A Step-By'-Step Guide For Firm Mattress Topper
Which Mattress Toppers Are Best?
A layer of cushioning can make your bed more comfortable and also relieve pressure on the joints. But which mattress covers are the best?
Dr. Holliday-Bell recommends this natural alternative for those who want the conforming support of memory foam but wish to avoid chemicals. It has an easily removable cover, and the firmness options permit most sleepers to find their comfort.
1. Sleep Innovations Gel Memory Foam Topper
This topper is soft enough for the majority of people, yet it doesn't sacrifice support. It moulded to the shape of our testers' bodies and offered support in all the right places. It is also a good fit for most mattresses however it can be a bit tricky to get the sheets on (read more about how to install mattress toppers here). Its thick memory foam layer is machine-washable and naturally anti-bacterial. It comes with an upholstered bamboo cover that is non-toxic and sustainably sourced. Our panelists loved it, but it is important to know that there aren't any straps to fix it to your bed. It may move while you sleep.
The panelists who loved this topper also praised how it helped with their back pain. It's a great choice for heavier sleepers who may find that a topper with a depth of three to four inches can alleviate pressure on areas that are sensitive like shoulders and hips.
A memory foam that is two inches thick and copper-infused helps to wick away heat and encourages airflow for you sleep cool. Our test participant Jaclyn found the topper to be firm enough to relieve pressure on her back, front, and side sleeping positions, but not too rigid that it made her feel uncomfortable. She also noticed a huge improvement in her back pain and said that it "pretty pretty much went away overnight." She was impressed by how quiet the topper is, too, even when it is paired with an extremely soft mattress. It also stops motion transfer, making it an ideal choice for couples who share beds.
2. Coop Home Goods Retreat
We love the plush pillow feel of Coop Home Goods' mattress toppers and when this spot-clean only version came up in our research we knew that it had to be part of. It's made of an intercut memory foam and microfiber blend of the brand, making it hypoallergenic. This is a great option for anyone looking to improve a soft mattress, or even re-decorate a bed in a guest room, dorm or rented. What makes this topper distinctive is the presence of five body-zones, each with different density zones, which allows it to be shaped and molded to your specific frame while still offering sufficient support.
The cover for this topper is made of 100% microfiber polyester that has been brushed, and it has an asymmetrical baffle box design that creates pockets of fill to keep it evenly distributed. It also has four elastic straps in each corner to help keep the cover securely on your mattress. A layer of copper-infused memory foam wicks heat away from your body to keep you cool at night and is topped off with another 2" layer of memory foam with a ventilated surface to provide even more airflow.
The Retreat is a great mattress topper if you want a plush feeling. When Strategist writer Louise tried it out, she said that the mattress quickly adapted to her body and hugged her in a way that made her feel supported and at ease. She is prone to overheating in bed however the Retreat stayed her cool and didn't change much during the night. It is available in two levels of firmness, so it will suit stomach, back, and side sleepers.
3. Nolah Beds Luxury Firm Memory Foam Topper
There are plenty of options when you're in search of a mattress topper. Some are designed to keep your body cool or regulate body temperature, while others offer some additional support or comfort. A mattress topper is an excellent way to improve your mattress without spending a lot of money. A memory foam mattress is a good option for most sleepers, though if you prefer the bouncier feel of an innerspring mattress look into a hybrid topper which combines latex and tiny nano-springs.
A more firm topper can aid in aligning your spine for back and side sleepers, and relieve pressure in areas that are sensitive. Our tester Julia was impressed by this four-inch mattress by Tempur It is manufactured in the US and has an impressive 120-night trial. She was delighted with the additional convenience and quality of sleep it provided. There was an off-gassing smell when she first opened it up, but this dissipated within a day.
This firm option from Parachute offers shredded memory foam that's not as dense but feels comfortable. Strategist contributor Lauren Levy says that it's "much more affordable than a down-topper" and offers the same marshmallow softness and baffle-box construction. She enjoyed sleeping on it, but would not recommend it for front sleepers because her torso was smashed into the topper.
A topper made from natural wool fleece is soft and hypoallergenic. However, it's not as permeable as memory foam, and may make you feel warm in the night. A cotton topper is a good option, as it's breathable and keeps you cool. Some topper fabrics are made with graphite, copper and gel infusions that keep you cool.
4. Sleep Innovations Gel Cooling Memory foam topper
This topper from Puffy is a great budget option, with a soft feeling and gentle pressure-relieving assistance at a affordable price. It comes in a variety of different density and thickness options to ensure you get the best suitable bed.
Strategist contributor Lauren Levy loved that this topper resembles down. It's "marshmallow soft" and features an affle-box design with a pillow-like fiber-fill. It's hypoallergenic and comes with an easy-to-clean cover that helps you maintain the cleanliness in your bed.
The 2" layer of memory infused with copper is designed to help promote airflow and help wick moisture away from the body during sleep. This helps you remain cool. Levy found that it was extremely comfortable, even when it didn't bounce nearly more than latex toppers. It's ideal for back, side, or stomach sleepers as well as those with chronic pain who require additional cushioning.
Standard features include a 10-year warranty, free shipping and an extended warranty of 10 years. The topper can be cleaned easily by simply spot-cleaning and letting it air dry. Just be careful not to put it in the washer or dryer in order to end the warranty.
The Sleep Innovations Gel Cooling Memory Foam Topper is a great budget option for a soft, supportive mattress. It provides moderate (5) firmness, which makes it good for most sleepers, but especially those who find their mattresses too firm. It also prevents transfer of movement, which is essential for combination sleepers. Similar to the Coop Home Goods Retreat topper, it offers relief from pressure for neck and shoulder pain. This topper comes with one drawback: it may not breathe as well as latex or foam, so it is not the best choice for sleepers who are hot.
5. Nolah Beds Luxury Plush Memory Foam Topper
The Nolah Beds Luxury Plush Memory Foam Topper is a great option for back sleepers looking to soften their firm mattress and side sleepers who want extra cushioning. This topper is also great for those who suffer from chronic pain because it reduces pressure points. It is manufactured in the USA from non-toxic materials, and is a great option for hot sleepers. It features two" layer of cleverly infused copper foam, which helps to ventilate while providing support. It also comes with an organic cotton cover for optimal moisture management. Our tester Paige found that this mattress did a good job of preventing motion transfer and provided substantial softness, without sacrificing support. She noticed that the edges did not fully hug her mattress. If support for edges is important to you, this may not be the best topper for your needs.
The cover is machine washable, which makes it easy to clean. It's also hypoallergenic as well as antibacterial, which ensures you a comfortable and healthy sleep. It's also made with five body zones that support different areas of the mattress. It also comes with a lifetime warranty and a sleep trial of 120 nights which is more than other mattress warranties.
This is among our less expensive alternatives, but it does not sacrifice quality. It is made from a mix of memory foam and natural latex that gives it a luxuriously soft feel. mattress toppers best got a thicker layer of memory foam to provide additional comfort and promote an unwinding sleep. While it may not be the most suitable option for stomach sleepers since it tends to sink in too much, and may cause spine misalignment It's a great option for those seeking a better night's sleep for less.