Best Mattress Topper 2023 – Top 5 Choices

Last Updated on January 1, 2023

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Whether you’ve been sleeping on the same old mattress for many years, or you’ve recently bought a new one that feels too firm, getting yourself the best mattress topper is a simple way to try something new and improve your comfort.

But which mattress topper should you choose? Available in a wide range of materials, thicknesses and firmness levels, finding the perfect mattress topper for your needs isn’t easy. The right topper for you will depend on your personal preferences and sleeping style, and it’s particularly important to choose wisely if you suffer from back or joint pain.

If you’re struggling to decide which mattress topper is best for your bed, we’re here to help. In this article, we take a look at the most highly-rated mattress toppers on the market this year – so you can find your perfect match.

We have selected five of the best mattress toppers to help you transform your current mattress. Check out our mattress topper ratings below.

Mattress Topper Reviews

Sleep On Latex Pure Green (Best Organic)

If your mattress feels a little too firm for your aches and pains, or you simply prefer the sensation of a softer sleeping surface – we think the Sleep On Latex Pure Green is the best soft mattress topper for you.

Constructed from responsibly sourced materials, the topper features organic Dunlop latex from Sri Lanka. Ideal for the environmentally-conscious, this mattress topper is completely free from synthetic foams or harsh chemicals and has been certified hypoallergenic  – so you can sleep easy if you suffer from non-latex allergies.

Soft to the touch, this blend of breathable natural material works to keep you cool and comfortable all night long. The natural latex adjusts to your body contours, alleviating painful pressure points and achy muscles. The ventilation holes wick away heat and sweat for exceptional temperature regulation – a fantastic feature especially for those who sleep hot. And unlike lower-quality mattress toppers, the Sleep On Latex Pure Green feels smooth without any irritating lumps or bumps that cause you to lose sleep at night.

With a 3” profile, the latex topper softens your mattress just enough, creating a luxurious feel that won’t sink beneath your weight – thus making it probably the best mattress topper for stomach sleepers. The natural material responds to your movements, but if you tend to toss and turn during the night, the effective motion-isolation and noise reduction will ensure your partner isn’t disturbed.

Overall, this mattress topper is a fantastic choice if you have a firm mattress that places uncomfortable pressure on your body. However, do bear in mind that as it’s responsive, it doesn’t offer the ‘hugging’ sensation provided by gel memory foam that some people prefer. Furthermore, the weight of this topper means that it stays put on the mattress very well, but it doesn’t have any retainers, so you may have to readjust it occasionally if you’re an active sleeper.

If you’d like to try it out, this topper comes with a 30-night trial and 5-year warranty.

Layla Memory Foam (Most Comfortable)

Are you seeking a luxurious, body-hugging feel? We think the Layla Memory Foam Topper is the most comfortable mattress topper on the market right now.

Constructed from copper gel-infused memory foam, the 2” thick Layla topper gently wraps around your body as you lie down, sinking beneath your heaviest areas to relieve pressure and give the sensation of floating on air. Perfect if you suffer from aches and pains on your firm mattress, the gel memory foam molds to your hips, knees, and shoulders, cradling your joints for a blissful night’s sleep.

Offering a soft firmness level of between 3-4 out of 10, with 10 being the firmest, the Layla Foam Topper is a great choice if you’re a lightweight sleeper or side-sleeper who yearns to sink comfortably into your bed.  However, if you’re a heavy back or stomach sleeper, this topper will likely be too soft to provide adequate support and keep your spine well-aligned.

If you’re concerned that this memory foam top will sleep hot, you needn’t be. Copper gel beads within the memory foam work around the clock to diffuse heat away from your body, so you can enjoy a cool and revitalizing night’s sleep. Furthermore, the copper-infused material boasts naturally anti-microbial properties that kill nasty bacteria and keep your bed smelling fresh.

All in all, this gel memory foam mattress topper is a great choice if you’re looking for a soft and comfortable topper that sinks easily beneath you to cushion your joints. However, bear in mind that this level of softness may not be ‘springy’ enough for large sleepers or those who struggle to get in and out of bed. Equally, this topper is not suitable for use on sagging mattresses, as the level of softness will simply make your posture worse.

