The Best Editor-Tested Mattress Toppers That’ll Make Your Bed Feel like a Cloud
If you feel like you’ve tried everything but you still aren’t sleeping through the night, it might come down to the fact that your mattress isn’t comfortable enough. It’s a tough truth to confront, but the good news is, you can completely change your current mattress’s feel with a mattress topper. There are toppers for every kind of sleeper, and we tested them all to find the best mattress toppers for your preferences.
In our Best List series, Apartment Therapy editors test household products to find the very best. We’ve tested mattresses, bed blankets, pillows for side sleepers, and more. Now we’re testing mattress toppers across all categories — ranging in price, material, feel, and more — to find the best ones for every single preference. Check out our findings below!
The Best Editor-Tested Mattress Topper: Sleepyhead Super Topper, $569
- Made from gel- and copper-infused memory foam for cooling comfort
- Delivers pressure point relief
- Comes with a cooling, washable cover
What to Consider Before Buying a Mattress Topper
There are a few things you need to consider before you add a topper to your cart, including the 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.
Type of Fill
- 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.
- Microcoil: Like a hybrid mattress, mattress toppers with this type of fill feature wrapped steel coils toward the base, with layers of foam sitting on top. This ensures that the topper will return to its original shape, extending its life.
Thickness
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.
Certifications
There are a few material and textile certifications we mention that are worth looking out for when shopping for bedding of any kind, including mattress toppers.
- CertiPUR-US certified: Ensures the foam is free from harmful chemicals, flame retardants, heavy metals, and more.
- GREENGUARD certified: Ensures that the foam material has low chemical emissions.
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified: Products are free of harmful chemicals, including synthetics and dyes.
- Made in Green by OEKO-TEX certified: Materials used in products are traceable and have been tested for and are free from harmful substances.
- GOTS certified: Products align with the Global Organic Textile Standard, which defines the worldwide recognized requirements for organic textiles.
- GOLS certified: Products align with the Global Organic Latex Standard, which defines the worldwide recognized requirements for organically grown natural rubber latex.
- Cotton LEADS program: A reliable cotton supply chain providing raw material that is responsibly produced and identified.
- Made Safe certified: Products are nontoxic and made with safe ingredients and materials.
- Fair Trade certified: Products are created in alignment with the economic standards in place for manufacturers to equitably distribute the benefits of ingredient, material, or product trade.
What We Look for in a Mattress Topper
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?
The Best Mattress Toppers
Best Overall: Sleepyhead Super Topper
Craving cool, plush comfort? The Sleepyhead Super Topper is your best bet. Sold in two-inch and three-inch options, the topper is made of gel- and copper-infused memory foam to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep. In addition to its cooling effect, the topper offers optimal pressure point relief, along with a hint of added height, which makes any bed look that much more regal.
Another enormous bonus is that it comes with a cooling, washable cover, so you don’t have to worry about cramming the entire topper in the washing machine. It also is equipped with an anti-slip bottom so it won’t budge during the night.
“I was presently surprised by this topper,” says Charli, AT’s editor-in-chief. “It’s very cozy, yet it offers great support, great cooling effects, and lots of pressure relief. I tried it in the full size for our guest room and our recent overnight guests asked where it came from — they want their own at home!”
What we love
- Available in two- and three-inch options
- Has a cooling effect
- Offers pressure point relief
- Designed with an anti-slip bottom
- The cover is washable
Good to know
- It's better for hot sleepers
Who It’s Best For: Those looking for a mattress topper that’s easy to care for; sleepers who run hot.
Specifications:
- Materials: 50% gel and 50% copper-infused memory foam interior; CoolTech 2.0 cover
- Thickness: 3″
- Sizes: Available in 5 sizes and 2 heights
- Care: Machine-washable cover
- Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100-certified
- Trials/Warranty: 5-year “Good ‘Til Graduation” warranty
Best Value: LINSY LIVING Mattress Topper
We love a solid Amazon find, and the Linsy Living 3-inch Mattress Topper is nothing short of stellar. For under $100, you get a thick memory foam mattress topper that transforms any bed in terms of both height and comfort. The marbled design is what makes this mattress topper particularly special (beyond its affordable price, that is).
