The TEMPUR-Adapt mattress topper is a dreamy combo of cushion and support

Many toppers (including the TEMPUR-Adapt mattress topper) are marketed for adding comfort to a mattress, but finding the right balance of cushion and support in a topper can be a challenge. Mattress toppers are notoriously hot, and many shift around and just never fit a mattress quite right.

The TEMPUR-Adapt, however, sticks to its promise and solves those common problems. It strikes a balance between excellent comfort and support that prevents you from completely sinking into the surface.

It’s available in many sizes, including Twin XL, and comes equipped with four elastic corner straps to help keep it securely in place. A removable zippered cover is washable for easy cleaning, and the mattress topper offers fantastic pressure relief to help you get better quality sleep without having to buy a new mattress.

I slept on it for a fortnight and compiled this review to give you my honest thoughts, from unboxing and setup, to cleaning and maintenance. And, after my verdict, if it's not quite the right fit, I've provided three alternative toppers that might appeal to your sleep needs instead.

TEMPUR-Adapt mattress topper review

What I thought of the TEMPUR-Adapt mattress topper

Straight out of the box, the TEMPUR-Adapt mattress topper had a high-quality feel. It was easy to unbox, had minimal off-gassing (that smell when something is new), and I was able to use it the same night I unboxed it. The elastic corner straps kept it secure, and it fitted my mattress well. 

The topper made the bed more comfortable (without buying a new mattress), and I noticed that it greatly reduced pressure points. Though it was very comfortable, it also provided enough support and I didn’t feel it was sinking. I found no noticeable increase in heat, and the topper was altogether an improvement to my mattress. 

Though it’s not ideal for use with taller mattresses, and probably isn’t a great fit for sleepers who prefer a firmer bed, it could be a great choice for those who prefer a softer feel.

Testing the TEMPUR-Adapt mattress topper

Paige Cerulli

I’m Paige Cerulli and I specialize in product reviews. I tested the TEMPUR-Adapt mattress topper in my home for several weeks. I have a keen interest in equestrianism and live with chronic back pain.

TEMPUR-Adapt mattress topper specifications

• Model name: TEMPUR-Adapt mattress topper
• Dimensions: 38” x 74” (Twin)
• Profile: 3”
• Weight of topper: 15 to 30 pounds, depending on size
• Sizes available: Twin, Twin Long, Full, Queen, King, California King

Unboxing and setting up the TEMPUR-Adapt mattress topper

The TEMPUR-Adapt mattress topper was shipped in a durable, heavy-duty single box and arrived in excellent shape. The topper was tightly wrapped in plastic and enclosed in a larger plastic bag within the box. It was surprisingly heavy — but once out of the box, it was much easier to carry. 

I immediately noticed there was no instruction manual, but then discovered that the three-step unboxing instructions were printed on a box flap. That design eliminates the need to include any sort of instruction sheet, cutting down on paper waste. 

After removing the topper from the larger plastic bag, I placed it on my mattress. I was able to find the ends of the plastic wrap and easily unwrapped it by rolling the topper. 

Once unwrapped, the topper immediately started to expand. While it was less than an inch thick after unwrapping, within five minutes it had reached its full three-inch height.

The instructions note  the topper can be used the same night it’s unboxed, but may continue to expand over the following 24 hours. I didn’t notice any further expansion after the first few minutes. 

The four elastic corner straps are very easy to use and slipped over a mattress. My mattress is 10 inches high and the straps fit securely. According to TEMPUR-Pedic, the straps fit mattresses up to 13 inches deep, but they wouldn’t fit many of the deeper mattresses that have recently become popular. I found that the topper fits my twin bed very well, with no overhang and no lack of coverage. 

After unwrapping the topper, I could smell a somewhat faint plastic or chemical off-gassing odor. I’m very sensitive to smells and this odor was minimal, especially compared to other toppers and mattresses that I’ve purchased. I unwrapped the topper at 1PM and was able to comfortably sleep on it that night without really noticing the smell. Within 24 hours, the smell had entirely dissipated. 

Using the TEMPUR-Adapt mattress topper

This topper offers a fantastic feel and made a significant improvement in the comfort and support of my mattress. It’s made of TEMPUR-Material™, which is the same material that TEMPUR-PEDIC uses in its mattresses. The material helps to relieve pressure but isn’t so soft that I had any difficulty moving. I found it comfortable to lie on my side, my back, and my stomach, and I could easily move from one position to another. 

