Press Snooze With One of These Tester-Approved Mattress Toppers

Pros

Elastic hem for easy application
Adjustable fit
Temperature regulating
Aesthetically-pleasing design

Cons

Thin

Want a mattress pad but don't want to break the budget? Look no further than the Bamboo Mattress Pad from Cozy Earth. This pad ranges in sizes from Twin to California King, and all are under $200. The pad is excellent for temperature regulation. "On especially hot nights, I even chose to forgo a bottom sheet and relied on just the mattress pad to provide a soft and silky surface to keep me cool throughout the night," shared Childers.

This 100% viscose pad is derived from bamboo, and the company boasts its commitment to sustainability. Cozy Earth works directly with its suppliers, so every member of the manufacturing team is communicated with. This is essential to fair labor practices, so you can rest assured you're contributing to an ethical company. The only drawbacks with this topper is that it is on the thinner side.

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The Turmerry Egg Crate Mattress Topper is another solid budget-friendly pick. We appreciate the options that allow you to create a topper that fits your needs and budget: Choose between 1.4 or 2.4 inches and between soft or medium firmness to adjust the price. The queen-size 1.4-inch topper in soft firmness is under $125, and the 2.4-inch is just over $200. Egg crate toppers are great for ergonomically distributing body weight and relieving pressure on your joints. Note that it doesn't have a cover or straps/elastic to keep it in place on the bed.

Best Cooling

Layla Memory Foam Topper

Buy Now at Layla Sleep

Pros

Great support for hip, shoulder, and back pain
Lightweight for optimal comfort and easy use
Unique copper-gel memory foam
Functional straps to keep pad in place

Cons

May not be a fit for those needing significant support
Isn't water-resistant

Most of us have had the dreaded experience of night sweats . Whether it is related to illness, menopause , stress, or simply being in a hot environment, waking up sticky and drenched in sweat is a surefire way to kill your quality of sleep. Research shows that the higher your body temperature is while sleeping, the lower your quality of sleep. If you're a hot sleeper, we recommend investing in a cooling mattress topper. This versatile memory foam topper from Layla is our top pick for its support, ease of use, and unique copper-gel memory foam.

The memory foam in this topper absorbs the heat radiating from your body. So it doesn't just cool, it regulates temperature by continuously responding to your body's fluctuating temperature. "This mattress topper also provided great support, thanks to the foam," shared writer Linda Childers . The foam condenses under typical compression points, like the hips and shoulders, so it's also fantastic for those managing hip, shoulder, or back pain. Heads up: This topper isn't water resistant, so we don't recommend it for those with kiddos sleeping in bed with them or who struggle with incontinence.

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We also loved the Silk & Snow Organic Mattress Topper 's cooling and comfort. "At first, it felt a little soft, but it's actually quite supportive," said writer Grace Gallagher . "I've noticed my back and hips feel better in the morning." The organic Dunlop latex contours the body without too much sinking in and is cooler than memory foam. Note that we noticed a slightly fishy odor when we first unfurled the topper, but it dissipated within a day or so. It also lacks corner straps.

Best for Back Pain

Saatva High-Density Foam Mattress Topper

Buy Now at Saatva

Buy Now at Brooklyn Bedding

Pros

Keeps neck and spine in alignment
45-day trial period
Supportive, medium-firm feel
Not too thick

Cons

Cover isn't machine washable
Foam material can trap heat

It can be difficult to find a topper that works for back pain . You don't want something too soft where your back won't have proper support, and you'll sink into the bed. However, you still want comfort, so a rock-hard topper isn't a great idea either. The Saatva High-Density Foam Mattress Topper is the best of both worlds. It's medium-firm, so you can feel some pressure relief on your joints. Plus, research shows that a medium-firm mattress is ideal for promoting proper spinal alignment.

We like that it isn't too thick either, so it nixes the chance of your body sinking into a pillowy foam (not good for back support). It comes with an organic cotton blend cover, which we like, but it isn't machine washable, which isn't great, but many mattress toppers aren't. Finally, the memory foam material can trap heat. However, if you're prioritizing back pain relief, look no further.

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Those with back pain may also want to check out the Nolah Mattress Topper as it's less rigid than many others we've tried. It's made of the brand's patented pressure-relieving, heat-dissipating, and extra durable AirFoam. We love that you can choose between plush or firm. Note that the straps only fit mattresses 10 to 15 inches tall, and that the top material is very slick, which not everyone will appreciate.

