 has some great alternatives to the Lucid. Or, you could consider the Linenspa Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper, which isn’t as tall. The topper comes in a 2-inch profile (starting at $39.99 for a twin) and a 3-inch (starting at $59.99 for a twin), and is made from similar materials to the Lucid. In our Linenspa vs Lucid mattress topper showdown we noted that the Linenspa was rated very highly in user reviews.
If you’re looking for a cooling topper and have more money to play with, the Molecule CopperWELL Mattress Topper is another option. At 3-inches tall, it’s slightly smaller than the Lucid, but it’s made from copper gel-infused memory foam and has an open-cell structure that led to our Molecule CopperWell Mattress Topper reviewer praising the cool sleep it provided.
There’s also the bonus of support thanks to its 7-zoned design. However, all that doesn’t come cheap, as prices start at $179.99 for a twin. You will get a 30-night trial and a 5-year limited warranty when you purchase direct from Molecule, as well as free shipping and returns.
Lucid Mattress Topper review: Design & features
- A basic design – just a 4-inch slab of blue foam
- Air holes and cooling gel promote a cooler night's sleep
- Open-cell construction makes it resistant to impressions
The design of the Lucid Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper won't win any style points. It's literally a 4-inch slice of dense blue foam. But unlike the similar Linenspa topper, Lucid ventilates its memory foam to promote better airflow. This is a savvy decision by Lucid, as memory foam is prone to trapping heat.
Of course, the material of the foam itself shouldn't be overlooked. It's infused with cooling gel – once again, another means of keeping sleepers comfortably dry. It also has an open-cell construction to enhance breathability and prevent indentations. We could firmly place our hand on it and it'd leave an impression – but the Lucid topper would snap back into place almost instantly.
There's no cover included, but you can purchase one separately if you wish. This will safeguard the Lucid mattress topper from spills and stains – and with a bottom layer of non-slip dots, it'll also help the topper stay put. If you forego the cover, a deep-enough fitted sheet will secure the topper just fine. You can also wrap it in one of the best mattress protectors to save it from stains.
Lucid Mattress Topper review: Performance
- May take at least a day for it to fully take shape
- Best suited for side sleepers who want a tall, plush bed
- Temperature regulation is above-average for the cost
We slept on a twin Lucid Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper for about two weeks, evaluating it in accordance with our mattress methodology. Key areas of evaluation include overall comfort (support and firmness), temperature regulation, and ease of set-up.
To supplement our experience with the Lucid mattress topper, we also analyzed verified customer reviews from Amazon, which is where majority of all feedback for this topper exists. Here's how we got on...
Set-up and off-gassing
Score: 3/5
We'll preface this by saying our Lucid Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper had been sealed up for quite some time. Per the label on the box, it was manufactured in June, and we didn't unbox it until early November. Like its full-sized bed-in-a-box counterparts, it arrived rolled up and vacuum-sealed in plastic. After unwrapping and unraveling it, we had a lumpy, uneven slab of foam on our hands.


Per the instructions Lucid provided, we placed our foam topper on a flat surface in a well-ventilated room. Since it was close to bedtime, we left it in our back room to fully take shape overnight, and by the following day it had expanded and evened out. From there, we were able to place it atop our mattress and secure it with a fitted sheet. Weighing a mere 14lbs, it was rather easy for one person to maneuver. (It weighs as much as 27lbs at its largest.)
Lucid recommends waiting up to 48 hours for the topper to fully expand, although you can sleep on it as soon as it reaches its approximate size. The process for us took about 24 hours between the initial unboxing and when we finally slept on it. We certainly recommend planning ahead and making space for the topper to properly take shape.
A characteristic of memory foam is a harmless 'chemical' scent known as off-gassing. The Lucid mattress topper is no different, but it was hardly offensive. We made sure to keep our back room well-ventilated, which largely mitigated the smell come morning.
Firmness and support
Score: 3/5
The 4-inch Lucid Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper will appeal to a certain type of sleeper who likes sinking into their bed. Our lead reviewer does not fit that description, but she did her very best to keep an open mind.
Perhaps our first error was placing the Lucid topper on a relaxed firm Saatva Loom & Leaf mattress, which not only made the bed too tall for our lead reviewer at a lofty 16 inches, but also made it way too soft for her to soundly sleep on it, especially since she's just recovered from a back injury. We had just completed our Loom & Leaf mattress review, and though it's not a super plush mattress on its own, it's not firm enough to warrant a 4-inch foam topper.
Our alternative? Place the Lucid Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper on the floor in our back room with some basic sheets and a pillow. This wasn't our ideal solution but in the absence of another twin-sized bed, it was the best way for us to simulate how soft the Lucid topper could make a firm sleeping surface.
It took our lead reviewer a couple of nights to adjust to the Lucid topper. It certainly 'hugs' the body, which made shifting positions an arduous task at times. What's more, our head tester is of average build and carries most of her weight in her midsection. Thus, her lumbar dipped below the rest of her body when lying on her back – ditto her pelvis when resting on her front.
