We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Home Products Bedding The 10 Best Mattress Toppers We Tested Are Comfortable and Supportive for a Better Night's Sleep With top picks from Tempur-Pedic, Casper, Zinus, and more By Olivia Avitt Olivia Avitt Olivia is a writer and content creator that has written about a wide range of subjects, including health, beauty, relationships, culture, and music. When she's not working, you can find her perusing coffee shops, reading, or catching up on reality TV. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on October 2, 2024 11:15PM EDT In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Add to Cart Others We Tried What to Know Behind the Scenes Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is PEOPLE Tested? Photo: People / Dera Burreson A mattress is an important investment. If your mattress isn’t comfortable, it will affect how you sleep and, in turn, how you feel when you’re awake. But a complete mattress upgrade isn’t realistic for everyone. Whether you want to maximize the feel of a new mattress or prolong the life of the mattress you already have, a mattress topper can improve the feel of your mattress without costing a lot of money. The Best Right Now If you're looking for a super comfortable mattress topper, this is a great time to buy. The Tempur-Pedic Tempur Adapt+ Mattress Topper is 52 percent off right now. While mattress toppers aren’t as expensive as a new mattress, they certainly aren’t cheap. We tested 17 of the best mattress toppers available, scoring them on comfort, support, durability, breathability, and value. Keep reading to find the latest addition to your bed setup that will help you sleep better (and feel better). Our Top Picks Best Mattress Topper Overall: SALE Casper Comfy Mattress Topper at Amazon $299 $250 Jump to Review Best Mattress Topper Overall (Cheaper): SALE ViscoSoft Hybrid Lux Mattress Topper at Amazon $200 $144 Jump to Review Best Budget Mattress Topper: Linenspa Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper at Amazon $60 Jump to Review Best Cooling Mattress Topper: Sleep On Latex Pure Green Mattress Topper at Amazon $165 Jump to Review Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper: Subrtex 3-Inch Gel-Infused Memory Foam Bed Mattress Topper at Amazon $100 Jump to Review Most Supportive Mattress Topper: Lucid Down Alternative and Gel Foam Mattress Topper at Amazon $160 Jump to Review Best Feather Mattress Topper: Southern Living Ultra Feather Mattress Topper at Dillards.com Jump to Review Softest Mattress Topper: SALE Zinus Cooling Memory Foam Mattress Topper at Amazon $79 $67 Jump to Review Most Comfortable Mattress Topper: Tempur-Pedic Tempur Adapt+ Mattress Topper at Amazon $249 Jump to Review Best Waterproof Mattress Topper: SALE GhostBed Memory Foam Topper at Amazon $330 $245 Jump to Review Best Mattress Topper Overall Casper Comfy Mattress Topper PHOTO: Amazon $299 $250 at Amazon $250 at Target $299 at Nordstrom Star Qualities Buoyant and supportive Plastic-like fabric acts as a waterproof protective layer Comfortable in all sleeping positions Red Flags May need help to move or clean it This mattress topper by Casper is our top pick because it is comfortable in every sleeping position. Whether you sleep on your back, side, or stomach, it does a great job of toeing the line between plush and supportive. Another detail we appreciated was the plastic-like fabric on the bottom that serves as a protective waterproof layer for your mattress. Because this topper is so dense, it also stays in place under your bed sheets, so you don’t have to worry about unmaking your bed to adjust its positioning. However, its density does make it difficult to handle. If you want to move or clean it, you’ll probably need help maneuvering it. It’s also fairly pricey and more of an investment. But if you want a super comfortable topper, you can’t go wrong here. Material: 65% perforated fabric, 21% polyester, 10% recycled cotton, 2% rayon, 2% spandex | Height: 3 inches | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson Best Mattress Topper Overall (Cheaper) ViscoSoft Hybrid Lux Mattress Topper PHOTO: Amazon $200 $144 at Amazon View on Viscosoft.com Star Qualities Plush and cushiony Sticky Visco-elastic foam keeps it in place Dense but doesn't absorb a lot of heat Red Flags Foam can shed when removed If the Casper mattress topper sounds like what you’re looking for but you don’t want to spend quite that much, this one by Visco is another option we love. It’s a bit softer than the Casper — we were impressed by its plushness and how you feel surrounded and supported when you lay on it. Even though memory foam is fairly dense (which you might expect would lead to overheating), this one is surprisingly good at helping you regulate your temperature, so it’s a good pick for those who sleep hot. But full transparency: The foam has an almost sticky feel to it. The upside of this is that it doesn’t shift at all on the bed, but the downside is that the foam shed quite a bit and stuck to the mattress when we took it off. Material: Memory foam | Height: 3, 4 inches | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, short queen, king, California king PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson Mattress Pads vs. Mattress Toppers Mattress toppers are typically thicker, more expensive, and designed to sit on top of your mattress to make it softer or cover up any lumps or firmness. While mattress pads are thinner, they wrap around your mattress like a fitted sheet and act as a protective layer for your mattress from things like spills and general wear and tear. If you want added support, you’re most likely looking for a mattress topper. If you want to protect your already comfortable mattress and prolong its lifespan, a mattress pad is what you need. Best Budget Mattress Topper Linenspa Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper PHOTO: Amazon $60 at Amazon View on Bed Bath & Beyond Star Qualities Great for stomach sleepers Remained in place on the mattress Breathable memory foam works for hot sleepers Red Flags May be too soft for side sleepers If you're looking for something affordable that will give your mattress an extra boost, you’ll love this topper from Linenspa. We were so impressed at how soft and plush it was, considering the price. It’s made of memory foam and infused with gel, which allows you to feel like you’re sinking into it. This would be a great topper for stomach sleepers or people who don’t like the firmness of their mattress. The memory foam is also fairly breathable, and although it isn’t marketed as having cooling properties, we noticed that it stayed cool all night long, which is essential for anyone who overheats at night and wants a topper to pair with cooling sheets. Material: Memory foam | Height: 2, 3 inches | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, full XL, queen, short queen, king, California king, small single PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson Best Cooling Mattress Topper Sleep On Latex Pure Green Mattress Topper PHOTO: Amazon $165 at Amazon View on Sleeponlatex.com Star Qualities Molds to your body Heat-neutral latex foam Bounces back to its original shape Red Flags Very heavy and cumbersome If you’re prone to overheating, you may find that your mattress is an absolute hotbed (literally) as soon as you lay on it. This topper from Sleep On was our favorite cooling pick because it’s made of latex foam that’s designed to be heat-neutral. We were very impressed at how well it kept cool — even when you’re in one spot for a long time, as soon as you pull away, you won’t be able to feel a major temperature difference. It also has a level of softness and comfort we wouldn’t typically expect from latex — it immediately adjusts to your body as soon as you lay on it, and it feels soft yet supportive. However, because it’s latex, it is fairly cumbersome to handle, so you’ll probably need another person to help you put it on or if you want to rearrange your furniture in the future. Material: Organic latex | Height: 1, 2, 3 inches | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper Subrtex 3-Inch Gel-Infused Memory Foam Bed Mattress Topper PHOTO: Walmart $100 at Amazon View on Bed Bath & Beyond Star Qualities Helps you feel cradled right away Ventilated design prevents overheating Feels thick and substantial Red Flags Reinforcement straps tend to slide off easily We loved this memory foam mattress topper by Subrtex and immediately noticed the thick and substantial feel. It has a sinking quality when you lay on it, but you still feel cradled in all of the right places. During testing, as soon as we got up, it bounced back to its original shape with no change in volume or loft. This could change with more long-term use, but the foam, which is infused with gel that keeps it feeling airy and soft, feels well made. On a similar note, the outer casing is stitched with a porous, ventilated design that doesn’t exactly feel cool to the touch but will help prevent overheating. The removable rayon/bamboo cover has reinforcement straps attached to it that hook underneath the mattress and are meant to keep it in place. We did notice, however, that these tended to slip off. Material: Gel-infused memory foam | Height: 2, 3, 4 inches | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson Most Supportive Mattress Topper Lucid Down Alternative and Gel Foam Mattress Topper PHOTO: Amazon $160 at Amazon $143 at Wayfair $180 at Kohls.com Star Qualities Maintains volume Layered components don't shift Combination of materials for a variety of sleepers Red Flags Deep ridge where gel base meets poly-fill top We were very impressed by this topper because of how many features it has: The first layer is made of a two-inch down alternative, and the bottom is made of two-inch gel memory foam, so it combines two very different types of mattress toppers into one. It manages to have both a firm and plush feel, which is ideal for all sleepers, whether you prefer soft or firm mattresses. It's our most supportive pick because the gel memory foam does a great job of keeping you supported, while the down alternative lets you feel cradled by its softness. The one thing we didn’t love about this mattress topper was the ridge at the edge of the mattress where the gel memory foam base and poly-fill meet. If you sleep closer to the edge of the bed, you’ll definitely feel this, and it could be irritating after a while. Material: Memory foam, down alternative fill | Height: 4 inches | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson Best Feather Mattress Topper Southern Living Ultra Feather Mattress Topper PHOTO: Dillard's View on Dillards.com Star Qualities Cool to the touch Lghtweight and easy to handle Cloud-like feel Red Flags Doesn't add a lot of support Editor’s note: Southern Living is owned by PEOPLE’s parent company, Dotdash Meredith. Down is popular because it’s not only breathable and cool when you’re hot, but it's warm and comforting when you’re cold. This down topper by Southern Living is our favorite — we love how breathable it is and could feel just how cool it was as soon as we laid on it. When it comes to feel, it’s the cream of the crop of down toppers — you’ll feel like you’re sinking into a cloud as soon as you lay on it. While it does look very thick, it’s ultimately pretty airy, which means there isn’t much added support. We could foresee this being an issue for anyone who has a lumpier mattress — you’ll definitely be able to feel your mattress underneath in spite of the topper. This is a better pick for someone who loves the feel of down and wants an extra boost on an already comfortable mattress. Material: Quilt-free down and feather fill | Height: 18-inch pocket depth | Sizes: Queen, king, California king PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson Softest Mattress Topper Zinus Cooling Memory Foam Mattress Topper PHOTO: Amazon $79 $67 at Amazon $147 at Walmart View on Bed Bath & Beyond Star Qualities Ultra-plush and luxurious Thick enough to conceal uncomfortable mattresses Prevents overheating Red Flags Not particularly supportive If you like a plush feel, you’ll love this mattress topper for its luxurious and thick memory foam material. We tested the three-inch thick topper, which can mask firm or lumpy mattresses that either aren’t comfortable or just need a little boost. Although it’s very dense, the cooling gel infused with the foam still manages to keep you cool, so this would be a great fit for hot sleepers. Because it is so soft, there isn’t much support here — you won’t find this topper comfortable if you struggle with joint pain or prefer a firmer mattress. Another thing to keep in mind is that during testing, we noticed it shifted underneath the sheets and slid over the edge of the mattress. However, it’s a great value and the perfect choice for anyone who wants to soften up their mattress. Material: Gel-infused memory foam | Height: 1.5, 2, 3, 4 inches | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson Most Comfortable Mattress Topper Tempur-Pedic Tempur Adapt+ Mattress Topper PHOTO: Amazon $249 at Amazon $419 at Wayfair View on Tempurpedic.com Star Qualities Ideal for any sleeping position Includes a removable, washable cover Heavy and stable Red Flags Tends to hold on to body heat This topper by Tempur-Pedic is the most comfortable because of its high-quality memory foam. As soon as you lay on it, you’ll immediately feel cradled in all the right places. And if you change positions, it does an excellent job of moving with you so that you feel adequately supported, whether you’re on your back, side, or stomach. We also appreciated the removable, machine-washable cover. The one thing you should note with this one is that while it wasn’t necessarily warm, it didn’t stay cool either (despite its name). If you struggle with overheating at night and want something specifically designed to keep you cool, this probably isn't the right one for you. But if you’re looking to prioritize comfort and have a lumpy mattress you want to spruce up, this topper is worth the investment. Material: Memory foam | Height: 3 inches | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson Best Waterproof Mattress Topper GhostBed Memory Foam Topper PHOTO: Amazon $330 $245 at Amazon View on Ghostbed.com $492 at Best Buy Star Qualities Feels soft Maintains its shape Prevented water from reaching mattress Red Flags Requires dry cleaning If you want something protective and comfortable, you’ll love this mattress topper by GhostBed. We were absolutely amazed at how comfortable it was — it completely transformed the mattress we laid on. Although not remarkably voluminous, it is incredibly soft and plush, so you feel supported and cradled. But the real reason we loved it was for its waterproof qualities. It has a layer of waterproof backing on the bottom that kept moisture from our spill tests from making it to the mattress. You should keep in mind that, although you can spot-clean this topper as needed, it will need to be taken to the dry cleaner for a real deep cleaning. However, it feels high quality and plush, and the waterproof feature would be great if you have kids or just want to take extra good care of your mattress. Material: Memory foam | Height: 3 inches | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson Add to Cart All our recommended products go through rigorous testing in our PEOPLE Tested lab and at home, so while you’re shopping for mattress toppers, consider adding one of our other tested favorites to your cart. Utopia Bedding Down Alternative Comforter $43 at Amazon Coop Sleep Goods The Eden Pillow $99 at Amazon $99 at Target $14 at Walmart Bampure Organic