The best mattress toppers

When you're dealing with an uncomfortable mattress — like a dorm bed, sofa bed, or a bed that's too soft or firm — a mattress topper is the best way to add an extra layer of support and comfort. Especially handy when you can't or don't want to splurge on a brand-new mattress, the best mattress toppers can add a layer of plushness to a too-firm bed or provide additional support to a bed that's just too soft.

Our team of sleep experts has tested more than 30 mattress toppers over the last 5 years using a consistent, hands-on methodology. In addition to sleeping on each model, we evaluate setup, fit, heat dissipation, support, and motion isolation using tools such as an infrared thermometer and a vibrometer app, as well as long-term tracking. We also assess trial periods and warranties to ensure each topper meets real-world durability and comfort needs. If you're a hot sleeper, I recommend checking out our best cooling mattress toppers guide.

Learn more about how Business Insider Reviewstests and reviews home products.

Our top picks for the best mattress toppers

Best overall: Helix Premium Mattress Topper with GlacioTex - See at Helix

Best for back pain: Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt Mattress Topper - See at Tempur-Pedic

Best for side sleepers: Coop Sleep Goods Original Mattress Topper - See at Coop Sleep Goods

Best budget: Linenspa Memory Foam Mattress Topper - See at Amazon

Best cooling: GhostBed Memory Foam Topper - See at Amazon

Best latex: Avocado Eco Organic Mattress Topper - See at Avocado

Best for dorms: ViscoSoft High Density Foam Mattress Topper - See at Amazon

Best memory foam: Nolah Mattress Topper - See at Nolah

Best overall

This topper's unique design offers incredible support and comfort. Helix's Premium Mattress Topper with GlacioTex is the most comfortable mattress topper we've tried for every sleep position, and it's one of the best mattress toppers for hot sleepers and couples, too. The design is completely unique, featuring 0.75 inches of steel micro-coils sandwiched between high-density memory foams. The micro-coils add extra support to this topper, while the memory foam cradles your pressure points. It's not only comfortable, though — it also has excellent heat dissipation, motion isolation, and edge support.

Choose from two firmnesses: luxury plush and luxury firm. I opted for the luxury plush density in order to soften up a too-firm mattress, but I recommend luxury firm if you're looking for a little extra support on a plush mattress. I'm a stomach and side combination sleeper, and I felt comfortable sleeping in both positions. My back-sleeping partner loved it, too. As a plus-size person, I appreciated that I did not sink or feel "stuck" in the material. Rather, the memory foam cradles my body, while the steel micro-coils offer extra support. I always woke up feeling pain-free and refreshed.

It kept me cool all nights. I'm a hot sleeper — and I slept on this topper in the midst of a humid Midwestern summer — but I never overheated or woke up sweating during testing. The GlacioTex cover is cool to the touch, even under the sheets. Plus, the micro-coils enhance this topper's breathability, since the coil layer breaks up the blocks of memory foam.

But it's not perfect. I did notice a strong, chemical odor after unboxing this topper, but the scent was mostly gone before bedtime. I recommend letting the topper air out before putting sheets over your bed. It's also noticeably thick at 3.75 inches, so you might need deep-pocket sheets, depending on how thick your current mattress is. Finally, Helix's topper does shift at night, despite the thick elastic bands designed to hold it in place. Even so, shifting was minimal, and I only had to adjust it once a week.

Best for back pain

This topper feels just like a Tempur-Pedic mattress. We've long appreciated the supportive feel of Tempur-Pedic's mattresses, and if you want the feel of Tempur-Material without splurging on an entirely new mattress, the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt Mattress Topper is your best alternative. It slowly adjusted to the contours of my body and kept my spine aligned no matter what position I slept in.

The newly-added elastic straps keep it in place. Since we first tested this topper, Tempur-Pedic has updated the model to address an issue we had with it shifting around during the night. The topper now has straps to keep it in place, and we were able to test the updated version. The new straps did help lessen shifting, though it still tends to migrate a few inches over the week. During setup, there was minimal initial odor, which completely dissipated by bedtime. It did take several hours to expand to its full size, so make sure to leave some time before hopping into bed. The topper also did a good job of staying cool, and when I got up from it, the heat dissipated quickly.

The removable cover is handy, but a pain to put on. The pad features a washable poly-blend cover primarily made of polyester that zips off. Removing and washing the cover was easy, but putting it back on was a different story. It took me about 10 minutes to slide the cover on the floppy pad. I recommend just putting a mattress protector over it (and your mattress) to save the hassle.

