8 of the best mattress toppers to buy — all tried and tested, from $89.99

In the market for the best mattress topper? Honestly, this is a purchase you will not forget or regret. Whether your mattress is one year old or ten — or you don't know its history — a topper will be sure to add an extra layer of comfort to your existing base.

For example, if you suffer from chronic pain, this accessory might help relieve achy pressure points. And don't get us started on cooling mattress toppers in the summer — they're a total game-changer for hot sleepers!

We all know that most rental beds are far from ergonomic, and that's perfectly okay if you have the budget for a mattress topper. It's not very good for the environment (or your purse) to change your mattress if there's nothing wrong with it, so instead of switching it out for the best mattress, a topper might help fix whatever the problem is. Not to mention that this will cost a quarter of the price than it would to replace your entire mattress. With an extra layer of cushy foam, cotton, or feathers you can instantly transform your mattress from lumpy to plush. 

The best mattress toppers of 2024

The quick list

Mattress topper reviews

The best dorm mattress topper

This topper is soft. We tested it atop a very firm mattress and it made it a lot more bearable for our reviewer. Otherwise, the ViscoSoft Serene Hybrid Mattress Topper has a memory foam base made out of CertiPUR-US gel-infused memory foam that is combined with a down-alternative pillow-top cover. It is available in a three or four-inch option. The four-inch topper consists of 2.5 inches of memory foam and 1.5 inches of the down-alternative cover, while the three-inch is half gel foam. As for the pillow-top cover, this is machine-washable and easy to install over a mattress and mattress topper with its four built-in corner elastic straps. Inside, the quilted design has a plush 700gsm down alternative fill with a 300-thread count cotton cover. In short: this topper is designed for anyone who loves the luxurious feel of a pillow top with the support of memory foam.

Sometimes choosing between two different materials can feel like a compromise, but with a hybrid topper like this one, that's certainly not the case. Our tester Julia reviewed the four-inch version of this topper which claims to add additional softness to any base — this was exactly what she needed as she was working with a very firm bed-in-a-box. She noted that upon opening, it had a gas-like smell but this disappeared significantly over 24 hours. On the first night, she reported having instantly had a more restful night's sleep than she had in a while and no joint pain from sleeping on her side. She claimed the topper brought her bed from a 9/10 on the firmness scale to around a five, which is pretty impressive. All in all, It provided excellent pressure relief when paired with a firm mattress and was just right for all sleeping positions seeking additional cushioning and support.

If you're working with an already soft mattress and would like a topper to make your bed slightly harder, then avoid this topper for sure. If you are a hot sleeper, then we would also avoid this topper as Julia found that she slept ever so slightly warmer on it than she did without it being on her bed. Also, bear in mind that it will add significant height to your mattress.

Read our full Viscosoft Serene Hybrid Mattress Topper review

The best mattress topper for side sleepers

If you've always wanted a Tempur-Pedic mattress but it has always been out of budget, then turn to the Tempur-Topper Supreme as the next best thing. This medium-firm topper is crafted using the same foam you'll find in Tempur-Pedic's mattress range. This material adapts to a person’s shape, weight, and temperature for the best pressure relief, in a three-inch slab, wrapped in a washable hypoallergenic cover. It is, admittedly, a bit of a splurge starting from $319 for a Twin, though you can frequently find it on sale.

This Tempur-Pedic topper ticked all our boxes for what we look for in a topper to make a mattress feel new again: minimal motion transfer, hypoallergenic, and breathable. Our tester Alexandra (who is a side sleeper) reviewed this topper for us, and originally she was sleeping on a cheap and uncomfortable spring mattress. She loved that the Tempur-Topper Supreme molds around your body and prevents sinking which characterizes many memory foam mattress toppers. Her favorite feature was its sublime motion isolation as she shares a bed with her partner who wakes earlier than her. She claimed she never felt him get out of bed, roll, or even move in the slightest.

