I Tested the Brooklinen Down Alternative Mattress Topper − It Adds a Luxurious Layer of Soft Plushness, but No Support

There's something about the colder weather of fall that leaves me wanting a sleep space I can truly cozy up in − a quality the Brooklinen Down Alternative Mattress Topper makes easy to achieve.

With a soft and fluffy finish, it adds a layer of warmth and comfort to my mattress, without any added height, heat, or weight. That being said, that lack of height also results in a lack of pressure relief or edge support − this isn't the topper to choose if you're stuck with a sagging, uncomfortable mattress.

But, for making your favorite mattress that little bit more luxurious, it's a perfect pick. Here's how I got on during the testing period, and why I'd recommend it as one of the best mattress toppers for adding a cocooning layer you can sink right into.

Brooklinen Down Mattress Topper − Specifications

Brooklinen Down Mattress Topper − Unboxing and First Impressions

As much as I'm stressing that this mattress topper isn't the ideal pick for making an uncomfortable mattress more comfortable, I knew this from the off. On the website, you can see that it's more of a thinner, plushy profile type pick, and this was obvious when it arrived, too.

It came in a small, lightweight box, easy for me to carry on my own, and was packaged in a zippable, durable bag that I'll reuse for storing sheets and duvet inserts. There was nothing non-recyclable or non-reusable, which I always appreciate when opening a new product to test.

Putting it on the mattress was easy and very quick, and there was no off-gassing to speak of. As it has a slim profile, my bed sheets fitted easily over the top of it, and it was ready to sleep on that night, without the need to leave it to expand or breathe.

What's It Like to Sleep On the Brooklinen Down Alternative Mattress Topper?

Lying on the Brooklinen Down Alternative Mattress topper, you immediately feel the plush comfort, with a sink-in surface that welcomes better sleep. That soft feel, though, means it would be unfair to rate this mattress on our usual categories, outlined in our guide to how we test mattress toppers, of pressure relief, edge support, and motion isolation: there's none to speak of. Instead, it's a topper for adding a pillowy layer of comfort, and that's where it really does sing.

There's also not much thermoregulation to comment on, either, though the topper does feature a cotton shell, which naturally regulates temperature. I'm not a hot sleeper, and temperatures are dipping as we head towards winter, but I haven't found myself too cold or too hot when sleeping on it.

Delivery was also a breeze, arriving conveniently packed in a small box straight to my door. It's light and easy to carry, so you won't need help from a friend or family member, unlike the Nolah AirFoam Luxe Mattress Topper I've reviewed, or Brooklyn Bedding Microcoil Mattress Topper, which I also recently reviewed. You also won't need to leave it to off-gas or expand, so it's ready to use straight out of the box.

Who Would the Brooklinen Down Alternative Mattress Topper Suit?

• All sleep positions, depending on your needs: As the Brooklinen Down Alternative Mattress Topper is soft and plush, though not particularly thick, it won't affect any sleep position. It's therefore suitable whether you sleep on your back, side, or stomach, though it won't offer any added support if you need added comfort for an aching back, shoulders, or knees. It depends on what you need − for simple, additional comfort, it's the perfect pick.
• Hot sleepers: As the topper features a cotton shell, it's naturally thermoregulating and won't trap heat. That said, it's not an actively cooling pick, and it doesn't claim to be.
• Children and people with pets: These aren't categories we usually include here, but as the topper features a waterproof barrier and is soft and squishy, yet not too thick, I'd suggest it as a good pick for adding cozy comfort to a child's bed. In this instance, I'd still put one of the best mattress protectors over the top, though. The same applies to adults who often share their bed with pets.

What Shoppers Say About the Brooklinen Down Alternative Mattress Topper

With a 4.2 out of five-star rating, the Brooklinen Down Alternative Mattress Topper is well-rated by shoppers.

For example, Cvetanka deems it a 'must-have,' adding, 'I started with one, then went back to get one for every bedroom! Can’t go back to not having this mattress pad. I wish they made it for a twin-size bed, too.'

Another similar review, from Lorna, echoes, 'Could not believe how much more comfortable this made my bed. I did not want much additional height on my lumpy mattress, so [I] thought loft sufficient to make that mattress comfortable was not possible. I was wrong. This is an amazing product. Thank you.'

A few reviews do also mention the ability of this topper to keep a bed cool, which is a good sign for any hot sleepers considering making the purchase.

I do have to mention that there are a few more negative reviews, but these are in the minority compared to the 181 five-star ratings.

The one-star reviews typically reference the flat profile of this topper, though, as I've said, this was obvious to me before I tested it, just from looking at the pictures and details on the website. A few also mention that it's not as straightforward to clean and care for this mattress topper. As I'm yet to wash mine, I can't comment, but I will update this page once I do.

As I always stress, anything that impacts your sleep space is subjective − what works for me may not work for you, and vice versa. Therefore, if you are considering making a purchase, I'd always suggest reading a few well-informed reviews and even going into a store to feel and see it in person where possible.

My Verdict

Overall, I've been thoroughly enjoying the Brooklinen Down Alternative Mattress Topper. It makes my bed feel cozy and luxurious as the fall weather gets colder, and I've found it's a simple and relatively affordable way to enhance a mattress while adding plush comfort.

If you've spotted any signs you're sleeping on a bad mattress, however, this won't be the right option for you. It's not a miracle fix for lumps and bumps, and won't add any extra support. If that's what you need, I'd recommend opting for the Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper instead, which has a medium-firm feel and is infused with graphite to actively draw heat away from the body as you rest.

More to Shop

If you'd like to browse alternative mattress toppers, shop from a selection of top-rated favorites below.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

If an ultra-soft option like this isn't what you're browsing for, you can make a mattress firmer by turning your mattress or placing a plywood board beneath it.

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