The Best Mattress Toppers

While buying a new mattress is the best way to solve the problem of an old, lumpy mattress, sometimes that’s just not feasible. Maybe you don’t want to shell out a couple hundred bucks on a new bed, or maybe you just need a temporary solution to tide you over for a shorter period of time. Either way, a mattress topper is what you need. Not only does it help make an old mattress feel like new, but it can also turn a firm mattress into a plusher one and add a few extra inches if you don’t love how low your bed is. We did the hard work for you and investigated which mattress toppers are worth it, no matter what you’re looking for.

• Best Overall: Coop Home Goods Flip Mattress Topper
• Best Budget: Allswell Energex Memory Foam Mattress Topper with Graphite
• Best Foam: Tuft & Needle Mattress Topper
• Best Down: Brooklinen Down Mattress Topper
• Best Latex: Avocado Green Organic Latex Mattress Topper
• Best Cooling: SensorPEDIC Advanced Cool Transcend Memory Foam Mattress Topper

If you’ve decided a mattress topper is right for you, there are a few things you need to consider before you add to cart: type of fill, thickness level, and sleeping style. Remember that mattress toppers and mattress pads are different—mattress toppers sit on top of your mattress to provide extra cushioning, while mattress pads (or protectors) are thin coverings that protect your mattress from fluids, allergens, and dust mites.

Foam: By far the most popular fill for mattress toppers, foam is a great option if you’re looking for extra support. Soft and comfortable, foam toppers relieve pressure and come in a range of thicknesses. They can get hot, though, so if you’re a hot sleeper you should look for gel-infused foam.

Down: Sometimes called featherbeds, down mattress toppers provide little in the way of support, but they’re luxuriously soft and comfortable. (If you have a down comforter, you know the feel.) Plus, they don’t retain heat, making them a good option for hot sleepers. On the downside, they can trigger allergies in some people and are typically expensive. You can, of course, solve both of those problems by shopping for a down alternative topper instead.

Latex: If you want a more sustainable version of foam, latex is the answer. Natural latex comes from the rubber tree and feels pretty similar to foam, providing a good deal of support and a cooler feel compared to foam. Most organic mattress toppers have a latex fill.

If adding extra height to your bed is a must, you should focus your search on foam and latex mattress toppers. Most toppers are about 2″ thick, but you can find options that are 4″ and higher. The main benefit of a thicker mattress topper is extra cushioning—if you have a seriously lumpy mattress, a 2″ topper might not be enough to make you comfortable. Be careful, though, and make sure your fitted sheet has sides that are long enough to fit over both your mattress and your topper.

If you’re shopping for memory foam, check if it’s CertiPUR-US certified, which ensures that the foam is free from harmful chemicals, flame retardants, heavy metals, and more. Another common certification for foam is GREENGUARD certified, which means that the foam has low chemical emissions.

We tested a wide range of mattress toppers for our list, judging them on the following criteria:

• Feel: Is the mattress topper firm, soft, or somewhere in between? Is it comfortable no matter the sleep position?
• Support: Do we wake up feeling sore? Does the mattress topper feel comfortable throughout the night?
• Effectiveness: Does the mattress topper do its job? Does it make a difference in the overall feel of a bed?

It’s no surprise that Coop Home Goods, which makes one of our favorite pillows, has such a fantastic mattress topper as well. Made from CertiPUR-US certified foam, this topper has a few features that make it stand out from the rest. First, it’s flippable, with both a plush and a firm side. If you’re indecisive (like me), the ability to change your mind is a huge relief, especially when it comes to bedding. What if you think you’d prefer plush but then later decide you actually need something firm? The firm side is great if you need extra support or want to improve alignment, while the plush side turns any old mattress into a cozy wonderland.

Second, it already comes covered with a waterproof mattress protector, saving you money if you need both. Plus, having a protector will give you some peace of mind if you have pets or little kids jumping into bed with you (or if you enjoy drinking wine in bed—no judgment). The downside is that it currently only comes in sizes Queen and King. If you do take the plunge, be rest assured that this model will give you supreme comfort all night, no matter which side you use. Here’s a fun anecdote: A few weeks ago my mom injured her back and couldn’t stand. (She’s fine!) Rather than dealing with getting in and out of bed, she decided to sleep on the floor—on this mattress topper. She slept on it for three nights, and found it not only supportive but also shockingly comfortable, considering there wasn’t a mattress underneath it. How’s that for a glowing review?

