Best mattress topper – tried and tested to upgrade your bed
If you can't afford to invest in a new mattress, or just want to soften an old bed, the best mattress topper will transform your sleep surface.
Quick menu
1. The list in brief ↴
2. Best overall: Saatva Graphite
3. Best luxury: Birch Plush Organic
4. Best firm: Nolah
5. Best for couples: Tempur-Adapt
6. Best affordable latex: Earthfoam
7. Best luxury latex: Avocado Organic
8. Best cooling: ViscoSoft Active Cooling
9. Best memory foam: Coop Retreat
10. Best budget: Sleep Innovations
11. Best pillowtop: Helix Plush
12. How we test
13. Meet the team
14. How to choose a mattress topper
15. Mattress topper FAQs
You don't have to drop thousands of dollars on a brand new bed to upgrade your sleep. Instead, you could invest in one of the best mattress toppers to keep you cool and comfortable for a fraction of the price.
There are plush layers to soften up your sleeping surface and firmer toppers for reinforced support. Memory foam toppers contour to your curves, while latex layers let your body breathe. In fact, there are so many types of toppers, sold at all the specialist sleep stores, that it can be difficult to know where to start.
I lead a team of expert reviewers. Together, we've tested some of the best bedding money can buy. We know what makes the best mattress: but for a quick and easy upgrade, there's nothing like a mattress topper. We've narrowed it down to our top ten to suit every style of sleeper and size of budget.
We've scored each topper on the basis of firmness, motion isolation, breathability, and edge support. We've also factored in appearances, as well as the all-important price.
The quick list
Best overall
Best luxury
Best luxury
This luxuriously soft mattress topper works for a range of sleep styles.
Best firm
Best for couples
Best for couples
If your partner turning over wakes you up every night, we think this could be the smartest choice - but it will cost you.
Affordable latex topper
Best affordable latex topper
We weren't convinced by their mattress, but Earthfoam's topper brings the environmental and health benefits of latex at a reasonable price.
Luxury latex
Best luxury latex
We loved this topper on test, bringing luxurious, high-quality organic latex to any bed. However, it's expensive.
Load the next 3 products ↴
Best cooling
Best cooling topper
If you overheat in the night, this topper will help you keep cool.
Best memory foam
Best budget
Best budget
Full disclosure: we're yet to test this, but with tens of thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon, we feel confident it's worth your money. It's hundreds less than others on the market.
Best mattress toppers in 2024
You can trust Homes & Gardens.
If you need more detail, here's the lowdown on the best toppers after testing them for months.
Best mattress topper overall
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Buy it if
✅ You want a comfortable bed: this is the most comfortable topper we've tested.
✅ You sleep hot: it's surprisingly cool for a memory foam topper.
✅ Long trial period: you'll have half a yeah to decide if this topper works for you.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You're on a budget: though price is subject to change, it's among the most expensive toppers on our list.
❌ You want a longer warranty: the warranty is only a year; pretty short when you consider that some Saatva mattresses have a lifetime guarantee.
❌ You don't like creases: it's not something we noticed on test, but a few online reviews mentioned creases forming on this topper.
The bottom line
🔎 Saatva Graphite As good a topper as you can buy, but it's pretty expensive.
The Saatva Graphite topper offers everything you need to transform your current mattress. Its 3" medium-firm design appeals to all sleep types, offering body-contouring support. If you suffer from joint pain, this one is a great pressure reliever too.
It evenly distributes weight, relieving pressure on your shoulders and hips if you sleep on your side. Though the inner isn't organic, the cover is, offering excellent breathability. What's more, the graphite in this mattress absorbs body heat, so it's great if you run a little hot too — our reviewer and homes expert Kaitlin found that it kept her cool even in a hot July without air conditioning. We especially love the long 180-night in-home trial period. If you don't love the mattress topper after six months, you can return it for a full refund.
While Kaitlin loves this topper's performance, you should bear in mind that the warranty is only a year long. It's also not as versatile as the Tempur-Pedic topper. While Kaitlin found that it suited her perfectly, those who prefer a plush mattress might find it a little firm. If 3" is too thick for you, Saatva also offer 1.5" latex or high-density foam versions without the graphite layer.
