Best Memory Foam Mattress Toppers

Memory foam toppers are among the most popular types of mattress toppers because they provide what people shopping for toppers are often interested in: close conforming, pressure relief, and comfort. Memory foam toppers also have other benefits, such as above-average motion isolation for couples.

If you’re considering adding a layer of memory foam to your sleeping surface to adjust its firmness and improve your sleep, keep reading to discover our top picks for the best memory foam toppers sold in 2021. We also include a brief buyer’s guide with tips on what to look for, important shopping considerations, and how to decide on the best topper for your mattress.

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Best Memory Foam Mattress Toppers of 2021

• Novaform Mattress Topper – Editor’s Pick
• Layla Mattress Topper – Runner Up
• Lucid Mattress Topper – Best Value Memory Foam Mattress Topper
• TempurPedic Mattress Topper – Best Luxury Memory Foam Mattress Topper
• Red Nomad Mattress Topper – Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress Topper
• DreamFoam Mattress Topper – Best Enhancing Memory Foam Mattress Topper

How to Pick the Right Memory Foam Mattress Topper 

Should you Buy a Mattress Pad or a Mattress Topper?

Mattress toppers, mattress pads, and even mattress protectors are often confused with one another. While all three are additions to an existing mattress, they each serve a specific purpose, so it’s important to be able to distinguish between them. 

• A mattress topper is a layer of foam or another material (latex, etc.) that is placed on top of a new mattress or old mattress to add comfort and softness. Firmer toppers are available for people who find their existing mattress or new bed too soft. Most toppers measure anywhere from 2” to 5” thick. For more information about mattress toppers or to browse other topper styles, read our Guide to the Best Mattress Toppers of 2021.
• A mattress pad is thinner than a mattress topper and typically measures about 1” thick. Mattress pads are designed to add a little bit more cushioning but won’t significantly change the feel of the mattress.
• A mattress protector is often confused with a mattress pad because they are designed for two different purposes. However, a protector is more focused on protection from liquids. It typically features a thin design that’s waterproof in order to fight spills, urine, sweat, allergens and more.

Read more: Do I Need a Mattress Protector? 

All in all, mattress toppers are best for sleepers who want to change the comfort level of their bed. Mattress pads and mattress protectors are best for people who want to alter their bed slightly and protect it.

Types of Mattress Toppers

Mattress toppers are available in all different sizes, constructions, and materials. Each material type has unique benefits and drawbacks. To help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of memory foam compared to the other types, here’s an overview of the types of mattress toppers.

• Convoluted Polyfoam—Sometimes referred to as eggshell foam or egg crate foam, convoluted polyfoam toppers have soft ridges that help the topper conform to the sleeper’s body. They’re more affordable than memory foam, but they’re not as durable. They’re a good option if you want to soften your mattress for a very low price.
• Latex—Latex toppers are more expensive than memory foam in most cases and offer comfort, pressure relief, and a more responsive feel. They’re also more inherently cooling than memory foam toppers. As a natural material that’s hypoallergenic and moisture-wicking, latex can work well for sleepers who are sensitive to off-gassing or don’t like that memory foam is a synthetic material.
• Wool—Wool toppers are less common, but the material is known for its year-round temperature neutrality and moisture-wicking abilities. A great option for people living in climates where summer is very hot and winter is very cold, wool toppers offer softness, warmth, and cooling just when you need it.
• Feather—Feather bed toppers are filled with duck or goose feathers and have a very thin, plush feel. Like a down pillow, they add a luxurious feel to your mattress, but they aren’t as effective as memory foam toppers when it comes to pressure relief and spinal support. Lightweight sleepers and side sleepers may benefit the most from this style because it’s so thin and plush. 

Considerations for Buying a Memory Foam Mattress Topper 

Here are some important considerations to take into account when shopping for a memory foam topper.

• Price—The average price range for a Queen size memory foam mattress topper is between $100 and $250. Toppers outside of this price range are available but harder to find.
• Cooling Properties—Memory foam is known for its pressure relief, but it also sleeps hot. If you struggle with body heat throughout the night, look for toppers that can create a cooling effect. Hot sleepers should prioritize toppers with cooling effects, and terms like “cooling gel topper” and “gel memory foam mattress topper” are a good indication that the topper will sleep cool or at least temperature neutral.
• Ease of Cleaning—If you or the person you’re buying the mattress topper for struggle with sweating at night or are prone to spills, consider a topper with a washable, removable cover. Some covers can be removed but the brand recommends spot cleaning only, so your level of comfort with different cleaning methods should come into play here. If your mattress surface is suffering from spills, check out our guide on how to clean your mattress. 
• Sleeping Position—Side sleepers require more contouring and pressure relief in the hips and shoulders, so a softer, lower-density topper like the Layla is appropriate. Back sleepers and stomach sleepers need firmer support to keep the hips and shoulders from sinking, so a firmer mattress topper works best. If you can’t find a memory foam topper that’s firm enough for your sleeping position, we recommend a latex mattress topper. Learn more about how sleeping positions impact the firmness level that’s right for your body in our mattress firmness guide. 
• Firmness—Memory foam toppers come in all kinds of firmness settings, so make sure to read the company’s specs or reviews about firmness settings before making your purchase. If you want more cushioning, look for a medium or medium-soft topper. If you need contouring with more support, consider a medium-firm or firm topper. Keep in mind that how a topper feels will vary based on your body weight. Lighter weight sleepers experience firm mattresses as extra firm, for example. 
• Dimensions—To the surprise of many shoppers, topper dimensions don’t always match the exact dimensions (width and length) of your size mattress. You’ll also want to consider that, after the addition of the topper, you may need to purchase a sheet set with deeper pockets to accommodate for the added height of the topper.

Pros and Cons of Memory Foam Mattress Toppers

PROS

• Capable of improving one’s sleep experience by softening the sleep surface or making it firmer.
• Available in a wide range of sizes, from Twin to California King.
• Many incorporate cooling features, which can help hot sleepers get a good night’s sleep.
• Motion transfer and noise won’t be an issue on memory foam toppers, which distill movement better than other types and are virtually silent when bearing weight.

CONS

• Memory foam is more prone to sagging and faster deterioration than other types.
• Memory foam retains more heat than other types, so the breathability of the mattress may be impaired.
• Combination sleepers may have trouble changing positions on a memory foam topper, which sinks underneath the body and is slower to respond.
• Memory foam toppers are more expensive than mixed-foam toppers, and some cost $300 or more.

Conclusion

The right memory foam topper for you will come down to your firmness preferences, goals, budget, and sleeping position. We recommend starting with your budget and narrowing down your options from there. If you simply want the best memory foam mattress topper available and aren’t hindered by cost, go with the TempurPedic. If you prefer a soft, cradling feel, opt for the Layla topper. For our budget shoppers, the Lucid topper is an excellent choice.