Specifications:

• Memory foam fill with twill-weave polyester cover
• 4-inch thickness
• CertiPUR-US certified
• Machine-washable cover
• 100-night trial period
• 5-year limited warranty

Who It’s Best For: Those who can’t decide between plush and firm feels; those who want something waterproof.

Good to Know: Comes with a waterproof mattress protector.

Fun fact: My Mother actually sleeps on an Allswell mattress (the Supreme), so when I found out the brand was launching mattress toppers I was pretty excited. I got to test the 2″ model early (it just launched this week), and found it to be just as comfortable as the regular mattress. While overheating is par for the course when it comes to most memory foam, Allswell solved this issue by infusing the topper with graphite and copper gel—both of which are known for their cooling effects. The result is a topper that has all the good things about foam with none of the bad, including a lower price point. While it’s true there are cheaper options out there on Amazon, Allswell’s product is high-quality and made in the U.S.

Specifications:

• Memory foam fill infused with graphite and copper gel
• 2-inch thickness
• CertiPUR-US certified
• 30-night trial period

Who It’s Best For: Those who sleep hot; those who don’t want to spend over $100.

Good to Know: It’s also available in 3″ and 4″ sizes.

It’s not very exciting, but Tuft & Needle’s topper has all you need and nothing more. Another example of a mattress brand branching out to other bedroom essentials, this topper is 2″ thick and has a memory foam fill and poly-blend cover. Sweet and simple. There are some great things to talk about, though, from the lower price point to the impressive range of certifications. Even better: It comes in six sizes, making it a solid choice for college students in Twin XL beds and married couples in California King beds. And, of course, it really is comfortable and does everything you need it to do to keep your mattress usable.

Specifications:

• Memory foam fill with polyester-blend cover
• 2-inch thickness
• CertiPUR-US certified; GREENGUARD Gold certified; Intertek’s Clean Air certified
• 100-night trial period
• 3-year limited warranty

Who It’s Best For: Those who want something straightforward and unfussy.

Good to Know: Includes silicone beading on the bottom to prevent movement.

Looking to treat yourself to something truly luxurious? Allow us to introduce you to Brooklinen’s down mattress topper. It combines a white duck down-filled top and a white duck feather-filled base, creating a seriously soft and comfortable topper that will ensure you’ll never want to leave your bed. (Down is different from feathers—it’s made up of thousands of tiny fibers located beneath the feathers.) This topper’s main function is to provide extra warmth and softness, not support, so it should be used on beds that aren’t totally hopeless, just a tad too firm. But if you’re allergic to down, have ethical objections to its use, or prefer something cheaper, Brooklinen also sells a down alternative topper that we recommend.

Specifications:

• 600 fill power white down with 100% cotton shell
• Dry clean only
• 365-night trial period

Who It’s Best For: Those who want something plush; those who sleep hot.

Good to Know: The down has been treated with Ultra-Fresh Antimicrobial Additives.

If organic is what you’re looking for, you can’t do better than Avocado. The brand sells our favorite organic mattress, our favorite organic pillow, and now our favorite organic mattress topper, too. And what’s not to love? The topper has a dual latex and wool fill, providing both support and comfort in an eco-friendly package. While most mattress toppers have just a foam or latex fill, this one has the added benefit of wool, which is naturally anti-microbial and moisture wicking—exactly what you need to keep your bed fresh. It comes in all six standard bedding sizes, and you get to choose between plush and firm options to ensure your perfect feel.

Specifications:

• Organic latex and organic wool fill with organic cotton cover
• 2-inch thickness
• GOTS certified; GOLS certified; MADE SAFE certified; GREENGUARD Gold certified; OEKO-TEX certified; eco-INSTITUT certified
• 365-night trial period
• 10-year limited warranty

Who It’s Best For: Those who want something organic; those who want something more breathable than foam.