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The Best Mattress Topper of 2021

Hand Testing Orthopedic Memory Foam Core Mattress
AndreyPopov/ Getty Images

Choosing a mattress topper can be an overwhelming process, especially since there are a ton of options available. You can find mattress toppers that are made of gel, down alternative, latex, and more. For example, if you sleep “hot,” the best memory foam mattress topper would have ventilation and gel memory foam.

In this guide, you’ll find top our top mattress topper picks to help you get the best night’s sleep.

What’s a mattress topper used for?

People use mattress toppers to add comfort when they sleep and extend the life of their mattress. Toppers help reduce the amount of pressure on the springs, delaying wear and sagging. Many mattress toppers are also machine-washable, and some come with replacement covers for preventing stains and other wear.

The top 10 mattress toppers of 2021:

Best for your budget: Pure Brands Mattress Topper

A noteworthy aspect of the Pure Brands mattress topper is that it’s dual-functioning — it’s a mattress topper and a cover, all in one. This budget-friendly mattress topper is also machine washable, so caring for it is a snap.

Pure Brands’ customer ratings are high, and the company offers free shipping and free returns. Some consumers remark about how much they love that this topper fits their mattress and doesn’t move around like other brands. Other reviewers like that it adds just the right amount of cushion for firm mattresses.

Pure Brands mattress topper details:

  • Price: $35
  • Customer rating on Amazon: 4.3 out of 5 stars
  • Made out of down alternative and 100% microfiber
  • Thickness: .50 to 1 inch
  • Sizes offered: Twin, Full, Full XL, Queen, Olympic Queen, King, and California King
  • Pros and cons of the Pure Brands mattresses topper:
Pros: Cons:
  • Works as a mattress pad and deep pocket cover
  • 100% machine washable
  • Affordable pricing
  • Great customer reviews
  • Not as thick and plush as competing brands

Best breathable mattress topper: Lucid 3-inch Ventilated Memory Foam Mattress Topper

The Lucid mattress topper features two inches of gel-infused memory foam that helps distribute heat. It also has ventilation, giving it breathability and the ability to regulate temperature. Unlike with a traditional memory foam topper, you’re not sleeping “hot.” If your bed feels too warm, this mattress topper is an excellent choice for keeping you cool.

Some customers remark about how this memory foam topper feels like they’re sleeping on a cloud. Others love that it’s as good as those from bigger brands but at a fraction of the price.

Lucid mattress topper details:

  • Price: $100
  • Customer rating on Amazon: 4.3 out of 5 stars
  • Made out of gel memory foam
  • Thickness: 3 inches
  • Sizes offered: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Queen, King, and California King
  • Pros and cons of the Lucid mattresses topper:
Pros: Cons:
  • Extremely soft feel
  • Gel-infused ventilated memory foam
  • 3-year warranty
  • Some customer reviewers say the topper is too soft
  • Other reviewers say they “sink in” too much, limiting their movement throughout the night

Most Luxurious:  Tempur-Pedic Supreme 3-Inch Mattress Topper

In addition to being a well-known company, Tempur-Pedic manufactures luxurious and supportive mattress toppers from high-quality materials. Since 1991, the company has been selling products of superior comfort and support to customers in 76 countries.

These mattress toppers are ideal for those needing pressure relief. Many positive reviewers say it relieves pain and discomfort. Other reviewers like that it supports their pressure points.

Tempur-Pedic mattress topper details:

  • Price: $380
  • Customer rating on Amazon: 4.4 out of 5 stars
  • Made out of TEMPUR memory foam
  • Thickness: 3 inches
  • Sizes offered: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and California King
  • Pros and cons of the Tempur-Pedic mattresses topper:
Pros: Cons:
  • High-quality, luxurious and supportive material
  • Washable cover
  • 10-year limited warranty
  • More expensive than competing brands
  • Some feel it’s too soft

Best overall: Sleep Innovations 4-inch Dual Layer Mattress Topper

One of the best things about the Sleep Innovations 4-inch dual layer mattress topper is that it combines two popular mattress topper styles in one. The result is the best in comfort and longevity. The top layer has two inches of quilted fiberfill, and the second layer consists of two inches of gel memory foam.

