Best Mattress Toppers of 2024: Buyer’s Guide

Amerisleep Lift Mattress Topper Overview

We recommend Amerisleep’s Lift mattress topper because it’s available as soft or firm, allowing you to modify your bed as you need, and it features zoned support technology to facilitate healthy spinal alignment and prevent aches and pains.

The Amerisleep Lift topper ships free and comes with the protection of a 5-year warranty.

Zoma Balance Pad Overview

As the name implies, Zoma’s Balance Pad provides the perfect mix of comfort and support. The topper can add a plusher feel to an overly firm mattress and keep you from sinking into an excessively soft bed. This medium feel can suit different sleeping styles quite well, perfect for solo sleepers and couples.

The Zoma Balance Pad comes with free shipping and a 5-year warranty.

Viscosoft Select High Density Mattress Topper Overview

When shopping mattress toppers, sleepers often gravitate toward ones that are durable, sturdy support. After all, toppers are often purchased to give new life to an older mattress, so shoppers seek maximum bang for their buck. When it comes to dense foam that can withstand nightly wear and tear, Viscosoft Select High Density Mattress Topper is our top recommendation.

Viscosoft’s foam toppers ship free and come with a 90-day return policy and a 5-year warranty.

Nolah Mattress Topper Overview

Memory foam is a popular material inside toppers, as the foam adapts swiftly to hug the body. It can also add a softer or firmer feel, depending on the memory foam’s structure. The Nolah Mattress Topper is one such memory foam topper available in both soft and firm feels, with specialty memory foam with increased pressure-relieving capabilities and a cooling structure encased inside cotton fabric.

The Nolah Mattress Topper ships free and includes a 30-day trial period and a 10-year warranty.

Saatva Mattress Topper Overview

Couples sometimes struggle to agree on what’s most comfortable in a mattress, and by extension in a mattress topper. The Saatva Mattress Topper is one of our favorites for partners sharing a bed, as couples can choose from one of three materials.

Whatever material you choose, the Saatva Mattress Topper ships free and comes with a 180-night trial period and a 1-year warranty.

Bear Pro Mattress Topper Overview

Allergy symptoms can keep you from getting a full night of restful sleep, so it’s important to do all that you can to minimize irritants inside and outside the bedroom. Toppers can be helpful, preventing allergens from penetrating your sleep surface. The Bear Pro Mattress Topper not only softens a bed, but its copper infusion promotes a cool, clean surface for healthier sleep.

The Bear Pro Mattress Topper comes with free shipping, a 30-night trial period, and a 3-year warranty.

Helix Plush Mattress Topper Overview

Down is often a prized material when it comes to comfort, but the price and harvesting method can put some shoppers off of genuine down. Fiberfill toppers like the Helix Plush Mattress Topper are an inexpensive substitute, and its down alternative fill feels quite gentle, airy, and soft as sleepers stretch out.

The Helix Mattress topper ships free and comes with a 100-nigh trial period and a 1-year warranty.

Brooklyn Bedding Gel Swirl Mattress Topper Overview

While many shoppers turn to mattress toppers as way to improve comfort without overspending, a new topper can still cost a significant amount. Many larger sizes cost a few hundred dollars, keeping those on a tighter budget from the restful sleep they need. For budget shoppers seeking greater comfort, we would have to recommend Brooklyn Bedding Gel Swirl Mattress Topper.

Brooklyn Bedding Gel Swirl Mattress Topper comes with free shipping, a 30-day sleep trial and a 3-year warranty.

Layla Memory Foam Mattress Topper Overview

Many mattresses grow firmer as their cushioning materials lose support, growing flat from years of sleepers stretching out and lying down. So manufacturers often design their toppers to offer a softer feel, like the Layla Memory Foam Mattress Topper delivers. It’s feel is plush, but the design is affordable and durable.

The Layla Memory Foam Mattress Topper ships free and comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a 5-year warranty.

Airweave Mattress Topper Overview

The Airweave Mattress Topper is a firm topper made from a proprietary fabric called Airfiber. Airfiber features material fibers woven together to create tiny air pockets within the topper. This design evenly distributes the weight of the sleeper while promoting good airflow to keep cool air moving through the topper.

