If your mattress has seen better days, the best mattress toppers are a brilliant way to instantly adjust the feel – whether you want your mattress to be softer, firmer or cooler. Also known as bed toppers, these handy accessories come in a range of thicknesses from two to four inches, and are made from a variety of materials such as latex, memory foam, wool and feathers. Some luxury mattress toppers are just as plush as an option from our best mattress guide – they’ll just cost you much less.
Here we’ve rounded-up the best options for different budgets and sleep needs. So whether you’re looking for an affordable bed topper to upgrade your guest bedroom, or you want a thick and luxurious option to give your bed a touch of cozy, sink-in comfort, we have plenty of top-rated options below. All of them have high user reviews too, which our team of experts analyzes in addition to conducting our own mattress topper testing and research.
The best thing about bed toppers is that they make an instant difference to how comfortable you feel when you lie down. They don’t take as long as mattresses to set up, and they can be fitted quickly over your existing mattress. Some have thick elasticated straps to anchor them at each corner, for example, while others ditch the straps in favor of non-slip bottoms that stop them from sliding around.
You don’t have to spend a fortune either, as there are some good budget options for under $30. That said, we think the Tempur Topper Supreme (from $299) is still the best mattress topper around, thanks to its thick slab of pressure-relieving Tempur material – it’s a real boon for people with aches and pains. Let’s now take a look at this year’s top-rated options to see how they can upgrade your sleep comfort.
The best mattress toppers in 2022
If the best mattress toppers are capable of breathing new life into old mattresses, then the Tempur-Pedic Tempur Topper Supreme is in a class of its own. There’s a reason it keeps selling out – this mattress topper gives you a big hit of Tempur bed magic at a fraction of the price. Because of supply chain issues this year it’s getting harder to find the Tempur Topper Supreme in the most popular sizes (twin XL, queen and Cal king), especially on the Tempur-Pedic website, so if you see it, don’t hesitate to snap it up.
Why is The Tempur-Pedic Tempur Topper Supreme so highly rated? For a start, it’s made with three inches of NASA-developed Tempur material; a fast-response foam that hugs your body’s curves and adapts to your body temperature and in-bed movements. Yes there are four-inch mattress toppers elsewhere in this guide, but trust us: three inches of Tempur material easily beats four inches of any other type of foam.
This comfort-boosting mattress topper also boasts an impressive score of 4.6 out of 5 from over 4,660 user reviews on the Tempur-Pedic website. A common theme from users is that the Tempur Topper Supreme instantly upgrades tired old mattresses – and it’s definitely the best way to soften up a bed that’s far too firm for your body and sleep style. Many users also praise its ability to relieve pain when they’re lying on it.
Tempur-Pedic’s best-selling mattress topper also has a hygienic cover that banishes nasties like mold, allergen and dust mite dander. To clean it, simply remove the cover and throw it in the washer. Plus, with a 10-year warranty, you’ll sleep soundly knowing that your topper will last as long as your mattress. For quality, comfort and price, the Tempur Topper Supreme is simply unbeatable, especially when there’s a Tempur-Pedic mattress sale offer on it.
Second to the Tempur Topper Supreme, this budget friendly offering from Sleep Innovations is the best mattress topper for relieving pressure points when you’re sleeping on a harder mattress. That means it’s a great choice if you currently wake up at night because you can’t get comfy – or stay in a comfortable position for long.
The Sleep Innovations 4 Inch Dual Layer Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper is also a good choice for anyone dealing with back, hip and knee pain, as it adds a higher level of soothing cushioning around those pressure points when you’re lying on your back, stomach or side.
Considering a queen size costs less than $110, we think this Sleep Innovations bed topper is excellently priced. It makes an instant difference to your sleep comfort too, and all you need to do is unpack it and – after a little airing to get rid of the smell from the packaging – throw it on top of your mattress.
We’d recommend the Sleep Innovations 4 Inch Dual Layer Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper with a firm mattress they want softening up – it’s handy to have around if you have just bought a new bed and are breaking it in. Don’t take just our word for it, either: this bed topper has over 23,000 user reviews on Amazon and 87% of those are rated 4 stars or higher.
A cheaper option than the luxury Tempur mattress topper above, the Lucid Gel Memory Foam mattress topper is a mid-range model that’s well worth considering if you want a thick bed topper with plenty of cooling and a lower price. At 4 inches deep, there’s lots of cushioning for maximum pressure relief, without compromising on comfort if you sleep hot.
