5 Of The Best Mattress Toppers In 2021
Getting a great night’s sleep is essential for our physical and mental wellbeing, but with so many of us not getting the ZZZs we deserve, it might be time to consider whether your mattress might be the problem! Getting a good night s sleep is not to be understated! Sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress that’s too soft or too firm for our preferences can lead to nights lying awake or aches and pains when you wake up. Even if your mattress was perfect when you first purchased it, over time, all mattresses will start to sag and lose that buoyancy that made them so great.
If you are struggling to sleep soundly but don’t have the time or money to invest in a whole new mattress, a fabulous new mattress topper might be the perfect solution! Whether you go for tempur pedic, avocado green (yes, it's a thing), or prefer a wool mattress, we have plenty of recommendations.
The best mattress toppers sit on top of your mattress to add a little extra oomph to your sleeping arrangements. Choosing the right topper can increase the firmness of your bed, add some plush comfort, or even incorporate cooling properties and provide pressure point relief to help you sleep soundly. Less expensive than a whole new mattress and far more convenient to transport (perfect for students who need some extra support on their dorm bed), mattress toppers can even be used by couples who disagree on the ideal level of firmness to ensure a great night’s sleep for everyone. In this buying guide, we’re going to look at the very best mattress topper to suit a range of sleeping types and budgets. So everyone can sleep soundly in luxury and comfort.
The Best Mattress Topper
1. Sleep On Latex Mattress Topper - Best Choice
HIGHLIGHTS:
Available in 1-inch, 2-inch, and 2-inch thicknesses
Made from 100% natural latex with no fillers or synthetic materials
Soft yet supportive – 20 ILD firmness rating
Certifications include: GOLS, Oeko-Tex Standard 100, and Greenguard Gold
1.
Sleep On Latex Mattress Topper - Best Choice
With pinpointed comfort that instantly adjusts to your body to provide a premium night’s sleep, this soft yet supportive green natural latex mattress topper offers plenty of pressure relief and body-conforming properties without the sinking or sagging that can occur with a memory foam topper. This topper is 2-inches thick to provide a little extra protection to a quality mattress with a firmness rating of 20 ILD that supports and cushions the sleeper perfectly.
The high-quality latex has been certified by the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) and is also Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and Greenguard Gold certified, so you know it’s 100% free from any harmful chemicals or toxins and has been sustainably sourced. The natural latex provides liveliness, support, and durability that cannot be matched by synthetic latex and includes no fillers to “water down” the topper’s quality.
This latex mattress topper scored 99/100 on the LGA Physical Properties Text for extraordinary performance and durability, so you can trust this topper will last for as long as you need it without showing signs of use or deterioration. The natural antibiotic properties of a latex mattress topper are also brilliant for improving sleep hygiene and need minimum care and maintenance for long life.
Natural latex is also brilliant for temperature regulation by promoting airflow and allowing body heat to travel away as you sleep. As the material naturally stays cool, even hot sleepers will benefit from a cooling mattress topper that promotes the perfect body temperature all night long.
Learn more about Sleep On Latex Mattress Topper
2. LUCID Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper - Budget Pick
HIGHLIGHTS:
Available in twin to Californian King sizes and 2-inch or 3-inch thicknesses
Made of ventilated gel memory foam for softness and pressure relief
Ventilated design promotes airflow and temperature regulation
Cooling mattress topper captures and distributes heat away from the body
Cushioning for the spine, shoulders, hips, and knees with instant body conforming properties.
2.
LUCID Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper - Budget Pick
Available in mattress sizes from twin up to California King and in thicknesses of 2-inches or 3-inches, this premium ventilated gel memory foam mattress topper LUCID effortlessly conforms to your body shape to provide extra comfort and pressure point support as you sleep. The specially designed memory foam formula is ultra-soft yet supportive to ensure you can drift off to sleep in comfort and luxury. Simultaneously, the ventilated design promotes airflow, and the plush gel material captures body heat to offer cooling mattress properties that will prevent you from overheating at night.