Our Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper review has more details.
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
---|---|---|
Comfort | The most comfortable we've tested | ★★★★★ |
Cooling | Sleeps very cool | ★★★★★ |
Warranty | Only a year | ★★★ |
Price | A little expensive | ★★★ |
Best luxury mattress topper
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Buy it if
✅ You want a soft but supportive bed: the plush top makes this topper feel incredibly soft but you don't sink in.
✅ You want an organic topper: this bed uses organic latex, wool, and cotton.
✅ You're a couple with different sleep styles: both a stomach sleeper and a back sleeper loved this bed.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You worry about a topper sliding around: there's no straps on this topper, so while we didn't notice it on test, it might slide around on top of your mattress.
❌ You don't like creases: after a year's testing, we still found a crease down the middle of this topper from where it was folded during delivery.
❌ You're on a budget: this is the most expensive topper we've tested.
The bottom line
🔎 Birch Plush Organic a high-performing topper with high price tag to match.
We've found that this mattress topper bridges the gap between being plush and firm, suiting side sleepers best.
It's soft and luxurious but without that sinking feeling, and firm and supportive but not rigid. Our tester Kaitlin dubbed this 'the Goldilocks experience' — not too hard, not too soft. Its simple but effective materials include an organic cotton cover, a hypoallergenic wool layer, and a Talalay latex base layer. These work in tandem to wick away moisture and cushion your shoulders and hips. It's a good choice for sleeping in summer, as Talalay is one of the most breathable kinds of latex.
However, Kaitlin mentioned that this topper doesn't have straps to tie it down to your mattress. While Kaitlin found that it didn't move, this may not be the case with every mattress. It comes with a good 10-year warranty and a 101-night sleep trial, so if it isn't feeling right after a couple of months it's easy to return.
Our Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper review has more details.
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
---|---|---|
Comfort | Very comfortable but no straps, may slide | ★★★★ |
Cooling | Sleeps cool | ★★★★★ |
Warranty | 10 years, three-month sleep trial | ★★★★★ |
Price | A little expensive | ★★★ |
Best firm mattress topper
3. Nolah Mattress Topper
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Buy it if
✅ Exceptional edge support: it's firm at the edges, so you never feel like you're falling out of bed.
✅ Great motion isolation: our tester and her partner wake up at different times and she rarely noticed him getting out of bed.
✅ Great for soreness: it's anecdotal evidence, but this helped relieve a bad back.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You don't like off-gassing: this has a strong off-gassing smell for a couple days.
❌ You want a longer trial period: the trial period is only 30 days.
❌ You're on a budget: this is a little above average price for a topper, and you have to pay to return it if you don't like it.
The bottom line
🔎 Nolah a fantastic topper with some minor drawbacks.
Our tester Jamie found that this topper made her mattress much more supportive. She tested it with her husband, and he found that this topper solved his persistent back pain. It's ultimately anecdotal, but it points to how this topper can transform a bed.
This isn't the thickest of toppers, but its amazing pressure relief, motion isolation, and edge support make it one of the best mattress toppers on the market. Made in the USA and relatively affordable, it's an excellent choice for adjusting your mattress if you're need a firmer bed.
The only weaknesses of this topper are a short trial period of just 30 days, and a very strong off-gassing smell that takes at least a day to dissipate. It's relatively affordable but just above average price for queen topper.
Our Nolah mattress topper review has more details.
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
---|---|---|
Comfort | Solved back pain, but remember this is anecdotal | ★★★★★ |
Cooling | Sleeps cool | ★★★★★ |
Warranty | 10 years, but short trial | ★★★★ |
Price | A little expensive | ★★★ |
Best mattress topper for couples
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Buy it if
✅ You sleep next to a partner: exceptional motion isolation means you won't notice a partner turning over in this bed
✅ You want to wash your topper: the cover of this topper is removeable and washable.
✅ You're on a budget: the quality and of a full-sized sized Tempur-Pedic mattress for a tenth of the price.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You aren't certain: you can't return this topper.
❌ Your bed isn't a standard size: this was short a half inch on a standard queen, so if your bed isn't standard this will be even more noticeable.
