Which Mattress Toppers Are Best?

A layer of cushioning can make your bed more comfortable. It may also ease joint pressure. Which mattress covers work best?

Dr. Holliday-Bell recommends this natural alternative for those who want the firm support of memory foam but want to stay clear of chemicals. It comes with a removable cover, and the firmness options allow most sleepers to find their own level of comfort.

1. Sleep Innovations Gel Memory Foam Topper

The topper is soft enough for the majority of people to be comfortable with, but it's not devoid of support. Our testers loved how it moulded pleasantly to their bodies, providing support in all the proper places. It fits the majority of mattresses, however it can be a bit tricky to put the sheets on. (Read more about how to set up mattress toppers here). The thick memory foam layer is machine washable and naturally anti-bacterial. It also has a quilted cover made from bamboo that is sustainable and sourced from sustainable sources. It is also hypoallergenic. It was a favorite among our panelists, but it's important to note that it does not have straps to help secure the topper to your bed as it can shift while you sleep.

The people who voted on this topper also loved how it helped them with their back pain. It's a great option for those who sleep heavier and discover that a topper with a depth of three to four inches will ease pressure on a sensitive area like shoulders and hips.

A two-inch layer of memory foam infused with copper wicks heat and promotes airflow for a cool and refreshing night's sleep. Our test subject Jaclyn found the mattress topper double bed adequate in its firmness to ease the pressure on her back, front, and side sleeping positions but not too rigid that it made her feel uncomfortable. She also noticed a huge improvement in her back pain and said that it "pretty much disappeared overnight." She was also awed by the topper's quietness even when paired with a spring mattress. The topper also prevents motion transfer, which makes it a great option for couples sharing beds.

2. Coop Home Goods Retreat

Coop Home Goods mattress toppers have a plush pillow-like feel and we were thrilled to find a model that is able to be cleaned only on a spot. It's made with a crosscut memory-foam and microfiber blend from the company, making it hypoallergenic. This is a great option for anyone who wants to upgrade the comfort of a motorhome mattress topper, or even re-decorate a bed in the dorm, guest room or rented. What makes this topper especially distinctive is the inclusion of five body-zones that have different density zones, which helps shape and conform to your specific frame while still offering enough support.

The cover for this topper is made of 100% brushed microfiber polyester, and it has a baffle box construction that creates pockets of fill to ensure it is evenly dispersed. It also has four elastic straps at each corner to help keep the topper securely on your mattress. A layer of copper-infused memory foam wicks heat away from the body to keep you cool in the evening and is topped with a second 2" layer of ventilated memory foam to allow for more airflow.

The Retreat is a great feather mattress topper topper if you want an extra soft feel. When Strategist writer Louise tried it out, she said that the mattress quickly adapted to her body and hugged her so she felt well-supported and comfortable. She typically overheats in her bed, but she noticed that the Retreat stayed cool. It also didn't move a lot throughout the night. It comes in two firmness levels which means it's suitable for back, side and stomach sleepers.

3. Nolah Beds Luxury firm mattress topper Memory Foam Topper

There are many options available if you're looking for a mattress topper. Some are designed to keep you cool or regulate your body temperature, while others provide some additional support or comfort. A mattress topper is a great way to upgrade the comfort of your mattress without spending much money. A memory foam mattress toppers for single beds (our homepage) topper is a great option for most sleepers, but should you prefer the bouncy feel of an innerspring mattress consider a hybrid topper which combines latex and tiny nano-springs.

A firmer topper can help align your spine for back and side sleepers and ease pressure in the areas that are sensitive. Our tester Julia was impressed with the four-inch topper made by Tempur, which is made in the US and comes with a remarkable 120-night trial. She was delighted with the added convenience and quality of sleep it provided. There was a distinct off-gassing scent when she opened it, but that went away after a couple of days.

Another firm option is this one from Parachute that offers shredded foam that isn't as dense as traditional memory foam but is still very comfortable. Strategist contributor Lauren Levy says that it's "much cheaper than a down topper" and has the same marshmallow softness and baffle-box construction. She loved sleeping on it, but would not recommend it for front sleepers since her torso got sucked into the top.

A topper made of natural wool fleece is soft and hypoallergenic. However it's not as breathable as memory foam and may make you feel warm at night. Cotton is a great choice, as it is air-conditioned and keeps you cool. Certain fabrics are infused with graphite or copper to keep you cool.

4. Sleep Innovations Gel Cooling Memory Foam Topper

This topper from Puffy is a great budget option that offers a comfortable feel and a gentle pressure-relieving support for a low price. It also offers a variety of thickness and density options, making it simple to find the right suitable bed.

Strategist contributing writer Lauren Levy loved that this topper is similar to down -- it's "marshmallow soft" and has a baffle-box construction with pillow-y fiber-fill. Plus, it's hypoallergenic, and comes with a machine washable cover to help you maintain the cleanliness of your mattress.

The 2" layer of memory infused with copper is designed to increase airflow and draw the body of moisture when you sleep. This allows you to remain cool. Even though it's not as bouncy as much bounce as latex toppers, Levy found it to be extremely comfortable. It's ideal for side, back, or stomach sleepers as well as those with chronic pain who require extra cushioning.

Standard features include a 10-year warranty as well as free shipping and a 10-year warranty. This topper can be cleaned easily by spot-cleaning it and letting it air dry. It should not be put in a washer or dryer since this will invalidate the warranty.

The Sleep Innovations Gel Cooling Memory Foam Topper is an excellent budget-friendly option for a soft, supportive mattress. It offers moderate (5) firmness which makes it suitable for all sleepers, but particularly those who find their mattresses overly firm. It also stops motion transfer which is essential for those who sleep in a combination. It also relieves shoulder and neck pain just like the Coop Home Goods Retreat topper. The only downside to this topper is that it might not be as breathable as latex or polyfoam which is why it's not the ideal choice for sleepers who are hot.

5. Nolah Beds Luxury Plush Memory Foam Topper

The Nolah Beds Luxury Plush Memory Foam Topper provides a great solution for side sleepers as well as back sleepers who are looking to soften a firm mattress pillow topper. This topper also helps reduce pressure points which makes it a great option for those suffering from chronic pain. It's made in the USA with non-toxic materials and is a good choice for hot sleepers as well. It features two" layer cleverly infused with copper foam that helps in promoting ventilation while providing support. It also has a cover made of organic cotton which helps in regulating the moisture. Our test subject Paige found that this topper did a good job of blocking motion transfer and offered significant softness without sacrificing support. She did notice that the edges did not fully wrap around her mattress. If support for the edges is important to you, this might not be the best topper for your needs.

The cover is machine washable, making it easy to clean. It is also hypoallergenic and antibacterial, ensuring a healthy sleep. It also has five body zones to support various areas of the mattress. It also comes with a warranty and a 120-night trial, which is much longer than other mattress warranties.

This is one of our cheapest options however it doesn't sacrifice quality. It's made with a blend of memory foam and latex which provides a luxuriously soft feel to any mattress. It's got a thicker layer of memory foam to offer extra comfort and facilitate an unwinding sleep. It's not a good option for stomach sleepers as it sinks too deeply. This can result in spinal misalignment. However, it's an excellent choice for those looking for a good night's rest at an affordable price.