One of the many keys to getting quality sleep is having a comfortable bed. Often though, our beds don’t provide the optimal sleep environment. Sometimes the mattress isn’t cool enough, making it difficult to fall and stay asleep (or worse, causes night sweats), or perhaps it’s too firm or too soft for our liking. Whatever the case, there’s one simple solution: Adding a mattress topper to your bed. Even better? Adding one of the best mattress toppers according to sleep experts.
What is a mattress topper?
A mattress topper is exactly as it sounds: a layer, usually made out of memory foam or another material, that goes on top of your mattress. Angela Holliday-Bell, MD, a board-certified physician and certified sleep specialist, explains that a mattress topper can help change the feel of a mattress by either making it softer or firmer, and provides added support making it more comfortable to sleep on. Ken Hansraj, MD, a New York-based spinal surgeon, adds that a mattress topper can also provide a cooling effect to a mattress that tends to feel too hot and disrupts your sleep.
Do you need a mattress topper?
With that in mind, Dr. Holliday-Bell notes you don’t necessarily need a mattress topper if you’re already happy with the feel and temperature of your current mattress. But if you’re not, or if your mattress is on the older side, getting a mattress topper is a great way to make your bed more comfortable. Dr. Todd Sinett, a New York City-based chiropractor, says mattress toppers are also great for people with back pain due to an old and worn-out mattress. “The extra layer of cushioning and support provided by the topper can help reduce the pressure on the back and provide some relief,” he says. There is a caveat, though: “If you have a medical condition, it is always best to consult a doctor before using a mattress topper.”
That said, Dr. Holliday-Bell notes a mattress topper is not a good option for a significantly old mattress (i.e. one with lumps and dips). A mattress topper will enhance the mattress, she says, but it won’t make up for significant issues.
What to look for in a mattress topper
When you’re shopping for a mattress topper, what to look for depends on the feel you want to achieve, the support you need to satisfy your sleep needs, and what feels the most comfortable for you. “For example, if you desire a softer mattress, then look for a soft plush mattress topper,” Dr. Holliday-Bell says.
She also advises paying attention to the materials the mattress topper is made of and its quality, thickness, and temperature regulating properties. Dr. Sinett adds that the best mattress toppers should also be breathable and bonus points if they’re also hypoallergenic.
Best memory foam mattress toppers
“It’s great because it comes in two firmness levels, both soft and firm, and it also has an anti-slip grip and elastic corners to help it stay in place,” Dr. Holliday-Bell says. “It is a bit pricey, but worth the splurge.”
This mattress topper is available in all standard mattress sizes from twin to California king and it offers 2.5 inches of thickness. Bonus: It’s also hypoallergenic, pairs with any type of mattress (latex, memory foam, hybrid) and is made of breathable materials. Puffy offers a risk-free trial. In other words, you have nothing to lose.
Pros:
- Two firmness levels
- Anti-slip grip
- Elastic, non-slip corners
- Hypoallergenic
- Breathable
- 101-night trial
Cons:
- Expensive
If you want a memory foam mattress that is a bit thicker, try this one by Temper-Pedic, which boasts 3 inches of cushion that, like the brand’s mattresses, features tech that responds to your body providing personalized support. “Tempur-Pedic is the gold standard for all things memory foam,” Dr. Sinett says. And if you’re a hot sleeper, you have the option of adding cooling technology to this mattress topper.
Pros:
- Extra plush
- Elastic, non-slip corners
- Contours and supports body shape
- Machine washable
- Trial and 10-year warranty
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not as breathable as other options
Best cooling mattress toppers
Dr. Holliday-Bell gives this cooling mattress her stamp of approval. Here’s why: “It’s covered in a comfortable cooling gel-infused luxury memory foam fabric which keeps you comfortable while still providing a cooling effect,” she says. This mattress topper features 2 inches of height and comes with straps that hold it in place while you sleep.
Pros:
- Cooling
- Plush
- Contours and supports body shape
- 30-night trial
Cons:
- Expensive
“I like this one because it’s made in the USA and has a 100-sleep guarantee,” Dr. Sinett says. “I love a brand that allows you to try products and return them if they aren’t a fit for you. And they have a 10-year warranty.” Even better? This mattress topper featuring 2 inches in height, is natural and non-toxic, and made with natural and organic materials including organic cotton, Birch wool, and natural latex.