Airweave toppers can cost more than some mattresses, but Airweave backs up their toppers with a generous 100-night sleep trial and a 3-year limited warranty. As a bonus, shipping is free to all continental states.

Avocado Green Organic Latex Mattress Topper Overview

Latex mattress toppers are an eco-friendly alternative to the standard synthetic foam topper. Avocado Green’s Latex Mattress Topper is an organic topper made with the same strict standards as the Avocado Green Mattress.

In addition to providing free shipping and free returns within the first year, Avocado also offers a 10-year warranty.

Plushbeds Natural Wool Topper Overview

Wool is another eco-friendly material that can provide cushioning, cooling comfort as you sleep. The Plushbeds Natural Wool Topper is quite thick and plush, and every topper is assembled to order with careful precision.

The Plushbeds Wool Topper ships free and comes with a 1-year warranty.

Mattress Topper Types to Consider

Choosing the best mattress topper means carefully evaluating each type available to you, as you would consider mattress type before buying a new bed. Toppers can vary in terms of the fabrics and materials used as well as the firmness level of each type of topper. Take a peek at the most common mattress topper types.

Memory Foam Mattress Toppers

Memory foam mattress toppers are toppers composed of viscoelastic polyurethane foam. Memory foam was originally developed by NASA, but it has quickly become a popular material for both mattresses and mattress toppers.

Memory foam, originally called temper foam, earned the nickname “memory foam” because the soft foam left a “memory” imprint rather than bouncing back immediately after an individual moved or rolled over. However, most high-quality memory foam mattresses, as well as toppers with the material, are responsive to almost immediately snap back into shape.

Latex Mattress Toppers

Latex mattress toppers are composed of either synthetic latex or natural latex. Natural latex foam is breathable due to the way it is manufactured, and there are eco-friendly toppers with Dunlop latex or Talalay latex foam.

To make a natural latex mattress topper, sap from the rubber tree is prepared (i.e. whipped) into a frothy mixture with several bubbles and then baked. During the baking process, the bubbles create small holes, and it is this porous construction that makes natural latex toppers breathable. Many manufacturers pair it with wool and cotton for a completely organic mattress topper.

Polyester Blend Mattress Toppers

Polyester is a low-cost material, though it also cannot match the full-body support of a foam topper. You may see a polyester topper referred to as “down alternative” or “fiberfill” and typically these toppers are meant to provide a pillowy feel without the cost of down or feather topper.

You may also see polyester mixed with other fibers, such as cotton or bamboo. This can increase the breathability of the topper.

Wool Mattress Toppers

Wool is another natural fabric and is commonly incorporated into organic and eco-friendly toppers. Because of its ability to wick away heat and moisture, wool is a common material in latex mattresses, and you’ll also see wool blankets and wool pillows.

Down and Feather Mattress Toppers

Soft and plush, a down or feather mattress topper sounds fit for a queen. Feather toppers are composed of soft goose down (or a down alternative) and usually encased in a tightly woven cotton cover to prevent the feathers from slipping through tiny gaps in the fabric. Feather toppers provide excellent warmth in the colder months, much the way that a duvet or comforter filled with down would.

Now, technically speaking, down and feather aren’t strictly interchangeable terms, and the term for a topper used tends to depend on whether the fill contains more downy clumps that act as a bird’s under-feathers, or the tougher feathers proper. Different ratios of each create distinct feels and weights.

Mattress Topper Budget

In addition to exploring the types of mattress toppers, it’s also important to consider the price point of each topper. Queen-sized mattress toppers can range anywhere from $40 to more than $800, and you can expect to pay more for a king size mattress topper.

However, not all toppers are created equally. A quality mattress topper can help regulate body temperature, provide comfort, and reduce discomfort on pressure points.

An economy topper may be inexpensive, but it may not provide the long-lasting support you need. Replacing a cheap topper could cost more money in the long run. A $40 egg crate mattress topper may not help you sleep better.

You can get away with an inexpensive topper if you’re looking for a futon mattress topper to bring out for guests. However, you want to choose a high-quality option if you’re looking for a topper to sleep on nightly.

Investing more money in a high-quality topper is even more important if you are using the topper as a way to extend the life of a worn mattress.

