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If you're looking to improve your sleep quality, a new mattress topper is an easy way to upgrade your bed. Toppers can make your bed feel either firmer or softer, helping you customize the feel of your mattress. They're also ideal for temporary living situations (like a college dorm or a care facility) where you don't get to choose your mattress.
To find the best options, our bedding experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab tested 23 different mattress toppers, including ones made with memory foam, down and latex materials. Our fiber scientists evaluated each topper's materials and specifications before our analysts and at-home sleep testers tried them out first-hand to offer feedback on comfort, support, pressure relief, temperature regulation and more.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Mattress Topper: Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt Topper
- Best Value Mattress Topper: Lucid Down Alternative and Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- Best Pillowtop Mattress Topper: MATBEBY Quilted Mattress Topper
- Best Soft Down Mattress Topper: Standard Textile Down Featherbed
- Best Cooling Mattress Topper: ViscoSoft Select High Density Memory Foam Mattress Topper
In-Depth Reviews
Pros
- Excellent pressure relief and motion isolation
- Straps help secure it on the bed
- Outer cover is machine washable
Cons
- One tester noted some shifting, despite straps
Using the same popular material in the Tempur-Pedic mattresses that cost thousands of dollars, this luxury topper can totally change the feel of your bed by adding a supportive surface to increase comfort and pressure relief. It's three inches tall and has a plush feel that adapts to your body shape rather than instantly sinking. It also offers superior motion isolation, meaning you're less likely to feel your sleeping partner toss and turn throughout the night.
Besides the contouring foam, we love that it has a removable and machine-washable outer cover so you can keep it clean, straps that help it easily attach to the bed and moisture-wicking material to prevent overheating. And if you're a hot sleeper, you can upgrade to a performance cover that feels cool to the touch.
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: This memory foam topper is ideal for beds that may be starting to sag, innerspring mattresses that have too much bounce or couples who want to reduce the feel of motion transfer. It's also suitable for back pain sufferers and side sleepers because it offers pressure relief and conforms to the shape of your body.
TESTER NOTES: Users confirmed it instantly improved the feel of their mattress. One tester told us, "This mattress topper made my bed significantly more comfortable," adding that the straps made it easier to get the topper onto the mattress, though it still shifted around at times. And though this specific model is a newer release from the brand (to include the straps), testers have noted that other Tempur-Pedic toppers keep their shape after years of use.
Height | 3" |
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Fill material | Memory foam |
Available sizes | Twin, Twin Long, Full, Queen, King, California King |
Pros
- Two layers combine foam and pillow top
- Popular on Amazon
- Fitted panels for a secure fit
Cons
- A tester reported that it sleeps warm
This hybrid mattress topper combines pressure-relieving support and pillowtop comfort by using both foam and fiberfill. Even better: It costs significantly less than other top-tested options and is available on Amazon with the convenience of Prime shipping. The bottom layer is gel-infused memory foam, while the top layer includes pockets of down alternative for plush padding. It goes onto your bed like a fitted sheet to help everything stay in place.
It's an impressive four inches high, made up of equal parts foam and pillowtop. Though it's sold as an individual topper, it's actually two separate pieces that you can layer together or use separately. The top layer that holds everything together is machine washable and dryer safe for easy cleaning.
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Anyone on a budget that wants to improve the feel of their bed without spending several hundred dollars. It's also ideal for people that aren't sure whether to choose a pillowtop or memory foam topper since it contains both materials.
TESTER NOTES: We surveyed 30 Lucid bed owners during our extensive mattress evaluations and users gave the materials high scores for comfort and value. Plus, this topper in particular has over 4,500 reviews on Amazon with an average 4.4-star rating. "This mattress topper greatly improved the feel of the bed," reported one of our testers. "It provides added softness and support that was lacking without it." She noted that it was easy to set up and it stayed put, but it felt warm at times, despite the gel infusion in the foam.
