Mattress toppers are a great product to alter the feel of your mattress — they can make your bed feel softer, more plush, more comfortable, and more supportive. If you’re looking for the best twin XL mattress topper for your twin XL bed, then you’re in the right place. We’ve rounded up some of the best mattress toppers, all available in a twin XL size.
Many people sleep on twin XL beds, from kids to college students in dorms to couples with split king mattresses. That’s why we picked a variety of toppers that will work for different people, different sleep needs, and different budgets. So let’s dive into these toppers!
Best Twin XL Mattress Toppers
- Best Overall: Saatva Mattress Topper
- Best Budget: Brooklyn Bedding Gel Swirl Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- Best for Combination Sleepers: Layla Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- Best Foam: Nolah Mattress Topper
- Best Non-Slip: Puffy Mattress Topper
- Best for Side Sleepers: ViscoSoft Select High Density Mattress Topper
- Best Latex: Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper
- Best for Back Sleepers: Tuft & Needle Mattress Topper
- Best Memory Foam: TEMPUR-Adapt Topper
- Best Down: Parachute Down Mattress Topper
Best Overall: Saatva Mattress Topper
Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper
This high-quality topper is made with an organic cotton cover, graphite-infused memory foam, and elastic straps.
Sleepopolis Score
4.80 / 5
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Saatva offers their mattress topper in three varieties, but we chose the Saatva Graphite mattress topper as the best overall because of its high-quality, comfort, and cooling capabilities. This topper is made of three inches of graphite-infused memory foam, which helps to counteract memory foam’s natural tendency to trap heat.
The foam is covered with an organic cotton cover, which features anchor bands to secure the topper to your mattress. That’s helpful if you toss and turn throughout the night, which could cause the topper to shift. This topper’s foam feels thick and high-density, providing an excellent mix of pressure relief and support that should work for back and side sleepers.
Read our full Saatva Graphite mattress topper review to learn more.
Price: $325 for a twin XL topper.
Perfect For: Luxury shoppers, back and side sleepers, hot sleepers, and folks who toss and turn.
Best Budget: Brooklyn Bedding Gel Swirl Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Brooklyn Bedding Gel Swirl Mattress Topper
The Brooklyn Bedding Gel Swirl Topper is made with a 2.5-pound layer of gel memory foam pairs ultimate optimal pressure point relief with just the right amount of responsiveness.
Read Full ReviewThe Brooklyn Bedding Gel Swirl Memory Foam mattress topper is a fairly simple product: it’s a solid block of gel-infused memory foam, available in either a 2- or 3-inch thickness. The gel helps to counteract memory foam’s heat trapping, while still providing the cushioning and contouring the foam is known for.
We also appreciate having the choice between two thicknesses, as you can choose the thickness that will work best for you — side sleepers and heavier people might want the 3-inch topper to allow more room to sink in, while back sleepers or lightweight people might only want the 2-inch version.
Read our full Brooklyn Bedding Gel Swirl Memory Foam mattress topper review to learn more.
Price: $109 for the 2-inch twin XL topper, $139 for the 3-inch twin XL topper.
Perfect For: Back and side sleepers, budget shoppers, and hot sleepers who like memory foam.
Best for Combination Sleepers: Layla Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Layla Mattress Topper
A memory foam topper from Layla is a great way to extend the life of your current mattress.
Sleepopolis Score
4.20 / 5
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If you are a combination sleeper, you’ll want to find a topper that works for multiple sleeping positions. The Layla Memory Foam mattress topper is a good option, as it is comfortable for both back and side sleepers. It’s also not too thick, so you shouldn’t sink in so deeply that it is difficult to change between sleeping positions. And, it has straps to secure the topper to the mattress, so no matter how much you toss and turn, it will stay in place.
The Layla Memory Foam mattress topper is made with a 2-inch block of copper-infused memory foam, which helps to draw heat away from the body. The foam is covered in a soft polyester-blend cover, which can be removed and washed.
Read our full Layla Memory Foam mattress topper review to learn more.
Price: $289 for a twin XL topper.
Perfect For: Back/side combo sleepers and hot sleepers.
Best Foam: 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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If you’re looking for a foam topper with a unique feel, the Nolah mattress topper could be a good option for you. Made with Nolah’s proprietary AirFoam, this topper doesn’t have that “classic memory foam feel” of deep contouring and sinking in. Rather, it offers a more elevated, “on top of the bed” feel that feels like a cross between memory foam and latex foam.