This topper isn't fitted with straps, so Alexandra found that it occasionally slid down her bed, FYI. It's also not your best bet if you sleep warm as it's not particularly cooling — it's not any warmer than your average topper, though. You can no longer buy this topper from Tempur direct, only from Wayfair. It doesn't come with a free trial, but you do get a 10-year warranty.

Read our full Tempur-Topper Supreme review 

The best value mattress topper

For anyone whose looking to save the life of their current mattress without a costly investment, this Allswell Memory Foam Mattress Topper is the perfect pick.  Great for all types of sleepers, so long as you like a soft base, this topper features a dual-layer memory foam design. The top two inches are designed to make a bed more comfortable, while the bottom two inches provide support. The Coolflow foam upper layer wicks moisture and maximizes airflow to keep you cool. The topper is also infused with copper gel for its antimicrobial and cooling properties. 

If you're currently working with a firm mattress, or you love a softer base, then this is the perfect topper for a satisfactory night's sleep. Our tester Paige found that it did an impressive job at preventing motion transfer — while adding significant softness and preventing pain on pressure points. The cool foam promoted airflow and wicked away moisture on hot nights, and while she noted she didn't sleep cooler, she stayed the same temperature despite it reaching 85ºF indoors while testing. Thanks to its ability to prevent motion transfer, she also found that it's ideal for couples and anyone who might share their bed with kids or pets.

There were minor inconveniences like its powerful off-gassing smell which does take 72 hours to disappear, but it does offer great value for the price. Avoid it if you require something a little firm and don't like to sink into your bed. If edge support is important to you, then you'll also want to give it a miss as its edges are super soft.

Read our full Allswell 4" mattress topper review.

The best mattress topper for back pain

For anyone seeking respite from persistent back pain, or simply looking to ease up on pressure points, the Nolah Mattress Topper should be your top pick. It utilizes two inches of the company's proprietary Air Foam found in its flagship mattress, the Nolah Original. Its design is simple but effective — foam wrapped in an organic cotton cover placed upon your existing mattress, secured in place with thick elastic bands on each corner. It fits your needs and is available in two firmness options, Plush with a cloudlike 3/10 firmness level and Luxury Firm with a moderate 5–7/10. 

Our reviewer Jaclyn is a back sleeper and she reviewed the firmer version of this topper, though she found it a little soft. She found two inches to be the perfect depth to relieve pressure without dealing with any sink-in feelings. Jaclyn said she felt like her spine was aligned when sleeping on her front and side, and sleeping on this topper made her notice a real difference in her back pain — in other words, it pretty much disappeared overnight. Beyond being incredibly comfortable, the topper sleeps temperature neutral, meaning it didn't contribute to overheating, and motion transfer was minimal.

You'll want to avoid this topper if you're a front sleeper as Jaclyn noted that her torso cratered in the mattress when she tried lying on her stomach. It has an organic cotton cover which is great, but this isn't removable so this topper is spot clean only. Also, note that Jalcyn spotted that this topper doesn't seem to cover the full surface area of a bed as it left a one-inch gap on both the left side and the top of her bed.  Once your sheets are on, you can't notice, just an FYI.

Read our full Nolah Mattress Topper review

The best cooling mattress topper

If lining your bed with ice packs has once crossed your mind, you're going to need a mattress topper that does the absolute most in keeping you cool and regulating your temperature throughout the night. Well, Subrtex’s Gel Infused Memory Foam topper utilizes holes and ventilation to promote air circulation, while the tiny microbeads of gel help with temperature regulation and cooling. The ergonomic design of this mattress topper means it’s designed for any body weight, any body type, and any sleeper, by perfectly aligning the spine. It comes in three thickness levels which influence the softness of the product —the thicker the plusher, typically. Wrapped in a removable, washable bamboo casing, it stays in place thanks to four adjustable elastic straps.

