So many people fail to realize just how much good a mattress topper can do. Getting the best topper can extend the lifespan of the mattress, keep you more comfortable, and even keep the mattress more hygienic. Did you know that if you overheat, you may also run the risk of getting poor-quality sleep?
In this guide, we’ve explored the best options and examined what they have to offer. We look at the features including the thickness, materials, what sizes the topper comes in, and the ways in which it enhances and improves your night’s sleep whether you want a memory foam mattress topper or the best cooling mattress topper to keep you comfy on hot nights.
Quick Summary
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Editor’s Choice: Molecule Triple Zone Mattress Topper"A cooling topper that is great for aches and pains, reducing pressure on the body."
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Premium Pick: SleepEZ Wool Latex Mattress Topper"A flexible latex design with open cells to promote airflow. Good for those who move in their sleep."
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Best Cooling Topper: Sleep Innovations Gel Memory Foam 4-inch Dual Layer Mattress Topper"A double-layered topper with both a cooling gel and a soft plush layer."
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Best Topper for Side Sleepers: EcoTerra 100% Natural Latex Topper"A great model for side sleepers with multiple choices in density and size."
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Best for Hip Pain: Layla Memory Foam Topper"A soft and hygienic memory foam mattress, great for all kinds of sleepers."
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Best Pillow Top Model: LUCID Down Alternative Mattress Topper"One of the softest memory foam toppers providing a large plush pillow finish."
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"Graphite-infused mattress topper offering great value for your money."
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Best Copper Infused Topper: Bear Protopper"A smart topper that uses copper to keep you cool throughout the night."
Molecule Triple Zone Mattress Topper
- Materials: memory foam, 100% polyester cover
- Sizes available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
- Thickness: 3 inches
- Density: medium
- Warranty: 5 years limited
More features: microclimate regulating cover, optimizes sleep recovery, CertiPur-US certified
This topper is made in the US, and is available in all the mainstream sizes you could hope for. As well as being made with a comfy memory foam, it has the benefit of having multiple layers include a microclimate regulating cover that means you can stay cool.
This model is ideal for athletes and is also one of the best mattress toppers for hip pain and other aches and pains. It’s designed to absorb pressure and give a lighter night’s sleep.
- The fact that this mattress topper has an advanced management layer for the climate so you can stay cool. The polymer inside responds and reacts to the temperature and can help to cool you down through the night as you get hotter. It’s more effective as you get hotter. The multiple absorbing layers also provide you with the option to treat aches and pains that you may otherwise experience.
- You can find that the topper moves around a little bit and struggles to stay perfectly in place, especially if you are the sort of person who moves around a lot during sleep. You may be able to tackle this with a fitted sheet that can keep it a little bit more safe and secure on the bed. Some bed designs are better than others for this.
- Our 3 pick for the: best organic mattress topper
- Our 1 pick for the: best mattress topper for hip pain
SleepEZ Wool Latex Mattress Topper
- Materials: natural latex; organic cotton and wool cover
- Sizes available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
- Thickness: not specified
- Density: different versions available
- Warranty: 5 years limited
More features: GOLS certified; organic materials used
The SleepEZ Wool Latex Mattress Topper is a great alternative to memory foam. While some people prefer the feel of memory foam as it adapts to your body shape, latex can be a good option if you want more flexibility.
This model has more alternative features when compared to some of the other models in their range. It has natural, cooling properties, as well as the option to choose between different density models. This is also produced in a 100% natural way so it is good for those who are concerned about the environmental impact.
- We love the fact that the latex helps you to give you a natural spine position. It can alleviate your aches and pains by supporting a good sleeping position. If you move around a lot in your sleep, the latex surface and natural wool can also support this. This makes it one of the best mattress toppers for back pain, too. The latex has some open cells which let the air flow through for coolness.
- Some heavier people find that it doesn’t give them the support they need when sleeping on their side, but this is a matter of opinion. The topper is definitely more of a flexible model than some of the best memory foam topper options. If you love memory foam then this is not the option or you.
- Our 2 pick for the: best firm mattress topper
- Our 2 pick for the: best wool mattress topper
- Our 3 pick for the: best twin xl mattress topper
- Our 2 pick for the: best mattress topper for college
Sleep Innovations Gel Memory Foam 4-inch Dual Layer Mattress Topper
- Materials: gel memory foam
- Sizes available: Twin, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
- Thickness: 2 inches (gel) + 2 inches (pillow top)
- Density: medium plush
- Warranty: 10 years limited
More features: comes with soft quilted cover filled with pillowy fiberfill
This topper is both soft and excellent for cooling, with a gel designed to keep you cool throughout your night’s sleep. There are two layers in total.
