A good night’s sleep is very near the top of my list for most important things in life. Trust me, if I’ve been tossing and turning all night you do not want to cross my path the next morning! I can’t always control the things that interfere with my sleep, but I can assure you that I will go to great lengths to make sure I have the softest and most comfortable surface to sleep on.
Unfortunately, it is insane how much it costs to purchase a comfortable mattress these days! I’ve literally spent days wandering around my local mattress stores trying out all of the different options only to walk away disappointed that I couldn’t afford the bed that I really want. I usually end up settling for a product that is relatively comfortable and much more affordable.
For years I tried adding extra sheets and blankets to my bed to make it more comfortable, but it never really helped all that much. It wasn’t until I stayed in my girlfriend’s guest bedroom one night that my entire understanding of comfortable sleep surfaces changed forever. Believe me, it was like the gates of sleep surface heaven opened up and I was suddenly enlightened!
The sleep that I got that night was so good that I can’t even remember why I stayed over! One of the first things I did when I woke up was make fun of my girlfriend for spending loads of money on a high end mattress for her guest bedroom. I mean, who the heck places their premium mattress in the guest bedroom!
After about 10 minutes of solid laughter she finally got around to telling me that I had just slept on the cheap mattress she had used in her master bedroom for over 5 years! Turns out, a good memory foam and down alternative topper can make a cheap hotel mattress feel like one you would find in a five-star luxury resort.
My mind was literally blown and I can assure you that the first thing I did when I got home was hop on the old Internet to find out more about the magical powers of mattress toppers. I spent hours trying to figure out which would be the best bed topper for me and thought I should publish what I found so that you can spend less time searching and more time sleeping.
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Top PickLinenspa 2″ Gel/Memory Foam Topper Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper The Linenspa 2 Inch Topper is an affordable medium thickness product that works well for the average adult. If your sleep surface is too hard and you want a layer of plush then you should take a look at this topper. If you like a hard surface then you should avoid foam toppers altogether. Click here for additional product details » |
Linenspa 2 Inch Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper
| PRODUCT SPECS | |
|---|---|
| THICKNESS | 2 Inches |
| MATERIAL | Memory Foam |
| COOLING | Gel |
| VENTILATION | No |
| WEIGHT | 10 Pounds |
Memory foam mattress toppers are a great way to increase the softness of your sleeping surface if you find that your bed is too hard. Linenspa offers several different types of memory foam toppers ranging in thickness from 2 – 4 inches. The 2 inch topper works well for me because it adds just the right amount of plush. The 3 and 4 inch options are comfortable, but I find that they are too soft and the contouring of the foam on a thick topper will often cause me to sleep warm even if it has been infused with cooling gel. I still like the fact that so many options are made available because it allows each individual to tailor the sleeping surface to their own unique needs.
This topper has been infused with cooling gel that will reduce the amount of heat that is trapped by the memory foam. That being said, if you have a tendency to sleep warm even on a hard surface then you should probably avoid memory foam toppers. If you want to enhance your bed’s softness or you’re looking for the best mattress topper for back pain and you sleep hot then you might want to think about starting with the thinner 1 or 2 inch products. Another thing that I really like about this topper is that it only weighs about 10 pounds which makes it really easy for me maneuver it around if I need to. If you do encounter any issues with the topper be sure to reach out to Linenspa as they do provide a 3 year warranty.
When is it time to consider getting a mattress topper?
When you stop and think about how much time the average person spends in their bed and the effect on your day a poor night’s sleep can have, it boggles the mind that we don’t put more effort into optimizing our sleep surface. I mean, most of us will spend close to 1/3 of our entire lives sleeping on our beds for crying out loud!
I understand that some people can afford to drop thousands of dollars on a high end mattress that you know has umpteen layers of specialized supportive material and was carefully crafted by magical elves in a far away kingdom known as Slumberville, but I ain’t one of them. I’m stuck here in Realityville with the same old mattress that I’ve been using for the past 8 years wondering what I can do to get rid of these back aches and feel more rested during the day.
