Written by Amelia Jerden, Senior Staff Writer
If your current mattress is feeling a bit too firm or you’re in need of some extra pressure relief, a soft mattress topper can do wonders for your comfort — without having to invest in a brand new mattress. We’ve tested dozens of different mattress toppers here at Sleepopolis and for this list we’ve rounded up some of the best soft mattress toppers we’ve tried out to help you find the best one for you.
Best Soft Mattress Toppers 2023
- Best Overall – ViscoSoft Serene Hybrid Mattress Topper
- Best Memory Foam – Puffy Mattress Topper
- Most Plush – Coop Sleep Goods Retreat Mattress Topper
- Most Responsive – Tuft & Needle Mattress Topper
- Best Down – Parachute Down Mattress Topper
Best Overall – ViscoSoft Serene Hybrid Mattress Topper
ViscoSoft Serene Hybrid Mattress Topper
The ViscoSoft Serene Hybrid is a dual layer mattress topper featuring a pillow top and gel foam interior.
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The ViscoSoft Serene Hybrid mattress topper has a unique design, with a memory foam layer underneath a plush, quilted down-alternative cover. This topper brings the best of both worlds, in terms of softness and plushness, with the memory foam to provide pressure relief and body contouring and the pillow top adding that cloud-like softness. This mix of materials allows the ViscoSoft Serene Hybrid mattress topper to keep you well-supported on your mattress, but still softens up the feel.
What our tester says: “The quilted down-alternative fill pillow top was super soft and cozy, in my opinion. It reminded me of a really nice down comforter, which makes for a really comfortable sleeping surface.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
Who the ViscoSoft Serene Hybrid Mattress Topper Is Best For
- Side sleepers: The pressure relief and cushioning the Serene Hybrid mattress topper offers is ideal for these sleepers.
- People who toss and turn: This topper utilizes both an 18-inch deep skirt and straps to stay secured to the top of your mattress, even if you toss and turn at night.
- People who value easy cleaning: The top layer of this topper is machine washable, making it simple to keep the topper clean.
Who Should Avoid the ViscoSoft Serene Hybrid Mattress Topper
- Stomach sleepers: This topper is too soft and cushioning to keep stomach sleepers’ hips propped up to maintain a neutral spine (which is key for preventing back pain).
- Hot sleepers: The foam used in this topper is gel-infused to promote cooling, but overall it isn’t a noticeably cool topper.
Interested in learning more? Read our full ViscoSoft Serene Hybrid mattress topper review or get our best deal here.
Best Memory Foam – Puffy Mattress Topper
Puffy Deluxe Mattress Topper
The Puffy mattress topper is a great solution for those looking to firm up a soft mattress, or soften a firm mattress! It has an anti-slip grip to keep it from falling off your bed.
Sleepopolis Score
5.00 / 5
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Expert Opinion
The Puffy mattress topper is a fairly classic memory foam mattress topper, with a few key details that make it stand out. First, it is available in two firmness levels, which are Soft and Firm. Naturally, the Soft version (which we tested) will be best for those seeking a soft feel. Second, the topper features a bamboo rayon blend cover that promotes cooling and helps keep the topper clean. And finally, it has a skirt that secures the topper to your mattress, as well as an anti-slip grip on the underside.
What our tester says: “The foam feels dense, so it doesn’t immediately feel super soft, but it conforms around you more the longer you lay on it.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
Who the Puffy Mattress Topper Is Best For
- Back sleepers: The Puffy mattress topper’s foam offers a pleasant cushioning for these sleepers.
- Side sleepers: These sleepers should experience plenty of pressure relief from the soft, cushioning foam in this topper.
- Sleepers with allergies: The Puffy topper’s cover is hypoallergenic and machine washable, making it easy to keep clean and reduce allergens.
Who Should Avoid the Puffy Mattress Topper
- Stomach sleepers: The Soft version of the Puffy topper is too plush and cushioning to keep these sleepers positioned with a neutral spine, as their hips may sink in.
- Heavy sleepers: This topper is only two inches thick, so some heavier folks (weighing 250 pounds or more) may not get enough pressure relief. They might sink through the topper and “bottom out,” without receiving any cushioning benefit.
Learn more about this topper in our Puffy mattress topper review or click here to get the best deal.
Most Plush – Coop Sleep Goods Retreat Mattress Topper
Coop Sleep Goods Retreat Mattress Topper
This Coop Sleep Goods topper is filled with cross-cut foam and microfibers, using a baffle box construction for even distribution.
Sleepopolis Score
4.90 / 5
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Expert Opinion
If you’re looking to add some pleasant plushness to your mattress, look no further than the Coop Sleep Goods Retreat mattress topper. This topper differs from many other memory foam mattress toppers in that it is not made from a solid block of foam, but rather shredded foam blended with polyester fiber fill. The topper uses baffle box construction to create “pockets” of the fill, ensuring an even distribution and providing a pillowy feel. Best of all, we think this topper can work well for every sleeping position, depending on the firmness of their mattress.
