12 Best Mattress Toppers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Introduction to Best Mattress Toppers of 2024

In today’s fast-paced world, quality sleep has become a luxury that many people struggle to attain. One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to upgrade your sleeping experience without purchasing a new mattress is by adding a mattress topper. Mattress toppers can significantly alter the feel, comfort, and support of your bed, making them an essential investment for a good night’s rest.

Why Consider a Mattress Topper?

Mattress toppers serve several purposes. They can add an extra layer of cushioning to a firm mattress, provide additional support for a soft mattress, or introduce cooling properties to help regulate your body temperature during sleep. Essentially, they can revitalize an old mattress, making it feel almost new again, without the hefty price tag of a full mattress replacement.

How We Tested the Mattress Toppers

To identify the best mattress toppers of 2024, we tested 30 products from top brands such as Tempur-Pedic, Tuft & Needle, and Casper. Our rigorous testing involved evaluating each topper’s material, thickness, support, and comfort across different sleep styles. We tested them both in The Lab and in real home settings to ensure a comprehensive understanding of their performance.

What to Look for in a Mattress Topper

When choosing a mattress topper, several factors should guide your decision:

Material

The material of the topper determines its feel, support, and durability. Common materials include memory foam, latex, down, and down alternatives. Each material offers unique benefits:

• Memory Foam: Conforms to the body, providing pressure relief and support.
• Latex: Offers a more responsive feel and is generally more durable.
• Down and Down Alternatives: Provide a soft, plush sleeping surface.

Thickness

The thickness of the topper affects its cushioning and support. Thicker toppers (3-4 inches) are ideal for adding significant cushioning and support, while thinner toppers (1-2 inches) are better for slight adjustments to comfort.

Firmness

The level of firmness should align with your sleep style:

• Softer Toppers: Better for side sleepers who need cushioning for shoulders and hips.
• Firmer Toppers: Suitable for back and stomach sleepers who need support to maintain spinal alignment.

Cooling Properties

Some toppers come with cooling features such as gel infusions or breathable materials to help regulate body temperature and prevent overheating during sleep.

Best Overall: Sleep Innovations Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Key Features

The Sleep Innovations Memory Foam Mattress Topper stands out for its dual-layer design, combining 2 inches of gel memory foam with a 2-inch pillow top. This design provides excellent cushioning and comfort while ensuring the topper stays in place.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Extremely comfortable with perfect cushioning
• Stays securely on the bed
• Ten-year warranty

Cons:

• Cooling abilities are reduced by the top layer

User Experience

Testers praised the topper’s comfort and support. The gel memory foam provided the right balance of firmness and softness, making it a favorite for various sleep positions. The pillow top added an extra layer of plushness, enhancing the overall sleep experience.

Best Budget: Lucid 3-inch Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Affordability Meets Comfort

For those on a budget, the Lucid 3-inch Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper offers excellent value without compromising on comfort. Its open-cell gel memory foam construction allows for better airflow, making it breathable and comfortable.

Ventilation and Breathability

The topper features ventilation holes that promote air circulation, helping to keep sleepers cool throughout the night.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Affordable price
• Comfortable and supportive
• Ventilated design enhances breathability

Cons:

• Noticeable off-gassing upon unboxing

Best Splurge: Tempur-Pedic Tempur Adapt+ Mattress Topper

Luxurious Comfort

The Tempur-Pedic Tempur Adapt+ Mattress Topper offers a luxurious sleeping experience with its 3-inch thick memory foam that molds to your body, providing exceptional comfort and pressure relief.

Pressure Relief

This topper excels in delivering targeted support to pressure points, making it ideal for those who experience discomfort in specific areas while sleeping.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Soft and plush feel
• Excellent pressure relief
• Conforms to various sleep positions

Cons:

• Limited cooling effect

Best Cooling: Cozy Earth Bamboo Mattress Pad

Cooling Capabilities

Hot sleepers will appreciate the Cozy Earth Bamboo Mattress Pad, known for its cooling properties. Made from premium viscose bamboo, it feels cool to the touch and helps regulate body temperature throughout the night.

Material and Design

The lightweight bamboo fabric is soft and breathable, enhancing comfort without adding excessive thickness.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Effective cooling material
• Easy to fit on mattresses
• Suitable for regular and deep pocket mattresses

Cons:

• Not very plush
• Expensive

Best Foam: Tuft & Needle Queen 2 Inch Adaptive Foam Mattress Topper

Ideal Thickness

The Tuft & Needle Mattress Topper offers a balanced 2-inch thickness, making it perfect for those who need additional comfort without altering the mattress height significantly.

Supportive Design

The open-cell foam provides support and prevents heat retention, offering a comfortable and cool sleeping surface.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Balanced thickness
• Supportive and comfortable
• Stays in place

Cons:

• Strong odor after unboxing

Best Low-Profile: Nest Bedding Cooling Topper

Low-Profile Design

The Nest Bedding Cooling Topper is ideal for those who prefer a lower-profile topper. Its 2-inch height adds comfort to firm mattresses without significantly changing the bed’s height.