❌ Sleeps a little hot: our tester didn't notice it, but other reviewers say this can feel hot.
The bottom line
🔎 TempurAdapt A fantastic mattress topper let down by a poor returns policy.
This topper gave excellent comfort and pressure support for sore joints. The proprietary Tempur material uniquely responds to your weight, shape, and temperature, adapting to your body for truly personalized support.
It's also hypoallergenic, breathable, and offers minimal motion transfer, so you won't wake up your partner if you roll over in the night. Our tests found that the medium-firmness is comfortable for all sleepers, making it excellent for couples with different sleeping styles. It's a great investment; it's just like a traditional Tempur-Pedic mattress, but with a smaller thickness and lower price.
We can't fault the performance of this mattress topper, but there's a significant caveat: you can't return it. Because it's Tempur, we think it's very likely that it fits every body type and sleep style, but if it doesn't, you could be left holding the bag.
Editor's note: We tested and reviewed the Tempur-Topper Supreme, a predecessor to the Tempur-Topper Adapt. The new upgrades include straps, (something we criticized in the original topper) and a new breathable, moisture-wicking cover. Other than that, all specs remain the same. If you get hot at night, it's also worth considering the Tempur-Adapt + Cooling topper, which has all the features of the Adapt as well as a high-performance cool-to-the-touch casing.
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
---|---|---|
Comfort | Flawless | ★★★★★ |
Cooling | Sleeps a little warm | ★★★★ |
Warranty | 10 years, but no returns | ★★★ |
Price | Expensive | ★★ |
Best affordable latex mattress topper
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Buy it if
✅ You want organic materials: this topper uses organic latex, cotton, and wool.
✅ You want supportiveness but softness: this is a firm topper but has a little plushness.
✅ You don't like off-gassing: as a latex bed, there's no gross off-gassing smell.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want to wash your topper: this topper is spot-clean only.
❌ You get hot in the night: if you tend to get night sweats, you might find topper a little warm.
❌ You want a thick mattress topper: this topper is only 2" thick, so it won't rescue old, lumpy beds.
The bottom line
🔎 Earthfoam topper a rare affordable latex topper, though a little thin.
If you're one of the millions who doesn't like the feel of memory foam, this is the topper for you. Most latex mattress toppers are firm and bouncy, virtually offering no softness. Earthfoam has revolutionised the eco-bedding market by creating a topper that mimics the sink-in feeling of foam without losing support. Unlike memory foam, this bed is made of organic rubber and natural fibres like cotton and wool.
Latex is usually pretty firm, but while this topper is definitely firmer than most memory foam, it's much, much softer than most other latex bed products. It's a perfect sweet spot between too firm and too soft.
However, at 2" it's pretty thin, so it won't salvage an old bed, and it doesn't have much motion isolation of its own. If your bed has good motion isolation, you won't notice a difference, but if it has bad motion isolation, this topper won't fix it. We also found that this topper sleeps pretty warm. It was fine when I was sleeping on a silk pillowcase or testing out the best cooling sheets, but when using run-of-the-mill cotton sheets it's noticeably warm.
My full Earthfoam mattress topper review has all the detail.
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
---|---|---|
Comfort | Good but won't work for old beds | ★★★★ |
Cooling | Sleeps a little warm | ★★★★ |
Warranty | 5 years, 101 night trial | ★★★★ |
Price | Fairly expensive | ★★★ |
Best luxury latex topper
6. Avocado Organic Mattress Topper
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Buy it if
✅ You want great pressure relief: it's anecdotal but we found that this is great for sore joints.
✅ You want a good trial and guarantee: this topper has a huge one-year trial period and a decade long warranty.
✅ You want to sleep cool: this topper sleeps cool, especially by the standards of latex.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You're on any budget at all: this is the most expensive topper on this list, costing an eyewatering $649 for a queen.
❌ You want a topper with straps: this topper doesn't have any straps, and you can see in the press image above that it doesn't quite sit right on a queen.
❌ You're a light sleeper: the motion isolation on this bed is pretty good, but you'll notice a partner getting up in the night.
