The 8 Best Mattress Toppers

• Best cooling foam mattress topper: Molecule AirTec Mattress Topper
• Best gel foam mattress topper: Linenspa Gel-Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper
• Best memory foam mattress topper: ViscoSoft 3-Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper
• Best eggcrate mattress topper: Best Price Mattress Egg Crate Memory Foam Mattress Topper
• Best down alternative mattress topper: Pure Brands Mattress Topper and Pad Cover
• Best firm mattress topper: Sleep on Latex Pure Green 100% Natural Latex Mattress Topper, Firm
• Best mattress topper for back pain: Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Topper Supreme
• Best organic mattress topper: Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper

You’ve probably heard that your bedroom should be your sleep sanctuary, a place that’s set up for relaxation and lots of quality Zzz’s. One key to creating that space: a comfortable bed.

But don’t think you have to shell out money for a whole new mattress. Sometimes, a cozy mattress topper is all it takes to refresh your bed on a budget.

Here’s what you need to know about choosing the best mattress topper to help support a good night’s rest.

To home in on the best mattress toppers, we scoured customer reviews and checked out what users had to say about the product. We also researched the companies selling each topper to make sure they were reputable.

Finally, we considered price and included a range of options to suit any price point.

Pricing guide

Prices are based on a queen-size mattress topper unless otherwise noted. Prices will vary for other bed sizes.

• $ = under $100
• $$ = $100–$300
• $$$ = over $300

Best cooling foam mattress topper

Molecule Triple Zone Pro Mattress Topper

• Pros: Offers cooling technology, machine washable
• Cons: Foam construction, not organic materials
• Materials: Polyurethane foam
• Depth: 3 inches
• Price: $$

If you’re looking for temperature-regulating bedding, Molecule has your back (and the rest of your body). Designed to pull heat away from your body, it’s made of several layers of foam for support and airflow. The foam is made in the United States and with a process designed to reduce chemical emissions.

One reviewer writes: “The air flow is incredible, I’ve tried many things, but none can keep me as cool and comfortable as this did.”

As an added bonus, Molecule offers a 30-day trial with free shipping and returns.

Buy the Molecule Triple Zone Pro Topper online.

Best gel foam mattress topper

Linenspa Gel-Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper

• Pros: Cooling technology and memory foam
• Cons: Cover not included
• Materials: Polyurethane foam
• Depth: 2 or 3 inches
• Price: $

This topper is made with memory foam infused with gel beads designed to spread the warmth around and help prevent you from overheating. However, many reviewers say they don’t really notice a cooling effect, though they do say it’s nice and comfy.

Choose from the 2- or 3-inch-tall versions and eight different sizes ranging from twin to California king. All options contour to the body, offering cushioning in the right spots for superior sleep.

The brand also offers a 3-year warranty should you need it.

Buy the Linenspa Gel-Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper online.

Best memory foam mattress topper

ViscoSoft 3-Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper

• Pros: Removable, washable cover included
• Cons: Foam construction, not organic materials
• Materials: High-density foam
• Depth: 3 inches
• Price: $$

This mattress topper offers breathability, airflow, and even heat distribution to help prevent you from getting sweaty as you sleep. The plush foam moves with your body and offers medium firmness for decent support underneath you.

The 3 inches of memory foam also comes with a removable and washable cover that makes for easy cleaning. Some reviewers say the topper had a noticeable chemical smell when they first opened it, so you may want to allow some time for it to air out before sleeping on it.

Not happy after 60 days? You get a full refund with this brand. Plus, the company offers a 3-year warranty.

Buy the ViscoSoft 3-Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper online.

Best eggcrate mattress topper

Best Price Mattress Egg Crate Memory Foam Mattress Topper

• Pros: Breathable, scented options
• Cons: Reviewer complaints of durability
• Materials: Foam
• Depth: 2 to 4 inches
• Price: $

Not only do you get the airflow benefits of eggcrate construction with this mattress topper, but you also have lots of options to make your nightly rest peaceful.

The memory foam material comes in a thickness of 2, 3, or 4 inches. You can also buy it infused with lavender, green tea, aloe vera, charcoal, or copper. The brand claims each of these has its own benefits, from relaxation to odor absorption, but there’s not much research on infused bedding specifically.

Still, some reviewers note that the lavender-scented version helped mask any chemical smell the topper might otherwise have. The smell of lavender may also help you sleep better, according to a 2021 study.

Buy the Best Price Mattress Egg Crate Memory Foam Mattress Topper online.

Best down alternative mattress topper

Pure Brands Mattress Topper and Pad Cover

• Pros: Machine washable
• Cons: Limited product information
• Materials: Microfiber and down alternative fill
• Depth: 2 inches
• Price: $

Constructed with 100 percent microfiber fabric, this mattress pad adds a soft layer to the top of your bed. The product description doesn’t state the thickness, but one reviewer estimates it to be about 2 inches thick.

The topper ships in a vacuum-sealed pack and it’s washer-friendly, making it an easy transition from the factory to your bedroom.

To complete the list of benefits, this topper is also easy on the bank account, with even the California king size costing less than $50.

Buy the Pure Brands Mattress Topper and Pad Cover online.

Best firm mattress topper

Sleep on Latex Pure Green 100% Natural Latex Mattress Topper, Firm

• Pros: Natural materials
• Cons: Only offered in firm feel
• Materials: Natural latex
• Depth: 1 to 3 inches
• Price: $–$$

Whether you’re looking for a subtle change to your bedding or something more dramatic, choose from a 1-, 2-, or 3-inch mattress topper from Sleep on Latex. It also comes in three firmness levels, but the firm version is loved by reviewers who say their mattress was getting a little too squishy with age.

