Best Mattress Toppers

Your current mattress could be the reason for your back pain, especially if it’s too soft or too firm to keep your spine aligned. If you’re looking for a topper with a balanced feel that provides both support and contouring, you should check out Saatva’s Graphite Memory Foam topper. For reference, we gave this topper a 4 out of 5 in the support category.

My colleague Kate Meier performed the tests for this mattress topper, and proudly claimed, “Out of all the toppers I’ve tested, this is my favorite.” She especially enjoyed it on her back and side. She did comment that on her stomach, she sank in a bit more than she’d like. This led Kate to recommend  the topper to sleepers if they’re “looking to add some plush support to their bed and enjoy a memory foam feel.”

Couples should also find this topper works well for their needs, especially if they sleep with a restless partner. We test toppers for motion isolation (whether or not movement travels across the surface) with two testers in the bed, and have one move around while the other pretends to sleep. When Kate’s testing partner moved around on the surface of the topper, she noted that she could feel it, but didn’t think it would disturb most sleepers. For this reason, she gave it a 4 out of 5 for motion isolation. I should note that results will also depend on how bouncy your mattress underneath is.

As she switched positions on the surface, Kate noticed that the topper “does retain its original shape pretty quickly,” which is a sign of decent response, meaning it shouldn’t have you feeling “stuck” in its surface. Though combination sleepers should be able to switch positions with relative ease, Kate reiterated that the topper “is not bouncy — and when you’re on it you definitely sink in a good bit.” There are also straps on the sides of the topper to keep it from sliding off the mattress as you toss and turn on top of it.

The main downside of this topper, however, might be the price. A queen-size topper costs nearly $300, which might be on the steeper side if you’re looking to cut costs. However, if you can afford it, Kate says, “The quality justifies the expense.”

Looking for a budget-friendly option? Check out the Brooklyn Bedding Gel Swirl Topper, which costs less than $200 for a queen size on sale.

Overheating on your mattress? Don’t throw it away and buy some fancy cooling bed just yet. Cozy Earth’s Mattress Bamboo Pad is the perfect addition to your mattress if your only concern is keeping cool. As my fellow tester Kate Meier puts it, “If you are looking for a cooling topper, then this is a great value and worth it.” She gave the topper a 5-out-of-5 score for cooling.

This topper is constructed more like a fitted sheet, designed to accommodate mattresses up to 20 inches thick. It’s made of 100-percent viscose from bamboo, which allows for airflow and gives the bed its breezy feel. To test temperature regulation, our testers used a thermal gun to take the topper’s surface temperature and then rested on it for 5 minutes before taking another reading. For the Cozy Earth Bamboo Mattress Pad, the surface temperature of the mattress only rose by 3 degrees during this test, which is a sign of exceptional cooling.

Kate was especially impressed by the quality of the topper, calling it “silky smooth” and praising the “beautiful” stitching. She also gave it a 4 out of 5 for value, as she found the price reflected the topper’s thoughtful construction.

However, because of the topper’s thinner build, it’s not the best choice if you’re looking to completely change the feel of the mattress. As Kate put it, “If you want support or comfort with your cooling, this wouldn’t be it.” Most of the topper’s performance will vary based on the feel and quality of the mattress underneath. I’d recommend it if you love the feel of your mattress, but can’t get cool at night.

Something else to point out is that, because of its deep-pocket, fitted-sheet style, we noticed it didn’t seamlessly conform to our bed in the studio. ”It’s a queen-size topper, and when we put it on a queen-size mattress, there was a substantial amount of material still sagging on the sides,” Kate said. She didn’t think it was a deal-breaker, but the extra work to tuck it under your bed might put some folks off. 

Want something thicker? Check out the Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper.

Queen-size mattresses are one of the most commonly bought sizes for couples and single sleepers looking for space and comfort. All of the beds in our studio are queen size, and I sleep on a queen-size bed every night. It’s only natural that these folks might want to revitalize their bed with a queen-size topper. If you’re looking to soften up a too-firm queen bed at a reasonable price, I’d recommend giving Brooklinen’s Down Alternative Mattress Topper a try. It costs less than $200 for a queen-size topper but doesn’t skimp on quality, earning a 4 out of 5 for overall value.

