The Best Mattress Toppers That’ll Make Your Bed Feel Like a Cloud

The bedroom is one of the most important rooms in your home. It’s where you get to rest, decompress, and treat yourself to moments of calm. Because of that, it’s well worth the time and energy to curate the type of bedroom that’s best for you to get the most out of your time spent in there. However, it’s no secret that furnishing your home can be pricey, and the cost of decking out your bedroom can easily turn it into one of the most expensive rooms in your space. Think about it: Common furniture pieces include your bed, dresser, nightstand — and that doesn’t even touch on bedding and decor. Fortunately, there are places where you can cut corners to lower costs and still get the most out of the coziest space in your home. One hack that could extend the lifespan of your mattress is a mattress topper. Best of all, it doesn’t have to be expensive to be effective.

Buying a new mattress might seem like the only effective solution to sleep issues, but that’s expensive and sometimes a pain. As it turns out, a mattress topper can mean the difference between your dreamiest night’s sleep and shelling out upwards of a grand for a new mattress. For instance, do you love the firmness of your mattress but wish there was that cloud-like je ne sais quoi everyone talks about? Mattress topper. What if you’ve started sleeping on your side but your mattress is too firm to support you? Mattress topper. Are you getting a little too hot at night? Does your partner like sleeping in a cold room, leaving you shivering? Want to remain soundly asleep even when someone’s shifting and rolling around on the other side of the bed? Mattress. Topper.

Whether you don’t want to invest in a new mattress, need a temporary solution to tide you over for a shorter period of time, or just want a bit of height to your bed, a mattress topper is the key. But, as with bedding, there’s a plethora of options out there, making it difficult to narrow down your perfect topper, especially if you’re still not quite sure what you need to sleep better at night. Relax, we did the work and investigated over 30 mattress toppers to determine which are worth it across the most sought-after categories.

• Best Overall: Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper
• Best Luxury: Boll & Branch Mattress Topper
• Best Budget-Friendly: Allswell Energex Memory Foam Mattress Topper
• Best Down Alternative: Brooklinen Down Alternative Mattress Topper
• Best Cooling: Nest Bedding Cooling Topper
• Best Warming: Plushbeds 100% Natural Latex Topper
• Best Firm: Airweave Top Mattress
• Best Plush: Sure2Sleep Cool Gel Swirl Memory Foam Mattress Topper
• Best Movement Isolation: MOLECULE Triple Zone Foam Topper
• Best Unique: Lucid 5 Zone Lavender Memory Foam Mattress Topper

There are a few things you need to consider before you add a topper to your cart: type of fill, thickness level, and sleeping style. Additionally, 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. That said, some mattress pads add the support, cushion, or temperature regulation you may need without the height of a topper. For this reason, we’ve included a few high-performing mattress pads that achieve these functions in addition to mattress toppers.

It’s recommended that you replace your mattress topper every three to five years, simply because it’s a thinner version of the multi-layer thickness of a mattress, so it will wear faster with regular use.

Foam: By far the most popular fill for mattress toppers, foam is a great option if you’re looking for extra plushness and a bit of 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). 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 you want to add extra height to your bed, consider foam and latex mattress toppers. Most toppers are about two inches thick, but you can find options that are four inches and higher. The main benefit of a thicker mattress topper is extra cushioning, which can mean both softness as well as support — if you have a seriously lumpy mattress, a two-inch topper might not be enough to make you comfortable. Make sure your fitted sheet has sides that are long enough to fit over both your mattress and your topper if you go this route.

When 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. Other common certifications for foam include GREENGUARD certified, which means that the foam has low chemical emissions, and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, which means the textile has been tested for and proven free of harmful chemicals.

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 in certain sleep positions or does it work for all?
• Support: Do we wake up feeling sore? Does the mattress topper feel comfortable throughout the night?
• Effectiveness: Does the mattress topper make a positive difference? Does it do what it’s designed to do?

Saatva is a beloved bedding brand for the AT team: The Saatva Classic Mattress made our Best List, so it’s doesn’t come as a huge surprise that their mattress topper earned rave reviews as well. Saatva’s graphite mattress topper has a soft, plush feel and withstands movement while maintaining the integrity of the mattress and keeping its shape over time. That, along with its secure hold, breathability, and moisture-wicking fabric, has earned it the Best Overall pick on our list. “My partner and I have gotten some amazing sleep,” says home assistant editor Savannah. “We already had a pretty expensive, quality mattress. So we honestly didn’t think our sleep could get THAT much better. We were so wrong.”

