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The 7 Best Mattress Toppers in 2024, Tested by Gear Experts

Sometimes even the best mattresses can benefit from a little something more.

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best mattress toppers
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A GOOD mattress is one of the best and priciest investments you’ll make in your life. The best mattresses are almost always worth the money, though. After all, you’ll spend about one-third of your life (if you’re lucky) on it, so it pays to invest in a mattress that’s right for you. The right firmness, comfortable thickness, a great warranty, and, hopefully, a reasonable price can help you get the sleep you deserve. But, sometimes, even the best mattresses can benefit from a little something more.

  • Nolah Mattress Topper

    Best Mattress Topper Overall

    Nolah Mattress Nolah Mattress Topper

    $249 at nolahmattress.com
    Read more
  • Down Mattress Topper

    Best Plush Mattress Topper

    Parachute Home Down Mattress Topper

    Read more
  • Organic Latex Mattress Topper

    Best Firm Mattress Topper

    Avocado Mattress Organic Latex Mattress Topper

    Read more
  • 4-Inch Active Cooling Memory Foam Mattress Topper

    Best Cooling Mattress Topper

    ViscoSoft 4-Inch Active Cooling Memory Foam Mattress Topper

    Read more
  • Pure Green Natural Latex Mattress Topper

    Best Latex Mattress Topper

    Sleep On Latex Pure Green Natural Latex Mattress Topper

    Read more

Enter: The mattress topper. These dedicated sleep surfaces add a new dimension of plushness to a too-firm mattress or even firm up a mattress that’s a little on the soft side. But, shopping for mattress toppers can be as dizzying as shopping for mattresses since you have to consider many of the same features and technologies. You'll be forced to decide between firm or soft; memory foam or not; natural or synthetic materials; and more.

If you’re ready to take your existing mattress to the next level, we’ve got you covered. For the last year, we researched dozens of models from many of the best bedding stores and brands, like Avocado, Parachute, Sleep Number, and more. We dug into all the numbers and specs (with plenty of field-testing—er, bedroom-testing—along the way), so you don't have to. Here are our top seven picks for the best mattress toppers worth buying in 2023.

Best Sleep Products for Men | Best Bedding | Best Pillows | Best Bed Sheets | Best Futon Beds

Best Mattress Topper Overall

Nolah Mattress Nolah Mattress Topper

Editor’s Choice
Nolah Mattress Topper
Best Mattress Topper Overall

Nolah Mattress Nolah Mattress Topper

Now 17% Off
$249 at nolahmattress.com
Credit: Courtesy of Retailer
Pros
  • 2 inches of proprietary Nolah AirFoam fill
  • Temperature-neutral material prevents overheating
  • Fits 10”-15” mattresses with corner elastic bands
  • Soft, breathable, organic cotton cover
  • Available in Plush or Luxury Firm
  • CertiPUR-US certified
  • Free FedEx shipping
  • 10-year warranty
  • Made in the USA
Cons
  • No free return shipping

Nolah Mattress’ Mattress Topper is our hands-down pick for this year’s best overall mattress topper. In every bed size from Twin to King, it features two inches of the company’s proprietary AirFoam cushioning. This awesome fill material offers more pressure relief, is more durable, and, perhaps most importantly, is temperature neutral. Plus, it dissipates heat 20% faster than old-school memory foam, so you never have to worry about overheating in the night.

It comes wrapped in an organic cotton cover that’s soft and breathable. The fact that it’s removable makes cleaning and maintaining this mattress topper a breeze. It’s also available in both Plush and Luxury Firmnesses, so you can choose the level of comfort that’s right for you. The best part? It starts at just $249 with free FedEx delivery. Honestly, there’s not much we don’t like about this mattress topper and, in fact, it’d probably be worth it at twice the price.

What do buyers say? “The best way to describe the feel of it when I crawl in bed is like a lovely, perfectly firm marshmallow … but with support,” said one NolahMattress.com reviewer.