You can't return it, but it's covered by a 10-year warranty. Unfortunately, this topper is designated as a "personal item," so it can't be returned. However, there is an impressive 10-year warranty, so you can get a replacement if there are manufacturing defects. The motion isolation is also just average.

Best for side sleepers

This topper has the same fill as our all-time favorite pillow. The Original Mattress Topper from Coop— the same brand behind our best overall pillow — is truly one of the most unique mattress toppers I've seen. It's a featherbed design, but instead of being filled with down or down alternative, it uses lush, cross-cut memory foam and microfiber that feels absolutely heavenly when sleeping on your side.

I love the soft, fluffy feel. This featherbed topper is thick, a lofty five inches, with overstuffed baffle-box construction squares filled with memory foam that stays in place. One appealing factor is that the topper rarely requires re-fluffing or adjusting. It also has straps to hold it in place. They did "snap" off my mattress, but didn't seem to shift on the bed.

Thanks to its plush feel, it's the best mattress topper for side sleepers. I found incredible comfort on my side, particularly. There was definitely some sinking that some back and stomach sleepers may find too soft for their liking, as I sometimes woke up with stiffness on nights when I tried those positions. The shredded foam design also allows for better airflow, which is great for heat dissipation. I never felt too hot or cold, and the design was also great at dampening any motion.

But I had to use deep-pocket sheets. Unfortunately, due to the thickness of my current 14-inch mattress and the height of my bed frame, I felt the topper made it a struggle for my dog to get on the bed and for my sheets to fit correctly. So, it didn't stay on for the long term, but you bet I'm holding on to it to make my sofa bed more comfortable when I have guests. — Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor

Best budget

Linenspa's mattress topper is as simple as it gets. The Linenspa Memory Foam Mattress Topper is a sheet of CertiPUR-US certified gel-infused memory foam that sits right on top of your mattress, with no straps or elastic skirt to hold it in place. Still, we experienced minimal shifting, so this is our pick if you're looking for an ultra-simple mattress topper.

It contours to your body. The Linenspa topper is available in two- and three-inch thicknesses, with a plush, dense feel. Unlike other memory foam toppers, the plushness isn't overwhelming. It definitely softens up a firm mattress, but it's still supportive enough for back and stomach sleepers to use comfortably without excessive sinking. Most side sleepers should be able to get comfortable on this topper, but some lightweight people who sleep on their side might find the feel a bit too firm for their liking.

It passed our objective tests. The Linenspa also stayed cool all night, registering at 71.8 degrees before lying down and 81 degrees immediately after. It also has good motion isolation — I was never woken up from movements across the bed — but light sleepers might be able to feel movement from a restless partner or pet from across the topper.

For a softer option, check out the Lucid Mattress Topper. The Linenspa topper should appeal to most people, but if you're looking for something soft you may want to consider our former top budget pick, the Lucid Bamboo Charcoal Mattress Topper. When we compared the Linenspa and Lucid toppers, we noticed the Lucid had a plush, contouring feel best suited for side sleepers, and that the Linenspa should appeal to those looking for something more balanced. We've noticed stock fluctuations and unpredictable availability on the Lucid. Still, if you're a side sleeper, the Lucid is definitely worth checking out.

Read our Linenspa Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper review.

Best cooling

Hot sleepers need a breathable, cooling mattress topper. The GhostBed Memory Foam Topper is our pick for the best cooling mattress topper for hot sleepers because it did a good job of staying cool and an outstanding job of dissipating heat in our tests. The temperature-regulating CertiPUR-US certified gel memory foam material and unique airflow-promoting design kept me cool and comfy all night long.

The unique design promotes airflow and provides zoned support. The GhostBed topper has five different zones to provide pressure relief and support where you need it most. The soft feel was great when sleeping on my side, but it may be a little too soft for stomach sleepers, back sleepers, and heavier individuals. The GhostBed Memory Foam Topper has impressive motion isolation registering among the best in our vibrometer tests.

I recommend using the included protective cover. I like that it includes a cover that goes over the topper and mattress to keep the topper in place and provide waterproof protection for your mattress. I recommend using the cover since the foam itself is spot clean only.

Setup is a breeze, too. GhostBed didn't skimp on material. The topper goes right to the edge of the bed to add to the comfort. Setup was a breeze. You just remove it from the vacuum-sealed packaging and lay it out on your bed with the patterns facing up. The process took less than five minutes, and the pad was odor-free and fully expanded by bedtime.

