The 10 Best Mattress Toppers to Save Your Back and Your Bed
We all know that a good night’s sleep is important, but for some of us it isn’t as easy as counting sheep. In fact, one in three adults report not getting enough sleep. Unfortunately, getting more z’s often requires big purchases like a new bed, bedding, or smart devices to track sleep data (even a smart bed!). Although the right pillows and a proper mattress can do wonders, they can also come at a hefty price. If purchasing a new mattress is out of the budget, or you just want an extra dose of comfort, a mattress topper could be the solution.
Check out the quick reviews below of our top five mattress toppers, or scroll deeper for more helpful buying info and full reviews of those models plus other high-ranking options.
How to Find the Right Topper
Although most people can stand to benefit from a mattress topper, the add-ons aren’t guaranteed to magically improve everyone’s sleep. We spoke to Dr. Michael Breus, also known as the Sleep Doctor and a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, for his tips on whether you should buy one to enhance your sleep quality. “It depends upon the topper and the reason you are getting it,” Breus says. “There are firm toppers and soft ones. If you get the right one, you may feel more comfortable, which is certainly a benefit, but if you get one that is too soft (even if it’s more comfortable), that may cause a strain on your back, which would be a problem.”
Mattress toppers can not only improve comfort and sleep, but also help to extend the longevity of your mattress. Mattress pads can serve a similar purpose, but they’re thinner and attach to the mattress like a fitted sheet. Some pads are water-resistant, acting as an alternative to a full mattress protector. On the other hand, thicker toppers are designed to provide extra cushion and support, almost like a mini mattress.
Types of Toppers
Some toppers use various types of memory foam and exotic materials such as bamboo fiberfill, but the above types of toppers are most common. As for which is the best? “I do not think that there is a best one, but I personally prefer Latex,” said Dr. Breus. “It’s a great foam, it forms to your body, allows you to move easily, and does not retain heat. [Latex toppers] can be created in firm to soft, whatever a person needs.”
When to Replace Your Topper
It is suggested that you replace your topper every three to five years. Although that may not seem like a long time, most mattresses last between five and seven years. But if you hit that five-year mark and your topper is still working for you, there’s no need to change it out just yet. A good sign that it’s time for some upgraded padding is you begin experiencing back or neck pain. Especially with memory foam mattresses, designed to support the curvature of your spine, you may eventually notice a lack of support.
How We Rated and Selected These Toppers
We researched expert sources such as Good Housekeeping, Forbes, and The Spruce, as well as 33,000 customer reviews to select the 10 best mattress toppers of the year. Our Consumer Score represents the percentage of consumers who rated the product at least 4 out of 5 stars on retail and review sites like Amazon and manufacturers’ websites.
―Best Overall―
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-ProForm Supreme
Consumer Score: 85% gave it 4 stars or higher
This 3-inch memory foam topper with a removable cover is great for every type of sleeper.
Thickness: 3 in. | Materials: memory foam | Warranty: 10 years
This three-inch memory foam topper is the best of both worlds: thick enough to support your back without causing you to completely sink to the bottom. Whether you’re seeking serious back support or just a bit more cushioning, this medium-firm topper is a suitable option. It has a removable and washable cover, which can help to protect the material and extend its longevity. An early innovator of memory foam, Tempur-Pedic has been perfecting its formula for nearly 50 years. Plus, a 10-year warranty shows just how confident the company is in its product.
―Three-in-One―
LUCID 4 Inch Down Alternative and Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Consumer Score: 87% gave it 4 stars or more
Support, comfort, and the staying power of a fitted sheet are a winning combo.
Thickness: 4 in. | Materials: Down alternative and memory foam | Warranty: 3 years
Why choose between soft and supportive when you can have them both? This topper has a layer of both memory foam and down alternative to give you the plushness of down without sacrificing your back health. The gel memory foam helps to keep you cool, and is held in place by the fiberfill upper which fits over your mattress and the foam like a fitted sheet. Since it is a separate piece, that also means that it is easy to clean and can be thrown into the washing machine. And at only $150 for a queen, it is surprisingly affordable for a four inch, super plush topper.
―Best for Back Pain―
Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper
Consumer Score: 95% gave it 4 stars or more
Pressure-relieving high density topped with memory foam is an achy back’s dream.
Thickness: 3 in. | Materials: Memory foam | Warranty: 15 years
The Saatva mattress topper is designed with support in mind. Made with layers of memory foam, it features a high density layer topped with memory foam for maximum support without being too hard. This particular model also uses infusions of graphite which help to keep you cool throughout the night. It features thick straps that help to keep it in place no matter how much you toss and turn. Saatva also offers two other versions of this topper, one made from latex that is highly durable, though more expensive, and a budget version, which has a 1.5-inch layer of foam—perfect for adding just a bit more oomph. And all of these are covered by the company’s whopping 15-year warranty—talk about faith in your product!
―Machine Washable―
SOPAT Extra Thick Mattress Topper
Consumer Score: 87% gave it 4 stars or more
No concern about spills, you can toss this baby straight into the washer.
