Seven Reasons To Explain Why Mattress Topper Is Important
How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You
A mattress topper is the most efficient and simple way to upgrade your mattress. The most popular materials are memory foam, polyfoam, and latex.
A memory foam top is ideal for mattresses that are sagging or that bounce too much. It conforms to your body and provides the support you need for back pain and pressure relief.
Comfort
A mattress topper can soften a mattress that is too firm. It also provides more support, which can help alleviate back pain by adjusting to your body's shape. A memory foam topper can ease pressure points while toppers made of latex offer more breathability and bounce than polyurethane alternatives.
The firmness of a mattress can be determined by the material used, and also your weight, position of sleep and personal preference. Side sleepers may prefer a softer option, while stomach or back sleepers would prefer a medium firm option. The thickness of the topper can impact its comfort: Although the thicker ones provide more cushioning, they may not be as pliable to your bed and could cause a sloppy feel.
The best mattress topper for the majority of people will be made from a durable, soft material, and backed by a good warranty. It should be hypoallergenic, air-tight, and free of harmful chemicals such as fire retardants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). To keep a topper fresh and clean it can be machine washed.
Testers at GH rate the topper on its ease of use and temperature regulation as well as how it affects the feel of their existing mattress. We also inquire about the ability of the topper to stay in place, if it creates noise, and how much it enhances their sleep.
The Saatva topper, which is at the top of our ranking is rated by customers with a score of 4.4 (as of may 2023) and comes in a queen size. It's made of a two-inch layer of bouncy open-cell foam to contour to your body and react to movement, providing support while keeping cool.
Turmerry organic toppers are a more affordable option. They come in a firm and soft option with a 3-inch layer made of natural materials that breathe. It's an excellent choice for those with a sagging bed or innerspring mattresses with too much bounce or couples who wish to reduce the feel of motion transfer.
Another popular option is the GOTS certified mattress topper made by Linenspa. It has a four-inch layer of breathable, temperature-regulating wool with a cotton cover and comes in a medium or firm option. The GOTS certification means the topper is organically grown standards and is free of chemical dyes and synthetic materials.
Support
A mattress topper is an additional thick layer that is placed on top of your existing bed. It can be affixed to your mattress using elastic straps or a hem with a stretchy fit. Its thickness ranges between two and four inches. Mattress toppers are different from mattress protectors which are thin covers purely designed to safeguard your bed against spills, allergens, and bed bugs.
The top mattress protectors can transform your sleep and help you to avoid pain and aches that are caused by an older or softer than ideal mattress. They can also help improve a mattress that is uncomfortable or sagging, by providing the proper level of support, softness, and temperature control.
There are many mattress topper materials like memory foam, latex, down, and gel. If you want to improve the alignment of your spine, choose a memory-foam topper. It will help cushion and shape. A memory foam mattress packed with gel may help reduce heat retention, making it a good option for those who suffer from night sweats.
If you suffer from a back problem, a memory-foam topper can help keep your spine aligned by reducing pressure on the sensitive areas. If you have back pain, a cushion infused with copper can help reduce inflammation and swelling, and it may also alleviate pain from pressure points.
A topper made with natural fibers like wool or cotton, will aid in sleeping cooler and more comfortably. Wool is breathable, durable and moisture-wicking, as well as flexible. It's often mixed with other materials for added comfort, like down. This mattress topper from Parachute, for example, includes a mix of durable and resilient latex with temperature-regulating wool.
A down mattress topper is a great choice for those who prefer a plush feel. Choose one that has feathers and down for a luxurious texture that covers your body in a softness. This Brooklyn Bedding topper is a good choice as it is available in a firm option for those who require more support and durability and plush for those who want cloud-like softness. It comes with a five-year warranty, a generous trial period and free shipping.
Temperature Control
This topper is cooling and cushions. It can be put on a memory foam mattress. It features gel infused memory foam that is breathable through purpose-made holes, making it breathable and helping it eliminate heat while you sleep. It has bamboo-covered mattresses that are soft and wicks moisture away. This keeps you cool as you sleep.
This topper is available in a variety of thicknesses, based on your preference. It also comes with a 10-year warranty. If you prefer a more firm feel, this topper is also available in a Luxury Firm option (similar to a medium or 7 out of 10). Both are made in America and come with a 100-night trial.
Latex and foam are both breathable materials, making them ideal for hot sleepers. Some latex and memory foam mattress toppers trap heat, which can be uncomfortable for certain people. Look for ones that have cooling elements, like this one from Nolah. It features cooling fibers within the quilted cover and uses the foam that is trademarked by the company to keep you cool while you sleep. It also offers zones of support for your hips, shoulders and the head.
Mattress protectors are a great method to ensure you get a cool night's sleep. They can be placed over a mattress and shield it from spills, allergens bugs, dust mites and more. This one comes with zips and is machine washable, making it simple to clean and remove.
If you prefer sleeping on your back or stomach, you will want a mattress topper that offers plenty of support. A mattress that's too hard can cause you to slump over and can cause back or neck pain. Softer foam and down or down-alternative toppers offer additional comfort. Strategist contributing writer Lauren Levy slept on this one from Parachute and says she woke up feeling "gently wrapped between layers of marshmallow softness." It's also available in a natural cotton version, which is hypoallergenic and endorsed as OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Global Organic Textile Standards, Fair for Life and GreenGuard Gold.
Breathability
A mattress topper is a great way to upgrade a worn out mattress without spending a fortune. However, with so many options, finding the best one for you can be difficult. If your mattress is beginning to get sagging, you're suffering from back pain, or simply need to lessen the feeling of motion transfer from one person to another, the right topper can make a huge difference.
The type of material used to create a topper is the most important factor in its feel and affects not only how comfortable you sleep, but also your back health. Experts suggest that side sleepers should choose an easier topper, while stomach and back sleepers require a more firm one.
You can narrow down your options by taking into consideration other factors such as thickness and breathability. The toppers that are thicker may be more expensive but provide better support. They are also typically more breathable because they have a greater surface area that allows air to circulate. Make sure to look for models with baffle box construction. This prevents clumping, and keeps the filling evenly distributed (a major plus for comfort).
Those who sleep hot should look into gel-infused memory foam that is designed to keep you cool while you sleep. It is also possible to try a latex topper, which is extremely durable and bouncy. If you're looking to avoid chemicals, organic wool or cotton are excellent alternatives.
Even though a mattress topper won't need to be washed as often as sheets, you should look for a model that's easy to clean and will hold up to repeated washings. A lot of the options we reviewed include wide elastic straps that secure them to your mattress making it easier to take them off and wash them. You'll also want a topper that stays securely in place on the mattress especially if you're a combination sleeper who moves frequently during the night.
Brooklyn Bedding's gel swirl memory foam topper is a CertiPUR US and greenguard gold-certified option. It is robust and comfortable. It is a little more expensive than other models, but has great reviews from customers and a 90-day money-back guarantee.