Nolah offers this topper in two different firmnesses: Plush and Luxury Firm. This also makes it versatile to different sleepers, as back sleepers may opt for the Luxury Firm model for a little extra support, while side sleepers may go for the Plush for pressure relief. Additionally, the topper has a removable cover made from an organic cotton blend, with straps in each corner.
Read our full Nolah mattress topper review to learn more.
Price: $319 for a twin XL topper.
Perfect For: Back and side sleepers, folks who toss and turn, and those who want an elevating feel.
Best Non-Slip: 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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While many toppers feature straps to secure them in place, the Puffy mattress topper takes it a step further with an entire skirt attached to the topper that fits around the bed like a fitted sheet. This works fantastically to keep the topper secure and in place, even as you move around throughout the night.
The Puffy topper’s cover is a blend of polyester and bamboo rayon, offering some cooling effects from bamboo’s temperature regulating abilities. The fill is two inches of memory foam, which offers deep contouring and pressure relief. However, Puffy offers this topper in two different firmnesses: Soft and Firm.
Read our full Puffy mattress topper review to learn more.
Price: $189 for a twin XL topper.
Perfect For: Combo sleepers who toss and turn, back and side sleepers, and folks who want multiple firmness options.
Best for Side 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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For those who sleep on their sides, pressure relief is a key feature to look for when shopping for a mattress topper. Because your entire body weight is resting on your shoulders and hips, those joints can get very sore at night if they don’t receive any pressure relief from your bed. Fortunately, the ViscoSoft Select High Density mattress topper offers lots of body contouring and pressure relief.
This topper features a bamboo rayon cover, which offers some temperature regulation. Inside is a 3-inch or 4-inch block of high-density memory foam, infused with gel for further temperature regulation. The topper also features anti-slip mesh on the bottom of the cover, along with straps to secure the topper to the bed. Plus, if you want to get really funky, ViscoSoft offers lavender-infused and charcoal-infused versions of this topper!
Read our full ViscoSoft Select High Density mattress topper review to learn more.
Price: $224.95 for a twin XL topper.
Perfect For: Side sleepers in need of pressure relief, back sleepers, and hot sleepers.
Best Latex: Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper
Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper
This organic topper is made with latex, cotton, and wool for a cozy but eco-friendly sleep experience.
Sleepopolis Score
4.60 / 5
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Latex foam is another popular material in the world of mattresses and bedding because of its buoyant feel, cooling capabilities, and natural production. If you’re looking for a great latex topper, look no further than the Avocado Organic Latex mattress topper. This topper is made with Global Organic Latex Standard certified latex foam, with a layer of organic wool for cushioning. The cover is 100 percent Global Organic Textile Standard certified organic cotton.
This topper comes in two firmnesses: Plush and Firm. We tested the Plush version and found it to have a buoyant, bouncy, and responsive feel. It’s also quite easy to move around on — no worries about feeling stuck if you’re a combo sleeper or have some mobility issues. Plus, between the naturally cool latex fill and breathable natural materials used in this topper, it’s a fantastic choice for hot sleepers.
Read our full Avocado Organic Latex mattress topper review to learn more.
Price: $549 for a twin XL topper.
Perfect For: Back sleepers, hot sleepers, and eco-conscious shoppers.
Best for Back Sleepers: 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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For all the back sleepers out there, our recommendation for a great topper is the Tuft & Needle mattress topper. This topper is made from open-cell polyurethane foam, which is a bit more breathable than other foams. It features a polyester cover with a non-skid bottom, covered in silicone beads to help grip the mattress.
This topper offers a soft and squishy feel, but because it is only two inches thick, doesn’t allow too much room to sink in deeply. This works well for back sleepers to get some softness and pressure relief on an otherwise firm mattress without it feeling too soft.
Read our full Tuft & Needle mattress topper review to learn more.
Price: $200 for a twin XL topper.
Perfect For: Back sleepers, some side sleepers, and light to average weight sleepers.
Best Memory Foam: TEMPUR-Adapt Topper
TEMPUR-Adapt + Cooling Mattress Topper
The TEMPUR-Adapt is a great mattress topper with a soft memory foam feel that offers impressive pressure relief!
Sleepopolis Score
4.50 / 5
Read Full Review
As a brand that popularized a material to be almost synonymous with memory foam, Tempur-Pedic’s TEMPUR-Adapt topper had to be our choice for the best memory foam mattress topper.
