When purchasing via these links, Business might receive an affiliate commission.
Learn more

If your current mattress feels too hard, too soft, overly warm, or causing discomfort such as aches and pains, an ideal mattress topper could solve these issues for you. It enhances comfort at a fraction of the cost compared to buying a new bed altogether.

Mattress toppers or pads serve as an excellent method to customize your bedding according to your personal preferences, particularly beneficial for students in college dormitories or individuals renting fully equipped apartments. These additions can enhance comfort when placed over firm sofa beds or taken along during outdoor excursions like camping trips. However, if your current mattress is showing signs of wear such as sags, bumps, or lack of support, a topper won’t address these issues effectively; instead, we recommend considering one of our suggested alternatives.
best mattress
.

We have tested almost 30 mattress toppers and pads and consulted multiple medical experts and sleep researchers to determine the finest options available. Our highest recommendation goes to the
Parachute Down Mattress Pad
; it can be washed using a washing machine, offers comfort, support, and effectively releases heat. If additional pressure relief is desired, you might want to look into the
Nolah Mattress Topper
It offers comfort without excessive sinking, has good airflow, and stays in place. People who sleep on their side or back will enjoy it the most.

Discover more about reviews
testing and reviewing home items
.

Best choices for mattress toppers

Best overall:

Parachute Landing Mattress Pad –
See at Parachute

Best budget:

Lucid Bamboo Charcoal Memory Foam Mattress Topper –
See at Amazon

Best for back pain:

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt Mattress Topper –
See at Tempur-Pedic

Best for pressure relief:

Nolah Mattress Topper –
See at Nolah

Best cooling:

GhostBed Memory Foam Mattress Topper –
See at Amazon

Best hotel-style:

Marriott Mattress Topper –
See at Amazon

Best latex:

Organic Avocado Green Mattress Topper –
See at Avocado

Best overall

The Parachute Down Mattress Pad performed excellently across all our testing categories. Its performance in terms of surface temperature right after getting up was merely good. However, within two minutes post-rise, it showed lower temperatures compared to when lying down initially. This made it one of only two mattress pads that effectively dissipated heat so efficiently.

Parachute suggests laundering your Down Mattress Topper prior to use. Afterward, position this add-on over your mattress similar to how you would put on a fitted sheet; it accommodates mattresses as high as 18 inches. I found that it remained stable without moving around. Nonetheless, due to those extensive pockets, the edges can drape below the sides of slimmer beds, resulting in a less appealing look. It might be necessary for you to push the surplus material beneath the bed frame.

The mattress topper features a featherbed-style design and consists of a substantial layer of European white down mixed with feather fibers encased within a sateen cotton cover using baffle-box construction to prevent movement. This combination allowed for a cooling experience alongside luxurious comfort. Each evening, I drifted off to sleep rapidly and would wake up rejuvenated every morning. Although I typically prefer sleeping on my side, this topper was not excessively soft, making it equally comfortable whether I slept on my back or stomach.

The Parachute Down Mattress Topper is also an excellent option for pairs since it excelled in our evaluations of motion transfer.

The primary drawback I have encountered pertains to the warranty. The sticker on the pad indicates that removing it will invalidate the warranty.

I recommend the
down-alternative pad
For those with allergies. It did not provide adequate cooling and seemed somewhat too soft for people who prefer sleeping on their stomachs or backs, however, the pad matched up similarly in other aspects and was priced at $80 less.

Best budget

When I laid down on the Lucid Bamboo Charcoal Memory Foam Mattress Topper, what struck me immediately was just how deeply I sank into it. This topper comes in three sizes: 2 inches, 3 inches, and 4 inches thick. For my test, I tried out the 3-inch version, but found it to be somewhat softer than ideal for me—even though I generally prefer softer options. If you’re not looking for something extremely plush, I would suggest opting for the 2-inch variant to maintain proper spinal alignment.

Even though the excessive fluffiness made it difficult for me to sleep on my stomach, I still felt rejuvenated every morning after using the Lucid Bamboo Charcoal topper.

