The 10 Best Mattress Toppers and Pads For 2024

What to Look For in a Mattress Topper 

Materials

According to the buying behavior of customers, these mattress toppers are undoubtedly amongst the most popular ones on the market. Memory foam is a conveniently crafted material 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.

However, memory foam has limited temperature regulation and can produce a strong off-gassing smell when it’s new.

Get More Info: Best Memory Foam Mattress Toppers

Cooling gel mattress toppers are particularly convenient, especially for hot sleepers or those who 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.

Check Out Our Guide: Best Cooling Mattress Topper

These mattress toppers are usually made out of natural latex. This is an eco-friendly and naturally sourced material designed for excellent support, durability, and comfort. They are free of any synthetic materials as well.

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 by 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 when shopping online.

Sleep Position 

The position that you prefer to sleep in can help you determine what kind of mattress topper will work best for you. 

Back and Combination Sleepers

Those who sleep on their back or in two or more positions will likely appreciate a mattress pad that makes their bed have a medium firm feel. To accomplish this, you may want to look to memory foam or latex toppers. 

Stomach Sleepers

Whereas those who sleep on their stomach typically like a firm sleeping surface, like the one that would be found in a wool topper, that will help keep their hips elevated. 

Learn More: Best Mattress Topper for Stomach Sleepers

Side Sleepers

People who sleep on their sides often benefit from a softer mattress topper, such as feather, because these can help relieve pressure around their hips and shoulders.  

Related: Best Mattress Toppers for Side Sleepers

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, latex, as well as memory foam 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 mattress topper. The general rule of thumb is that thicker pads are appropriate for softer beds and the other way around. Basically, your mattress topper should compensate for the attributes that your mattress lacks.

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 proper condition.

Firmness 

The firmness depends on what you want and what works best for you.

Firmness is the characteristic that 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, hip 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 throughout the night. Therefore, your individuality is likely to determine this particular consideration.

Find Out More: Best Firm Mattress Toppers & Highest Rated Soft Bed Toppers

Motion Isolation

When you’re looking for a mattress topper that prevents one partners movement from transferring across the bed, you will likely appreciate the motion isolating capabilities of a mattress topper made from memory foam. The dense, pressure-relieving nature of this material does an exceptional job of absorbing motion. 

Sex 

A mattress topper that provides responsiveness can increase the pleasure for sexually active couples. If you’re trying to give your bed more bounce, you will likely want to consider a mattress topper made from latex. Latex quickly responds to the pressure of bodyweight and this can allow you to reposition smoothly. 

Pressure Relief 

When you sleep, pressure can build up around the areas of the body that make contact with the bed, and this can lead you to waking with aches and pains. Mattress toppers made from feathers or bamboo can be a great way to add pressure relieving properties to your mattress. Feather and bamboo toppers should gently cradle your body and provide relief to your shoulders, hips and lower back. 

Edge Support 

Edge support is how well your mattress supports you around the perimeter. If your bed sags when you sit on the edge, you can add a firmer mattress topper to provide some additional support. This will help you get in and out of bed more easily, as well as providing more overall space, which can be beneficial for couples. Memory foam and wool toppers can be a good choice because the density of the material can provide support around the edge of the mattress.  

Budget

How much you spend on a mattress pad will likely be a factor in the product you ultimately purchase. Although mattress pads are considerably less expensive than mattresses, they will likely cost from 100-500 dollars depending on the materials and the overall quality. and this makes them an excellent way to extend the life of your mattress or change its feel. 

Mattress & Sheet Compatibility

While you can find toppers in various sizes that range from Twin to King and California King, you will need to know the exact size of your mattress to secure the perfect fit. If you purchase a smaller or larger bed topper, this is going to make your entire bed feel a bit uneven. Additionally, you’ll want to makes sure that your fitted sheet has deep enough pockets to fit around both the topper and the mattress. If your sheets can’t secure properly around the height of your mattress and topper, it may come off during the night. 

When is the Best Time to Buy a Mattress Topper?

It may be time to buy a mattress topper if:

Your mattress is showing its age: Mattresses are major investments and even if your bed is not as comfortable as it used to be, you may not want to buy a new one. Mattress toppers can be a good way to extend the life of your mattress. 

Your bed is too soft or too firm: Sometimes we make a purchase and then aren’t completely satisfied with it. If you have bought a bed that is too soft or too firm, a mattress topper can be a simple way to change the feeling of your back.

You’re heating up during the night: If your mattress is not helping you regulate your temperature throughout the night, you’re likely not getting enough quality sleep. Adding a cooling topper can be a cost-effective way to bring the temperature of your mattress down. 

You have aches and pains: If you’re waking up with a tight or aching back, shoulders, hips or neck, your mattress may be to blame. A soft, contouring mattress topper may be what you need. Check out our top rated mattress toppers for back pain and list of best mattress toppers for hip pain.

Mattress Toppers vs. Pads vs. Protector vs. Encasement

Now, the truth is that there is ongoing confusion among 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.

Mattress Toppers

Mattress toppers are usually more expensive and thicker than mattress pads. They’re 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.

Mattress Pads

A mattress pad is usually more affordable and thinner than a mattress topper. While they don’t bring the same amount of comfort, they do bring a lot of additional features that many mattress 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.

View Our Guide: Top Rated Mattress Pads

Read More: Mattress Pad vs. Topper

Protector

The mattress protector is something entirely different. They are usually used to secure the mattress 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.

Need more info? Read our full guide for mattress protectors here.

Encasement

Encasements are 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.

Read More: Top Mattress Encasement Reviews

Best Mattress Topper FAQs

What is a mattress topper?

A mattress topper is a bedding accessory that can add support, softness, firmness and even cooling capabilities to a mattress. Toppers are usually 1-4 inches thick and are available in a multitude of materials. These are often used to soften an overly firm mattress, but can be used to add support to a worn mattress. 

How thick should a mattress topper be?

The thickness of your mattress topper should be will be largely determined by your body type, sleep position and overall needs. If you want to add firmness and stability to a sagging mattress, you will likely want a thicker mattress pad, whereas if you just want to add a little softness to your mattress a thinner topper will likely be fine for you. 

Can mattress toppers be washed?

Some mattress toppers can be washed while others should only be spot cleaned. You will need to read each manufacturer’s specific instructions about the care of your topper.

Do mattress pads provide support?

Yes, some mattress pads can provide support. If you’re looking for a supportive topper, you will want to take the material, firmness level and thickness into account. Generally, toppers made from memory foam, wool or latex will provide you with the most support.