The gel memory foam mattress topper instantly aligns to the spine of back or side sleepers to eliminate pressure points so you can wake up without back pain. The therapeutic memory foam provides additional softness and pressure relief to common problem areas, including the shoulders, hips, and knees, so that no matter what sleeping position you prefer, you can feel comfortable and well supported throughout the night and wake up pain-free.
Besides adding softness and comfort to your night, this memory foam topper is infused with an advanced plush gel material that scientifically captures and redistributes body heat away from you to promote the ideal sleeping temperature. This cooling mattress topper is a good option for hot sleepers as the temperature regulation, and increased airflow will allow you to sleep more comfortably. The added ventilation is also brilliant for wicking away sweat and other moisture while you sleep.
Learn more about LUCID Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
3. Sleep Innovations Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
HIGHLIGHTS:
Features a gel memory foam 2-inch layer with a quilted fiberfill pillow top 2-inch layer
Cooling mattress topper with gel-infused memory foam to draw away heat
Features a machine washable cover that encases the topper
Made from hypoallergenic materials
Made in the USA and comes with a 10-year limited warranty
This 4-inch mattress topper utilizes a dual-layer of high-quality quilted fiber fill with premium gel memory foam to provide a luxurious night’s sleep with twice the comfort. The gel memory foam mattress topper incorporates 2-inches of quilted fiber fill that provides the ultimate levels of pillow top-like softness and comfort, while the remaining 2-inches of gel memory foam offers all-over support to help relieve aches and pains while you sleep with plenty of back pain and pressure relief for the whole body.
The cooling gel memory foam is intelligently designed for hot sleepers to help draw body heat away and regulate your sleeping temperature while reducing motion transfer, so you’re not disturbed by a sleep partner or getting too hot overnight. What’s more, the high-quality materials used in constructing this memory foam topper are also hypoallergenic, keeping your bed fresh with materials that are beneficial for you and your sleep.
The topper also incorporates a machine washable cover that’s incredibly simple and convenient to remove and throw into the washing machine with the rest of your laundry. Designed to encase your memory foam toppers snuggly, the cover provides extra protection from stains and spills while ensuring you can enjoy the ultimate sleep hygiene every night. This machine washable cover also features a quilted pillow top design that effortlessly cushions and supports your entire body. It delivers pressure-relieving comfort that will allow you to feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud, no matter how firm or aged your current mattress might be!
This mattress topper is particularly effective for reducing aches and pains suffered by side sleepers thanks to the contouring memory foam and pillow top quilted layers. However, it’s also firm enough for back sleepers or stomach sleepers to enjoy a peaceful and undisturbed slumber.
Learn more about Sleep Innovations Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
4. Dreamfoam Bedding Soft Mattress Topper - Premium Pick
HIGHLIGHTS:
Made with premium Talalay latex encased in a natural and eco-friendly bamboo material
Available in three different firmness levels: soft (19 ILD), medium (28 ILD), or firm mattress topper (36 ILD)
Offers up to 33% more pressure relief than any other high-density memory foam toppers
Talalay latex up to 4x more breathable than other mattress toppers
Hypoallergenic, antibacterial, and resistant to mold, mites, and mildew
4.
Dreamfoam Bedding Soft Mattress Topper - Premium Pick
Made from organic and eco friendly bamboo right here in the UDA, this luxurious latex topper boasts the ability to provide up to 33% more pressure relief than fiber and foam toppers cushioning materials. The naturally breathable latex effortlessly conforms to the shape of your body and spine, similar to the way memory foam toppers work, but without sagging or getting misshaped even after years of use!
The high-density latex topper is hypoallergenic, antibacterial and resistant to unwelcome sleep companions such as dust mites, mold, or mildew. It will provide you with a fresh and comfortable night’s sleep free from irritants. The natural bamboo encasement protects both the topper and your current mattress while you can sleep soundly, knowing that latex is one of the most durable products in the mattress industry, so this topper is sure to last!
The topper is made from premium Talalay latex that’s 4x more breathable than a polyurethane, memory foam, or Dunlop process latex topper. This breathability is a great option for temperature regulation while you sleep as it promotes airflow and allows heat to move away from the body while you sleep so you’re not disturbed or uncomfortable. The bamboo and latex also incorporate natural moisture-wicking properties, so you will experience minimum disturbance from sweat or other moisture throughout the night.
