A Mattress Topper Is The Game-Changer You Need For Better Sleep (2024)

The Saatva mattress topper was designed with a three-inch layer of memory foam that's infused with cooling graphite and topped with sweat-wicking organic cotton. So, you know it's extra breathable. The memory foam contours to your body for a comforting experience that helps you actually rest (not toss and turn) while you're sleeping.

Rave Review: "We requested this topper be sent to help the break-in period of our memory foam mattress, and it made a tremendous difference in how soft the top of the mattress felt...It's just the right thickness. "

Latex is another material that aids pressure relief, says Zwarensteyn, so it's also great for side sleepers. This one from Avocado is made with two inches of GOLS-certified organic latex and can be shopped in two different firmness levels (firm and plus) to meet your specific needs.

Rave Review: "I love this mattress topper. A few years ago I bought a firm Avocado mattress and I love that. I recently bought the soft mattress topper and combined with the firm mattress, I think it makes the perfect combination."

This high-density topper was designed with medium firmness ro support you no matter how much you toss and turn at night. It's also treated with Guardin botanical antimicrobial to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.

Rave Review: "I love this topper! I snuggle in and am so cozy at night! I don’t like firm mattresses, and while I purchased the Organic Pillow Top Saatva Mattress, it wasn’t quite soft enough for me. Adding this topper made the bed perfect! I sleep like an absolute baby and never really want to leave my bed!"

Anyone that has tried Avocado's alpaca organic mattresses will tell you that their mattress topper is just as great. If you're a sustainable shopper, you'll love that the topper is made with 100-percent organic cotton and ethically-sourced alpaca fiber that feels super comfy, too.

Rave Review: "The mattress is wonderful, but the alpaca pillow topper is what made this the perfect purchase! I actually measure my sleep with an app, and I've moved from poor/good to consistently great sleep."

Sometimes the key to comfort lies in the extra layers built into a topper. This one from Casper has a top layer that's responsive to your movement—especially great if you toss and turn. It's also made with perforated foam that pulls heat away so you don't sleep hot.

Rave Review: "I bought the twin XL for my dorm room and ABSOLUTELY loved it! I am about to order the full size for my apartment bed…100-percent recommend!"

If you've never tried a gel topper, consider this your sign. The cooling gel memory foam this topper is made with is a major plus for anyone who's a hot sleeper. It'll keep you cool and provide all the support you need for a good night's rest.

Rave Review: "This topper is amazing. I was so uncomfortable sleeping on an expensive mattress, but this really added a new element of comfort. It is like sleeping on pillows!"

Nothing is worse than being woken up in the middle of the night because you partner climbed into bed or has been tossing and turning all night. With this topper, you won't feel any of the motion transfer, so you can get your sleep in peace.

Rave Review: "Wow, where has this been all my life? I haven't had back pain since I got it. It is very comfortable. So much so that I drift off to sleep easily and quickly and wake up with no pain."

Just because you have a thick mattress doesn't mean it shouldn't be breathable. With this Redkey topper, you can get the best of both worlds. It overfilled with down alternative to make it super plush, feels soft on the skin, and doesn't trap heat.

Rave Review: "Absolutely LOVE it! It's so cushiony and relaxing. I thought for sure it'd be another one that was basically flat with no cushion, but this wasn't the case. This one is definitely as described. It's nice and thick with deep pockets to cover any type of mattress, and it has just the right amount of soft cushion."

Side sleepers need support, and this mattress topper has that covered. It's also overfilled with down alternative, making it extra thick and supportive for your hips and shoulders. At less than $100, it's also more affordable than other options on this list.

Rave review: "I love this topper! It helped with my back pain from having my baby. It’s so comfortable now that I lay down and get an amazing night's sleep."

Another great option for hot sleepers is this Drovan mattress topper. The 7D spiral fiber filling adsorbs sweat, so you can stay dry while you're busy catching Z's. It's especially helpful if you live in warmer climates or are prone to night sweats.

Rave Review: "This mattress pad is like floating on a cloud. It is soft and luxurious. When you get in bed, it makes you relax immediately. I love it!"

If you got a new mattress that's feeling extra stiff, this soft mattress topper might be just what you need to get the balance you're hoping for. It's thick, yet soft and comforting when you lay on it.

Rave Review: "This mattress topper has taken my bed to a new level. My husband has always liked softer beds, and this is perfect for him and me. My cat also enjoys it!"

There's a lot of memory foam mattress toppers out there, but this one excels at contouring to your body and it comes in two-inch or three-inch options. It's pretty plush so it's a better option if you're looking to soften up your existing option.

Rave review: "I love this foam! My guest bed's mattress is terribly hard. I bought this mattress topper, and it made a huge difference. I got the three-inch one and was scared that it wouldn't be thick enough, but I was wrong. It hugs you like a cloud. I love this topper!"

As with any kind of bedding, there are a few things to keep an eye out for if you're a side sleeper looking to throw down your wallet for a mattress topper. Here's what you should consider:

Alternatively, if your mattress is sinking a lot, that can also lead to pressure. In this case, a medium firm topper can prevent sinking while providing comfort.

Price

When buying yourself the right topper, price isn't everything. "I would say don't just focus on the price, but look at other important factors like your body weight and the kind of support and pressure relief you need," says Zwarensteyn.

Of course, if you're on a budget, you shouldn't break your bank account for a mattress topper. But aiming for a happy medium between price and quality is a good target.

Retailer reputation

There are many different places to buy a mattress topper, but it doesn't hurt to make sure they're a reputable retailer. Zwarensteyn recommends checking for customer reviews, seeing if the store sells other bedding products, or going to test them in person. You can also do some deep digging into the company's history to see if they are generally trusted by customers.

Trial and warranty

When you're spending hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of dollars, having a financial safety net is a big plus. "It gives you some comfort to know that you're not just buying something, and if it doesn't work, you're screwed," says Zwarensteyn.

Ideally, you want a minimum 30-night trial and a year-long warranty. Every retailer is different and bedding accessories tend to have shorter testing periods than mattresses, so double-check before making a purchase.

According to Zwarensteyn, medium firmness is the best place to start when buying a new mattress topper. Weight, specifically, is a factor in the decision-making process for a mattress topper because it determines how much you compress into the material, she adds.

"I wouldn't go super firm with a topper unless you have a very soft mattress so it can balance things out. If it's too soft, you're going to sink in too much and develop pressure," says Zwarensteyn.