Pros:
- Organic materials
- Breathable
- Sleep trial and 10-year warranty
- Breathable
Cons:
- Expensive
- No anti-slip straps
Best firm mattress toppers
With this firm mattress topper, look forward to 3 inches of memory foam support. “It’s great because it is made with the pressure relieving material that the Tempur-pedic mattresses are known for and adapts to your body making it great to relieve pressure points,” Dr. Holliday-Bell says. “It could be too firm for some but great if you are looking for a firm topper.”
Pros:
- Extra thick
- Elasticated, non-slip straps
- Hypoallergenic
Cons:
- No warranty or sleep trial
“For pressure relief and associated support needed for back pain, I recommend Nolah’s mattress topper for its durability, pressure relief, and moisture-wicking organic cover layer,” Dr. Hansraj says. This one is also a great cooling mattress topper option that’s made out of Nolah AirFoam
technology, which is said to be a more comfortable, durable, and cooler alternative material to memory foam.
Pros:
- Available in two firmness options
- Cooling
- Elasticated, non-slip corner straps
- 10-year warranty
Cons:
- Expensive
- Only 2″ thick—might not be thick enough for those who prefer firm toppers
Best latex mattress toppers
If you’re looking for a good latex mattress option, Dr. Hansraj recommends this one by Saatva. “I am a great fan of the Saatva Natural Latex Topper for its promotion of spinal alignment, regulation of body temperature, and use of latex which is a natural and healthy material,” he says. Note this one features 1.5 inches of thickness, which is less than some other mattress toppers. So if you’re looking for a super plushy and cushiony mattress topper, this one may not be it. Plus, Dr. Hansraj notes it’s not ideal for people with latex allergies.
Pros:
- Organic materials
- Breathable
- Sleep trial and 1-year warranty
Cons:
- Expensive
- Only 1.5-inches thick
- Spot clean only
Best gel mattress toppers
For a gel mattress topper option, Dr. Holliday-Bell suggests trying this one by Serta. It’s more affordable than other mattress toppers, is breathable, cooling (thanks to its gel-infused memory foam), and comes in 2 and 3 inch thicknesses.
Pros:
- Available in two thickness options
- Cooling
- Contours and supports body shape
- Affordable
Cons:
- No anti-slip straps
- No sleep trial or warranty
Best mattress pads
If you don’t need more support, maybe a mattress pad will do the trick. Dr. Sinett explains a mattress pad’s primary purpose is to protect the mattress from spills and stains by providing a layer between the sheets and mattress. If that’s all you need, Dr. Holliday-Bell says this organic quilted mattress pad by Avocado is a good option.
Pros:
- Organic
- Elastic, non-slip skirt
- Doubles as a mattress protector
- Machine washable
Cons:
- Expensive
- Might not be thick enough for some sleepers
Dr. Hansraj is also a fan of the Saatva organic mattress pad. It’s made out of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton, fits mattresses up to 16 inches high, and comes in traditional mattress sizes as well as other sizes such as twin XL, split king, queen upper flex, and king upper-flex.
Pros:
- Organic
- Elastic, non-slip sleep skirt
- Machine washable
- 1-year warranty
- Doubles as a mattress protector
Cons:
- Expensive
- Might not be thick enough for some sleepers
FAQs
What is the best mattress topper that is not memory foam?
Not a fan of memory foam mattress toppers? Dr. Holliday-Bell says a feather mattress topper can also add some softness, while a latex mattress topper can add support. Dr. Sinett agrees. “From a chiropractor’s perspective, latex mattress toppers are a great alternative to memory foam as they are naturally soft and supportive,” he says. “They are also hypoallergenic and breathable, making them a great choice for people who suffer from allergies. Additionally, latex mattress toppers are very durable and can last for many years. Personally speaking, featherbeds are extra soft and simply divine.”
What mattress topper makes a bed softer?
If you’re looking for softness, hands down, experts recommend going with a memory foam mattress topper. Dr. Holliday-Bell notes these help relieve pressure points. And, Dr. Sinett adds, memory foam mattress toppers contour to the body and provide a cushioning effect. “Memory foam can provide the right amount of support and cushioning, and should be able to conform to the body’s shape for comfort,” he says.
What is the best mattress topper for a firm bed?
Dr. Sinett says memory foam mattress toppers are also the best mattress toppers for firm beds. “They are able to provide cushioning and support without making the bed too soft,” he says. “Latex mattress toppers are also a good choice, as they can provide a more supportive feel without sacrificing comfort.”