Are you looking to infuse new life into it your old saggy mattress to make it more comfortable and supportive?
Your body will benefit from a foam mattress topper or even cheaper pads. Yes, it’s very similar but not the same.
Sizes, materials, durability and quality can vary a LOT, so more expensive doesn’t always mean better and low-quality ones can even worsen your sleeping experience. We definitely don’t want that.
After testing more than 30 manufactured products, we have decided to make a list of 5 best mattress topper you can buy in 2021 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.
If you are thinking about buying a new bed instead take a look at our favorite mattresses this year.
The 5 Best Bed Topper Picks
| Fantastic Cooling and Breathability Sleep on Latex Pure Green |
| CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
| Memory Foam for Comfort Lucid 3” |
| CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
| Easily Cleanable Cover Sleep Innovations |
| CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
| Natural Bamboo Fabric Cover Dreamfoam Bedding |
| CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
| Supportive Underlayer Zinus |
| CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
The 5 Best Mattress Pad Picks
| Hypoallergenic Slumber Cloud - Nacreous |
| CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
| Good Breathability ExceptionalSheets |
| CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
| Best Budget Option Utopia Bedding |
| CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
| Inexpensive Hanna Kay |
| CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
| Down Alternative Web Linens |
| CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
Best Mattress Topper Reviews
Sleep on Latex Pure Green (Best Overall Mattress Topper)
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Three Firmness Levels
- Optional Organic Cotton Cover
- Fantastic cooling and breathability
- 100% Natural Materials
Pure Green topper from Sleep on Latex comes in three firmness levels for your body (Soft, medium, and firm). The soft model is the most popular. This is good news because depending on your mattress you can decrease firmness by as much as 30%. Manufactured & constructed from 100% natural Dunlop latex, it ensures maximum breathability and cooling without any flame retardants or chemicals. It is supportive and bouncy and can create a completely different feel when you sleep on it. You should never experience loss of support, just an overall softer feel.
It’s worth mentioning that you can opt for an organic cotton cover that will provide a bit more defense. It comes with 30 days trial period and 5-year warranty.
Overall, considering the price range, overall quality & durability of the product, Sleep on Latex gets our top rated mattress topper award. It will bring a new life to your bed & sheets and serve you for years to come.
Want to learn more about this product? Read our full Sleep On Latex Pure Green review.
Lucid 3-Inch Gel Foam Mattress Topper
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Memory Foam for comfort
- Excellent breathability and cooling
- Special formulation to improve ventilation
The Lucid 3-Inch Gel Foam Topper from Lucid offers 3 inches of comfortable support at an affordable price. The memory foam structure includes many air pockets to ensure that air is able to move inside it.
The foam is formulated & manufactured to ensure optimal ventilation and then infused with gel to further help regulate sleeping temperature. This keeps you cool and comfortable all-night long.
The memory foam provides excellent pressure relief and molds to the shape of your body bouncing back into shape when you get up in the morning.
The product size is good – for example, the queen size mattress foam topper measures 60” x 80”.
This is a soft mattress foam topper that will keep its shape and give you a comfortable night’s sleep. The reason that it doesn’t take the top position is that it does not come with a cover sheets. It would have been nice if it did, but it is not essential.
Read our full Lucid review to see even more details.
Sleep Innovations 4-Inch Dual Layer Memory Foam Mattress Topper
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Excellent breathability and comfort
- “Like sleeping on a ”
- Comes with an easily cleanable cover
- Quilted top with fiber fill for additional softness
The design of the Sleep Innovations Dual Layer Mattress Topper from Sleep Innovations makes it clear that the manufacturers takes quality comfort seriously. Constructed of two different layers, this topper combines the pressure support of memory foam and the softness of fiber fill.
The durable base of this product is made of 2-inch memory foam, infused with cooling gel, to ensure that you get the support you need to relieve painful pressure spots in your body.
The top layer is fiber-filled and quilted to ensure softness. Sink into the top layer and have a great night’s sleep. The two layers together can transform even the firmest bed into a soft, comfortable space.
For convenience, a removable cover sheets is included. It can be washed and dried as normal, making cleanup a breeze for this memory foam topper.
Read the full Sleep Innovations review to see everything that you need to know.
Ultimate Dreams Queen 3″ Talalay Latex Mattress Topper
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Three firmness levels
- Natural bamboo fabric cover
- Made of Talalay latex
- Great support and comfort
The Ultimate Dreams Talalay Latex Soft Mattress from Dreamfoam Bedding combines the very best in comfort and support. Choose the level of firmness that suits you.