Best Temperature Regulating

Piglet In Bed Merino Wool Topper

Buy Now at Piglet in Bed

Pros

OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified
Delivery to the US and Canada within 5 business days
All import duties and tariffs are covered
Natural wool material

Cons

Only comes in Full/Queen and King/Cal King
No trial period, and returns must be unused

When you think of wool, you might think of thick sweaters made for blustery winter days. However, it turns out wool is excellent for temperature regulation. If you prioritize natural materials and want something that will keep you cool during the summer and warm during the winter, this merino wool topper from Piglet in Bed is perfect.

At just one inch, this mattress topper is on the thinner side, but it manages to add a fair amount of cushion. According to the brand, its thickness matches that of a medium duvet, so it will add a touch of plush comfort to a mattress that was otherwise a bit stiff. This topper is OEKOTEX STANDARD 100 certified, meaning it's free of over 1,000 harmful chemicals and materials, so you can rest easy knowing your body isn't exposed to any of that while you sleep. Plus, care is super easy; all you have to do is hang it in the sun at the start of each season.

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The PlushBeds Natural Wool Mattress Topper could also be a good pick for those seeking temperature-regulating wool. We love how tall and plush it is, which offers maximum pressure relief and pillowy softness. The wool and cotton blend cover provides additional temperature regulation and moisture wicking. It's handmade in the US from natural virgin wool and organic cotton, so the price point could be an issue for some.

Best Latex

Brooklyn Bedding 3" Latex Topper

Pros

Organic cotton cover
Hypoallergenic
Extremely cushiony
Three-year warranty
Comes in soft, medium, and firm

Cons

Very tall
Doesn't have straps to keep it in place

You may hear the term "latex topper" and wonder why someone would choose to sleep on latex. Rather than evoking images of squeaky gloves, 100% latex toppers are known to be much more breathable and lighter than other mixed forms of latex foam. This thick topper from Brooklyn Bedding has an organic cotton cover, comes in three different levels of support (soft, medium, and firm), and has a three-year warranty.

And it's beyond comfy. "I love how plush and cushiony it is," shared editor Ally Hirschlag . She said it truly feels like it hugs her body and is especially comfortable for side sleeping. At 3" thick, it did make her mattress a bit tall, she admitted, but the comfort it provides is worth the slightly loft look. According to the brand, pure latex is considered hypoallergenic, so you can count on this topper to ease your exposure to allergens and dust mites. That said, 100% latex toppers can be troublesome for those with latex allergies, so you may want to consider other options if that's you.

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Another fab latex option is the Avocado Eco Organic Mattress Topper We appreciate that it's available in two heights, 2-inch or 3-inch, and two firmness options, plush or medium. The firmness options are actually a choice between two types of latex: Medium is made with firmer GOLS-certified organic Dunlop latex, and plush is made with Talalay latex, which is softer and springier. Note that it lacks straps to secure it to the mattress.

Best Organic

Helix Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper

Buy Now at Birch by Helix

Buy Now at Raymour & Flanigan

Pros

Made from natural, organic materials
Polyurethane-free
120 Night Sleep Trial available
Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) and UL GREENGUARD Gold Certified

Cons

Doesn't regulate body temperature
Doesn't have straps to keep it secure

We spend a lot of our time sleeping - at least, we should be. Considering that, it's ideal to choose bedding products that are made from organic, natural materials. Toxins like fiberglass, which are sometimes found in non-organic mattresses and mattress toppers, can irritate the respiratory system, skin, and eyes. Another toxin, polyurethane, can lead to toxic off-gassing that is especially troublesome for the nervous system, among other things. Helix's Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper is polyurethane-free, made of 100% organic latex, and GREENGUARD Gold Certified, making it a prime pick for an organic mattress topper.

Being Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) and UL GREENGUARD Gold certified makes us even more confident in this topper's all-natural properties. I'm very strict about exclusively sleeping on organic materials, so I was pleased to find this topper. I loved how plush and cozy it was. As soon as I climbed into bed, I felt like I was relaxing into a hotel bed. It also had a reasonable amount of support, so it was equal parts fluffy and firm. My greatest gripe with this mattress is that it isn't the best at regulating body temperature. My husband said he felt rather warm throughout the night since he runs hot. It wasn't an issue for me, though, since I typically don't require temperature-regulating sleep accoutrements.

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A solid pick for those looking for an organic topper is the Turmerry 7 Zone Natural Latex Mattress Topper . It's highly customizable, with a choice of 2-inch, 3-inch, or 4-inch, in firmnesses of soft, medium, firm, or extra firm. The topper is made of organic latex and features seven-zone support technology to enhance comfort and extend your mattress's lifespan. Note that only the 4-inch option comes with a cover; if you want a cover for a smaller height, you'll have to purchase one at an extra cost.