FillProprietary Nolah AirFoam
Thickness2 inches
In-home trialNone
CleaningRemovable cotton cover
Best Plush Mattress Topper

Parachute Home Down Mattress Topper

Down Mattress Topper
Best Plush Mattress Topper

Parachute Home Down Mattress Topper

Credit: Courtesy of Retailer
Pros
  • Three-inch gusset height
  • Premium white down with 550-fill-power
  • Dual-chamber construction
  • Three-dimensional baffle box stitching to maintain even distribution
  • Soft 100 % sateen cotton shell
  • Free shipping and free returns
  • May be available for in-store pickup
Cons
  • Dry clean only

If you’re looking to add serious softness to your existing mattress, there’s no better material than legit down. Parachute’s Down Mattress Topper features a three-inch gusset height with 550-fill-power of premium European white down. Since that fill can shift over time, the company adds a dual-chamber construction with three-dimensional baffle box stitching to ensure all that plush down stays exactly where it’s supposed to. It’s all wrapped in a 100% sateen cotton shell.

Given the premium design, it’s surprisingly well priced, starting at just $289 (twin) delivered. That price includes free carbon-neutral shipping and free return shipping, if you need it. (For a hypoallergenic alternative, we suggest Parachute’s Down Alternative Mattress Topper.) Our only real quibble is the fact it requires dry cleaning, although that’s typical of most genuine down-filled products.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 400 ParachuteHome.com reviews, 78% recommend the Parachute Down Mattress Topper with at least a 4-star rating.

Read more: Best Sheets

FillPremium European white down
Thickness3 inches
In-home trialNone, but does offer free return shipping
CleaningDry clean only
Best Firm Mattress Topper

Avocado Mattress Organic Latex Mattress Topper

Editor’s Choice
Organic Latex Mattress Topper
Best Firm Mattress Topper

Avocado Mattress Organic Latex Mattress Topper

Credit: Courtesy of Retailer
Pros
  • 2 inches of 100% GOLS organic certified latex
  • Blended with wool for better temperature and moisture regulation
  • No petroleum-based foams or unnecessary chemicals
  • 100% organic cotton cover
  • Generous 1-year in-home trial
  • Handmade in the USA
  • 10-year warranty
Cons
  • Pricey

Of course, not everyone wants to make their mattress even softer. If you’re looking to firm up your existing sleep surface, Avocado’s Organic Latex Mattress Topper is your man (and it is available in Plush if you are looking to go softer). Natural latex is superior in every way to traditional memory foam products by offering better temperature control, durability, and resilience. By adding organic wool to the mix, this mattress topper adds even better temperature and moisture regulation, plus it’s naturally resistant to mites, microbes, and fire. It’s all wrapped in a buttery soft, 100% organic cotton cover.

At roughly $650 (for a queen), it’s among the priciest mattress toppers on the market. But, we’ve long been fans of Avocado’s no-compromises approach to every one of its products. This particular topper is GREENGUARD Gold Certified, meaning it’s made without petroleum products or unnecessary chemical additives or retardants. If you want something that’s remarkably well-made with a generous trial and return policy (including free return shipping), we highly recommend this as the best firm mattress topper.

What do buyers say? “Best thing I've ever purchased for my bed … I highly recommend the Avocado topper. It's definitely made a difference for me,” said one AvocadoGreenMattress.com reviewer.

Read more: Best Pillows for Sleeping

FillGOLS organic certified latex and GOTS organic certified wool
Thickness2 inches
In-home trial1-year trial (with 30-day minimum)
CleaningSpot-clean cover only
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Best Cooling Mattress Topper

ViscoSoft 4-Inch Active Cooling Memory Foam Mattress Topper

4-Inch Active Cooling Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Best Cooling Mattress Topper

ViscoSoft 4-Inch Active Cooling Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Credit: Courtesy of Retailer
Pros
  • 4 inches of cooling memory foam
  • Regulates temperature and sweat well
  • Infusion of copper makes it antimicrobial
  • Helps minimize motion transfer
  • Decent 60-day in-home trial
  • Good price
  • Free shipping and free returns
Cons
  • Cover can be hard to put on

Some of us naturally sleep too hot and, if you happen to have a traditional memory foam mattress, that can only make things worse. This mattress topper from ViscoSoft can help. It’s made with four inches of active cooling memory foam to regulate your temperature and sweat throughout the night. With an infusion of copper, it’s even better at dissipating heat, while also being naturally antimicrobial. The design also minimizes motion transfer and can help eliminate it altogether, depending on your existing mattress.