My fellow tester Kenny Timper put this topper through our rigorous testing paces. After his initial lie-down, he said, “It gave my mattress a tiny boost and it felt soft on my back.” He said this should work great for folks who have a mattress that’s a smidge too firm, as it doesn’t exactly bring much support. This isn’t too surprising, as down (or down alternative) toppers are known for providing a pillowy, feather bed feel.

Kenny also commented that because there’s no latex in the bed, it wasn’t exactly bouncy. But it’s also “too thin to press into and watch it rise up,” he added. Still, he claimed it “isn’t a hassle to maneuver on,” so he gave the topper a respectable 4 out of 5 for responsiveness. Most combination sleepers and sexually active folks should be able to move around and reposition without any issues.

When it came to motion isolation, Kenny found that the topper’s abilities boiled down to how well the mattress beneath absorbed motion. “I don’t think this mattress topper is thick enough to make an impact one way or another,” he said. Down fill doesn’t have the same absorption quality of sinking foam, but neither does it have the bounce of latex. It should mostly just change the feel of your bed rather than enhancing any performance features.

It was the same in the cooling department. Kenny found the topper to be “generally soft and breathable,” and couldn’t feel it heating up beneath him. However, he wouldn’t recommend it for folks wanting to stay chill. “I don’t think it’ll cause you to heat up at night if you’re a hot sleeper, but it’s also not doing you any favors and cooling you down either,” he said.

Looking for better cooling? Check out the Cozy Earth Bamboo Mattress Pad.

Pillow-top mattresses are often prized for their puffy, contouring feel. If you’re wanting a luxurious pillow-top bed without the high price tag, consider adding the Peacock Alley Down Alternative Mattress Topper. Our testers found this topper to be super-pillowy, offering a mix of support and softness. 

My fellow tester Kate Meier had plenty of praise for this topper’s comfort level. In her initial notes, she said, “The instant I laid down, I audibly said ‘ahhhh.’” Though it comes in at nearly $300 for a queen, Kate called it a “reasonable price” for the level of comfort you’re getting. This is why she gave the topper a 4 out of 5 for value.

Down has more of a “pillowy” feel, great for pillow-top lovers, but not always a champion in support. However, as Kate lay down on the topper, she found her spine remained aligned and gave the topper a support score of 4.5 out of 5. She further explained, “It provides a lot of contouring, so if you have a bed that maybe doesn’t do that and you need that, this could be a great option.”

Kate also found that this topper didn’t sink or “hold onto” you the way memory foam does, and instead bounced back when pressed. Neither did it amplify her testing partner’s movements, earning a 4 out of 5 for motion isolation, a boon for co-sleepers. However, she did notice a “crinkly sheet sound” when her fellow tester was moving on top of the topper. She didn’t find it overly disruptive, and thought it might be mitigated by some thick sheets, but it’s still something for light sleepers to note.

Kate’s main concern with this otherwise stunner of a topper was its ability to regulate temperature. Kate used a thermal gun to measure the surface temperature of the mattress, and then took a second reading after lying on it for 5 minutes. She found an increase of about 7 degrees between the two readings, which is on the higher end. Still, Kate commented that she “didn’t feel especially warm lying on it,” but she didn’t feel especially cool, either. She recommended some cooling sheets on top for hot sleepers.

Want better cooling? Check out the ViscoSoft Active Cooling Topper.

Side sleepers, are you resting on a too-firm mattress every night, and waking up with hip or shoulder pain? You might want to get an uber-soft mattress topper for some necessary cushioning and contour. Enter the Nolah Mattress Topper. This super-plush mattress topper is made up of pressure-relieving foam that should have side sleepers feeling comfortably swaddled. My fellow tester Kenny Timper summed it up pretty nicely: “This topper will make your bed feel very pillowy and soft.”

Kenny specifically enjoyed this topper most when lying on his side. He found the topper’s softness allowed him to sink comfortably into the surface, giving him more cushioning in the shoulders and hips. Despite this super-softness, it didn’t really have a firmer layer to provide any support, so you’ll have to leave that to your mattress. “I think this is a great addition for a firm mattress that needs a little extra plushness on top to make it more forgiving in certain areas,” Kenny suggested. 

Another area this topper excelled is in the motion isolation department; unsurprising, since most all-foam beds also perform well in this area. When Kenny tried out this topper with his partner, he could only vaguely feel their movements thanks to the slow-moving foam. With his 5-out-of-5 motion isolation score, he ultimately recommended this topper “if you sleep with a partner who is restless,” as you’re at little risk for feeling their movements.

