Nolah Mattress Topper

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Purchasing a new mattress is a heavy investment in both time spent determining which of the thousands out there is right for you and, of course, money. If you’re not interested in buying a new mattress just yet but want to take your bed’s comfort up a notch or two, a mattress topper is a good option. Toppers, which range from 1”- 3” thick, come in a variety of sizes, firmness levels and materials today, and are almost always cheaper than buying a new mattress. In this guide, we’re sharing our picks for the best mattress toppers, considerations when shopping, the pros and cons of using a topper, and how to determine if you need a mattress topper for your bed.
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Our Editors, Becca and Loren, break down each top pick in our video roundup.
A great mattress topper can make your old, creaky bed feel like something out of a luxury hotel. For us, the Nolah Mattress Topper achieved this effect through its proprietary AirFoam technology that cushioned our pressure points while still promoting breathability, making for a cooling, comforting sleep experience. The elastic band on each corner makes it super easy to attach the Nolah to your current mattress and helps prevent it from sliding around as you switch sleeping positions. Best of all, the Nolah is available in plush and firm, so you can choose whichever version best suits your needs and preferences.
This foam topper is made of 3 inches of supportive TEMPUR material. It is designed to enhance or improve the original comfort level of virtually any mattress, no matter how firm or soft.
This 3” thick topper is constructed with TEMPUR-Pedic’s proprietary memory foam, known for cradling pressure points and providing superior comfort. It’s encased in a dust mite– and allergen-resistant cover that can be easily removed and is machine washable. The TEMPUR material won’t flatten out over time and is known for its breathability, meaning this topper will last for years while keeping you cool at night. While pricey, it does come with a 10-year warranty.
Read our full Tempur-Pedic Mattress Topper Review to learn more.
Layla's mattress topper features copper gel-infused memory foam to prevent overheating.
The Layla topper is made from a combination of polyester, viscose, and a poly and lycra blend that’s infused with copper gel. The gel beads not only keep the topper cool by drawing heat away from your body but are antimicrobial, aiding in blocking bacteria from settling down in your mattress. It’s plush and soft, yet supportive enough to provide pressure relief for your hips and shoulders. The Layla Memory Foam topper is available in all sizes from Twin to California King.
Check out our full Layla Memory Foam Topper Review to learn more.
Made from layers of natural wool and Talalay latex, this topper is 3” thick and has a medium feel that will help keep your spine aligned, making it our best pick for sleepers with back pain. The latex is highly breathable to maximize airflow, and Birch uses natural, chemical-free materials. The body-contouring latex helps your spine rest in its natural shape instead of getting thrown out of alignment, so people with back pain can rest a little bit easier at night. This pillow top is available in all mattress sizes, and Birch offers free shipping, a 100-night sleep trial and a one-year warranty.
Allswell offers a few topper options that are worth a look, but I’ll go ahead and call the 4″ CoolTouch Topper the winner in my eyes. This one comes with all their bells and whistles—premium foam with graphite and copper gel to help regulate temperatures. While this is their top-of-the-line, it still comes at a reasonable price compared to many other competitors. Their two lower models feel really nice too, but for not very much more, you can get their upgrade. Enjoy!
See our full Allswell Mattress Topper Review to learn more.
The Parachute Down Feather Bed is a soft, fluffy mattress topper that's a great match for hot sleepers and back sleepers.
Parachute Down Mattress Topper
Mattress Nerd Score
4.30 / 5
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This super-soft, marshmallow-like topper is filled with premium European white down and encased in a 100 percent sateen cotton shell. The down is sustainably and ethically repurposed from humanely treated ducks, and the product is Oeko-Tex certified, meaning it’s free of harmful chemicals and synthetics. Reviewers write that this product reminds them of sleeping in a luxury hotel and that it keeps them cool throughout the night. Keep in mind that the Parachute topper is dry clean only, so if you prefer quick washes this might not be the one for you.
Read our full Parachute Down Mattress Topper review to learn more!
A mattress topper has a simple definition. It’s a separate layer of cushioning that’s added or removed from the surface of a mattress and serves the purpose of improving a bed’s overall comfort. Often confused with mattress pads, mattress toppers home in on guaranteeing a comfortable night’s sleep whereas mattress pads are meant to protect the mattress from stains, spills, odors and oils.
There’s not a hard set of criteria for whether someone is a good fit for a mattress topper, as the purchase is up to one’s preference. If you’re sleeping just fine on your current mattress, it’s likely you don’t need one. However, if you find that any of the following are true of your mattress or sleep quality, a topper could be a worthwhile investment:
Toppers made from different materials will vary in the sleep experience they can offer, their coolness, price, durability, and many other factors. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks. Here are the most common types of mattress topper materials and their features.
When shopping for a mattress topper, it’s important to consider your primary purpose for buying one. While most consumers desire improved comfort through a mattress topper, toppers can also indirectly adjust the firmness level of the mattress, alleviate pain and improve airflow. Once you’ve determined why you’re in the market for a topper, here’s what to keep in mind as you shop:
Think of mattress pads as less substantial versions of mattress toppers. Thinner, cheaper, and less cumbersome, these products have slight effects on the softness of a mattress, while mattress toppers can alter the feel of a mattress significantly.
If you’re looking for a little bit of added comfort, a mattress pad may be the way to go. If you’re dissatisfied with your current mattress but don’t want to invest the time or money into purchasing a new one, a topper can be a great in-between bedding option to improve the comfort and fit of your bed. For more information, check out our article on mattress toppers vs. mattress pads.
A mattress protector adds no extra comfort to your sleeping situation, it simply guards your mattress from stains, spills, and dust mites. While a mattress topper is primarily designed to add support or comfort, it can also have protective features, particularly if it’s waterproof and hypoallergenic. So, if you purchase the right mattress topper you may not need a mattress protector.
In short, a mattress topper can improve the quality of your sleep situation for a fraction of what a new mattress would cost. It can be used to provide additional softness, durability, and temperature regulation to a mattress that might not be up to your standards.
Mattress toppers generally range from 2" to 4" thick. For maximum support and cushioning you’ll want to go with the 4" topper. However, if your mattress is in good shape and you’re only looking to augment its firmness then you should be okay with something on the thinner side.
It depends what you’re looking for in a sleep experience. If you’re looking for additional pressure relief, be sure to look for a topper with plenty of cushioning. Do you sleep hot at night? Consider a latex mattress topper with good cooling capabilities. Determine what kind of sleep it is that you want then start your research with those factors in mind.