As a side sleeper who normally sleeps hot, our reviewer Alex Shimalla was seriously impressed by the three-inch version of this topper. She used it on top of her very old spring mattress and said it made her feel cool, supported, and super comfortable while she was still able to roll over without it being any major workout. Truthfully, she was shocked by its comfort and firmness — especially considering its affordable price tag. She also noted little to no motion transfer, but most impressively, she claims that the often wakes up sweating every night but after sleeping on this topper, she actually found herself waking up a little cold (which is definitely not a complaint!).

This mattress topper is a little more firm than the others in this guide, so if you like a softer bed, then avoid it. Otherwise, our only other complaint is that its warranty is a bit confusing as it's no longer sold via the Subrtex website. So check where you are buying yours for their policy.

Read our full Subrtex Memory Foam Mattress Topper review

The best wool mattress topper

At three inches, PlushBeds offers one of the thickest wool mattress toppers on the market, making it exceptionally plush. Wool is highly regarded in bedding for its ability to wick away moisture and provide just the right amount of insulation, perfect for year-round use. Especially if you are a warm or cold sleeper. We love that each wool topper is made to order, handcrafted, and sourced from farms with a sustained commitment to humane treatment and natural processing. The wool batting is encased in a 100 percent organic cotton sateen cover that is also hand-tufted. This drives up the price tag of the wool topper, but it's all so worth it.

Our reviewer Alex Temblador tested this atop her already comfortable mattress, thinking it wouldn't make much of a difference to her sleep. She was very wrong! This topper shocked her. Her body did need a few days to adjust to it because it's a different material than she's used to sleeping on, and she was surprised to note that it had no smell like other mattress toppers she has used. After five days, she could sleep on her stomach, back, or side without any issues. She noted that she felt like a cat curling up in a soft and buoyant bed. Living in Texas and testing this topper in the summer, she reported it was 100 degrees several nights while testing, and she never got hot or sweaty at night. In addition to offering necessary pressure-relieving comfort, the wool topper has natural anti-microbial properties that prevent mold, mildew, and dust mites.

Because this topper is made from wool, is quite expensive. With this in mind, it's not great that it isn't refundable in our opinion. Hence why it sits last on our list. It's also spot-clean only, FYI.

Read our full Plushbeds Wool Mattress Topper review

The best pillow top mattress topper

If you're searching for a pillow top mattress topper (and by that, we mean something super plush and cloud-like) then the Coop Retreat Topper is it. Sure, it costs a little more than others on our list, but it is free from chemicals and it's organic. This mattress topper is filled with cross-cut memory foam and microfiber blend and is five inches thick. The first night may seem a little lumpy, but trust us — after this fancy foam has molded to your body, it'll feel like sleeping on a cloud. A word of warning: Though thick, this mattress topper is so plush that it wouldn't be able to rescue a super old and tired mattress, just an FYI.

Our reviewer Louise used this topper to add comfort to a standard mattress her landlord bought for her. Although she's a side sleeper and admits that she usually prefers a firmer base to sleep on, she noticed almost immediately that it made her medium-firm mattress feel a lot softer and cozier. And to her surprise, she really liked it as the foam adapted to her body to the point where her (sometimes achy) joints were cradled, cushioned, and supported. Usually, she overheats in bed as she's quite a hot sleeper, but thanks to the Coop Retreat Topper, she definitely didn't overheat and her mattress felt more breathable than normal. Admittedly, the sheer thickness of the topper did make her feel cozier in bed. With this in mind, if you have a mattress that's too firm for you, this is a great buy.  

Unfortunately, it only comes in a King or a Queen. The good news? You get a 100-night trial in case it's not your thing (it will be). And a five-year warranty, too.

Read our full Coop Retreat Mattress Topper review

The best organic mattress topper

If your mattress is quite old but you're hesitant to replace it yet (or you don't have the money to replace it), let this be your answer. The Saatva Foam Mattress Topper might only be made of 1.5-inch-thick high-density polyurethane foam, but it is wrapped in a naturally breathable and moisture-wicking organic cotton cover. The foam is also CertiPUR-US certified, meaning it’s guaranteed to be low in volatile organic compounds, and therefore free from off-gassing odors. Yes, it's rated our best organic and eco-friendly topper for this very reason. So if this is important to you, know you know what to do.