This is one of the snuggest options in our best mattress topper guide, and is a sure-fire way to soften up any mattress without breaking the bank, although it could be too squishy for some. But if you are a big fan of the feel of memory foam mattresses, then the Lucid Gel Memory Foam mattress topper is perfect for you. There are shallower choices in the Lucid range, but, if you need the extra squish, look no further.
The Lucid Gel Memory Foam mattress topper has a high star rating of 4.4 out of 5 on Amazon US with over 21,000 reviews. Many happy customers were singing the praises of this topper, commenting on how it transformed their sleep and improved their current firm mattress.
If you want similar levels of comfort, cooling and affordability, but want something less thick, there’s some healthy competition from Linenspa. Check our Linenspa vs Lucid mattress topper comparison feature to see which one sounds like the best fit for you.
If you read our Saatva Classic mattress review and want all that Saatva luxury and comfort but don’t have the budget or need for a new mattress just yet, a Saatva mattress topper is the next best thing.
There are three different topper materials available – graphite, latex or foam – but we recommend the graphite-infused memory foam version for its cooling properties. The graphite layer is designed to draw heat away from your body, while you also get the contouring, cushioning pressure relief of memory foam. And at three-inches deep, it’s twice the thickness of Saatva’s other mattress topper products.
If you’d prefer a thinner option, there are two to choose between. The most premium is Saatva’s latex mattress topper. Made from all-natural, renewable materials, this 1.5-inch thick topper is Saatva’s most expensive but most durable product, and should easily exceed the expected lifespan of the average topper. Like the graphite, it sleeps fairly cool as well.
Saatva’s most affordable mattress topper, meanwhile, is made from 1.5 inches of high-density foam. It’ll contour to your body to help relieve pressure, and because it’s all-foam, it provides great motion isolation as well. We love the choice that Saatva offers with its toppers. If you can’t justify buying a luxury Saatva mattress, the company’s topper is the next best thing. For the latest savings, read our guide to the best Saatva mattress sale offers.
Torn between the Saatva and the Tempur Topper Supreme? We talk you through it in our Saatva vs Tempur-Pedic mattress topper comparison.
If you’re particularly prone to sleeping hot, you will want to make sure your bed provides plenty of cooling comfort, while still staying supportive and cozy. And it doesn’t get more luxurious than the ViscoSoft Active Cooling Copper Topper.
It’s 4″ deep and comes with a layer of the brand’s antimicrobial copper-infused foam on top of support foam. ViscoSoft has designed it for all sleeping positions, but lighter side sleepers might find it a touch too firm.
To keep things extra hygienic, this mattress topper features a removable cover, which can also be washed – ideal for hot sleepers who always want to ensure they have a healthy surface to sleep on. The topper attaches to your mattress securely with easy-to-fit elastic straps, and also has a breathable, anti-slip mesh cover for an airy feel. As well as the breathable fabric, the topper uses CertiPUR-US premium American-made materials that guarantees no toxins, for a safe surface to sleep on.
While the ViscoSoft Active Cooling Copper Topper is at the pricier end of our best mattress toppers list, there’s plenty of quality on offer here, and the reviewers agree too with this topper getting 4.6 out of 5 stars on the company website. The reviews also highlight the topper’s comfort and luxury.
If you’re after an affordable topper to quickly transform a firm mattress, Linenspa’s Gel Infused Memory Foam mattress topper can’t be beaten for value. Starting at just $39.99 for a 2 inches twin size, Linenspa’s offering is also the ideal way to upgrade a guest bed. It’s simple yet effective, and 2 inches is more than enough to provide some extra comfort for a cheaper or older mattresses. You can also upgrade to three inches for a little more.
While there are no fancy features or elasticated straps to attach the topper to the mattress, this Linenspa topper does feature gel-infused foam – a welcome addition if you sleep hot. There’s also a lovely plush feel with 100% polyurethane memory foam infused with cooling gel beads, offering plenty of cushioning for pressure points as well as a fresh-feeling surface. If you need a touch more comfort, then the topper is also available at 3 inches deep.
On Amazon, the topper has over 74,000 user reviews, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5. Comments include, “It’s soft, forms to our bodies, and it doesn’t get hot,” and “my hips and shoulders have great support”. However, there was also mention of a slightly chemical off-gassing odor with this topper, but the reviewer also mentioned the smell soon dissipated. If you are concerned about toxic materials, rest assured this topper is made using CertiPUR-US standard foam that guarantees safe emissions, as well as durability.
On top of the plushness and cooling , the Linenspa topper is backed with a three-year warranty, free delivery and free returns. It’s also available in eight sizes, from twin to Cal king.