The top layer consists simply of a piece of CertiPUR-US certified memory foam infused with bamboo charcoal. You can choose to include a cover depending on the size you select. Multiple perforations aid in ventilation, effectively preventing overheating; during testing, the Lucid topper remained cool when used. Additionally, once I stood up, the warmth dispersed rapidly.

The substantial foam also aided in minimizing motion transfer, resulting in this particular model scoring among the lowest readings on my vibration meter during testing. Even though it wasn’t secured to the bed frame, it remained stable throughout the night as I lay on it.

The package didn’t include any setup guidelines, which left me puzzled about the cheap-quality fabric cover included with the mattress topper—I thought it was just for transit and discarded it right away. Initially, the topper emitted a potent smell and seemed squished together, yet by nightfall, it had puffed up nicely and lost all odors.

Best for back pain

We’ve always valued the comforting touch of
Tempur-Pedic’s mattresses
If you wish to enjoy the exclusive Tempur-Material without investing in a whole new mattress, the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt mattress topper would be your ideal choice. This topper gradually conforms to the shape of your body and ensures your spine stays aligned regardless of the sleeping position you prefer.

When we initially tried out this mattress topper, Tempur-Pedic introduced an update addressing our concern about it moving excessively at night. They added straps designed to secure it in position, allowing us to assess the revised edition. These new straps significantly reduced movement; however, slight migration of a few inches throughout the week was still noticeable.

The cushion comes with a washable poly-blend cover predominantly composed of polyester that can be unzipped easily. Taking off and cleaning the cover was straightforward, however, reinstalling it proved more challenging. It took approximately 10 minutes for me to get the cover onto the somewhat limp cushion. My suggestion would be to simply put a
mattress protector
Done with it (and your mattress) to avoid the inconvenience.

Configuring the Tempur-Topper Adapt was straightforward. There wasn’t much noticeable smell initially, and this had vanished entirely by nightfall. Note that it took a few hours for the topper to expand fully; thus, you should plan accordingly before settling down to sleep. Additionally, the topper performed well at maintaining a cooler temperature, and once I stood up, the warmth dispersed rapidly.

If you’ve received the topper, unfortunately returns aren’t accepted. Nonetheless, it comes with an outstanding 10-year warranty, allowing for replacements should there be any manufacturing flaws. Additionally, the motion isolation performance is merely adequate.

Best for pressure relief

I have occasionally used the Nolah Mattress Topper for almost two years whenever I’m staying at my parents’ place. Although it felt instantly comfy when my back was in good shape, it also provided significant comfort during my recovery from severe back pain.

Nolah’s two-inch mattress topper provides ideal padding for enhancing your bed without engulfing you or hindering movement. Available in two levels of comfort—plush and luxury firm—it includes Nolah’s exclusive “AirFoam,” a temperature-stable polyfoam certified by CertiPUR-US, ensuring it does not retain heat and delivers superior pressure relief. The organic cotton cover further boosts air circulation. Personally, as someone who sleeps on their back, I experienced great comfort and support from the firmer choice, which remains soft yet supportive without causing a sense of being stuck. Regardless of whether I was sleeping on my back or side, I didn’t experience any undue pressure on my shoulders, hips, or lower back, aiding in proper alignment and reducing discomfort effectively.

I subjected the Nolah mattress topper to various tests as well. Using my vibrometer app, I noted minimal vibration levels after dropping a 10-pound weight and bouncing vigorously to assess motion transfer, suggesting effective motion isolation (though remember that the actual level of motion isolation depends largely on the underlying mattress). In terms of temperature regulation, the Nolah cooled down by approximately eight degrees within two minutes, indicating somewhat mediocre heat dispersion relative to what my peers have observed with similar products. However, during use, I didn’t feel overly hot, so although it doesn’t offer active cooling, you should stay comfortable without waking up drenched in sweat.