Best Memory Foam

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt 3" Topper

Pros

Washable topper
Moulds to body shape and weight
Has straps to keep it in place
Reduced motion transfer

Cons

Material is more likely to retain heat
May be too soft for some

Wouldn't it be nice if your bed conformed to your body shape, providing support and comfort in all the right places? You can experience just that with the TEMPUR-Adapt topper from Tempur-Pedic. This three-inch topper absorbs the body's weight, reducing pressure on the joints, making for some epic pain relief. Plus, it reduces motion transfer, meaning you won't feel it if your bedmate is tossing and turning.

This topper allows your body to sink in, so it can truly mold to your body's shape. But don't mistake that for a lack of support. Editor Ashley Ziegler said she found her topper super supportive. Keep in mind that memory foam can trap heat; however, Tempur-Pedic has remedied this with an optional cooling topper for an extra fee. Ziegler tried out this option and loved it. Keep in mind that memory foam may end up being too soft for some. If that's you, consider the Dosaze DreamAlign Back Relief mattress topper below - it is a bit firmer.

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We also love Sleepy's 3-Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper It's another option with a cooling element: Memory foam infused with cooling gel, plus a breathable, cool-to-the-touch cover (that's also removable and washable). The memory foam offers pressure relief for your shoulders, hips, and back. It's also CertiPUR-US certified, but note that it can slip around.

Best for Hip Pain

Dosaze DreamAlign Back Relief Mattress Topper

Cozy Earth Bamboo Mattress Pad

Pros

Has a cooling, moisture-wicking cover
Straps to keep the topper in place
Has three targeted zones of support
Firm support to keep spine aligned

Cons

May be too firm for some
Isn't organic, made from polyester

If you suffer from hip pain , you may have been burned by mattress toppers before. Many of them are made from memory foam and can be too soft, leading to insufficient support that can aggravate the joints and cause hip pain. This topper from Dosaze is made of memory foam, but is firm enough to mitigate hip pain. It provides targeted support, including extra support in the midsection to keep your spine aligned. In turn, this reduces pressure put on your hips, which can help mitigate troublesome pain there.

We appreciate that it has a cooling cover that wicks moisture away from your body (bonus for hot sleepers). However, we wish it weren't made from a polyester blend. Synthetic materials like polyester can end up feeling cloying when damp since they typically aren't super breathable. Additionally, the level of firmness may not be the best fit for everyone.

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Plush mattress toppers can help relieve pressure on your hips, and you won't find one much more plush than the Coop Original Mattress Topper . It's made from microfiber and a proprietary crosscut-style memory foam that offers excellent support and softness. We appreciated the straps that hold the topper in place. Note that it's 5 inches tall, which could be a pro or con: It adds significant cushiness to your bed, but could make it precariously tall.

Comparison Table

Superlative

Sizes

Thickness

Materials

Best Budget

Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King

.5 inch

100% viscose from Bamboo

Layla Memory Foam Topper

Best Cooling

Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King

2 inches

Copper-gel infused memory foam, hypoallergenic hexagon fabric

Saatva High-Density Foam Mattress Topper

Best for Back Pain

Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King

1.5 inches

High-density foam, organic cotton blend

Piglet In Bed Merino Wool Mattress Topper

Best Temperature Regulating

Full/Queen, King/California King

1 inch

Carded Merino sheep's wool, organic cotton

Brooklyn Bedding 3" Latex Topper

Best Latex

Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, Queen Short, King, California King

3 inches

Latex, organic cotton

Helix Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper

Best Organic

Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King

2 inches

Organic latex, Fire Retardant Fiber Blend, and organic cotton

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt 3" Topper

Best Memory Foam

Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King

3 inches

TEMPUR-Material, polyester and propylene memory foam

Dosaze DreamAlign Back Relief Mattress Topper

Best for Hip Pain

Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King

3 inches

Bamboo-poly blend, memory foam

See Our Editorial Policy Meet Our Health Expert Network

We Also Tested

Yet another potential contender is the Sijo TempTune Cooling Mattress Pad . We found it truly felt cool. The pad slips onto the bed like a sheet and offers maximum cooling when combined with a cooling mattress and cooling sheets. Note that, as a pad rather than a topper, it isn't very thick.

We also love how comfortable the Slumber Cloud Performance Mattress Pad is. We appreciate its barely-there feeling and how easy it is to slip on the bed, making it flush with the mattress. It's nice in height and softness, but it didn't make our top picks because we feel it didn't live up to its cooling claims.