The blue marbled sections are actually cooling technology that makes this topper a breathable, comfortable sleep surface all through the night. Not sure you need three inches of added cushion? The Linsy Living Mattress Topper is also sold in two-inch options.
“I had been using a much pricier mattress topper before this, and it was good, but I have to say this one was much better,” says Mark, AT’s former executive director of commerce. “I had my doubts when I first saw it because it just looked like a huge rolled-up rectangle of memory foam, as opposed to my expensive one, which was more tailored and even had a cover.
I need support or I’ll wake up with back pain, and this looked like it was going to be waaay too soft. And while it did cushion me, I also felt supported. I could switch easily from sleeping on my side to my back and I didn’t feel like I was sinking into the topper.”
Read our full review of the LINSY LIVING 3-inch Mattress Topper.
What we love
- It's only $100
- Made with cooling technology
- Available in two- and three-inch options
- It's cushiony and supportive
Good to know
- It doesn't include a cover
- The design isn't as sophisticated
Who It’s Best For: Those who want to sleep like royalty while remaining on a budget; those who currently wake up with aches and pains from their mattress.
Specifications:
- Materials: Gel-infused high-density foam
- Thickness: 2″ or 3″
- Sizes: Available in 6 sizes and 3 heights
- Care: Spot clean when necessary
- Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100-certified
- Trials/Warranty: 30-day trial, 10-year warranty
Best Luxury: Nolah Microcoil Mattress Topper
If you aren’t afraid to splurge but still want a solution that’s cheaper than buying a whole new mattress, head over to Nolah. The brand’s Microcoil Mattress Topper will drastically change the feel of your mattress for more reasons than one.
Firstly, it contours to your body and relieves pressure everywhere. Similar to a hybrid mattress, it provides support using a combination of foam and flexible coils. To top it all off (get it?), the interior is wrapped in a cover that’s designed to keep you cool all night long.
“This topper completely elevated my sleep experience,” says former commerce assistant editor Morgan, who tested the plush version. “I’ve never had a topper that strikes a balance between supportive and cushioned so perfectly. The thickness and added height are great, and it isn’t difficult to fit sheets around it. Most importantly, my back pain has lessened, and even just sitting on the edge of my bed is so much more comfortable now.”
What we love
- It contours to your body and relieves pressure points
- It's thick, cushiony, and supportive
- It has a cooling cover
Good to know
- It's on the pricier side
- It's sink-in soft
Who It’s Best For: Those who want to make their mattress feel completely different; those who want to sink into their bed, but still be supported.
Specifications:
- Materials: GlacioTex cover (50/50 polyester and polyethylene), polyurethane foam, and steel coils wrapped in fabric.
- Thickness: 3.75″
- Sizes: Available in 6 sizes and 2 firmness levels
- Trials/Warranty: 10-year warranty
Best Foam: Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt Topper
TEMPUR-Pedic is the OG memory foam mattress company, and it was only a matter of time before they released a mattress topper, too. Like the brand’s popular mattresses, the TEMPUR-Adapt Topper features three inches of TEMPUR Material and is designed to cradle every contour of your body.
The pressure relief it offers is next level, hence why nearly 11,000 shoppers swear by the product. That and the fact that it comes with Staytight corner straps, a removable, machine-washable cover, and the option to add cooling technology.
“If you’ve wanted to try a TEMPUR-Pedic mattress, but shied away from the cost, the TEMPUR-Adapt Topper is the next best thing,” says Senior Shopping Editor Britt. “As someone who’s slept many nights on the TEMPUR-Cloud Hybrid Mattress, the comparison checks out! Thanks to the topper’s built-in straps, a mattress protector, and a fitted sheet, it was like the TEMPUR-Adapt was simply an extension of my mattress that elevated it in both size and comfort.
