Forget Sleepless Nights and Dorm Bed Icks – These Tried and Tested Mattress Toppers Offer a Clean, Comfortable, and Affordable Upgrade

You're well into the first semester at college, and while you may not have considered investing in a mattress topper before you arrived, prolonged restless nights may have convinced you otherwise.

Dorm room mattresses are often cheap, unsupportive, and subject to heavy wear, from students coming and going, year-in-year-out, not to mention a little unhygienic after years of use, which doesn't make for a great night's sleep – not what you need when you have to be up early for lectures and are studying late into the night.

The good news, though, is that you don't have to invest thousands of dollars in a brand new mattress to bring the comfort of home to your college room bed. While you can pay up to $300 for one of the best mattress toppers for dorm beds, you can get one for less than $100, and you won't believe the difference it will make to your comfort and sleep quality.

At Homes & Gardens, we truly understand what makes the best mattress topper. When it comes to dorm beds, some of the main features to look out for are breathable materials (consider that unreliable AC in dorm rooms), secure corner straps (for restless sleepers), and weight and maneuverability (for easy transportation when you're packing up each semester). You'll also want a mattress topper that is durable enough to withstand stains, spillages, and extra wear from visitors sleeping over, and resilient enough for transportation when you're moving in and out. Just be wary of sizing, while most dorm beds are Twin XL, that won't always be the case, so do measure up before you buy, to avoid an expensive mistake.

So, to help you invest in the best, our expert panel of reviewers has rated their six favorite mattress toppers for dorm beds that offer all of the above, and more. They found that the ViscoSoft Select High-Density Mattress Topper will cover most of the above needs for the lowest price; however, the other options might suit different preferences and budgets better.

Best Mattress Topper for Dorm Beds – at a Glance

Not sure where to start? We've included a summary below of each topper, with details about who it might be best for and the price. Further down, you'll find more information about its particular features and specifications, such as thickness, firmness, and whether it feels comfortable, hot, or cool to sleep, on whether it stays put during the night, to help you decide which to spend your money on. Click on 'read more below' for each option to shortcut straight to the details.

The Best Mattress Toppers for Dorm Beds

This is one of Amazon's best-selling mattress toppers, with more than 10,000 verified five-star reviews, so naturally we had to test it to see if it lived up to the hype. 'The price point is much lower than other toppers I’ve tested, but the reviews are great – a unicorn for consumers,' says tester, Meg St-Esprit.

While Meg initially found the topper very soft, it was supportive enough for her needs through the night, and she woke up pain-free, which is good to know if you are a keen athlete or suffer from muscle aches after workouts or matches. Meg also found it to be effective at keeping her cool at night, thanks to the breathable, cooling cover. It is also infused with a cooling gel to dissipate heat, wick moisture, and block odors, which checks the box if you have a stuffy dorm room. While some reviews mentioned that it is a little heavy, Meg said she carried hers easily herself, so it should be easy enough to transport to your room from the car.

While Meg gave this topper four stars, it lost out on the fifth star for a couple of reasons. Firstly the straps were a little too close to the corners, so popped off easily, which is only an issue if you move a lot in your sleep. Secondly, she found the edge support a little lacking: 'The soft feel means the edge collapses easily when sitting on the bed,' she said, which is worth considering if you sit on the bed to work, or when hanging out with friends. Having said that, none of these were dealbreakers, and for the price, Meg concluded that you can't go wrong with this topper: 'I believe this is a great product for the cost,' she said.

Read the full review: Viscosoft High Density Mattress Topper.

The Best Mattress Topper for Allergy-Prone Students

If allergies are an issue these can be exacerbated by dorm mattresses, which may harbour dust and dust mites. Then there's those cold and flu bugs that do the rounds every semester, which can be hard to avoid.

The Brooklyn Bedding Copperflex Mattress Topper, however, may go some way to helping with that. It's infused with copper, which is naturally antimicrobial and hypoallergenic, to protect against bacteria, allergens, and odors, creating a barrier between you and that musty old dorm bed mattress.

Aside from that, it features a Glaciotex cooling cover, which our reviewer, Meg, rated: 'I fell in love with GlacioTex when testing the Helix ergoalign mattress topper, and I found it to perform just as well on the Brooklyn Bedding topper. I slept at a comfortable temperature throughout the night, most nights.' So it's a great option if your dorm room traps heat at night.