If you frequently find yourself waking up with aches and pains, the Turmerry Organic Latex mattress topper is worth considering. Available in two and three-inch thickness versions, as well as three firmness levels – soft, medium and medium firm – Turmerry mattress toppers are specifically designed to provide pressure relief and support in all the right places.
They’re also a top choice for hot sleepers. The organic Dunlop latex is ventilated with lots of small holes to help the air circulate, which helps keep you cool at night. All Turmerry toppers are hypoallergenic, so they’re safe choice for anyone with allergies. And they should also appeal to eco-conscious consumers too: the company’s manufacturing facility is carbon neutral certified, and the latex used has 100% organic certification. Plus Turmerry plants a tree with every sale, so you’re helping the environment in more ways than one.
The Turmerry website features almost 450 reviews, the majority of which rate its products a full five stars – the general consensus being the toppers are good quality at a great price. And you can’t argue with value for money here, with Turmerry’s Dunlop latex material outdoing the competition in terms of durability by a minimum of 10 years.
The free trial period is shorter than other companies listed. However, it’s still a significant enough period of time to decide whether you’re happy with your purchase. If you suffer from aches and pain while you sleep, or you’re looking for a sustainable option, the Turmerry Organic is one of the best mattress toppers around.
For more natural sleep solutions, read our best organic mattress guide. For further guidance on the material, read our memory foam vs latex mattress comparison feature.
If you have a mattress that’s too firm for you, but you can’t afford to replace it just yet, then soften it up with the plush Layla Memory Foam Topper. The foam is designed to condense under your hips, shoulders and back, reducing pressure points for comfier sleep in all positions.
Layla’s 2” thick mattress topper uses copper-infused memory foam to dissipate heat so that it doesn’t pool beneath you, so you’ll sleep more comfortably. Copper is also naturally antimicrobial (it kills bacteria), so this is an excellent choice for boosting the overall hygiene of your bed.
Our only bugbear with the Layla Mattress Topper is the returns process: if you change your mind during the trial, you’ll need to donate your topper to charity, get a receipt proving your donation, and then Layla will refund you. Still, with high user reviews and a reasonable price for a topper that could extend the life of your mattress for another couple of years or longer, a lot of customers seem happy with Layla’s offering.
We’re huge fans of Tuft & Needle’s affordable yet high quality mattress range (we’ve even featured the brand in our best mattress guide), and its two-inch mattress topper is equally well-made and highly rated. There are over 1,600 user reviews on the brand’s website, with a collective rating of 4.4 stars out of 5. On Amazon, it has a higher score of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 800 user reviews.
Essentially, what you’re getting here is a two-inch slab of responsive foam designed to relieve pressure on your hips and shoulders. That alone makes Tuft & Needle the best mattress topper for side sleepers seeking higher levels of comfort and cushioning from their existing bed. It’s the same when you’re looking for a side sleeper mattress – you need extra softness around your shoulders and hips
While the topper is made with open-cell foam to boost breathability, it does sleep a little warm. So if you run very hot, look further up this list for a proper cooling bed topper such as the Sleep Innovations 4 Inch Gel Mattress Topper. As you may have spotted, it comes in a Heather Grey color, so if you want an all-white mattress topper to match your pristine, all-white mattress, this isn’t the one for you.
However the Tuft & Needle Mattress Topper is the best choice if you don’t want to mess around with any elasticated anchor straps. That’s because it uses silicone beading on the bottom to prevent it from sliding around while you’re lying on top of it. Tuft & Needle has also covered the topper with a polyester-blend fabric that prevents bed sheets from bunching up on top of it.
Malouf’s 2-inch topper provides a straightforward and effective way to transform a firm mattress into something much more snug, using premium foam that contours to the body and delivering big on pressure relief for all sleeping positions.
The design of this topper includes small ventilation holes that provide an airy surface to sleep on, plus this bed topper is also hypoallergenic, CertiPUR-US certified and free of harmful chemicals, meaning you can breathe easy if you suffer from allergies.
If you want something premium and cozy to make your current mattress less firm, but don’t want to spend the top prices found in luxury brands, this mid-price topper is good value for money. The price for a twin starts at $190, but it’s always worth keeping an eye on the Malouf website for discounts.
There’s plenty to love about Birch’s organic mattress topper, especially if you are an eco-conscious shopper or want to ensure your bed stays allergen free. While the organic materials and superior craftsmanship are reflected in the high price of this bed topper, it’s worth every cent if you are after something truly luxurious and long-lasting.
