The 8 Best Mattress Toppers of 2023, According to Sleep Experts

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Best overall mattress topper

Saatva Mattress Topper

The best mattress topper provides pressure relief, cooling properties, body-hugging support and minimized motion transfer, which is exactly what the Saatva mattress topper offers. “What makes the Saatva topper stand out from the crowd is an extra-long in-home trial,” says Alex Savy, a certified sleep science coach and the founder of SleepingOcean. “It’s pretty rare for mattress toppers, which makes the Saatva the best solution for anyone who’s feeling even a bit hesitant.” It also comes in three variations: a 3-inch graphite-infused memory foam ideal for cooling, a hypoallergenic 1.5-inch latex topper that provides pressure-point relief and a 1.5-inch high-density body-contouring foam.

“My personal favorite is the graphite model, as it has a pleasant hugging feel without sleeping too warm,” adds Savy, noting the topper won him over with its elastic straps. “Most toppers simply lie on the mattress and easily shift during the night. With the Saatva, sleepers won’t have this issue. As a combo sleeper, I was impressed that this mattress topper stayed in place even though I often switched positions when using it,” he says.

Pros

• Pressure-relieving memory foam combined with cooling technology
• Made of 100% certified organic cotton
• Elastic bands keep the topper in place
• 180-night home trial
• Free shipping

Cons

• Pricey

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Best value mattress topper

Linenspa Gel Swirl Memory Foam Mattress Topper

When it comes to the best mattress topper on Amazon, like Amazon mattresses, the options are endless. This 3-inch Linenspa version is one of the best memory foam mattress topper picks that won’t break the bank. “Polyfoam has a bouncy and responsive feel and is typically more affordable, so it’s a good option for those on a budget,” explains Victoria Wildhorn, a sleep health specialist at Mattress Clarity. Savy agrees, adding that the Linenspa mattress topper is a wallet-friendly option that doesn’t neglect quality or comfort.

“This model uses gel-infused memory foam to combine pressure alleviation with cooling—something most cheap toppers can’t achieve,” Savy enthuses. “Additionally, it is plush and feels like a cloud.” It’s an ideal pick for shoppers looking to add extra cushioning to their mattresses without spending a fortune.

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Also available in a 2-inch model
• Helps regulate sleep temperature
• Free shipping

Cons

• May have a slight off-gassing smell the first few days

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Best firm mattress topper

Plushbeds Natural Latex Topper

“It’s difficult to find a topper to firm up a soft bed,” says Matthew Ross, the general manager and in-house sleep specialist at Slumber Yard. That’s why this Plushbeds pick, which is available in an extra-firm model, earns its top spot. Optimized for pressure-point relief to provide the support needed, the open-cell airflow design also helps absorb the shock of a partner’s body movement, making it an optimal pick for couples, too. “Latex toppers are very responsive, so you can easily move around,” explains Wildhorn.

Plus, latex doesn’t trap heat, so it helps with cooler sleeps at night. (Other ways to stay cool yet comfy? These cooling weighted blankets.) Savy also loves its natural composition. “It is Greenguard-certified, which means the Plushbeds topper does not contain any dangerous chemicals—hence no off-gassing or unpleasant allergic reactions.”

Pros

• Five firmness options (soft, medium-soft, medium, medium-firm and extra-firm)
• Organic
• Two thickness options and six sizes available
• Comes with a five-year warranty

Cons

• No returns accepted
• Some reviewers note it’s a bit heavy to move

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Best pillow-top mattress topper

Extra Thick Pillow-Top Cooling Mattress Topper

Filled with a supportive 3D down alternative, this plush topper will have anyone sleeping like a baby in no time. This best mattress topper pick features a combed cotton surface, which wicks away sweat and helps regulate body temperature. It does an excellent job of keeping the sleeper cool and dry, as opposed to memory foam models, which tend to trap heat.