Read our guide to the best cooling mattress toppers for more picks for hot sleepers.

Best latex

Latex is eco-friendly, bouncy, and breathable. I'm a big fan of natural latex as a sustainable, responsive material. The soft rubber-like foam offers cushioning around the hips and shoulders while supporting your lower back and neck. You don't sink in like with memory foam; instead, there's more bounce. Avocado's toppers are made of high-quality materials and feature a slew of eco-friendly certifications including Oeko-Tex and Made Safe, as well as featuring organic materials. It's vegan, too.

You can choose between two different thicknesses.Avocado's Eco Organic Mattress Topper is available in two and three-inch thicknesses, in medium (made with GOLS Dunlop) or plush (made with FSC-certified Talalay) firmness options. The price does increase based on thickness.

All types of sleepers will appreciate its feel. Our tester tried the three-inch plush mattress topper — Avocado said the three-inch is its most popular offering. It was supportive and pressure-relieving in every sleeping position, and the bouncy, firm feel makes it the best mattress topper for stomach sleepers and back sleepers. It was also good at dampening motion. We're hoping to test Avocado's brand-new Down Mattress Topper soon, too, since we think the soft feel will be perfect for side sleepers.

It doesn't overheat. It also slept pretty cool and didn't retain heat. The mattress topper didn't get anywhere near the average surface temperature of 89 degrees, but rather closer to 84. It also went back to the room's ambient temperature in about 13 minutes.

Read our Avocado Eco Organic Mattress Topper review.

Best for dorms

Just about every dorm mattress is super uncomfortable — so you'll need a mattress topper to soften it up. Any of the mattress toppers on our list will zhuzh up a dorm bed, but ViscoSoft's Memory Foam Topper is our top pick for dorm rooms thanks to its soft, supportive feel, removable cover, and adjustable straps. In fact, after testing this topper, I passed it on for my sister to use in her own dorm room.

With three different thicknesses, there's an option for everyone. It's made with gel-infused, high-density memory foam and is available in two, three, or four inches of thickness, each offering enhanced support the thicker you go. I tried the three-inch topper and thought it was the perfect thickness for back and stomach sleeping. If you're a side sleeper, you might opt for the thicker four-inch version for a softer feel. I'm confident that any thickness would successfully soften up a dorm bed, so choose a thickness based on your sleep position.

It contours to your body and keeps you cool. The memory foam contoured to my body, regardless of my sleeping position. I noticeably sank into the foam, but not in an uncomfortable way: I never felt stuck. Instead, my pressure points were softly cradled, and I woke up pain-free. It also performed well in all of our tests, especially excelling in heat dissipation, and I never woke up because of overheating — perfect for stifling dorm rooms.

It's the best mattress topper for college students. First, it has a removable, machine-washable cover. Ease of cleaning is important for any college student, and I love the inclusion of a cover since many mattress toppers can be quite tricky to care for and require spot treatment. Plus, the straps on the topper are stretchy with an adjustable band, so you can get the best fit regardless of your mattress thickness, since you're unlikely to know exactly how deep your mattress is until you move in. Plus, tightening the straps prevents shifting at night.

Best memory foam

Nolah has perfected the memory foam mattress topper. While multiple picks on our list are memory foam, this is the best memory foam mattress topper because the foam comfortably cradles my body and relieves pressure better than anything else I've tested. I've been sleeping with the Nolah Mattress Topper intermittently for nearly two years. While I found it immediately comfortable when my back was healthy, it also offered immense relief while I recovered from the worst back pain of my life.

It's contouring and supportive. Nolah's two-inch topper is the perfect cushioning layer to add foam to your bed without enveloping you or making it difficult to shift positions. It's available in two comfort options — plush and luxury firm — and features Nolah's proprietary "AirFoam," a temperature-neutral polyfoam (CertiPUR-US-certified, of course) that doesn't trap heat and offers excellent pressure relief. An organic cotton cover incorporates an extra layer of breathability. As a back sleeper, I found comfort and support with the firmer option, which still feels soft and cradling without making me feel trapped. Whether on my back or side, I never felt pressure build up on my shoulders or hips or around my lower back, helping both with alignment and easing aches and pains.

