Which Mattress Toppers Are Best?
A layer of cushioning can help make your bed more comfortable, and can also ease the joint pressure. Which mattress toppers work best?
Dr. Holliday-Bell recommends this natural option for those who need the supple support of memory foam but wish to stay clear of chemicals. It has a removable cover and offers various levels of firmness to suit most sleepers.
1. Sleep Innovations Gel Memory Topper
This topper is soft and comfortable for most people, yet still provides support. It moulded to the shape of our testers' bodies and provided support in all the right places. It fits all mattresses, but it can be difficult to place the sheets on. (Read more about how to install mattress toppers here). Its thick memory foam layer is machine washable and naturally anti-bacterial. It comes with a quilted bamboo cover that is hypoallergenic and sustainably sourced. It was a favorite among our panelists, though it's important to remember that it doesn't come with straps to help anchor the topper to your bed, so it may shift while you sleep.
The panelists that loved this topper also appreciated the way it eased back pain. It's also a great option for those who sleep more heavily, and might find that a deeper topper like this one--three to four inches--provides more pressure relief for sensitive areas such as shoulders and hips.
A two-inch layer copper-infused memory-foam absorbs heat and improves airflow to provide a cool sleep. Our test participant Jaclyn found the mattress sufficient firmness to relieve pressure on her back, front, and side sleeping positions but not so rigid that it made her feel uncomfortable. She also noticed that her back pain "pretty quickly disappeared overnight." She was awed by how quiet the topper is, as well, even when it is paired with an extremely soft mattress. The topper also prevents motion transfer, making it an ideal choice for couples who share the bed.
2. Coop Home Goods Retreat
We love the plush feel of Coop Home Goods' mattress toppers and this spot-cleaning-only version was discovered during our research, we knew it was a must to be included. It's made of the brand's crosscut memory foam and microfiber blend that's hypoallergenic, and perfect for those looking to make a change to an existing mattress or refresh the bed in a dorm, guest room, or rental home. What makes this topper especially distinctive is the inclusion of five body-zones that have different density zones. This helps to shape and conform to your body's unique shape and still provide sufficient support.
The cover of this topper is made of 100 percent microfiber polyester that has been brushed, and it has the baffle box structure that creates pockets of filling to ensure it is evenly dispersed. It also has four elastic straps at each corner to help keep the topper securely on your mattress. A layer of copper-infused memory foam draws heat away from your body to keep you cool in the evening, and it's topped with a second 2" layer of memory foam with a ventilated surface to provide even more airflow.
The Retreat is the most suitable mattress topper for those who prefer a soft feel. Louise, a Strategist writer, said that when she tried it, the topper quickly adapted and cradled so that she was at ease and well-supported. She tends to get hot in bed but the Retreat managed to keep her cool and didn't move significantly throughout the night. It's available in two different firmness options, and back, side and stomach sleepers will find it to be a good fit for their preferences.
3. Nolah Beds Luxury Firm Memory Foam Topper
There are a variety of options to you if you're looking for a mattress topper. Some are designed to help you stay cool or regulate your temperature, while others provide a little extra support or comfort. A mattress topper can be a great way to upgrade your current bed without spending much money. A memory foam mattress topper is a good choice for most sleepers, but should you prefer the bouncy feel of an innerspring mattress look into a hybrid topper that combines latex with tiny nano-springs.
A firmer topper can aid in aligning your spine for back and side sleepers, and ease pressure in areas that are sensitive. This four-inch Tempur topper, made in the US offers 120 nights of trial and has was a huge hit with our tester Julia. She was pleased with the extra comfort and sleep quality it brought. There was a distinct off-gassing smell upon opening it, but that dissipated after a day.
This firmer option from Parachute offers shredded memory foam that's not as dense, but is comfortable. Strategist contributor Lauren Levy says that it's "much more affordable than a down-topper" and offers the same marshmallow softness and baffle-box construction. She enjoyed sleeping on it but wouldn't recommend it for front sleepers since her torso got sucked into the topper.
A topper made of natural wool fleece is hypoallergenic and soft. It is not as breathable and can make you feel hot in the evening. Cotton is a great choice, as it is comfortable and cool. Some topper fabrics are infused with copper, graphite and gel infusions to help you stay cool.
4. Sleep Innovations Gel Cooling Memory Foam Topper
This topper made by Puffy is a great budget option that offers a comfortable feel and a gentle pressure-relieving support for a low price. It comes in a variety of different density and thickness options to help you find the perfect suitable bed.
Strategist Contributing writer Lauren Levy loved that this topper resembles down. It's "marshmallow soft" and features a baffle-box construction with pillow-y fiber-fill. It's hypoallergenic and comes with an easy-to-clean cover that will help you maintain the cleanliness in your mattress.
The 2" layer of copper-infused memory is designed to promote airflow and draw moisture away from the body during sleep. This lets you remain cool. Even though it's not as bouncy the same bounce as latex toppers, Levy found it to be extremely comfortable. It's perfect for those who sleep on their backs, sides, or stomachs, as well as for those with chronic pain.
A 10-year guarantee and free shipping are included. This topper is also simple to clean; just clean it with a spot of soap and allow it to dry in the sun. It should not be put in a dryer or washer as this will void the warranty.
The Sleep Innovations Gel Cooling Memory Foam Topper offers a great budget option for a supportive, soft mattress. It's medium (5) firm, making it suitable for most sleepers. However, those who find their mattress too firm will benefit from this mattress. It also stops transfer of movement, which is essential for sleepers who are combination. It also relieves shoulder and neck pain similar to the Coop Home Goods Retreat topper. The only drawback to this topper is that it may not be as comfortable as polyfoam or latex, so it's not the ideal choice for sleepers who are hot.
5. Nolah Beds Luxury Plush Memory Foam Topper
The Nolah Beds Luxury Plush Memory Foam Topper is a fantastic option for side sleepers and back sleepers who want to soften a firm mattress. This topper is also good for those who suffer from chronic pain since it helps reduce pressure points. It is made in the USA with non-toxic materials and it's a great choice for those who sleep hot. It has a 2" layer of a clever copper-infused foam which promotes breathability and also provides support. It also has a cover made of organic cotton which helps in regulating moisture. The topper was discovered by our tester Paige to be extremely efficient in stopping motion transfer. It also offered a significant amount of softness without giving up any support. She did notice that the edges did not fully wrap around her mattress. If support for edges is important to you, this may not be the ideal mattress for your needs.
The cover is removable and machine washable, which makes it easy to clean. It's also hypoallergenic as well as antibacterial, which ensures a healthy sleep. It's also constructed with five body zones that support different areas of the mattress. It comes with a warranty as well as a 120-night trial period, which is more than the policies of competitors.
This is one of our cheapest alternatives, but it does not compromise on quality. It's made from a mixture of memory foam and latex that adds an extremely soft feel to any mattress. mattress toppers single got a thicker layer of memory foam that provides additional comfort and promote a restful sleep. It's not an ideal choice for stomach sleepers, as it sinks too deeply. This can result in spinal misalignment. However, it's an excellent choice to those looking for an enjoyable night's sleep for less cost.