The Best Editor-Tested 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 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, and 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 a wide variety of mattress toppers to determine which are worth it across the most sought-after categories.

• Best Overall: Tuft & Needle Mattress Topper
• Best Value: LINSY LIVING Mattress Topper
• Best Luxury: Essentia Zero Gravity Mattress Topper
• Best Foam: Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt Topper
• Best Memory Foam: Puffy Deluxe Mattress Topper
• Best Pillow Top: Coop Retreat Mattress Topper
• Best Down Alternative: Brooklinen Down Alternative Mattress Topper
• Best Cooling: Sleepyhead Mattress Topper
• Best Gel: Sure2Sleep Cool Gel Swirl Memory Foam Mattress Topper
• Best Organic: Earthfoam 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.

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.

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?

Of all the toppers we tested, the Tuft & Needle Mattress Topper was the clear winner in our book. Sold in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and Cali King sizes, the topper is made of open-cell T&N Adaptive foam, which makes it cushy yet supportive. It also manages to stay in place, despite not having securing straps. While two inches of foam may not seem like much in the padding department, we found that the Tuft & Needle Mattress Topper adequately relieved pressure points, remained stable, and made lying in bed feel downright dreamy. 

“Unless there’s no other option, I’ll never sleep without my Tuft & Needle Mattress Topper ever again,” says AT home associate editor Cullen. “The foam insert is the perfect blend of plush and supportive — I can feel the day’s weight sloughing off without rolling into the middle. Assembling was super easy. Place the foam pad under your fitted sheet, and you’re ready for a comfortable night’s rest.”

Read our full review of the Tuft & Needle Mattress Topper.

Specifications:

• Open cell T&N Adaptive foam
• 2” thick
• Available in 6 sizes
• Spot clean when necessary
• CertiPUR-US-certified
• 10-year limited warranty
• 100-night trial

Who It’s Best For: Those who enjoy firm mattresses with a hint of cushiness.

Good to Know: This mattress topper is not washable, even though it has a cover. The brand recommends spot cleaning. 

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, marble 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. Meanwhile, if you want to add even more comfort and height, a four-inch iteration exists, as well. 

“I had been using a much pricier mattress topper prior to this, and it was good, but I have to say this one was much better,” says Mark, Executive Director of Commerce at AT. “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. I slept very well on it and never felt overheated, even throughout the drastic peaks and dips in temperature in NYC in September. I highly recommend this topper to anyone who wants to upgrade their sleep experience on a budget, especially those who wake up with aches and pains from a bad mattress.”

Read our full review of the LINSY LIVING 3-Inch Queen Mattress Topper.

Specifications:

• Gel-infused high-density foam
• Available in 6 sizes and 3 heights
• Spot clean when necessary
• OEKO-TEX Standard 100-certified
• 10-year warranty
• 30-day trial

Who It’s Best For: Those who want to sleep like royalty while remaining on a budget.

Good to Know: This mattress topper doesn’t have securing straps but it fits under most deep-fitted sheets, so it stays in place well. 

If you prioritize a good night’s rest over just about anything, you may be willing to splurge on your mattress topper. If that’s the case, the Essentia Zero Gravity Mattress Topper is nothing short of a dream. While just one-and-a-half inches thick, the topper is made of organic latex foam that conforms to every contour of your body, offering the utmost comfort and support. Best of all, it comes housed in a zipped removable cover that’s machine washable, which makes caring for the topper much more convenient. 

“The only negative is that it’s about an inch too short at the top of my bed, but I cover it with pillows anyway so it doesn’t really have any effect,” admits commerce editorial assistant Morgan. “It strikes the perfect balance between firm and soft, because I don’t feel like I’m sinking into it too much but there’s a noticeable difference in my mattress’ comfort (which was too firm for my taste before).”

Read our full review of the Essentia Zero Gravity Mattress Topper.

Specifications:

• Organic latex with organic cotton cover
• 1.5” thick
• Available in 5 sizes
• Elastic corner straps
• Machine wash cover in cold water; air dry
• GOLS- and GOTS-certified

Who It’s Best For: Those who don’t mind investing in a top-notch mattress topper as well as those who want an easy-to-care-for design. 

Good to Know: We found the mattress topper to run a bit short, so you may want to measure your bed before buying it. 

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 10,000 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 Best List 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.

Specifications:

• TEMPUR-Material™ with performance fabric cover
• 3” thick
• Available in 6 sizes 
• Signature Staytight™ corner straps
• Machine-washable cover; air dry 
• 10-year warranty
• 90-day trial

Who It’s Best For: Those looking for an extremely comfortable, easy-to-care-for, body-conforming mattress topper. 

Good to Know: AT readers can use the code TOPPERS40 at checkout for 40% off this editor-favorite 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. What really makes this topper 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. “I gave up on mattress toppers for a long time after never being able to find one that I really 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!”

Specifications:

• Hypoallergenic memory foam with bamboo-polyester cover
• 2.5” thick
• Available in 6 sizes and 2 firmness levels
• Fitted sheet design that fits mattresses up to 15″
• Machine-washable cover; air dry
• Lifetime warranty
• 101-night trial

Who It’s Best For: Those looking for a super secure topper; those who enjoy the option to choose between firmnesses.

