The 10 Best Mattress Toppers and Pads For 2018

Had enough of your old and saggy bed? Or maybe you still love it but want to spring new life into it and make it more comfortable.

You will benefit from a mattress topper or even cheaper pads. Yes, it’s very similar but not the same.

More about this later in this article…

Sizes, materials, and quality can vary a LOT, so more expensive doesn’t always mean better and cheap (crappy) ones can even worsen your sleeping experience. We definitely don’t want that.

After testing more than 30 products, we have decided to make a list of five best mattress toppers you can buy in 2018 and five of our favorite pads (just to divide these two categories). Our aim here is to make your life easier and to save you a lot of time.

Our Top Rated Mattress Toppers Comparisons and Ratings

And 5 Best Rated Mattress Pads Compared

Benefits of Using a Bed Topper

A simple and affordable yet appropriate and carefully hand-picked mattress topper could easily provide a range of benefits and spare you a serious amount of cash. Here are some of the benefits associated with a great bed pad, as they are also called.

• It’s a Cost-Efficient Alternative

As you may be aware of, a brand new and great mattress could easily cost you a small fortune. And, as you already know, failing to pick one which is capable of bringing the necessary support and comfort could result in unpleasant aching throughout your entire body. A bed pad, on the other hand, is cheap and it’s going to provide you with everything you may need.

• Extends the life of your mattress

The topper is definitely going to extend the life of your mattress (find out how long they typically last). So even if it’s brand new, you might want to consider supplementing it with a comprehensive topper. This is due to the fact that it would add more height to it and you wouldn’t be sleeping on the mattress so much as on the topper. This would reduce the wear and tear of the former.

• It’s comfortable

Not only is a topper comfortable, but it’s also customizable. You can pick the mattress pad you need based on the specifications of your current bed. For example, if you have a firmer mattress, you might want to adjust that by adding a softer topper to increase the comfort and vice versa.

• It sleeps cool

The majority of the mattress toppers, such as the ones we’ll be reviewing down below, are perfectly well ventilated. This is going to ensure that the airflow is consistent and that the sleeping temperature is kept fairly regular throughout the entire night.

• It’s eco-friendly

There are quite a lot of different materials that you can pick for but the truth is that most of them are eco-friendly. Examples include bamboo toppers as well as natural latex ones which are free of any toxic chemicals.

• Pain-Relief

Fibromyalgia is a disorder that can cause fatigue, muscle pain, and a lot of tender points on the body. The New Life Outlook recommends a mattress topper for anyone that suffers from fibromyalgia (memory foam is preferred).

In addition to fibromyalgia, a bed pad is a great choice for anyone that suffers from chronic back pain or hip pain (see our hip pain relief mattress pads).

As you can see, there are quite a lot of different perks of using a topper and this is undoubtedly something that you might want to take into proper consideration.

Topper vs. Pad vs. Protector vs. Encasement

Now, the truth is that there is an ongoing confusion amongst customers as to the actual difference between toppers, pads, encasements, and protectors. That's why we've decided to have a quick look at all of them and help you understand how they compare.

• Toppers

This is usually a more expensive and thicker version of the regular mattress pad. It's also generally more comfortable. It's likely that you might have tried those before and disliked them. However, contemporary technology allowed manufacturers to enhance their overall quality significantly and you would be sorry not to take a second look.

• Pads

The mattress pad is usually more affordable and it's a thinner version of the topper. While they don't bring the same amount of comfort, they do bring a lot of additional features that many of the toppers don't, including precise heating and cooling features. Some people are going to prefer a pad while others – a topper and it's true that there are quite a lot of different ones designed to fit the myriad of personal preferences.

• Protector

The protector is something entirely different. They are usually used to protect the sleeping items from issues such as allergic reactions or bedwetting, for example. These features, however, could easily be added in a topper or a pad so you wouldn't need an additional purchase.

• Encasement

This, on the other hand, is usually designed to provide you with the ultimate protection against bed bugs and are quite commonly used in hotels – as you might actually suggest. With this in mind, if you’ve had issues with bedbugs, for instance, you might truly take a look at these solutions for further information and also for added protection. They are quite different and distinct from the regular pad or topper.

Types of Mattress Pads

According to the buying behavior of customers, these toppers are undoubtedly amongst the most popular ones on the market. Memory foam is a conveniently crafted material which is designed to contour your body shape carefully and to memorize it conveniently.

The best thing about it is that it reduces the noise transmission from your partner and that it’s particularly durable. The product also allows the creation of pads in a range of different densities which is something quite convenient.

On the offside, we have the poor and questionable temperature control (here are some cooling tips) as well as the strong off-gassing smell when it’s new.

Cooling gel pads are particularly convenient, especially for those that sleep hot or suffer from night sweats. However, they are also rather expensive. Some are using an actual liquid system while others use existing fans to blow cold air up through your actual bed. As you may suggest, this brings an incredibly comfortable sleeping sensation and it allows you the ultimate temperature control.