Though their mattress was firm, it was super soft to the touch, which alleviated their back issues; however, the addition of the topper elevated things. “This mattress topper is much more plush (and even softer), making it feel like a luxury experience every time we hop into bed. Waking up every day, it’s twice as hard to leave this bed because the topper is THAT GOOD.”

The topper attaches to your mattress with four corner straps that hold it in place, which Savannah said is super helpful with their dogs that like to hop in and out of bed. “I also really love how the topper keeps its shape!” she adds. “When you put pressure on it, it adjusts to your body a bit, but when you get up, it snaps right back into shape. It never looks flat or lumpy. I honestly can’t think of anything I would change about this mattress topper!”

Specifications:

• 100% certified organic cotton
• 3-inch thickness
• Available in 7 sizes
• Elastic anchor bands
• Spot clean
• 180-night trial period
• 1-year limited warranty
• Free delivery

Who It’s Best For: Those who want a natural topper; those who are hot sleepers; those who prefer a plush feel as well as subtle body contouring.

Good to Know: The Saatva mattress topper is available in two additional types: foam and latex. The foam topper is good for those seeking more plushness, while the latex topper, which was tested by commerce executive director Mark, provides a firmer feel. “My Saatva mattress was already comfortable but it got even better with this topper, and I did sleep a little better,” he says of the latex topper. While Mark loved his Saatva mattress as is, he “always thought it could be a little bit firmer” for what he needs. “The mattress topper gives me the exact level of firmness that I love.”

When it comes to luxury mattress toppers, we’re looking for the one that does the most with the best materials. Even a higher-end mattress can underperform if it’s not right for you, in which case a luxurious topper could be what you need. The Boll & Branch Mattress Topper has a cloud-like feel for those who love pillowy softness, and its wool, cotton, and poly design makes it dense, giving you the firm support you need. Held secure by four elastic corner straps, the topper serves as a truly decadent addition to your sleep setup. “I tend to prefer a firmer mattress for my back problems, but always felt like I wanted that ‘aaah soft’ feeling when I got into bed,” says AT contributor Ella. “This is the best of both worlds — you get the initial ‘give’ when you get into bed, but you don’t feel like the mattress is sinking beneath you.”

Specifications:

• 100% GOTS Certified Organic Cotton shell with humanely sourced wool
• 2-inch thickness
• Elastic anchor bands
• Spot clean
• 30-day trial
• Free shipping and returns

Who It’s Best For: Those who want a pillow-like topper but ample support; those who are hot sleepers; those who want added plushness without the bulk.

Good to Know: This topper has a quilted texture that might show through your fitted sheet, but it isn’t a big enough issue to be a dealbreaker. However, if you prefer a smoother look, consider adding a mattress protector that will not only prolong the life your mattress but your topper as well.

Mattress toppers and pads, like mattresses, can be an investment, especially if you have specific features in mind. Our best budget-friendly pick has to perform as well as the rest of our winners, with the added bonus of being the least expensive of the lot. Allswell’s Memory Foam Topper has reclaimed its spot as the Best Budget-Friendly pick for its super affordable price and high quality, even prompting AT staffers to try it out for themselves. “Within the first week of sleeping on it, I caught myself thinking, ‘This is so comfy,‘ multiple times,” says AT managing editor Terri. “It’s not too soft and not too firm, it really is just right. It also more than compensated for the rock-hard mattress I’d been sleeping on even though it’s just two inches thick. I’m not really a hot sleeper, but the memory foam definitely doesn’t feel like it’s adding extra heat, which is a plus.” This mattress topper transfers heat away from the body with the help of graphite and copper gel, and has pressure-relieving Energex memory foam that conforms to your body to make you feel cradled all night.

Specifications:

• Open cell memory foam infused with graphite and copper gel
• 2-inch thickness
• Spot clean
• 100-night trial
• 10-year warranty
• Free shipping

Who It’s Best For: Those who want additional comfort on a budget; and those who sleep hot.

Good to Know: If you’re looking for added plushness and breathability, Allswell has a 3-inch graphite-infused memory foam topper and a 4-inch memory foam topper infused with copper gel.