Our reviewer Allessandra noted that this foam mattress topper is very supportive. She tested it atop her current eight-year-old mattress and to her surprise, it transformed her bed into an impressive sleep surface for just a couple of hundred dollars. She claims she had that new-bed feel. She said that when it came to pressure relief and support it felt like it was holding her spine and joints right where they need to be. As a side sleeper, she found it very comfortable but she also tried it sleeping on her front and back and said it worked perfectly. 

If you dislike memory foam, then this isn't the topper for you. Also, do bear in mind that it's only 1.5 inches thick which is the thinnest topper on our list. And it's spot clean only! You do, however, get a 180-night trial with it when you buy direct, plus a -one-year warranty.

Read our full Saatva Foam Mattress Topper review.

Which type of mattress topper should I buy?

What your mattress topper is made of determines how soft or firm it'll be, along with how well it regulates your body temperature.

• Memory foam: The most common material is memory foam, which is made of polyurethane. It molds to the shape of your body and tends to offer excellent support. Modern memory foam is more breathable than past varieties, but sensitive sleepers may still find it hotter than other materials. 
• Latex: Latex mattress toppers are more breathable than those made of memory foam, so they're a great choice for people who tend to feel hot at night. They are also firmer and springier than memory foam models — making them a great choice if you wish your mattress was a little more supportive. Be sure to double-check that you're buying eco-friendly natural latex. Latex tends to be more expensive than memory foam. 
• Down/feather: You won't find many down feather toppers on the cheap, and they can aggravate allergies for some people. Sometimes the feathers can poke through the mattress cover, too. But down/feather mattress toppers regulate body temperature very well, and they offer a soft cloud of comfort atop the firmness of your mattress.
• Fiberfill or polyester blends: These "down alternatives" are perfect for those who love the feel of down feathers but either don't like to use animal products, are allergic, or want a more affordable product. However, these toppers are usually not as soft as others and can become lumpy over time.
• Wool: Natural wool fleece toppers are soft, durable, and often a great choice for allergy sufferers. That said, they tend to be one of the more expensive materials for a mattress topper. They're also not that thick, and won't offer as much pressure relief as other materials.  

FAQs

How thick should my mattress topper be?

Mattress topper thickness ranges from around two to four inches. For most side-sleepers, a thicker, softer mattress topper is best, because it better relieves pressure at the hips and shoulders. Meanwhile, a back sleeper in need of a firmer mattress might want a thinner topper. 

Note: The thicker the mattress topper, the more likely it'll push you beyond the limits of traditional sheets and into the specialized world of deep-pocket sheets, which are needed to cover an extra-thick mattress. We've more guidance on how to choose a mattress topper in our dedicated guide. 

Are thicker mattress toppers better? 

Hand in hand with the type of topper, knowing how much depth your mattress topper will add to your mattress is worth a second thought. If you already own a deep mattress, putting an additional 5cm on top may give your bed a Princess and the Pea feel and look. If this isn't what you’re after, then a flatter alternative would work better. In some cases, brands offer toppers in thickness variations. If you sleep on your side, the deeper the topper, the better, as it will cope well with pressure points, such as hips and shoulders to relieve any spine tension you may feel during the night. 

Can a mattress topper be cleaned?

Some (but not all) toppers are washable with covers that act as a protector. Doubling up means you won’t need to buy a mattress protector as well to shield from dust mites, spills, and stains. You'll want to consider whether you can machine wash or not. For those times you spill a drink or when you're spring cleaning the house, having a mattress topper you can easily take care of is a bonus. You can find out more about how to clean a mattress (or topper) in our guide.

Are mattress toppers worth having? 

A mattress topper adds another layer to your sleep surface, which transforms an uncomfortable mattress into one worthy of staying on your bed a little longer. They're much cheaper than splurging on a super expensive mattress with some as little as $50. No matter your budget, buying a mattress topper as a substitute for replacing your old mattress is a great way to save money. 