PROS

• The mattress’s temperature is flawlessly controlled
• The sensation is amazing

CONS

• They are prone to causing a lot of complications
• They are rather expensive

Want to explore more cooling mattress pad options? Check out our full buyer's guide.

When it comes to pillow top mattress toppers, you ought to know that the kind is a bit less firm and thicker in comparison to other counterparts. This is also why they are a lot less expensive in comparison. With this in mind, it’s also true that they deliver an enhanced sleeping sensation due to the ergonomic design. With this in mind, it might be a good idea for you to take a look at those and try one for yourself before going any further.

PROS

• They are very comfortable
• They are perfect for hip pain treatment
• They offer a range of different patterns

CONS

• They are not as thick
• They are usually a lot less firm

Toppers of the kind are most commonly made out of natural latex. This is an eco-friendly and naturally sourced material which is definitely designed to be the best when it comes to support, durability and comfort. They are free of any synthetic materials as well.

PROS

• It provides splendid support and it helps you ease the pain
• It is incredibly durable
• It’s free of toxins and it’s eco-friendly

CONS

• It’s more expensive
• It’s not suited for people with latex allergies

It’s also important to note that there are quite a lot of additional materials that you can easily take advantage of if you are looking for something far more specific. Feather and fiber are common choices but the most common one out of the big four is the topper made out of bamboo. They are known to be very gentle and particularly comfortable, giving you the sensation that you’re sleeping on a cloud.

On the other hand, if you prefer something a bit harder regarding sleeping feeling, you can also check out those which are made out of fiber or wool. The latter are characterized with their overall breathability which is going to help you sleep well through the night without waking up sweating in the middle of the night.

Buying Considerations For A Topper

Obviously, the size of your mattress topper is another crucial consideration that you'd have to account for. Of course, the size of your bed should consistently linger through your mind when you are considering purchasing a bed pad.

There are a few different sizes that you would be able to find toppers in – these include king, full, queen, and twin sizes.

For this exact reason, you will need to know the exact size of your own bed as well as the size of your mattress if you are going to be securing the perfect fit. If you purchase a smaller or a larger bed topper, this is going to make your entire bed feel a bit uneven.

Pay attention to this as it is something quite important and you’d certainly have to account for it.

The thickness of your mattress is another important and quite paramount characteristic that you would have to account for. This is undoubtedly something very important. Your mattress topper should be thick enough – that's just it. You should pay special attention to this particular consideration if you are to make a good call.

According to some experts, memory foam, as well as latex mattress pads, usually provide the best range when it comes to thickness. It's also worth noting, however, that every single thickness is best for a certain issue, so that's something you ought to account for.

The thickness will usually range between 1 and 5 inches. Your current condition of the mattress is likely to be a decisive factor when you choose the thickness of the pad. The general rule of thumb is that mattress pads which are thicker are appropriate for softer beds and the other way around. Basically, your topper should compensate the attributes that your mattress is lacking in.

Therefore, if you need a firmer appeal and your mattress can't provide it, go for a firmer topper. The opposite is also true. Studies conducted in Spain revealed that usually, a 2-inch thickness is perfect if your mattress is in a proper condition.

This is a debate which is definitely going to be raging on and on for an entire eternity. However, there is one simple truth here – it all depends on what you want and what works best for you.

Firmness is the characteristic which is going to be supporting your back. On the other hand, softness is what’s going to determine the contouring of your body. Each one of those is important for addressing back pain and other conditions. Of course, there are quite a few things that you might want to take into consideration when it comes to it.

It is usually considered that back sleepers can benefit more from a firmer mattress while side sleepers would need something softer. Stomach sleepers, on the other hand, would need something which is a comfortable blend and meets them in the middle. Of course, a lot of us combine all of the above and prefer different sleeping positions through the night. Therefore, your individuality is likely to determine this particular consideration.

However, if you have a certain medical condition related to your spinal alignment such as a slipped disc, for instance, you should definitely consider something which is rather firmer and has a density rating which is higher. A baby mattress topper, for example, should be a bit firmer, in order to prevent any spinal malformations early on. On the other hand, if you have a college kid, you can easily use a mid-range firmness to promote different sleeping positions.

There are a few key considerations which are worth taking into account when determining whether a Tempurpedic mattress topper is a worthy investment. Right off the bat, you ought to know that they take advantage of firm foam which is going to bring a serious support for your back. You wouldn’t have to worry about replacing the unit for a few years because they are rather reliable. They will also enhance and prolong the overall lifespan of your mattress.

At the same time, they are known to relieve the stress on different pressure points conveniently and without any hassle. This is going to quickly get rid of different sleeping related issues and ailments. You can rest assured that the Tempurpedic mattress toppers are perfect for back sleepers and they are also fairly appropriate for side and belly sleepers as well.

All in all, it is safe to determine that the products are truly worth the asking price and you are unlikely to go wrong with a mattress of the kind.