This mattress topper is an ideal choice for those who sleep “hot” and need pressure-relieving support. It also comes with a machine-washable cover that keeps both layers in place. Reviewers rave about how this mattress topper helps reduce their body aches while simultaneously providing a pillow-soft surface.

Sleep Innovations mattress topper details:

  • Price: $110
  • Customer rating on Amazon: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Made out of gel-infused memory foam
  • Thickness: 4 inches
  • Sizes offered: Twin, Full, Queen, King, and California King
  • Pros and cons of the Sleep Innovations mattresses topper:
Pros: Cons:
  • Excellent temperature regulation
  • Has a comfortable and supportive fiber-filled and quilted top layer
  • Soft to medium firmness
  • Some reviewers say that after a few months, the gel in the memory foam hardens
  • Others say it doesn’t hold its shape very well

Best for Side Sleepers: ViscoSoft 4-inch Pillow Top Memory Foam Mattress Topper

With a 2.5-inch layer of temperature-regulating gel foam underneath 1.5 inches of plush down alternative, the VisoSoft pillow top topper is exceptionally comfortable. Because this is a high-density topper, it offers the pressure-relief and spinal alignment properties side sleepers need.

As an added benefit, it has elastic straps that help keep it firmly in place. Customers also benefit from the 60-day money-back satisfaction guarantee and a three-year warranty. Customers love that this mattress topper sleeps “cool,” while offering them the support they need.

ViscoSoft mattress topper details:

  • Price: $130
  • Customer rating on Amazon: 4.4 out of 5 stars
  • Made out of gel memory foam
  • Thickness: 4 inches
  • Sizes offered: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and California King
  •  Pros and cons of the ViscoSoft mattresses topper:
Pros: Cons:
  • High-quality materials offer optimal comfort for side sleepers
  • 60-day money-back guarantee
  • 3-year limited warranty

Best for back pain: Linenspa 3 Inch Memory Foam Topper

If you suffer back pain, then the Linenspa three-inch memory foam topper may be the fix. This topper is designed to evenly disperse your body weight, which relieves pressure points. Ventilation also helps circulate air for “hot” sleepers.

The Linenspa is CertiPUR-US certified, meaning no harmful chemicals were used during the manufacturing process. Customers love that they can fall asleep on their back and wake up on their back without feeling pain.

Linenspa mattress topper details:

  • Price: $60
  • Customer rating on Amazon: 4.3 out of 5 stars
  • Made out of swirl memory foam
  • Thickness: You can choose 2-inch or 3-inch thickness
  • Sizes offered: Twin, Twin XL, Queen, King, and California King
  • Pros and cons of the Linenspa mattresses topper:
Pros: Cons:
  • Gel foam infused topper helps relieve back pain
  • CertiPUR-US certified
  • Can add softness to firm mattresses
  • Not as thick as some competing toppers
  • Some reviewers report issues with durability

Best latex mattress topper: Sleep On Mattress Topper

The Sleep On Mattress Topper is ideal for those who don’t want the sinking sensation you can get with memory foam but still want to feel that foam cushioning. This topper is dense yet springy, helping your body rest comfortably on its surface. Though latex toppers are typically expensive, the Sleep On offers an affordable price point.

You’ll also find one, two, and three-inch thicknesses, and soft, medium, or firm densities. If you’re a back sleeper, Sleep On recommends a medium-density topper. Some reviewers say they haven’t slept so comfortably in years. Others claim that months of hip and shoulder pain was gone overnight. For the environmentally conscious, each latex topper is made from natural latex, the company harvests from rubber trees.