The design includes elastic straps designed to secure the topper firmly. According to third-party feedback, the topper may move around on the bed, and it tends to be somewhat flimsy; however, using a well-fitted mattress protector helps keep everything stable. This becomes particularly important since the Nolah topper supports only spot cleaning. My main issue is that the topper is slightly undersized for a full-sized bed, measuring roughly three-quarters of an inch shorter on each side, which exposes part of the mattress beneath and reduces the usable space on the topper. Nevertheless, when covered with a mattress protector, these issues aren’t very noticeable, nor do they appear to impact the overall edge support significantly, although it remains annoying.
—Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor

Best cooling

We’ve chosen the GhostBed Memory Foam Topper as the top option for cooling due to its impressive performance in maintaining low temperatures and excelling at dispersing heat during testing. This topper features CertiPUR-US certified gel-infused memory foam which regulates temperature effectively along with a distinctive design promoting air circulation, ensuring I stayed cool and comfortable throughout the entire night.

The GhostBed topper features five distinct zones designed to offer targeted pressure relief and support exactly where your body needs it most. I found the soft texture incredibly comfortable when lying on my side; however, this plushness might make it less suitable for those who prefer sleeping on their stomachs, backs, or anyone with a higher body weight. In terms of motion transfer, the GhostBed Memory Foam Topper performed impressively, scoring top marks in our vibration testing using a vibrometer.

I appreciate that it includes a cover which secures both the topper and the mattress, ensuring the topper stays put and offering waterproof defense for your mattress. Using this cover is advisable as the mattress pad can only be cleaned by spot cleaning.

GhostBed did not hold back on materials. The mattress topper extends all the way to the edges for extra comfort. Setting it up was incredibly easy. Simply take it out of the vacuum-packed box and place it on your bed with the design side facing upwards. This entire process took under five minutes, and by nightfall, the topper was free of odors and completely inflated.

The primary drawback is that you cannot returns the mattress topper if it doesn’t suit your needs. Nonetheless, it comes with a comprehensive 5-year warranty.

Check out our guide to the
best cooling mattress toppers
For additional suggestions for warm sleepers.

Best hotel-style

Last year, I was away from home for more than 150 nights. Spending so many evenings in hotel rooms made me acutely aware of every minor flaw in my mattress back home. Meanwhile, when I did sleep at home, I found myself longing for the perfectly comfortable hotel bed. Once I discovered that one could purchase the same mattress topper used in Marriott hotels, I eagerly decided to give it a shot and test whether it might enhance the comfort level of my regular bed.

The Marriott Topper is slightly slimmer compared to many other similar products and could arguably be classified more as a mattress pad. This product uses polyester filling within a scalloped baffle box design for even distribution of the stuffing across the entire topper. It’s light and just as simple to place on your bed as putting on a fitted sheet. Despite being labeled with a 13-inch pocket depth, I found it fit perfectly fine over my 15” thick mattress without any issues.

The soft padding offers that snug, luxurious hotel-bed sensation, making it incredibly simple to drift off to sleep. Given its slim profile, you don’t have to worry about issues related to movement transfer or excessive heat retention. Nonetheless, it tends to compress somewhat during the night. While this cushion won’t dramatically alter how your bed feels overall, it introduces an additional comforting layer for enhanced cosiness. Additionally, if your mattress features noticeable stitching that interferes with comfortable rest, the Marriott Toppers provide a smooth, uniform sleeping area.

Remember that shipping costs can be extremely high if you order from Marriott (up to $30). It’s more sensible to buy from Amazon instead.
—Lauren Savoie, deputy executive editor

Best latex

I really love using natural latex because it’s an eco-friendly and reactive material. This soft, rubbery foam provides padding particularly around the hips and shoulders, yet still supports your lower back and neck effectively. Unlike memory foam where you might feel submerged, with natural latex, you get more springiness.

The Avocado’s Eco Organic Mattress Topper comes in both two-inch and three-inch thicknesses, offering either a medium option made from GOLS Dunlop latex or a plush choice crafted using FSC-certified Talalay latex. The basic model—a two-inch medium version suitable for those who prefer sleeping on their sides or backs—starts at $199. However, choosing the thicker three-inch variant, ideal for side sleepers, will increase the price.

The top covers for Avocados mattresses are crafted from premium materials and boast numerous eco-friendly certifications such as OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 and MADE SAFE, along with using organically certified components. Avocado provides a generous 100-night risk-free trial period coupled with a one-year warranty. This makes their return policy the most lenient among all listed options; however, it has the briefest warranty duration compared to others.