The TEMPUR-Adapt topper is made with three inches of Tempur-Pedic’s proprietary TEMPUR Material foam, which is thick and high-density, offering deep body contouring and support. The cover is a polyester blend, which Tempur-Pedic says is resistant to allergens. Lying on the topper, you should feel yourself slowly sink into the foam as it contours around your body for perfect pressure relief.
Read our full TEMPUR-Adapt Topper review to learn more.
Price: $319 for the twin long topper.
Perfect For: Side and back sleepers, sleepers with allergies, and memory foam fans.
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
Read Full Review
While the majority of mattress toppers are made with some type of foam, down mattress toppers are another option that offer a completely different sleep experience. Down is a natural material that has been used in bedding for a long time — it’s the soft, spineless feathers from the underbelly of a bird. Our choice for the best down topper is the Parachute Down mattress topper.
Covered in 100 percent cotton, the Parachute Down mattress topper has two chambers: one filled with European white down and one filled with normal waterfowl feathers. This offers a nice mix of softness and support, with the plush down on top of the regular feathers. Overall, the Parachute Down topper offers a soft, cloud-like pillow top feel to your bed that is ultra-luxurious.
Read our full Parachute Down mattress topper review to learn more.
Price: $299 for a twin XL topper.
Perfect For: Hot sleepers, those who love a soft and plush feel, and shoppers who want an upgrade without drastically altering the firmness of their bed.
Who Should Buy a Twin XL Mattress Topper?
- College Students: With college dorms often offering a less than comfotable mattress, a twin XL mattress topper can provide extra comfort, support and features such a pressure relief, cooling, motion isolation.
- Taller Shoppers: A twin XL topper can provide extra support for taller people (over 6ft) who might need extra length for an improved night’s sleep.
- Those Seeking a Budget Friendly Mattress: Those who might not have the budget to purchase an entirely new mattress will benefit from a mattress topper that might make your current mattress softer or firmer and mold better to your sleep preferences.
Who Shouldn’t Buy a Twin XL Mattress Topper?
- Shoppers with a Worn-Out Mattress: If your current mattress sags, is too old or is severely damaged, a topper will not be able to cover this up. It will simply mold to the damage or sag and create more pressure points. Replacing your mattress is a better option.
- Couples, or Those Who Need More Space: If you share your bed with a partner, pet or kid, a twin XL will most likely be far to narrow and a larger mattress such as a queen size mattress will be a better fit.
How To Choose A Twin XL Mattress Topper
There are a variety of factors to consider when shopping for a mattress topper, no matter what size. Let’s go over some common factors to keep in mind.
Sleeping Position
The most important factor to consider when shopping for a topper is your primary sleeping position. Each position requires a different level of pressure relief and support from their mattress, so it follows that you should choose your mattress topper according to your sleeping position.
- Back sleepers have the most leeway when it comes to choosing a mattress topper. Essentially, they need something that is supportive enough to maintain proper posture, but also is comfortable. Back sleepers with shoulder pain may want a softer, more pressure-relieving topper. Foam toppers that offer deep contouring can work well for back sleepers with back pain to fill in their lumbar region, as well.
- Side sleepers tend to need a topper that will relieve pressure around their shoulder and hip. Because side sleepers rest their body weight on these joints, they can become sore easily. A soft, contouring topper that offers lots of pressure relief works best for these sleepers.
- Stomach sleepers are tricky to shop for when it comes to mattress toppers. Generally, stomach sleepers need a firm and supportive mattress to keep their hips from sinking into the bed, causing their lower back to bow. Since most toppers make the bed softer, they aren’t usually the best option for stomach sleepers. However, stomach sleepers can do well on some firmer toppers, especially latex toppers, as well as extremely thin toppers.
Firmness and Feel
As discussed above, mattress toppers can have different firmnesses and feels. You will want to factor in your sleeping position as you decide what feel is best for you, as well as your personal preferences. Back sleepers and combination sleepers will want a medium-firm mattress topper whereas stomach sleepers will want to reach for a firm mattress. Side sleepers on the other hand will want a softer feeling topper to support their hips and spinal alignment.
Additionally, it’s important to take into consideration how firm your current mattress is. If your mattress is extremely firm and you want to make it more medium-firm, you might want to go for a softer topper. But if your bed is already medium-firm and you just want a little extra cushioning, you won’t need quite as soft of a topper.
Body Type
It’s also worth thinking about how your body type might affect your perception of a mattress topper. For example, heavy sleepers (who weigh 250 pounds or more) will likely sink into their topper more than average (between 250 and 130 pounds) or lightweight people (who weigh 130 pounds or less). That means heavy people might opt for a thicker topper to ensure they have ample room to sink in.
