Best King Size Mattress Topper

Mattress toppers can solve a whole host of issues. For example, they can help you change your mattress’s firmness level if it’s too soft or too firm for your taste. Breathable mattress toppers can also increase your mattress’s cooling power.

And bouncy mattress toppers can help reduce body impressions in mattresses with slow response times. The best mattress toppers on the market, like the ones we’re going to talk about below, can even help you avoid replacing an uncomfortable mattress for a while longer.

However, just because a mattress topper is the best mattress topper on the market doesn’t mean it’s the best mattress topper for you. The good news is you have lots of options.

Best King Size Mattress Toppers of 2024

One of the best mattress toppers on the market is the Lift by Amerisleep. This breathable and responsive topper offers all the plant-based comfort you’d find in the Amerisleep AS lineup in a convenient and affordable pad. If you want all the comfort of an AS mattress for the price of a topper, the Lift is for you.

The Lift features a soft, ultra-breathable cover that pairs perfectly with its breathable foam to ensure maximum coolness and airflow. The cover works with the breathable foam inside the Lift to ensure it cools and wicks away moisture all the way through.

One of the best features of this topper is the fact that you have two firmness options. The softer Comfort Lift sports Amerisleep’s proprietary Bio-Pur® memory foam. This plant-based memory foam offers fantastic contouring for optimum pressure relief. It is also highly responsive, so you don’t have to worry about your topper winding up with body impressions.

The Support Lift is the firmer option. This version is made using Amerisleep’s Affinity material. This material is incredibly buoyant to offer you perfect support that can counter sinkage in an overly soft mattress. The highly responsive Affinity material is just as ideal for active sleepers as the Bio-Pur® foam.

So whether you need extra cushioning or extra support, the cooling and responsive Lift by Amerisleep has an option for you! That makes it the best mattress topper for almost everyone.

SEE ALSO: Amerisleep Mattress Review

Those with active lifestyles who need a recovery-enhancing upgrade but don’t want to purchase a whole new mattress should check out the Zoma Balance Pad. The Balance features active technology to help facilitate restorative sleep to help you recover from a long day of being physically active.

The Balance Pad features a ventilated, performance-enhancing cover that keeps your body cool and wicks away sweat to promote deeper and more comfortable rest. Next, the balancing core is made of Reactiv™ material for a medium feel and bouncy support.

Zoma’s proprietary Reactiv™ material is more than just any old memory foam. It contours to your body’s shape and responds to your movements to offer adaptable and dynamic support that will not take forever to bounce back when you move. The Reactiv™ material also helps isolate motion transfer even as it bounces back underneath you.

True to its name, the Balance Pad is stable. It features non-skid fabric on the bottom that hugs your mattress without damaging its cover. That means you don’t have to worry about this mattress topper sliding around on your mattress.

The Balance Pad offers versatile medium-feel comfort. So whether your mattress is too soft or too firm for your liking, this mattress topper could help you achieve the comfort level you need. That’s what makes it the best mattress topper for athletes.

SEE ALSO: Zoma Mattress Review

Gel memory foam is a popular material in mattress toppers, as it’s an excellent material that adds cushion and coolness to an older mattress without being overly expensive. When it comes to the top gel foam mattress toppers, one of our favorites is the Viscosoft Select High Density Mattress Topper.

Viscosoft allows shoppers to choose the topper in a 3-inch or 4-inch thickness. While many toppers this thick greatly soften up the mattress, Viscosoft has constructed the topper with durable, dense memory foam that offers a medium-firm feel. With its gentle pushback, the topper can make an aging mattress feel more supportive.

For most shoppers, the 3-inch mattress topper is sufficient if you want to make an older king mattress feel almost like it’s new again. The 4-inch option is great for sleepers who have a larger frame and want that extra bit of support from their mattress.

The cover fabric is a breathable, machine-washable knit. The underside of the topper is a breathable mesh cover that keeps the mattress from sliding around as you sleep. The topper also has heavy-duty elastic straps for easy, secure attachment.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattress for Hip Pain

If you want the same unbeatable cooling power as the Nolah Mattress lineup, say hello to the Nolah Mattress Topper. This cooling topper features Nolah’s proprietary AirFoam™ for maximum breathability and maximum cooling power. So it’s the best mattress topper for hot sleepers!

