Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper (2023)

Beyond buying the best mattress for your needs, mattress toppers are a great way to improve your quality of sleep. If you feel like your mattress is too soft or too firm, and you’re struggling to fall asleep at night, a mattress topper may be a perfect solution. The topper acts as an extra comfort layer, cushioning the heavier sections of the body, like the hips, back, and shoulders, while offering better support to the body.

As one of the most popular materials in the sleep industry, memory foam is a great choice in a mattress topper. Its conforming abilities relieve pressure points and decrease joint and muscle pain. To find out more, take a look at our top choices for the best memory foam mattress topper before reading on to find out how to pick out a quality mattress topper.

Best Memory Foam Mattress Toppers

Mattress Topper	Brand	Highlight	Price
	Zoma Balance Pad	Responsive Reactiv™ layer offers a balance of support and pressure relief.	$275
	Viscosoft Serene Hybrid Mattress Topper	The combination of down alternative and cooling gel foam provides a thick, plush sleeping surface.	$170
	Saatva Mattress Topper	Organic cotton cover fabric over cooling and responsive memory foam.	$345
	Best Price Mattress Topper	Two layers of foam helps to relieve back pain.	$124
	Malouf Isolus	Ventilated gel memory foam absorbs and disperses heat.	$225
	Zinus Gel Swirl	Green tea and charcoal-infused gel memory foam reduces off-gassing odor and keeps the topper fresh.	$42

1. Zoma Balance Pad

The Zoma Balance Pad is the innovative new mattress topper for sleepers whose mattress is too soft. Sometimes sagging can happen with wear and tear, but other times sleepers find their new mattress isn’t the right firmness for your sleeping position. The Zoma Balance pad can add some much-needed support where you need it.

The performance cover is breathable and soft, enhancing the topper’s ability to dissipate heat. The Reactiv™ foam inside has a bouncy, responsive feel that also conforms to the sleeper for ultimate comfort. To prevent sinking and feeling trapped, the supportive Reactiv™ material keeps the sleeper lifted all night.

The Zoma Balance Pad is made with CertiPUR-US® certified foam here in the USA. It ships free to the lower 48 states and is backed by a 5-year warranty, covering sags deeper than .75 inches and manufacturing defects.

SEE ALSO: Best Memory Foam Mattresses

2. Viscosoft Serene Hybrid Mattress Topper

The Viscosoft Serene Hybrid mattress topper is 4 inches tall and includes a 1.5-inch layer of down alternative and 2.5 inches of gel-infused memory foam. The cover features a hypoallergenic, 300-thread count cotton sateen fabric for a soft, breathable sleep surface.

By infusing gel beads into memory foam, Viscosoft delivers a body-contouring mattress topper without the risk of overheating at night. The gel beads absorb and disperse body heat for an even temperature. The topper is 4 inches tall, adding a thick, plush feel to any mattress. It also has good motion isolation, so tossing and turning won’t wake your sleep partner.

The Viscosoft Serene Hybrid mattress topper includes elastic straps to hold the topper in place— it can fit any mattress up to 18 inches thick. The topper also includes a 5-year warranty and a 60-day return. If the customer is not happy with their mattress topper, they can return it for a full refund.

3. Saatva Mattress Topper

Saatva is another brand known for their comfortable mattresses that has also released a mattress topper, looking to bring a similar level of comfort to shoppers at an affordable price. The Saatva mattress topper is available in three varieties, and we have chosen to focus on the 3-inch graphite memory foam topper.

The cover of the mattress topper is organic cotton, a material that provides plenty of breathability. Sweat and heat is pulled away by the cotton fibers, promoting a stay-cool feeling all night long.

Underneath the cotton is a graphite layer that further maintains a cool feel, followed by a memory foam layer that enables the topper to conform to the body for pressure relief. The memory foam also keeps motion from spreading, making the topper a good way to dress up a mattress for couples.

Shoppers who want an alternative to memory foam can also consider Saatva’s latex mattress topper, though it’s a little more pricy than their graphite memory foam topper. There’s also a budget-priced dense foam topper that’s thinner than memory foam mattress topper. All of Saatva’s toppers are designed to blend seamlessly with your mattress.

Saatva’s mattress toppers ships free and include a 180-night sleep trial and a 1-year warranty.

