If you have trouble getting a good night's sleep on your mattress, a mattress topper might be the perfect solution. It can boost the comfort level of an old mattress for a fraction of the price of buying a new one. Sometimes called a pillow-top mattress pad, a topper is a cushion you place on top of the mattress to add softness or support. The terms "mattress topper" and "mattress pad" are often used interchangeably, but the latter also refers to a thinner type of cover that's placed over a mattress to protect it from stains. This report focuses mainly on the type of toppers used for added cushioning, but we do recommend waterproof and non-waterproof mattress pads as well. The most common reason people decide to add toppers to their mattresses is to add new life to an older bed. Innerspring mattresses in particular tend to compress over time, losing their ability to shape themselves to a sleeper's body. A mattress topper can add an extra layer of cushioning, relieving pressure points and enhancing sleep quality.
However, mattress toppers can't compensate for major problems such as sagging, sinkholes or springs poking through the mattress cover. If your mattress is that bad, you need a new one. We have recommendations for the most popular types in our separate report on mattresses. Mattress pads aren't just for old mattresses, though. People often add a mattress topper to adjust the firmness level of a newer mattress. If you buy a new mattress and determine after a short time that it's too soft or firm for your taste, adding a topper can make it softer or firmer without the hassle and expense of trading in a nearly new model (returning a new mattress often involves shipping and restocking fees, not to mention the logistics of dealing with returning a large item). Placing a topper on just one side of the bed can also help couples who prefer different levels of mattress firmness. Memory foam is the most popular type of mattress topper, and it tends to be the most effective at improving mattress comfort.
Made from polyurethane, memory foam contains millions of open, spherical cells that respond to pressure and heat. It comes in many thicknesses and densities: In general, a thicker topper will have a softer feel, while a denser foam will provide more support. However, memory foam can trap body heat, and some say that the way it cradles the body can make it difficult to move around on. Many memory foam toppers also give off an unpleasant odor when new, although a good airing usually takes care of that. Latex foam is similar to memory foam, but it's made of either natural or synthetic latex rubber. It comes in many grades of thickness and firmness like memory foam, but generally tends to be a bit firmer. It's also somewhat less likely than memory foam to trap body heat and emit an unpleasant odor, but the "new mattress smell" can still be a problem for some users. Latex excels at providing both softness and support and it's a good choice for allergy sufferers because it's resistant to both mold and dust mites.
However, latex itself can be an allergen for some people and latex toppers are among the most expensive. Featherbeds are basically cushions stuffed with feathers or down. These add softness to a mattress, but not support. While they don't retain body heat as much as foam toppers do, they tend to compress under a user's weight and must be fluffed or shaken regularly to restore their shape. Featherbed mattress toppers are usually less expensive than foam ones. If you're sensitive to feathers, fiberbed and wool mattress toppers are very similar to featherbeds, but are made from hypoallergenic materials. Mattress pads are not mattress toppers, they are just a thin pad, with corners like a fitted sheet that go over your mattress to protect it from moisture and stains. Deep-pocket mattress pads can even fit over both a mattress topper and a mattress. Mattress pads are very affordable and there's little variation in quality. With the high cost of mattresses, we highly recommend that everyone protect their investment from spills, stains and other accidents.
analyze thousands of owner reviews and break down the data to provide specific information about different mattress topper types and brands. Our research turns up three main factors to consider when shopping for a mattress topper. Since a topper's job is to improve the comfort of a mattress, we give particular importance to how well each pad cushions and supports the body, as well as such criteria as whether it retains body heat. A good mattress topper also needs to stay comfortable over time, so we examine how well each model holds up with use and whether it needs special maintenance to keep it in good shape. Based on these factors, we identify the best mattress toppers of each type and list their pros and cons. One is sure to be the perfect choice for your best night's sleep.The Sweethome and (part of ) are lists of the best gadgets and gear for people who quickly want to know what to get. When readers choose to buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we earn affiliate commissions that support our work.
Here is an explanation of , and . Our experts tirelessly research and test product after product to pick out the best gear for your bedroom. From sheets to pillows to mattresses to comforters, these picks are the best bedding and gear that will help you get a great night’s sleep. Stay warm, keep cool, and have sweet dreams while you get your eight hours. The Best Blackout Curtains Sebastian Insulated Total Blackout Window Curtains After 22 hours of research and testing, we think the Sebastian Insulated Total Blackout Window Curtains are the best for creating a cave-dark room. They blocked more light than 12 other sets, and they’re affordable and good looking. [Bed Bath & Beyond » $0] The Best Electric Blanket and Heated Mattress Pad Sunbeam Premium Quilted Heated Mattress Pad After 40 hours of research and testing, we think the Sunbeam Premium Quilted Heated Mattress Pad and Sunbeam Velvet Plush blanket are the best heated bedding for cold winter nights.