The topper features two inches of this ultra-breathable foam and an organic cotton cover that wicks away heat as well as moisture. So if you’re looking to cool a hot mattress down, this topper could be for you.

The Nolah topper could also be for you if you’re looking to change the firmness level of your mattress. It offers two different firmness options: Plush and Luxury Firm. The Plush topper is perfect for side sleepers whose mattresses don’t offer adequate pressure relief.

The Luxury Firm option is better for back sleepers or those with back pain who feel their mattress is too soft. The Luxury Firm option can help fight sinkage and keep you lifted onto the surface of an overly soft mattress.

Another fantastic feature of this mattress topper is its elastic bands. It features corner bands that can stretch around your mattress and offer a solid and secure fit. These bands fit up to a 15-inch mattress and easily attach with a quick stretch. They’ll keep your topper in place without harming the mattress underneath.

SEE ALSO: Nolah Mattress Review

If you want a mattress topper with tons of options, the Saatva Mattress Topper may be for you. This best mattress topper allows you to select from three different material options so that you can get the exact features you need.

Those looking for a cooling topper that can draw heat away from their bodies should check out the graphite foam Saatva topper. This topper features highly thermoconductive graphite infusions that can help pull heat down away from your body and push it into the mattress.

If you’re after the ultimate breathability, check out the latex foam option. This hypoallergenic natural latex foam is perforated for even more breathability, and the organic cover also works with the breathable latex to wick away heat and sweat. The latex option is also perfect for those who want a little more spring in their mattress.

Finally, those who want lots of buoyancy and support can check out the high-density comfort foam option. This mattress topper adds a supportive yet pressure-relieving feel to your mattress. So if it’s too firm or too soft, this medium mattress topper is just right.

Regardless of the material that you choose, the Saatva topper comes with a highly breathable organic cotton cover. It also features elastic bands to ensure a secure and stable fit. So you never have to worry about your mattress topper sliding around while you sleep.

SEE ALSO: Gel Memory Foam vs. Latex

Those looking for a mattress protector that doesn’t make a lot of fuss and can relieve achy joints should say hello to the GhostBed Memory Foam Topper. Not only does this mattress topper offer tons of cooling technology and zoned comfort. But it also is its own waterproof mattress protector.

First off, the good stuff inside the topper. This mattress topper comes with three inches of contouring gel-infused memory foam that features four zones of comfort. Each zone is targeted to a specific body area: head, shoulders, torso, legs, and feet. These zones offer the exact combination of support and pressure relief that each target area needs, establishing a specialized egg crate mattress topper.

The topper also features GhostBed’s proprietary cooling Ghost Ice fabric. This breathable fabric offers a plush feel that doesn’t just start off cool to the touch but stays that way all night because the gel-infused memory foam draws heat away from your body even as the breathable cover keeps cool air flowing.

Don’t let the plush and cool feel fool you, though. This cover also doubles as a waterproof mattress protector. That means you don’t have to get an additional protector to put over your mattress and its topper. The mattress topper is the protector.

The GhostBed topper also comes with sturdy elastic bands that stretch around your mattress to keep your topper in place without damaging the surface of the mattress itself. That means this topper will help preserve your mattress warranty too.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattress Toppers for Back Pain

Those who are only interested in the best mattress topper that nature has to offer should check out the Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper. This topper is totally free of synthetic ingredients and features only organic textiles and organic latex foam.

The Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper features Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) latex and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) cotton and wool. It also provides two different firmness selections so that everyone can enjoy organic comfort.

Best of all, the Organic Latex Mattress Topper topper is much more affordable than a mattress made entirely of organic materials. So if you want to rest on top of luxurious organic latex and organic textiles but cannot afford an entirely organic mattress, this is a much more budget-friendly option.

The safe and non-toxic organic cotton and organic wool work together to offer unbeatable breathability and ultimate pressure relief. The organic wool also provides an all-natural fire barrier that doesn’t require any harsh synthetic chemicals.

Inside the cover, the organic latex offers top-of-the-line comfort. The buoyant and springy foam contours superbly without forcing you to deal with body impressions and slow response time. It’s also breathable so that you never wake up in a sweat.