The alternative mattress topper is available in various sizes to suit your bed. It can be purchased at three firmness levels for a perfectly firm mattress topper that will support and cushion your body in all the right places. The softest option is rated at a firmness level of 19 ILD, the medium is 28 ILD, and the firm mattress topper offers 36 ILD to provide you with the ultimate relief from pressure points and back pain while ensuring you feel well supported all night long.
Learn more about Dreamfoam Bedding Soft Mattress Topper
5. Zinus Green Tea Cooling Gel Mattress Topper - Best Value
HIGHLIGHTS:
Available in sizes twin to king and four different thicknesses
Cooling gel-infused memory foam prevents overheating
High-density memory foam contours to your body to offer premium support and comfort
CertiPUS US Certified for durability, performance, and content
Features a “worry-free” 5-year limited warranty
5.
Zinus Green Tea Cooling Gel Mattress Topper - Best Value
This cooling gel-infused memory foam mattress topper is perfect for sleeping partners thanks to the temperature regulating gel that keeps you cool even if your partner likes to cuddle. The ultra-conforming memory foam gently conforms to the shape of your body to hug you as you sleep and relieve aches and pains at pressure points, so you can awaken pain-free every morning. The premium high-density memory foam is certified for durability, comfort, and content by CertiPUR US, so you can sleep soundly in the knowledge that this mattress topper is as high quality as you deserve.
The cooling gel-infused memory foam intelligently cools and calms hot sleepers to ensure you’re not disturbed by sweat or discomfort caused by overheating at night, while the improved airflow promotes breathability and comfort all night long. The high-density foam also works to minimize any motion transfer so your partner can toss and turn all night without disturbing your night’s sleep while stomach sleepers, side sleepers, and back sleepers alike will love the additional support and cushioning this luxury topper provides.
No matter what position you prefer to sleep in, this memory foam mattress topper will effortlessly conform to the unique shapes and pressure points of your body, providing premium support for your spine, neck, shoulders, hips, and any other body part that might suffer while you sleep. This contouring capability is also perfect if you sleep with an arm under your head or body as the foam will make way for you so you don’t feel compressed or trapped overnight. Awaken free from back pain or other problems with a mattress topper that supports your body perfectly while protecting your current mattress from sags or dips while keeping you cool and comfortable.
The mattress topper is available in sizes from twin to king and in thicknesses from 1.5-inches to 4-inches, perfect for every sleeper type or whatever condition your current mattress is in.
Learn more about Zinus Green Tea Cooling Gel Mattress Topper
Features to Consider When Buying Mattress Toppers
The best mattress topper for you might be very different from your partner, your parents, or your kids, so it’s important to spend a little time thinking about what would make your ideal mattress topper just right.
Below, we’ve included some of the things we believe are vital to consider when shopping for the best mattress topper for your needs, but you might want to think about some additional aspects such as whether your mattress topper needs to incorporate cooling properties, whether it’s machine washable, or whether it’s been properly certified as free from harmful chemicals.
To get you started, however, here are some of the key features to consider when buying mattress toppers:
- Materials
Mattress toppers can be made from an incredibly wide range of materials, each with its own set of pros and cons. If you’re looking for pressure relief and extra cushioning, a memory foam topper might be perfect for you. If you and your partner are hot sleepers, a green natural latex mattress topper could be a better choice. Do your research before shopping to figure out the perfect mattress topper material for your needs.
- Size
Mattress toppers are usually several inches thick and designed to sit directly on top of your mattress, so they’ll come in standard bed sizes in most instances. If you have an unusually sized bed you’ll need to think about this to ensure your topper doesn’t hang off the ends or sit too small for comfort. If you’re part of a couple who wants different things from their mattress toppers, you might want to go for two single sized toppers rather than one large one to ensure you both get the best mattress topper for your personal requirements.