Looking to treat yourself to something truly sumptuous? Allow us to introduce you to Brooklinen’s down alternative mattress topper. Its microgel fill mimics the plushness of a true down top, creating a seriously soft and hypoallergenic topper that ensures you’ll never want to leave your bed. This topper’s main function is to provide extra cushion and protection without any added heat, so it should be used on beds that aren’t totally hopeless, just maybe a tad too firm. (If you’re looking to add a bit of warmth, Brooklinen also sells a down topper we recommend.) “I love that it’s not bulky and stays put so well (restless sleeper over here),” AT social media manager Rachel says of the down alternative version. “I splurged on a good mattress, so I didn’t realize I needed a mattress topper in my life until now. This down alternative one is SO SOFT and feels just like my favorite blanket. The way the box arrived also felt like such a luxe treat — I’m planning to gift it this season for that reason.”

Specifications:

• 100% cotton shell and microgel fill with waterproof barrier layer
• Available in 4 sizes
• Machine washable
• 365-night trial period
• Free shipping

Who It’s Best For: Those who want added softness; those who sleep hot; those who want the feel of down without the use of real down.

Good to Know: This wraparound mattress topper fits mattresses up to 18 inches deep.

As one of the top needs among sleepers searching for mattress toppers, effective cooling is something we always look for when it comes to bedding. The Nest Bedding Cooling Topper is not only our best cooling option, but its multitasking abilities also make it shine. It’s more than just a soft mattress topper — it’s cooling, supportive, and luxurious to boot. “It completely elevated my bedding situation,” says AT contributor Ivy. “A little something extra that made my sleeping situation even more comfortable. The cooling properties from the special foam were great, as I didn’t get hot, even in warm weather. It’s also very plush but still supportive. It’s a great item to buy if you want a luxurious, high-quality topper at a reasonable price point. I didn’t really wake up with a stiff back before, but after using this topper, how I felt after getting up was noticeably different. It’s the perfect mix of plush and supportive, and feels like you’re sinking into a cloud. This topper was amazing!”

Specifications:

• Nest Bedding’s Energex Foam
• CertiPUR-US certified
• 2-inch thickness
• Available in 6 sizes
• Elastic corner straps
• Spot clean
• Made to order
• Free shipping

Who It’s Best For: Those who like the feel of their mattress but sleep hot.

Good to Know: Nest Bedding toppers are made to order, each taking 10 to 12 days to produce and 3 to 8 to ship.

If you’re in love with your summer sheets but start to shiver come fall, or if you love cozying up in a warm bed in a chilly room, a mattress topper with insulation is your answer. That said, we don’t want anything that holds in too much heat and crosses over into uncomfortable or sweaty, as many foam toppers tend to do. That’s why we love the Plushbeds 100% Natural Latex Topper and its fluffy, breathable latex fill. It comes in multiple feels and can be perfect for firm-mattress lovers as well. “I’ve slept really great with the topper,” AT sales research associate director Marisa says. “My mattress is a little too plush on its own, so the topper has made it a little more firm. I notice less back pain, and it’s comfortable whether I sleep on my side or my back. I also really loved how you can choose the thickness and level of firmness you want when buying. I ordered the medium firm and would probably step it up to extra firm if I were to order it again.” Marisa also notes that “this will be really nice in the winter, but for the end of summer, it required a little bit more out of our AC,” which is worth keeping in mind if you prefer cooler sleeping environments or want something for seasonal use.

Specifications:

• 100% natural latex
• Hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, and dust-mite resistant
• GREENGUARD Gold, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, and GOTS certified
• 2-inch thickness
• Available in 6 sizes
• Spot clean
• 5-year warranty
• Free shipping

Who It’s Best For: Those who want something all natural; those who sleep cold or want a winter topper; those who want to customize their topper upon order.

Good to Know: Latex is more breathable than traditional foam, so warming in this case doesn’t mean stuffy — it means not needing to stay in the one area where your body heat has warmed the bed. This topper is also available in two thicknesses and five different firmness levels.

“Since using the Airweave, I have had a better, more solid sleep, and wake up less than I used to,” AT contributor Ella says of the Airweave Top Mattress. Airweave is a consistent winner for us when it comes to firm mattresses and accessories, as the brand’s own fill is specially developed to cater to body alignment and performance. “This topper definitely hits my need for a firm mattress, and I have really been enjoying it,” says Ella. Whether the mattress you currently have is too plush for your sleeping positions or you need additional firmness, Airweave’s proprietary airfiber technology creates a fill that is extremely breathable without the give that comes with other porous materials like foam or latex.