One verified Amazon purchaser, Julie, says it’s, “like sleeping on a cloud,” adding that she highly recommends it if you’re looking to fix a mattress instead of spending money on a new one. And more than 17,900 five-star ratings on Amazon agree it’s that good. While you’re shopping with the retailer, check out the best Amazon bedding and this affordable mattress lifter (the secret to a perfectly made bed).

Pros

• Super-soft and extra-thick cooling pillow-top design
• Wicks away sweat
• Affordable
• Machine washable and safe to put in the dryer

Cons

• May need to run through the dryer for maximum fluffiness

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Best organic mattress topper

Avocado Green Mattress Topper

If safety and sustainability are top concerns, a latex version is the best mattress topper for you. “It has the advantage of being hypoallergenic and has a cooling effect that enthusiasts say helps sleepers avoid overheating at night,” explains Robert Pagano, cofounder of Sleepline. “These traits also make it a better choice for allergy sufferers or people with breathing sensitivities than other materials.” Wildhorn also agrees that latex is a prime choice for the best cooling mattress topper, noting it won’t trap heat, and is extremely responsive and easy to move around. What customers and experts really love about this eco-friendly choice from Avocado is that it’s free from any toxic or synthetic materials.

In fact, this best latex mattress topper pick is the epitome of clean, featuring GOLS organic certified latex, GOTS organic and Oeko-Tek Standard 100 certified wool and GOTS organic certified cotton. The 2-inch topper comes in both plush and firm options to meet individual needs, and the brand also sells a vegan version with cotton instead of wool. If this sounds right up your alley, consider swapping your current mattress with the Avocado Green mattress. (We tried it and loved it!)

Pros

• Made with all organic materials
• Vegan option available
• 365-night sleep trial and 10-year warranty
• Free shipping

Cons

• Pricey

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Best memory foam mattress topper

Lift by Amerisleep Mattress Topper

“Memory foam is an excellent choice for people who need added support,” says Pagano. For the best gel mattress topper, he likes the Lift by Amerisleep, because it’s available in two firmness options, making it fit for almost everyone. The “Comfort” model is best for side sleepers, combo sleepers and anyone who wants to add more softness to their mattress while the “Support” version is for back sleepers, stomach sleepers and those who want to add some firm, yet gentle, support.

Savy calls it a standout because of its special foams (BioPur or Affinity, depending on the topper’s firmness level). “They feel like memory foam and have the same pressure-alleviating properties, but Amerisleep foams have an open-cell structure that makes them more breathable than traditional memory foam, leading to cooler sleep,” he explains. “To me, that’s a perfect compromise. The Lift offers the same cradling and contouring as memory foam without its biggest drawback—overheating.” If you run hot, these bed cooling systems and cooling pillows help, too.

Pros

• Pressure-alleviating memory foam
• Open-cell design wicks away heat
• Two firmness options
• Five-year warranty
• Free shipping

Cons

• Not safe to put in the dryer

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Best down mattress topper

Brooklinen Down Mattress Topper

Looking for the best soft mattress topper? “Down toppers create a luxurious feel and are malleable and soft,” says Wildhorn. And this Brooklinen version is the best choice for anyone who wants to feel like they’re sleeping on a cloud. The combination of the duck down-filled top and the feather-filled base create the optimal fluffy feel. A baffle box construction evenly distributes the 600-fill power down and allows the featherbed to breathe. Brooklinen also treats its toppers with antimicrobial additives, which inhibit the growth of bacteria and keep it fresh, clean and odor-free.

Before buying down, though, consider your sleeping position. Pagano says this material is preferable for those who sleep on their sides or stomachs, as opposed to memory foam, which may be too dense to provide support. “With down toppers,” he explains, “you probably won’t sink down as much, so it won’t cause your neck and shoulders any strain.”

Pros

• Material provides a luxurious, soft experience
• Has a 100% cotton shell
• Antimicrobial
• Free returns

Cons

• Not ideal for people with allergies, as down can trap dust mites and pollen

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Best mattress topper for side sleepers

GhostBed Memory Foam Topper

This 3-inch gel memory foam topper senses and contours to your body for maximum comfort. Savy says this GhostBed model ticks all the right boxes for side sleepers. “First of all, it’s soft and thick enough to cradle the protruding shoulder and hip. After all, side sleepers often experience pressure buildup and pain in those spots when the sleeping surface isn’t plush enough,” he explains.