Meg rated it 5 out of 10 for firmness (10 being the firmest), making this a safe option if you don't know what firmness level to choose. Plus, she 'found the motion isolation to be great,' having slept on it with her partner and kids, so it won't keep you or your friend or partner awake at night during sleepovers.

The downside? 'The Mattress Topper arrived in a vacuum-packed box that was heavy, but manageable for me to carry alone. I suggest opening any mattress topper in the room you intend to use it in, as it becomes hard to move around once unfurled.' This might mean you'll need some help to shift it when it comes to moving time.

Read the full review here: Brooklyn Bedding Copperflex 301 Mattress Topper.

Reviewed by

Reviewed by

Meg St-Esprit

As a travel journalist, Meg has slept on a whole range of mattresses and beds, so she knows what makes for a good night's sleep. She reviews sleep and bedding products for Homes & Gardens, giving her honest and experienced take.

The Best Firm Topper for Sagging Mattresses

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Unless you're moving into a brand-new dorm, you're likely to find an older mattress that's softened with age and action and might be starting to sag. So choosing a firm topper, like the Nolah Mattress Topper should instantly bring more support to your tired dorm bed mattress, making it feel more like an actual bed, instead of a trampoline.

It does come in two firmness levels: 'I'd recommend the Plush surface for side sleepers and anyone who needs a mattress with a bit more give,' says our reviewer, Jamie. 'If you sleep on your back or stomach, or you're a heavier sleeper, then I suggest the Luxury Firm option.'

The Nolah Mattress Topper is filled with slow-moving foam, so if you sleep with a partner, neither of you will be disturbed by any tossing and turning in the night. Plus, Jamie rated the edge support 5/5, saying 'I could comfortably sit on the side of the bed to tie my shoes or apply lotion without sinking more than an inch into the mattress,' meaning you'll easily be able to sit beside a roommate to work or chat without slipping or sinking.

While memory foam isn't often the first choice for hot sleepers, the Nolah Mattress Topper features its patented AirFoam, 'perforated with thousands of tiny air pockets to boost breathability throughout the mattress,' explains Jamie, and as someone who suffers from night sweats, she didn't have any issues with this topper.

The only thing Jamie didn't like about this topper was a chemical smell as she opened it. That's just the mattress off-gassing: the smell is totally harmless, and it usually disappears after a day or two, so hopefully your roommate won't mind if it means you sleep better for the rest of the year.

Read the full review: Nolah Mattress Topper

Reviewed by

Reviewed by

Jamie Davis Smith

As a combination sleeper, who flips between different positions in the night, Jamie needs a firm topper to support her spine.

The Best Mattress Topper for Hot Dorm Rooms

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If you go to college in a warm climate or your dorm room is in an old building with ineffectual or non-existent AC, you'll want one of the best cooling mattress toppers to sleep comfortably through the night. The Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper was ranked as best overall for cooling, with our reviewer giving it five stars in that category.

So what makes it so good? It's infused with graphite, which is highly conductive, and the brand claims that it draws excess heat away from your body to keep you cool and sweat-free, which is unusual for memory foam. 'I started testing the Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper in the middle of July in a room without AC, and I was slightly surprised to find that I slept comfortably all night long,' says expert tester Kaitlin Madden. 'So, I can confirm it lives up to those cooling claims.'

Kaitlin also found that it struck just the right balance between comfort and support – not as firm as the Nolah Mattress Topper, but enough to 'soften up an inflexible innerspring, the sort you tend to find in dorm rooms.'

It is one of the most expensive in our round-up at $215 for a Twin or Twin XL, but if you are staying in the same dorm room throughout your whole four years at college, and you value your sleep, it makes sense to spend wisely on a mattress topper that will last – or reach out to the bank of mom and dad and tell them it's an investment in your future.

Read the full review: Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper

Reviewed by

Reviewed by

Kaitlin Madden

As a short-term rental host, Kaitlin is always looking for ways to make her guest bedroom more comfortable. Her friends and family rave about this thick, squishy topper.

The Best Mattress Topper on a Budget (Under $100)

If budget is your priority – you'll likely be saving your cash for more exciting things than mattress toppers – but need a quick fix for your uncomfy dorm bed, the Lucid Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper is a good buy.