The Layla Memory Foam Mattress Topper offers a 120-night money-back guarantee and 5-year warranty – so you can try it out before committing.

Parachute Down Feather Bed (Best Down)

Looking for the best down mattress topper to add another layer of comfort to your current mattress and bed? We recommend the Parachute Down Mattress Topper – our favorite choice.

Made from responsibly-sourced materials, this down topper is Responsible Down Standard Certified. This means that the ducks and geese that sacrificed their down were treated humanely and in a sustainable fashion – so you can sleep with a clear conscience.

At 3” thick, this down layer mattress top features a dual layer chamber design that feels cloud-like beneath you. Supremely cozy and comfortable, the high-quality baffle box stitching ensures the feather and down stuffing is evenly spread so there’s no need to worry about lumps or bumps. Like most down toppers, though, it will compress over time; you’ll need to fluff it up every now and then to keep it plush.

With a soft cotton shell, the Parachute Down Topper is great for extra warmth and luxury on cold winter nights, and it’s undeniably snug in any sleep position. However, if you suffer from back, hip, or knee pain, be aware that this topper doesn’t offer as much support for sore joints or troublesome pressure points as latex or memory foam toppers for mattresses.

PlushBeds Natural Latex (Best Luxury)

If you’re looking for the best bed toppers made from supportive, natural materials – then the PlushBeds Natural Latex Topper is a top choice.

Ideal for the environmentally conscious, this quality mattress topper is made from 100% organic Talalay latex, which is perforated for maximum air-flow. Completely free from harmful chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs); this mattress topper is GreenGuard Gold Certified – making it the best match for allergy sufferers or sensitive individuals.

If you struggle with pain in your back, hips, shoulders, or knees, this latex mattress topper can help to alleviate your discomfort. It is available in a choice of two thicknesses, either 2” or 3” and comes in a range of firmness options: Soft, Medium, Medium Firm, and Extra Firm. No matter your sleeping position or personal preferences, there’s sure to be a match for you.

As you lie down, the latex molds itself to your body, cushions your joints, and supports proper spinal alignment, but doesn’t ‘sink down’ like memory foam. It is also silent and isolates motion-transfer well, so your nighttime movements won’t wake your partner.

Overall, this latex topper is a great eco-friendly choice, but it does have one major downside. PlushBeds do not offer a sleep trial for this topper and also refuse to accept returns. For this reason, you’ll need to be certain of your thickness and firmness choices before purchasing.

LUCID Lavender Infused Memory Foam (Best Plush)

If you feel your mattress is too firm, why not try this Lavender Infused Memory Foam Topper from Lucid – our best plush mattress topper.

Offering a 3 inches thick profile, this mattress topper helps to add a layer of supportive softness to your mattress for a better night’s rest. Constructed entirely of memory foam, one of LUCIDs biggest sleep innovations is the use of a lavender scent to help you drift off into restful slumber. This relaxing aroma is infused into the foam, but unfortunately, many users said that it doesn’t last longer than a few weeks.

Featuring a ventilated design to keep you cool, the soft foam material sinks beneath your contours to relieve pressure on painful joints and cushion your body in all sleeping positions. It is important to be aware that this foam topper is best suited to lightweight people, though, as those with a greater body weight may find that it doesn’t offer enough postural support.

Although it has a few faults, considering its reasonable price, this is perhaps the best affordable mattress topper on the market today. LUCID does not offer a sleep trial for this item, but it does come with a 3-year warranty for your peace of mind.

Are Mattress Toppers Worth It?

The first thing to remember is that mattress toppers are an extension to your existing sleep surface in the form of an additional layer.

When it comes to buying a new mattress pad or topper, there are clearly two types of consumers. A minority of consumers may for whatever reason prefer a thick traditional mattress consisting of a single, whole unit, which is fine, but obviously, you’ll have to pay more money for such an item and lose out on many of the benefits of owning a mattress topper.

On the other hand, satisfaction surveys show that in general most consumers will happily place the extra layer on top and be content for years to come. Whatever your preference, it’s good to note that they can certainly help in various situations and likely a more economical and convenient choice as opposed to buying a mattress.