The topper maintained its cozy support and conformed to me, no matter how I slept. [And] considering that the TEMPUR-Adapt Topper can also be used separately from your bed as an added layer of comfort for a sleeper sofa or even the floor, you get a lot out of it for the price.”
Read our full review of the TEMPUR-Adapt Mattress Topper.
What we love
- The exceptional pressure relief
- The comfortable, cushiony memory foam
- You can add cooling technology
- It has corner straps to keep it in place
- The removable, machine-washable cover
- It has a built-in fitted sheet and mattress protector
Good to know
- It can also be used to add cushion to a sofa
Who It’s Best For: Those looking for an extremely comfortable, easy-to-care-for, body-conforming mattress topper.
Specifications:
- Materials: TEMPUR-Material™ with performance fabric cover
- Thickness: 3″
- Sizes: Available in 6 sizes
- Care: Machine-washable cover; air dry
- Trials/Warranty: 10-year warranty, 90-day trial
*Honorable Mention: Another option from the brand that we’d be remiss not to mention is the ultrasoft TEMPUR-Cloud Topper. “I’ve noticed a significant change in my sleeping pattern,” Ayanna, our assistant social editor, says. “I actually sleep through the night now. With my previous mattress topper, I would wake up daily in the middle of the night. What surprised me was that for its height, it’s still so comfortable to sleep on.”
Best Memory Foam: Puffy Deluxe Mattress Topper
The Puffy Deluxe Mattress Topper is applauded by hundreds of shoppers, as well as our team of testers. The top-rated topper is sold in six sizes and two firmness levels and is made of hypoallergenic memory foam, making it a suitable pick for just about any sleep preference.
That said, what makes this topper really stand out is its fitted sheet design. Rather than corner straps (or no securing mechanism at all), the Puffy Deluxe Mattress Topper is built into a removable deep-pocket fitted sheet that accommodates most mattresses up to 15 inches thick. And since the cover is removable, you can ensure that your topper stays clean and hygienic by simply tossing it in the wash every couple of weeks along with your sheets.
“I was incredibly impressed with this mattress topper,” says brand activation coordinator Reece, who adds that his opinion still stands a year later. “I gave up on mattress toppers for a long time after never being able to find one that I love. I love a perfect balance of soft and firm and this topper is exactly that. My bed is 10x comfier with this mattress topper!”
What we love
- It's built into a removable, deep-pocket fitted sheet
- The cover is removable and machine washable
- It's firm but comfortable
Good to know
- It's available in two firmness levels
- It must be air dried
Who It’s Best For: Those looking for a super secure topper; those who enjoy the option to choose between firmnesses.
Specifications:
- Materials: Hypoallergenic memory foam with bamboo-polyester cover
- Thickness: 2.5”
- Sizes: Available in 6 sizes and 2 firmness levels
- Care: Machine-washable cover; air dry
- Trials/Warranty: 101-night trial, lifetime warranty
Best Microcoil: Brooklyn Bedding Microcoil Mattress Topper
Microcoil is a solid route to take if you’re after a mattress topper that’s as supportive and durable as it is sinkable. Brooklyn Bedding’s version — a brand that has impressed us with its mattresses before — receives high praise from our former commerce SEO editor Sarah, who opted for the firm feel.
The micro coils will hug every contour of your body, accommodating every move you make. It also has a cooling cover that hot sleepers are sure to love, as well as open foam technology that draws away body heat. All the while, its durable construction will keep it from sagging, so you won’t have to replace it (or your mattress) any time soon.
“This mattress topper is the perfect mix of cooling and supportive,” says Sarah. “I went with the firm option to help make up for the sag of an older mattress below and the support this gives is incredible. Top that off with the cooling aspect of the cover and it’s the perfect way to upgrade your bed without shelling out for a whole new mattress.”