It's one of the best-rated mattress toppers on Amazon, with almost 43,000 verified five-star ratings, so we put it to the test to see how it fared. Our expert reviewer, Alex Frost, said 'it is, quite literally, like sleeping on top of a marshmallow. You squish down into its memory foam layers, and feel like you are in a dreamy hotel bed.'

Unfortunately, for Alex, that initial comfort didn't leave her pain-free in the morning, due to her need for extra support, and she felt that the topper fell short on its cooling claims, leaving hot spots and discomfort in the night. But if you don't suffer with existing aches and pains, and night sweats aren't an issue to you, the price (just $70 for a twin), makes this a very appealing option.

Alex also agreed that, despite her niggles, the Lucid topper would make for a good stopgap purchase for anyone looking for a quick fix under $100, such as a student wanting to bring a bit of home comfort to their dorm room. For the cost of a couple of takeouts for you and your roommate, this topper could vastly improve your sleep for the rest of your college year.

Read the full review: Lucid Gel Memory Foam Topper

Reviewed by

Reviewed by

Alex Frost

Alex is a Cincinnati-based product tester who has slept on dozens of mattresses and toppers. She's a side and belly sleeper, with a long history of chronic but controlled back and hip pain issues so is always on the look out for the most supportive products.

The Best Mattress Topper for Easy Moving-in/Moving-Out

When you arrive at college at the beginning of a semester, you'll have enough stuff packed into the car without worrying about how you'll fit a mattress topper in, too. And, if you've ordered one to be delivered straight to your dorm, you'll need to get it home when you're moving out.

The Coop Original Mattress Topper is the only soft option on our list, which can be rolled and packed down easily for transportation. It's filled with a mix of soft cut memory foam and microfiber, described by the brand as 'down-like plush', which won't give the same contouring effect as a high-density memory foam, but it will make it easier to maneuver, which you'll appreciate when you're lugging your belongings back and forth to your room – dorm hack: roll it up in a vacuum bag for move-out day.

But that doesn't mean that you won't find it as cozy, as weightier options. Our expert reviewer, Alex Temblador, tested the Coop Retreat Mattress Topper and said 'it is the comfiest topper I've ever slept on. It added a layer of softness and coziness to my mattress that I didn't even know I was missing.'

It's not the cheapest option on our list. The Twin and Twin XL cost $199 at full price, but it's worth keeping an eye out for discounts in the mattress sales.

Read the full review: Coop Retreat Mattress Topper

Reviewed by

Reviewed by

Louise Oliphant

Louise is one of our former Sleep Editors. As a hot sleeper and an eco-conscious shopper, she likes natural latex to regulate her temperature.

Best Mattress Topper for Dorm Beds – Side by Side

How We Test Mattress Toppers

At Homes & Gardens our team of expert testers searches far and wide to find the products to help you sleep better. They represent a wide range of ages, sleep styles, and body types, while living in all sorts of climates. Toppers are tested for a minimum of 30 nights before we write our initial reviews to get a good indication of long-term performance. If you want to learn more about how we test mattress toppers, consult our expert guide.

When testing for the best mattress toppers for dorm beds, we follow the same tests as we would when testing any topper, but there are, of course, a few select features we prioritize and look out for to ensure the toppers are dorm-room friendly, from pocket-friendly price points, to cooling features that combat stuffy dorms, firmness to combat saggy, worn mattresses, ease of cleaning, antibacterial properties and how easy it is to transport for those all important moving days.

We assess each topper against the same criteria: pressure relief, thermoregulation, motion isolation, and edge support. To assess pressure relief, we lie on the topper and switch between sleep positions, considering which feels most comfortable. To assess thermoregulation, we switch off our AC before we sleep through heat waves or cold snaps, making note of any night we wake up in a sweat.

To assess motion isolation, we fill a glass with water and set it in the middle of the topper. We take a weight and place it on the topper, moving incrementally closer to the glass. The more the glass moves, and the more water spills, the worse the motion isolation, and the less suitable the topper might be for light sleepers. To assess edge support, we sit on the side of the topper and measure how far we fall. The further we sink, the worse the edge support, and the harder it might be to sleep or sit on the side of the bed.

We also consider the practical implications of buying a topper, including the details of delivery, the length of the sleep trial, and the extent of the warranty. Where possible, we like to compare our findings with customer reviews to get a better indication of long-term performance. Finally, we bring it all back to the price of the topper to help you get the best value for money.