Besides looking at the price of the topper itself, look at the other perks included in the price. Some—but not all—companies offer sleep trials and warranties on their mattress toppers. This can be a great advantage if you’re contemplating investing in a more expensive or high-end topper.

You can typically save on a mattress topper by taking advantage of the year’s big mattress sales:

• Best Presidents Day Mattress Sales
• Best Memorial Day Mattress Sales
• Best 4th of July Mattress Sales
• Best Labor Day Mattress Sales
• Best Black Friday Mattress Sales
• Best Cyber Monday Mattress Sales

Toppers often go on sale during these mattress sales, along with other bedding items and sleep accessories like an adjustable bed.

Sleeping Position

Finding the best mattress topper is more than just the right mattress topper type or the right price tag. The right mattress topper for you depends on your preferred sleeping position.

Keep in mind your ideal sleeping position when shopping for a mattress topper.

Side Sleepers

A 2017 study published in “Nature and Science of Sleep” journal found sleepers tend to spend about 54% of the night sleeping on their sides. Sleeping on the side can also help reduce sleep apnea incidences. Because side sleeping is such a popular sleeping position, it’s important to find a topper to supports this position.

Side sleepers require enough cushioning which enables the hips and shoulders to sink into the mattress. This keeps the spine aligned and provides pressure point relief on the hips.

If this is your preferred sleeping position, avoid any topper that is too firm and prevents your hips from sinking into the topper. Mattress toppers for side sleeping should offer soft to medium feels.

Tip for those who prefer side sleeping: A 2003 study ¹ Verified Source ScienceDirect One of the largest hubs for research studies and has published over 12 million different trusted resources. See the source published in the “American College of Cardiology” journal found individuals who prefer sleeping on the right side noted less dyspnea, or cardiac congestion.

If you’re new to sleeping on your right side, you can further your comfort by sleeping with a knee pillow between your legs for added support. Alternatively, you can try hugging a body pillow and wrapping your legs around one end.

For more reading and recommendations, see:

• Best Mattresses For Side Sleepers
• Best Hybrid Mattresses for Side Sleepers
• Best Pillows for Side Sleepers
• Best Memory Foam Pillows for Side Sleepers

Back Sleepers

Most orthopedic doctors suggest sleeping on the back to promote proper spinal alignment. A 2015 study ² Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. See the source  in the journal “Work” found individuals who sleep on their back experience less lower back discomfort than healthy individuals who opt for other sleeping positions.

If you’re a back sleeper, look for a topper designed to promote proper spinal alignment. A medium-firm mattress topper provides support and comfort for back sleepers, much the way a medium-firm mattress would.

See also:

• Best Mattress for Back Sleepers
• Best Pillows for Back Sleepers

Stomach Sleepers

Sleeping on the stomach can place additional stress on the spine and neck, and sleeping on a too-soft surface can exacerbate these risks. Stomach sleepers require a firmer topper to keep the spine and neck in alignment. If sleeping on your stomach is essential, add a small pillow under the pelvis to support the proper spinal alignment.

Avoid soft toppers. A feather or plush foam topper would not be ideal as these do not provide the pressure relief needed for the back and neck. If you enjoy a plush sleeping surface, consider switching to a different sleeping position.

Other considerations include:

• Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
• Best Pillows for Stomach Sleepers

Sleeping Cool and Airflow

Mattress toppers work well to adjust the firmness level of your current mattress, but they also serve another purpose: to keep the sleeper cool. Overheating is a major concern among individuals who use and buy memory foam mattresses, and a mattress topper can promote cool sleep, even on an old mattress.

Mattress toppers promote airflow and help you sleep cool in a few different ways:

• Through their fabric choice, e.g. wool or a breathable cotton
• Through their design, e.g. open cell structure on foam mattresses
• Through their added elements, e.g. cooling gel injected throughout the foam

Some mattress toppers combine the fabric cover, like cotton or phase-change yarn, with the fill to approach temperature regulation from multiple angles.

If your current mattress sleeps hot or if you’re a hot sleeper in general, you don’t necessarily need to replace it. Consider adding a cooling mattress topper to extend the life of your bed until you are ready for an upgrade.

Should I Just Get a New Mattress?

