The Best Mattress Toppers to Make Your Bed More Comfortable

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

We recently updated this guide to add new recommendations based on our 2023 mattress topper testing.

A comfortable mattress is key to a good night's sleep, but buying a new one can be pricey and inconvenient. The good news is that a mattress topper can be an easy (and cheaper) fix to make your bed much more comfortable to sleep on. It's also ideal for situations when you're not at home (like in a college dorm or a care facility) because it can upgrade your bed in a temporary living situation.

Before you pick your topper, it's important to consider what type of improvement your bed needs. The right mattress topper can give you pillow-top softness if your bed is too hard or add firmness if you need more support. There are even hybrids that combine materials for comfort and support, cooling options if your mattress gives you night sweats and versions with pressure-relieving memory foam for people with back pain.

The fiber scientists in the Textiles Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute evaluate bedding of all kinds — from online mattresses and waterproof mattress protectors to sheets, pillows and comforters. To find the best mattress toppers, we first researched the features and benefits of a variety of popular options, then our product experts and at-home consumer testers tried them out first hand. The picks ahead, listed with prices for Queen sizes, offer something for every type of sleeper and include top-tested models as well as mattress toppers from brands that have performed well in our evaluations.

Our top mattress topper picks

You can find more information about how we test plus helpful tips for picking out your perfect mattress topper at the bottom of this article, but first, here's everything you need to know about the best mattress toppers for your bed, with prices listed for Queen sizes.

Best Memory Foam Mattress Toppers | Best Latex Mattress Toppers | Best Cooling Mattress Toppers | Best Mattress Pads | Best Mattress Protectors | Best Waterproof Mattress Protectors

Best Overall Mattress Topper

Who it's best for: This memory foam topper is ideal for beds that may be starting to sag, innerspring mattresses that have too much bounce or couples that want to reduce the feel of motion transfer. It's also suitable for back pain sufferers and side sleepers because it offers pressure relief and conforms to the shape of your body.

Using the same popular material in the Tempur-Pedic mattresses that cost thousands of dollars, this luxury topper can totally change the feel of your bed by adding a supportive surface to increase comfort and pressure relief. It's three inches tall — which is substantial for a topper — and has a plush feel that adapts to your body shape rather than instantly sinking. It also offers superior motion isolation, meaning you're less likely to feel your sleeping partner toss and turn throughout the night.

Besides the contouring foam, we love that it has a removable and machine washable outer cover so you can keep it clean, straps that help it easily attach to the bed and a moisture-wicking material to prevent overheating. And if you're a hot sleeper, you can upgrade to a performance cover that feels cool to the touch.

Tester notes: Users confirmed it instantly improved the feel of their mattress. One tester told us, "This mattress topper made my bed significantly more comfortable" and said "the thickness of the topper is perfect." She also said the straps made it easier to get the topper onto the mattress, though it still shifted around at times. And though this specific model is a more recent upgrade from the brand to include the straps, testers note that the Tempur-Pedic toppers keep their shape after years of use.

AVAILABLE DISCOUNT: Take 40% off a full-price Tempur-Pedic mattress topper using code TOPPERS40.

Best Value Mattress Topper

Who it's best for: Anyone on a budget that wants to improve the feel of their bed without spending several hundred dollars. It's also ideal for people that aren't sure whether to choose a memory foam or pillow-top topper since it uses both.

This pick is a hybrid mattress topper that combines foam and fiberfill for a mix of pressure-relieving support and pillow-top comfort. Even better: It costs significantly less than other top-tested options and is available on Amazon with the convenience of Prime shipping. The bottom layer is memory foam infused with gel, while the top layer includes pockets of down alternative for plush padding. It goes onto your bed like a fitted sheet to help everything stay in place.

It's an impressive four inches high, made up of equal parts foam and pillow top. Though it's sold as an individual topper, it's actually two separate pieces that you can layer together or use separately. The top layer that holds everything together is machine washable and dryer safe for easy cleaning.

Tester notes: We surveyed 30 Lucid bed owners during our extensive mattress evaluations. Users gave the materials high scores for comfort and value. Plus, this topper in particular has over 4,000 reviews on Amazon with an average 4.4-star rating. Reviewers say the combination felt better than an individual topper and several even noted that it relieved their back and hip pain. Just note that some reviewers noted it sleeps hot, despite the gel infusion in the foam.

