15 Things You Didn't Know About Mattress Topper
How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You
A mattress topper could be the quickest and most convenient way to upgrade your mattress. The most well-known materials are memory foam, polyfoam and latex.
A memory foam mattress is ideal for sagging mattresses or beds with too many bounce. It conforms to the body and offers support for back pain.
Comfort
If your mattress is too firm, a topper can make it feel plush. It can also provide more support, which can help alleviate back pain by adjusting to your body's shape. A memory foam topper can help relieve pressure points and pressure points, while latex toppers provide more bounce and breathability than polyurethane options.
The firmness of a topper can be determined by the material it is made of and weight, as well as your sleeping position and personal preferences. A side sleeper may choose the softest option, whereas stomach or back sleepers will prefer a medium-firm option. The thickness of a topper can affect comfort. While thicker toppers may provide more cushioning, it is possible that they will not fit and cause an uncomfortable sensation.
The best mattress topper for the majority of people is made of soft, durable material and covered by a good warranty. It must also be breathable and hypoallergenic, and free of harmful chemicals such as flame retardants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Toppers can be machine-washed to keep it fresh and clean.
Testers at GH evaluate toppers on their ease of use, temperature control and how it alters the feel of their current mattresses. We also want to know if the topper stays in its place, if the topper makes any noise, and how much more comfortable they sleep.
The Saatva topper at the top of our list has a great score from customers of 4.4 out of 5 (as as of May 2023) and is available in a queen size. It's constructed with a 2-inch layer of open-cell foam that bounces to contour to your body and respond to movement, providing support and keeping you cool.
An option that is more affordable is the Turmerry organic topper, which is made of three inches of breathable natural materials and can be purchased in a firm or soft option. It's a great option for those with sagging beds or innerspring mattresses that have too much bounce or couples looking to minimize the sensation of motion transfer.
mattress toppers memory foam 's GOTS-certified mattress protector is a different option. It has a four-inch layer of breathable, temperature-regulating wool with a cotton cover and comes in a medium or firm option. The GOTS certification indicates that the topper is organically grown standards and is free of synthetic dyes and chemical materials.
Support
A mattress topper is an additional thick layer that sits on top of your mattress. It secures to your mattress with elastic straps or a skirt that is stretchy, and it can range in thickness from two to four inches. Mattress toppers are different from mattress protectors which are thin covers designed to protect your mattress from allergens, spills and bed bugs.
The best mattress toppers can make a difference in your sleep and help you to avoid pain and aches that are caused by an old or softer than ideal mattress. They can also help improve a mattress that is uncomfortable or sagging, by providing the proper amount of support, softness and temperature control.
There are a variety of mattress topper materials like memory foam, latex down, and gel. If you want to improve your spine alignment, choose a memory-foam topper. It will cushion and contour. A memory foam topper that is infused with gel will help to reduce heat retention. This is great for those who suffer from night sweats and hot sleepers.
If you're suffering from back pain, a memory foam topper can aid in keeping your spine in alignment by reducing pressure on the sensitive areas. If you have back pain, a topper infused with copper may help to reduce swelling and inflammation, and can also help prevent pain from pressure points.
Cotton or wool toppers can make you sleep more comfortably and cooler. Wool is durable, breathable and moisture-wicking. It is also flexible. It's often mixed with other materials for greater comfort, such as down. This mattress topper from Parachute, for example, includes a mix of durable and resilient latex with temperature-regulating wool.
A down mattress topper is ideal for those who prefer an incredibly soft feel. Select a mattress topper that is made of both down and feathers. This will provide you with a luxurious and soft texture. This Brooklyn Bedding topper is a great option, as it is available in a firm option for those who need extra support and durability and plush for those who prefer softness that resembles a cloud. It comes with a five-year guarantee and a long trial period, and free shipping.
Temperature Control
If you have a memory foam mattress you can improve your comfort level with this mattress topper that's both cooling and cushioning. It is made of gel-infused memory foam that is ventilated by specially-designed holes, making it breathable and helping eliminate heat while you sleep. It also has bamboo covers that are soft, wicking and water-resistant which keeps your body cool and comfortable as you sleep.
It's available in various thicknesses to meet your needs and is backed by a 10-year warranty. If you prefer a more sturdier feel the topper is available in a Luxury Firm option (similar to a medium or 7/10). Both are made in America and include a 100-night trial.
Foam and latex are both breathable and make them an excellent choice for hot sleepers. Some latex and memory foam mattress toppers can trap heat, which is uncomfortable for some people. Be sure to look for ones with cooling components like this model from Nolah. It features the company's signature foam and quilted cover that has cooling fibers to keep you cool as you sleep, plus it offers a zoned support system for your head, shoulders, torso, hips and legs.
Another way to ensure you get a good night's rest is by using mattress protectors. These slip over a mattress and shield it from spills, allergens, bugs, dust mites and more. This one is machine-washable and has a zipper, making it easy to clean and to put on and take off.
Many people have a standard sleeping position, and if like to sleep on your back or stomach, you'll want a topper that offers a lot of support. A mattress that is too firm can cause you to hunch forward and cause back or neck pain. Softer foam and down or down-alternative toppers offer extra comfort. Strategist and contributing writer Lauren Levy slept on this one from Parachute and reports that she woke up feeling "gently wrapped between layers of marshmallow softness." It's also available in a natural cotton version that is hypoallergenic and has been certified as OEKO-TEX Standard 100, Global Organic Textile Standards, Fair for Life and GreenGuard Gold.
Breathability
A mattress topper is an excellent way to improve the look of a worn out mattress without spending a fortune. But, with the many options, finding the ideal one for you can be difficult. The right topper will make a significant difference, whether your mattress is sagging, you are suffering from back pain, or you want to reduce motion transfer between your partners.
The material used to make a topper can affect its feel. It can also affect your back health. Experts advise that those who sleep on their sides should select a soft topper, whereas back and stomach sleepers require a firmer one.
Other factors, including breathability and thickness, could aid in narrowing down your choices. The toppers that are thicker may be more expensive, but they provide more support. They also have a better air-conditioned due to a larger surface area. Find models that have baffle box construction, which helps prevent clumping and ensures that the filling is evenly spaced (a huge benefit for comfort).
For those who are hot at night, consider gel-infused memory foam, that is designed to keep you cool while you sleep. You may also want to try a latex-based topper that is extremely durable and springy. If you're trying to stay clear of any chemicals organic cotton or wool are good choices.
While a topper isn't likely to require washing as sheets, it's still essential to find one that is easy to clean and will endure repeated washes. Many of the models we tested had large elastic straps that bind them to your bed, making it easier to remove them and wash them. You'll need a mattress topper that is able to stay in place, particularly when you're a combination sleeper who moves around a lot at night.
The Brooklyn Bedding gel swirl memory foam mattress topper is a CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold-certified option that is both robust and comfortable. It's a little more expensive than other models, however it has a great customer review and a 90-day guarantee.