Those who sleep on their backs and stomachs should choose the firmer option. Those who sleep on their sides should go for the softer one. Either way, your body will be resting on a layer of pure, natural latex comfort without the full latex price.

SEE ALSO: Avocado Green Mattress Review 

If your bed always feels like the source of allergy symptoms no matter what you do, check out the Layla Memory Foam Topper. This is a copper topper, meaning the memory foam in it is infused with copper. The copper infusions create a hostile environment for all kinds of yucky things that can trigger allergies, like dust mites, mold, mildew, and bacteria.

The copper gel beads in the foam help to ensure that maximum airflow moves through the mattress topper, eliminating the possibility of moisture buildup. And without moisture, microbes like mildewVerified Source Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)Works to control/prevent natural and manmade disasters.View source and bacteria cannot thrive and grow to trigger your allergy symptoms.

But fighting the nasty little vermin that can grow in your bed is not the only thing these copper gel beads do. Copper is also highly thermally conductive. That means it helps draw heat away from your body to disperse it instead of allowing it to build up right underneath you. This means you’ll sleep cool as well as allergy-free.

This plush topper really does offer the feeling of sleeping on a cloud. It’s got ultra-deep compression for hips and shoulders that need the extra cushioning. So it’s an especially good option for those looking to soften up an overly firm mattress. You can also add it to a soft mattress for an extra-plush sleep experience.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattresses for Allergies: Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Those who want the support of a firm mattress and the feel of a much softer one should consider the Tuft & Needle Mattress Topper. This topper was intended to be paired with a firm bed so that sleepers can get the support they need and the cradling may want. But it also works well on a soft bed for those who need even more pressure relief.

The ultra-responsive foam in this mattress topper is a step up from memory foam. Unlike a traditional memory foam topper, the foam in this topper will bounce right back into place as soon as you change positions. You won’t be waiting for it to figure out how to bounce back from a body impression.

The topper also comes with a cooling and breathable fabric cover that can help keep the foam inside from overheating. The cover is also an unassuming gray that blends perfectly with just about any mattress for those concerned about the look of their bed.

Another great feature of the Tuft & Needle Mattress Topper topper is its non-skid bottom. The non-skid fabric grips the mattress for a sturdy and solid feel without damaging the cover of the mattress itself. So even the most active sleepers can toss and turn into their heart’s delight without worrying about moving their mattress topper.

So petite sleepers and side sleepers, pay attention. The Tuft & Needle Mattress Topper can allow you to have a much firmer mattress than you would otherwise be able to sleep on comfortably. That makes it one of the best soft mattress toppers for those who need pressure relief.

SEE ALSO: Tuft & Needle Mattress Reviews

How to Choose a Mattress Topper

With all the different mattress toppers and mattress pads on the market today, it can be difficult to know whether you’re picking the right one. But as long as you know what features you’re looking for, and the general feel you need, you can make the right choice.

Material

Material is the thing that impacts the feel of a mattress the most, which is why it’s so important to consider the right type of mattress as you shop.

That goes double for a mattress topper because they only have one, maybe two layers. There are no springs or firm base foams to alter their feel from below. That means you need to pay extra attention to material when you’re shopping for mattress toppers.

Memory Foam

Traditional memory foam is one of the most popular materials for both mattresses and mattress toppers alike. This flexible polyurethane foam is designed to contour to your body and provide the ultimate pressure relief. Not much can compete with a memory foam topper in terms of sheer cushioning and contouring power.

Not only that, but memory foam is also one of the most affordable mattress materials. It offers tons of comfort and decent durability for a great price. These reasons are why it is one of the most popular foams out there, along with one of the more popular mattress types.

Memory foam mattress toppers have a couple of issues. Probably the biggest issue for a memory foam mattress topper is its lack of responsiveness. Memory foam mattresses can often come with coils or bouncy transition layers to help combat memory foam’s slow response time. However, memory foam mattress toppers will not have these additional support layers.

You may not care much about body impressions or slow response time if you don’t move around while you sleep. But if you like to toss and turn, a regular memory foam mattress topper probably isn’t for you.