With three inches of premium materials, Birch’s topper is made using organic cotton, organic wool, and natural latex. The wool is hypoallergenic and is also a natural fire retardant, while also offering superior comfort and temperature regulation. Back sleepers and side sleepers in particular will benefit from sleeping on this topper, with the cushioning layers offering excellent pressure relief.
Soft to the touch, and airy, Birch’s topper is handmade in the US. The plush pillow top offers incredible comfort, and is also breathable thanks to the natural materials. This bed topper is free of toxins, and is GreenGuard Gold and GOTS certified.
The prices start at $300 for a twin, and reach $550 for a Cal King, but with a ten-year warranty, free shipping, plus the fact it can transform any mattress into something supremely luxurious, it could well justify the price – take advantage of the 100-night sleep trial to find out for yourself.
Pure Brands’ topper not only offers an affordable and lightweight way to upgrade your mattress if it’s too firm, but if you suffer from allergies or are looking for a vegan non-feather option, then it’s a smart choice too. Made with 100% microfiber and a down-alternative polyfill, it’s cozy without compromise.
Despite being only 2 inches deep, there’s still lots of comfort on offer, and there’s plenty of positive reviews from happy customers too. Over on Amazon, there are nearly 12,000 reviews and a 4.4 out of 5 star rating, singing the praises of this simple yet extremely cozy mattress topper.
One reviewer compared it to a foam topper, saying, “Some mattress toppers, particularly the foam ones, have a chemical smell, but fortunately this one does not.” While another reviewer commented how, “It feels like you’re sleeping on a cloud – it’s so soft and fluffy.”
What’s more, this topper is breathable, machine-washable, and fits over your mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet to ensure it stays put no matter what. Pure Brands’ topper starts at just $35.99 for a twin and is available in all the major sizes from Twin to Cal king. It is designed to fit over mattresses up to 18 inches deep.
What is the best mattress topper in 2022?
The Tempur-Pedic Tempur Supreme (opens in new tab) is our number one pick of the best mattress toppers. This three-inch thick luxury foam topper offers a lot of comfort and pressure relief for a reasonable price, starting from $299 for a twin. That’s a lot cheaper than buying a full Tempur-Pedic mattress and there’s often a discount too.
The Tempur topper gets an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 3,500 user reviews, and with a 10-year warranty, you’re covered for the long haul. If you’re looking to upgrade the comfort of your mattress, this is our top choice.
How to choose the best mattress topper for you
Choosing the best mattress topper for you is easier when you know what qualities you would like it to have. For example, if your existing mattress is the wrong firmness, look for a bed topper such as the Turmerry Organic Latex Mattress Topper that offers a choice of firmnesses so you can find one that’s more suitable.
You might want a firmer topper that supports you if you sleep on your back or front, or you might prefer a softer memory foam or plush-top option to cushion joints.
If you need something vegan or hypoallergenic, then the best mattress topper for you is The Company Store Legends Hotel Down Alternative Baffled Featherbed. This one offers luxurious levels of comfort, while also taking the strain off your hips, shoulders and knees.
There’s plenty of choice if you need a mattress topper with cooling properties. It’s best to find one with a removable cover, as well as antimicrobial properties to keep the topper hygienic. Saatva and Eight Sleep go the extra mile when it comes to keeping things cool at night, with innovative materials or tech that help keep the body at a comfortable temperature for sleeping.
When is the best time to buy a mattress topper?
Good value mattress topper deals (opens in new tab) come up regularly throughout the year. Usually at least one of the toppers in our guide will have a discount at any given time.
That said, there are some key periods that tend to offer slightly bigger discounts. November is when we normally see some of the best Black Friday mattress topper deals from the biggest names in sleep, and these usually form part of the wider Black Friday mattress sales (opens in new tab).
In February, there are big discounts in the Presidents Day sales; and in May there’s always a wide variety of toppers on sale during Memorial Day. We also tend to see decent deals during the summer sales, on Labor Day in September, and in early December with Cyber Monday.
Mattress toppers vs mattress pads vs protectors
This is a common question, but there’s an easy way to tell the difference between these three main mattress accessories:
Mattress toppers, also known as bed toppers, are the thickest of the three and are designed to sit right on top of your mattress. They are usually anchored in place by thick straps that go over and under your mattress. You can buy toppers that are up to seven inches deep, and their goal is to make your bed more comfortable for your body. That could be by adding firmer support or quilted top softness, or even dedicated cooling gels to dissipate body heat.
