Best Mattress Toppers

Mattress toppers have become the go-to bedding solution for consumers who want to enhance the comfort, support and softness of their bed without needing to purchase a new mattress. Some mattress toppers can also function as a protective layer, preventing allergens and stains from creeping into the mattress underneath and extending the lifespan of the mattress.

Mattresses that lose their cushioning support over time can be improved with a mattress topper. A bed topper is recommended if your mattress is in decent condition but has lost some of its softness and support. If the bed surface is just a little bit uneven because of some sagging, a high-density, thick topper can give you a better night’s sleep.

It’s important to note, however, that even the best mattress topper would not be able to “fix” a mattress that’s seen better days and is due for a replacement. For instance, if you can already feel coils poking your back or if the deep indentations in your 10-year-old mattress are making it harder for you to sleep comfortably, it would be best to buy a new mattress instead.

Mattress toppers come in a variety of materials, sizes and thicknesses to fit every mattress and personal preference. Here’s what you need to consider when looking for the best mattress topper that would meet your needs.

Different Types of Mattress Toppers

Mattress toppers are usually classified according to material, with each having its own set of pros and cons. There are six major types of mattress toppers:

• Memory foam – memory foam toppers conform to the shape of the body and provide good support, pain relief and motion isolation. It comes in a variety of thicknesses and densities. Memory foam mattress toppers have an initial chemical smell so it needs to be aired out before use. Memory foam tends to trap body heat however, so if you sleep hot, it’s recommended to choose a memory foam mattress that has cooling features like gel-infused memory foam.
• Latex – like memory foam toppers, latex mattress toppers also provide excellent comfort and support. Latex materials can be natural, synthetic or a combination of both. Latex is a bit more firm than memory foam but is still soft with just the right bounce, plus it’s anti-microbial and hypoallergenic (unless you’re allergic to latex), very durable and also prevents motion transmission so you won’t get woken up by the movement of your partner.
• Egg crate foam – one of the most affordable types of mattress toppers, egg crate foam toppers or convoluted toppers are also lightweight and portable. However, because they have less padding than other types, they may be less durable and would need to be replaced more often.
• Wool – wool toppers are soft, extremely durable, comfortable, are resistant to molds and dust mites and are great for regulating temperature because they don’t retain body heat. Wool mattress toppers can keep you warm in the cold months and cool during the warmer months. They may have less cushioning than memory foam and latex however, so they may not be as supportive.
• Cotton and polyester – mattress toppers made of cotton and polyester vary in terms of material blend, type of cotton and softness. They are easy to clean but may not be as durable as latex, memory foam or wool toppers. They can also become lumpy because of normal wear and tear, which may reduce support and cushioning. Fiberfill or polyester blends are good for people who would like to experience the feel of feathers but are allergic.
• Feather and down – toppers that contain feather and down are luxuriously soft, lightweight and don’t trap heat. They are more affordable than latex and memory foam but provide less support. Like feather and down pillows, they need fluffing and shaking to decompress the feathers and maintain the topper’s shape.

The kind of mattress topper to choose should depend on your needs and preferences. Think about what you need your topper to be to figure out which material would suit you best.

Most Popular Brands

It can be overwhelming when you encounter several different names when looking for the best mattress topper. Some brands are trusted more than others because their products are rated highly and provide good value for money. When shopping for a mattress topper, check out what these popular brands have to offer.

• Sleep Innovations
• Lucid
• Pangea
• Best Price
• Avocado
• Sleep Joy
• Isolus
• Sleep Better
• Super Snooze
• DreamFoam
• Pinzon
• Linenspa
• Plushbeds
• Red Nomad
• Milliard
• Zinus
• Vaunn
• Beautyrest
• Duck & Goose Co
• Royal Plush

Buying Online or Instore: Key Considerations

Where should you buy your mattress topper, online or in a retail store? Take a look at the following key considerations to help you decide.

Do you have the time to visit different stores?