However, the doughy feel of this bed isn’t great if you’re someone who needs ease of movement on your mattress surface. As he moved around, Kenny didn’t feel “stuck,” but “you do need to put in a little more effort to roll around the mattress.” With a lower responsiveness score of 3 out of 5, this may not be the best choice of topper if you’re a particularly restless combination sleeper like me.

Foam isn’t the best choice for hot sleepers, either. And while Kenny didn’t feel like he was overheating at any point, he wouldn’t recommend the bed for those prone to overheating. He explained it was like “a soft, slightly warm hug.” If you’re looking for a cozy feel rather than a cooling one, consider pairing this topper with some cooler sheets.

For a topper with better support, take a look at Saatva’s Graphite Memory Foam Topper.

If you’ve ever had the lovely opportunity to stay in a college dorm, you might be well aware of how disappointing their mattresses can be. College kids (or parents) looking to upgrade a dorm mattress might be looking for a quality-yet-affordable mattress topper. Coincidentally, the Brooklyn Bedding Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper is the very topper I used in college. A twin XL (the standard size for most college dorm rooms) of this mattress topper costs just a little over $100 after sales. It’s part of why our tester Riley Otis gave it a 4 out of 5 for value.

As an all-foam topper, this product really excelled in providing plenty of contouring. Riley called it “plush” and “squishy,” recommending it most for “side sleepers needing sinkage and cushioning at the hips and shoulders.” As someone who purchased this topper to round out my too-firm mattress, I’d have to agree. Though it may not be firm enough for stomach sleepers, Riley added that back sleepers shouldn’t have too much sinkage in their lower half, and instead might have their lumbar area filled in by the foam. 

This topper also provided some excellent motion isolation, earning a perfect score for motion isolation and suggesting it’s a good option for couples that include a light sleeper. I can’t speak to this as no one was really cuddling with me on my pitiful twin XL bed, but Riley tested out this topper at home with a partner. “When my partner was tossing and turning, I couldn’t detect their movement at all,” she said. “I couldn’t feel them getting in and out of bed either.” 

This topper definitely has a traditional memory foam feel. I remember poking it straight out of the bag to watch it slowly rise back into its original shape. Riley agreed, and while she only gave this bed a 3 out of 5 for responsiveness, she added, “I didn’t feel stuck in the foam or like my mobility was compromised.”

Where the Gel Swirl Topper let Riley down was in the cooling department. This gel-infused memory foam topper is advertised as cooling, but Riley and her partner both suffered overheating complaints throughout the night. “We both noticed feeling hotter than we typically do, even with the overhead fan on,” she explained. She added that it might be cooler if you’re alone in the bed, as she felt some relief when she slept in the bed by herself. I’ll note that, with this topper, I was able to get a cool night’s sleep in a room without any air conditioning, but I’m not a particularly hot sleeper.

Looking for more bounce? Consider Silk & Snow’s Organic Mattress Topper.

Is your mattress too soft? Maybe it’s been sagging for the past few years, but you’re just not ready to let go because of budget or sentimental reasons (I don’t judge). A great way to revitalize that bed without breaking the bank is by adding a firm mattress topper. If you’re looking for support, I’d always recommend latex over foam. And that’s why I’ve chosen Silk & Snow’s Organic Mattress Topper to represent this category. My fellow tester Kenny Timper gave this bed a perfect 5-out-of-5 for support.

Aside from a little sinkage in his hips when lying on his stomach, Kenny had nothing but praise for the topper’s supportive, firm feel. He rated it at a 7 out of 10 on our firmness scale. “I feel like the topper is propping me up in the right place,” he said. He enjoyed it on his back and side too, and didn’t find any pressure buildup in his joints despite the lifted feel. 

Another highlight of latex is its bouncy nature. Kenny felt more like he was “on top” of the topper than sinking into it, as you would with foam. He found it was easy to switch positions, saying “I don’t feel stuck; the topper immediately bounces back.” With these results, he gave the topper another perfect score for response. 

“I expected the mattress to be bad for motion transfer because of the bouncy-like quality of latex, but it wasn’t bad at all,” Kenny noted. When he tried out the mattress with his partner, he could feel them getting in and out of bed, but nothing that truly jostled him. He rated the motion isolation just so-so at 3 out of 5, so some lighter sleepers might want to stick to memory foam. 