Fortunately, I discovered the miracle of mattress toppers and I have never slept better. If you’re like me and you’ve spent years tossing and turning in your bed trying to get comfortable then it might be time to think about adding a mattress topper to your bed.
Those of you who enjoy sleeping on concrete floors can stop reading now! Mattress toppers were created to provide an extra layer of support to those of us who enjoy sleeping on a soft cloud-like surface. If your partner is the type that won’t let you soften up the bed because he likes a firm surface then maybe it’s time to point out that the floor is plenty firm cause momma need some shut eye!
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Popular Pick
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Sleep Innovations Memory Foam 4-inch Dual Layer Mattress Topper
| PRODUCT SPECS | |
|---|---|
| THICKNESS | 4 Inches |
| MATERIAL | Memory Foam |
| COOLING | Gel |
| VENTILATION | No |
| WEIGHT | 15 Pounds |
Memory foam is typically the foundation upon which a more comfortable sleeping surface is built, but for some of us foam simply isn’t soft enough. This is where quilted down alternative toppers come into play. I’ve been called a princess way more times than I can count because of my dual layer setup, but I could care less because I’ve been enjoying the best sleep of my life. Sleep Innovations has combined 2 Inches of the best cooling gel memory foam mattress topper with 2 Inches of hypoallergenic fiber fill to create one of the softest surfaces that I’ve ever slept on and I’m including all of those fancy pants high end mattresses you will find at your local mattress store. I believe the combo makes this the best mattress topper for side sleepers as well because you get extra softness without the sinking.
If you like sleeping on fluffy clouds then you’re probably going to really enjoy this combination. Like most of the other memory foam toppers available, this one has a cooling gel infused into it so that excess heat is drawn away from the body and you don’t wake up in an Olympic-size pool of sweat. Yes, I know how great your backstroke is but if you’re like me you cannot get quality sleep on an overly hot surface. While this product does conveniently include both a foam and quilted topper you could always buy the two items separately if there are other brands that you like better or you want a different thickness. Sleep Innovations also offers you a 10-year warranty in case you encounter issues along the way.
Features to think about when searching for the best mattress topper
Material
Memory foam and down alternatives are, by far, the most common materials used to manufacture the mattress toppers being used today. In many cases, a cooling gel has been infused into the foam so that excess heat is drawn away from the body. Most people appreciate this feature because memory foam contours to the body and can trap heat making the sleep experience very uncomfortable.
The memory foam itself is typically a polyurethane material that can have a range of densities. A foam with higher density will usually last longer than a foam with lower density. When you lay on the foam it reacts to your weight and heat to conform to your body. This will often relieve the pressure points and create a more comfortable sleep surface. The foam will return to its original shape once the weight and heat is removed.
Down alternative toppers are very different from foam toppers because they are designed to provide a soft pillow-like surface rather than support pressure points. They are basically large comforters with a fiber filling. Special quilted stitching is typically used to ensure that the fiber filling distribution remains even with use. They work great if you are just wanting to make your bed softer or in combination with a memory foam topper if the foam isn’t soft enough for you.
Latex is another material that is sometimes used to manufacture mattress toppers. Latex toppers are generally more expensive and heavier than memory foam, but they might offer benefits that appeal to you. For one, they are supposed to provide more consistent support throughout the night without the sinking feeling that you may experience with memory foam. They’re also more durable than memory foam and are said to trap less heat. If you like the support that memory foam provides but can’t handle the warmth that is generated then a latex topper might be your best option.
