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When it comes to catching your z’s, mattress toppers may be one of the best things ever invented. They can make a hard bed softer, a soft mattress firmer or add an extra touch of coziness that makes you want to jump right into it.
And the great news is you can get one for far less money than a whole new mattress. Of course, when you start looking around, there are a lot of options out there. So how do you decide which one is the best for you?
That all depends on how you sleep and what you’re looking for in a mattress topper. So before we jump into our list of favorites, let’s go over some mattress topper basics.
Mattress Toppers 101
Before you find the best mattress topper for you, there are a few things you should consider.
What position do you sleep in?
Are you a side sleeper? If so, you’ll probably be more comfortable with a topper with medium firmness that conforms to the body. This will help to relieve pressure points in the shoulder and hips and will also promote spinal alignment.
If you’re a back sleeper, you don’t really need to promote spinal alignment. But you may want something with a firmer feel that doesn’t sag around the torso.
Stomach sleeping isn’t recommended. But if that’s your go-to position, look for a material that will prevent sinkage in the shoulder and hip area.
How much do you weigh?
As you can see from the above, your mattress topper’s firmness level is closely linked with your sleeping position. But it’s also related to how much you weigh.
People under 130 pounds may prefer a softer mattress feel. If you’re in between 130 and 230, a medium topper will probably suit you best. And if you’re above 230 or sleep on your stomach, a firmer mattress topper is recommendable.
Do you tend to feel like you’re overheating when you sleep?
Mattress toppers come in various materials. And some of them sleep warmer than others. Memory foam, polyfoam and latex tend to heat up more. If you’re a hot sleeper, you can still buy a mattress topper made of those materials. Just be sure they come with ventilating technology or contain a cooling layer such as gel, copper or charcoal.
Also, any material that you sink into tends to make you warmer. So if you’re trying to avoid sweating it out at night, a medium to firm sleeping surface may be best for you if you heat up easily.
Price
Mattress toppers come in all price points. Some may be under $100, and others may be north of $500. The average is probably between $150 and $500.
How much you spend will depend on your budget, the materials and other special considerations you may have, such as eco-friendliness.
This might go without saying, but the bigger your mattress, the more expensive the topper might be, depending on the brand. Don’t order a queen-size topper when you have a California king-size bed, though. It could end up hurting you more than helping
Materials
Here is a quick overview of some of the most popular materials you’ll find out there to round out your mattress pad education.
Memory Foam
The benefit of memory foam is that it conforms to your body and helps distribute your weight evenly. This will help keep your shoulders, spine and hips aligned and relieve pressure points (which is especially suitable for side sleepers).
Memory foam also helps isolate motion, which means that when your partner moves in their sleep, you won’t feel it as much.
As mentioned earlier, this material may heat more because it allows you to sink into its surface. Be sure to opt for a memory foam topper with a cooling layer if you’re a hot sleeper.
Latex
Latex also conforms to the body, but you won’t sink as deeply into it as with memory foam. This may be a better option for back and stomach sleepers. But again, be sure to choose one with ventilation if you’re concerned about staying cool.
Polyfoam
Polyfoam is what we know as that “egg crate” material. It conforms to the body but recovers its shape more quickly. So if you’re looking for something bouncier than memory foam or latex, this may be the right choice.
Down
Down has been a long-time favorite among mattress toppers. And while it will add some extra softness to your bed, it won’t help with pressure points or give you added support.
But if you’re looking for something cozy, a down or a down replacement may be all you need.
Now that you have the 411 on mattress toppers let’s look at some of our favorites for every type of sleeper.
Related: Why Sleep Matters To Your Health [And How to Improve Your Sleep]
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Topper Supreme – Good for Pressure Relief
This 3-inch thick memory foam topper offers a medium feel and provides support and pressure relief over the entire body. It’s also an excellent option for couples because of its motion isolating quality. If your partner is a restless sleeper, it helps to absorb the movement so you won’t be disturbed.
