Best Soft & Plush Mattress Toppers

If you’re looking for a way to enhance the comfort of your mattress without investing in a brand new bed, a mattress topper might be the perfect sleep accessory for you. They come in a variety of materials, depths, and firmnesses, and can make your sleep space a whole lot cozier. But with so many options on the market, finding the perfect one can be a little tough.

To guide you in your search, I’m presenting my top favorite plush mattress toppers, along with some expert shopping tips. So keep reading to find the mattress topper that’s best for you!

Best Soft & Plush Mattress Toppers

• Editor’s Pick – Nolah Mattress Topper
• Best for Back Sleepers – TEMPUR-Adapt Topper
• Best for Hot Sleepers – ViscoSoft 3″ Memory Foam Topper 
• Most Responsive – Tuft & Needle Topper
• Softest Feel – D&G The Duck and Goose Co. Extra Thick Mattress Topper
• Best for Side Sleepers – Coonp King Mattress Topper

Editor’s Pick – Nolah Mattress Topper

Nolah Mattress Topper

The Nolah Mattress Topper is a high-quality product boasting a CertiPUR-US certification. Nolah's signature foam is described as more durable, plush, and cooling than other foams on the market.

Sleepopolis Score

4.90 / 5

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With two inches of plush foam, the Nolah Mattress Topper is one of our favorite soft mattress toppers. Nolah uses a proprietary foam that’s purportedly not only more pressure-relieving, but also sturdier and more cooling than other foams. You can even choose between two firmness options, but of course, we recommend the Plush option.

Pros: 

• Nolah created a foam that works against trapping heat. This is great news for hot sleepers.
• This topper is made in the U.S. and comes with a 10-year warranty, as well as free shipping.
• Elastic straps ensure the topper stays securely on your mattress.

Cons: 

• At $399 for a queen, it’s not as affordable as other memory foam options.

Best for Back Sleepers – TEMPUR-Adapt Topper

TEMPUR-Adapt Mattress Topper

The TEMPUR-Topper Supreme is a great mattress topper with a soft memory foam feel that offers impressive pressure relief!

Sleepopolis Score

4.50 / 5

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If you’re a back sleeper looking at a memory foam topper, you have probably heard of Tempur-Pedic. They were at the forefront of the memory foam revolution and are still one of the most popular memory foam mattress brands out there. This topper offers a combination of support and comfort that back sleepers should be looking for. The properties of the memory foam contour pressure points while the denser foam helps support the sleeper.

Pros: 

• The TEMPUR-Adapt topper is going to provide excellent pressure relief for side sleepers. They should sink in and feel little to no pressure on their shoulders and hips. 
• Larger sleepers should not have issues with bottoming out on this topper. The memory foam is thick and high-density so it will keep heavier weights aloft while still staying soft. 
• The cover is removable so it can be easily washed at home. 
• It should be a good option for couples who want to avoid motion transfer. The topper should isolate motion on each side of the mattress so sleeping partners do not disturb one another. 

Cons: 

• The TEMPUR-Adapt topper, like many memory foam toppers, could make you sleep hotter at night. However, the cover does wick away moisture, so it might not be an issue as long as you don’t sleep especially hot. 
• As with the other toppers above, you could have issues moving around on this topper. It is slow-moving which might make it difficult to change positions at night. 
• At full price, a queen size TEMPUR-Adapt topper is $419. This is the most pricey topper on this list.

Best For Hot Sleepers – ViscoSoft Select High Density Mattress Topper

ViscoSoft Select High Density Mattress Topper

The ViscoSoft Select High Density mattress topper features high-density gel-infused foam with perforations for airflow, as well as a bamboo rayon cover and adjustable no-slip straps.

Sleepopolis Score

4.50 / 5

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A major drawback of memory foam is that it can trap heat. Normally with a thicker memory foam mattress topper, you would have to worry about sleeping hot. The Viscosoft Select High Density mattress topper takes steps to make sure this does not happen, as it uses gel infusions in the foam to draw heat away from the body.