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Popular Pick
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Pure Green 100% Natural Latex Mattress Topper
| PRODUCT SPECS | |
|---|---|
| THICKNESS | 2 Inches |
| MATERIAL | Latex |
| COOLING | Natural |
| VENTILATION | Open-celled |
| WEIGHT | 25 Pounds |
We’re all familiar with the use of latex to make everyday items such as rubber gloves and condoms, but who the heck knew it could be used to make mattress toppers! A latex topper seems to solve some of the major issues that I have encountered with memory foam; namely, the fact that it gradually sinks a bit during the night and tends to trap body heat. The latex topper doesn’t react as much to heat which means that it can deliver a level of support that is more consistent throughout the night. Latex also creates the best firm mattress topper for back pain and individuals who have medical issues that cannot tolerate the contouring effect of memory foam.
If I had a tendency to sleep hot then I think I would also be one of the people trying the latex topper as opposed to memory foam. They say that the latex doesn’t retain heat like memory foam and creates a much cooler sleep surface without the need for cooling gel. I have noticed that there aren’t nearly as many toppers made of latex on the market and those that are available tend to be more expensive than memory foam, but they also claim that a latex topper is more durable and will last much longer so that alone might be enough to justify the additional cost. If you have a latex allergy then you may want to stay away from this type of topper or at least consult a medical professional who can determine if this is something to avoid.
Thickness
Most mattress toppers are manufactured in 1, 2, 3, and 4-Inch thicknesses. There is no one-size-fits-all thickness and you will need to carefully consider your own needs before selecting an appropriate product. The main thing that you should think about when selecting the thickness is how much softer you would like your bed to be. A thin topper will have a small impact on the sleep surface while a thick topper will have a much larger impact. Thicker toppers will also create more of a sinking in feeling and might retain more heat.
The most popular thicknesses are the 2 and 3-Inch options because they create a meaningful amount of softness without swallowing you up or making you feel like you are sleeping in a sauna. They also don’t weigh as much as thick toppers which makes them easier to handle and they tend to be cheaper than the thicker toppers.
Temperature
This is a biggie for a lot of people! It can be a real challenge to create a soft sleeping surface that remains cool throughout the night. If you like sleeping on a firm surface then heat isn’t usually as much of an issue since you don’t need all of the memory foam and down alternative that tends to trap heat. While many of the toppers sold today are infused with a cooling gel designed to draw heat away from the body, they can still become fairly warm during the night if they have a thickness of more than 2-Inches.
Most of the people I know who sleep hot have to settle for a 1 or 2-Inch foam topper that has cooling gel in it. These create enough softness for them to enjoy a good night’s sleep, but don’t become so warm that they wake the person up. If you absolutely require more than 2-Inches of thickness then you might want to consider getting a latex topper since they retain less heat and allow more air flow than a memory foam topper.
Density
The memory foam commonly used in mattresses, pillows, and mattress toppers can have a wide range of densities usually falling somewhere in the range of 1 – 6 lb/cubic ft. As would be expected, the higher you go on the density scale the heavier the mattress topper becomes. Density is important because it affects the amount of support that a topper can provide. A low density foam will experience more compression when you lay on it which might make you feel like you are sinking into the bed or topper. Heat retention is also usually higher with low density foam which can make for a very uncomfortable sleep surface if you tend to sleep hot.
High density foam doesn’t compress as much and will deliver more support while retaining less heat. If you like a soft sleep surface, but tend to sleep hot then you might want to consider getting a high density topper that is 3 or more inches thick. Latex toppers are also a great alternative to low density memory foam because they have a high density and don’t compress as much as foam when exposed to heat.
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Popular Pick
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ViscoSoft 3 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
| PRODUCT SPECS | |
|---|---|
| THICKNESS | 3 Inches |
| MATERIAL | Memory Foam |
| COOLING | Gel |
| VENTILATION | Holes |
| WEIGHT | 32 Pounds |
This topper is more expensive than other 3 Inch options out there because it’s constructed using a higher density foam. In fact, it’s almost the same density as many of the latex toppers being sold. The density of the foam affects the amount of support that it can deliver. If you’ve ever slept on memory foam and felt like you were sinking into the mattress or topper then you were likely sleeping on a lower density foam. Lower density foams condense more in response to heat and weight. This might make the bed uncomfortable for some people and can greatly increase the amount of heat that is retained. The ViscoSoft topper won’t make you feel like you’re sinking as much and will maintain a cooler temperature throughout the night all of which could make this the best bed topper for back pain.