Height | 4" |
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Fill material | Gel-infused memory foam, synthetic down alternative |
Available sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
Pros
- Fitted sides to fit deep mattresses
- Affordable
- Adds pillowtop softness
Cons
- Not as substantial; won't drastically change the feel of a bed
For a subtle layer that's more affordable and discreet than other toppers, this pillowtop is more like a mattress pad, yet it still adds softness and comfort. It's filled with polyester microfiber (i.e. down alternative) in a quilted construction to keep it evenly spread out. The low cost makes it perfect for temporary living situations (like summer camp or college dorms), and it's more compact than thick foam toppers.
This one also stands out for its stretchy sides that tuck under the mattress like a fitted sheet. It's generously sized to fit tall beds up to 21 inches high. Plus, it's fully machine washable and dryer safe.
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Anyone who just needs a simple pillowtop to upgrade their bed — especially those who don't want to spend a lot or drastically change the feel of their mattress.
TESTER NOTES: One GH staffer who bought two of these toppers for her kids said they both found it to be comfortable, while she appreciated the low cost. "It's now on one kid's bed at home and the other kid's bed at college," she noted. Plus, it has over 31,000 reviews on Amazon with an average 4.5-star rating. Online reviewers say it improved the feel of their beds and some even noted that it improved their sleep quality.
Height | Not listed |
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Fill material | Polyester |
Available sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Queen, Short Queen, King, California King, RV King |
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Pros
- Perforated foam for more airflow
- Three height choices
- Secure strap and anti-slip bottom
Cons
- Testers noticed a foam odor when new
Most mattress toppers use materials that are known for trapping heat, but this one has ventilation in the foam that makes it more breathable. The foam also contains cooling gel that's designed to pull heat away from your body. And because it's foam, you still get the benefits of pressure relief and motion isolation.
Another perk is it comes in three heights, which lets you pick the right model for your bed depending on the depth of your existing mattress. It also has adjustable straps to help get the most secure fit, along with a slip-resistant mesh material on the bottom. The foam has a medium to medium-firm feel and its cover is removable and machine washable. Plus, this pick has over 12,000 Amazon reviews.
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Hot sleepers who want the pressure relief and supportive comfort of foam, but are worried about overheating and night sweats. Its ventilation allows for more air to flow through rather than getting trapped in the foam.
TESTER NOTES: Our testers liked how it upgraded the feel of their beds and the fact that its straps helped keep it in place. While it didn't feel cool to the touch, users noticed that they didn't overheat, either. A tester of a similar Viscosoft model said, "One night I left the heat on full blast by mistake and I still didn't overheat, and that was impressive." One thing to note: Some found it to have a foam-y smell upon opening and said it took some time for the odor to dissipate.
Height | 2", 3" or 4" |
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Fill material | Memory foam |
Available sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, Short Queen, King, California King |
Pros
- Cushions to relieve pain points
- Elastic straps attach to the bed
- Available in two firmness levels
Cons
- Some testers found it to be too soft
Users of Nolah beds have told us the brand's mattresses relieve back pain, hip pain and sciatica, and this topper uses the same signature foam for superior pressure relief. It comes in two firmness levels: Luxury Firm (which is like a medium in the 5 to 7 out of 10 range) and Plush (which is a soft 3 out of 10), both of which contour to bodies.
There are also wide elastic bands at the corners that stretch to secure the topper onto your mattress, though it doesn't have a removable cover, making it spot-clean only. It also has a lower height than other foam options we recommend, so it's good for people that don't want to add too much height to their beds.
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: This one's ideal for sleepers that struggle with back or hip pain as well as side sleepers thanks to its cushioning foam that contours to pressure points. It has more of a sinking-in feel than other models, but testers said this foam offered relief to their discomfort.
TESTER NOTES: “The mattress topper added a level of comfort that was lacking in my mattress," said one tester and another added, "It made my mattress ‘new’ again." Some noted that it took a few days to get used to the feel but ultimately loved how comfortable it was. They also appreciated the height, with one noting, "It feels more premium compared to a thinner topper, but it wasn't too thick." Just note that because it's a bit softer, one tester said it was harder to turn over during the night. Also, this pick is a Good Housekeeping 2024 Bedding Awards winner!