What we love
- It's super supportive
- It comfortably hugs every contour of your body
- The durable design doesn't sag over time
- The cooling cover is great for hot sleepers
Good to know
- It's on the pricier side
- Not ideal for those who prefer sink-in softness
Who It’s Best For: Those who value support and want to invest in a topper that will last.
Specifications:
- Thickness: 3.75″
- Sizes: Available in 7 sizes and 2 firmness levels
- Trials/Warranty: 120-night trial, 10-year warranty
If fluff is number one on your must-have list, a pillow top option is the way to go. The Company Store is one of our editors’ go-to’s for bedding, so it doesn’t surprise us that its mattress topper made the list. Stuffed with a down alternative fill, it’s ideal for those with down sensitivities — as well as those who crave a super cushioned sleeping experience. It’ll add four inches of loft to your bed, and every time you lay down, you’ll sink right into it. The quilted construction keeps the material evenly distributed.
“It feels like truly sleeping on a cloud,” says AT’s principal product manager, Anna, who gave the Legends Hotel topper top marks when it came to comfort. It’s also so fluffy that she notes “at first glance [it] could totally pass as a down comforter.” She also has no doubts about its longevity — though, to keep it in tip-top shape, the brand recommends avoiding the washing machine.
What we love
- It's extremely fluffy and soft
- It has a lofty cushion you'll sink into
- The quilted construction keeps the down-alternative fill in place
- The 4" thickness adds height to thin mattresses
Good to know
- May be too soft for those who prefer firmer support
- It's not machine washable
Who It’s Best For: Those who prioritize loft and fluffiness over firmer support.
Specifications:
- Materials: 200-thread count cotton twill shell and recycled polyester fiber fill
- Thickness: 4″
- Sizes: Available in 4 sizes
- Care: Spot clean or professionally dry clean only
- Certifications: 80% Global Recycled Standard certified by Control Union and OEKO-TEX Standard 100-certified
- Trials/Warranty: Lifetime guarantee against manufacturer’s defects
*Honorable Mention: Another option we couldn’t leave out is SERTA’s Down Illusion Pillowtop Mattress Topper. AT contributor Holland says her goal is always to have her bed feel like a cloud, and this option didn’t disappoint. “I love how it includes a stretch grip fabric that wraps around your mattress like a sheet does, so I don’t have to worry about the mattress topper pulling up my fitted sheet throughout the week as I sleep like my old down topper did,” she explains. “It’s also nice and soft without being super bulky.”
Best Down Alternative: Parachute Down Alternative Mattress Topper
We’ve found Parachute’s luxurious bedding to be top-of-the-line, and its cushioned mattress topper is no exception. The brand compares it to falling into a “marshmallow-stuffed cloud” every night, and our former shopping writer Nikol would agree. In her review, she mentions that it gives the impression of laying on a huge fluffy pillow.
This mattress topper provides all of the benefits of down without being authentic down, which will prevent any allergies from acting up. It adds three inches of height to your bed. It’s all encased in an ultra-soft cotton shell, which never hurts even if it’s underneath your sheets.
As a side sleeper, I was so used to having empty gaps between my limbs and the mattress. But this topper rose to fill those uncomfortable spaces and made me feel truly supported all over,” Nikol says. “I don’t think I’ll ever take it off my bed!”
Read our full review of the Parachute Down Alternative Mattress Topper.
What we love
- Its ultra-cushiony, pillow-like softness
- It's made of a hypoallergenic down alternative
- It's wrapped in breathable cotton sateen
Good to know
- It may be too soft for those who prefer firmer support
Who It’s Best For: Shoppers who are allergic to regular down or are looking for an ultra-cushioned topper.