Another plus to this topper is that it comes with a removable cover that you can wash and dry at home. And if you’re an extra hot sleeper, Tempur-Pedic offers an optional cooling cover that helps with temperature regulation to keep the memory foam at a comfortable temperature.
Yes, this topper is on the pricey side. And the cooling mattress topper cover runs about an extra $100. But if you’re looking for a quality and durable mattress protector to relieve pressure, this 10-year limited warranty backed by Tempur-Pedic is a good investment.
ViscoSoft Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper – Good for Support and Cooling
If you like the support of memory foam but find that it makes you hot, this high-density topper from ViscoSoft will relieve pressure and keep you cooler. That’s because it’s infused with gel to promote airflow and distribute body heat.
Like most memory foam mattress toppers, it adapts well to various sleeping positions and cuts down on motion transfer if you’re sleeping with a partner. It also comes with a slip-resistant and machine washable cover.
And at a lower price point than the Tempur-Pedic, it’s also more comfortable for your budget.
Molecule AirTec Mattress Topper – For Hot Sleepers and Anyone Sensitive to Off-Gassing
Another great option for anyone who tends to get warm while they sleep is this medium-feel topper from Molecule AirTec. It’s constructed with two layers of open-cell memory foam and a cover that draws heat away from the surface.
This topper also has an extra layer of high-density polyfoam for extra stability. Like most memory foam toppers, this one will conform to your body, support you and help you get a better night’s sleep as it also reduces motion transfer.
Another benefit to the open-cell memory foam is that it releases any off-gassing odors quickly instead of overtime (usually within the first few days). If you’re extra sensitive to these smells, this cool and comfortable mattress might be the fit you need.
And to help you sleep even better, you can try it out for 30 days before deciding if you want to keep it. If you do, it also has a 5-year warranty.
Check this out: The 7 Best Duvet Covers To Get Your Cozy On
PlushBeds Memory Foam Topper – Cooling Memory Foam
Made of PlushFoam memory foam, this high-quality and durable topper is an excellent option for sleepers looking to relieve any sharp pressure points. Because of its materials and premium construction, it retains its shape well and resists sagging.
This is another memory foam mattress for people who warm up while they sleep or find memory foam hot. That’s because it has open cell visco elastic structure channels that increase airflow and technology that wicks heat away.
It also absorbs vibrations well if you’re sleeping with a partner and comes with a 5-year warranty.
Saatva Mattress Topper – Good for Back Pain
If you suffer from back pain, a topper with more support could help you sleep better. This 3-inch topper from Saatva has a high-density layer underneath for extra support and a memory foam layer on top to help relieve pressure points.
It’s also infused with graphite to keep you cool. The best of all worlds!
Birch Plus Organic Mattress Topper – For Eco-conscious Sleepers
If you’re concerned about the environment as well as comfort, this latex topper from sustainable rubber tree farms could be just what you need. It has a medium feel and conforms to the body without letting you sink as deep as memory foam does.
This is a good topper for relieving pressure in areas like the lower back, shoulders and hips. And because latex doesn’t heat up as much as memory foam, it also helps you sleep more undisturbed.
This topper has a cover made of organic cotton and a top layer of natural wool that regulates temperatures and wicks moisture away from your body. And because latex is very durable, this topper should last a long time.
In fact, it has a 10-year warranty and a free trial period of 100 nights. Yes, the price point is a bit higher, but considering the peace of body and mind it gives you, it may be worth it.
Avocado Green organic Latex Mattress Topper – For Eco-conscious and Vegan Sleepers)
Another excellent choice for anyone in the market for an eco-friendly topper. This latex version from Avocado Green is made from certified organic and natural latex plus organic wool, it’s both durable and highly breathable if you tend to sleep hot.
If you’re a vegan, the wool layer can be swapped out for organic cotton.
This topper is available in two firmness levels. The soft/medium version contours to the body and relieves pressure in sensitive areas like the hips and shoulders. It’s recommended for side and back sleepers that weigh less than 130 pounds.