The bottom line
🔎 Avocado Organic a great topper, but it should be even better for the very high price.
Avocado's Organic Latex Mattress Topper is a good choice for those with sensitive skin. If you need to to avoid memory foams, latex blends, and chemical adhesives, this topper is made with USDA-approved organic latex, wool, and cotton. If you're vegan, this is the topper for you, because Avocado also make a Vegan Mattress Topper without wool. (Though you can of course just buy a memory foam topper, which is also vegan).
One of our favorite features is that Avocado offer plush and firm versions of this topper, so you can choose exactly what you need. We tested the plush version, and our reviewer Antonia found that while her mattress still felt firm, the topper adds extra cushioning that relieves pressure points. Avocado also offers the same remarkable one-year trial period on its toppers as its mattresses as well as a fantastic 10-year warranty.
However, this topper doesn't have any straps to secure itself to your mattress. Instead, there's an organic cotton canvas on the bottom of the topper will keep the mattress from slipping. While our tester Antonia found that it was secure, this might not work for every mattress. A few reviewers note that the toppers were slightly smaller than their existing mattress, which is most likely the result of the topper's handmade nature and thus decreased the sleeping surface just a smidge. However, the single biggest drawback with this bed is the price. It costs the same as some mattresses. I wouldn't buy this to improve an old bed – I'd get a whole new mattress instead.
Our Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper review has more details
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
---|---|---|
Comfort | Great but no straps | ★★★★ |
Cooling | Sleeps a little warm | ★★★★ |
Warranty | 10 years, 1 year trial | ★★★★★ |
Price | Painful | ★ |
Best cooling mattress topper
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Buy it if
✅ If you sleep hot: this is great if you overheat in the night.
✅ If you have a thin mattress: at 4", this is great for adding a little height to a thin bed.
✅ Not just good for beds: our tester found that this was great while camping and for improving a sofa-bed.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You have a thick mattress: short straps mean that it can be hard to fit this to thick mattresses
❌ You have a thick mattress, but for a different reason: at 4" thick, this topper can make beds with high lofts too tall.
❌ You want a longer warranty: the 5 warranty is pretty good, but could be better.
The bottom line
🔎 ViscoSoft Active Cooling a great topper for keeping cool, but with some drawbacks in other areas.
If you get hot at night, even in cooler temperatures, this is the mattress topper to buy. A 2" layer of clever copper-infused memory foam wicks heat away from your body to keep you cool. This is coupled with another 2" layer of ventilated memory foam to increase breathability and provide support.
Our reviewer, Lauren Allain, says that it offers pressure-point relief when sleeping on your side, but it's also firm enough for sleeping on your stomach. This memory foam is great at isolating motion, so you won't be woken by your partner turning in the night, either. The cover is washable, and the topper utilizes a breathable mesh anti-slip backing and elastic straps that conveniently connect it to the bed.
Though Lauren didn't have a problem with this, online reviews noted that they've struggled with the straps on already thick mattresses, or that the bands snapped. At 4 inches, this is one of the thicker toppers on the list, so it might not suit tall mattresses.
Our ViscoSoft Active Cooling Memory Foam Mattress Topper review has more details.
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
---|---|---|
Comfort | Great but very thick, so makes beds tall | ★★★★ |
Cooling | Coolest on test | ★★★★★ |
Warranty | 5 years, 90 day refund guarantee | ★★★★ |
Price | Pricey for what it is | ★★★ |
Best memory foam mattress topper
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Buy it if
✅ You have joint pain: it's anecdotal, but this helped our tester's knee pain.
✅ You want to make a firm bed softer: this topper is perfect for making a firm bed softer.
✅ You sleep on your side: as a super-soft topper, this is great if you sleep on your side.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You have a thick mattress: at 5" and with plump baffle construction this topper can make thick beds too tall.
❌ You want to wash your mattress topper: this topper is spot clean only.
❌ You sleep hot: as a memory foam topper, this sleeps a little hot.
The bottom line
🔎 Coop Retreat this ultra-soft mattress topper is great for transforming too-firm mattresses, but it won't work for everyone.