Best Soft Down Mattress Topper

Who it's best for: People who find their mattress to feel too hard or want a plush surface for added comfort. It's especially useful for innerspring beds that don't already have a pillow top or firm foam options with a flat surface.

This indulgent featherbed has a two-layer design that adds cloud-like softness to your bed. The top layer is filled with 100% down for a fluffy feel, while the bottom layer is a down-feather blend for more support. The down has a 550 fill power, which is on par with the insulation you'd find in a fluffy down comforter or puffy winter coat.

Besides having a lofty fill, this topper stood out in our evaluations for its baffle-box construction: It has walls of fabric inside that prevent shifting and uneven spots. It also has gusseted sides to keep it taller than a typical fiberfill mattress pad, and the fill is RDS-certified to ensure the down is humanely sourced.

Tester notes: It earned rave reviews from our testers, who gave feedback like "It was so cozy and made the bed feel luxurious." Several compared it to sleeping on a cloud. Plus, it was easy to set up on their beds and users said there was no odor from the down and feathers. The one thing they noted was that it sometimes needed fluffing to stay lofty, so it's worth giving a shake when you clean your sheets.

Best Firm Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Who it's best for: People looking to seriously upgrade their bed without buying an entirely new mattress. It's not as plush as other foam toppers, making it especially great for people who want pressure relief without too much sinking in.

This topper gives you the conforming feel of memory foam without feeling too cushy. It also offers good motion isolation so you're less likely to feel your sleeping partner move, and comes with a strap that helps in stay in place on your bed. And though it's pricier than other models, it comes with an impressive 180-day trial period so you can get a refund if it's not a good fit. Just note that it's spot clean only, meaning you can't machine wash the cover.

The brand says that this topper can be used for all sleep positions — and we found this to be true in our review — but notes that it's especially good for side sleepers. It also uses graphite in the foam that's designed to pull heat away from your body for a cooling feel, but testers didn't notice this effect when they tried it out.

Tester notes: The biggest highlight from our testers was the pressure relief and the fact that it made their beds feel much more substantial. They also found that its straps actually work, with one noting, "It stays put without sliding around, and I’m so impressed by it!" Though the brand claims it has cooling benefits, users didn't notice this and said it got just a bit warm, though they didn't find this to be a huge issue.

Best Mattress Topper for Back Pain

Who it's best for: This one's ideal for sleepers that struggle with back or hip pain as well as side sleepers thanks to its cushioning foam that takes weight off pressure points. It has more of a sinking-in feel than other foams, but testers of Nolah's foam bedding said it offers relief to their discomfort.

Users of Nolah beds have told us their mattresses relieve back pain, hip pain and sciatica, and this topper uses the brand's same signature foam for superior pressure relief. It comes in two firmness levels: Luxury Firm (which is like a medium in the 5 to 7 out of 10 range) and Plush (which is a soft 3 out of 10), both of which contour to bodies.

There are also wide elastic bands at the corners that stretch to secure the topper onto your mattress, though it doesn't have a removable cover for easy cleaning. It also has a lower height than other foam options we recommend, so it's good for people that don't want to add too much height to their beds.

Tester notes: Our reviewers said this topper transformed their mattresses and made them feel new again. Some noted that it took a few days to get used to the feel, but ultimately loved how comfortable it was. They also appreciated the height, with one noting, "It feels more premium compared to a thinner topper, but it wasn't too thick." Just note that because it's a bit softer, one tester said it was harder to turn over during the night.

Best Cooling Mattress Topper

Who it's best for: Hot sleepers who want the pressure relief and supportive comfort of foam, but are worried about overheating and night sweats. Its ventilation allows for more air to flow through rather than getting trapped in the foam.

Most mattress toppers use materials that are known for trapping in heat, but this one has ventilation in the foam that makes it more breathable. It also has a gel in the foam that's designed to pull heat away from your body. And because it's foam, you still get the pressure relief, comfort and motion isolation benefits of other toppers.

Another perk is it comes in three heights, which lets you pick the right model for your bed depending on the depth of your existing mattress. It also has adjustable straps to help get the most secure fit on your bed, along with a slip-resistant mesh material on the bottom to prevent slipping. The foam has a medium to medium-firm feel and its cover is removable and machine washable.