Height | 2" |
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Fill material | Memory foam |
Available sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
Pros
- RDS-certified down is responsibly sourced
- Baffle box construction to keep fill even
- Adds softness to firm beds
Cons
- Testers said it sometimes needs fluffing
This indulgent featherbed has a two-layer design that we found adds cloud-like softness to your bed. The top layer is filled with 100% down for a fluffy feel, while the bottom layer is a down-feather blend for more support. The down has a 550 fill power, which is on par with the insulation you'd find in a fluffy down comforter or puffy winter coat.
Besides having a lofty fill, this topper stood out in our evaluations for its baffle-box construction: It has walls of fabric inside that prevent shifting and uneven spots. It also has gusseted sides to keep it taller than a typical fiberfill mattress pad, and the fill is RDS-certified to ensure the down is humanely sourced. Note that there are no straps to keep the topper secure.
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: People who find their mattress to feel too hard or want a plush surface for added comfort. It's especially useful for innerspring beds that don't already have a pillowtop or firm foam options with a flat surface.
TESTER NOTES: This topper earned rave reviews from our testers, who gave feedback like "It was so cozy and made the bed feel luxurious." Several even compared it to sleeping on a cloud. Plus, it was easy to set up on their beds and users said there was no odor from the down and feathers. The one downside: It sometimes needed fluffing to stay lofty, so it's worth giving a shake when you change your sheets.
Editor's note: This mattress topper is out of stock in most sizes on Amazon at the time of this update, but is available on all sizes on the brand's website.
Height | 3" |
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Fill materials | Down and feather blend |
Available sizes | Full, Queen, King |
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Pros
- Adds substantial support to a mattresses
- Stay-in-place straps
- 180-night trial
Cons
- Spot clean only
- Some testers said it slept a bit warm
This topper gives you the conforming feel of memory foam without feeling too cushy. It also offers good motion isolation so you're less likely to feel your sleeping partner move, and it comes with built-in straps that help it stay in place on your bed. And though it's pricier than other models, it comes with an impressive 180-day trial period so you can get a refund if it's not a good fit. Just note that it's spot clean only, meaning you can't machine wash the cover.
The brand says this topper can be used for all sleep positions — which we found to be true in our review — but notes that it's especially good for side sleepers. It also uses graphite in the foam that's designed to pull heat away from your body for a cooling feel, but testers didn't notice this effect when they tried it out.
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Anyone looking to seriously upgrade their bed without buying an entirely new mattress. It's not as plush as other foam toppers, making it especially great for people who want pressure relief without too much sinking in.
TESTER NOTES: The biggest highlights according to our testers were the pressure relief and the fact that it made their beds feel much more substantial. They also found that its straps actually worked, with one noting, "It stays put without sliding around, and I’m so impressed by it!" Another tester said, "I really felt very well supported on this mattress topper and felt like I slept more soundly and quietly." Though the brand claims it has cooling benefits, users didn't notice this and said it got just a bit warm.
Height | 3" |
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Fill material | Graphite-infused memory foam |
Available sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King |
Pros
- Variety of firmness levels available
- GOLS certified organic latex
- Testers appreciated its cool feel
Cons
- Cover sold separately
While most mattress toppers are made with synthetic, non-organic materials, this topper is certified organic by the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS). Using Dunlop latex, the mattress topper has a springy, bouncy feel for great back support. The perforated surface allows airflow throughout the topper to prevent overheating.
This topper has seven zones to properly support your head, neck, shoulders, back and hips. The brand recommends this topper for all sleeping positions because it's available in different firmness levels. Note that this topper doesn't come with a cover, which can make cleaning more challenging as you can only spot-clean the latex. You can purchase a cover from the brand for an additional cost.
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Anyone who prefers to sleep on organic bedding. This is also a great pick for someone who likes having options to choose from because this pick is available in 2", 3" and 4" heights with soft, medium, firm and extra firm firmness levels.