If yes, then you’ll be able to see for yourself how different kinds of mattress toppers feel to help you decide which one would best suit your needs. By personally visiting stores and checking out what’s available, you will also avoid having to return the topper should it turn out not to be what you expected, which is a possibility when buying online.

If, however your schedule’s pretty tight and don’t have time to go to different stores, then you can opt for convenience and a wider availability and order your mattress topper online. All it takes is a few minutes of browsing to narrow down your search and make your purchase.

Do you need the topper right away?

If you need the mattress topper right away, then going to a store would be your best option. If you can wait, you can choose to buy online and have the item delivered in a few days.

Do you feel comfortable with negotiating with salespeople?

There are many ways to save money on a mattress topper. One of these is by negotiating the price with the salesperson or asking for freebies to go with your purchase. If you’re not comfortable with that or consider yourself bad at bargaining, you can still save money by buying online instead.

Mattress toppers sold online are usually cheaper than those in stores simply because it costs less to run an online store than a brick and mortar one. What’s more, you can also use promo codes or discount codes upon checkout for bigger savings.

Are you worried about online security?

Online shopping offers convenience, but it also comes with a risk. While many online retailers make use of secure payment software and other cybersecurity tools, there are others that don’t. If you would rather not put any personal information online, then buying offline would be best. If you are buying online, make sure the retailer offers a secure payment method.

Mattress Topper Thickness and Density

Mattress topper thickness ranges from 1 to 4 inches. How thick your mattress topper should be would depend on your weight, sleeping position, personal preferences when it comes to the firmness and softness of your bed, and the current condition of the mattress on which the topper would be placed.

For example, if you weigh less than 250 pounds, sleep on your side, want more cushioning so your shoulders and hips can sink into the mattress and your mattress is in good condition, then a mattress topper that’s 3 to 4 inches thick would be great in providing just the right support, comfort and pressure relief.

Density is also a factor when it comes to determining the level of firmness, support and comfort you can get from a mattress topper. In general, the denser the material is, the more support it provides. Materials with less density provide a softer feel. This factor is a major consideration when buying a memory foam topper.

Quality of Materials and Construction

A mattress topper is only as good as the materials it’s made from and how it was manufactured. This means that if the materials used in a mattress topper are low quality or if the workmanship is shoddy, then chances are you would be looking for and spending on a new one long before you’re supposed to.

When buying a mattress topper, make sure the manufacturer uses quality materials and that the topper has undergone strict quality control procedures. Investing in a mattress topper that’s well-made is a whole lot better not only for your wallet but your sleep quality as well.

Customer Support

Customer service may not be a factor in the quality of a mattress topper but it does affect your buying experience. When you have questions or complaints about a particular product or if you’d like to have your mattress topper replaced, a company’s customer service representative should be able to address your concerns as soon as possible.

Mattress Topper Reviews

When you do your research about the best mattress topper for your needs, make sure you also check out product reviews. Mattress topper reviews, as well as product feedback from buyers, can provide you with the details you need in terms of topper specifications, comfort and feel, pros and cons, delivery time, customer support and other details that can help you make an informed decision.

Warranties and Return/Exchange Policies

Mattress toppers come with a warranty that ranges from one to 10 years depending on the manufacturer. Mattress topper warranties offer you the peace of mind that you can be refunded or given another mattress should there be manufacturing defects or physical flaws with the item.

Some manufacturers offer customers a risk-free trial period that allows you to see if the topper you’ve just bought is really a right fit. If not, you can return the item and exchange it with another. Warranties, trial periods, as well as return and exchange policies vary from brand to brand and product to product, so make sure to check and verify what it says in the fine print.

Overall Value for Money

Many mattress toppers may have the same specifications and quality, but differ in terms of price. In this case, you should go for the topper that offers the best deal: a great product at the most reasonable price. Avoid considering the price alone – after all, the most expensive option doesn’t always mean it’s the best.

Take your time reading reviews and price comparisons to help you come up with a better idea of which mattress toppers are the best when it comes to overall value for money. Look for products that consumers love not only for their quality but their price as well.