Best Mattress Topper (2024): Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Many of us find ourselves sleeping on a bed that’s too soft or too firm for our sleep position and body type, but we may be unable to buy a new mattress right away. In this case, a mattress topper can provide a quick fix. A topper can’t adjust for sagging, indentations, or broken coils, but it can change the firmness and comfort of your bed.

As with top-rated mattresses, these high-quality toppers come in a variety of types and materials. From memory foam to down—it can be difficult to determine the right one for you. To make this process as easy as possible, we outline the best mattress toppers on the market. Plus, we break down common materials and firmness levels. Read on to find the perfect mattress topper for a better night’s sleep.

Best Mattress Toppers

1. Amerisleep Lift® Mattress Topper

With the construction of each of their products, Amerisleep’s goal is to create the healthiest sleep surface possible. Their Lift® layer is available in two firmness options—Support and Comfort. The “Support” topper is ideal for those in need of more firmness, and the “Comfort” topper works well when adding cushioning to any bed.

The Comfort topper features Amerisleep’s Bio-Pur® foam—a partially plant-based memory foam. This foam is non-toxic, more breathable, and more responsive than traditional memory foam. The Support layer features their responsive Affinity foam to make your bed feel a touch firmer.

Both layers feature HIVE® technology to create a balance of comfort and support for the areas that need it most, such as the lower back, neck, and head. No matter which firmness you choose, each Lift® comes with Amerisleep’s MicroGrip® technology to keep the topper firmly in place. This technology uses gentle friction to prevent slipping without causing wear and tear.

Each Lift® is made in the U.S and features eco-friendly materials to create a healthier sleep surface for you. Both layers have a CertiPUR-US® certification ensuring low VOC emissions. The soft, lightweight cover of the Lift® is also removable and machine washable. So, it is easy to keep your topper in great shape throughout many years of use.

Amerisleep offers free shipping and a 5-year warranty with each of their Lift® layers.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattress for Neck Pain

2. Zoma Balance Pad

Is your mattress beginning to sag, causing you to sink down too far and wake up with numbness or pain? The Zoma Balance Pad could help. It’s made with a bouncy but conforming material that isolates motion transfer and keeps you cool.

A polyester-knit cover encases the Zoma Balance Pad and enhances its cooling ability. Inside, latex-like Reactiv™ foam lifts the sleeper and conforms closely to their shape. Instead of sagging and developing soft spots, it bounces back fast and offers consistent support. Even as you change positions, the Reactiv™ moves with you. 

The open channels in the Reactiv™ foam allow air to move through quickly and easily, preventing heat build-up. Plus, Reactiv™ is CertiPUR-US® certified, meaning it contains no formaldehyde, heavy metals, lead, PBDEs, and it’s made with low-VOC (volatile organic compounds). 

Beneath the pad is a non-stick fabric, keeping the pad where it belongs and keeping you evenly supported all night.

The Zoma Balance Pad ships free to the lower 48 states and comes backed by a 5-year warranty. The warranty covers manufacturing defects and sags greater than .75 inches.

3. ViscoSoft Serene Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress Topper

ViscoSoft offers a selection of high-quality memory foam mattress toppers. Each topper has an infusion of either gel cooling beads or copper to control body temperature. Their Serene Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress Topper is a unique combination of memory foam and down alternative fibers.

This pillow top contains 2.5 inches of gel-infused memory foam for pressure relief without heat retention. Once this foam layer is in place, a 300 thread count cover with 1.5 inches of soft down alternative fibers secures the foam in place. This combination gives sleepers both support and cushioning. The gusseted mesh sides also help to move trapped heat away from the bed.

The foam layer of this topper is backed by a CertiPUR-US® certification—ensuring it is safe to bring indoors. ViscoSoft offers a 3-year warranty and a 60-day return policy with each of their mattress toppers.

4. Avocado Green Organic Latex Mattress Topper

Avocado’s latex mattress topper comes in two different firmness options—firm and plush. These options give sleepers the ability to adjust the comfort of their current mattress. Their “firm” option has a medium to firm comfort level, while the “plush” is soft and luxurious.

Avocado uses the safest, most natural materials available in each of their products. This mattress topper features 2 inches of GOLS certified organic latex foam. Latex foam contours to joints and muscles, plus it has a slight bounce to prevent sinking. Latex foam is also hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, and resistant to dust mites. If you suffer from allergies, resting on a latex foam topper may help you find relief.

Surrounding these 2 inches of foam is a cover of GOTS organic wool and cotton. Wool acts as a natural fire retardant and also helps to wick heat and moisture away from the body for temperature control. The quilted cotton surface is soft, breathable, and guaranteed to be free of harmful pesticides.

Avocado also makes a vegan mattress topper without wool. Each Avocado pillow top comes with a 1-year sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

5. Nest Bedding Alexander Signature Cooling Topper

Nest Bedding is a popular mattress-in-a-box brand known for their memory and latex foam mattresses. Their Alexander Signature Cooling Topper has a medium-soft firmness—perfect for hot sleepers.