The firm mattress topper version offers more firmness and support for anyone that sleeps on their back or stomach and weighs at least 130 pounds.
You’ll get a 10-year warranty with this topper and a full 365 days to decide if you want to keep it! Avocado green also provides full refunds and free shipping on any returns. Yes, the price is a little higher than most, but you’re pretty much guaranteed to get your full money’s worth with this natural latex mattress topper.
What more could you need?
Tuft & Needle Mattress Topper – Good Value Option
If you’re looking for a more affordable option with a cushier feel, this 2-inch topper could be right for you. With a soft to medium feel, it’s best suited to sleepers that are under 230 pounds.
Because it’s made of polyfoam instead of traditional memory foam, it regains its shape more quickly if you move around a lot. It also offers the best cooling compared to most memory foam toppers because of an open cell structure that promotes air circulation.
Like many toppers on this list, it also reduces vibration if you’re co-sleeping and adjusts to your body to relieve pressure.
At 2-inches, this is a reasonably thin topper. But if you’re looking for something to add a bit of extra cushioning and breathability to your mattress without heating you up, this may be the right choice for you.
Parachute Down Feather Topper – The Cozy Option
Maybe you’re not as concerned with support as you are with transforming your bed into a cozy little haven. In that case, you may want to dive into this 3-inch topper made of all-natural down.
Dual-layer construction helps keep the feathers distributed evenly, and a sateen outer layer helps prevent them from poking out. This is also a very lightweight topper that won’t build up as much heat. And if you have a sensitivity to down, it also comes available in a down alternative.
So if you’re looking for that lush, hotel-feel that makes you not want to get out of bed, this topper may be calling you.
Coyuchi Climate Beneficial Wool Mattress Topper – Good Wool Topper
Wool is not the most common material used in mattress toppers, but it does have some added benefits. It offers some soft support and is naturally dust-mite resistant.
Wool is also known for regulating temperature well. In cold weather, it helps you warm up faster, and in warm weather, it wicks away moisture to keep your body temperature cooler.
This topper is made from 100% climate beneficial wool and has an organic cotton cover.
So if you’re looking for a mattress topper made of consciously sourced materials that will add a touch of softness and mild support to your bed, this may be a natural choice for you.
Sweet Dreams
We hope our overview and list of favorite mattress toppers has been helpful and brings you nights full or rest and lucid dreams. As you can see, keeping your sleeping patterns and other essential factors in mind before you buy a mattress topper or consider replacing your current mattress is crucial to finding the right fit for your needs and lifestyle.
But rest assured that no matter what kind of sleeper you are, there’s a topper for you. Grab your best pillow and prepare for some sweet dreams, everyone!
You might also like: The 5 Most Comfortable Memory Foam Mattresses
10 of the Best Mattress Toppers:
- Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Topper Supreme – Good for Pressure Relief
- ViscoSoft Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper – Good for Support and Cooling
- Molecule AirTec Mattress Topper – For Hot Sleepers and Anyone Sensitive to Off-gassing
- PlushBeds Memory Foam Topper – Cooling Memory Foam
- Saatva Mattress Topper – Good for Back Pain
- Birch Plus Organic Mattress Topper – For Eco-conscious Sleepers)
- Avocado Green organic Latex Mattress Topper – For Eco-conscious and Vegan Sleepers
- Tuft & Needle Mattress Topper – Good Value Option
- Parachute Down Feather Topper – The Cozy Option
- Coyuchi Climate Beneficial Wool Mattress Topper – Good Wool Topper
Sherry De Alba
view postSherry De Alba
Sherry is a freelance writer who worked as an actor before transitioning to an award-winner career in advertising. During a vacation to Mexico, she fell in love and never left. Sherry (aka Cherita) now spends her time bouncing between the US and Mexico writing, running, cooking, meditating and exploring lots of cool stuff on the other side of the wall.
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