If your mattress isn’t conducive to a comfortable night’s sleep, a mattress topper may help you transform the texture of your bed on a budget. “Mattress toppers allow you to change the characteristics of your sleep surface (think: make a firm mattress softer or a soft mattress firmer) with a much lower financial outlay than buying a new mattress,” says Tom Oddo, Doctor of Chiropractic, ergonomics specialist and strength coach. However, mattress toppers, which are layered between your mattress and your sheets, come in a wide variety of materials, firmness levels and thicknesses, and the right option for you depends on your primary sleep position and your preferences, according to our experts.
To narrow down the best mattress toppers on the market, we interviewed two chiropractors, an orthopedic doctor and a spinal surgeon. Below, you’ll find their direct recommendations as well as general advice to keep in mind while shopping.
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We interviewed four spine experts who recommend keeping the following criteria in mind when shopping for the best mattress toppers:
- Sleep position: The right mattress topper for you will depend on your primary sleep position. You’ll want a topper that helps you keep your spine in as neutral a position as possible throughout the night, according to our experts. We further detail what kinds of mattress toppers each sleeping position should prioritize below.
- Material: Memory foam, latex and pillowtop (made from down, down-alternative or cotton) are the most common materials for mattress toppers, and each has its benefits and drawbacks, according to our experts.
- Firmness: A mattress topper’s material and density affect its firmness level, and the right firmness level for you depends on your preferred sleeping position, according to our experts.
- Thickness: Most mattress toppers measure between 1- and 3-inches thick; the thicker the topper, the more dramatically it will alter the feel of your mattress, say our experts.
- Breathability: If you tend to overheat at night, a thinner mattress topper made from cooling materials is best. Hot sleepers should stay away from memory foam unless it’s designed with ventilating elements, says Ken Hansraj, spinal and orthopedic surgeon and author of “Watch Your Back.”
- Price: Mattress toppers can cost hundreds of dollars — but experts say you don’t need to break the bank in order to get quality support. Our list has models at a variety of price points.
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The best mattress toppersBelow are some of the best mattress toppers on the market, according to our experts. While the materials, thickness and firmness levels differ to support various sleeping positions, all of them are direct recommendations from our experts. (Firmness levels are not always disclosed, so unless otherwise specified, when a topper is labeled as “suitable for all sleeping positions,” we list the firmness level as medium.)
Best overall mattress topper: Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt Topper
What we like
- Relieves back pressure
- Optional cooling layer
- Washable cover
Something to note
- May shift while sleeping
Tempur-Pedic comes recommended by three of our experts for its materials and pressure-relieving abilities. Available with or without the cooling layer, the Tempur-Adapt topper contains three inches of the brand’s supportive foam, which is more durable than standard memory foam, according to the Tempur-Pedic website. This topper, which comes with a 10-year warranty, also has built-in elastic straps to keep the topper in place, plus a removable, washable cover that resists allergens and stains, as detailed on the brand’s website.
Material: Tempur-Material-brand foam | Firmness: medium | Thickness: 3 inches | Available sizes: twin, twin long, full, queen, king, California king
Most durable mattress topper: Sleep On Latex Pure Green Natural Latex Mattress Topper
What we like
- Firmness options
- Good for hot sleepers
Something to note
- Heavyweight
Both Hansraj and Oddo recommend Sleep On Latex’s Pure Green mattress toppers due to their durability. “They come in different firmness options to suit various sleep preferences,” says Oddo, and you can choose the ideal size and thickness level for your needs. All of them are made from rubber-derived latex that’s certified GOLS Organic and Oeko-Tex Standard 100, which means the materials are tested for and exclude harmful substances, according to the brand’s website. As a result, it’s a great option for those with allergies or a tendency to overheat, according to our experts.
Material: latex | Firmness: soft, medium, and firm options | Thickness: 1 inches, 2 inches, 3 inches | Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Best antimicrobial mattress topper:Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper
What we like
- Treated to stop bacteria
- Breathable materials
Something to note
- Nothing to note at this time
Matthew Cavanaugh, Doctor of Chiropractic, recommends this Saatva mattress topper because it’s infused with graphite for cooling purposes and its memory foam construction keeps you from disturbing your partner if you toss and turn. There is also a 180-night trial, which lets you ensure that the texture is right for you before you commit, says Cavanaugh. The breathable cotton cover is treated with an antimicrobial solution to prevent the growth of bacteria, plus it has four elastic corner bands to keep your mattress from shifting, according to the brand’s website.
Material: graphite-infused memory foam | Firmness: medium | Thickness: 3 inches | Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Best cotton mattress topper: Company Cotton Mattress Pad
What we like
- Mattress skirt included
- Breathable cotton material
Something to note
- May get lumps from washing
A more affordable option, this bestselling pad is made from a sewn cotton quilted shell, meant to ensure a good night’s sleep, according to the brand. The shell is filled with 100% pure cotton, and can be machine-washed on a cold cycle, making it easy to clean in-between uses. The Company Cotton pad also includes a stretchy mattress skirt made from 100% jersey cotton to help preserve the life of your mattress and pad — the skirt is available in 11 and 18 inch sizes to accommodate different mattresses, and the pad itself is also top-rated, with a 4.5-star average rating from 384 review at The Company Store.