Nest’s topper contains 2 inches of their Energex™ memory foam that hugs joints and muscles with pressure-free support. This foam features a gel infusion to wick moisture away from the body, so you stay cool throughout the night. If your current mattress is causing night time sweats, adding cooling gel memory foam could help prevent heat retention.

To add even more breathability, the cover of this topper features a thermic phase changing fabric that absorbs and removes body heat. Corner straps can be used to secure the topper to your mattress—keeping it firmly in place.

Nest’s gel memory foam mattress topper is manufactured in the U.S. and holds a CertiPUR-US® certification. They offer a 30-day sleep trial on their memory foam topper—allowing you plenty of time to test out the topper and be sure it’s right for you.

6. Sufuee Down Alternative Mattress Topper

To accommodate those with down allergies, Sufuee uses a down alternative in their mattress topper. This filler makes their topper less expensive and safe for machine washing.

The Sufuee topper sits 2 inches high and features a soft synthetic down-like fiberfill. A plush feel makes this topper ideal when adding softness to a firm bed. They use a lightweight, microfiber cover to help control heat retention and stitching along the surface keeps filling even and prevents clumping.

Elastic bands on each corner also help secure the topper in place—ensuring it doesn’t slide around during sleep. On a mattress more than 22-inches thick, these bands may not fit around the bed.

Although Sufuee doesn’t offer a warranty on their mattress toppers, they do offer a refund policy through Amazon.

7. Sleep On Latex Pure Green Natural Latex Mattress Topper

Sleep on Latex has created a line of latex mattresses, pillows, and pillow toppers. Their Pure Green Latex Mattress Topper comes in three firmness options—soft, medium, and firm. Plus, it is also available in three different widths—1, 2, or 3 inches.

All three options are excellent, but the medium, 2-inch firmness should provide a universal comfort. Medium toppers add a balance of cushioning and support that works well on both firm and soft mattresses.

No matter which option you choose, the Pure Green topper features all-natural GOLS certified organic latex. This foam is hypoallergenic and OEKO-TEX® certified to be free of VOCs and ozone-depleting substances. Sleep on Latex uses its proprietary Earthfoam latex in this topper. Earthfoam is similar to Dunlop latex but with less bounce—producing a sleep surface with contouring similar to memory foam.

You can buy the Pure Green topper with the optional cotton cover or place it under any mattress pad. Sleep on Latex offers a 5-year warranty and a 30-night sleep trial.

8. Zinus Copper Memory Foam Mattress Topper

The Zinus Copper Memory Foam Mattress Topper comes in 3 different widths—1.5, 2, or 3 inches. While either thickness can help transform your sleep space, we recommend the 3-inch topper for truly plush softness.

Zinus infuses this memory foam topper with copper to create a cleaner sleep surface. Copper is a natural heat conductor—meaning heat can pass through this mineral quickly. Memory foam with this infusion can cradle the body for pressure-free support without causing night sweats. Copper can also help prevent the growth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, so your mattress remains free of allergens.

At 3 inches, this topper has a medium-soft comfort level. It could be easily placed on top of your mattress to add cushioning to joints or improve heat retention.

Zinus includes a 5-year warranty and a 100-night sleep trial with each of their memory foam mattress toppers.

How to Find the Right Mattress Topper

There are hundreds of high-quality mattress toppers available to consider, even searching on Amazon alone can be overwhelming. Choosing the right mattress topper can be just as complicated as selecting the best mattress, so it’s important to consider the materials they’re made with as well as the levels of comfort and support they offer to narrow down your options.

Materials

The firmness of a mattress topper will change depending on the materials used. To give you a clear understanding of each, we included an overview of the most common topper materials below.

Memory Foam

Memory Foam (viscoelastic foam), provides contouring for a weightless, supportive sleep. When muscles and joints are cradled, they can repair quickly—allowing you to wake up refreshed and with fewer aches and pains. Those who suffer from chronic back pain find memory foam to be the most supportive and pressure-relieving sleep surface in a mattress topper for back pain.

The best memory foam mattress toppers feature plant-based memory foam. Traditional memory foam does tend to trap heat and may cause sleepers to sink too far into the bed. So, it is best to opt for plant-based memory foam since it is more breathable and responsive.

Latex Foam

Both Dunlop and Talalay Latex are naturally sustainable and eco-friendly materials harvested from the rubber trees. The elasticity of latex creates a foam that is durable and responsive—most latex foam mattresses last between 10 and 12 years.

Latex foam is also resistant to dust mites, bed bugs, bacteria, viruses, and fungi. So, it is safer for those with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues. Much like there are organic latex mattresses, you can also find organic latex toppers.

Cotton and Wool

Many mattress covers are made with cotton because this fabric is breathable and helps prevent overheating during the night. Plus, it is soft and works well with both latex foam, memory foam, and down.

Wool is often added to the cover to act as a natural flame retardant and to help with moisture control. Some brands do offer completely wool mattress toppers specifically made for temperature regulation.

Feathers

Down filling features two materials—duck or goose feathers and down. Down is the soft undercoat located beneath exterior feathers. It is a popular filler for mattress toppers because it is incredibly soft and warm, but air can also easily pass through to prevent heat retention.