TESTING NOTES: Testers appreciated how well this topper improved the feel of their mattress. "My mattress was also lumpy in some areas so having the mattress topper gave it an even feel throughout the bed," said one tester. She added, "It also felt a lot cooler than my mattress by itself." Testers especially liked the feel of this topper with one saying, "I love how the mattress topper was the perfect amount of softness and plushness." She also said, "It conformed to my body no matter what position I slept in." Another tester reported, "It’s like the bed is hugging my body."
Height | 2", 3", 4" |
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Fill material | Organic latex |
Available sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King |
Others We Tested
Woolroom The Wooly Mattress Topper: Made with wool and microcoils, this high-end topper currently retails at over $700 for a Queen. Our testers were impressed by its supportive feel and said it transformed their beds without trapping heat, but ultimately we felt it was too pricey to make the shortlist.
Tuft and Needle Mattress Topper: Testers liked that this topper added a plush feel to their beds while also offering pressure relief for sounder, more comfortable sleep. But because this pick lacks straps, testers reported that it moved around and didn't stay secure on their beds.
Avocado Eco Organic Mattress Topper: This luxe topper performed well in our tests, and impressed our analysts with its quality construction and organic materials. However, it's currently out of stock.
How We Test Mattress Toppers
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we've tested 23 different mattress toppers, including memory foam, down and latex options. We start by reviewing the materials and features of each topper before calling in samples for our at-home sleep testers to try out on their own beds. After sleeping on the toppers for several weeks, each tester fills out a survey to provide in-depth feedback. Our analysts follow up with testers annually to check how the mattress toppers are holding up with extended use. Here's a look at the factors we consider:
✔️ Comfort: Users give the mattress topper a rating for how comfortable it is to lie on.
✔️ Temperature: Each reviewer notes whether or not they maintained a comfortable body temperature while sleeping on the topper.
✔️ Mattress enhancement: We review in detail if — and how — the topper changes the feel of our tester's mattress.
✔️ Sound: To ensure the toppers will be quiet and undetectable, each one is rated for whether it made noise during use.
✔️ Ease of use: Testers rate how easy (or difficult) it is to put the topper onto their beds.
✔️ Stay-in-place capabilities: The toppers are scored on whether or not they shift around on the beds during use.
✔️ Overall satisfaction: Finally, testers tell us whether they liked sleeping on the mattress topper, whether they plan to continue using it and any other helpful insights.
What to Shop for Mattress Toppers
When it comes to mattress toppers, there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for everyone. Here are the factors to consider when shopping for your most comfortable mattress topper:
- Thickness: A good topper should be at least two inches, but a thicker option will offer more support, especially if it's made of foam. People with larger frames should opt for thicker toppers for better support. If you’re just looking for a small upgrade or you don't want to make your bed too high, opt for a thinner model, which will also cost less.
- Softness: If your mattress is too firm, adding a down or fiberfill topper can offer plush comfort.
- Support: If you feel pain when you wake up, adding a foam topper can increase support, offering pressure relief around your joints.
- Temperature regulation: Most mattress toppers are made of foam, down or down alternative, all of which can trap heat. If you're concerned about overheating while you sleep, look for one with cooling features.
- Price: Though they're less expensive than a mattress, toppers are still an investment and cost more than a mattress pad. Though it's not a hard and fast rule, a good mattress topper typically costs between $200 and $300 for a Queen size.
- Care: Many mattress toppers aren't washable, especially ones made of foam. Some fiberfill toppers are machine washable but may require a large-capacity machine to fit properly. In some cases, the topper's cover may be removable and washable to help you keep it clean.
- Certifications: To make sure there are no harmful levels of off-gassing chemicals in foam materials, look for labels like CertiPUR-US. For down toppers, check for the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), which ensures the ducks and geese receive humane treatment.
Materials and Construction
The are several types of mattress toppers you can choose from. The right one for your needs depends on what you're looking for, including whether you'd like it to provide more firmness and support or you want it to soften up your bed.