The Best Area Rugs Under $300 We spent more than 40 hours researching the best budget area rugs, and found 14 we highly recommend. They come in a range of sizes, patterns, and colors, so there’s something here for almost any decorating style. After 40 hours of research and testing in 100-year-old stone cellars, we think the Frigidaire FFAD7033R1 is the best dehumidifier for most people. The Best Flannel Sheets L.L.Bean Ultrasoft Comfort Flannel Sheet Set For maximum coziness this winter, we recommend curling up in L.L.Bean’s Ultrasoft Comfort Flannel Sheet Set. After 120 hours of research and testing, we found they’re softer and more comfortable than sheets almost twice the price. The Best Air Mattress SoundAsleep Air Mattress (Queen) After sleeping on four air mattresses (and considering dozens of guest-bed options), we recommend the SoundAsleep Air Mattress. It’s easier to inflate and it offers excellent customer service in case the mattress leaks or the pump breaks.
The Best White Noise Machine The LectroFan is the best white noise machine we’ve found after 20 hours of research and testing, including interviews with a sleep researcher, audiologists, and a sound engineer. The Best Mattress and Pillow Protectors Protect-A-Bed AllerZip Smooth Pillow Protectors After 17 hours of research and testing 17 protectors, we think the Protect-A-Bed AllerZip Smooth Mattress Encasement and Pillow Protectors are the best for protecting your bed from bedbugs and dust mites. These encasements are comfortable to sleep on, have very secure seams and zippers, and come with a great warranty. Brooklinen All-Season Down Comforter After 120 hours of researching comforters and testing dozens, we think the Brooklinen All-Season Down Comforter offers the best value for most people. It’s lightweight but warm and quiet to sleep under, and it comes with a lifetime warranty. The Best Twin XL Sheets for Your Dorm Room Threshold Performance 400 Thread Count Sheet Set
After considering dozens of twin extra-long bed sheets, we think the Threshold Performance 400 Thread Count Sheet Set is the best twin XL bed sheet set for most dorm rooms. The Best Sheet Sets Under $50 After more than 200 hours researching and testing sheets, and trying 20 new sets, we think the Threshold Performance 400 Thread Count Sheet Set is the best set under $50 (for a queen bed). The Best Linen Sheets West Elm Belgian Flax Linen Sheet Set After considering a dozen linen sheet sets and testing four, we think West Elm’s Belgian Flax Linen Sheets offer the best value. They feel luxurious to sleep in, they’re softer and cheaper than other sets, and they receive fewer complaints about wearing thin. [West Elm » $240] The Best Duvet Cover Brooklinen Classic Duvet Cover After spending 60 hours on research and testing, we think Brooklinen’s Classic Duvet Cover is the most comfortable to sleep under. It is super soft, crisp, and breathable (like good hotel bedding), durably stitched, and comes at a great price for the quality.
L.L.Bean Pima Cotton Percale Sheets After a combined 200 hours of research and testing 20 new sets, we think L.L.Bean’s 280-Thread-Count Pima Cotton Percale Sheets and JCPenney’s sateen Royal Velvet 400tc WrinkleGuard Sheet Set offer the best comfort and value for most people. They’ve both topped our list three years running. The Best Bed Pillows Xtreme Comforts Shredded Memory Foam Pillow After putting in hundreds of hours of testing, we think the Xtreme Comforts Shredded Memory Foam Pillow offers the best balance of comfort and price for most sleepers. The Best Foam Mattresses You Can Buy Online We researched 15 of the top online mattress companies, interviewed experts on sleeping and mattress design, spent over 40 hours researching foam mattresses, and slept on six models. We recommend the Leesa as a mattress that will work well for most people who sleep on their side or stomach. The Best Slippers for Women and Men We put 14 new pairs of men’s and women’s slippers through their paces and found the Haflinger AS and AT the coziest for winter and summer use.
The Best Pregnancy Test You’ll Want to Take First Response manual test After conducting more than 50 hours of research and having three of our female editors pee on a total of 60 pregnancy tests, we found the First Response manual test is the best option for most people. It gives the most accurate results (and the fastest results) because it’s the most sensitive over-the-counter test you can buy. Plus, it’s just as easy to read as a digital test and much less likely to give you an error message. The Best Facial Tissue We spent nearly 40 hours researching and testing more than a dozen well-liked facial tissues to find the best for most people. Puffs facial tissue aced all our tests, first with a panel of sniffly humans and then with $40,000 worth equipment in an engineering lab. They're the most absorbent and softest non-lotion tissues we tested. Plus, Puffs cost the least per tissue. But if you’re looking for a lotion tissue or one made from recycled materials (shudder…), we have other recommendations as well.