There are a few questions you should ask yourself before you go ahead and buy. The most common would be: Is your current surface uncomfortably too firm or too soft? Is it worn or uncomfortable, noisy, or sagging? Do you suffer from back pain in the morning? Are you on a tight budget?

If you answered yes to any or all of the above, then maybe you should go for toppers or mattress pads. It can certainly be the answer to all of the above in one simple cheap transaction.

For unbiased recommendations, be sure to check out our favorite mattress toppers above.

Toppers vs. Pads vs. Protectors

The basic concept behind mattresses toppers and a mattress pad is the same: a layer of comfort that safely rests between you and your mattress. These days, toppers and pads are often built right into the mattress as pillow tops or euro tops. But, let’s say you have already purchased a mattress that isn’t one of the aforementioned, or maybe you need more comfort for any reason, a mattress pad or topper might be what you’re looking for.

The main difference between mattress pads and mattress toppers is their thickness and how they are attached to the bed. Typically pads are thinner than toppers, although some more high-end pads are somewhat similar to less expensive or lower-end toppers.

Mattress pads are attached to the bed using a fitted sheet like a skirt. The topper is sewn into this skirt, so mattress pads are easy to attach to the bed and keep there. Mattress toppers, however, are simply placed on top of the mattress and will need a protector or fitted sheet to hold them down to the mattress.

Since we mentioned protectors, we should talk about the difference between protectors, toppers, and mattress pads. Protectors look more similar to mattress pads, and they can have some padding to them. However, their primary purpose is to protect you and the mattress from transferring allergens or to protect the mattress from liquids like sweat that naturally happens while you sleep.

A mattress pad can also be a mattress protector, depending on the materials used. However, these products are often marketed differently, and their core uses are very different. Unlike mattress pads, toppers cannot double as protectors. However, they do sometimes come with their own easy-to-remove and machine washable protectors or covers.

The difference in these products, especially between a mattress pad and a mattress topper, is sometimes a bit muddy, so just know that toppers are going to provide the most padding. A mattress pad, on the other hand, provides a middle ground while a protector gives little padding but will preserve your mattress health for years to come.

Mattress Topper Buying Guide

We aim to offer you sound advice on the best and the most popular products on the market.

We update our mattress topper reviews regularly when new models are released, and our reviewers have extensive knowledge on the subject of sleep, comfort, and available products for sale, which means you’ll always read reviews of the most current and leading mattress toppers available. This guide will help you purchase the mattress topper best suited to your needs

Below we discuss what to look for in a topper, and how to end up a satisfied customer without breaking the bank.

What Thickness Mattress Topper Should I Get?

When it comes to a mattress topper for your bed, one of the most important factors to take into consideration before you buy is the thickness level.

As they range anything between 1-6 inches, as you can imagine the differing levels of thickness will have a direct effect on things such as comfort, longevity, and, of course, price. As a rule, thinner mattress topper options are generally less comfy, less durable, and less expensive.

For satisfaction and value for money, we recommend a thickness of anything over two inches. Don’t forget, if your bed is already quite high, adding another four or five inches on top could be very noticeable.

Included Covers

Some toppers are sold with an included cover whereas others are available for purchase from the same supplier but sold separately. A cover isn’t generally required because your normal bedding should suffice to place directly over the surface.

The benefit of having a cover is that usually they are made of 100% cotton or natural plant bamboo fabric, quilted into nice patterns, and are a relatively cheap way of combining your topper using one cover. On the other hand, mattress pads do not need covers because they are filled and wrapped in their own cover, i.e., the sewn outer fabric acts as the cover.

Purely because you’ll not be able to wash a mattress topper, if you don’t buy a machine washable cover for it, make sure there is a mattress protector in place to keep the topper fresh from bodily fluid and other things that could decrease its lifespan.

Toppers for Sleeping Positions

Different mattress toppers will be more helpful for different sleeping positions, just like certain mattresses are better for side sleepers than back sleepers.

When buying a new topper, understanding how you sleep will help you find the best mattress topper combination for you. So let’s take a look at different sleeping positions and what toppers would benefit each position the most.