Another important fact about higher density toppers is that they tend to be more durable than lower density alternatives. This alone may be enough to justify the higher price tag since you won’t need to buy a new topper nearly as often. Like latex toppers, the ViscoSoft topper is heavier than lower density foam which might make it more difficult to maneuver. If product weight is an issue for you then you may want to select a lower density option.
FAQ
Q. What is a mattress topper?
A. A mattress topper is an extra layer of cushioning that can be placed on top of your mattress to change the amount of softness, firmness, support, or comfort of the sleep surface. Toppers are usually made out of memory foam, latex foam, or down alternative fiber. The benefits associated with the use of mattress toppers include more restful sleep, pressure point relief, temperature modifications, and motion isolation.
Q. What is a mattress pad?
A. A mattress pad is a cover that is placed over your mattress to protect it from stains. Some pads are very thin and primarily designed to protect the mattress while others include a fiber filling that might improve softness a bit. Unlike toppers, pads aren’t made of foam and aren’t meant to deliver additional support or enhance the sleep experience to an appreciable degree.
Q. Which is the best side to sleep on?
A. Most sleep experts recommend that you try to sleep on your back if you don’t have issues with snoring. This is because sleeping on your back helps maintain neutral musculoskeletal alignment which puts less stress on joints and nerves. Sleeping on your back can also help reduce acid reflux. The next best position is on your side especially if you have a tendency to snore. Some say that sleeping on your right side is better than sleeping on your left side. Sleeping on your stomach is generally believed to be the worst position due to the pressure that is placed on muscles, joints, and nerves.
Q. What is memory foam?
A. Memory foam is a polyurethane material that is used in pillows, mattresses, and mattress toppers. It reacts to weight and body heat by contouring to your body and returning to its original shape when the weight and heat is removed. This quality makes memory foam very useful for sleep surfaces because it softens the bed, helps relieve pressure points, and allows for increased air circulation. Higher density foam is heavier, provides more support, and is more durable while lower density foam is lighter, provides less support, and doesn’t last as long.
Q. How is memory foam made?
A. Memory foam is made by combining a few different chemical compounds derived from either crude or natural oil. The chemicals react to create a continuous line of foam which is then cut into blocks and cured for several hours. The foam is then cut into many different shapes and put to use in consumer products. I have posted a very interesting video below that shows this process in action…
A. Memory foam mattresses increase the softness of your bed and provide varying degrees of support to muscles, joints, and nerves. If you like sleeping on a soft surface or you require some level of pressure point relief then you will likely benefit from a memory foam mattress. If you prefer a firm sleep surface then you should probably avoid foam altogether because it will effectively make your bed softer. If your partner likes a soft surface while you prefer a firm surface then you might need to compromise on a thin memory foam topper or one that has been made with denser foam.
Q. Are memory foam mattresses hot?
A. Memory foam mattresses do have a propensity to trap heat as they contour to your body. Lower density and thicker foam will trap more heat while higher density and thinner foam will trap less heat. If you tend to sleep hot then you should try to get a thinner and denser topper or check out one of the latex toppers since they do not contour as much as memory foam and will trap less heat.
Q. Is memory foam safe?
A. Over the years there have been legitimate concerns about how polyurethane foam is manufactured as well as the impact certain chemicals used in the production process might have on human health and the environment. Fortunately, there are now organizations that inspect and certify the safety of foam being used in many consumer products.
CertiPUR-US certification is one of the most common ways for you to determine if the foam being used in a particular product has met rigorous quality standards. They make sure that the foam is…
Made without ozone depleters
Made without PBDEs, TDCPP or TCEP (“Tris”) flame retardants
Made without mercury, lead, and heavy metals
Made without formaldehyde
Made without phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission
Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emissions for indoor air quality (less than 0.5 ppm)
To ensure that the foam product you are buying is safe you can look for the CertiPUR logo, ask the seller if the product has been certified, or contact CertiPUR directly to confirm that the foam has been certified. You can also contact CertiPUR or check out their website if you are looking for more detailed answers to common questions such as “Is memory foam toxic?”, “Is polyurethane foam safe?”, or “Is polyurethane foam toxic?”