Bamboo Sheets $123 $79 at Amazon Saatva Zenhaven Latex Mattress $3,295 at Saatva Other Mattress Toppers We Tried Avocado Green Organic Latex Mattress Topper: This topper by Avocado Green is incredibly plush and comfortable, and we loved the feel as soon as we laid down. No matter what position you sleep in, you’ll certainly feel cradled and cozy. However, we found that it shifts a lot under the sheets when you’re tossing and turning, even though the latex material should cause friction and keep it in place. We were also disappointed because it wasn’t very cooling, which is another thing we’d expect with a latex topper. Nolah Mattress Topper: All in all, this is a nice mattress topper. It’s on the firmer side but has a level of softness that moves with you, so you’re supported in every position. It also maintains its loft and buoyancy when you get up from the bed, bouncing back to its original shape immediately. Similar to the topper from Avocado Green, however, it is fairly pricey. People / Dera Burreson What to Know About Mattress Toppers Support If you’re looking for more support, a mattress topper is a great option. “An ideal case for getting a mattress topper is someone who finds their current mattress too firm and wants to try a softer, more contouring surface. Often made from memory foam or latex, you should notice an immediate difference with a mattress topper,” says David Rubin, certified sleep science coach and director of product testing at TheSleepDoctor.com. The More You Know The ideal thickness for your mattress topper will depend on your personal preference, as well as the age and comfort level your existing mattress provides. Mattress toppers range in thickness from one to four inches. Generally, thicker toppers provide more comfort and support than thinner toppers. Durability Unlike a mattress pad, just like a mattress for back pain or any type of mattress, toppers are not something you can just toss in the washer for a quick clean. Three of our top picks come with machine-washable covers that make care easy; there are also covers you can purchase separately for your topper directly from the manufacturer or at places like Amazon. To clean toppers of different materials, you’ll want to use natural solutions like baking soda, distilled white vinegar, and a vacuum cleaner to keep them fresh and free of stains. Breathability If you tend to sleep hot, breathability in all of your bedding is the key to staying cool. While lots of mattress toppers market themselves as “cooling,” many don’t deliver on their promise. For mattress toppers, anything made with latex or foam infused with cooling gel usually works well for regulating temperature. The Sleep On Pure Green Natural Latex Mattress Topper was our most cooling pick. People / Dera Burreson Behind the Scenes Our editors selected 17 of the best-selling mattress toppers on the market to put to the test. Each mattress topper was queen-sized, and all were tested over a two-day period in our lab to evaluate them for comfort, support, durability, and breathability. Comfort: We placed each mattress topper over an acupressure mat to find out how cushioned and lofty they were. We also studied how well they retained heat by tossing and turning on each one in order to simulate real-life sleeping scenarios.Support: We also spent time laying on each side of the mattress in different positions (stomach, back, and side) to evaluate their comfort level for different types of sleepers. We also moved around a lot to see if the mattress topper stayed in place or shifted off the mattress.Durability: We checked each mattress topper for snags and tears after unpackaging and again after shifting them around on the mattresses. We also checked each mattress topper for any damage caused by the acupressure mat. We checked for water resistance by adding a tablespoon of water directly onto the mattress topper to evaluate whether the water sat on top or absorbed into the material.Breathability: We measured each mattress topper’s breathability by testing the surface temperature before and after lying on it for a period of time. We scored each mattress topper based on its performance in each of our tests to determine the best mattress toppers. Those that scored the highest got our stamp of approval and are featured in this article. People / Dera Burreson Why Trust PEOPLE? Olivia Avitt is a writer for PEOPLE who specializes in thorough, honest product reviews. When writing this roundup, she carefully reviewed the test results of the products included and put together the need-to-know details you see here that will help you pick the right addition to your bedroom setup. Our PEOPLE Tested team also consulted David Rubin, a product expert at TheSleepDoctor.com, who provided expert insights on what you should look for in your next mattress topper — not only which one is right for you, but also what materials are the best and the most important factors you should keep in mind when picking one that will fit your bed. Our Expert Panel David Rubin is a certified sleep science coach and the director of product testing at TheSleepDoctor.com. What Is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval - because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.