Specifications:
- Materials: 100% hypoallergenic microfiber fill and 100% cotton sateen shell
- Thickness: 3″ thick
- Sizes: Available in 6 sizes
- Care: Dry clean only
- Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100-certified
- Trials/Warranty: 3-year warranty
Best Organic: Earthfoam Mattress Topper
If you prefer to fill your home with eco-friendly products, the Earthfoam Mattress Topper is the perfect pick for you. Made of natural wool, organic cotton, and believe it or not, rubber from trees. While a tree may not seem like the most comfortable sleep surface, the Earthfoam Mattress Topper proves otherwise with its cozy two-inch design that cradles and supports curves while relieving pressure points. And that’s without even having a securing mechanism to keep it in place.
“I’ve only slept on this a few nights so far, but it hasn’t budged once (major, coming from a severe tosser and turner), and makes me even more excited to get into my bed — which I didn’t think could be possible, TBH,” says AT’s former senior style editor Blair.
“I also have a fairly low-to-the-ground platform bed frame, sans box spring, so I love that the topper has added a little extra height and gives my bed a more ‘sophisticated’ look overall. And best of all, my current queen-size sheets and quilt still fit on top perfectly, even with the added thickness.”
All in all, Blair says that “if you’re looking for a firm-but-not-too-firm, built-to-last, not-overly thick organic mattress topper that can make any bed feel brand new, night after night, this is the one.” Just be warned: This topper is so cozy that in addition to enticing you to hop in bed early, it might make getting out of bed that much more difficult.
Read our full review of the Earthfoam Mattress Topper.
What we love
- It supports your curves and pressure points
- It's durably made using eco-friendly materials
- It adds height to low or thin mattresses
- It's firm but still comfortable
Good to know
- The cover is not machine washable
- It may be too firm for those who prefer sink-in softness
Who It’s Best For: Those who value eco-friendly construction.
Specifications:
- Materials: Natural wool and organic rubber with organic cotton and wool cover
- Thickness: 2”
- Sizes: Available in 6 sizes
- Care: Spot clean when necessary
- Certifications: GOTS-, GOLS-, Fair for Life Fair Trade-, and OEKO-TEX Standard 100-certified
- Trials/Warranty: 100-day trial, 5-year warranty
How We Test Products
The Shopping Team at Apartment Therapy Media has one mission: to help you make smart and informed purchases. We know how hard online shopping can be — it’s literally our job! From trying to decipher confusing marketing lingo to sorting through scores of fake paid reviews in search of some truth, online shopping can be overwhelming. We’re dedicated to doing the hard work for you by reviewing these products firsthand and delivering all the information you need, both good and bad.
Our team is made up of a group of writers and editors who have years of experience in the home, kitchen, and consumer product space, and who are always testing for new tried-and-true staples. Consider us your trusted source on everything home, whether it’s what to consider before buying a sofa or a mattress, the best places to shop for affordable rugs, or which cookware pieces are really worth the cabinet space.
Why You Should Trust Us as Product Testers
As experts in the home and design space, we put products to the test right where they matter: at home. Whether it’s the gadget on everyone’s wish list or the coolest-looking design finds, we bring these products into our personal spaces and test them for weeks and even months at a time to see how well they live up to their claims. Do those sheets still feel silky smooth after a couple of washes? Does that mattress remain firm or soften up too soon? Are those bath towels really quick drying or do they need an extra spin in the machine? We’ll let you know.
Within each of our reviews, we also break down the different ways that we critique products. In some cases, we’re testing products head-to-head on things like price, ease of use, and durability. In others, we’re comparing new products to personal favorites or ones we’ve tested in the past. No matter what, we’ll always break down the ins and outs of a product. At the end of the day, we’re consumers too, so we’ll provide you with all the information we’d want — and then some.
More of the Best Bedding You Need
- The Best Editor-Tested Mattresses You Can Buy Right Now
- The Best Editor-Tested Cooling Sheets You Can Buy Now
- The Best Editor-Tested Comforters and Duvet Inserts You Can Buy Right Now
- The Best Mattress Pads and Protectors You Can Buy Right Now
- The Best Editor-Tested Pillows for Back Sleepers
- The Best Editor-Tested Pillows for Side Sleepers