- Memory foam mattress toppers: These are popular because they can add support, comfort and pressure relief to any mattress. There's also a wide range of price points in this category — you can even find some for under $100. You'll also find variations in memory foam, like ones infused with gel or graphite to help prevent overheating from the foam.
- Latex mattress toppers: Unlike memory foam made from petroleum, latex is a natural foam made from rubber trees. It's typically more expensive, but it's durable, more resilient and has more bounce than traditional foam. Latex toppers can be organic since they're made from natural materials.
- Pillowtop mattress toppers: If your bed feels too hard and you want to add cloud-like softness, a topper made of down or fiberfill is your best bet: 100% down or down featherbeds are the most luxurious and fluffiest, while fiberfill made of polyester down alternative is less expensive and animal product-free.
- Hybrid mattress toppers: These typically include a layer of foam with a pillowtop cover so you get pressure relief and support combined with plush softness. You can also find hybrids that use memory foam clusters and fiberfill in the blend — these feel more like a featherbed but with extra support.
FAQ
What's the difference between mattress toppers, pads and protectors?
- Mattress toppers are usually several inches thick and sit right on top of your mattress. The goal of a mattress topper is to make your bed more comfortable, whether by adding support or pillow top softness.
- Mattress pads aren't as thick as toppers. They also typically have five sides and go onto your bed like a fitted sheet, rather than just sitting on top. Adding a mattress pad doesn't change the feel of your bed as much as a mattress topper does, but they're typically less expensive and can often help protect your mattress from stains or spills.
- Mattress protectors are designed specifically to keep your mattress safe from accidents, dust, bedbugs and more. They don't usually have comfort enhancements. Toppers and pads can technically extend the life of your mattress by protecting it from wear and tear, but a protector is more suitable if you're just looking to keep your mattress safe. These can be five-sided (like a mattress pad) or fully encased to keep the mattress protected on all sides.
Does a mattress topper improve sleep quality?
Yes, a mattress topper can actually help you sleep better. Whether your mattress is starting to sink or sag or it's brand-new and you just don't love the feel, a topper can improve its comfort. You can layer on a mattress topper for an enhanced feel, whether you purchased an expensive model that needs an affordable upgrade or you find your bed is lacking in comfort or support. Mattress toppers can also provide a boost to an older mattress if you no longer love the feel but aren't ready to buy a new mattress.
Just note that a mattress topper isn't for everyone, especially for those who prefer a firm mattress. Most toppers add softness, pressure relief or cradling comfort, and while they're certainly supportive, they won't give you the firm feel that'd you find in an innerspring bed without a pillowtop.
How do I use a mattress topper?
As the name implies, a mattress topper sits right on top of your mattress. Some have straps that you can anchor onto your mattress, whereas others solely lie on top. If you use a mattress pad or protector to keep your mattress safe from spills or wear and tear, you can add them over your mattress topper as well.
Keep in mind, a mattress topper can add several inches to your bed's height. Make sure to buy sheets that will fit your mattress and its topper, especially if you have a tall mattress to begin with.
Why You Should Trust Us
Lexie Sachs is the executive director of strategy and operations in the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she leads testing efforts to find the best bedding, including mattress toppers. She has been testing toppers since she joined GH over 10 years ago, reviewing them in the Lab and sending them to the homes of consumer testers for more feedback. She also loves trying out mattress toppers on her own bed and swears by their ability to change the feel of any mattress.
Emma Seymour is the senior textiles product analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute. She is a bedding expert, regularly testing mattress toppers, pillows, sheets and more. She most recently updated this guide based on recent testing for Good Housekeeping's 2024 Best Bedding Awards and added new images from testing.
More Bedding Guides
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Lexie Sachs
Executive Director, Strategy & Operations
Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a lead reviewer of products in the bedding, travel, lifestyle, home furnishings and apparel spaces. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer products industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Lexie serves as an expert source both within Good Housekeeping and other media outlets, regularly appearing on national broadcast TV segments. Prior to joining GH in 2013, Lexie worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.
Expert consulted:Emma Seymour
Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Senior Analyst
Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.