Mattress toppers can go a long way in creating a comfortable environment for sleeping, but it is important to consider which product you really need. Whether it’s better to choose a new mattress instead of a mattress topper.

Mattresses can last for years — decades even. However, if a mattress is starting to break down, you might see signs of wear and tear like sagging. A mattress topper can only do so much if the mattress is already worn too much.

Sometimes a mattress topper is a short-term solution to a bigger problem. In these cases, it’s more cost-effective in the long run to consider a new bed than fixing a sagging mattress. It may be time to purchase a new mattress if:

• Your mattress sags more than an inch
• There are already noticeable sleep postures (indentations) formed on the mattress
• The coils are poking through the mattress
• The mattress is damaged
• You wake up with severe back pain that dissipates shortly after waking and stretching

That being said, if your mattress is in good shape you can use a mattress topper to extend the life of a mattress that is showing mild signs of wear-and-tear. This can give you space to research and save up money for when it’s time to replace your mattress.

Additionally, if your mattress is in good shape and you would prefer to alter the firmness level, a mattress topper might be the solution for you. Similarly, a topper can improve the feel of a mattress in good shape by increasing how cool the surface feels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do mattress toppers work?

Yes, a good mattress topper can improve the feel of a bed that’s grown too soft or has started to lose support. However, there is a limit to how much a topper can change a mattress’s firmness level, even for the best toppers. Sometimes, it’s important to know when it’s time to replace a mattress.

If your bed has excessive sagging, deep indentations, or extensive damage, it might be better to spend your money on a new mattress, instead.

Which material is best for a mattress topper?

The term “best” is subjective here because the best topper will vary from person to person. To recap, a sleeper must consider the following points before determining which mattress topper is right for their own unique needs:

• Material type
• Price
• Sleeping position

For instance, a feather topper is generally more plush (but less supportive) than a memory foam or latex topper. Poly-blends, memory foam, and natural latex can offer firmer support.

What thickness mattress topper should I get?

How thick your topper should be depends on your budget and how much you want to change your mattress’s feel. Thicker toppers usually create a more drastic change, so if you want more cushion and support it might be best to opt for one that’s 3 or 4 inches thick. However, thicker toppers are also more expensive.

Your sleeping position is an important consideration, as well. Toppers that are 1 or 2 inches thick can still provide enough relief for back and stomach sleepers. A mattress topper for a side sleeper should be thicker (at least 3 inches) to offer enough pressure relief.

Which mattress topper is best for back pain?

If you wake up with lower back pain associated with your mattress, a mattress topper for back pain might help you continue to use your current mattress without the added expense of purchasing a new mattress.

Before selecting the right topper, evaluate why your mattress is contributing to back pain. If you are sleeping on a too-soft mattress, consider looking for a medium-firm or firm mattress topper. You may also find a firm mattress with a pillowtop provides the just-right combination of support and cushioning.

Avoid any plush or too-soft topper, which may cause sinkage that can worsen back issues. Other toppers to avoid for back pain include feather toppers or a thin mattress pad, though some high-density toppers are quite thin yet still supportive.

If you have already tried several mattress toppers but still wake up with discomfort, consider updating your mattress. It may be the case that your mattress is simply too worn out or sags too much for the topper to make a difference. A new medium-firm mattress may provide the support and comfort you need.

You can also try sliding a pillow under your knees, such as a wedge pillow. This simple trick helps to take the pressure off of your lower back.

Do I need bigger sheets If I have a mattress topper?

Since a mattress topper tends to raise your overall mattress thickness by 2, 3, or 4 inches, you may need to look at a set of deep pocket sheets. These types of sheets can slide over mattresses 15 to 18 inches thick, and some can even slip over 20-inch or thicker mattresses. However, if you have a thin mattress and a standard set of sheets, you may not need to buy new sheets.

Conclusion

The best mattress topper is breathable, comfortable, and supportive — with a good price tag. Finding the right mattress topper at the right price is just the next step in achieving a night of quality sleep with minimal back pain.

Remember, when you’re looking to maximize your money and get the best mattress in your budget, keep your eye out for these features:

• A breathable fabric
• Non-slip features so your topper stays secure
• The right firmness level so you feel comfortable all night long

Still not sure? Check out the customer reviews on the mattress toppers listed above.