The Sleep Innovations Gel Memory Foam 4-inch Dual Layer Mattress Topper comes in a variety of sizes, is made in the US, and has a 10-year warranty. It’s the best cooling mattress topper so if you live in really hot environments then there is every reason to invest in this type of mattress.
- We love that this gives you comfort, even in the hottest conditions. It has a smart two-layer design, and a quilted pillow top cover, but also a 2 inch cooling gel woven within the memory foam. The top cover can even be put in the washing machine if you need to clean it, and has a plush and supportive design. It also has a multitude of different sizes so you can ensure you get one that fits your bed.
- While the product advertises that it is four inches, we found that the plush layer was sometimes a little bit short of the two inches advertised, which means it came up a little short. It also can have a bit of a chemical smell when you first open it, but this is almost inevitable when buying certain toppers because of the way they are made. It fades quickly if you air out the topper.
- Our 2 pick for the: best mattress topper on amazon
- Our 1 pick for the: best cooling mattress topper
- Our 7 pick for the: best mattress toppers side sleepers
EcoTerra 100% Natural Latex Topper
- Materials: natural latex
- Sizes available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
- Thickness: 2 or 3 inches
- Density: soft, medium, medium-firm
- Warranty: 5 years limited
More features: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified; different firmness levels available
This EcoTerra Latex Topper is a fantastic option if you are looking for the support of a latex topper. It comes in a few different options for thickness and density, as well as sizes.
Compared to a lot of the other options on the market, this latex is exceptionally good quality. It’s great for those who want a product without a chemical smell and a topper that doesn’t tend to sag. It keeps its shape well for a number of years due to the excellent latex quality.
- We love the latex, it is so resilient and doesn’t come with the nasty chemical smell. This also has a lot of support for your body and you can choose between different firmness. For side-sleepers, the medium density provides a bit of relief for side sleepers and “anyone who needs some relief from pressure point pain in the shoulders, hips, and knees”. This is far better than just the mattress alone. The topper even has certifications to prove the quality of the materials.
- As usual with these toppers, it comes down to personal opinion, but actually, a lot of people find that the mattress topper is a little too firm. If you want something that can be a little bit more soft that you can sink into it might be worth going elsewhere. If you want support and a springy topper, this is ideal. This model also doesn’t have the best cooling features which is definitely something to think about.
Layla Memory Foam Topper
- Materials: memory foam; cotton cover
- Sizes available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
- Thickness: not specified
- Density: soft
- Warranty: 5 years limited
More features: made in the USA, 120-night money-back guarantee; naturally antimicrobial
Layla is one of the biggest brand names in the world of mattresses now. It means you can stay brand-loyal and if you already have a Layla mattress you can rest assured that this topper is going to work in tandem with it.
This topper doesn’t have to be used with a Layla mattress, but it certainly can be, to very high effect. It’s also great for certain aches and pains you might be experiencing. For instance, the soft yet supportive design is ideal for those who have hip pains.
- We love the fact that this is naturally antimicrobial in its design. As well as being certified for its quality, the design deters bacteria and stops them from building up in your bed. A topper can be an amazing way to ensure hygiene in your bed, as they can get grimy over time. On top of this, there’s both a warranty and a “sleep trial” style guarantee of 120 days.
- This is definitely a soft mattress topper. It’s fine for those who love to sink in, but some sleepers prefer just a bit more support. It can feel a bit like you are sinking into the bed. Once again we need to stress that this is down to personal preference. The topper is also a bit more expensive than some others and arguably works farr better with the Layla mattress.
- Our 4 pick for the: best soft mattress topper
- Our 4 pick for the: best futon mattress topper
- Our 3 pick for the: best mattress topper for hip pain
LUCID Down Alternative Mattress Topper
- Materials: down alternative; cotton cover
- Sizes available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Queen
- Thickness: 3 inches
- Density: soft
- Warranty: 5 years limited
More features: elastic corner bands; baffle box construction
A thick and soft cotton mattress topper. The LUCID Down Alternative Mattress Topper can allow you to feel like you’re sleeping on one gigantic pillow, and it feels great for loads of different types of sleepers.
This model is different from some of the other LUCID options which have a far firmer design and don’t have quite the same level of comfort. There are models in the range amed much more at providing a cool finish, often with gel, but this is more about the smooth and plush finish.
- The three inches of hypoallergenic down both protect your mattress and provide a lovely feel, if you just want that bit of luxury, a little like you are staying in an amazing hotel. We also love the fact that this has a baffle box to help it to stay plump and is even machine washable. Elastic corner bands let you secure it in place. The price tag is also something that works in the favor of this mattress topper.
