Which Mattress Toppers Are Best?

A cushioning layer can make your bed more comfortable, and can also ease the joint pressure. Which mattress toppers work best?

Dr. Holliday Bell recommends this organic choice for those who want the conforming support and the comfort of memory foam but do not want to use chemicals. It comes with an easily removable cover, and the firmness options permit most sleepers to find their ideal level of comfort.

1. Sleep Innovations Gel Memory Foam Topper

This topper is soft enough for the majority of people to be comfortable with, but it's not sacrificing support. It moulded to the shape of our testers' bodies and provided support in all the right areas. It fits most mattresses, but it can be a bit tricky to put the sheets on. (Read more about how to set up mattress toppers here). The thick mattress topper double memory foam layer is machine washable and naturally anti-bacterial. It has an organic bamboo cover that is non-toxic and sustainably harvested. Our panelists loved it, however, it is important to know that there aren't straps to fix it to your bed. It could move as you sleep.

The panelists who loved this topper also appreciated how it helped ease back pain. It's a great option for sleepers with heavier weights who might find that a topper with three to four inches can alleviate pressure on areas that are sensitive such as hips and shoulders.

A two-inch layer of memory foam infused with copper helps to wick heat and improves airflow for a cool night's sleep. The mattress was firm enough to ease her back pain, front and side sleeping positions, but not too firm that it made her feel uncomfortable. She also noticed that the back pain "pretty well disappeared overnight." She was impressed by how quiet the mattress is, too, even when it is paired with a soft spring mattress. The topper is also great for couples sharing beds as it stops motion transfer.

2. Coop Home Goods Retreat

Coop Home Goods mattress toppers are soft and comfortable We were ecstatic to find this version that can only be spot-cleaned. It's made of the brand's crosscut memory foam and microfiber blend that's hypoallergenic, and ideal for anyone looking to upgrade the mattress they have or re-energize a bed in a dorm room or guest room rental property. This topper is unique as it has five zones with different densities. It molds to your body shape and provides adequate support.

The cover of this mattress protector is made from 100-percent microfiber that has been brushed. It features an elongated baffle box design that makes pockets that evenly distribute the fill. It also features four elastic straps at each corner to keep the topper securely on your mattress. A layer of copper-infused memory foam wicks heat away from the body to keep you cool at night and is topped with a second 2" layer of memory foam with a ventilated surface to allow for more airflow.

The Retreat is the best mattress topper for people who prefer a soft feel. Louise who is a Strategist writer, said that when she tested it out, the topper quickly adapted and was cradled so that she was at ease and well-supported. She typically overheats in bed however the Retreat stayed her cool and didn't move much during the night. It comes in two firmness options, and back, side, and stomach sleepers will find it to be a good fit for their preferences.

3. Nolah Beds Luxury Firm Memory Foam Topper

There are a variety of options when you're in search of a mattress topper. Some are designed to keep your body cool or regulate body temperature, while others provide some extra support or comfort. A mattress topper can be an ideal way to upgrade your bed without spending much money. A memory foam mattress is a good option for the majority of sleepers, however if you prefer the bouncier feel of an innerspring mattress, look into a hybrid topper which combines latex and tiny nano-springs.

For those who sleep on their sides and backs, a firmer topper will better align your spine and reduce pressure on the sensitive areas. Our test subject Julia was impressed with this four-inch mattress by Tempur It is manufactured in the US and comes with a remarkable 120-night trial. She found it helped her sleep better and was delighted by the extra comfort it offered her previous mattress. There was an off-gassing scent when she first opened it up, but this went away after the next day.

This firmer option from Parachute offers memory foam that's shrunk and not as dense, but is comfortable. Lauren Levy, a Strategist contributor, says it's "much cheaper than a down-topper" and has similar marshmallow softness. She loved sleeping on it, but would not recommend it for front sleepers because her torso was smashed into the top.

A topper made from natural wool fleece is hypoallergenic and soft. It is not as breathable and could make you feel hot in the evening. A cotton topper is an option, since it's breathable and keeps your cool. Certain fabrics are infused with graphite or copper to keep you cool.

4. Sleep Innovations Gel Cooling Memory Foam Topper

This topper made by Puffy is a great value choice, offering a soft feel and a gentle pressure-relieving support at a relatively affordable cost. It is available in a variety of in density and thickness options to ensure you get the best suitable bed.

Lauren Levy, a Strategist contributor, was awed by the fact that this topper is "marshmallow-soft" and features an enveloping baffle box with pillow-like fiber-fill. It's hypoallergenic and comes with an easy-to-clean cover that will help you maintain the cleanliness in your mattress.

The 2" layer of copper-infused memory is designed to help promote airflow and draw the body of moisture during sleep. This allows you to remain cool. Levy found that it was extremely comfortable, even when it didn't bounce nearly like latex toppers. It's ideal for people who sleep on their sides, backs or stomachs, and also for those suffering from chronic pain.

A 10-year warranty and free shipping are standard. The topper is easy to clean by simply spot-cleaning and letting it air dry. You should not put it in a dryer or washer because this could void the warranty.

The Sleep Innovations Gel Cooling Memory Foam Topper is a great budget option for a supportive soft mattress. It has a moderate (5) firmness, which makes it good for most sleepers, but especially those who find their mattresses overly firm. It also helps prevent motion transfer, which is a must for those who sleep in a combination. It also alleviates shoulder and neck pain, similar to the Coop Home Goods Retreat topper. This topper has one drawback that it might not breathe as well as foam or latex and is therefore not the best choice for sleepers who are hot.

5. Nolah Beds Luxury Plush Memory Foam Topper

The Nolah Beds Luxury Plush Memory Foam Topper is a fantastic solution for side sleepers as well as back sleepers who want to soften the firmness of their mattress. The topper also helps to reduce pressure points which makes it a great option for those suffering from chronic pain. It is made in the USA using non-toxic materials and is a great option for those who sleep hot. It has two" layer cleverly infused with copper foam that helps in promoting ventilation while also providing support. It also comes with an organic cotton cover that provides optimal moisture management. This topper was found by our tester Paige to be extremely effective at blocking motion transfer. It also offered a significant amount of softness without sacrificing any support. She noticed that the edges did not completely hug her mattress. If edge support is important to you, this may not be the best topper for your needs.

The cover is removable and machine washable, making it easy to clean. It's also hypoallergenic and antibacterial, ensuring you a comfortable and healthy sleep. It also has five body zones that support various areas of the mattress. It also comes with a guarantee and a sleep trial of 120 nights which is more than other mattress warranties.

This is among the more affordable alternatives in our list but it's not skimping on quality. It's made from a mix of memory foam and natural latex which gives it a luxuriously soft feel. It has a thicker memory foam layer to offer extra comfort and promote peaceful sleep. Although it's not the most suitable option for stomach sleepers as it can sink too much and can cause spine misalignment It's a good choice for those who are seeking more restful sleep for less.