How We Found the Best Mattress Toppers

We went to great lengths to find the best mattress toppers out there today. First, we tested over a dozen mattress toppers in our homes. We consider factors like price, size, availability, materials, and the level of comfort each one offers. After sleeping on them, we compared notes and consulted three experts: Dr. Shelby Harris , a clinical psychologist and sleep specialist at BetterSleep ; Dr. Angela Holliday-Bell , a board-certified physician and certified sleep specialist at The Solution Is Sleep ; and Dr. Nisha Chellam , an internal medicine physician at functional health provider Parsley Health .

What to Look for When Shopping for A Mattress Topper

Shopping for a mattress topper can feel daunting, but it can be easier if you pay attention to a few things. Budget and mattress size should narrow things down. For example, many toppers don't come in sizes like Twin XL or Queen Short. Then, consider the obstacles you experience while sleeping. Do you run hot? Check out cooling toppers. Suffer from hip or back pain? Make sure you select a firmer or more supportive topper. Want certified non-toxic materials? Look for products that note the OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certification. That is a guarantee that the topper is free from harmful chemicals. Another great non-toxic option is a wool topper.

How Do Mattress Toppers Help with Sleep Hygiene?

Mattress toppers can help your bed feel more comfortable, which contributes to your bedroom becoming an environment primed for plenty of snoozing. "Mattress toppers can be beneficial if you're struggling with being comfortable with your current mattress," explains Harris. She cites temperature regulation as a pro associated with mattress toppers. They can't fix everything, though. "... They do not replace the benefits of a supportive, well-suited mattress," shares Holliday-Bell.

Other Practices to Support Sleep Hygiene

Don't let your pursuit of quality sleep end with a mattress topper - consider other practices you can adopt to boost your rest routine. New York City-based Dr. Nisha Chellam , an internal medicine and holistic integrative medicine doctor at Parsley Health, recommends creating a regular sleep schedule and avoiding activities that can inhibit sleep, like consuming too much alcohol or taking a long nap . Holliday-Bell recommends avoiding stimulating content and keeping the lights low before bed. "It also helps to keep your bedroom cool," she shares, explaining that having your body temperature drop a degree or two can help you fall and stay asleep.

FAQs

What's the difference between a mattress topper and a mattress protector?

A mattress topper offers comfort and support that your mattress alone cannot provide. They are often made of foam or other plush materials. They can be excellent when your bed is a touch too firm or if you need support regulating your body temperature while you sleep. A mattress protector is designed to protect your mattress from liquids, allergens, sweat, bacteria, and even dust mites. Sometimes mattress protectors have padding, but typically not nearly enough to be considered supportive.

Do I need a mattress topper?

A mattress topper could help mitigate some minor physical issues by providing a little back support, temperature regulation, or light cushioning. One study demonstrated that some mattress toppers can support deep sleep by increasing comfort.

What are the downsides of mattress toppers?

The biggest downside is that a mattress topper cannot fix an uncomfortable mattress. Additionally, they can be expensive, difficult to clean, and can shift around if they don't have securing straps.

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Meet Our Team

Julia Childs Heyl, MSW

Author

Julia Childs Heyl, MSW, is a California-based clinical social worker and mental health writer. Her writing often focuses on mental health disparities and uses critical race theory ...

Alex Dimitriu, MD

Medical Reviewer

Alex Dimitriu, MD, is dual board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine. He helps his patients optimize peak performance by day and peak restorative sleep by night, and he brin...

Ray Finch

Fact-Checker

Ray Finch is a content specialist with expertise in fact-checking, copy-editing, sensitivity reading, and content management, and has worked with publishers including Health.com, P...

Ally Hirschlag

Editor

Ally Hirschlag is an award-winning journalist with over 10 years of experience editing and writing health, fitness, beauty, lifestyle, and science content. Her work has appeared in...

Linda Childers

Tester

Linda Childers is an award-winning freelance writer with over 20 years of experience writing health features, celebrity profiles, and many other topics. Her work has appeared in Th...

Ally Hirschlag

Tester

Ally Hirschlag is an award-winning journalist with over 10 years of experience editing and writing health, fitness, beauty, lifestyle, and science content. Her work has appeared in...

Ashley Ziegler

Tester

Ashley Ziegler is a full-time writer with extensive experience covering women's health, babies' and kids' health, mental health, and wellness. Her work has appeared on websites inc...

Grace Gallagher

Tester

Grace Gallagher is a writer with nearly a decade of experience writing about health and wellness, focusing on hair, sexual wellness, pregnancy, and parenting. She also works full-t...