- In an ideal world, this would need a bit less maintenance. It isn’t the same level of antimicrobial material that some of the others are. Periodically, you need to either manually plump or use a machine to do so. If you don’t then it can start to feel flat and not really provide much of a benefit at all. There are big savings on offer, though.
- Materials: open-cell memory foam
- Sizes available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King
- Thickness: 3 inches
- Density: soft
- Warranty: 30-night trial
More features: graphite infusion which transfers heat away from the body
Allswell sells all kinds of home and bed-related products. The first time you are advised to buy a mattress topper with graphite in it you might be quite confused, but it can be a brilliant way to stay cool.
This is a model that is definitely made with coolness and air-flow in mind. If you are in hotter conditions or just find you can be a sweaty sleeper, this could be the best cooling mattress topper that fits your needs.
- This is good value for money, and also has some really cool added features. The graphite shows how exciting changes in topper technology can make all the difference. It encourages heat transfer from your body. In terms of the rest of the design, the open pores in the topper allow some great airflow, and the three inches of materials make it both firm and comfortable. It also wicks away moisture, providing you with a feeling of freshness in hotter bedrooms. You can trial the topper for 30-days before committing to keeping it, which takes some of the risk away from your purchase.
- We think there are a couple of improvements they could make. The brand recommends using deep fitted sheets, whether or not you have a high mattress. This means that you might have to buy specific sheets in order to get this topper to actually fit. There’s also no option to machine wash this topper, so if you get any stains on it then you might have a lot of work hand-cleaning and spot cleaning the topper.
Bear Protopper
- Materials: copper-infused memory foam
- Sizes available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
- Thickness: 2 inches
- Density: soft
- Warranty: 30-night trial
More features: Celliant® technology; pressure point relief
Similarly to the models that use graphite and other materials, this has a copper infusion. Copper is a great heat conductor and can help to take the heat out of your body.
If you are looking for something with an original way to try and remove the heat, and other cooling mattresses haven’t worked, the Bear Protopper is your only way to try out the Celliant technology that both sucks the heat out of your topper and also provides pressure point relief.
- Naturally, the Celliant® technology, which the manufacturers describe as “clinically proven to promote a more restful sleep, aid in quicker recovery, and help you wake up with more energy.” We love that this mattress can help you to get a good night’s sleep. Technology is gradually improving and this is both plush and excellent for hot sleepers. You can even choose between different levels of softness.
- Unfortunately, although this is a really brilliant topper, it is a bit of a nightmare to clean. You can only spot-clean it by hand with no option to put it in the machine. Some people have also had some trouble keeping this topper in place throughout use. This is something to consider before deciding which topper to buy. It also isn’t the thickest of models, so some people will find that it isn’t perfect for that bouncy level of comfort.
Features to Consider Before You Buy a New Topper
Below, we explore some of the key features you need to think about before you buy a new topper. There are some features you might not have really thought about before that are crucial for getting the right topper for you. It always helps to know what the conditions we’ve used for reviewing the toppers are.
Materials used
There are a variety of different ways that a topper can be made. Two of the most common materials are memory foam and latex. Memory foam is designed to flex to the shape of your body. You can ensure that you are comfortable and memory foam will adjust to your body and the style of sleep, so whether you are a side sleeper or back sleeper these can be an option.
Some companies utilize latex, which can provide a real spring and give your body a great level of support. It can also have a porous and open design, which can give you the feeling of a lot of comfort but also being good for things like health conditions.
There are other materials used such as wool for comfort, and even heat-conducting metals such as copper that can draw some of the heat out of the body.
Toppers by Material
Sizes available
Sizes are simple enough to understand when it comes to mattress toppers. The size needs to be matched up with the type of bed you have, and therefore the type of mattress. Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King are the main sizes, but there are also some other bed sizes such as Single and Cal King. Sizes are standardized to make sure you have a simpler time when you are buying your mattress, and mattress-related products.
Cover
The mattress toppers themselves are often made out of materials that are not the best to lay on, so they have specific covers. These may be machine washable, and some of them help the topper to stay in place. Fleece or cotton materials are used for some covers. You may also buy your own sheets and covers that gives you the chance to keep the topper perfectly in position on top of the bed.
Certifications
There are independent bodies that provide certifications for these types of products. The EcoTerra 100% Natural Latex Topper comes with an OEKO-TEX certification, which shows that the product is both responsibly produced with no negative impact on the environment, and also meets certain quality standards. These certifications are one of the best ways to ensure that you know what you are buying is up to scratch. Another certification includes the GOLS certified latex standard. If you are buying something made out of latex then you should always check this. An independent certification provides you with peace of mind.