Material: cotton | Firmness: medium | Thickness: 2 inches | Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Best value mattress topper: Linenspa Gel-Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper
What we like
- Great value
- Regulates body temperature
Something to note
- May have slight smell
The Linenspa memory foam topper has earned an overall 4.5-star rating from over 100,000 Amazon reviewers. It costs well under $100 in most sizes and is a great value option that offers “a balance of comfort and support at a lower price point,” says Hansraj. It’s made from CertiPUR-US-certified memory foam (so it’s been tested to ensure that it’s free from known harmful chemicals) and infused with gel to help balance body temperature, according to the brand’s website.
Material: memory foam | Firmness: medium | Thickness: 2 inches, 3 inches | Available sizes: small single, twin, twin XL, full, full XL, queen, RV queen, king, California king
Best down alternative mattress topper: Parachute Down Alternative Mattress Topper
What we like
- Good for side sleepers
- Hypoallergenic materials
Something to note
- Should be fluffed daily
Oddo recommends this Parachute pillowtop mattress topper for its “added cushioning and comfort for softening a sleep surface,” which often helps boost comfort for side sleepers. Since this topper is made from hypoallergenic microfiber fill, it also comes recommended by Hansraj because it has “a sumptuous feel without the potential allergens of genuine down.” The cotton sateen shell works to improve breathability while the double-stitched seam and separately sewn squares prevent rips and shifting, according to the brand.
Material: microfiber fill | Firmness: soft | Thickness: 3 inches | Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Best mattress topper for hot sleepers: Nolah Mattress Topper
What we like
- Soft and firm options
- Great for hot sleepers
Something to note
- Nothing at this time
Nolah’s mattress topper is made from its temperature-neutral AirFoam material (the same as their mattresses), which is designed to have 4x better pressure relief and be 300% more durable than memory foam, according to the brand. It also dissipates heat 20% faster than memory foam, which, if you’re a hot sleeper like me, is great for keeping cool throughout the night. An organic cotton cover is also included with this topper, which carries a CertiPUR-US certification and has a 4.9-star average rating from 118 reviews on Nolah.
Material: polyurethane foam | Firmness: plush (soft) and luxury firm (firm) options | Thickness: 2 inches | Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Best water-resistant mattress topper: Ghostbed Memory Foam Topper
What we like
- Water-resistant
- Cooling materials
- Targeted comfort zones
Something to note
- Sheets may slip off cover
NBC Select production coordinator Kelsey Fredricks is a self-proclaimed hot sleeper who loves this cooling mattress topper from Ghostbed. “I’ve owned this mattress topper for two years and I’ve found the most relief compared to other toppers I’ve tried,” she says. It’s built with targeted comfort zones, designed to suit all sleeping styles and comes with a moisture-wicking cover that doubles as a mattress protector, according to the brand. Fredricks also likes that the topper is easy to wash and water-resistant.
Material: gel memory foam | Firmness: medium | Thickness: 3 inches | Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Best mattress topper for thicker mattresses: Bedsure Mattress Pad
What we like
- Ergonomic zones
- Very stretchy
Something to note
- Not water-resistant
This Bedsure mattress topper is highly rated on Amazon, with a 4.5-star average from 25,518 reviews. It’s made from 100% polyester and has an ergonomic, three-zone design according to the brand. The top and bottom zones have a softer, wavy design while the middle zone has a quilted design that supports your body and helps to disperse pressure. This mattress topper is also easy to stretch, and can be pulled up to 21-inches deep, so it can easily fit over thicker mattresses. To clean this mattress topper, the brand suggests machine-washing in cold water on a gentle cycle, and following with a tumble dry on a low setting.
Material: polyester microfiber | Firmness: soft | Thickness: N/A | Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, short queen, king
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Keeping your spine neutral and parallel to the bed’s surface is key to quality sleep, says Hansraj. As a result, the right mattress topper for you will facilitate that neutral-spine position; the materials and firmness levels needed to achieve that will vary depending on your primary sleep position, according to our experts.
Back sleepersSleeping face-up “maintains the natural curvature of the lumbar spine” and unloads “the tension on the nerve roots” in the lower back, says Troy Wood, MD at Atlantic Medical Group Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Back sleepers should look for medium-firm mattress toppers made from memory foam or latex, which will support your spine and limbs, according to our experts.
Side sleepersAlso known as lateral sleepers, side sleepers prefer lying on their left or right sides, and as long as your knees are flexed, side-sleeping will also maintain your spine’s curvature and remove pressure from the lower back, says Troy. The best options for side sleepers are models that are soft, plush and body-conforming to accommodate the shoulders and hips, according to our experts.
