Buying guide for Best mattress toppers
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Sleep experts recommend eight hours of sleep each night. However, if you're not getting quality sleep, you can wake up feeling even worse than when you went to bed. But it might not be a new bed that you need, just a mattress topper. The right mattress topper can change your entire outlook on life by allowing you to enjoy the restful sleep you deserve.
Mattress toppers are manufactured using a number of different materials. You will be happiest with the one that adequately absorbs your partner's movements, is sufficiently firm, and doesn't retain too much heat for your comfort level. You also want a material that doesn't trigger allergic reactions and has a washable cover.
This article will provide an in-depth understanding of the differences between various mattress toppers so you can purchase the one that is best for your sleep needs.
"You may need to buy deeper sheets for your bed to accommodate the size of your new mattress topper."
STAFF
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Types of mattress toppers
First, you'll need to decide which type (or types) of mattress topper would suit you best. Mattress toppers are usually sorted into categories defined by material. These are the most common varieties available.
Egg crate foam
Mattress toppers made from egg crate foam are extremely light and roll up small, great for taking on trips. Not as dense as other foams, so less durable and supportive.
Testing mattress toppers
After spending nearly 38 hours researching 67 mattress toppers we purchased our top pick and tested it in the BestReviews lab for comfort and durability.
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Memory foam
Contours to your body, so it's very comfortable, and many people find it reduces back pain. It's not ideal for those who often feel too warm at night, as it "sleeps hot."
Gel
Gel mattress toppers are made from gel-infused foam. They should be as comfortable as memory foam, but much cooler to sleep on. The main drawback is that they can be quite costly.
Latex
Another cooler alternative to memory foam, latex provides good comfort and support. May be made from natural or synthetic rubber.
Some mattress toppers are lightweight and can be rolled up for storage, while others are much heavier and bulkier. We consider each mattress topper’s weight and portability in our evaluation process.
When researching mattress toppers for recommendation, we evaluate each model’s durability and whether it will hold its shape over time.
It can be very annoying to have to constantly adjust a mattress topper that does not stay in place. When evaluating a mattress topper, we consider whether it remains secure overnight.
Mattress toppers come in varying levels of thickness. While a thicker, denser topper can provide great comfort and support, too much thickness can interfere with fitting sheets over the topper and mattress. We consider each topper’s thickness and corresponding practicality.
When shopping for a mattress topper, some people look for softness, while others prioritize support. We evaluate both softer, thinner toppers and thicker, more supportive models to find quality options for different preferences.
Each mattress topper comes with a firmness rating, ranging from soft to firm. We research many models with various ratings to find the best on the market.
Temperature regulation during sleep is an important consideration for many individuals. When evaluating a mattress topper, we consider its breathability and whether it retains heat.
Some mattress toppers help reduce transmission of movement, which can be great for restless sleepers who share a bed. We consider whether each mattress topper offers this benefit.
Comfort is subjective: each person prefers a specific level of thickness and support. When evaluating mattress toppers, we consider which preferences each model would suit best.
A washable cover for your mattress topper can make cleaning it a breeze. We note whether each model comes with a cover or has one that could be purchased separately.
Polyester and cotton
These materials have a similar feeling to down but are more allergy-friendly. You might find polyester or cotton alone or a blend of the two.
Down or feather
Feels soft, but not very supportive; more like sleeping on a thick comforter than a regular mattress. Not suitable for allergy sufferers or many asthmatics, as they have breathing trouble due to the feathers.
"Natural fibers tend to be cooler and more breathable than synthetics, so you may feel less warm at night with a natural fiber mattress topper. But if you suffer from allergies, it's best to avoid natural fibers in your mattress topper, such as feathers, down, or wool."
STAFF
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Considerations for selecting a mattress topper
Firmness
Different mattress toppers have different firmness ratings, ranging from soft to firm. It's an age-old debate as to whether softer or firmer mattresses are superior, but, ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.
Check a mattress topper's product specifications to find out its firmness.
Did you know?
As a rule, back-sleepers benefit from a firmer sleeping surface, while side-sleepers are more comfortable on something softer.
STAFF
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Heat
Some materials retain more heat and offer poorer air circulation compared to others, making sleepers feel hotter during the night. This may be a boon during chilly winter months, but you could find yourself overheating in the summer.
Memory foam is often criticized for making users feel too warm at night, so if you like the feeling of it but can't stand the heat, gel or latex mattress toppers are cooler alternatives. It's also worth noting that natural fibers — such as cotton — are better at regulating heat than synthetics.
However, if you're not an especially hot sleeper, this shouldn't influence your choice too much.
Transmission of movement
If you sleep with a partner who tosses and turns all night long, you'll benefit from a mattress topper with low transmission of movement.
This means that when the person on the other side of the bed moves, it causes very little — if any — movement on your side.
The best materials for low transmission of movement are memory foam, gel, and latex.
Thickness
Mattress toppers come in a range of thicknesses, between roughly two inches and six inches, with three- and four-inch options being the most popular.
Ideally, you want a mattress topper that's thick enough to provide adequate support and comfort, but not so thick you can't find sheets deep enough to fit over your mattress and topper.
"If you are just looking for a thin barrier between you and your mattress, a mattress pad may be the way to go. If you need extra comfort in a serious way, it’s time to invest in a topper."
STAFF
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Other features to look for in a mattress topper
Here are a few other factors you may want to consider.
Ease of handling
How heavy is your chosen mattress topper? Will it be easy for you to place, secure, and flip when necessary?
Select a mattress topper that you'll easily be able to handle.
Comfort
Comfort is extremely subjective with mattresses and mattress toppers. What feels like sleeping on a cloud to one person might feel uncomfortable to another.
If you already know what kind of sleeping surface you like best, it'll be easier to find the most comfortable mattress topper for you.
Washable covers
Some mattress toppers come with removable, washable covers.
While you'll likely have a sheet covering your mattress topper, some people prefer to have an extra washable cover, in case of spill or stains.
Mattress topper prices
Mattress toppers can vary greatly in price, depending on a range of factors including material, size, and thickness.
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Memory foam mattress toppers range in price between roughly $40 and $300.
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Gel mattress toppers start as low as $45, but can cost as much as $800.
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Latex mattress toppers cost around $60 to $400.
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Down mattress toppers are priced between $50 and $350.
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Polyester and cotton mattress toppers range from around $20 to $200.
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Egg crate foam mattress toppers cost roughly $15 to $150.
As a rule, the higher you go in these price ranges, the larger, thicker, and more durable the mattress topper.
FAQ
Q. Do I really need a mattress topper?
A. Not everyone needs a mattress topper, but many people find a topper makes their mattress more comfortable. If you wake up with back or joint pain, it could be due to an uncomfortable or unsupportive mattress, and a mattress topper could help to remedy it. Even if you find your mattress reasonably comfortable, it should be even more comfortable with a quality topper.
Q. Will a mattress topper improve a mattress that's sunk in the middle?
A. Unfortunately, a mattress topper won't do much good if your mattress has sunk in the middle, as the topper will simply mold itself into the depression. In this case, you really need to replace your whole mattress. However, if you can't afford to do so at present, a basic mattress topper could be used to make your mattress more comfortable in the interim.
Q. Are mattress toppers easy to clean?
A. Most mattress toppers are similar to mattresses, in as much as you don't clean them directly. Rather, you put a sheet over the topper, and the sheet is washed as needed. That said, some mattress toppers do come with washable covers you can remove and launder. If you want an extra layer under your sheet that you can throw in the washer, consider buying a mattress protector, as well.