Additional certifications that you might come across could include Greenguard, GOLS, Cradle to Cradle, Eco-Institut, and Oeko-Tex. If you see these it’s a good sign that the memory foam that you are thinking about purchasing has met common health standards in the industry.
Q. What is off gassing?
A. Off gassing is simply the release of a gas that was trapped or absorbed by a product during chemical reactions that occurred as part of the manufacturing process. Most consumer products release some form of gas for a period of time without harming your health. Off gassing becomes a concern when certain gasses are released in a closed environment such as a home. This is why companies like CertiPUR test polyurethane foam for formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOC).
Q. How long does polyurethane off gas?
A. If you’ve ever purchased a mattress or topper that came packaged in a bag or box then you probably noticed a chemical smell when you opened it up. This is the result of off gassing that has occurred while the product has been contained in the packaging. The best way to get rid of the smell is to lay the product out in a well-ventilated room for a period of 1 – 3 days before using it. You should notice a big decrease in the smell after a few days, but some people report a strong smell for a week or more.
It’s impossible to say exactly how long polyurethane foam will off gas since there are such a wide range of products available that have been manufactured by different companies. If you have purchased a product that has been been certified by one of the companies listed above then you will likely notice that off gassing decreases significantly after a few days. If the smell persists for more than a few weeks then there may be an issue with the product and you might want to ask the manufacturer or retail seller about the persistent smell.
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Popular Pick
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Duck & Goose Co 2-Inch Down Alternative Mattress Topper
| PRODUCT SPECS | |
|---|---|
| THICKNESS | 2 Inches |
| MATERIAL | Down Alternative |
| FIRMNESS | Plush |
| GSM | 1400 |
| WARRANTY | 10 Years |
Down alternative mattress toppers are totally different than memory foam toppers because they aren’t designed to provide support to the body. They’re basically a large comforter that has been stuffed with soft fiber filling and stitched like a quilt to maintain an even fiber distribution. If you like a super soft sleeping surface and aren’t quite satisfied with a memory foam topper then you can throw one of these babies on top of your foam layer to create a heavenly cloud-like sleep experience. Trust me, you’ll be sleeping through several alarm clocks with this setup. A combination setup makes for the best pillow top mattress topper action. If you prefer a firm sleeping surface then you should avoid all toppers like the plague!
Some people like to use a down alternative topper to help spruce up an old mattress that they have been using for years and that has become too firm. Another problem that they might help solve is that sinking feeling that you get with lower density memory foam. If you feel like your foam topper is reacting too much to your body heat and weight then you might want to try placing a down alternative topper over it to see if that keeps you from being swallowed alive. Although, you should be aware that adding additional toppers could trap more heat and might not be the best option if you tend to sleep warm.
Additional Mattress Topper Reviews
There are tons of mattress toppers to choose from and the main point here is that you need to spend some time deciding which product or combination of products is going to create the most comfortable bed for you. If you like a firm surface then the thought of mattress toppers might give you nightmares, but if you are like most people and you prefer something in the range of slightly soft to super soft then toppers can go a long way in helping you sleep more soundly and feel more rested during the day.