Most Amazon buyer reviews are overwhelmingly positive, although some buyers note how difficult the cover can be to put on, especially for one person. Upside: That just makes for a better, snugger fit. Still, for a four-inch thick mattress topper with active cooling technology at a relatively good price (roughly $300 for a queen at the time of this writing), we think it’s well worth it.

What do buyers say? “The topper is as cool as described. I have not awakened sweaty or even damp since the first night … In years!” said one Amazon reviewer.

Read more: Best Futon Beds

FillCopper-infused cooling memory foam
Thickness4 inches
In-home trial60 days with free returns
CleaningRemovable, machine-washable cotton cover
Best Latex Mattress Topper

Sleep On Latex Pure Green Natural Latex Mattress Topper

Pure Green Natural Latex Mattress Topper
Best Latex Mattress Topper

Sleep On Latex Pure Green Natural Latex Mattress Topper

Credit: Courtesy of Retailer
Pros
  • Made from latex harvested from organically grown rubber trees
  • Naturally temperature-regulating
  • Available in 1- to 3-inch thicknesses
  • Good price with free shipping
  • Free returns
Cons
  • Cover sold separately (additional $65)
  • A little heavy (3-inch queen weighs 34 pounds)

Like we said, latex is superior to traditional memory foam in almost every way. If you’re looking to upgrade your existing mattress, this topper from Sleep on Latex is a great option. It’s made from all-natural latex harvested from organically grown rubber trees, and can be ordered in either 1-inch, 2-inch, or 3-inch thicknesses, so you can dial in your exact level of comfort. The firmness is plush with a reasonable degree of support, so you don’t feel like you’re sinking into the bed. Bonus: This also helps this mattress topper isolate motion transfer between you and your sleeping partner(s), too.

It’s well priced at $250 (for a queen) with free shipping, plus it includes free returns if purchased through Amazon. Curiously, however, the removable cover is sold separately for an additional $65. Because the latex mattress topper is itself not machine-washable, the cover is practically required if you plan to keep up with cleaning on a regular basis. Still, this topper is a great value, especially considering its premium latex construction.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 5,900 Amazon reviews, 86% recommend the Sleep on Latex Pure Green Natural Latex Mattress Topper with at least a 4-star rating.

Read more: Best Furniture Brands

FillGOLS Certified Organic latex
Thickness1-3 inches
In-home trialNo, but free 30-day returns
CleaningOptional machine-washable cotton cover
Best Luxury Mattress Topper

Sleep Number DualTemp Individual Layer Mattress Topper

On Sale
DualTemp Individual Layer Mattress Topper
Best Luxury Mattress Topper

Sleep Number DualTemp Individual Layer Mattress Topper

Now 10% Off
Credit: Courtesy of Retailer
Pros
  • Allows for sleeping up to 35% cooler or warmer
  • Universal design works on either side of the mattress
  • With two half-sized toppers, each sleeper can set their own temperature
  • Included remote control w/ built-in timer
  • Works with any mattress
  • Installs in minutes
  • 100-night in-home trial
Cons
  • Very pricey
  • Requires two toppers to cover an entire bed

Sleep Number is well-known for taking “ordinary” products and elevating them to “luxury” status. The DualTemp Individual Layer Mattress Topper is no exception. It’s a unique, powered solution that sits atop your mattress and installs in minutes like a traditional mattress topper. But, this model is about controlling your mattress’ temperature, rather than its firmness. Using the included remote control, sleepers can dial in more warmth or more cool, based on how they prefer to sleep. With two half-sized toppers, each sleeper is able to dial in their own personal temperature setting.

On the downside, it’s extremely pricey. At $1,000 for a queen (more for King and Cal King sizes), it’s easily the most expensive mattress topper we’ve seen in a while, and you’ll need to buy two to cover a whole bed. But, for couples whose sleep temperatures vary dramatically, this might just save their relationship. Plus, you can rest a little easier knowing that that sky-high price tag includes a 100-night, no-questions-asked in-home trial. So, if it doesn’t work for you, you can always send it back. (Even if your partner is probably going to want to keep theirs ...)

What do buyers say? Out of more than 2,500 SleepNumber.com reviews, 88% recommend the Sleep Number DualTemp Individual Layer Mattress Topper with at least a 4-star rating.

