Nolah Mattress Topper
Best Mattress Toppers
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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Best Mattress Toppers of 2023
- Nolah Mattress Topper – Editor’s Pick
- TEMPUR-Adapt Topper – Best Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers
- Layla Memory Foam Topper – Best Cooling Mattress Topper
- Birch Plush Pillow Top – Best Mattress Topper for Back Pain
- Allswell CoolTouch 4″ Topper – Best Affordable Mattress Topper
- Parachute Down Mattress Topper – Best Down Mattress Topper
Watch our Review
Our Editors, Becca and Loren, break down each top pick in our video roundup.
Nolah Mattress Topper
Editor’s Pick
4.90 / 5
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.
TEMPUR-Adapt Topper
Best Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers
TEMPUR-Adapt Mattress Topper
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.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.50 / 5
Read Full Review
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 Memory Foam Topper
Best Cooling Mattress Topper
Layla Mattress Topper
Layla's mattress topper features copper gel-infused memory foam to prevent overheating.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.20 / 5
Read Full Review
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.
Birch Plush Pillow Top
Best Mattress Topper for Back Pain
Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper
Mattress Nerd Score
4.70 / 5
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 CoolTouch 4″ Topper
Best Affordable Mattress Topper
Allswell 4” Mattress Topper Infused with Copper Gel
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.
Parachute Down Mattress Topper
Best Down Mattress Topper
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
Read Full Review
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!
What is a Mattress Topper?
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.
Who Should Consider Buying a Mattress Topper?
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:
- If your comfort preferences vary from your partner, a topper can soften or firm up one side of the mattress. We recommend purchasing a Twin or Full size for one side of a King mattress.
- If you host guests in your home frequently and don’t want to invest as much money into your guest bedroom mattresses as you did in your master bedroom mattress, for example, a topper can add comfort to a guest bed for just a few hundred dollars.
- If you live in a short-term residence, like a dorm room, RV, hotel or a care or hospice facility, where you don’t have much choice in your mattress type or firmness, a topper can provide some control over the comfort level of your sleeping surface.
Benefits of a Mattress Topper
- Improved Comfort: Mattress toppers create an improved, more comfortable sleeping surface on a mattress that’s currently not suitable, whether it’s too firm, too soft or simply old.
- Pain Relief: They can also provide an additional layer of support and stability for those with back issues, or pain and pressure relief for those experiencing pain in their neck, shoulders and hips.
- Better Durability: A mattress topper will also increase the durability of the mattress beneath it, extending its lifespan by providing a buffer between the sleeper and the comfort layer.
- Temperature Regulation: Many also feature a cooling effect through gel beads or other technology that improves the overall breathability of the bed.
- Affordable: Rather than spending $1,000 or more on a new mattress, a new mattress topper may sufficiently improve the quality of your current sleep situation, and it will cost you much less.
Mattress Topper Materials
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.
- Memory foam is a great choice for back and side sleepers who need extra contouring and like to sink into the surface. By conforming to your body, it helps relieve pressure from the hips and shoulders and promotes proper spinal alignment. While memory foam can sleep hot, gel or copper infusions can help regulate the temperature better. For more information, check out our list of the best memory foam mattress toppers.
- Polyfoam provides similar contouring properties to memory foam except it has more responsiveness. If you want pressure relief but don’t want to sink into the mattress too much, polyfoam could be a great option for you.
- Latex is also a material that hugs your body and helps with pain relief. It provides a bouncy surface which is great for those who move around a lot. Additionally, latex is a hypoallergenic material known to sleep cool.
- Down or feather toppers can give you a luxurious softness and cushion-feel. They are great at temperature regulation all year long so you don’t sleep too hot or cold. Down alternative is a great choice if you want an eco-friendly topper with the same benefits.
- Wool may not be the most conforming material out there, but it is still soft with some cushion. It can be a great choice if temperature regulation is a priority. It has moisture wicking and cooling properties for warm months and it can provide insulation during cold months.
Other Things to Consider When Shopping for a Topper
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:
- Thickness & Density: Most mattress toppers measure from 1”-3” thick. Thin toppers are best when minor changes in the mattress’ surface are desired, and thicker toppers are capable of drastically adjusting the mattress’ comfort level.
- Firmness: If you’re sleeping on a bed that’s too soft for your liking, look for a firmer topper. If your current mattress is too firm for you, a soft topper will make the bed more comfortable.
- Durability: Lifespan will vary widely by brand, material, use, and fill. High-quality latex and memory foam toppers are among the most durable, followed closely by wool mattress toppers. Feather and fiber-filled toppers tend to have shorter lifespans.
- Sleeping Position: The right mattress for you is largely determined by your sleeping position, and mattress toppers aren’t much different in that regard. Side sleepers need contouring toppers that allow the shoulders and hips to sink. Back sleepers need slightly firmer mattress toppers that will prevent the back and hips from sinking. For stomach sleepers, a firmer topper will prevent sinking in the stomach area.
- Cleaning: How you clean your mattress topper will depend on the material and brand. One way to clean a topper is to spot treat it as necessary with diluted detergent or a distilled white vinegar solution. For a full clean, you can sprinkle baking soda over the surface and let it sit for approximately 8 hours. Vacuum up the baking soda and then your mattress will be fresher and cleaner! Make sure to check with the brand’s website for a more detailed or specific guide on how to keep your topper clean. Also, for more information you can look at our full article on how to clean a mattress topper.
Mattress Toppers vs. Mattress Pads
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.
Mattress Toppers vs. Mattress Protectors
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.
FAQ
What are the benefits of a mattress topper?
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.
What is the best thickness for a mattress topper?
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.
What should you look for in a mattress topper?
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.