Kenny appreciated the robust quality of the topper, its durability, and the certifications it boasts (GOTS and GOLS certified for organic cotton and latex). He still scored it low for overall value. “I wish it had more specialized technology, like features for better cooling,” he explained. Despite the name Silk & Snow conjuring an image of a crisp tundra, Kenny didn’t feel like the topper did much in the way of regulating temperature.

Want a softer feel? Check out Peacock Alley’s Down Alternative topper.

Latex is a popular mattress and mattress topper choice for the eco-conscious. It also provides a uniquely buoyant feel that can appeal to combination sleepers, sexually active folks, and anyone wanting a bouncy yet comfortable sleep surface. Birch is known for its luxury latex beds, so it’s no surprise that its Plush Organic Mattress Topper earned a place on our list as the best latex mattress topper. It earned a perfect score in responsiveness, durability, and cooling, all thanks to its main component: organic, GOLS-certified latex. 

As mentioned, latex is known for its bounce, and this topper delivered. My fellow tester Kenny Timper noted, “When I press into the topper, it returns to its original shape in a snap.” He even went so far as to call it “surprisingly bouncy.” If you’re feeling “stuck” in your current mattress, this topper might make it easier to move around. Just note that you’re likely to feel your partner’s movements from your side of the bed, as this bounce can help motion travel across the bed’s surface.

Kenny found this topper to run “temperature-neutral,” meaning it was neither too hot or cold. “I can feel that it is slightly warm where I was lying down, but nothing too crazy,” he explained. He praised the breathable cover and aerated nature of the latex for keeping air flowing through the topper. With a 5-out-of-5 cooling score, it’s safe to say that this topper should satisfy sleepers seeking respite from a hot mattress.  

Latex doesn’t conform to the body as well as, say, a softer memory foam, but Kenny was still able to find some cushioning with this topper. “It does feel soft around my lower back and joints,” he noted. He added that it doesn’t offer the same support he’s seen from other latex toppers, and would recommend it for folks looking to bring their too-soft mattress up to a comfortable medium-firm.

A glaring drawback to this topper is its price. Latex — and organic, sustainably sourced latex at that — isn’t exactly budget-friendly. A queen-size Birch Plush Organic Topper will run you close to $500 before sales. However, as Kenny put it, “If sustainable and responsible sourcing are a priority for you, I would say that the Birch topper is definitely worth it.”

Want better motion isolation? Consider trying the Nolah Mattress Topper.

The most tried-and-true mattress topper type might just be memory foam. It’s prized for its pressure relief, slow sink, and comfortable contour, all of which are highlights of Viscosoft’s Active Cooling Copper Topper. Where memory foam can sometimes trap heat, this topper infuses naturally cooling copper into its first layer and wraps it all up in a cooling cover. My fellow tester Kate Meier gave this bed dual perfect scores in both cooling and durability, perfect for foam fans looking for a lasting investment without sacrificing cool sleep.

If you’re looking for a topper that can change the feel of your bed, the Viscosoft Active Cooling Topper is thick and sturdy enough to do so. Kate reasoned it could correct even the most depressing of beds. “It’s like having a new mattress on top of the mattress,” she explained. It provided plenty of plush contour but didn’t flag on support, earning a 4.5 out of 5 in this category.

As expected of memory foam, Kate found that the topper absorbed quite a bit of motion from her testing partner as they tried out the bed together. “It wasn’t incredibly jarring,” she said when her partner moved around, “and it didn’t cause movement for me at all.” She gave the bed a 4 out of 5 for motion isolation, a rating that should satisfy most couples consisting of a light and restless sleeper.

However, this softer, slow-moving feel isn’t quite conducive to seamless movement. “You’ll sink a lot into this topper and get stuck there,” Kate bluntly explained. She wouldn’t recommend it for combination sleepers who don’t want to put effort into switching positions. However, when it comes to the topper itself moving, Kate found it stayed put, thanks to its corner straps. “The straps are also adjustable, so you can tighten it if you have a taller or shorter mattress,” she added.

Kate’s main gripe about this topper was the actual unboxing process. She noted there was a distinct smell, which we call off-gassing, that needed a few days of airing out to fully dissipate. After laying the topper out on the mattress in the studio, she added, “There was a big seam in the middle of the topper that stayed there until we jumped around on it for a while.” With this in mind, you might have to wait a bit after unboxing to reap the full benefits of this topper.

Don’t want to sink too far into your topper? Check out Brooklinen’s Down Alternative Topper.