Mattress pads are thinner and therefore make less of an impact than toppers. Some people choose them if they aren’t sure whether they need a full bed topper, but keep in mind that mattress pads won’t add anywhere near as much comfort as a proper topper will. They are cheaper though and can add a layer of protection to help protect your bed from stains.
Mattress protectors are the thinnest of the three but they play a very important role: they are designed to keep spills, dust, urine, dust mites and pesky bed bugs away from your mattress. We always recommend placing a protector over your mattress topper for maximum hygiene, and to help all of your accessories last longer, giving you more value for money in the long-term.
What are the benefits of a mattress topper?
If your mattress is still in good condition, but isn’t quite right – maybe it’s too soft, too firm, or not cooling enough – then there will be a mattress topper to help. Bed toppers are a simple way to transform any mattress, instantly, cheaply and easily, with just a few inches of memory foam, latex, or feathers providing that little extra something you need.
If you’re looking to bring the temperature down, try a bed topper with cooling qualities such as a gel-infused top or a sweat-wicking cover. Many come with covers that can be removed and washed too, making it easier to keep fresh.
Most mattress toppers are around 3 inches thick, but there are many that are deeper if you need extra support or stability beyond your existing mattress. If you need more relief for pressure points, then a memory foam topper is ideal.
Mattress topper materials guide: foam, gel, latex
There are countless number of mattress toppers available, so it can be difficult to know what to choose. Here’s a quick guide to the three main materials that you’ll find in bed toppers and the benefits of each.
Memory foam – these toppers are a cheap and easy way to change up your mattress, making it softer or firmer depending on what you need. If you get chilly, then memory foam is a cosier option as it tends to retain heat, although there are some cooling options too.
Gel – if you sleep hot then bed toppers made with cooling gel-infused foam are designed to keep your body temperature at a cooler level as you sleep. These are often cool to the touch, which is total bliss for hot sleepers. Look out for gel-infused toppers that also have washable and antimicrobial covers, which is essential for keeping your bed topper hygienic if you sweat.
Latex – natural latex is extremely durable, nicely springy and breathable making it ideal if you’re looking for something long-lasting and hard-wearing on top of the comfort. Latex mattress toppers are often a good choice for RVs/campervans.
How thick should a mattress topper be?
Mattress toppers can range in thickness greatly, from just an inch or two to eight inches or more. However, a happy medium for most is around four inches, and those under two inches should probably be avoided.
A thin topper is unlikely to actually provide much extra support or cushioning, and in use you’re likely to ‘bottom out’, meaning your pressure points won’t really be feeling any difference compared to your mattress alone.
Those that are too thick, however (especially standard memory foam toppers), will have you sinking deeply into the topper. While some might enjoy this, it can prove problematic when it comes to moving around in bed. You might find yourself feeling a little trapped, and if it doesn’t spring back into shape immediately you could also struggle to get comfy when you change position.
While it all depends on your preference and what material you’ve chosen, we think between two to four inches is the best for a mattress topper.
Are mattress toppers good for back and hip pain?
If you suffer from back ache and suspect it could be caused by your mattress, it could just take adding a mattress topper to help relieve the pain. Side sleepers, for instance, should be properly supported along the spine and at the pressure points, something a memory foam topper can help with.
If you’re sinking too much into your mattress, that can push your spine out of alignment, so a firmer topper will help even straighten things out. The same is true for a mattress that is too firm, which can quickly cause soreness. A mattress topper with a softer surface, such as a plush top, will soon transform your sleep and make it less painful at pressure points too.
If your pain is severe or persistent then check with a healthcare professional, who should be able to advise you further.
The best way to wash a mattress topper
When browsing for mattress toppers online, check to see what the care instructions are, because not all bed toppers can be washed, although you should still be able to spot clean them. Meanwhile, some mattress toppers are machine washable, while others offer a middle ground with a removable washable cover.
Whatever the care instructions are for your bed topper, using the best mattress protector you can afford will help keep the topper fresh and protected against accidental spills, sweat and dust mites. It’s always a good idea to freshen up your topper by airing it regularly if you can.
Gel vs memory foam mattress toppers
Memory foam bed toppers dominate the market and provide affordable, effective ways of both firming up or softening your current mattress, depending on the thickness you choose. However, cheaper versions often suffer from heat retention, which can make some sleepers overheat at night.
Gel and gel-infused foams perform much in the same was as memory foam toppers but have technologies baked in to help dissipate heat. This is great if you tend to run hot, but many premium foams without gel have other ways of dissipating heat. We pit two of these types against one another in our Saatva vs Tempur-Pedic mattress toppers article.
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