Fortunately, she's primarily a side sleeper, and she felt the most comfortable sleeping in that position on the Lucid mattress topper. Her weight was distributed evenly enough that her hips didn't dip too low. Meanwhile, there was a cozy contouring of the shoulders and knees that effectively relieved pressure in those areas.
We also had a couple of guest testers check out the Lucid Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper. Our side/stomach sleeper who likes firmer beds did not get on with this topper at all, whilst our side sleeper who enjoys the hug of her own foam bed thoroughly enjoyed it. This is further proof that it all comes down to preference.
If you want to make your current bed larger and plusher, the Lucid 4-inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper will tick those boxes easily. Otherwise, read our Viscosoft Active Cooling Mattress Topper review for a firmer 4-inch foam topper that'll subtly cradle your body instead.
Temperature regulation
Score: 4/5
On our bed, the Lucid mattress topper was outfitted in a complete poly-cotton blend sheet set plus a mid-weight comforter. When we transferred it to the floor, we wrapped it in a mattress protector and alternated between the mid-weight comforter and a lighter knit blanket.
No matter how we slept on it, we weren't terribly hot. And this was during a time when temperatures were alternating between frigid and unseasonably mild. We'll credit the ventilated design for propagating the airflow so that we slept comfortably, no matter how warm or cool the room was. We did sense some trapped heat on warmer nights, but nothing that was unbearable.
Overall, we're pleasantly surprised at how well the Lucid Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper regulates temperature, especially given its price. However, chronically hot sleepers would benefit from spending a little extra on a premium mattress topper with stronger cooling tech – or purchasing a proper cooling mattress altogether.
Lucid Mattress Topper review: User reviews
- Rated 4.4/5 stars from over 27,000 Amazon reviews
- Praised for its comfortable 'hug' and pressure relief
- Critics say it's too soft and loses its shape easily
Firmness and comfort are subjective, so we're supplementing our review with customer feedback to help pinpoint any obvious trends and issues across a much larger sample size.
The Lucid Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper has accumulated over 67,000 Amazon reviews, with an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars. Plus, 69% of those reviews have received a perfect 5 stars.
Fans of this mattress topper recommend it to anyone who likes feeling hugged by their bed. Side sleepers in particular sing its praises, although there are several back sleepers who also credit the Lucid topper with improving the comfort of their mattress. Some customers even claim that its exceptional pressure relief has done wonders for their backaches and joint pain.
Negative feedback comes from sleepers who find it too squishy or dense, making it difficult for them to shift positions. Meanwhile, some customers find it too warm. There are also some questions regarding the build quality; a number of complaints claim the Lucid mattress topper tears easily and leaves dents after a while.
Lucid includes a 3-year warranty with its foam mattress topper, which indicates how long the company believes it'll last with regular use. That seems about right, given its rather economical cost. The Lucid topper should serve you well if you're merely waiting until you can purchase a new mattress. You can also place it in a rarely-used guest room to help expand its lifespan.
Should you buy the Lucid Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper?
If your current mattress feels like you're resting atop a granite slab (and you're bothered by that), the 4-inch Lucid Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper will transform it into a lusher, plusher bed. But trust us when we say this is one squishy piece of foam, and that isn't going to appeal to everyone.
Side sleepers are most likely to benefit from this mattress topper, as it does a fine job of alleviating pressure along the shoulders and knees. Back sleepers who like a softer bed will also find it cozy. On the other hand, it may not distribute your weight evenly, leading to pain. Plus, if you like to swap positions at night, this topper could be too dense to do so with ease.
The gel-infused foam and ventilated design culminate in above-average temperature regulation, relative to its low cost. It'll still trap heat, though, and if you're a chronically hot sleeper, the Lucid may not be enough for you. Consider the Molecule or Viscosoft mattress toppers instead; they're each pricier but have better cooling tech.
The Lucid Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper is a budget-friendly model, so temper your expectations accordingly when it comes to durability. A 3-year warranty means you'll get at least that much use out of it – and it'll serve as a suitable solution until you can secure a new, longer-lasting mattress.
There's no formal trial period, but chances are you'll be buying the Lucid Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper at Amazon. Thus, you should familiarize yourself with the process of how to return a mattress on Amazon, as much of that protocol will also apply to toppers.

Based in Philadelphia, USA, freelance writer and editor Alison Barretta has been sharing buying advice and retail news for over 15 years. Since 2020 she's been helping Tom's Guide expand its robust library of sleep content by researching the latest trends, speaking with renowned experts, and going behind the scenes at Saatva, Casper, Sleep Number, Tempur-Pedic, and 3Z Brands. Alison has reviewed everything from budget memory foam mattresses and luxurious innerspring beds to immersive sound pods and $7,000 smart beds that automatically adjust to your every move. When she isn't reviewing mattresses or searching for great deals to save you money, Alison can be found practicing yoga and martial arts, experimenting with recipes, getting too invested in the Philadelphia Flyers, and snoozing with her cat / assistant mattress tester Alex.
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