The other main issue with memory foam is its heat retention. Regular memory foam now is almost always open-cell construction. This means there are tiny pockets of air that help circulate heat out of the mattress topper. But for many people, this still isn’t enough. Thankfully, there’s always gel-infused memory foam.

Gel Memory Foam

Gel-infused memory foam is a special type of memory foam infused with cooling gel. This gel can appear in the form of microbeads, liquid infusions, or even a thin layer of pure gel on the top of the mattress topper.

The gel is thermoconductive, meaning it absorbs heat and moves it away from your body. This is what makes gel memory foam mattress toppers so much more cooling than regular memory foam ones. If you have gel microbeads, they also increase the breathability of the mattress topper. Gel can do all this without changing the feel of the memory foam itself.

So if you get a gel memory foam mattress topper, you can expect all of the contouring comfort that you would get with regular memory foam as well as additional temperature control. The only real downside to a gel memory foam mattress offer is the price. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay more for gel memory foam mattress toppers than regular memory foam ones.

SEE ALSO: Memory Foam vs. Gel Memory Foam: What’s the Difference?

Latex Foam

The other main bedding foam is natural latex. Just like with memory foam, you can get a natural latex mattress in addition to a natural latex mattress topper. There are two basic kinds of natural latex: Talalay and Dunlop.

Talalay latex feels more like memory foam in the sense that it is light and contouring. Meanwhile, Dunlop latex is much more buoyant and dense. This means if you want a mattress topper that provides additional pressure relief, look for Talalay. If you want a mattress topper that gives you extra support and lift, Dunlop is likely the better option for you.

Natural latex foam fixes a lot of the issues inherent to memory foam. It is extremely springy, so it’s likely better for you if you like to move around while you sleep. It’s also naturally breathable, so it can keep you cool without any kind of infusion. It’s basically the only material you can have if you want all-natural foam, as well.

And latex is incredibly durable to boot. Organic latex mattresses can last decades, and toppers are similarly durable.

The main issues with a natural latex mattress topper are its diminished contouring power and its price. Even Talalay latex is not as contouring or as pressure-relieving as memory foam. The reason latex is so springy is that it wants to retain its shape. So you won’t ever have to worry about body impressions with this material, as long-time owners of latex mattresses know.

The trade-off is that it’s not as good at following the curve of your body as memory foam. If you don’t need a high amount of pressure relief, you likely won’t notice the difference. But side sleepers and petite sleepers who need the ultimate cushioning will likely note that latex does not provide the same level of pressure relief as memory foam. Our memory foam vs. latex guide does a deep dive of the two materials.

Latex is also not a cheap material. As a natural foam that comes from rubber tree sap, it is more difficult to produce than memory foam and therefore much more expensive. So expect to pay through the nose for a natural latex mattress topper.

Latex mattress toppers will last longer than their memory foam counterparts, and this helps offset some of the initial cost. But you can expect your budget to take a hit at the beginning if you buy a latex mattress topper.

SEE ALSO: What is GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard)?

Natural Down

Natural down is made from the tiny, fluffy feathers that keep waterfowl like geese and ducks dry and warm. Down is extremely plush and can add a luxuriously soft and squishy feel to your bed.

Sleeping on a natural down mattress topper feels a little bit like your whole body is lying on a natural down pillow. This means down could be the perfect solution if you want to add more softness and pressure relief to your mattress.

On the flip side, down is not for you if you want to increase your mattress’s firmness. Down may also not be for you if you sleep hot. Down is very cozy and breathable to prevent you from sweating, which can be perfect for those who sleep cold.

But these tiny feathers evolved to retain heat, meaning if you sleep hot, you may be in for a rough night on a natural down mattress topper.

Some people also don’t like the animal cruelty aspect of down because much down is the product of live-plucking. It is possible to get cruelty-free down that’s harvested after the birds have naturally molted or have been slaughtered for meat.

However, this down is more expensive and harder to find – not to mention it can be harder to verify that cruelty-free down is actually cruelty-free. This can be a turnoff for some shoppers.

Another big issue with down is the maintenance. You have to wash pretty much all down with specialty detergent. Or you can’t wash the down at all.