The soft option adds extra softness to a firm bed. The medium layer helps with pressure relief and adds some softness as well. It is ideal to use for a sofa bed. If you are happy with how firm your bed is but want pressure relief, the firm option will provide the extra support without added softness.
The Talalaly latex is four times more breathable than the normal foam or memory foam and offers about 33% more pressure relief. The latex quality gives a nice bounce to your bed and is extremely comfortable for your body to sleep on.
The cover sheets is a light cream color and has a soft feel to it. It is removable and washable product.
Zinus 4 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Top notch breathability
- Extremely comfortable
- Supportive underlayer
- Biofoam improves freshness
The Zinus 4 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper from Zinus is constructed from two different types of foam. The top layer of gel-infused memory biofoam is two-inches thick and provides excellent pressure relief. It is very breathable & durable, and will keep you cooler at night.
The two-inch layer of support foam underneath provides excellent support.
Biofoam is used instead of petroleum products when the memory foam is made and includes green tea extracts and activated charcoal to help neutralize odors.
If your mattress is no longer offering sufficient body support, or if it is a new one and offering too much support, this quality memory foam topper is an excellent way to make your bed the comfortable sanctuary it is meant to be again.
Want to see complete analysis? Read our full Zinus review here.
Mattress Pad Reviews
Slumber Cloud Mattress Topper – Nacreous (Exceptional Cooling)
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Outlast Phase Change Material
- Cooling or Heating Properties
- No off-gassing
- Machine Washable
- Hypoallergenic
Cloud Slumber nacreous is made from Outlast viscose fabric that has fantastic temperature regulation properties due to Phase Change technology. Specifically, this material cools you down when you sleep hot and heats you up as your body temperature drops.
Most of us looking to buy a durable & quality mattress pad usually want to make our sleeping surface softer and more comfortable. Nacreous does a good job at adding more padding & cushioning on top of your mattress, and it provides slightly more pressure relief. Although, it’s not going to be a major change in the overall feel. For a complete overhaul, you can buy one of the mattress toppers with this pad, and it will create a far better surface than any cheaper bed.
What you will instantly notice is a fantastic and cool feel when you get in bed. After only a few minutes the material will adapt to your body and provide the optimal temperature. You can even use it without sheets, it’s also hypoallergenic, and it doesn’t have any off-gassing.
If you tend to sleep “hot” and you are looking for a bit more padding, Nacreous will be ideal for you. If I had to choose between this and a thicker topper, I’d choose this any day of the week. Slumber Cloud is also our #1 pick overall product and a winner for cooling mattress pad category.
eLuxury Supply Extra Plush Bamboo Mattress Topper
HIGHLIGHTS:
- No flame retardant chemicals used
- Good breathability
- Bamboo-blend cover
- Has a skirt
- Hypoallergenic
The Bamboo Mattress Pad from Exceptional Sheets acts like a cooling mattress cover. It is well-constructed with strong stitching and Revoloft Cluster Fiber. This cooling mattress pad is ideal for hot sleepers and for those who want a more luxurious product, and elevated sleeping experience.
The quilted top keeps the fibers evenly distributed. The high-quality fiber fill will not clump, and has exceptional durability. It feels similar to a down cover but is hypoallergenic and not at all prickly.
The bamboo-blend cover feels soft and silky to the touch and helps to keep you cool. The skirt attached to the pad keeps it securely in place, for even the most active sleeper.
This is as comfortable as your favorite fluffy topper. It can be used on its own to lend a soft, comfortable feel to a firm bed. It can be paired with a memory foam mattress topper to improve breathability and add extra comfort.
The Quilted Fitted Mattress Topper (Best Budget Option)
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Best Budget Option
- Includes cover
- Hypoallergenic
- Easy to wash and dry
The Quilted Fitted Mattress Pad from Utopia Bedding is an inexpensive way to add a little padding & cushioning and to keep cool at night. Don’t be fooled by the low price, though; this is not just another cheap knockoff.
The padding is fairly thin, so it is not going to convert that hard bed of yours into a plush, comfy one. What it will do is to create a layer between you and the bed and help you sleep cooler.
Use it over the top of your foam padding to help reduce heat buildup or use it as an extra layer of security for your bed itself.
The cover also looks pretty good. It fits onto your bed like a fitted sheet and won’t slip off at night.
This does score points for being easy to wash and dry product.