Fiber/Down Alternative

For those with down allergies, a down alternative is a great option. Fiberfill has a softness that is similar to down, plus it is usually cheaper and easier to clean.

Thickness

Mattress toppers range in thickness from about 1 to 6 inches. The depth you prefer will largely depend on the comfort level you are trying to achieve.

When adding softness and support to a firm bed, you will want something thicker—around 3 to 4 inches. A topper less than 1-inch thick will not make enough of a difference, so be sure you are getting at least 2-inches.

Size

Naturally, you want to make sure you’re choosing a topper that matches your mattress size. As you expect, a queen mattress topper goes with a queen size mattress, a king topper with a king mattress, and so on.

Temperature Regulation

If you tend to sleep hot, a topper with temperature-regulating materials may help keep you cool. Below, we have compiled a list of mattress topper materials most known for heat control.

• Plant-based memory foam
• Gel-infused memory foam
• Copper-infused memory foam
• Cotton
• Wool

There are also some topper designs that are more cooling than others. For example, egg crate mattress toppers have cutouts that not only boost contouring but also improve airflow. Others may have punch holes for greater aeration.

Sleeping Position and Firmness

Each of the materials listed above can change the firmness and comfort of the mattress topper. Your preferred sleep position and body type can help you determine what you’ll find most comfortable.

To help you select the best mattress topper level, we break down the most common sleep positions below.

Side Sleeping

When side sleeping, shoulders and hips sink into the mattress. If the bed is too firm, painful pressure points can develop near these areas. If the mattress is too soft, the hips will sink too far down and cause the spine to become misaligned—resulting in pain and stiffness in the morning.

For those who prefer sleeping on their side, soft to medium mattress toppers typically provide the most comfortable. This firmness will cushion sensitives areas while still supporting the body and keeping the spine in a healthy position. Heavier side sleepers may find a medium firmness most suitable. This firmness will prevent excessive sinking, which can cause you to bottom out or feel “stuck” in the mattress.

Back Sleeping

When back sleeping, the heaviest part of the body, the hips, tend to sink. If the mattress is too soft, this sinking may disrupt your alignment. Back sleepers will want a firm topper—between medium to firm. This firmness will keep weight evenly distributed and contour to the body without excessive sinking.

Stomach Sleeping

Similar to back sleeping, the hips often sink when stomach sleeping—forcing the spine out of alignment. To prevent this, we recommend a firmer mattress for stomach sleepers. This firmness will keep the neck, shoulders, and hips even to keep pressure off the neck and back.

Combination Sleeping

Many of us don’t sleep in the same position each night, or we may change positions throughout the night. If that’s the case, a medium mattress will be your best bet. This firmness provides a cushion to joints and reduces pressure points, but it also has enough stability to prevent sinking. Therefore, it is suitable for most sleep positions and couples with different preferences.

Other Things to Consider

What is the most comfortable mattress topper?

Just like mattresses, a topper is not one-size-fits-all. The right topper for you will depend on the mattress you are planning to use and your sleep position. If you’re a side sleeper and are currently resting on a bed that is too firm, adding a soft topper can help. If your mattress is too soft and you’re experiencing sinking, a firm topper will improve support.

Do mattress toppers work?

While a topper can’t wholly change your old mattress or make up for indents and sagging, it can change the firmness of the bed. The right mattress topper can provide more cushioning to a bed that is too firm and more stability to a bed that is too soft.

What thickness mattress topper should I get?

The more layers you place between yourself and your mattress, the more you will be able to transform the comfort level. If you are attempting to add cushioning and support, it is best to go with a thickness of around 3 to 4 inches.

Are mattress toppers worth the money?

As long as you have realistic expectations about them (and you’re not overspending), mattress toppers are usually worth it. Mattress toppers can range in price pretty drastically, with poly-foam toppers costing very little and memory foam toppers costing a couple of hundred dollars. We don’t suggest paying any more than $500 on a mattress topper (for a king size) because, at that point, you’d just be better off spending your money on a whole new bed.

Mattress toppers cannot fix a sagging mattress, so if you’re buying one in an effort to salvage an old, lumpy bed, it won’t be worth the money. Instead, mattress toppers can modify the feel of too-firm or too-soft mattresses. So say your mattress isn’t feeling as soft or firm as it did a year or so ago, you can add a mattress topper to your bed set to make it feel like new.

What mattress topper is best for back pain?

If you have back pain and need a mattress topper to help with better spinal alignment, we suggest one made with zoned support technology, such as Amerisleep’s Lift®. Toppers with these targeted technologies provide better support for your spine, keeping it lifted in neutral alignment and preventing uncomfortable sinkage.

Conclusion

Many of us lose precious hours of sleep when our mattress is not supporting us correctly. This sleep loss results in morning aches and pains, brain fog, poor memory, and reduced attention span. Over time, this can hurt our health and mental well-being.

If your mattress is no longer supporting you, but you don’t have the budget for a new one, a mattress topper can help. With the right sleep surface, you will find deep, restorative sleep and wake up rejuvenated and ready for the day.

Once you have your mattress topper, simply roll it out across the bare mattress and make your bed with any protector, sheets, and blankets you typically use. The topper is almost always the first item you put on your mattress.