What our tester says: “Adding it onto a mattress gave it a pillow top feel, thanks to the plush pockets of shredded memory foam.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
Who the Coop Sleep Goods Retreat Mattress Topper Is Best For
- Combination sleepers: This topper can work for a variety of sleeping positions and is easy to move around on.
- People who toss and turn: Straps in each corner of the topper keep it nicely secured to the mattress.
- Sleepers with allergies: The Coop Sleep Goods Retreat topper is hypoallergenic, a big plus for those with allergies (although note that it is not machine washable).
Who Should Avoid the Coop Sleep Goods Retreat Mattress Topper
- Shoppers looking for smaller sizes: The Retreat topper is only available in queen and king sizes, so it is not a good option for folks looking for smaller sizes like full or twin XL.
- Hot sleepers: While the shredded foam should allow for some breathability compared to a block of foam, this isn’t a particularly cooling topper.
Want to learn more? Read our full Coop Sleep Goods Retreat mattress topper review or get our best deal here.
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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Expert Opinion
If you’re on the hunt for a soft, but responsive mattress topper, the Tuft & Needle mattress topper could be a good option. The foam used in this topper feels super soft, but is still easy to move around on without sinking in too deeply — particularly because it is only two inches thick. Additionally, the bottom of the topper features grippy silicone beads, which help to prevent the topper from shifting around on the mattress.
What our tester says: “I thought the topper felt super soft — both in the sense that the cover’s fabric was quite soft and that the foam was very squishy.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
Who the Tuft & Needle Mattress Topper Is Best For
- Back sleepers: These sleepers should find the Tuft & Needle mattress topper offers just the right amount of softness for some cushioning and pressure relief.
- Side sleepers: For those looking for just a touch of softness for additional pressure relief, the Tuft & Needle mattress topper is a good choice.
- Shoppers who want a long trial period: Tuft & Needle offers a generous 100-night trial period with this topper, so you have plenty of time to test it out at home. This is a fairly lengthy trial period for a mattress topper.
Who Should Avoid the Tuft & Needle Mattress Topper
- People who value easy cleaning: This topper is spot-clean only, so if you want to easily wash it in the washer, it is not the best option for you.
- Stomach sleepers: These folks will likely find the Tuft & Needle mattress topper too soft to maintain a neutral sleep posture.
If you want to learn more, read our full Tuft & Needle mattress topper review. Or you can click here to get our best deal.
Best Down – Parachute Down Mattress Topper
Parachute Down Mattress Topper
This mattress topper has two layers of down and feathers, creating an especially plush sleeping experience.
Sleepopolis Score
4.30 / 5
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Expert Opinion
The Parachute Down mattress topper is perfect for any sleeper looking to add a plush, cloud-like, featherbed feel to their mattress. This topper features a 100 percent cotton cover and is filled with an upper layer of European white down and a lower layer of waterfowl feathers. The topper is three inches tall and uses baffle box construction to ensure an even fill distribution. This marshmallowy topper creates a luxurious pillow top layer on any mattress for lots of added softness.
What our tester says: “Overall, I really enjoyed lying on this topper. It felt like lying on a soft, marshmallowy cloud. I could feel myself sinking into the three inches of soft down and feathers, but I still felt somewhat elevated and didn’t sink all the way through.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
Who the Parachute Down Mattress Topper Is Best For
- Hot sleepers: Those who run hot should appreciate how breathable the natural materials utilized in this topper are.
- Those who love a fluffy feel: This topper adds lots of fluff and plushness to your mattress, without significantly altering the firmness of the bed below.
- All sleeping positions: Sleepers in any position should be comfortable on this topper, depending on the firmness of the mattress below.
Who Should Avoid the Parachute Down Mattress Topper
- Those who value easy cleaning: This topper is dry-clean only, so it isn’t the easiest to clean.
- Those who toss and turn: The Parachute Down topper does not have straps or a skirt, so it may shift easily on the surface of your bed.
Want to learn more? Read our full Parachute Down mattress topper review or click here to get our best deal.
How We Picked
Now that you’ve taken a close look at our favorite plush mattress toppers, let’s discuss the methodology behind our 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 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.
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 firmer 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 mentioned 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 our 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, lightweight 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.
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, most 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.
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, we 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 we 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, we 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. Or you can always opt for latex foam, which maintains a naturally cool temperature.
FAQs
Can a mattress topper make a bed softer?
Yes, a mattress topper can make a bed feel softer. Choosing a plush topper that allows for lots of contouring especially will make a firmer bed feel softer.
What goes on top of a mattress to make it softer?
A mattress topper is the best product to put on top of a mattress to make it softer. However, some mattress pads also add slight cushioning that may achieve the effect you are looking for.
How can I make my bed super soft?
The best way to make your bed feel super soft would be to add a soft mattress topper, like the ones in this list. If you are looking for additional pressure relief and cushioning, memory foam is your best bet. If you want a pillowy, fluffy effect, a down or down-alternative topper should work well.
Why is my bed not comfortable anymore?
Your bed will deteriorate over time, so if your mattress is 10 years old or older, it may have lost its shape and feel. Sometimes a mattress topper can remedy the situation, but you may also want to consider replacing your mattress if it is in very bad shape.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know all about topper shopping, and have seen our 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!