4. Best Price Mattress 4-Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper

The Best Price Mattress topper has two layers of foam— 1.5 inches of green tea-infused memory foam and 2.5 inches of high-density poly-foam. This memory foam mattress topper includes a removable polyester mesh cover. Please note: the cover is not waterproof and is hand-wash only.

The Best Price Mattress topper gives the right amount of support while reducing motion transfer. It’s a good choice for both side sleepers and those who suffer from lower back pain— it’s an excellent complement to the best mattress for back pain. Green tea helps to reduce odor potential and keeps the mattress topper smelling fresh.

The mattress topper may experience some off-gassing, but it disappears within 48 hours once removed from packaging. The only cooling feature of the Best Price Mattress topper is the mesh cover— it allows heat to escape, but sleepers may still experience overheating. Available sizes include twin, twin XL, full, queen, short queen, king, and California king.

5. Malouf Isolus 2.5-Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper

The Malouf Isolus mattress topper is a good choice for hot sleepers and those who suffer from lower back pain. It has good support with excellent airflow due to the ventilated gel memory foam. The combination of gel and ventilation holes regulates body temperature, so sleepers shouldn’t feel too hot.

The mattress topper comes with a removable, machine-washable bamboo rayon cover, adding extra softness to the surface and protecting the topper from dust mites and bacteria. The topper itself can be spot cleaned with warm water and a mild detergent.

The Malouf Isolus mattress topper is 2.5 inches thick. It might have some odor potential, but it should dissipate within a day of opening. It’s available in twin, twin xl, full, queen, king, and California king sizes.

6. Zinus Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper

The Zinus Gel Swirl mattress topper is made of gel memory foam. Its egg crate structure is designed to improve airflow. The foam is infused with green tea and active charcoal, absorbing moisture, reducing odor, and keeping the mattress smelling fresh.

Because petroleum is partially replaced with castor oil during the manufacturing process, the Zinus Swirl mattress topper has little off-gassing odor. Once removed from packaging, customers will need to allow 48 hours for the mattress topper to fully decompress. The foam is CertiPUR-US® certified and available in twin, full, queen, and king sizes.

What is a Mattress Topper?

A mattress topper can greatly improve sleep quality. It’s designed to add comfort and support to your current mattress. Sleepers use toppers to soften firm mattresses and add support to softer beds, sometimes with mattress toppers for back pain that relieve the aches and pains caused by an improper firmness. Toppers are a cost-effective alternative to buying a new mattress.

Why Choose Memory Foam?

Memory foam contours to the body to relieve pressure points. These pressure points form when there’s not enough support. Without proper cushioning and support, pressure can build up and trigger pain and stiffness in the body.

A memory foam mattress topper helps reduce pressure points and soothe sore muscles and joints. Some toppers even have specialized cutouts to boost airflow and contouring, such as egg crate mattress toppers.

Difference Between a Mattress Topper and a Mattress Pad

Sleepers easily confuse mattress toppers and mattress pads— both are similar in that they both cover the mattress. However, both serve different purposes.

Mattress Topper

A mattress topper is a thick layer of material that serves to provide additional comfort and support to the sleeper. Mattress toppers are usually thicker than 2 inches and can help relieve joint pain.

Mattress Pad

A mattress pad is like a mattress cover with a thin comfort layer on top. It has very little cushioning, and is used more for temperature control than actual comfort. It offers warmth in winter and keeps cool in the summer. You can even invest in a heated mattress pad for greater comfort.

Determining Memory Foam Quality

When looking for a good quality memory foam mattress topper, look at the memory foam’s ILD rating. ILD stands for Impression Load Deflection, and determines the foam’s density, or the amount of weight in 1 cubic square foot. Look for memory foam with an ILD rating of 10 or more.

• 8 to 10 – soft feel
• 11 to 15 – medium feel
• 16 to 21 – firm feel

The higher the density, the better the quality of memory foam. High-Density foam is less likely to break down and provides more support than a low-density foam.

What to Look for in a Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Before purchasing a memory foam mattress topper, look at the features of each option to see if it’s the right one for you and to determine the level of quality. Unfortunately, there are a lot of cheap, poorly made mattress toppers out there, but knowing how to find high-quality options can save you from wasting money on a faulty product.