But using a mattress protector with your down mattress topper can take away some of that fluffy cloud feel that people who sleep on a down topper enjoy. Not that you shouldn’t use a protector – you always should. But you should be aware it might slightly detract from the feather bed feel.

Wool

Natural wool is another popular mattress topper material. If you want an all-natural topper that’s not latex and isn’t likely to involve animal cruelty, wool might be up your alley. This highly breathable material is better at temperature control than you might think.

Most people think of wool as being hot, but it’s more temperature neutral. It keeps out cold in the winter and heat in the summer. It’s also highly breathable to help wick away sweat. That means even hot sleepers can enjoy this natural material.

Wool is sustainable, renewable, and low in synthetic ingredients. Organic wool may be completely free of unnatural ingredients. The main issue with wool mattress toppers is they may be tough to find and expensive when you do find them. Wool may also have a certain “farmy” or “sheep” smell that some people might not like.

SEE ALSO: What is GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)?

Firmness

The firmness of your mattress topper depends on what you want to accomplish by using it. Mattress toppers have a whole range of firmnesses that go from very plush to highly supportive.

Many people want to add pressure relief and cushioning to their mattress when they use a mattress topper. If that’s the case, it’s better to go soft. A soft mattress protector will absorb more pressure and cradle your joints better than your mattress alone.

On the flip side, those who feel their mattress is too soft can shore up the firmness level with a firmer mattress topper. Keep in mind that a firmer topper is no substitute for replacing your mattress.

A firm topper can make your overly soft mattress feel firmer, but it will not make up for an inadequate support core, and it will not fix sagging. If your mattress has these issues, you’ll need to replace it rather than get a topper.

If you’re not sure about the firmness you need, think about your sleep position. Back and stomach sleepers need a firmer mattress topper to give them extra support, especially if their mattresses are not as firm as they need.

Side sleepers need a softer mattress topper that will offer them superior cushioning and pressure relief. This protects sensitive pressure points like the hips and shoulders.

Thickness

Mattress toppers are typically two to four inches thick. Generally, if you only want to add a little extra cushioning to your mattress, you can purchase a two-inch topper and be fine.

However, if you want to increase the firmness of your mattress, you’ll need a three or four-inch topper to achieve this effect. You may also need a thicker topper if you have an extra firm mattress and want to significantly soften it.

Another reason you might need a thicker mattress topper is if you fit into a few categories. Heavier sleepers, back sleepers, and stomach sleepers might need a thicker topper for extra support. Side sleepers and petite sleepers may need a thicker topper for extra pressure relief.

Remember, a topper’s thickness impacts your overall bed height, which is composed of your frame or foundation’s height, your mattress thickness, and the topper. If your topper is on the thicker side, it may make it more difficult to move out of bed in the morning.

Conversely, a mattress topper isn’t necessarily the best way to raise your bed height if your frame sits low to the ground. While it can boost your sleeping surface, a set of bed risers can do the trick just as well.

Ideally, the right bed height lets you sit on the side of your bed with your feet firmly on the floor. If your knees or too high or your feet are tangling, you may have a harder time getting up and out of bed, particularly if you have a condition that restricts movement.

Density

The density of your topper also plays a role in how it feels and functions. Less dense toppers will provide pressure relief and contouring. They’ll hug your body and make your mattress feel more cushioning.

Denser mattress toppers will make your mattress feel more buoyant. These may be the best option if you’re looking for a mattress topper that can fight sinkage and help you avoid feeling stuck in your sleep surface.

SEE ALSO: Memory Foam Density Guide

Price

The price you pay for a mattress topper can vary as widely as the price you pay for a mattress. Naturally, mattress toppers are more affordable than actual mattresses. But they still have a wide range of prices, affected by size and material. For example, a queen mattress topper is more affordable than a king one.

You can expect to pay under $100 for a low-end topper and well over $1,000 for a top-of-the-line luxury mattress topper. If you want a durable and quality product without a bunch of luxury features, expect to pay $80 to $500.

Saving on a King Mattress Topper

King mattress toppers are naturally one of the more expensive sizes, if not the most expensive. You can save more by taking advantage of the big mattress sales of the year:

• Best Presidents Day Mattress Sales
• Best Memorial Day Mattress Sales
• Best 4th of July Mattress Sales
• Best Labor Day Mattress Sales
• Best Columbus Day Mattress Sales
• Best Black Friday Mattress Sales
• Best Cyber Monday Mattress Sales

More than just mattresses go on sale during these events, with numerous mattress coupon codes and discounts offered on select bedding items.