Good to Know: If durability is of the utmost importance to you, the Puffy Deluxe Mattress Topper is perhaps the best pick, as it comes with a lifetime warranty, so in the event the materials break down, the company will replace it, free of charge. 

The Coop Retreat Mattress Topper will make you feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud. The five-inch thick topper is sold in four sizes and features baffle box construction, creating pockets of pillowy comfort from head to toe. It’s filled with 100% virgin memory foam shredded and mixed with microfiber, which adds to that dreamy, puffy feel that remains breathable all the while. “Both my partner and I are hot sleepers, but this mattress topper is so cooling,” says ATM culinary producer Rachel. “It’s delightfully fluffy and doesn’t provide much support on its own (it’s a blend of cross-cut memory foam pieces and microfiber), but paired with my firm mattress it’s perfect! Like a breezy cloud!”

Just keep in mind that this mattress topper doesn’t come with a removable cover, so you’ll need to secure it beneath a fitted sheet or mattress protector to keep it in tip-top shape. 

Specifications:

• 100% virgin memory foam and microfiber blend with 100% brushed microfiber cover
• 5” thick
• Available in 4 sizes 
• Elastic corner straps
• Spot clean when necessary
• CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold-certified
• 5-year warranty
• 100-day trial

Who It’s Best For: Those looking to create an ultra-cushy sleepscape; those looking to make firm mattresses softer. 

Good to Know: The Coop Retreat Mattress Topper is spot-clean only, so you may want to secure it beneath a mattress protector to ensure it stays clean. 

The Brooklinen Down Alternative Mattress Topper feels like the fluffiest, cushiest duck feathers but is actually made with eco-friendly micro-gel fill. To ensure that it stays evenly fluffed, the topper is designed with 8-by-8-inch tufting, which keeps the fill adequately dispersed throughout. While many similar toppers feature straps to secure it in place, the Brooklinen Down Alternative Mattress Topper comes with a deep stretch skirt that makes it perform like a plush fitted sheet, suitable for mattresses up to 18 inches deep.  

“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:

• Down alternative micro-gel fill with 100% cotton shell
• Available in 4 sizes
• Stretch fitted sheet design that fits mattresses up to 18″
• Machine wash cool; tumble dry low
• 1-year warranty
• 365-day trial

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 mattress topper has a secure, protective waterproof barrier that won’t disturb your sleep with excessive heat or noise.

Craving cool, plush comfort? The Sleepyhead Mattress Topper has you covered. Sold in two-inch and three-inch options, the topper is made of gel-infused memory foam that ensures a comfortable night’s sleep. In addition to the cooling feel, the topper offers optimal pressure point relief, along with a hint of added height, which makes any bed look that much more regal. 

“I have to say, this topper has completely transformed my sleeping experience,” says AT commerce coordinator Mila. “I have a pretty low-quality mattress that was giving me back pain almost every single day, and this topper majorly helped with that. The memory foam conformed to my body, giving me back and neck support, and on top of that, it provides the perfect amount of plushness and softness that I was looking for. I’m also a hot sleeper, so the cooling gel helped me get a more peaceful rest. (I’m no longer feeling grumpy from waking up sweating!)”

Specifications:

• 100% gel-infused memory foam with zippered fabric cover
• Available in 6 sizes and 2 heights
• Machine-washable cover
• CertiPUR-US-certified
• 5-year warranty

Who It’s Best For: Those looking for a mattress topper that is convenient to care for.

Good to Know: The Sleepyhead Mattress Topper is sold in two-inch and three-inch heights, so be sure to pick the one that best aligns with your sleep goals.

Speaking of gel mattress toppers, the Sure2Sleep Cool Gel Swirl Memory Foam Mattress Topper is supreme. You know the marbled toppers that feature small swirls of blue cooling technology? The Sure2Sleep Cool Gel Swirl Memory Foam Mattress topper is made entirely of gel-infused material for a cool night’s sleep free of night sweats. Best of all, it costs less than $125 for a Queen-size topper!

“The aptly described ‘total pressure point reliever’ had my full, undivided attention,” says contributor Tierra, who bought the topper 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.”

Read our full review of the Sure2Sleep Cool Gel Swirl Memory Foam Mattress Topper.

Specifications:

• Gel-infused memory foam
• Available in 6 sizes and 2 heights
• Spot clean when necessary 
• CertiPUR-US-certified
• 3-year warranty
• 30-night trial

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 two-inch topper, and if you want more plushness, the three-inch topper is your best bet.

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 style shopping 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-sized 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.

Specifications:

• Natural wool and organic rubber with organic cotton and wool cover
• 2” thick
• Available in 6 sizes
• Spot clean when necessary 
• GOTS-, GOLS-, Fair for Life Fair Trade-, and OEKO-TEX Standard 100-certified
• 5-year warranty
• 100-night trial

Who It’s Best For: Those who value eco-friendly construction. 

Good to Know: The Earthfoam Mattress Topper doesn’t come with straps but shoppers and our testers report that it stays in place well. Still, for added security, you may want to place it beneath a mattress protector and/or fitted sheet.