- Weight
Of course, the weight of your mattress topper will vary on several other factors including the materials, size, and thickness you choose, but it’s still important to think about before buying. If you’re a student, for example, you might not want to go for a super-heavy mattress topper that’s going to be a pain to cart to your dorm room. If you intend to use the topper in a guest or main bedroom, however, a heavier option can be beneficial as it’s less likely to move around while you sleep.
- Thickness
The thickest mattress toppers tend to go up to 7.5 inches, but can be much thinner. The right thickness for your topper will depend on the condition of your mattress. If your mattress is particularly old or uncomfortable, a thicker topper will be needed to counter the discomfort. Most mattresses, however, will be perfect with a 5-inch mattress topper to add an extra layer of comfort and support while you sleep. If you have a relatively new mattress and just want a bit more protection or pain relief, then you could benefit from a new mattress topper that’s even thinner.
- Firmness
Just like firmness is a vital consideration when shopping for the best mattress, you’ll need to think about your desired firmness when looking for a topper. The firmness of mattress toppers is usually ranked the same as mattress firmness levels to make your life easier. Different sleeping positions will dictate what firmness is best for you, as will your weight (lighter individuals usually prefer a softer bed whereas heavier sleepers tend to benefit from a firmer support system). Think about your reasons for getting a mattress topper and try to find a firmness that provides solutions rather than guessing what’s best for you. Many toppers even offer a sleep trial so you can test it out and ensure you’ve got the perfect firmness.
- Durability
Although a mattress topper won’t give you the same lifespan as a full mattress, you still won’t want to be replacing your topper every 6 months! Look for mattress toppers that offer plenty of durability to keep you comfortable for as many nights as possible. Extra features like a protective layer that repels spills or bedbugs will help prolong the life of your topper, and you should be sure to check the cleaning instructions carefully as ignoring these can dramatically damage the durability of your topper.
Benefits of Using a Mattress Topper
A mattress topper is a great way to prolong the life of your mattress while providing you with additional support and comfort every night. The mattress topper sits atop your normal mattress, reducing the pressure on the springs or memory foam to delay sagging or other signs of general wear.
As the mattress topper helps protect your mattress from signs of aging, it also offers extra comfort to the sleeper. If you need some extra support for back pain or pressure relief, a firm mattress topper could be the perfect solution. Equally, if your mattress is a little too firm for your sleeping preferences, a soft and plush mattress topper can provide some additional cushioning to help you sleep more soundly.
In addition to providing extra comfort and durability to your bedding, a mattress topper is also far cheaper than buying a new mattress and can easily be transported to a new bed if you move house regularly or even rolled up and taken with you on vacation or if you need to travel for work.
What’s more, mattress toppers are generally much easier to clean and maintain than a regular mattress, and many even incorporate covers that can be removed and thrown in the washing machine to ensure premium sleep hygiene levels.
Mattress Toppers vs. Pads vs. Protector vs. Encasement
When shopping for the best mattress topper, you might come across a few alternative additions to your bedding that are worth considering. The best option really comes down to what you need/want most.
- Mattress Toppers
As we’ve already discussed, mattress toppers sit directly on top of your mattress to provide an extra layer of cushioning that helps prolong the life of your mattress and offer additional comfort to the sleeper. They’re usually a few inches thick and exist to make your mattress more comfortable.
- Mattress Pad
A Mattress pad is thinner than a topper and usually sits atop your mattress in a similar way to a fitted sheet: with five sides that wrap around. They’re generally less expensive than toppers due to the reduced thickness and won’t provide as much added comfort. They’re also great for protecting your mattress from stains or spills.
- Mattress Protectors
Mattress protectors are less about comfort and more about keeping your mattress looking as new as possible for as long as possible. They’re designed specifically to keep your mattress safe from problems including accidents, stains, dust, or even bedbugs and will extend the life of your mattress even if they don’t offer extra comfort features. Mattress protectors are usually five-sided (like a mattress pad) or fully encased…
- Mattress Encasement
Mattress Encasement is really a fancy term for a mattress protector that fully encases your mattress to ensure it’s protected from all sides. As with Protectors, Encasement won’t generally offer any additional comfort, but it will extend the life of your mattress as no external forces can penetrate and damage the integrity of your mattress.