Pros: 

• This ViscoSoft topper contains thick, high-density memory foam. This will keep heavier sleepers from dropping through the topper and hitting the mattress below. 
• The topper will provide extra contouring for back sleepers. At the same time, the topper will support the lumbar area. 
• Side sleepers should feel excellent pressure relief on the ViscoSoft Select High Density mattress topper. When you are lying on your side, the ViscoSoft topper will relieve almost all pressure on your shoulders and hips. 
• The ViscoSoft’s high-density memory foam is a very durable material. This means the topper should be a good long-term investment. 

Cons: 

• The ViscoSoft is a quality, durable mattress topper, but it might be outside of some people’s budgets. It is currently $269 for a queen size. 
• Those with mobility issues might have trouble moving around on the ViscoSoft. It is not very responsive.

Most Responsive – Tuft & Needle Mattress Topper

Tuft & Needle Mattress Topper

The Tuft & Needle mattress topper is perfect for those looking to add some plush softness to their bed!

Sleepopolis Score

4.40 / 5

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Memory foam can make it more difficult to move around. The Tuft & Needle is a topper with a responsive alternative to memory foam. It is two inches thick and contains two inches of hypoallergenic Responsive Foam.

Pros: 

• The Tuft & Needle is more responsive than most memory foam toppers. It bounces back into place quickly so you should never feel stuck in the topper. 
• The Responsive Foam is open-celled. This plus the breathable cover should ensure that air flows through the topper, keeping it cool at night. 
• The Tuft & Needle should soften your mattress enough to make sure you get the needed pressure relief when side sleeping. Back sleepers should also feel some added contouring. 

Cons: 

• The Tuft & Needle might not provide as much pressure relief as a thicker memory foam mattress topper. 
• At $150, it is not pricey but also not as affordable as some other memory foam options.

Softest Feel – D&G The Duck and Goose Co. Extra Thick Mattress Topper

D&G The Duck and Goose Co. Extra Thick Mattress Topper

The D&G The Duck and Goose Co. Extra Thick Mattress Topper is extra soft and is resistant to mold, mildew and other household allergens.

Sleepopolis Score

4.40 / 5

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Amply stuffed with a gel-infused down alternative, this topper is perfect for shoppers in search of an extra soft topper. Additionally, it features four corner straps that you can affix to your mattress for a snug, secure fit. 

Pros:

• This topper feels a lot like real down, despite not employing any real feathers or animal products of any kind. 
• Its extra soft firmness rating makes this topper ideal for those looking to balance the feel of a firm mattress. 
• The materials used to make this topper were crafted to be resistant to mold, mildew, and other household allergens. 

Cons:

• This topper has a plush, fluffy feel that’s probably going to be too soft for those who prefer medium to firm support. 
• You may need to occasionally fluff this topper in order to restore its loft and shape.

Best for Side Sleepers – COONP Extra Thick Pillowtop Mattress Topper

COONP Extra Thick Pillowtop Mattress Topper

The COONP Extra Thick Pillowtop mattress topper has a luxurious cotton cover and is great for side sleepers.

Sleepopolis Score

4.40 / 5

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Side sleepers in search of a soft mattress topper should definitely give this one a try. Its plush, pillow top design is perfect for those who need extra pressure relief at the shoulders and hips as they roll from side to side. 

Pros:

• The cotton that covers this topper has a luxuriously high thread count, making it softer, smoother, and more durable. 
• Side sleepers are going to be most compatible with this topper, as it is overstuffed with down alternative for an extra plush feel. 
• From twin to California king, this topper is available in the full range of sizes.

Cons:

• While it’s a pretty great value for its quality, this mattress topper is not going to be in everyone’s target price range. 
• This topper is very tightly packaged, and will need several hours to restore its true loft.

How We Picked

Now that you’ve taken a close look at my favorite plush mattress toppers, let’s discuss the methodology behind my decisions. While topper shopping has a lot to do with personal preference, there are several factors to keep in mind when choosing the perfect one.

Materials

The first thing to focus on is what, exactly, the mattress topper is made of. You’re going to want to pick the materials that provide the best pressure relief, and complement the firmness of your existing mattress. Remember — a mattress topper is not the same as a mattress pad, and its materials and construction can dramatically affect the way your mattress feels.