Mattress Sizes

FAQs

What’s the difference between a mattress pad and a mattress topper?

Really, a mattress pad and a mattress topper are the same thing. They are both an extra layer of padding that is not attached to the mattress and goes on top of the mattress cover. The main difference between them is their thickness and their intended purpose.

Mattress pads are thinner and are just intended to increase the comfort of your mattress. So say you got a mattress that could just use a little bit more of a comfort layer than it came with, then you would use a mattress pad.

However, if you want to seriously change the feel of your mattress without replacing it altogether, then you need the thicker mattress topper. Mattress toppers are more than two inches thick and are intended to drastically change the feel of your mattress. So if you want to make your mattress softer or firmer than it is, you need a topper.

You also need a topper if you want to increase the responsiveness or cooling power of your mattress. For instance, if you are unhappy with your memory foam mattress’s level of responsiveness, you could put a latex topper on it to help solve that issue.

Can a mattress topper help my sagging mattress?

Generally, no. Mattress sagging occurs deep within the mattress when the support core begins to wear out. Once coils start to lose tension or support foams start to break down, there’s not much you can do at the top end of the mattress to fix this. You just need a new mattress.

If you can’t afford a new mattress, there are a couple of things you can do to temporarily avoid replacing your saggy mattress. If your mattress is extremely saggy in the middle, place a pillow in the saggy portion and lay a thicker and firmer mattress topper over the pillow.

You can also go underneath the mattress to shore up support. A bunky board in between your mattress and box springs can provide sturdier support than box springs alone. You could also consider switching out your box springs and favor of a mattress foundation for more rigid support that can help counter sagging.

How thick should my mattress topper be?

That depends on what you want to get out of your mattress topper. Most mattress toppers are between two and four inches thick, and a lot of difference can happen in those few inches. If all you want to do is soften your mattress up a little bit, then a thinner mattress topper or even a mattress pad should work fine.

The only time this is not true is if your firm bed is way too firm and you need a whole lot more pressure relief than it is giving you. In this case, you will probably want to go for a three or four-inch mattress topper that will contour to your pressure points and absorb the pressure exerted by the firm mattress.

If you want to increase the firmness level of your mattress, then you will also probably need to do the full monty of four inches to get the most support out of your mattress topper. You will want to go thicker if you’re using your mattress topper to increase the overall height of your bed as well.

Should I put a mattress protector over my mattress topper?

You should absolutely put a mattress protector on top of your mattress and any mattress toppers or pads. Mattress protectors do exactly as their name suggests. They protect your mattress from all kinds of icky things, and we’re not just talking about spills.

Mattress protectors can defend your mattress against the buildup of dead skin cells and sweat, microbes of all kinds, and even odor-causing humidity absorption. Just about anything you can think of, a mattress protector can defend against it – even certain wear and tear! Best of all, mattress protectors can be pulled off the bed and tossed in the wash anytime.

The right mattress protector can even help shore up your mattress topper’s features. For instance, a cooling and breathable mattress protector can help increase the power of a cooling mattress topper even more. So to get the best use out of your mattress and its topper, you should never skip the mattress protector.

What should I expect to pay for a mattress topper?

Just like there’s a big price range for mattresses, there’s also a huge price range for mattress toppers. A basic value topper may come in at less than $100. Meanwhile, a luxury natural latex topper may come in at over $1,000. If you’re just looking for a high-quality topper without all the bells and whistles, expect to pay anywhere from $80 to $500.

Bottom Line

If you’re not satisfied with the feel of your mattress but don’t want to replace it, then mattress toppers can be a lifesaver. You can have everything from latex to down to gel memory foam mattress toppers. Just remember that mattress toppers are not a fix-it for everything, whether its lumps, bumps, sagging or body impressions.

Mattress toppers can help increase the responsiveness of your mattress and change its firmness level, but they cannot completely fix a sagging mattress or other age-related problems. So if your mattress is wearing out, you need to replace it. No topper can change that.