Suitable for Firm Mattresses

This topper softens firm mattresses, making them more comfortable for various sleep positions.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Soft and squishy
• Made in the USA with CertiPUR-US certified foam
• Customizable to mattress size

Cons:

• Higher price point
• Minimal cooling effect

Best Value: ViscoSoft Serene Hybrid Mattress Topper

Hybrid Construction

The ViscoSoft Serene Hybrid Mattress Topper combines the best features of memory foam and down alternative, offering plush comfort with supportive resilience.

Long-Lasting Comfort

Its design ensures durability and consistent comfort over time, making it a valuable addition to any bed.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Plush and supportive
• Retains loft with use
• Affordable

Cons:

• Heavy and difficult to move
• Potential for shedding

Best Gel: Amazon Basics Cooling Gel Mattress Topper

Gel Infusion for Cooling

The Amazon Basics Cooling Gel Mattress Topper features gel-infused latex foam that helps dissipate heat, providing a cooler sleeping experience.

Firm Support

Its 3-inch thickness offers firm support, making it suitable for back sleepers who need additional spinal support.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Gel infusion aids in temperature regulation
• Provides firm support
• Affordable

Cons:

• Limited return window

Best Firm: Casper Comfy Mattress Topper

Extra Firmness

The Casper Comfy Mattress Topper is ideal for those who prefer a firmer sleep surface. Its 3-inch foam construction provides sturdy support for back and stomach sleepers.

Suitable for Back and Stomach Sleepers

The firm foam ensures proper spinal alignment, reducing discomfort in these sleep positions.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Firm and supportive
• Retains shape well
• CertiPUR-US certified

Cons:

• Tight-fitting cover
• Short return window

Most Supportive: Nolah Mattress Topper

Slim Profile with High Support

Despite its 2-inch thickness, the Nolah Mattress Topper offers exceptional support, making it perfect for those who need a supportive yet unobtrusive addition to their mattress.

Easy to Fit

Its slim profile makes it easy to fit under standard sheets without adding excessive height.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• High support in a slim design
• Comfortable for all sleep positions
• Maintains shape

Cons:

• Limited return policy

Best Memory Foam: Zinus Cooling Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Soft and Cushioning

The Zinus Cooling Memory Foam Mattress Topper offers a luxurious 4-inch thickness, providing a soft and cushioning sleep surface that conforms to the body.

Maintains Shape

The memory foam maintains its volume and density, ensuring long-lasting comfort.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Soft and plush feel
• Maintains shape well
• Cool to the touch

Cons:

• Can shift on the mattress
• Heavy and awkward to move

Best Down Alternative: Lucid Down Alternative and Gel Foam Mattress Topper

Combination of Softness and Support

The Lucid Down Alternative and Gel Foam Mattress Topper combine the plush feel of the down alternative with the support of gel memory foam, offering the best of both worlds.

Durable Design

Its dual-layer construction ensures durability and consistent comfort over time.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Plush and supportive
• Maintains volume with use
• Suitable for all sleep positions

Cons:

• Conflicting return policy

FAQs About Mattress Toppers

Are Mattress Toppers Washable?

While foam toppers cannot be machine washed, they can be cleaned with baking soda or mild detergent. Some toppers come with machine-washable covers, making maintenance easier.

How Long Does a Mattress Topper Last?

The lifespan of a mattress topper depends on the material. High-quality memory foam can last 3-5 years, while latex toppers often last longer. Regular maintenance can extend their lifespan.

What is the best material for a mattress topper?

The best material depends on personal preference and needs. Memory foam offers support and pressure relief, latex provides a responsive feel, and down alternatives offer plush comfort.

How thick should a mattress topper be?

Thickness varies based on the desired level of comfort and support. Thicker toppers (3-4 inches) provide more cushioning, while thinner toppers (1-2 inches) are ideal for minor adjustments.

Can a mattress topper improve an old mattress?

Yes, a mattress topper can revitalize an old mattress by adding cushioning, support, and comfort, potentially extending its usability.

Are mattress toppers good for back pain?

Mattress toppers, especially those made from memory foam or latex, can help alleviate back pain by providing additional support and pressure relief.

How do I clean a memory foam mattress topper?

Memory foam toppers should be spot cleaned with baking soda or mild detergent. Avoid submerging them in water.

Do mattress toppers affect mattress warranty?

Most mattress warranties are not affected by the use of a topper, but it’s best to check the warranty terms of both the mattress and the topper.

Conclusion: Choosing the Best Mattress Topper for You

Selecting the right mattress topper can transform your sleep experience. Whether you need added support, cooling properties, or just a bit more comfort, there is a mattress topper that fits your needs. Consider the factors discussed in this guide to make an informed choice and enjoy restful, rejuvenating sleep.