Specifications:

• Polyethylene airfiber fill with polyester mesh cover
• 2-inch thickness
• Available in 6 sizes
• 100-night trial
• 3-year limited warranty

Who It’s Best For: Those who want all the support they can get; those who wake up with neck or back pain.

Good to Know: Airweave mattresses and pads are used and endorsed by elite athletes around the world for their ability to heighten performance and provide unparalleled support.

Sometimes, all we really need is a little added cushion — some extra comfort to settle into after a long day. And while plushness may not be right for some, side sleepers can especially benefit from the flexibility and body contouring that a plush topper can provide. Sure2Sleep’s Gel Swirl Memory Foam Mattress Topper is an impressive Amazon find that’s earned over 20,000 five-star ratings for its supportive, plush feel and affordable price. It’s made with breathable open-cell memory foam that helps to regulate temperature, and provides pressure-relief by conforming to the shape of your body, regardless of your sleeping position. “The aptly described ‘total pressure point reliever’ had my full, undivided attention,” says AT contributor Tierra, who bought it after moving into her first apartment to replace her old topper from college. “Besides relieving various pressure points in the body, this mattress topper helps soften the impact of firm mattresses. The combination of gel-infused memory foam for more breathable sleep and its durability made me count the hours before it arrived.”

Specifications:

• Open-cell memory foam
• CertiPUR-US certified
• 2-inch thickness
• 30-night trial
• 3-year warranty
• Free shipping and returns

Who It’s Best For: Those who prefer a soft surface layer; combination sleepers; those who sleep hot; those who want back support and a soft, plush feel.

Good to Know: For an added comfort layer, go for the 2-inch topper, and if you want more plushness, the 3-inch topper is your best bet.

Say your mattress does the job, but you’ve got an early-rising partner, kids as alarm clocks, or pets who love to cuddle. Motion isolation is a necessity in more than just these cases, and it can mean the difference between full REM cycles and exhaustion. The MOLECULE Triple Zone Foam Topper is not only cooling and cloud-like, but it also has multiple zones of fill that amplify memory foam’s already impressive motion isolation. According to AT contributor Emily, “Motion isolation for my bed has increased with this, so I highly recommend for couples!” But it doesn’t stop there. “I’ve actually slept really well with NO pillow and am able to take naps quickly versus needing time to wind down. The topper really does give a cloud-like feel, and the best part is that it is very cool to touch. Comparative to my already ‘cool’ mattress, it actually was even cooler, which is great for hot sleepers like me. It adds a lot of height to the bed, which makes jumping on it all the more fun.”

Specifications:

• 100% polyurethane foam
• CertiPUR-US certified
• Available in 6 sizes
• Machine washable; do not tumble dry
• 30-night trial
• 5-year limited warranty

Who It’s Best For: Those who don’t sleep alone; those who wake due to movement on the bed.

Good to Know: MOLECULE tested this topper on an innerspring mattress using infrared images of pressure mapping technology to visually display the difference it makes in body pressure while sleeping.

The Lucid 5 Zone Lavender Mattress Topper surprised and impressed us with how effective its lavender scent is in improving our sleep. Beyond this, the design of its five zones of differing foam textures relieved pressure in all the right areas, making it ideal for tossers and turners. It’s a plush mattress topper, though, and mildly warming, so if you’re in need of a firmer or more cooling surface, it may not be for you. “One word: LAVENDER! The lavender smell of this mattress topper is by far my favorite part of the experience of sleeping on it,” says AT’s SVP of marketing & brand strategy, Lauren. “Not only is the fragrance wonderful, but it has a very calming effect. Of course, this is only the mattress topper for you if you enjoy the scent of lavender as much as I do — it’s not for everyone! I also like the contouring of the different zones.”

Specifications:

• Memory foam
• 2-inch thickness
• Available in 7 sizes
• Lavender essential oil-infused
• 3-year limited warranty

Who It’s Best For: Those who want a very soft surface; those who enjoy aromatherapy.

Good to Know: This mattress topper is also available in gel vs. memory foam and can either come with or without a lavender-infused cover.