The topper also offers decent support. While it’s cushioned, you don’t sink deeply into it, which helps to avoid heat buildup. I felt balanced and comfortable when sleeping on the topper, though I would like to have more support under my legs. I tend to prefer a medium-soft mattress, and while I find the topper comfortable, I could see it being too soft for someone who prefers a medium-firm, or firm mattress. 

I did experience an issue with getting out of bed. My mattress lacks edge support, and adding the topper seemed to make those edges even softer. Since the topper easily compressed under my legs, I felt like I was tipping forward every time I went to get out of bed. That could potentially be an issue for someone who already has difficulty getting out of bed. 

I found that the corner straps securely held the topper in place, and I didn’t have any issues with it shifting. The topper may not be a great fit for taller mattresses, since it adds three inches of height. But it does have the potential to transform a rental mattress.

My bed sheets easily fit over the topper and mattress, but this might be an issue for those with taller mattresses. 

While I didn’t find the topper to be particularly warm, I tested it during the winter, and several reviewers described it as being hot and too soft. It’s great at preventing motion transfer, so it would be ideal for couples who want to prevent sleep disturbances. 

A premium cooling mattress topper is available, but that option is more expensive. However, an $80 upgrade for TEMPUR-Adapt mattress topper with cooling technology might be life-changing for a menopausal woman, a hot sleeper or for someone whose partner gives off heat like a radiator at night.

I tested this twin mattress topper for two weeks. During that time, I didn’t notice an improvement in my chronic back pain, but I was absolutely more comfortable when I got into bed and seemed to be able to fall asleep more easily. 

Cleaning and maintaning the TEMPUR-Adapt Topper

Cleaning the mattress topper is simple as it features a zippered cover that can be completely removed. According to Tempur-Pedic, you can wash the cover in cold water but should avoid using chlorine-based cleaning supplies or harsh chemicals. Air drying is recommended, but you can also machine dry the cover, using your washer-dryer on the cool setting. The topper core cannot be washed or dry cleaned. 

Is the TEMPUR-Adapt mattress topper right for you?

The TEMPUR-Adapt mattress topper can add cushion and some support to mattresses. Its ability to prevent motion transfer makes it ideal for couples, and its excellent pressure relief is ideal for anyone who tends to experience pressure points or discomfort while lying on their mattress. 

That said, this topper is on the softer side, so anyone who likes a firmer mattress might find it to be too soft. While it does provide support and prevents you from sinking completely down into it, it made the edges of my mattress feel less supportive, so some people might have a difficult time getting into and out of bed. 

I have to draw attention to the topper’s 10-year limited warranty, which is a fantastic perk and far longer than most industry warranties. This topper is a great choice for anyone who prefers softer mattresses and who wants to increase the comfort of their mattress. Its corner straps only fit mattresses up to 13” high, so keep that in mind when deciding if this topper is the right fit for your mattress.

If the TEMPUR-Adapt mattress topper isn't suitable for you, I've carefully selected some alternatives.

Good to know

Instructions
Instructions for the mattress topper are very minimal and consist of three simple steps guiding you through the unboxing process. The instructions are printed on an interior flap of the box, saving unnecessary paper. 

Warranty
TEMPUR-Pedic backs this mattress topper with a 10-year limited warranty against manufacturer defects. If a defect is found, TEMPUR-Pedic will replace or repair the topper.

Where to buy the TEMPUR-Adapt mattress topper

You can buy the TEMPUR-Adapt Topper directly from TEMPUR-PEDIC. It’s also available on Amazon and Wayfair.

How we test mattress toppers

TEMPUR-Pedic sent me the topper and I tested it for two weeks in my house before writing the review. I used the following criteria for the testing process. You may consider the following when wondering how to choose a mattress topper: 

Unboxing: I considered how well the topper was packaged, including the use of sustainable packaging. 

Comfort: I evaluated the topper’s comfort, including how it felt throughout the night. I considered how the comfort and cushion would work for people with different sleeping position preferences, as well as how it affected the ability to move in bed. 

Support: I looked for a topper that was not only comfortable, but was supportive enough to prevent sleepers from completely sinking into it. I considered how it affected the edge support of the mattress. 

Heat: I evaluated whether the topper contributed to heat buildup during the night and considered how breathable it felt. 

Ease of use: I considered factors like how easily I could get into and out of bed, as well as how well the topper stayed in place on my mattress. 

Ease of cleaning: I assessed how easily the topper could be cleaned, including any specific cleaning instructions provided by the manufacturer.