Back Sleepers

Doctors have been telling us for years that sleeping on our back on a medium-firm to firm mattress is the best way to decrease aches and pains, and get the best night’s sleep possible. So what topper will help you maintain this level of comfort when your bed is no longer doing the trick? One of the best sleep innovations for back sleepers is a firm memory foam topper.

Firm toppers are known for giving you the best support while eliminating pressure on the joints by allowing you to sink in slightly as they conform to the shape of your body. An even better choice would be firm gel memory foam – particularly the gel swirl type – to help keep you cool.

Since your back has the largest surface area, it heats up quickly. Maintaining a constant temperature is vital to great sleep, and gel swirl can help achieve this.

Side Sleepers

Sleeping on your side is tough on your spine, unless you have a pillow between your knees. Still, this position is a very popular way to sleep, so looking for a new mattress topper that will contour to your body without allowing spinal twisting is important.

The best mattress toppers for those who sleep on their side are those which are made from latex. They will allow your body to conform, while still maintaining support on high-pressure areas.

Stomach Sleepers

If you sleep on your stomach, you are exposing your body to many points of pressure, while also risking shoulder and neck pain. Luckily, there are some options to help alleviate some of these risks.

The best toppers for stomach sleepers are those which are soft or plush. They will give your neck and head support so they don’t drop and can stay in line with the spine. Plush mattress toppers also allow the rest of your body to sink into the surface without activating uncomfortable pressure points.

Firmness Levels

Just like mattresses and pillows, toppers are found in a variety of firmness levels. Because they are so much thinner than typical mattresses, their firmness makes a much bigger difference regarding feel.

For this reason, we will discuss all of the levels you might find and what they mean for you as far as comfort is concerned. We will also address each firmness level on a scale from one to ten.

Ultra Plush

The softest and most melt-into-able form is the ultra plush mattress pad. Think about falling into a pile of only the softest part of feathers, and you’ll start to understand what ultra plush feels like.

On a firmness scale of 1-10, with 10 being the firmest, ultra plush would fall at around a 1 to 1.5 max. It’s the way to go if you’re looking for luxury over support, or if you are a stomach sleeper looking to add some more cushioning atop a less than plush mattress.

Plush

The second softest you can get regarding firmness is plush. It’s a 1.5 to 2 on our previously mentioned firmness scale. Plush mattress pads are typically made from down rather than firmer foams or latex. They are less than supportive, but they will definitely conform to your body and create a more luxurious experience.

Soft

The soft level is a middle ground for people who are starting to need some support but are still looking more for comfort than anything else. This level might be a good bet for you if you sleep on your stomach or curl up in a fetal position while in bed. These toppers can be made from lighter weight foams, but are likely quite thin if that is the case. More often than not, egg crate toppers are part of the soft category. This would be a 3 or 4 on our firmness scale.

Medium

This level is the ultimate middle ground. If your mattress is firm and you want a little cushion, or if your mattress is plush and you need your bed to provide just a little support, you’ll probably want a medium firmness in your topper.

These fall around a 4.5 to 6 on the firmness scale. Medium is a great level if you like to sleep on your side because it follows your body’s natural contour while still giving support where you need it most. Since medium toppers are middle of the road in everything else, it’s not surprising that they come in almost every material out of which toppers are made. You can really choose what’s right for you at this level.

Firm

It seems like a big jump from medium to firm, but really it’s quite a natural move. Firm is inarguably the best for those who need quite a bit of extra support, but who don’t want to feel like they are sleeping on an air mattress. Typically these are made from higher density foams and fall at around a 7 or 8 on the firmness scale. This level is the absolute best for back sleepers and could be a good choice for some side sleepers as well.

Ultra Firm

A 9 to 10 on the firmness scale, ultra firm toppers are for those looking for the maximum support and needing the least amount of cushion. These products are great for folks with back pain or other pain issues and will give the best support to back sleepers. They won’t be great for stomach or side sleepers, however.

Ultra firm toppers are usually made with sleep innovations such as ultra-high density foams, gels, or latex, and are made with support in mind over comfort. Ultra-firm is usually also the thickest toppers you can find.