On the flip side, lighter people won’t sink in as deeply, so they can often use a thinner topper than average or heavy people.
Sleeping Hot or Cool
If you sleep hot at night, odds are you will want a mattress topper that helps you to sleep cool, rather than one that makes you even hotter.
The most important thing to remember is memory foam naturally traps a lot of heat. This is how it adapts to your body — by absorbing your body heat. Since most mattress toppers are made with foam, many will naturally trap some heat. However, some companies add copper, graphite, or gel infusions to help counteract this heat trapping tendency. While they offer some help, it’s important to note they rarely make the topper feel cool to the touch.
Another possible cooling feature is a cooling cover. Bamboo viscose is a popular option, as this material is temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking. You might also see covers with Phase Change Material, which is a substance that can react in real time to keep you cool. Breathable materials like cotton are also helpful for keeping hot air flowing through the topper.
However, if you want a truly cooling topper, the best option is usually latex foam toppers. Unlike memory foam, latex foam maintains a naturally cool temperature and won’t trap your body heat.
Materials
As you’ve probably noticed, there are a variety of materials used to make mattress toppers. Reading through the materials used can help you get a better understanding of how a topper will feel and perform.
Some of the most common materials for fill include memory foam, latex foam, down, and down alternatives. Other materials might be used in the covers, such as polyester, cotton, bamboo viscose, and more.
Price
As with any purchase, price is an important consideration as you shop for your topper. There is a wide range of prices for mattress toppers, with higher quality toppers often costing more than cheaper ones. Most of the toppers we review are fairly high quality, so the prices can be skewed higher. For a good quality topper, I would anticipate spending anywhere from $150–$400.
However, it is easily possible to find a cheap topper for under $100. Just know the price likely reflects the quality.
Special Features
While some toppers are simply a slab of foam, many include special features. These can include a cover (which might be removable and washable), straps or a skirt, infusions, and more.
Types of Twin XL Mattress Toppers
As mentioned above, there are a variety of materials used in mattress toppers. Let’s go over some of the most common types.
Memory Foam
Memory foam is a type of polyurethane foam that conforms and molds around the body. It is probably the most common material used in mattress toppers, as it provides cushioning and comfort. There are different qualities of memory foam, with higher density foams often being higher in quality.
Latex Foam
Latex foam is another relatively popular material for mattress toppers. It is made from the sap of rubber trees and is often touted as a natural alternative to memory foam. Latex foam differs in feel from memory foam, with less contouring and more of an elevating, buoyant feel. Latex also maintains a naturally cool temperature, making it popular among hot sleepers.
Down
Down is a popular bedding material for those who love all things soft and plush. Down is the soft, spineless feathers from the underbelly of a bird. It’s commonly used in pillows and duvets, but can also be used for the fill of a mattress topper. Down mattress toppers often provide a soft, cloud-like sleep experience, but aren’t as contouring or supportive as foam toppers. They are a good option for someone who wants a “featherbed feel” from their bed.
Down Alternatives
Down alternatives are exactly what they sound like: alternatives to down. Because down is relatively expensive and sourced from animals, many other materials are used to emulate the feel of down in mattress toppers. These are often synthetic, made from polyester or other plastic-based materials. However, down alternatives can also include things like bamboo fibers, cotton, or even wool.
FAQs
How many inches of a mattress topper is best?
The topper thickness best for you often depends on your sleeping position and body type. Side sleepers and heavier people will typically want a thicker topper, around three to four inches. However, back sleepers and lightweight people can go for a thinner topper, such as a two-inch topper. Ultimately, it depends on your personal preference.
Does a mattress topper fit a twin XL?
Yes, many mattress toppers are specifically designed to fit a twin XL. While you are shopping, be sure to search for twin XL toppers or check to see if the topper you are interested in is offered in this size.
How thick should a mattress topper be for side sleepers?
Three to four inches is often best for side sleepers. However, depending on the sleeper and the mattress they are adding the topper to, two inches can work just fine.
Will a mattress topper make my bed more comfortable?
Usually yes! Toppers are designed to make your bed more comfortable, particularly if it is too firm or lacking in plushness.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully if you have made it to the end, you have learned something new about mattress toppers and maybe even found one for your twin XL bed! If you didn’t find a topper that suited you on this list, check out our best mattress topper page, where we have even more recommendations.