Next, Savy points out it uses gel infusion to prevent overheating, and because side sleepers typically experience a “deeper hug,” the cooling aspect really comes in handy. And lastly, he adds, “because side sleepers require softer surfaces, they often sink in too deep and experience unhealthy spine curvatures. The zoned design of the GhostBed topper prevents that—each section responds differently to applied pressure.” As a result, it promotes proper spinal alignment and provides the added pressure relief that side sleepers require. Complete your bed with the best pillows for side sleepers for the ultimate night’s sleep.

Pros

• Contours and relieves pressure based on your body’s natural weight distribution
• Comes with a removable, waterproof, machine-washable cover
• Elastic band keeps the topper in place
• CertiPUR-US certified
• Five-year warranty

Cons

• Pricey

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What to consider when buying a mattress topper

Function and personal preference will determine the type of topper most suitable for your needs. Here are some important factors to consider:

• Thickness: “For an extremely plush feel, choose thicker toppers that are at least 3 inches, but if you want just a bit of added softness, consider something around one to 1.5 inches,” says Wildhorn.
• Support: Firmness alters how a topper impacts the body. “Too firm or not enough cushion causes pain or discomfort. Too soft and the feel of the mattress alters significantly,” says Pagano. “Cushioning is related to foam density, so look for one with softer foams that conform well.”
• Temperature regulation: Certain toppers, like memory foam models, tend to trap heat, and some sleepers run hot at night. If that’s the case, look for designs that have built-in cooling features.
• Sleeping position: The way a person lies matters, too. “Side sleepers might like a softer material, like memory foam, whereas back sleepers may prefer a slightly firmer and more responsive topper made from latex foam,” says Ross.
• Certifications: To ensure a topper doesn’t contain chemicals or potentially harmful materials, it’s worth researching its certifications. “Many manufacturers claim things like eco-sensitive and hypoallergenic, but without certification, it really can’t be verified,” warns Pagano.

How we found the best mattress toppers

As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.

FAQ

Can you wash a mattress topper?

Washing instructions depend on the material and type of mattress topper you purchase. Most foam models can only be spot-cleaned while many cotton or latex versions are machine washable and safe to put in the dryer.

Do I need a mattress topper?

People purchase mattress toppers for different reasons. The best mattress topper extends the life of a mattress. If you’re looking to change the overall feel of your bed by either softening a too-firm mattress or adding support to one that has started sagging, then buying a topper is a smart idea. It’s also helpful when paired with an affordable mattress. People experiencing pressure-point pain, night sweats or seeking motion isolation also benefit from mattress toppers. “If someone lives in a dry climate, they also help with preventing moisture from accumulating in the bedding,” Pagano points out.

How long does a mattress topper last?

The best mattress topper options offer some kind of warranty, which typically range from one to 10 years. Some splurge-worthy styles may last up to 20 years. The lifespan of the topper depends on the materials, construction and quality. Just like it’s important to clean a mattress, how you care for your purchase will also determine how long it lasts.

What is the difference between a mattress topper, mattress pad and mattress protector?

Yes, they sound similar, but they’re very different items. A mattress topper measures around 1 to 4 inches, rests on the surface of a bed and makes the mattress more comfortable. Similar to a fitted sheet, a mattress pad, a thin, quilted layer, shields the mattress from sweat and stains. Mattress protectors, often made of thick plastic and high-performance fibers, encase the entire mattress to fend off contaminants, like bed bugs, mold, bacteria and other allergens.

Sources:

• Alex Savy, certified sleep science coach and founder of SleepingOcean
• Victoria Wildhorn, sleep health specialist at Mattress Clarity
• Robert Pagano, cofounder of Sleepline
• Matthew Ross, general manager and in-house sleep specialist at Slumber Yard

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