In-home trial100 nights
CleaningSpot-clean only
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Best Value Mattress Topper

Linenspa 3-Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Best Seller
3-Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Best Value Mattress Topper

Linenspa 3-Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Credit: Courtesy of Retailer
Pros
  • Extremely plush design
  • Temperature-regulating foam gel beads
  • 2- and 3-inch thicknesses available
  • Great price with free shipping
  • Available in specialty sizes
  • Even cheaper without the optional cover
Cons
  • Non-eco-friendly materials

Of course, dropping a few hundred dollars more on top of an already pricey mattress might not be in-budget for many of us "normal" folk. This topper from Linenspa is the best value mattress topper we’ve seen all year. The three-inch thick (a two-inch model is available for even less) memory foam is a great, affordable way to make a too-firm mattress much, much softer. The polyurethane memory foam gel beads are among the softest fill material for mattress toppers on the market. It conforms easily to your body, while eliminating pressure points and neck pain.

We also love that the included machine-washable topper cover ensures this model is super easy to clean. It’s a best-seller on Amazon with more than 100,000 overwhelmingly positive reviews. Given the ultra-affordable price (around $120 for a 3-inch queen with the removable cover), it’s easy to see why. As a bonus, this is one of the only mattress topper models we’ve seen that’s available in specialty sizes like Short Queen, Full XL, and RV Queen.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 100,000 Amazon reviews, 88% recommend the Linenspa 3 Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper with at least a 4-star rating.

FillPolyurethane Memory Foam Gel Beads
Thickness2-3 inches
In-home trialNo, but free 30-day returns
CleaningMachine-washable topper cover

Mattress Toppers vs. Mattress Pads vs. Mattress Protectors: What’s the Difference?

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These days, shopping for bedding is almost as complicated as shopping for a new car. There are a whole lot of buzzwords and technologies and acronyms and—the list goes on—to wade through. And shopping for something else to put on top of your mattress doesn’t make things easier. Here’s the low-down on the differences between mattress toppers, mattress pads, and mattress protectors.

Mattress Toppers

Mattress toppers (the reason you’re reading this post) are typically a few inches thick. As the name implies, they’re designed to sit atop your mattress with the goal of making it more comfortable. That could be either making it firmer or plusher.

Mattress Pads

Rather than just resting atop your mattress, mattress pads fit snugger and more like a fitted sheet over your mattress. They’re not as luxurious and don’t add the same premium level of comfort as a legit mattress topper. But, they are significantly cheaper. So, if budget is your primary concern, you may want to try a mattress pad first, then consider whether you need to upgrade to a topper.

Mattress Protector

A mattress protector acts as a barrier to protect against spills, dust, bedbugs, pet accidents, and more. It’s a small investment that can actually extend your mattress's life by fending off premature wear and tear. If you have kids, pets, or love to snack on red wine and chocolate cake in bed on the regular, we highly recommend getting an affordable mattress protector to protect your pricey mattress investment.

Do I Really Need a Mattress Topper? Will It Help?

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Only you can know for sure. But trust us when we say that quality mattress toppers—especially the best mattress toppers—can absolutely help you sleep better. If you’re looking to soften or firm up your existing mattress (and it’s in reasonably good shape), it’s a great way to enhance your sleep surface without investing hundreds or thousands in a brand-new mattress. If you're not convinced, be sure to shop toppers with free in-home trials or generous return policies.

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How Does a Mattress Topper Work?

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Some mattress toppers simply rest on top of your existing mattress. Your fitted sheet then goes over both the topper and the mattress together to hold them both in place. The best mattress toppers add straps to anchor them to your mattress for a better, firmer fit. Keep in mind that you can also use any combination of a mattress topper, a pad, and a protector to get the benefits of more than one at a time. Just remember that all of these add height to your bedding setup, so be sure your sheets are designed to accommodate everything.

The Benefits of a Mattress Topper

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Even the best mattresses deteriorate over time. On a superficial level, the surfaces can start to fray or wear through. Despite your best intentions, they may develop stains. More importantly, they can lose their support and start to sag, causing joint pain and throwing your neck and back out of alignment while you sleep. A topper isn’t a magic bullet, but it can certainly help most mattresses—even the best mattresses for back pain—feel more comfortable and even last longer. Here are a few other benefits the best mattress toppers can provide:

Mattress Protection

Mattress toppers can both protect and improve your current mattress. While you may not want to rely solely on your (perhaps pricey) topper to do most of the protecting that a dedicated and more cost-effective mattress protector can, it’s still a nice peace of mind to protect against spills, pet accidents, and clumsy kids (or adults).