Tester notes: Our reviewers liked how it upgraded the feel of their bed and the fact that its straps helped keep it in place. While it didn't feel cool to the touch, users noticed that they didn't overheat, either. A tester of a similar Viscosoft model said, "One night I left the heat on full blast by mistake and I still didn't overheat, and that was impressive." One thing to note: Some found it to have a foam smell upon opening, and said it took some time for the odor to dissipate.

Best Organic Latex Mattress Topper

Who it's best for: Eco-conscious shoppers that prefer to buy organic materials from natural sources. It's also great for sleepers who want a resilient foam feel since latex is more bouncy than memory foam.

Most mattress toppers are made of synthetic materials like memory foam or polyester fiberfill, but this one's certified organic by the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), so you know it follows strict standards throughout its production process. Plus, not only is it organic, it's also top quality so you don't need to sacrifice performance to go green.

Inside the topper is durable and resilient latex with temperature-regulating wool, and the outer cover is a soft and breathable cotton. The latex layer comes in two firmness options: Firm if you need support and resilience, and plush if you want to add cloud-like softness. The brand also sells a vegan version with cotton fill instead of wool.

Tester notes: Besides its organic makeup, at-home loved how it upgraded the feel of their beds. And though it's expensive, they said it has held up perfectly after years of use and still maintains its support. They also recognized how high quality the construction is with comments like "It was very comfortable and very well made."

Best Pillow Top Mattress Topper

Who it's best for: Anyone that just needs a simple pillow top to upgrade their bed and doesn't want to spend a lot or drastically change the feel of their mattress.

For a subtle layer that's more affordable and discreet than other toppers, this pillow top is more like a mattress pad yet still adds softness and comfort. It's filled with polyester microfiber (i.e. down alternative) in a quilted construction to keep it evenly spread out. The low cost makes it perfect for temporary living situations (like summer camp, college dorms and apartments) and it's more compact to pack than thick foam toppers.

This one also stands out for having stretchy sides that tuck under the mattress like a fitted sheet and it's generously sized to fit tall beds up to 21 inches high. Plus, it's fully machine washable and dryer safe.

Tester notes: One GH staffer that bought two for her kids said they both found it to be comfortable said she appreciated the low cost. "It's now on one kid's bed at home and the other kid's bed at college," she noted. Plus, it has over 20,000 reviews on Amazon with an average 4.5-star rating. Online reviewers say it improved the feel of their beds and some even noted that it improved their sleep quality.

How we test mattress toppers

At the Good Housekeeping Institute, our textile experts use their extensive backgrounds in bedding testing to review materials and features for each topper. Next, we call in samples for at-home sleep testers to try out on their own beds. After sleeping on the toppers for several weeks, each tester fills out a survey to provide in-depth feedback. Our analysts follow up with testers annually to check how the mattress toppers are holding up with extended use. Here's how we analyze the mattress toppers:

• Comfort: Users give the mattress topper a rating for how comfortable it feels to lie on underneath their sheets.

• Mattress enhancement: We review in detail if — and how — the topper changes the feel of our tester's mattress.

• Ease of use: Testers rate how easy (or difficult) it is to put the topper onto their beds.

• Temperature: Each reviewer notes whether or not they maintained a comfortable body temperature while sleeping on the topper.

• Stay-in-place capabilities: The toppers are given scores for whether or not they shift around on the beds during use.

• Sound: To ensure the toppers will be quiet and undetectable, each one is rated for whether it made noise during use.

• Overall satisfaction: Finally, testers tell us whether they liked sleeping on the mattress topper, whether they plan to continue using it and any other comments that could help provide more insight.

What's the difference between mattress toppers, pads and protectors?

• Mattress toppers are usually several inches thick and sit right on top of your mattress. The goal of a mattress topper is to make your bed more comfortable, whether adding support or pillow-top softness.

• Mattress pads aren't as thick as toppers. They also typically have five sides and go onto your bed like a fitted sheet, rather than just sitting on top. You won't get quite as much added comfort as you would with a mattress topper, but they're typically less expensive and can often help protect your mattress from stains or spills.

• Mattress protectors are designed specifically to keep your mattress safe from things like accidents, dust and bedbugs. Toppers and pads can technically extend the life of your mattress by protecting it from wear and tear, but a protector is more suitable if you're just looking to keep your mattress safe as it doesn't usually have comfort enhancements. These can be five-sided (like a mattress pad) or fully encased to keep the mattress protected on all sides.