Big brands such as Simba Sleep and Otty essentially make their mattress toppers smaller versions of their best mattress-in-a-box products. By buying one of these, you’re guaranteed to sleep better without having to invest a whole lot of money in an entirely new mattress.

How we review mattress toppers

There's much more to how we test mattresses (and toppers), but for a brief overview, our mattress topper testers are all required to sleep on their bed with the new product for a minimum of three to four weeks before reaching their verdict. This allows Real Homes to compare and contrast their mattress topper experiences to find the best product. During the review, we will pay close attention to comfort, support, cost, and how it lives up to claims. We will also choose a reviewer depending on how they sleep, and we will ensure that this matches the type of topper we give them.

We understand that mattress firmness is subjective, so we also ask each reviewer to be transparent about their sleep habits. They will also, if possible, invite other people (friends and family) to lie on it and share their impressions.

Meet our mattress topper reviewers:

Louise Oliphant

Louise was previously the ecommerce editor at Real Homes covering all bedding content, so you can wind down well. She's currently doing the same role for our sister brand Homes & Gardens. She reviewed the Coop Retreat Topper and has been sleeping on it for four months in total.

Sleep stats: • Mattress topper review count: 2 • Sleep position: Side sleeper • Insomnia: No • Sleep problems: Hot sleeper, minor joint pain • Average sleep time: 6-7 hours/night

Jaclyn Turner

Jaclyn was previously sleep eCommerce editor across the homes titles at Future, including Real Homes. She used to spend her days evaluating the best mattresses, toppers,  best pillows, and more. She slept on the Nolah Mattress Topper for several weeks before making her mind up.

Sleep stats: • Sleep position: I typically fall asleep and wake up on my back. I don't toss and turn during the night • Insomnia: I don't have any trouble falling asleep. I could sleep with the lights on • Sleep problems: I have trouble getting into REM and Deep Sleep and some breathing issues that affect my overall quality of sleep • Average sleep time: Between 8 and 9 hours

Alexandra Pamais

Alexandra is a freelancer for Real Homes who is based in NYC. She slept on the TEMPUR-Supreme Topper with my partner for a good few weeks before reviewing it. 

Sleep stats: • Sleep position: I tend to fall asleep on my side but will change positions throughout the night frequently (but will never sleep on my stomach) • Insomnia? None • Sleep problems: If I end up in an uncomfortable position while moving in the middle of the night, I sometimes won’t adjust and wake up with pain in my back, arms, or head • Average sleep time: Between 7 and 8 hours 

Alesandra Dubin

Alesandra is a professional product tester who has been writing about lifestyle topics for more than 20 years, with bylines in Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Insider, Prevention, Travel + Leisure, and many more. She reviewed the Saatva Foam Topper. 

Sleep stats: • Sleep position: Side • Insomnia: Yes • Sleep problems: Insomnia bouts • Average sleep time: 8 hours

Alex Temblador

Alex is one of Real Homes' mattress experts — which is a good role for someone who needs over eight hours of sleep each night. She's based in Dallas and she reviewed the PlushBeds Natural Wool Topper.

Sleep stats: • Sleep position: Flexi (front, back, and side) • Insomnia: Not usually • Sleep problems: Difficulty getting a deep rest with someone else in the bed. Can't sleep on a mattress that is too soft. • Average sleep time: 8-9 hours

Paige Cerulli

Paige is a freelance writer who frequently writes product reviews for Real Homes. She slept on the Allswell Memory Foam Mattress Topper for one month before making her mind up about it and writing her review.

Sleep stats: • Sleep position: Side and back • Insomnia: Mild • Sleep problems: Lower back pain • Average sleep time: 8 hours

Alex Shimalla

Alex Shimalla is one of our freelancers at Real Homes and she slept with the Subrtex Memory Foam Mattress Topper for four weeks.

Sleep stats: • Sleep position: Side • Insomnia: Occasionally/during times of high stress • Sleep problems: None (just an aggressive toss-and-turner) • Average sleep time: 8 hours