For example, if you sleep on a mattress that’s too firm, a plush foam topper with a soft firmness rating might be perfect for you. Meanwhile, sleepers looking to add a little buoyant support to their bed might want to opt for a latex topper instead. To help you in your search for the right materials, allow me to provide some information on the types of toppers you’re most likely to encounter:

• Down & Down Alternative: Toppers filled with down or down alternatives are generally the softest, most plush toppers on the market. Not to mention, down alternative toppers are usually the only toppers that are machine washable! If you’re looking for an extra fluffy, plush feel, this might be the best option for you.
• Latex Mattress Topper: Latex toppers typically offer a bouncy feel with a quick response to pressure. Compared to most foam toppers, they are softer and lighter in weight. Additionally, latex is a natural, sustainable material, which might make it a particularly good pick for eco-friendly sleepers.
• Memory Foam Topper: Memory foam toppers tend to offer a much slower response to pressure, and let your body deeply sink into the material. They’re often thicker in density, heavier in weight, and firmer in feel.
• Foam Topper: Some foam toppers are not made from memory foam, specifically, and can vary in firmness quite a bit. For example, some brands use a proprietary foam that’s crafted to offer a super plush feel, while others make their foam toppers extra firm. That’s why it’s very important to pay attention to the material details as listed by the retailer itself.

All that said, keep in mind that every topper has a different feel, and it’s very important to pay attention to the firmness rating of each one. So, let’s take a look at that factor next!

Firmness

Latex toppers are usually softer than memory foam toppers, but that’s not always the case! In order to really get the best sense of a topper’s firmness (without personally testing it first), you’re going to want to check the “firmness rating” as listed on the brand’s website. Typically, every mattress topper is categorized as soft, medium, or firm, but you might find some listed in mid-range categories like “soft-medium” or “medium-firm.”

As I said earlier, you should pick the firmness that will best complement the feel of the mattress you already have. For example, sleepers looking to soften a mattress that’s too firm should try a plush topper with a soft firmness rating. On the other hand, buying a firm topper can be a great way to rejuvenate the feel and support of a mattress that’s a little too soft.

Just remember that a new mattress topper will not fix a mattress that’s old, worn out, or generally unsupportive. Instead, think of a mattress topper as a way to enhance the comfort of the bed that already supports you!

Depth

Once you’ve landed on the materials and firmness that best suit your bed and body, it’s time to focus on depth (thickness). Most mattress toppers are anywhere from one to four inches thick, but you might occasionally find extra-deep toppers that are five inches thick or more. So, take some time to determine how much depth you’re looking to add to your mattress, keeping in mind that thicker toppers typically provide more pressure relief.

In my experience, thicker toppers ranging from three to four inches deep are often more compatible with heavier sleepers, or side sleepers looking to relieve pressure at the shoulders and hips. Conversely, petite sleepers or those looking to add just a small comfort layer to their mattress are probably better off with a 1- or 2-inch topper. Just remember that adding a topper will affect the depth of your mattress, so you’re going to want to make sure that you have a sheet set that can accommodate your new bedding setup.

Cover Fabric

Mattress toppers go directly beneath your fitted sheet, which means you’ll never feel them directly on your skin. That’s why many toppers do not come with cover fabrics! In fact, you’ll probably find that mattress toppers that don’t have cover fabrics are considerably more affordable than those that do.

That said, there are a few key advantages that can come with a cover fabric. Firstly, they often have corner straps that can be attached to your mattress in order to prevent it from shifting around while you snooze. Secondly, they provide a layer of protection for your topper, which can help keep it clean and free from allergens. And finally, many cover fabrics are crafted with special cooling materials that serve to regulate your body temperature throughout the night.

Personally, I like my mattress topper to have a cover fabric, especially if it’s cooling. But, ultimately, deciding on a cover fabric is all about personal preference, so take some time to consider your options.

Wash Care

As you might have guessed, mattress toppers are simply too large to just throw in a washing machine. Furthermore, many mattress toppers are made from materials that can be damaged if you get them too wet. So, how are you supposed to care for these big sleep accessories?