Thickness: 3 in. | Materials: memory foam
We know you can’t shove your memory foam into the washing machine, but this fiberfill topper will both fit and survive the spin cycle. It comes with an attached fitted sheet, which can cover a mattress up to 21 inches thick. While it won’t give you any extra support, it will provide some added fluffiness. Plus, it’s an affordable option—topping out at just under $110 for a California King. Still not sold? Listen to the 2,885 reviewers that rated it 4.5 out of five stars.
―Best Cooling―
Dreamfoam Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper
Consumer Score: 78% gave it 4 stars or higher
The gel-foam technology gives you support while keeping you cool.
Thickness: 2 or 3 in. | Materials: Gel-infused memory foam | Warranty: 3 years
The Dreamfoam topper will have you dancing along with the sugar plums without causing your slumbering body to break a sweat. Memory foam is known for retaining heat, but this gel-infused option works to keep you cool and create airflow through two inches of foam. For those not accustomed to memory foam toppers, this is a great starting point—both in terms of price and thickness. Amazon reviewers claimed that the foam was surprisingly supportive despite being only 2 inches tall. This lower height can also be beneficial to those who shift a lot while they sleep, avoiding the sensation of being stuck while sunken into the foam.
―Most Cushion―
Lucid Gel Memory Foam Topper
Consumer Score: 85% gave it 4 stars or higher
Four inches of memory foam give this topper an unbeatably plush surface.
Thickness: 4 in. | Materials: Memory foam | Warranty: 3 years
The Lucid topper wants you to go big when you go home: With 4 inches of cooling memory foam, it is plush with a capital P. Although the topper is not particularly dense, this serves to its benefit, allowing you to sink down into the foam while it cradles your body. It should be noted that while some customers loved the cradled feeling, others felt it was a bit suffocating. If you move a lot or are a warm sleeper, you might want to try a 2- or 3-inch option, which will allow you to move a bit more freely.
―Most Luxurious―
Super Snooze Feather Mattress Topper
Consumer Score: 87% gave it 4 stars or higher
Make any mattress feel like a luxury pillow with this topper’s layers of down.
Thickness: 5 inches | Materials: Cotton, down feathers | 30-day return policy
If you always dread leaving a hotel room or bed-and-breakfast, now you can make your bedroom feel like one. This topper won’t cook you locally sourced eggs, but it will give you that posh feeling you’d expect from a five-star hotel. It features a 5-inch gusset and its cotton cover has a 230 thread count that will prevent feathers from escaping. You may be surprised to find out that this down topper is less expensive than some premium cushion memory foam options. As pillowy as down may feel, memory foam is still a better option for more firm support. But if a cloud of cotton candy is the feel you’re after, look no further.
―Best Budget―
Linenspa Gel Infused Memory Foam Topper
Consumer Score: 83% gave it 4 stars or higher
A cooling and customizable topper for those on a budget.
Thickness: 2 or 3 inches | Materials: Memory foam gel beads | Warranty: 3 years
This is a great option for people trying to plump up an old mattress, especially since it comes in hard-to-find sizes such as California King and RV Queen. Since the price is so low, it’s less of a commitment than some of the $200+ models. But don’t be fooled by the price: This topper has a 3-year warranty and a bunch of great reviews to back it up. Many people claimed it spruced up their cheap mattress and compared it to sleeping on a cloud. The Linenspa gel topper is also a great choice for college students. Light and packable, it holds up better than the typical egg crate foam. And the gel keeps it cool—even during a steamy August with no AC. Buy this before September 14 and get $100 off every size!
―Best Temperature Control―
Sleep Number Dual-Temp Individual Layer
Consumer Score: 89% gave it 4 stars or higher
Individual controls let you make your side of the bed up to 35 percent hotter or cooler.
Materials: Active air technology | Warranty: 1 year
People sleep best at different temperatures. For couples, this can often be the cause of late-night arguments. The Sleep Number Dual-Temp layer covers half a bed and allows each individual sleeper to control the temperature to their desire. You can adjust the temperature to be warmer or cooler through a remote and set a timer through one- to nine-hour increments. Reviews mentioned that women suffering from hot flashes found that this allowed them to cool down quickly and get a better night’s sleep. Keep in mind that it requires placing the heating and cooling source under or alongside the bed. Another feature to note is that it makes white noise, so if you are someone who needs silence to sleep, this may not be the option for you.
―Best Down Alternative―
Exceptional Sheets Bamboo-Derived Rayon Mattress Topper
Consumer Score: 80% gave it 4 stars or higher
Get the feel of down—cruelty and allergen free.
Materials: Bamboo rayon cover, hypoallergenic down alternative filler | Guarantee: 100% satisfaction or money back
Do you love the feeling of down bedding but hate that it makes you sneeze? Is quality down out of your price range? Or do you just prefer purchasing completely vegan products? Whatever your reason, this topper is a top-notch down alternative. Filled with a hypoallergenic fiberfill, it gives the feeling of down without the hefty price. Though it is more expensive than some memory foam options, fiberfill is generally more breathable with a softer surface. Like down, it will not provide the support of memory foam, but it is great for refreshing an old, hard mattress.
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