If you know you already love memory foam, then this plush shredded foam topper is a dream. Thick, plush, and super cushioning, Coop's memory foam topper is perfect if you need to transform your current mattress into something more cozy and comfortable.
The adaptive foam molds to your body as you sleep. I tested this one and noted how I hardly switched positions throughout the night, as the topper held my (sometimes sore) joints in all the right places. That makes it particularly great if you sleep on your side.
However, at 5" thick you might need to invest in some deep pocket sheets to fit this on your bed. If your mattress is already thick, your bed might become comically tall. It's spot-clean only, so you can't easily wash it, and true to memory foam, this sleeps pretty hot, so if you're prone to night sweats you should look elsewhere.
Our Coop Retreat mattress topper review has more details
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
---|---|---|
Comfort | Great but very thick, so makes beds tall | ★★★★ |
Cooling | Sleeps hot | ★★ |
Warranty | 5 years, 100 day returns | ★★★★ |
Price | Average | ★★★★ |
Best budget mattress topper
9. Sleep Innovations 4" Mattress Topper
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Buy it if
✅ You're on a budget: this is the least expensive in our guide.
✅ You want to make a hard bed softer: this topper is very plush
✅ You buy Made in America: it's made in the USA.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You don't like off-gassing: there's a strong chemical smell for two days.
❌ You need something firm: this topper is very soft.
❌ You sleep hot: this is a warm topper.
The bottom line
🔎 Sleep Innovations 4" Plush this ultra-soft mattress topper is great for transforming too-firm mattresses, but it won't work for everyone.
We haven't had sample of this to test yet but after years as a sleep expert I felt I simply had to include it. It shows up whenever I'm searching the market and has tens of thousands of five-star ratings. After working my way through the consumer reviews, I'm confident this is worth your money.
There's lots of positive reviews, with one user even saying it helped with their fibromyalgia. It's a truly plush topper that's great for adding softness to a firm bed, but that means it won't work if you want to make your bed a little harder.
Best of all, it's one of the cheapest toppers on the market, saving you hundreds of dollars compared to the top-line models from brands like Tempur-Pedic and Avocado. This is especially surprising when you consider that it's made in America, which usually means a premium price tag.
However, it's very soft indeed, so heavier users have noted that it doesn't work for them. I'd stay away if you don't like the smell of off-gassing, as it takes a couple days for the chemical smell to dissipate. Others have noted that it's very warm, so if you sleep a a little hot or live in a warm climate it may not be for you.
The best pillowtop mattress topper
10. Helix Plush Mattress Topper
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Buy it if
✅ You tend to sleep hot: this mattress topper is made wth bamboo viscose, so sleeps cool.
✅ You want a pillowtop: the plush baffling makes a mattress feel hotel-quality.
✅ You want a washable topper this topper is machine-washable/
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want to transform your bed: this won't be a drastic change
❌ You sleep on your side: this won't provide any pressure relief.
❌ You want the highest quality: the warranty is just a year.
The bottom line
🔎 Helix Plush Mattress Topper will bring a little softness, but won't transform your bed.
The Helix Plush Mattress Topper offers a much more cosmetic mattress topper. This model won't give you much support, but it can bring hotel-quality luxury to a bed, adding a little softness to a firmer bed.
Unlike lots of the toppers on this list, this mattress topper is totally washable. That's great if you're particularly worried about germs and cleanliness, because you can put it in the laundry with your bed sheets, saving the hassle of spot-cleaning with a carpet cleaner.
Best of all, it's unlikely that you'll need to clean this mattress too often. The polyester and bamboo viscose top makes this topper a lot cooler than other baffled mattress toppers, which tend to use warm materials like down, and cooler than toppers that use materials like memory foam, which tends to trap heat. That means fewer night sweats and cooler sleep.
However, at just 1.5 in thick, this topper is unlikely to make a huge difference to your bed. It will certainly lend a little luxury to the surface of your mattress, but it won't transform your bed. If you're looking for something that can revitalise an old mattress, you'll need to look somewhere else. What's more, the warranty is just one year, which is very short by topper standards.
The Helix Plush Mattress Topper is currently on test and our full review is coming soon.