It performed well in our tests, but the heat dissipation was just average. I also put the Nolah mattress topper through our range of tests. My vibrometer app registered low vibrations when I dropped a 10-pound weight and bounced around to test motion transfer, indicating good motion isolation (but keep in mind the true degree of motion isolation will be determined by the mattress underneath). When measuring heat dissipation, the Nolah dropped about eight degrees in two minutes, which suggests slightly below average heat dissipation compared to other toppers my colleagues have reviewed. Fortunately, I never felt too warm on this topper, and while it won't actively cool you, you won't wake up sweaty either.

It's a little under-sized. The design incorporates elastic straps to hold the topper in place. Third-party reviews mention that the topper can shift on the bed, and I can see it being a little floppy, but I found that a good-fitting mattress protector kept everything snugly in place. This is even more necessary because the Nolah topper is spot-clean only. My biggest concern is that the topper is slightly smaller than the standard dimensions of a full-size bed, stopping short at about three-quarters of an inch on either side, exposing the mattress below, and limiting the surface area of the topper. Again, once that mattress protector covers it, you don't notice this as much, nor does it seem to affect the edge support of my existing bed, but this is frustrating nonetheless. —Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor

Our top picks compared

What else we recommend

Lucid Bamboo Charcoal Mattress Topper: The Lucid Bamboo Charcoal Mattress Topper was our best budget pick, and we still recommend it. It was barely surpassed by the Linenspa when we compared them head-to-head. The Lucid is a great budget option for side sleepers, due to its plush feel. We've also noticed some stock volatility, with sizes going in and out of stock frequently.

Bear Pro:Previously, the Bear Pro Topper was our pick for the best cooling mattress topper. It's made of copper-infused CertiPUR-US certified foam, stays in place well, and has excellent pressure relief. However, our new cooling topper pick, the GhostBed, did better at dissipating heat. The Bear does come with a 30-day trial, which is appealing if you want to judge the cooling properties for yourself.

Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper: Its average firmness was comfortable and supportive to sleep on, no matter my position, but it just wasn't the best in any of our categories. Another tester who sleeps on her stomach greatly appreciated the stable medium firmness. It does a good job of dissipating heat and features straps to secure it to your bed. However, it still shifted, and the topper has poor motion isolation.

Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt + Cooling: This is positioned as the cooler version of our best topper for back pain, but it didn't perform as well in our tests. Despite its name, it was also inferior at cooling and costs $80 more than the other Tempur-Pedic topper. However, it was comfortable to sleep on, has a removable, machine-washable cover, and is backed by a 10-year warranty.

Birch Plush Organic Latex Mattress Topper: While offering an extremely comfortable and responsive layer for back, stomach, and side sleepers; it just doesn't come in as many customizations as the Avocado Eco Organic Topper, and costs significantly more for less material. It also got pretty warm when we slept on it. It does however, have a lengthy trial and even more impressive warranty. The cover is also made with thermoregulating wool, while Avocado's is strictly organic cotton.

Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex 201: This topper was soft and breathable, but it didn't offer the support I was looking for. It had an extremely plush feel that could be suitable for side sleepers, but it's not the mattress topper for you if you're looking for extra support. It's also sold in three-inch and four-inch varieties.

Parachute Down Mattress Pad: Mattress pads are like a blend of a mattress topper and a mattress protector, offering minor comfort enhancements with minimal protection against spills and stains. This option from Parachute is cool and comfortable, though it doesn't provide the amount of support we typically look for in a mattress topper.

Marriott Mattress Topper: Marriott's mattress topper replicates the feeling of a hotel bed at home. It's plush and comfortable, but it feels noticeably thin.

What to look for in a mattress topper

When shopping for a mattress topper, consider the following:

• Material: Each mattress topper material has its own pros and cons, and the best for you depends on your comfort preferences and sleeping position.

  • Memory foam: Memory foam contours to your body with a plush, supportive feel. It's suitable for every sleeping position, but side sleepers will especially enjoy the cushioned support.
  • Latex: Latex is breathable and bouncy. Latex is firmer than memory foam, so it's ideal for back and stomach sleepers. It's eco-friendly, too.
  • Featherbed: Featherbed mattress toppers are fluffy and soft, so they're best for side sleepers.
• Design: Mattress toppers usually attach to the bed via elastic bands or sit directly on the mattress. If you're worried about your topper shifting at night, opt for a version with bands to hold it in place. For more support, look for a zoned construction or included micro-coils.
• Cooling: If you're a hot sleeper, look for features like cooling covers, cool memory foam, or breathable designs.
• Trial and warranty policies: Many brands have trial periods on their mattress toppers, allowing you to try it out before deciding if it's for you. Warranty policies cover potential manufacturing defects.