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Popular PickLUCID 2-inch Lavender Memory Foam Mattress Topper Best Smelling The LUCID 2-inch Lavender Topper is one of the most unique foam toppers that I’ve come across. I was aware that lavender scent can have a calming and relaxing effect, but had never seen it infused into a topper before. This topper also stands apart due to its five comfort zones. Click here for additional product details » |
LUCID 2-inch 5-Zone Lavender Memory Foam Mattress Topper
| PRODUCT SPECS | |
|---|---|
| THICKNESS | 2 Inches |
| MATERIAL | Memory Foam |
| COOLING | None |
| VENTILATION | None |
| WEIGHT | 6 Pounds |
If smells are a big deal to you and you like the scent that lavender puts off then this might just be the topper of your dreams. I’m not sure if there is much evidence to support the idea that the five body zones are any more effective than your typical foam topper design, but if the average topper isn’t getting the job done then you might want to give this one a try. That is, if you like the idea of your mattress smelling like lavender. I actually really do enjoy the smell of lavender and was happy to see that a number of other people do as well. Although the scent is likely to diminish over time.
This topper isn’t the densest product available so you should consider other options if you need something that can provide an above average amount of support. On the flip side, the lower density makes it easy to maneuver and adjust. At two inches of thickness it is capable of creating a softer sleep surface, but it won’t have a huge impact on the softness of your bed and you should consider a topper that is greater than 3 inches thick if you’re wanting to make bigger changes. Also, LUCID offers a 3 year warranty on this topper in case you encounter issues early on.
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Popular PickLEISURE TOWN Down Alternative Mattress Topper Down Alternative The LEISURE TOWN Down Alternative Mattress Topper isn’t designed to provide the kind of support that a memory foam topper delivers, but will create that extra layer of softness that results in cloud-like comfort. If you like a very soft surface then you can place it over a foam topper. Click here for additional product details » |
LEISURE TOWN Down Alternative Mattress Topper
| PRODUCT SPECS | |
|---|---|
| THICKNESS | 2 Inches |
| MATERIAL | Down Alternative |
| COOLING | HNN |
| 8 – 21″ | |
| WEIGHT | 7.65 Pounds |
The Leisure Town Down Alternative Topper is similar to other down alternative toppers in that it will provide an extra layer of softness for those who appreciate a super soft sleeping surface. The manufacturer claims that their HNN cooling technology allows the topper to breath more than other products. If you’re having issues with a warm bed then you might want to give this topper a try. As is true with most down alternatives, this topper shouldn’t create any allergy problems since it is hypoallergenic. It isn’t designed to protect your mattress from spills and you should think about getting a mattress protector if you are concerned about the potential for staining. Aside from that this product is pretty straightforward and will hopefully deliver several years of comfortable sleep.
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Popular PickLUCID 4 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper Thickest Foam This LUCID Memory Foam Mattress Topper is thicker than most people would like, but works really well for those who want a sleep surface that is able to contour to the body more than the average bed. It also performs well for individuals who need additional pressure point relief. Click here for additional product details » |
LUCID 4 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
| PRODUCT SPECS | |
|---|---|
| THICKNESS | 4 Inches |
| MATERIAL | Memory Foam |
| COOLING | Gel |
| VENTILATION | Yes |
| WEIGHT | 13.6 Pounds |
A mattress topper with 4 inches of thickness isn’t usually the best option for those who want a low to medium level of softness or for individuals who sleep hot. This is due to the fact that a thicker topper will create more of a sinking feeling associated with its enhanced ability to contour to the body. In addition, the thicker foam has a tendency to trap more heat causing the sleep surface to become very uncomfortable for some. If you are the type that likes a much softer surface and you don’t mind a warm bed then this is probably the best plush mattress topper. If you do find that you’re sinking more than you would like then you might want to try covering it with a down alternative topper to counteract some of the sinking.
If you like the idea of the softness that a thicker topper provides, but you dislike that sinking feeling that you get with a lower density foam then you should consider getting a thick latex topper or a memory foam topper that has a higher density. This foam topper is ventilated and infused with cooling gel, but does still create a fair amount of sinking and is likely to increase the temperature of your bed. In addition, LUCID offers 2, 3, and 4 inch thickness foam for most of their toppers including standard, gel infused, lavender, and bamboo charcoal which gives you the customization options that you’ll need if you’re in search of the best mattress topper for hip pain or lower back pain.