Does a mattress improve sleep quality?

Yes, a mattress topper can actually help you sleep better! Whether your mattress is starting to sink or sag or it's brand-new and you just don't love the feel, a topper can spruce it up and change its comfort. You can layer on a mattress topper for an enhanced feel, whether you purchased an expensive model that needs an affordable upgrade or you find your bed is lacking in comfort or support. Mattress toppers also provide a boost to an older mattress if you're finding you no longer love the feel but aren't ready to buy an entirely new mattress.

Just note that a mattress topper isn't for everyone, especially for those that prefer a firm mattress. Most toppers add softness, pressure relief or cradling comfort, and while they're certainly supportive, they won't give you the firm feel that'd you find in an innerspring bed without a pillow top.

How to use a mattress topper

As the name implies, a mattress topper sits right on top of your mattress. Some have straps that you can anchor onto your mattress, whereas others solely lie on top. If you use a mattress pad or protector to keep your mattress safe from spills or wear and tear, you can add them over your mattress topper as well.

Keep in mind, a mattress topper can add several inches to your bed's height. Make sure to buy sheets that will fit your mattress and its topper, especially if you have a tall mattress to begin with.

What type of mattress topper is best?

It depends on what you're looking for — e.g., whether you'd like your mattress topper to provide more firmness and support or if you need to soften up your bed. Here are the main types of toppers you can choose from:

• Memory foam mattress toppers: These are the most popular because they can add support, comfort and pressure-relief to any mattress. There's also a wide range of price points in this category, and you can even find some for under $100. You'll also find variations of memory foam, like ones infused with gel or graphite to help prevent overheating from the foam.

• Latex mattress toppers: Unlike memory foam that's made from petroleum, latex is a natural foam that's made from rubber trees. It's typically more expensive, but it's durable, more resilient and has more bounce than traditional foam. Latex toppers are also often organic since they're made from natural materials.

• Pillow-top mattress toppers: If your bed feels too hard and you want to add cloud-like softness, a topper made of down or fiberfill is your best bet: 100% down or down featherbeds are the most luxurious and fluffiest, while fiberfill made of polyester down alternative is less expensive and animal free.

• Hybrid mattress toppers: These typically include a layer of foam with a pillow-top cover so you get the pressure relief and support combined with plush softness. You can also find hybrids that use memory foam clusters and fiberfill in the blend — these feel more like a featherbed, but with extra support.

Mattress topper shopping tips

There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, so here are factors to consider when shopping for your most comfortable mattress topper:

• Thickness: A good topper should be at least two inches, but a thicker option will offer more support, especially when it comes to foam toppers. If you’re just looking for a small upgrade or you don't want to make your bed too high, opt for a thinner model, which will also cost less.

• Softness: If your mattress is too firm, adding a down or fiberfill topper can give you plush comfort so it won't feel as hard.

• Support: If you're feeling pain when you wake up, adding a foam topper can increase support, giving you pressure relief around your joints.

• Temperature regulation: Most mattress toppers are made of foam, down or down alternative, all of which can trap in heat. If you're concerned about overheating while you sleep, look for one with cooling features.

• Price: Though they're less expensive than a mattress, toppers are still an investment and cost more than a mattress pad. Though it's not a hard and fast rule, a good mattress topper typically costs between $200-$300 for a Queen size.

• Care: Many mattress toppers aren't washable, especially ones made of foam. If this matters to you, check for one that you can launder in a washing machine. In some cases, the topper's cover may be removable and washable to help you keep it clean.

• Certifications: To make sure there are no harmful levels of off-gassing chemicals in foam materials, look for labels like CertiPUR-US. For down toppers, check for the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), which ensures the ducks and geese receive humane treatment.

Why you can trust Good Housekeeping

Lexie Sachs is the Executive Director of the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she oversees testing to find the best bedding, including mattress toppers. She has been reviewing toppers firsthand since she joined Good Housekeeping over 10 years ago, reviewing them in the Lab and sending them to the homes of consumer testers for more feedback. She also loves trying out mattress toppers on her own bed and swears by their ability to change the feel of the mattress.

You Might Also Like

• 67 Best Gifts for Women That'll Make Her Smile

• The Best Pillows for Every Type of Sleeper