Cooling effect
So many people struggle to stay cool in their bed. If you live in one of the hotter climates you may struggle to sleep, and a cooling effect can even lead to better sleep. The temperature is one of the most important aspects that dictates quality of sleep.
Mattresses tend to take different approaches to giving a cooling effect. The same is true for mattress toppers. Some use a cooling gel layer, which can be interwoven with things like memory foam, and help the body to transfer heat away and enjoy that cool feeling. Some of the most impressive new models use metals which conduct heat, to try and draw heat away from the sleeper. The Allswell Memory Foam Mattress Topper Infused with Graphite also does the same thing, but using graphite to help it to stay cool.
The materials being porous and open can also be one of the most important things to look out for. If you are living in an area where it is often hot, to the point where it affects your heat, or even if you have a partner in bed giving off a lot of body heat, you should look for something with a cooling effect.
There’re many other features that make different toppers ideal for various purposes. Take a look at our other compilations if you already know what exactly you look for:
Toppers by Purpose
Toppers by Firmness
Maintenance
Unfortunately, some toppers need a bit of maintenance, which can be a bit annoying, but it isn’t too difficult to do. Some require less than others. For instance, the Bear Protopper is a great topper, but it can’t be put in the washing machine to clean it. This means you are left with manual spot-cleaning, which can be really time-consuming.
Some toppers on the market also go flat over time, and this means that you need to manually plump them up. This can be equally annoying. It’s a good idea to get something low-maintenance with plenty of capacity to spring back when you buy your mattress. For example, the toppers made out of latex tend to bounce back really well. This means that you don’t have to manually plump.
Warranty and sleep trial
Toppers come with a warranty and often with a sleep trial as well. The warranty gives you protection to your purchase. If anything goes wrong in the time of your warranty and it isn’t your fault, then you might be able to claim. Many of the best mattress topper brands give warranties of up to 10 years. This is a very good level of protection and definitely something to keep on your list of criteria for buying a topper.
A sleep trial is slightly different, and is popular among toppers and other sleep-related products. It’s a money back guarantee, so if you get it and sleep with the topper, and find that you don’t like it, you can get your money back with no questions asked. If you’re unsure the coverage provided by the manufacturer is enough for you, consider getting additional protection from online stores.
Need a model with additional coverage? Check out our compilation of the Best Mattress Toppers on Amazon.
Which Brands to Trust?
Which of the topper brands are the ones you should trust? In recent years, so many new brands have cropped up and they have their own spin on the industry of both mattresses and toppers. For instance, LUCID is a brand that has become very big, as has Layla. You can read up about the brands on their websites, but our reviews are also a great way to check if the brand is one you can trust. We’ve done the research so you don’t have to.
Consumer reviews are vital, and you can access thousands so that you can see whether or not the brand is liked by the customers it already has. On top of that, the idea of a sleep trial definitely gives you more protection. This way you can sleep on the bed and see if the topper is up to scratch, and if you want to keep it. If not, you may be able to send it back and get 100% of your money back.
Toppers by Brand
How to Maintain Your Topper
Always follow the manufacturer instructions when it comes to maintaining the topper. Some toppers only need you to occasionally be washed, and some allow you to put them in the washing machine. This is ideal, and takes a lot of the work away. You need to wash the topper or the cover and then leave it to dry.
Another maintenance step that some toppers need is to be ‘fluffed’ or plumped. This is a way to reinvigorate them and make sure they have the same level of comfort and support when you lay on them. Some of the best mattress toppers for sleepers of all sorts don’t need this type of maintenance at all. Some are also anti-microbial which means that they may go a little longer in between washes, and you can rest assured that they are hygienic.
Read our detailed guide on How to Clean a Memory Foam Mattress Topper.
FAQ
What’s the difference between a mattress topper and a mattress pad?
Need more info to decide? Read our detailed comparison of Mattress Toppers and Mattress Pads.
Can a topper bring my mattress back to life?
How to prevent a topper from sliding?
Our verdict
Our guide can help you to get a mattress topper that is ideal for you, and your needs. Coming in at the top of the list is the Molecule Triple Zone Mattress Topper which gets a rating of 9.9. This has a cooling effect and it is incredibly well-made. The design also reduces pressure on the body so it is good if you get aches and pains.
The SleepEZ Wool Latex Mattress Topper also gets a very high rating of 9.8/10. It’s made of breathable latex and gives you the option to move around a lot, and the topper will still stay perfectly in place.
Third on our list of the best toppers is the Sleep Innovations Gel Memory Foam 4-inch Dual Layer Mattress Topper which gets a rating of 9.7/10. It has two layers, a gel cooling layer and a plush comfort layer. The topper is one of the very best if you live in hot conditions and find this impacting your night’s sleep.