Cooling Properties

Because of its close-conforming abilities, traditional memory foam retains heat. To fix this, manufacturers have begun to incorporate some type of cooling properties to prevent sleepers from overheating. These cooling properties include:

• Gel: Absorbs and disperses body heat to help regulate temperature.
• Bamboo: A natural material, more breathable than cotton.
• Graphite: Pulls heat away from the body.
• Copper: A natural heat conductor that draws heat away and kills bacteria.

Durability

A typical memory foam mattress topper can last between three to four years. Thicker, higher density foams last longer than thin, low-density foam, because of the level of quality. Durability can also depend on normal wear and tear. If you can, buy a mattress protector to help your topper and mattress last.

Price

Memory foam mattress toppers can be expensive depending on the size and density of the foam. More material is included in a queen or king size, increasing the cost, and, as previously stated, the higher the foam’s density, the higher the price tag. Customers can expect to pay between $100 to $300 for a good-quality memory foam mattress topper.

Size

Mattress toppers usually match standard mattress sizes. Some companies, to accommodate snug fitted sheets, construct their toppers 1 inch shorter on all sides. Customers should choose a topper based on the size of their mattress unless the topper is meant for other purposes like campouts and sleepovers.

Thickness

Choosing a memory foam mattress topper based on thickness depends on a person’s preferred sleep position. Back and side sleepers should look for a mattress topper 3 inches or higher. Back and side sleepers need the comfort and support to fill in large gaps between the body and the mattress. Stomach sleepers need a thinner mattress topper— about 2 inches or less. Too much cushioning can throw the spine out of alignment for stomach sleepers.

Thickness is also important when considering sheets, mattress pads, and mattress protectors. These can secure a topper and keep it in place and can be particularly helpful for any sleeper using an adjustable bed.

SEE ALSO: How to Keep Sheets on an Adjustable Bed

Off-Gassing

When a customer receives their memory foam mattress topper, it comes in a box, decompressed, rolled up, and vacuum-sealed in plastic. After removing the packaging, gas is released— this is known as off-gassing odor. It can last anywhere between a few hours to a few days, but never longer than a week. Any form of memory foam will have some off-gassing potential.

Care

If a memory foam mattress topper comes with a cover, keep it on. It will help to reduce wear and tear. For even more protection, get a mattress protector. A mattress protector shields both the topper and the mattress from spills and stains. It can also protect the mattress warranty. If a mattress is damaged from a spilled liquid, the warranty is automatically void. A mattress protector will help the topper and mattress last longer too.

Other Things to Consider

Will the topper’s cover be enough to protect it?

Unfortunately, no. To protect your mattress topper, we recommend purchasing a mattress protector. A protector can shield your mattress from spills, stains, dust mites, bed bugs, and anything else that might damage the topper or mattress.

Who should use a mattress topper?

Anyone can use a mattress topper, but they’re a great choice for those looking to alter the feel of their current mattress. If your mattress is too firm or soft for you, using a topper can make your bed more comfortable, and it’s much cheaper than buying a new mattress.

Can a mattress topper fix a sagging mattress?

No. Once a mattress starts sagging, it’s time for a new one. Sagging usually means materials are deteriorating inside a mattress. If that old mattress starts to sag and is outside its warranty, it’s better to purchase a new bed than risk developing back pain.

Do memory foam mattress toppers trap heat?

Memory foam can trap heat, yes, but toppers infused with gel, charcoal, or graphite can dissipate heat and keep you sleeping cool. Gel memory foam toppers are actually some of the most popular types.

What is the difference between a mattress topper and a protector?

A topper is just a 2-3 inch layer of foam or another plush material. You place it on top of your mattress to add more cushioning (or add more support). A protector often encases all six sides of the mattress, and most are waterproof, dust mite-proof, and protect against bed bugs, too.

Research Method

To write a high-quality and credible article, we considered over 33 leading mattress brands, read several dozen reviews and articles, and spent over 26 hours researching, writing, and editing.

Conclusion

A memory foam mattress topper can help improve your sleep experience. Memory foam’s close contouring abilities can soften a firm mattress without sacrificing support. After reading through our comprehensive guide, we hope you’re on your way to finding the best memory foam mattress topper.