With organic natural latex harvested in Sri Lanka, you get zero synthetics or chemicals embedded in the material. The fabric is also designed to help regulate your temperature as you sleep through the night.

Buy the Sleep on Latex Pure Green 100% Natural Latex Mattress Topper, Firm online.

Best mattress topper for back pain

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Topper Supreme

• Pros: Washable cover
• Cons: Reviewer complaints of durability
• Materials: Foam
• Depth: 3 inches
• Price: $$$

The Tempur-Pedic mattress topper offers personalized support for your spine, forming to your weight and shape. Offering 3 inches of comfort, it also comes with a removable cover that you can take off and throw in the washer.

Reviewers with back pain rave about the comfort of this topper, so you can rest easy with your buy, knowing it’ll make for a softer night’s sleep.

With your purchase, you get a 10-year warranty.

Buy the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Topper Supreme online.

Best organic mattress topper

Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper

• Pros: Organic materials
• Cons: Higher price point
• Materials: Natural latex, cotton, and wool
• Depth: 2 inches
• Price: $$$

Certified organic latex and wool fill this organic cotton-covered mattress topper. This mix of materials keeps you cool, dry, and comfy.

Choose between a plush pad or one that’s more firm, as well as six options for the size of your bed.

Best yet, the brand offers a 1-year trial period, as well as a 10-year warranty, so you don’t have to worry about spending money without feeling satisfied with your purchase.

Buy the Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper online.

If you’re shopping for a mattress topper, you have tons of options. So, how do you narrow it down?

First, consider whether you want to make your current mattress firmer or softer. Also, think about whether you want a true topper, which sits on top of your bed, or a pad that wraps around it. Depending on your needs, some mattress pads may provide enough softness while also giving the added benefit of protection.

You may also want to think about the materials. Many pads are made from memory foam or latex, but you can also find ones made from other materials like down, feathers, or wool.

Once you know what you’re looking for and have narrowed it down to a few options, check out customer reviews to see what others say so you can find what works best for your bed and your wallet.

When it comes to choosing a mattress topper, one important consideration is the material. Organic materials may be important to you, but allergies to materials like down or wool could limit your options.

Foam mattress toppers offer variety for people who have allergies to certain bedding materials. Foams — especially memory foams — are also known for holding or retaining shapes and offering a different level of support.

There are many reasons and benefits to buying a mattress topper:

• Prolong the life of your mattress. Mattresses wear and tear over time, and a mattress topper could provide a protective barrier between you and your mattress to prevent harsh damage.
• Protect from staining. It’s much easier to clean a mattress topper than an entire mattress, so mattress toppers add additional protection against stains and odors on your mattress.
• Cost efficient. On average, mattress toppers cost significantly less than mattresses. When buying a mattress topper, you’re able to spend less money while still getting certain benefits that may help you sleep better.
• Provide comfort. Many mattress toppers provide certain benefits, such as cooling effects, padding, memory foam, and scents, to add an extra layer of comfort to your sleep each night.

There are certain times of the year that may be best for buying mattress toppers.

White sales, or sales on bedding and household linens, are common in January. However, retailers may offer other special sales events on these items, and November is known for Black Friday sales and savings.

What is a mattress topper?

A mattress topper is an extra layer of material that goes on top of your bed. It can be made from a number of materials, including wool, foam, or fleece. It’s designed to provide comfort while protecting your mattress.

What is the purpose of a mattress topper?

A mattress topper can help increase mattress comfort and support. It could help extend the life of your mattress by protecting it from spills, stains, odors, and wear and tear.

If you have a spring mattress, the topper can also lessen the pressure on the springs, which could also extend the life of your mattress.

Mattress toppers can also add extra comfort to your mattress. If you’re a hot sleeper, you can add a mattress topper with a cooling effect to your mattress. If you need extra or less firmness, a mattress topper could help with this too.

What types of mattress toppers are there?

There are four main types of mattress toppers. They include:

• egg crate
• latex foam
• memory foam
• fleece
• wool

How thick should my mattress topper be?

The thickness of your mattress topper is usually a matter of preference. Two inches is an average thickness, but many companies offer a variety between 1 and 3 inches.

Foam or down: Which is best?

Foam may be able to offer more responsive support, but down toppers have extra softness and contour. The choice you make can depend on preference, a desire for organic materials, or even what allergies you may have.

Does a mattress topper really help?

If you have a good mattress, you may not notice a big difference with the addition of a mattress topper. But if you have an older mattress or certain back or orthopedic concerns, a mattress topper can make a big difference in your comfort while you sleep.

When you’re looking for a comfy, cozy bed that promotes good sleep, a mattress topper will come in handy. Look for one that meets your price point and has all your must-haves. With a mattress topper, you may be able to extend the life of your mattress rather than buying a whole new one.

Mallory Creveling, a New York City-based freelance writer, has been covering health, fitness, and nutrition for more than a decade. Her work has appeared in publications like Women’s Health, Men’s Journal, Self, Runner’s World, Health, and Shape, where she previously held a staff role. She also worked as an editor at Daily Burn and Family Circle magazine. Mallory, a certified personal trainer, also works with private fitness clients in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Originally from Allentown, PA, she graduated from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.