Well, it’s actually not as tough as you might think. Spot-cleaning your topper with a damp cloth and mild detergent about twice a month is a great way to prevent bacterial buildup, and keep it feeling fresh and clean. Just remember to not soak the materials, and be sure to let it dry completely before putting it back on your bed.

Another thing to consider is that down-alternative mattress toppers are often machine washable and dryable, as long as you have machines big enough to accommodate them. So, if easy wash care is a priority, you might want to aim for down-alternative toppers, specifically.

Finally, mattress toppers with cover fabrics are often more resistant to wear and tear, as they have that extra layer of protection from the elements. The cover fabrics are usually removable and machine washable, which can help you cut down on the amount of spot-cleaning you need to do every month. But, regardless of the type of topper you choose, be sure to follow the exact care instructions as listed by the manufacturer in order to protect your bedding investment!

Price

Mattress toppers vary in price quite a bit, with most options ranging from $80-$200. Shoppers can find mattress toppers that are less expensive but, ultimately, quality costs. For example, the more durable and thick a topper is, the more expensive it’s likely to be. Additionally, mattress toppers that feature cover fabrics or special cooling properties are probably going to be more expensive than those that don’t.

To ease the purchasing pressure, I suggest you aim for retailers that offer trial periods and/or warranties. A trial period gives you time to personally test your topper in order to really know whether or not it’s worth the money. Similarly, a generous warranty inspires confidence that the bedding brand proudly stands by its product, and lets you know that its topper is built to last.

Who Should Get A Soft Mattress Topper?

So, how do you know if a soft mattress topper is right for you? Read below and see if any of these criteria match your situation. 

• You are a side sleeper. If your mattress is too firm and you sleep on your side, buying a soft mattress topper would be a wise decision. Sleeping on a firm mattress, you could feel some serious pressure on your shoulders and hips. A soft mattress topper could help relieve this pressure, allowing you to sleep more comfortably. 
• You are a back sleeper. Back sleepers require a mattress with a balance of comfort and support. If your mattress is too firm, your hips won’t be able to sink in, and this could cause lower-back strain. A soft mattress topper should let your hips sink in and could even provide proper lumbar support. 
• You want to sink further into your mattress. Sleeping on top of a mattress is not for everyone. Some people prefer to sleep deeper in their mattress. A soft mattress topper will allow you to sink further into the mattress and feel more enveloped. 

Who Should Not Get a Soft Mattress Topper?

• You are a stomach sleeper. It is a rare instance when a stomach sleeper should buy a soft mattress topper. Stomach sleepers need more support than those who sleep on their back or side. When you sleep on your stomach, you want to make sure you are getting even support across your entire body. Also, you don’t want your hips to sink in, causing pain in your lumbar area. 
• You prefer to feel like you’re sleeping “on top” of your mattress topper. If you pick up a soft mattress topper, it is likely that you will sink into your mattress. This feeling is not for everyone. For those who prefer to sleep on top of the mattress topper, a firmer option might be in order. 

Sleepopolis Buying Tips

Before I wrap up this guide and you begin shopping, let’s recap a few helpful tips that’ll guide you in your search.

• Sleeping Positions – If you’re not sure which firmness to go with, consider which sleeping position you spend the most time in. Stomach sleepers typically need a firmer feel, side sleepers should go with something softer, and back sleepers can enjoy a medium firmness rating.
• CertiPUR-US Certification – Sleepers with allergies or sensitive skin should look out for the CertiPUR-US certification. This seal guarantees that no toxic dyes, chemicals, flame retardants, or insecticides were used in the manufacturing of your mattress topper.
• Cooling Features – If you’re worried about your topper heating up while you sleep, I suggest picking one that has phase change material, copper, or graphite infused within the materials. These infusions can draw heat away from your body and help you sleep cool!

Final Thoughts

Now that you know all about topper shopping, and have seen my personal favorites, you’re well on your way to picking the perfect one. Just be sure to pay close attention to materials, depth, firmness, and all the little details that appeal to your personal sleep needs. Happy shopping, everybody!