Improved Cooling

If your current mattress is prone to trapping heat and causing you to “sleep hot,” a mattress topper with built-in cooling technology may help you sleep cooler and more comfortably. For the best cooling mattress toppers, look to natural wool, open-cell foam, and even ventilated latex.

Better Motion Isolation

If you and your partner frequently wake each other while moving around in or getting out of bed, you could benefit from a surface with better motion isolation. This is an especially common problem on traditional innerspring and hybrid mattresses. Consider mattress toppers made with memory foam, latex, polyfoam, or a combination of all three to help isolate your body’s movements.

More Affordable

Mattresses—especially the best mattresses—are expensive. A mattress topper can be a great way to breathe new life into an old mattress or even a new mattress that just isn’t as comfy as you’d like. Even a fancy premium topper typically costs a fraction of the price of a comparable quality new mattress.

How to Shop for the Best Mattress Topper (for You)

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Shopping for a mattress can be difficult, confusing, and one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your adult life—especially if you splurge on a flagship brand name model that costs almost as much as a used Toyota Corolla. Shopping for a decent mattress topper can be every bit as challenging. It requires you to compare all the same things you would when shopping for an actual mattress, including firmness, size, thickness, fill, materials, warranty, and, of course, price. Save yourself the headache and focus on the most important considerations when shopping for the best mattress topper:

Material and Firmness

The material of every mattress topper largely dictates its firmness. Memory foam is typically softest, along with down-feather mattress toppers—both of which are typically the most expensive. Fiber-filled mattress toppers are soft as well, but significantly cheaper. Latex is usually a good option if you’re looking to firm up a too-soft mattress. As a general rule, stomach sleepers should go with a firmer topper, side sleepers will likely want something softer, and back sleepers do best with something in-between.

Thickness

Any mattress topper worth buying should be two inches thick a minimum. Any less, and it's more like a mattress pad and you're unlikely to see the same benefit from it. Some mattress toppers offer up to three or even four inches of additional cushion. How thick your mattress topper should be is entirely up to you and your preferred sleep style.

Softness and Support

A too-firm or too-soft mattress can actually make your aches and pains worse. Adding a foam mattress topper can increase firmness to relive pressure around your joints, neck, and back.

Temperature Regulation

Introducing a new mattress topper to your sleep setup means you'll be sleeping on an entirely new surface. Memory foam is notorious for trapping body heat and moisture. Opt for a mattress topper with built-in, temperature-regulating fabrics and technology to ensure you stay cool, dry, and comfortable throughout the night.

Industry Certifications

Cheap memory foam can also off-gas (a process that emits harmful or toxic chemicals into your bedroom). Look for mattress toppers labeled as CertiPUR-US—the industry-standard for the cleanest, healthiest foam products. If you're shopping genuine down mattress toppers, consider those labeled as RDS. Responsible Down Standard ensures that geese and ducks used in the manufacturing process were treated ethically and humanely.

Cleaning

Mattress toppers don’t require the same frequency of washes that, say, your sheet set does. Still, they should be cleaned at least seasonally. Consider how easy (or not) the models you’re shopping are to clean. Some have removable covers, making the job of cleaning them at home much easier. Others are entirely machine-washable, but whether you can actually fit them in your washer at home is another matter. Having to take your new mattress topper to the laundromat or dry cleaner every time you want it cleaned could get pricey and inconvenient over time.

In-home Trial

The only way to know for sure if a new mattress topper is right for you is to sleep on it at home atop your own mattress. Thankfully, most bedding companies nowadays offer some form of in-home trial. The best mattress topper brands offer at least 100 nights to try your new topper at home. Consider any return policies as well. Some companies provide free shipping and free return shipping, while others might require that you pay the shipping costs for any returns.

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    How We Selected the Best Mattress Toppers

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    Our sleep-obsessed editors and writers researched dozens of top-selling mattress toppers from the most respected sleep brands and online etrailers. We carefully considered every feature and spec, including materials used, thickness, density, durability, in-home trials, warranties, convenience to clean, and, of course, price. Every model in our list had at least 75% positive reviews with at least 200 buyer ratings. This roundup represents our top seven picks for the best of the best mattress toppers worth considering in 2023.

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