Common Types of Toppers & Pads

The best thing about mattress toppers is that they’re available in different materials such as natural latex or gel swirl memory foam.

All of these products are highly rated regarding end-user satisfaction; they usually offer similar levels of spinal alignment, comfort and support, and motion isolation (apart from wool). A foam option for a mattress pad or topper might have its perks but not quite as good as latex. Which one you opt for though depends on your needs and budget.

Mattress toppers come in all shapes, sizes, and materials, so the process of finding one that is right for you can be confusing. Once you’ve decided on a level, it’s easier to narrow down the type of topper that is right for you. However, there are still plenty of options, especially if you’re going with a prevalent firmness level.

Below we will take a look at some of the different types on the market so that you can have the best idea of what mattress pad or mattress topper will work for you!

1. Memory Foam

Memory foam mattress toppers tend to be the most popular; they provide more than adequate support and longevity at a lower price than latex. These bedding products are also available in different types of foam like their full-sized bigger brother, eg. cool gel and traditional Visco foam.

2. Latex

A latex mattress topper or mattress pad tends to be more expensive, but are very durable, and often come in all-natural latex which means they are hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant. They also provide some of the best levels of support due to their springy nature which means it pushes back into your body contours to provide the utmost support and spinal alignment.

Due to the expensive nature of buying a full-sized latex mattress, the alternatively smaller and cheaper toppers are very popular. In fact, this option is among the top 3 bestsellers in comparison with the other types mentioned in this section.

3. Wool

Wool mattress toppers are also popular because they are relatively cheap compared to the aforementioned two, but they offer little if any support and do not provide a soft plush feeling. This type of mattress topper is more geared towards altering the feel of an existing mattress as opposed to revitalizing an old and sagging one.

4. Gel Foam

When you think of a cooling topper or mattress pad, you typically think of gel foam. These are usually somewhat pricier options than other topper materials, but they are incredibly technologically advanced, so you shouldn’t discount them due to the price if you are looking for the best comfort and support.

They are beneficial, not only because they conform to your body to give you support where you need it, but also because of the reduced vibrations from your partner while moving in their sleep, thereby helping to get a great night’s rest.

5. Pillow Top

Much like a pillow top mattress, these exist to provide a luxurious feel and the best cushioning throughout the night, but with little regard to spine and joint support. The goal of pillow top mattress toppers is to create an extra layer of plush comfort over a firm or ultra-firm mattress so that you don’t feel like you’re sleeping on a brick.

Often considered ultra plush, plush, or soft, these are made typically from down, feathers, lightweight foams, bamboo or synthetic fibers. It’s important to pay attention to the materials used in these toppers if you have known allergies. They can be difficult to clean at times as well, depending on the material.

6. Down

A down topper or mattress pad can either be made from down feathers or from synthetic fibers created to mimic down. The latter was created as a hypoallergenic option since many individuals are allergic to true down.

Down mattress toppers are available in plush to medium levels, but are not going to give you the same support that others will. They are meant to create more comfort rather than to cool or support those with back and joint issues. Down toppers are great for stomach and side sleepers.

Conclusion

Purchasing a mattress topper is a great way to revitalize your current mattress or try out a new sleep experience before committing to a brand new bed. With a huge variety of options available to suit every need, you’re sure to find the best topper that’ll keep you supported and cozy all night long.

All of the best mattress toppers we have reviewed in this guide make fantastic choices, but we think the best mattress topper is the Sleep On Latex Pure Green. We love that this mattress topper is made from a natural material, which works hard to keep you comfortable while maintaining your posture.

At 3” thick, it ticks all the boxes. The natural Dunlop latex layer cushions and conforms to your joints to relieve pressure. Perfect for softening up an overly-firm mattress without losing support, this mattress topper also keeps you and your bed cool and comfortable, thanks to its ventilation holes that wick away heat and moisture as you sleep.

Furthermore, this topper is hypoallergenic, free from harmful chemicals and performs exceedingly well at isolating motion transfer, despite its responsive qualities.

Additional Resources

• Best Mattress Topper For Side Sleepers
• Latex Mattress Reviews
• US Mattress Sizes