How to Choose a Mattress Topper

Let’s start with the foundation: A mattress topper probably won’t make a mushy mattress more supportive, and it won’t fix a lumpy, worn-out one.

According to Consumer Reports’ extensive testing, a supportive mattress is one that helps the spine maintain its natural curves for back sleepers and keeps it in a neutral position for side sleepers. (If you’re a side sleeper and your hips and shoulders don’t sink in enough—or sink in too much—your spine can wind up twisting and curving.)

Once a mattress fails to fulfill its core purpose, it’s time for a replacement. And though a mattress topper isn’t a substitute for a worn-out mattress, it may address other mattress shortcomings.

“Some people like the feeling of sinking into a mattress, and some mattresses may not let you sink in enough. Adding a mattress topper may help provide that ‘enveloped’ feeling,” says Chris Regan, a lead tester at Consumer Reports. “If you have a mattress that feels too firm to you, putting a 3-inch foam or a feather topper on it may make it feel softer and more comfortable.”

What’s more, “a softer, thicker topper may relieve pressure points,” Gonzalez-Fernandez says, which can be especially beneficial to side and back sleepers. “The toppers conform to and support the body. This means relief for, say, the thigh muscles, which can feel strained in back sleepers, or the hips, which can take on a lot of pressure in side sleepers.”

A topper can also reduce motion transfer, absorbing your movements as you sleep rather than sending vibrations across the bed.

“Memory foam toppers are what are called low-rebound toppers,” Gonzalez-Fernandez says. “Once you lie on one, you sink into it, and it holds the shape of the body.” When you press a finger into dense foam, for example, it takes a minute for that indent to puff back up. That’s the low-rebound effect in action.

This cocooning and buffering property can be helpful for restless sleepers and their bed partners because it minimizes mattress vibrations. Look for a memory foam topper that’s at least 1½ to 2 inches thick to get the full benefit.

Mattress toppers can have a downside, too. Some hold in heat, which can be a problem if you tend to sleep hot, regularly waking up sweaty and tossing off your covers.

“This is especially true with memory foam, a synthetic material that doesn’t breathe well,” says Buddy Delaney, president of Best Mattress in West Columbia, S.C., a manufacturer and retailer for 90-plus years. “You sink into it, and much of your body is in contact with it. Air can’t circulate around you well, and the heat becomes trapped.”

The feel of a topper depends on its composition. Here’s a rundown of the various materials used, some well-rated brands, and prices:

Memory foam: Some of the most popular toppers are made of memory foam, which tends to envelop the body. Many think of memory foam as really nice cushioning.

Many manufacturers have added graphite, gel, or copper to memory foam to address the heat-trapping issue, but it’s unclear whether it works.

“I am skeptical that there’s enough of those materials inside to make a difference,” Delaney says.

If sleeping hot isn’t a problem for you, highly rated brands include Bed Story, Tempur-Pedic, and Viscosoft. Expect to pay $100 to $400 for a queen-size topper. (Queen-size mattresses are the top sellers, and it’s the size we test in the lab.)

Other types of foam: Egg-crate foam, convoluted foam, and polyfoam are less dense and less cushy than memory foam and therefore less supportive. Silver lining: They’re also less likely to leave you roasting. They’re also considerably less expensive—often under $130—at retailers like Amazon and Target.

Latex: Made from the sap of rubber plants, natural latex may be the springiest material, thanks to tiny air pockets throughout. It’s also naturally cooling. (Some latex toppers are a blend—say, 80 percent latex and 20 percent other materials.)

If you want an organic topper, look for GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) certification on the packaging. Well-reviewed latex brands include Avocado, Saatva, Brooklyn Bedding, and Naturepedic. Prices range from $300 to $800 for a queen-size, with 100 percent latex products at the high end.

Wool, cotton, and other fiber fills: These materials inside a topper can make it feel more like a fluffy, comfy pad than a deeply springy, supportive layer. But they tend to be breathable and naturally regulate heat.

Prices often creep into luxury territory. PlushBeds’ handmade natural wool toppers, for instance, are typically $800 and up for a queen-size. You may also see combinations of fills. For instance, Birch makes a topper that combines organic wool, organic cotton, and latex, and costs about $450 for a queen-size.

When searching for sustainability options, look for GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) Organic certification, which guarantees 95 percent or more organic fibers; the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 label, which means a topper has been tested for harmful substances and is deemed harmless to human health; or Greenguard certification, which means the topper has been shown to have low chemical emissions.

Down, other feathers, and downlike fill: Like wool and cotton, they provide some fluffy padding but don’t deliver the kind of responsive support that memory foam and latex can. And they are less heat-trapping. With the Lucid 4 Inch Down Alternative and Gel Memory Foam, sleepers can benefit from the best of both memory foam and down.

In terms of sustainability, toppers with downlike fill may carry the same certifications as those for the fibers above. For genuine down or feathers, look for ethical certifications such as RDS (Responsible Down Standard) or Global TDS (Global Traceable Down Standard), both of which indicate that the animals were not subjected to unnecessary harm. Pricewise, you may pay $150 to $500 for a queen-size topper. Look for brands such as Parachute and Restful Nights.

A topper can add 1 to 4 inches to your mattress’s height. It’s important to keep this in mind as you shop, especially if you have a thicker than normal mattress. If you put a 4-inch-deep topper on a 15-inch-deep mattress, for example, you may struggle to get your sheets to fit. (A limited number of CR’s top-rated sheets will fit an 18-inch mattress.)

And because the topper will lie directly on your mattress—under the mattress protector (if you use one)—you may want to look for one with straps to help it stay put, as well as a removable, washable cover, like the Dormeo 3" Premium Mattress Topper.

Could cleaning be an issue? Almost no latex or foam mattress topper can be washed—only spot-cleaned, perhaps. For toppers filled with wool, cotton, down, or other materials, check the label for guidance. Some can be dry-cleaned (such as Parachute’s down mattress topper), while others are machine-washable (like Brooklinen’s down alternative mattress topper).

Before plunking down your plastic, read up on the retailer’s returns policy. Unlike mattresses, there aren’t many opportunities to try out a mattress topper before you purchase one. But many retailers allow returns, so check before you buy. If you buy a Tempur-Pedic topper directly from the manufacturer, for example, it’s not returnable; purchase one from Costco, and it is. Also, some brands have generous “tryout” periods; Saatva, for instance, gives you 180 days to return a topper for a full refund.

As for lifespan, a high-quality mattress topper typically lasts three to five years. Some come with warranties that may last up to 10 years or longer. That could mean a lot more nights of satisfied slumber.