How to Choose a Mattress Topper for Your Dorm Bed

Check the Size

Don't assume that one size fits all when it comes to dorm bed mattress toppers. While most tend to be Twin XL, that's not always the case. Don't take the risk and order something if you're not sure – measure your dorm bed properly for clearance and depth, as well as length and width, to ensure you don't make a big purchase that you can't use. All of our above recommendations come in a range of sizes, so it will be easy enough to find the right one.

Choose the Firmness

Most dorm beds will be old and worn from years of use – either lacking in support so you sink in as soon as you lie down, or super hard and uncomfortable with springs that dig into you as you sleep.

If you can feel the springs digging into your side, or you find yourself rolling into a dip in the mattress, then you'll need a good, firm mattress topper, like the Nolah Mattress Topper, to add support to your bed.

If your dorm bed feels firm and inflexible, then you should try a plush topper to add coziness and comfort, such as the Coop Original Mattress Topper.

Set Your Budget

Let's face it, budget will be one of your top priorities as a student, and you'll want to spend your cash wisely, but if you suffer from pain, allergies, or night sweats, you might need to be prepared to spend a little more to get what you need.

Before you buy, I suggest you set an upper and lower limit. Personally, I wouldn't spend less than $80 on a mattress topper, and you'll be pushed to find many for that price, as the lower you go, the more you'll sacrifice on quality. Cheap materials that will trap heat and wear out within one or two semesters don't offer good value for money. You could easily spend as much as $300 on a mattress topper that offers a plush feel, enhanced cooling, or great support, but really, $150 should get you a good topper in the size you'll need for your dorm room.

FAQs

What Size Mattress Topper Fits a Dorm Bed?

The vast majority of dorm beds are Twin XLs, but this isn't universal. Some mattresses may be very thin or non-standard depths, and your room may have bunk beds, so you'll have to consider ceiling height and clearance. Make sure you check with your college or thoroughly measure these aspects before you buy, so you don't make an expensive mistake. You can also double-check the dimensions of your topper against our mattress size chart.

Are Mattress Toppers Allowed in Dorms?

Yes, usually mattress toppers are allowed in dorms, but do make sure you check your college policy, which may restrict specific materials due to allergens, before you make an expensive purchase. It's also a good idea to find out whether you'll be able to store a mattress topper in your dorm room during college breaks or will have to take it home with you, as that might affect the size and weight of your purchase.

How Do You Clean a Dorm Bed Mattress Topper

The best way to clean a dorm bed mattress topper is the same as how to clean and care for any mattress topper. If you can machine wash your topper, this is a recommended way to get rid of dustmites, sweat, and other allergens, which is important when you're living in a shared dorm where dust and dirt can build up. But don't risk washing it if you're not sure, as it could ruin your mattress topper. You can spot clean non-washable toppers, such as memory foam ones, using a liquid laundry detergent and stain removers, which will help get your mattress topper looking good as new if you accidentally spill your takeout coffee or smoothie on your bed. And to keep it fresh and odor-free, a few drops of essential oil or linen spray will do the trick.

Should I Buy Memory Foam or Gel for a Hot Dorm?

Whether you should buy a memory foam or gel mattress topper for a hot dorm room depends on the makeup of the product and what else the material is combined with. Most of the options in our list are a form of memory foam, but the Viscosoft High Density Mattress Topperis combined with a cooling gel to dissipate heat, the Brooklyn Bedding Copperflex 301 Mattress Topper features a Glaciotex cooling cover, making it a great choice for dorm rooms, and the Coop Original Mattress Topper is filled with cut up pieces of memory foam and microfiber which allows the air to circulate making it cooler than solid memory foam. So, while memory foam is often considered hot to sleep on, there are options available that combine comfort and support with cooling.

What Other Bedding do you Need for a Dorm?

Once you've bought the best mattress topper for dorm beds, you might also want to upgrade the rest of your bed setup. A set of the best bed sheets should stay soft, keep cool, and wash well on a student budget. Get a twin XL set or even a full-size set to allow room for the mattress and topper, and to avoid a common college student bedding mistake.

A queen-size comforter or duvet insert will drape over the bed – a great hack if you want to hide the mess under your bed when your parents visit! And, dorm beds don't have headboards, so a great wedge pillow can make working from your bed more comfortable and relaxing.

You don’t need to spend a fortune to sleep well at college – pick a topper that fits your bed, your sleep style, and your budget, and you’ll thank yourself when it comes to finals.