Hypoallergenic Quilted Stretch-to-Fit Mattress Topper By Hanna Kay
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Poly-cotton blend
- Hypoallergenic
- Inexpensive
- 10 Year Shield Guarantee
This mattress pad scores big points in affordability. It is inexpensive and does provide some padding for your bed. In terms of comfort, it won’t make a huge difference to the firmness of your bed.
Where it does shine is in reducing heat transfer from foam padding. The poly-cotton blend in the cover is more breathable than one made of 100% polyester would be.
It fits the bed well, and the cover stays in place, without any wrinkling. The skirt is deep and stretches to fit up to a 16” depth. It will stay in place, even with very active sleepers.
The cover stands up well to washing and drying and does a good job of preserving your mattress. The company offers a 10-year warranty on this product which, considering the price, is pretty good.
Overall, this shapes up well and is a good budget-friendly option with decent cushioning & durability.
Web Linens Fully Reversible Mattress Topper (Double Life)-1″ Down Alternative
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Down Alternative
- Soft cover with sturdy stitching
- Hypoallergenic
The Fully Reversible Down Alternative Mattress pad by Web Linens is strapped onto the bed, making installation quick and easy. You can quickly and easily rotate or flip the pad to ensure that it wears evenly.
The microfiber cover is exceptionally soft and has been well-stitched. It will not fall apart after the first few washes.
Be warned, when you take it out of the packaging, look for the instructions and follow them as closely as possible. Before using it for the first time, it needs to be aired for at least a day to get back into shape. Alternatively, it can be placed in the drier with a couple of tennis balls to fluff it up.
This product offers a nice bit of padding and provides a decent barrier between you and your mattress. Used in conjunction with a memory foam topper, this makes a firm bed a whole lot more comfortable.
Benefits of Using a Top Mattress Topper Brand (Durability & Comfort)
The best rated mattress toppers may help provide 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.
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 mattress topper, on the other hand, is cheap and it’s going to provide you with everything you may need.
The mattress 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.
Although 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.
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.
There are quite a lot of different manufactured 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.
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. We put together a buyer's guide for each:
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.
Mattress Toppers vs. Pads vs. Protector vs. Encasement
Now, the truth is that there is an ongoing confusion amongst customers as to the actual difference between mattress 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.
This is usually a more expensive and thicker cushioning 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.
The mattress pad is usually more affordable and it's a thinner cushioning of the mattress 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 mattress topper and it's true that there are quite a lot of different ones designed to fit the myriad of personal preferences.
The mattress protector is something entirely different. They are usually used to secure 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.
This, on the other hand, is usually designed to provide you with the ultimate defense 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 help. They are quite different and distinct from the regular pad or mattress topper.
Best Types of Mattress Comfort Pads
Memory Foam Mattress Toppers
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, providing maximum comfort.
The best thing about memory foam is that it reduces the noise transmission from your partner and that it’s particularly durable. This manufactured product also allows the creation of mattress 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 Mattress Toppers
Cooling gel mattress topper 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
Pillow Top Mattress Toppers
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
Latex Mattress Toppers
Mattress 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
Other Material (Feather, Fiber, etc)
It’s also important to note that there are quite a lot of additional materials (such as feather, fiber, etc) 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 mattress 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.
With that said, it's good to be aware of other materials (feather, fiber, wool, etc) when shopping online.
Buying Considerations For A Mattress Topper
Topper Size
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.
Although 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.
Topper Weight & Thickness (Durability)
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 topper, 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 (whether memory foam or latex) 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 mattress 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.
Firm or Soft (Material)
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.
Are Tempur-pedic Models Worth it?
There are a few key considerations which are worth taking into account when determining whether a tempur-pedic foam 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 tempur-pedic mattress foam 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 tempur-pedic mattress of the kind.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice of a mattress topper is obviously going to be predicated on a myriad of different factors, each one of which is quite substantial.
Ultimately, though, you would have the last word. It is up to your personal preferences to make sure that you get a solution which is appropriate and which is going to accommodate your sleeping habits.
We've walked you through a few different products and we've tried to keep things versatile to encompass the differentiated demand. Hopefully, you will find value in the above and it would help you make the right call without wasting a tremendous amount of time in the process.
Sources and References:
- Mattress pad test procedure – https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/16/1632.5
- https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03055156
- Flamability Studies – https://www.cpsc.gov/Regulations-Laws–Standards/Rulemaking/Final-and-Proposed-Rules/Flammability-of-Mattresses-and-Mattress-Pads
More Reading: