A good mattress can pull pretty hard on the purse strings. And not to be the bearer of bad news, but the truth is that even the priciest mattress won’t last forever. While most people think that age is the only factor to consider in mattress replacements, the frequency of mattress replacements is really a function of how you sleep, how you feel upon waking, and how it sounds.

A good rule of thumb is that if you’re not waking pain free or don’t feel restored and refreshed, it may be time to reinvigorate your sleep experience. If a new mattress isn’t in the budget, you can breathe new life into it with a mattress topper. Ultimately, toppers can be a more cost-effective solution for what ails you and your sleep. 

But make no mistake, GhostBed founder Marc Werner tells Southern Living, “Finding the perfect mattress is a personal journey, and finding the perfect topper is, too.” That’s why we’ve broken out our picks based on sleeping style and preference.

Meet The Expert Marc Werner is the founder and CEO of GhostBed.

Our Top Picks Best Overall Mattress Topper: Brooklyn Bedding Microcoil Mattress Topper at Brooklynbedding.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Budget Mattress Topper: Lucid 3-Inch Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper at Amazon ($92) Jump to Review Best Cooling Mattress Topper: Layla Memory Foam Topper at Amazon ($289) Jump to Review Best Pressure Relief: Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper at Saatva ($445) Jump to Review Best for Side Sleepers: Nolah Mattress Topper at Nolahmattress.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best for Combination Sleepers: ViscoSoft High Density Mattress Topper at Amazon ($170) Jump to Review Best Firm Mattress Topper: Casper Comfy Mattress Topper at Amazon ($250) Jump to Review Best Foam Mattress Topper: Puffy Mattress Topper at Puffy.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Gel Mattress Topper: Amazon Basics Cooling Gel Mattress Topper at Amazon ($82) Jump to Review

　　 Best Overall Mattress Topper

Brooklyn Bedding Microcoil Mattress Topper

View On Brooklynbedding.com What’s Great About It Pocketed micro-coils for support and pressure relief

Cooling cover captures and releases body heat

Extra thick

Medium-firm feel

What Could Be Better May be too soft for some sleepers

With a four-layer combo of pocketed coils and an assortment of foams, Brooklyn Bedding’s Microcoil mattress topper almost amounts to a mini mattress makeover; that’s why we chose it as the best mattress topper overall. 

At 3.5 inches tall, this mattress is one of the thickest on our list, and there’s a lot to unpack here. From the top down, this mattress topper features the brand’s GlacioTex Cooling Cover that captures and releases body heat, so it’s never too hot or too cold. 

Next, you’ll find a layer of individually wrapped pocketed coils sandwiched between two layers of foam. Altogether, you’re looking at a premium mattress topper with a medium-firm feel that offers excellent pinpoint pressure relief and motion isolation. 

More specifically, the pocketed coils add plenty of support throughout the topper, while the foam layers provide contouring and cushioning where you need it most. 

Overall, this is a pretty robust mattress topper, but you can rest easy knowing it comes with corner straps that help secure it to your mattress, so shifting shouldn’t be a problem no matter how restless of a sleeper you are. 

Material: Polyfoam | Height: 3.5 inches | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split California king

　　 Best Budget Mattress Topper

Lucid 3-Inch Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper

View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Target What’s Great About It Cooling gel infused

Ventilated design

Contours to your body for spinal alignment

Three different thickness options

What Could Be Better Doesn’t have straps to prevent shifting

For those looking for a mattress topper that’s a bit more budget friendly, Lucid’s gel-infused entry into the category is an excellent option. 

Made with light, airy, and responsive memory foam, this mattress topper promises cooler sleep, better spinal alignment, and cushioning around known pressure points—all of which add up to a better morning. And while memory foam tends to trap heat and sleep hot, this mattress topper skirts those issues with a cooling gel and ventilated design that dissipates heat and bumps the airflow for exceptional temperature regulation. 

In addition to sleeping cool, the memory foam contours to your body. So, while it keeps your spine in alignment, it also eliminates pressure points, making it a great option for side sleepers. 

This topper may also provide enough support for back sleepers, but stomach sleepers should probably look elsewhere as the memory foam isn’t likely to provide enough support, so sagging in the hip area may be an issue. 

As a reminder, this mattress topper is a budget pick, so it doesn’t have some of the bells and whistles you might be looking for. Notably missing are straps to keep it secured to your mattress. If you toss and turn a lot while sleeping, that could be a deal breaker.

We will add here that Lucid’s mattress topper comes in 2-inch, 3-inch, and 4-inch versions, as well as a lavender-infused option. This topper is also CertiPur-US Certified, so you can rest easy knowing it doesn’t contain harmful materials like ozone depleters, heavy metals (including mercury and lead), or formaldehyde.

Material: Gel-infused memory foam | Height: 2, 3, or 4 inches | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, full XL, queen, king, California king

　　 Best Cooling Mattress Topper

Layla Memory Foam Topper

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Laylasleep.com What’s Great About It Infused with copper gel beads to absorb body heat

Anti-microbial

Supportive yet contouring

What Could Be Better May be too firm for some sleepers

Thermoregulation is key to good sleep. But if a new cooling mattress isn’t in the budget, you could turn the temperature down with Layla’s Memory Foam topper. 

Made from foam infused with copper gel beads, this topper absorbs your body heat and pulls it away so you can sleep cooler. The copper is also anti-microbial, so you can sleep easy knowing that harmful bacteria stay in check.

Featuring 2 inches of plush memory foam, this mattress topper is supportive yet contouring. That means back sleepers will find enough support to maintain comfortable spinal alignment, and side sleepers will find exceptional pressure relief on the usual pinch points like hips and shoulders. Everyone will find that the memory foam construction does a great job at isolating motion so you can catch your zzz’s no matter how restless your bed partner may be. 

Speaking of movement, Layla’s memory foam topper features elastic straps at each corner to help keep things in place. Plus, the foam is CertiPUR-US certified and, therefore, free from harmful chemicals.

If the price tag gives you pause, it might help to know that Layla offers a 30-night trial, at which point you can keep it if you love it or return it for a full refund. And, the mattress topper is backed by Layla’s five-year warranty. 

Material: Gel-infused memory foam, polyester, viscose | Height: 2 inches | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king

　　 Best Pressure Relief

Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper

View On Saatva What’s Great About It Graphite-infused memory foam sleeps cool

Contours to your body to relieve painful pressure points

Breathable, moisture-wicking cotton cover

Four elastic bands for secure fit

What Could Be Better Price point may be a deal breaker for some

If pain on your pinch points is stealing your sleep at night, Saatva’s Graphite mattress topper may offer some relief at a far more economical price than buying a new mattress. 

The nuts and bolts may differ, but like many of the toppers on our list, this one combines temperature regulation with ample support for a comfortable night’s sleep. You’ll find 3 inches of memory foam infused with naturally cooling graphite that draws heat away from your body, plus a breathable cover made from moisture-wicking organic cotton. The memory foam does the heavy lifting to hug your curves, relieve painful pressure points, and minimize motion transfer. 

With ample support around key pressure points like hips, shoulders, and the lower lumbar area, side and back sleepers may find this topper quite comfortable. However, stomach sleepers may need something a bit more firm to keep their hips in alignment and prevent painful hip sagging. 

Rounding out a nice list of features are four elastic bands that ensure a secure fit, and the brand’s Guardin botanical antimicrobial treatment that inhibits the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew. 

This is the priciest topper on our list, but the 180-night home trial and the one-year limited warranty might make it more attractive. 

Material: Graphite-infused memory foam, organic cotton | Height: 3 inches | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king

　　 Best for Side Sleepers

Nolah Mattress Topper

View On Nolahmattress.com What’s Great About It Evenly distributes body weight

Quickly dissipates heat

Elastic bands on each corner

Available in plush and firm options

What Could Be Better May not offer enough support for stomach sleepers

Side sleepers looking for more support can bring their mattress back to life with Nolah’s mattress topper. Using the same technologies as their AirFoam mattress, this topper elegantly redistributes your body weight to support your spine and contours to your curves to take the stress off common pressure points. 

Pair all of the above with the brand’s AirFoam technology—which dissipates heat 20% faster than memory foam—and a breathable organic cotton cover, and you have the makings of a supportive and cool night’s sleep. 

This topper is made with CertiPUR-US certified foam, and you can choose between plush and luxury firm options. Whereas side sleepers will probably get a better hug from the plush option and back sleepers will find ample support with the luxury firm version, stomach sleepers may need to look elsewhere as they typically need extra-firm support that foam just can’t provide. 

Nolah’s AirFoam topper is compatible with mattresses up to 15 inches thick and comes equipped with elastic bands on each corner to help keep it in place. The cover is removable and washable, and the topper itself is backed by the brand’s generous 10-year warranty. 

Material: Foam, organic cotton | Height: 2 inches | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king

　　 Best for Combination Sleepers

ViscoSoft High Density Mattress Topper

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Viscosoft.com What’s Great About It Medium-firm support that absorbs motion

Breathable bamboo rayon cover

Gel infused with ventilated core

Available in different heights

What Could Be Better May not be firm enough for some sleepers

With ultra-supportive memory foam that conforms to your body and “support without sagging,” this topper is an excellent choice for combination sleepers. 

Working from the inside out, ViscoSoft’s Select topper is made with a gel-infused memory foam that elegantly supports your body weight, all the while contouring to your curves for exceptional pressure point relief. 

It has a medium-firm feel that alleviates pressure points for side sleepers and provides the spinal alignment and support back sleepers require. Those sleeping with a bedmate can sleep easy knowing that the foam absorbs movement beautifully and reduces motion transfer. 

This topper features a breathable bamboo rayon cover and a ventilated core—both of which translate to excellent temperature regulation and cool sleep night after night. The cover is removable and washable, and this topper also features adjustable straps and slip-resistant mesh to help keep it in place. 

Only a handful of mattress toppers on our list offer multiple height options, and Viscosoft Select is one of them; it’s available in 3- or 4-inch options. The 3-inch will likely work for most folks, while the 4-inch is a little more robust and likely a better choice for those with a larger frame. 

The brand offers a 90-day money-back guarantee on the topper, and Viscosoft’s five-year warranty backs all toppers.  

Material: Gel-infused memory foam, bamboo rayon cover | Height: 3 or 4 inches | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen Short, queen, king, California king

　　 Best Firm Mattress Topper

Casper Comfy Mattress Topper

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Wayfair What’s Great About It Ultra-firm sleep surface ideal for stomach and back sleepers

Perforated foam for air circulation

Wrapped in removable knit cover

What Could Be Better Knit cover is not machine washable

While most of our mattress topper picks are better suited for side and back sleepers, Casper’s Comfy mattress topper has an ultra-firm sleep surface that’s great for stomach sleepers. 

And Casper didn’t reinvent the wheel here; the brand combined a plush layer of memory foam that cradles your curves with a durable base layer that offers firmness and support. Both layers feature the brand’s AirScape perforated foam that pushes heat away and keeps the air circulating to help you sleep cool, and the whole thing is wrapped in its signature quilted knit cover that looks crisp and clean.

This topper is made with CertiPUR-US certified foams, so it’s free from harmful substances, and while the knit cover is removable, it’s not machine washable. The brand offers a 30-night risk-free trial and a five-year warranty, though limited. 

Material: Memory foam, polyester | Height: 3 inches | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king

　　 Best Foam Mattress Topper

Puffy Mattress Topper

View On Puffy.com What’s Great About It 2.5 inches of premium memory foam

Temperature-neutral bamboo cover

Available in soft and firm options

Deep pockets

What Could Be Better Not enough support for stomach sleepers

No stay-put straps

Earning the distinction on our list as the best foam mattress topper, Puffy’s Deluxe mattress topper features 2.5 inches of premium memory foam that provides firm support for back sleepers and remarkable pressure relief for side sleepers. We’ll also add that memory foam is notorious for trapping heat, but this mattress topper bumps up the airflow and tops things off with a bamboo rayon and polyester cover for a cooler night’s sleep. 

While the topper is available in soft and firm options, stomach sleepers may not find the support they need to prevent hip sinkage with this one. And if this topper is on your shortlist, you should know it doesn’t have stay-put straps. Instead, it features a thin grip layer that keeps it in place.

You’ll also find deep elastic pockets (much like a mattress pad) that accommodate mattresses up to 15 inches thick. Even better, the cover is removable and washable. The brand offers a generous 101-night sleep trial, and all Puffy products are backed by an impressive lifetime warranty. 

Material: Memory foam, polyester, bamboo rayon | Height: 2.5 inches | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king

　　 Best Gel Mattress Topper

Amazon Basics Cooling Gel Mattress Topper

View On Amazon What’s Great About It Cooling gel-infused foam

Firm, blanched support

Great value

What Could Be Better No straps, may be too light to stay put on its own

If you’re looking for a foam mattress topper but are concerned about the heat factor that typically comes with foam, consider this gel-infused foam topper by Amazon Basics that dissipates heat to help you sleep cooler. 

Available in 2 or 3 inches of foam and gel, this topper offers firm, balanced support for back sleepers who need it and enough cushioning and give to keep side sleepers happy (and pain free) upon waking. 

This topper is made with CertiPUR-US certified foam, so it’s safe for you and your family, and the brand offers a choice of 2-inch and 3-inch foam toppers. 

Material: Gel-infused memory foam | Height: 2 or 3 inches | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king

　　 The Bottom Line

With the support of micro-coils, the pressure relief of foam, and a cooling cover that ensures you’re never too hot or too cold, the Brooklyn Bedding Microcoil Mattress Topper essentially offers a mattress upgrade without the stress of a mattress upgrade. So, it hits our list as the Best Overall mattress topper.

Those looking for a more budget-friendly option will find it in the Lucid Gel Foam Mattress Topper. It’s airy and light but still offers plenty of support and cushioning where you need it for a fraction of the cost.

　　 Tips for Choosing the Right Mattress Topper

Material “Mattress toppers come in a wide variety of materials, including gel-infused foam, memory foam, down, and latex,” says Werner. “Latex tends to be a bit firmer, memory foam will be softer and conform to your body, and gel foams hug you in all the right places and keep you cool.” Ultimately, Werner says, “The best material for your mattress topper depends on your personal preferences and needs.”

Memory Foam

As Werner indicated, people often like the feel of memory foam because it hugs them in all the right places. Memory foam easily contours to your body, so it’s great for side sleepers because it gives them the pressure relief they need. If memory foam is on your shortlist, remember that regular memory foam is notorious for sleeping hot. Those who prefer to sleep cool (or a more temperature-regulated sleep) should opt for gel-infused memory foam instead. 

Latex

Latex offers more support than memory foam, so it’s a good option for those who prefer a firm mattress feel. Moreover, latex is an excellent option for anyone with back pain and those who prefer natural materials.

Down and Down Alternative

Down toppers are best suited for people who don’t need extra support and those who like a more plush, enveloping sleep experience. Down is also the most breathable out of the materials outlined here, so anyone who sleeps hot might consider a down topper. 

Height “Mattress toppers come in a variety of densities,” says Werner. Most are between 2 and 4 inches thick, with 2-inch and 3-inch being the most popular. Mattress toppers in this range offer enough cushioning to make your sleep more comfortable, but they’re not so thick that you’re sacrificing the support.” Werner adds, “Heavier sleepers might need a thicker topper to support their weight, but a 3-inch topper is usually fine for most people.”

Firmness Your preferred sleeping position and firmness are important considerations for buying a mattress topper.

According to Werner, the best mattress topper for side sleepers is soft enough to support you but not too soft. “The softer the top, the more cushioning you’ll feel around pressure points like your shoulders and hips,” says Werner. “While a soft sleeping surface is good, you want to ensure it’s firm enough to keep your spine, neck, and head in the proper alignment.”

“Back sleepers need a mattress topper that will support you without sagging; anything less will cause back pain,” says Werner. “Ideally, you want to look for one that supports your upper, middle, and lower back. Balanced, medium-to-firm toppers and thicker options made with contouring memory foam are great options.”

“Out of all sleeping positions, stomach sleepers need the firmest support,” says Werner. “Sleeping on your stomach tends to put a lot of pressure on your lower back, especially if you don’t have the proper support. Mattress toppers made of high-density foam might be the best option for stomach sleepers.”

Temperature Regulation Temperature regulation is crucial for healthy and sound sleep, and temperature often varies based on the mattress topper material. To keep things cool and comfortable, Werner suggests “Looking for Phase Change Material, copper, graphite, or gel infusions for cooling properties. Other options for temperature regulation include natural options like latex or wool that provide temperature control throughout the seasons.”

　　 Questions and Answers

Do mattress toppers provide support? Mattress toppers can provide enough support, but that largely depends on the design and fabrication. Werner says, “Memory foam and latex toppers are known for their ability to contour to your body and provide pressure relief, making them ideal for those who need extra support for pain or discomfort. Feather and down toppers can add a soft layer of cushioning, but not much support.” 

How long do mattress toppers last? This will vary depending on material and quality. “Memory foam and latex toppers tend to have a longer lifespan, lasting up to 5-7 years, while feather and down toppers may need replacing more frequently,” says Werner. 

Can mattress toppers be washed? Care instructions will vary from topper to topper. While most are not machine washable, mainly due to their size and heft, some may come with washable covers.

Ultimately, it’s important to read the care instructions and ensure the requirements match your aptitude and ability. Werner suggests spot cleaning stains with a clean cloth and a mild detergent for toppers and covers that aren’t machine washable. 

　　 Why Trust Southern Living

This article was written by Sharon Brandwein, Certified Sleep Science Coach and freelance commerce writer. Over the last six years, Sharon has written product reviews and roundups for a variety of online publishers. To compile this list, Sharon spent a considerable amount of time researching the best mattress toppers, and she’s pretty excited to share her findings. For expert insight, Sharon spoke with GhostBed founder Marc Werner.