Our reviewer tested the three-inch plush mattress topper — Avocado mentioned that this thickness is their top-selling option. She found it supportive and pressure-relieving, plus comfortable whether she slept on her side, back, or stomach. Additionally, it effectively minimized movement transfer.

It managed to stay quite cool during sleep and did not hold onto warmth. The mattress topper stayed well below the typical surface temperature of 89 degrees Fahrenheit, reaching only around 84 degrees instead. Additionally, it returned to the room’s normal temperature within approximately 13 minutes.

Read our
Review of Avocado Green Organic Mattress Topper
.

What else we recommend

Bear Pro


:

Previously, the Bear Pro Topper was our pick for the best cooling mattress topper. It’s made of copper-infused CertiPUR-US certified foam, stays in place well, and has excellent pressure relief. However, our new cooling topper pick, the GhostBed, did better at dissipating heat. However, the Bear does come with a 30-day trial, which is appealing if you want to judge the cooling properties for yourself.

The Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper


:

The mattress had an average firmness that felt both comfy and supportive regardless of how I slept, though it didn’t excel in any specific category. A fellow tester who prefers sleeping on their stomach really liked the consistent mid-firm feel. The topper effectively manages temperature and comes with straps for securing it onto the bed. Nonetheless, it tended to move around, and it lacked effective motion transfer properties.

Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt + Cooling


:

Positioned as an enhanced variant of our top pick for alleviating back pain, this model failed to impress during testing. Contrary to expectations, it fell short in providing adequate coolness and carries a price tag $1 hundred higher compared to another option from Tempur-Pedic. Nonetheless, it offered a pleasant sleeping experience, featured a washable cover that can be cleaned using a washing machine, and came with a decade-long guarantee.

Organic Latex Mattress Topper made with Birch Plush Material

While providing exceptional comfort and responsiveness for back, stomach, and side sleepers, this option falls short in customization compared to the Avocado Eco Organic Topper and comes at a much higher price despite having less material. Additionally, it tends to get quite warm during use. Nonetheless, it offers a substantial trial period along with an impressively long warranty. The cover is crafted from temperature-regulating wool, whereas Avocado’s version uses solely organic cotton.

Key factors to consider when choosing a mattress topper

These are the primary characteristics we considered and our methods of evaluating them:

Setup:

I measured the time it took for each mattress topper to be unpacked and looked out for any odd or confusing setup procedures. With the exception of the Sleep Number and Eight Sleep models, all others required under five minutes for installation. I also documented whether the topper was packaged with vacuum sealing, detected any initial odors, and observed if these smells faded away by nightfall.

Fit:

After expanding them completely, I measured each topper to ensure they would cover an 80-inch-by-60-inch queen-sized bed. Following use over several nights, I observed their stability—whether they remained stationary or moved around—and checked if a fitted sheet designed for mattresses up to 13 inches deep could securely hold both the topper and a 10-inch-thick test mattress beneath. All of the samples we evaluated held the sheets firmly throughout the night without slippage.

Heat dissipation:

To gauge the effectiveness of different beds in dissipating heat, I employed an infrared thermometer to record the surface temperature of each bed’s area meant for my upper body. These readings were taken just as I stood up—once immediately upon rising and again two minutes later. After repeating this process multiple times, ensuring accuracy with every trial, I was able to confidently compare the figures and identify the most efficient options.

Support:

This evaluation is grounded in my four-year experience with assessing sleep items. Every morning, I documented any discomfort experienced along with the comfort level provided by the mattress topper from the preceding night. Subsequently, I reviewed my sleep data gathered through tracking methods.
Garmin Forerunner 945 Smartwatch
and take note of which positions felt most comfortable.

Motion isolation:

I put my phone with the
Vibration Meter app
Open it on the bed, approximately 12 inches from the right edge. Then, I raised a 15-pound bowling ball over my head and released it onto the mattress such that it fell around 12 inches from the left side of the bed (and 36 inches away from where the phone was placed). This experiment was conducted five times, with each time’s result being recorded until we determined the middle value among them.

Trial and warranty:

Ideally, you can return a topper if it’s not suitable for your body type and sleeping style. I looked at each topper’s return policy/trial period and looked for any loopholes, like shipping costs. The median trial period for the models we tested was 30 nights, and I docked points if a topper didn’t have a trial period. Also, since you want your topper to last, we looked at the warranties. The median warranty length is three years.

What process do we use for testing mattress toppers?

Our group of sleep specialists evaluated every mattress topper featured in this guide. Besides testing their feel firsthand, they also subjected each product to various objective assessments. When choosing a topper, key aspects include comfort, proper fitting with your bed, and temperature regulation.

Outcomes of the primary characteristics we evaluated:

Attribute	Parachute Down Pad	Lucid Bamboo Charcoal	GhostBed	Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt	Nolah	Avoado Eco Organic
Firmness (1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest)	4	2	4	5	5	Varies
Suspension quality (1 being worst to 10 being excellent)	10	7	7	5	7	8
Heat dissipation (1 retains heat to 10 remains cool)	9	9	10	6	5	9
Size of queen	60″ x 75.5″	148.6 cm x 196.8 cm x 7.6 cm	146 cm x 200 cm x 8 cm	147 cm x 196.85 cm x 7.62 cm	60 inches by 80 inches by 2 inches	80 inches by 60 inches by 2 inches (or 3 inches)
Trial period	60 nights	30 nights	None	None	30 nights	100 nights
Warranty	3 years	3 years	5 years	10 years	10 years	1 year

Mattress topper FAQs

What advantages does using a mattress topper offer?

Mattress toppers are typically employed to enhance bedding comfort. They usually make mattresses seem softer rather than firmer; thus, purchase one if you desire a softer texture for your mattress. Additionally, they serve nicely as sleep aids in recreational vehicles, floor mats, or makeshift solutions for unexpected guests needing somewhere to rest.

How does a mattress topper differ from a mattress pad?

A mattress topper can greatly change how a bed feels and is generally made from materials such as foam or latex. These toppers often range from two to four inches in thickness and rest directly atop your mattress. In contrast, mattress pads are commonly stuffed with substances like down, synthetic alternatives to down, or wool; they provide an additional soft layer without adding much structural support. Similar to fitting sheets, these pads cover your mattress easily and allow for simple washing, helping shield your mattress against stains and excessive damage. However, when aiming for waterproofing or safeguarding against elements like bed bugs, dust mites, and dander, consider using them alongside specific protective barriers.
best mattress protectors
.

Are you better off purchasing a new mattress or just getting a topper?

Mattresses typically have a lifespan of 8 to 10 years.
If your bed has been uncomfortable for under 10 years, adding a mattress topper might restore its coziness. These toppers excel at making beds feel softer when they’re overly stiff, enhancing motion separation, and sometimes providing coolness benefits. However, if your bed sags, feels bumpy, or isn’t supportive anymore, a topper will merely be a temporary solution. For mattresses over 10 years old, consider getting a new one from our range.
best mattress
guide.

What’s the best way to clean a mattress topper?

Many mattress toppers cannot be washed in a washing machine. Generally, you should clean them using a damp cloth along with a gentle soap solution. Afterward, ensure they are thoroughly dried before placing anything over them again. If unsure about the cleaning process, check the product’s instruction booklet, labels, or visit the company’s online page for guidance.

What type of mattress topper should you choose based on your sleep position?

People who sleep on their back often find comfort in firmer mattress toppers, whereas those who sleep on their side typically prefer softer ones. Stomach sleepers, however, ought to opt for a topper that isn’t overly cushioned so as not to cause the body to dip excessively inward. The primary aim with all these choices is maintaining proper alignment of your spinal column.

What methods can be used to prevent a mattress topper from slipping?

The easiest approach is to utilize a snugly-fitted sheet or mattress cover that securely encases both the mattress and topper.
Sheet suspenders
can help with this.
Non-skid mats
also stop sliding.
Velcro strips
, safety pins,
carpet tape
, and duct tape can also be used but might result in damage to your mattress and topper.

If you liked this tale, make sure to follow
Business
on MSN.