Stomach sleepersStomach sleeping (or prone sleeping) is not recommended, as it may exacerbate neck and lower back pain, according to our experts. “Generally, sleeping on your stomach is an unfavorable position as it forces the lumbar spine to extend,” which may aggravate arthritis or stenosis, says Wood. If you must sleep on your stomach, opt for an extra-firm foam or latex topper, which will prevent your hips and belly from sinking into the mattress, says Hansraj.
Restless/combination sleepersFor those who switch positions often throughout the night, a medium to medium-firm mattress topper will provide a combination of plush cushioning and firm support, according to Hansraj.
How to shop for mattress toppersOnce you’ve pinpointed your primary sleeping position, our experts advise that you consider the following qualities before choosing a mattress topper:
Materials- Memory foam: Memory foam mattress toppers provide pressure-relieving qualities and, depending on their firmness levels, help align the spine in any sleeping position, according to our experts. However, memory foam also retains heat, so opt for cooling features (more on those below) when possible, says Hansraj.
- Latex: Made from rubber, latex mattress toppers are supportive, responsive, durable and buoyant, according to our experts. They’re also more cooling than memory foam and naturally hypoallergenic if you’re concerned about allergy management (unless you have a latex allergy), says Hansraj. Latex mattress toppers, however, tend to be more expensive than synthetic alternatives.
- Pillowtop: Pillowtop mattress toppers are softer than their foam or latex counterparts and are typically made from cotton, down or down-alternative. Their plush, comfortable texture makes them ideal for side sleepers, and they’re often machine-washable, according to our experts.
Determine your body’s ideal firmness level by observing the position of your hips, says Wood: If your hips sink into the bed, you need a firmer mattress topper, whereas if you feel too much pressure at the points of contact, your spine can’t properly decompress, so opt for something softer. Wood also recommends that those with lower back pain opt for firmer mattress toppers, which offer more support.
ThicknessMost mattress toppers are sold in multiple thicknesses, usually between one to four inches. The thicker the mattress topper, the more support it will offer and the more effectively it will transform the texture of your existing mattress, according to our experts. In terms of drawbacks, however, thicker mattress toppers are typically heavier, more expensive and more likely to trap heat, says Cavanaugh.
BreathabilityCertain materials, like latex, are more breathable and temperature-regulating than others, according to our experts. “Memory foam is well known to retain heat,” but “gel-infused memory foam and open-cell technology provide a cooler interface,” says Hansraj.
Price“Toppers can range from a couple hundred to a few thousand dollars,” says Cavanaugh, who recommends deciding on a budget before you start shopping so you don’t overspend. He also points out that price is not always reflective of quality, as an affordable mattress topper may perform just as well as an expensive one.
Frequently Asked Questions
While some down and down-alternative mattress toppers are machine-washable, most foam and latex options are not, according to Hansraj. To maintain your mattress topper, our experts recommend purchasing a separate mattress protector or removable cover, which you can wash in the machine. Also avoid eating and drinking in bed, spot-clean any stains with a cloth and mild detergent, rotate and fluff your topper at least every six months and if you need to store it away, place it in a breathable bag that will protect it from dust, sunlight and pests, according to our experts.
If your mattress is past its expiration date, a mattress topper may not be able to salvage its low spots and lack of support, according to Cavanaugh. This may “lead to tight muscles, inflammation in joints and a restless sleep,” Cavanaugh says, so at that point, it’s best to purchase an entirely new mattress instead.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Tom Oddo, DC, CEAS, CSCS, is a Doctor of Chiropractic, ergonomics specialist and strength coach.
- Ken Hansraj, MD, is a spinal and orthopedic surgeon and the author of “Watch Your Back.”
- Matthew Cavanaugh, DC, is a Doctor of Chiropractic at the Cavanaugh Chiropractic Clinic.
- Troy Wood, MD is a doctor who specializes in pain medicine, physical medicine and rehabilitation at Atlantic Health System in Morristown, New Jersey.
Maria Cassano is an e-commerce writer, editor and consultant. During her several years in the industry, she has covered sleep health and bedding content for publications such as Bustle, MyDomaine, Elite Daily, Allure, Lonny and Mattress Insider. Ashley Morris is an associate SEO reporter for NBC Select, covering skin care, lifestyle and more. For this article, Cassano interviewed four experts who specialize in spinal health.
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Maria Cassano
Maria Cassano is a writer, editor, and consultant who specializes in e-commerce. You can find her work in dozens of publications, including Bustle, CNN, Allure, Elite Daily, The Daily Beast, Food & Wine, Better Homes & Gardens, and Real Simple.
For NBC Select, she covers deals and sales during Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday as well as reporting on the best home appliances, cleaning products, bedding and more. She also frequently writes gift guides for NBC Select for the holidays, Valentine's day, Mother's Day and more.
Ashley Morris
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