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
---|---|---|
Comfort | On the firmer side | ★★★★ |
Cooling | Cool bamboo viscose | ★★★★ |
Warranty | 1 year | ★ |
Price | Reasonable RRP | ★★★★ |
How we test the best mattress toppers
Homes & Gardens' mattress review process is editorially independent and not influenced by any third parties. Our expert mattress testers sleep on each rated mattress topper for at least a month. Most of our reviews are conducted over several months, and in some cases, more than a year. All our reviews are based on the real-life experience of using these products at home. The products are given to us free of charge. Often times we are able to keep our mattress, which gives us the opportunity to return to our reviews for updating, so you can keep up-to-date with how it's fared over a period of time.
All of the mattress toppers on this best list with rankings have been personally reviewed by members of our team, who take into account value for the money, construction, comfort, support, and accuracy of any special features. We also understand mattress topper firmness is subjective, so each reviewer is transparent about their sleep habits as well as getting second opinions from others.
For more insight into our hands-on review process, refer to our Homes & Gardens review guidelines.
Meet the team
Louise is our dedicated Sleep Editor, covering mattresses, mattress toppers, pillows, bedding, and anything else you need for a good night's sleep. She has plenty of experience in the industry. She previously covered on mattress reviews and news for Real Homes, as well as a stint on the other side of the aisle as a PR representative for a mattress company.
Our former sleep ecommerce editor, Jaclyn frequently tests out and stays up to date on all things mattresses and bedding. She's not willing to sacrifice comfort or value and is after a mattress that makes it easy to sleep through the night. In addition to Homes & Gardens, you can find her work in Real Homes, Livingetc, Apartment Therapy, MyDomaine, and The Spruce. She lives in Atlanta, GA.
Kaitlin is a writer and editor covering all things home. Her work has appeared in Real Homes, Architectural Digest, Martha Stewart Living, Refinery29, Modern Luxury Interiors, Wayfair, The Design Network, and lots more. She graduated from Northeastern University with a degree in journalism and currently lives in Connecticut with her husband, three kids, and black lab.
Alexandra is a contributor to Homes & Gardens, where she reviews a wide range of household products to make your life easier at home, whether it's cooking, cleaning, or sleeping.
Lauren is a freelance journalist based in the Pacific Northwest. She often covers topics and products related to sleep or home appliances. She’s serious about getting eight hours of sleep each night and will nap every day if time allows. Besides sleeping and writing, Lauren enjoys rock climbing and traveling to places no one has ever heard of.
Jamie Davis Smith is a product reviewer who’s been testing all types of bedding and sleep products for over ten years. As a working mother of four, Jamie values a good night’s sleep above all else.
She tried the Nolah Luxury Firm mattress topper version of the mattress topper, though the topper also comes in a Plush version, which shares many features of the firmer version she tested.
How to choose a mattress topper
Getting a mattress topper is a quick fix for your sleep situation, but with many different mattress toppers on the market, choosing the right one for you may not be an easy decision. There's a few rules to follow when buying a mattress topper.
The first thing to bear in mind is how you sleep. If you sleep on your side, you need a softer topper so that the hard points of your joints can sink into the surface. If you sleep on your front or your back, however, your back will sag into this soft surface, so you need a firmer topper.
You should then consider materials. If you need a soft bed, you should opt for memory foam. If you need a firmer bed, latex tends to be your best bet.
Once you've nailed down the materials, you should think if you sleep hot or cold. Some people run hot, others run cold. If you routinely wake up with night sweats, you need a cooler topper - latex tends to be better here, though some memory foam toppers have heat-conducting materials like copper and gel that make them a good choice for keeping cool.
Otherwise, my best pointer is to grab a topper with straps. You don't always need them, but straps ensure your topper will be secure on the bed.
Mattress topper FAQs
Which type of mattress topper is best?
The majority of mattress toppers fall into the following categories, and typically come down to personal preference:
Memory foam mattress toppers
Back and side sleepers typically love the cushioning and contouring effects of memory foam, which is a byproduct of polyurethane. Memory foam does tend to run warmer, but new technologies featuring gel foam, or infusions of materials like copper or graphite help with increased airflow and wicking away moisture. Overall, memory foam offers exceptional pressure relief for aches and pains and a soft, cradling comfort feel.
Latex mattress toppers
Latex offers responsive support, with common buzzwords describing them as resilient and buoyant. Compared to memory foam, they are more cooling and firm, but both offer great pressure relief and motion isolation. Unless you have a latex allergy, latex is also antimicrobial and non-allergenic, making it a good choice for those with allergy sensitivities. Perhaps of even more interest, all-natural latex is better for the environment and uses fewer chemicals and harmful substances in production.
Featherbeds
Featherbeds emulate a classic pillowtop experience. They're typically plush and available in down or alternative down fabrications, it simply depends on your personal preference. These tend to be the most breathable and cooling but offer less pressure relief and support.
Wool
Comparable to featherbeds, wool toppers offer an all-natural, allergen-free sleep surface, with increased temperature regulating and moisture-wicking properties for year-round comfort. They offer a bit of padding but are not nearly as thick as most memory foam or latex options. They're usually harder to find, and the most expensive.
Why use a mattress topper?
Mattress toppers are perfect for personalized comfort. They can alter the firmness, add support where you need it and give any old mattress a new lease on life. Not just for at-home use, mattress toppers are ideal for upgrading college dorm rooms, or upping comfort levels in a vacation rental.
Your preferences in terms of what you want from a mattress may change over time, and instead of buying an all-new mattress, a topper is an economical and practical way to tailor your bed to what you need right now.
Mattress toppers are also beneficial if you're looking to try the feeling of memory foam or latex if you've spent most of your life on an innerspring mattress.
Mattress toppers are a worthy buy whether you're needing to upgrade your guest bed or want your college bed to feel more comfortable. They'll prolong the life of your mattress for years, but only if you care for it properly. As with all bedding, knowing how to clean a mattress topper could save your bed, and you some cash in the long run.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Decor Ideas. Project Inspiration. Expert Advice. Delivered to your inbox.
Louise is your eCommerce Editor and sleep specialist to help you wind down well. A connoisseur of the mattress world, Louise previously covered sleep and wellness (as well as the occasional organizational buy) at Real Homes, and has tried, tested, and reviewed some of the buys for your bedroom. With an MA in International Journalism and PR experience, Louise brings bags of bedding expertise and enjoys nothing more than helping readers find solutions and products that best suit their sleep needs.
-
How to style a kitchen table – simple tips from designers to make this practical piece a stylish focal point
Your kitchen table is a hive of activity. So we've asked the experts for their favorite ways to style a kitchen table that delivers on form and function
By Charlotte Olby Published
-
Can you use a French press to make tea? We asked the experts
Tea sommeliers and baristas explain how to make French press tea using your coffee maker. We also compare French presses to tea presses and infusers
By Laura Honey Published
-
Save on sheets and shams at the best places to buy affordable bedding
You could save hundreds of dollars on affordable bedding when you shop with these budget-friendly brands
By Emilia Hitching Published
-
What's the best pillow position for the best night's sleep? Sleep experts weigh in
Because sometimes it's the small things that can have a big impact on your sleep quality
By Michele Ross Published
-
5 signs you are sleeping on a bad mattress
Dealing with restless nights and morning aches and pains? You could be sleeping on a bad mattress, here's what to look out for
By Michele Ross Published
-
How to test a mattress (both at home and in-store)
Want to work out if a mattress is right for you before you commit? Here's advice from the experts on how to test a mattress
By Louise Bond Published
-
What is a futon mattress? Everything you need to know about this flexible folding bed
We unfold the mysteries of the futon mattress – find out if it’s right for you
By Alison Barretta Published
-
Platform bed vs box spring – what's the difference and which is best for you?
Unsure whether a platform bed or a box spring is right for your set up? We break down these two mattress foundation options
By Alison Barretta Published
-
What is a platform bed? Everything you need to know about this stylish mattress support
Learn how this low profile bed frame can elevate the look of your bedroom
By Alison Barretta Published
-
How long do memory foam mattresses last?
Discover the lifespan you can expect from a memory foam mattress with advice from the pros
By Sarah Warwick Published