How we test mattress toppers

Our testing procedures

Our team of sleep experts tested all of the mattress toppers in this guide. In addition to sleeping on them, there are several objective tests we put each one through. The most important factors to consider when picking a topper are comfort, bed fit, and heat dissipation.

Setup: I timed how long it took me to unbox each mattress topper and if there were any unusual or non-intuitive steps. Each model took less than five minutes to set up. I noted if the topper came vacuum-sealed, had an initial odor, and if any smell dissipated by bedtime.

Fit: Once fully expanded, I measured each topper to see if it covered an 80-inch-by-60-inch queen mattress. After sleeping on the topper, I noted whether it stayed in place or shifted — straps are useful and appreciated to keep the topper in place. I also noted if a fitted sheet with 13-inch-deep pockets could cover the topper and our 10-inch-thick test mattress. The fitted sheet stayed on through the night with all models we tested.

Heat dissipation: I used an infrared thermometer to measure the surface temperature of the part of the bed where my torso would be before lying on it for at least an hour, right after getting up, and two minutes after getting up. I compared the temperatures to determine which models were best at heat dissipation. I performed these tests several times until I felt confident in the measurements.

Support: This is a subjective test based on my four years of testing sleep products. Each morning, I would record any soreness I felt and how comfortable the topper felt the previous night. I'd then look at my sleep stats collected using my smart watch and note which positions felt most comfortable.

Motion isolation: I placed my phone with a vibrometer app open on the bed, about 12 inches from the right side. Next, I lifted a 15-pound bowling ball above my head and dropped it onto the topper so that it landed about 12 inches from the left side of the bed (and 36 inches from the phone). I performed this test five times and kept the median score.

Trial and warranty: Ideally, you can return a topper if it's not suitable for your body type and sleeping style. I looked at each topper's return policy/trial period and looked for any loopholes, like shipping costs. The median trial period for the models we tested was 30 nights, and I docked points if a topper didn't have a trial period. Also, since you want your topper to last, we looked at the warranties. The median warranty length is three years.

Meet the experts behind the guide

James Brains, former senior reporter: I've tested over a hundred mattresses, so I know what to look for when shopping for a mattress topper. I use the same methodology for mattress topper testing that I use for mattresses, including testing heat dissipation, motion isolation, and overall support.

Kinsley Searles, associate home editor: As the bedding expert at Business Insider Reviews, I frequently update our mattress toppers guide and keep up with the latest releases. I'm passionate about product testing and finding the best mattress topper for every kind of sleeper. It doesn't hurt that I love a good nap, too.

Mattress topper FAQs

What are the benefits of a mattress topper?

Mattress toppers are versatile additions to your bed to change the feel of your existing mattress without splurging on a brand-new model. They can soften up a firm mattress or add support to a soft mattress. Mattress toppers can also work in an RV, a sofa bed, a sleeping mat during a camping trip, or a guest bed in a pinch.

What type of mattress topper is the best?

It depends on your comfort preferences and sleep needs — there's not really one "best" mattress topper (though our top pick will work for just about everyone). Side sleepers should look for soft mattress toppers filled with down or down alternative, while back and stomach sleepers should opt for a firmer option made with memory foam or latex.

What is the difference between a mattress topper and a mattress pad?

Mattress toppers significantly alter a mattress's feel, whereas a mattress pad is a thin layer that adds a bit of extra comfort and protection. If you need to guard your mattress from spills, stains, and allergens, you'll want to use either along with one of the best mattress protectors.

Should you buy a new mattress or a mattress topper?

It depends on the age of your current mattress: Generally, mattresses should last 8 to 10 years. Mattress toppers can make your bed more comfortable if you've had it for a few years, but if your bed has seen an entire decade, look for a replacement in our best mattress guide.

How do you clean a mattress topper?

While many mattress toppers come with washable covers, mattress toppers themselves aren't typically machine-washable. Check the care tag on your topper before cleaning it, but you're usually able to spot-clean with a damp towel and mild detergent.

Which mattress topper is best for me?

It depends on your sleeping position. Generally, the goal is to keep your spine in neutral alignment. Back sleepers tend to benefit from firmer mattress toppers, side sleepers prefer softer toppers, and stomach sleepers should choose a topper that doesn't sink in too much.

How do you keep a mattress topper from sliding?

To keep a mattress topper from sliding, use a mattress protector or well-fitting sheets. You can also consider sheet suspenders or non-skid mats to stop sliding.

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