Sleep On mattress topper details:

  • Price: $200
  • Customer rating on Amazon: 4.4 out of 5 stars
  • Made out of natural latex foam
  • Thickness: You can choose 1-inch or 3-inch thickness
  • Sizes offered: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King and California King in one, two, and three inches
  • Pros and cons of the Sleep On mattresses topper:
Pros: Cons:
  • Eco-friendly
  • Includes stretchy wool cover for enhanced breathability
  • Sleeps “cool”
  • 30-day sleep trial
  • Some customers say there’s support around the edges
  • Customers say the bigger sizes are heavy and can be hard to move without help

Best value: Zinus Memory Foam Mattress Topper

If you’re looking for a way to sleep “cool” at an affordable price, the Zinus memory foam mattress topper could be for you. It features three inches of green-tea infused memory foam that helps neutralize odor. The cooling gel foam and fabric are beneficial to those who suffer from a hot night’s sleep.

It doesn’t matter if you like sleeping on your side, back, or in a rolled-up ball; the Zinus mattress caters to all types. Reviewers love that it’s affordable and makes their bed feel like it’s brand new. Others state that, after sleeping on this topper, their back pain feels better.

Zinus mattress topper details:

  • Price: $150
  • Customer rating on Amazon: 4.3 out of 5 stars
  • What it’s made out of: Green tea-infused memory foam
  • Thickness: You can choose 1.5-inch, 3-inch, and 4-inch thickness
  • Sizes offered: Twin, Full, Queen, Short Queen, and King
  • Pros and cons of the Zinus mattresses topper:
    • Pros:
    • Cons:
      • Some consumers report difficulty fitting the topper on their beds
      • Others feel this topper is too firm

Best for softening: DreamFoam Memory Foam Topper

If your mattress feels too firm, the DreamFoam memory topper might be the ideal solution. This mattress topper softens a firmer or old mattress, which can bring pain relief and better sleep quality. The company backs its comfort promise with a 120-night sleep trial. You also get a three-year warranty.

CertiPUR-US certified, the DreamFoam is manufactured without harmful chemicals. Buyers experiencing pain with their old firm mattresses say this topper solves that problem. Others love that it doesn’t have a strong chemical smell and that it’s durable.

DreamFoam mattress topper details:

  • Price: $64
  • Customer rating on Amazon: 4.3 out of 5 stars
  • Made out of gel-swirl memory foam
  • Thickness: You can choose 2-inch or 3-inch thickness
  • Sizes offered: Twin, Full, Full XL, Queen, Short Queen, King, and California King
  • Pros and cons of the DreamFoam mattresses topper:
Pros: Cons:
  • Discoloration occurs over time
  • Some report tearing and ripping during use

Best premium mattress topper: D&G the Duck and Goose Co. Overfilled Extra Thick Mattress Topper

If you love an extra-soft feel, the premium down alternative gel fibers in the D&G Overfilled Extra Thick Mattress Topper won’t disappoint. With an affordable price point and an extra soft firmness level, it’s an excellent choice for those looking to balance out an overly firm mattress.

The mattress is designed to be soft with the optimal amount of firmness to support your body weight. Many fans say it’s fluffy enough to make them feel like they’re sleeping on a cloud. Others stated that when they slept on other toppers, they felt pain, but not with this one.

D&G the Duck and Goose Co. mattress topper details:

  • Price: $70
  • Customer rating on Amazon: 4.4 out of 5 stars
  • Made out of alternative gel fiber
  • Thickness: 2 inches
  • Sizes offered: Twin, Full, Queen, King, and California King
  • Pros and cons of D&G the Duck and Goose Co. mattresses topper:
Pros: Cons
  • Feels a lot like real down
  • Soft and flexible materials
  • Keeps its original shape
  • The elastic bands for holding the top in place don’t work well
  • Some say it sleeps too hot

Things to consider when shopping for a mattress topper

Before shopping for the best mattress topper, consider the following:

  • Material: Not all mattress toppers have gel memory foam. You can also find them with memory foam, latex, down alternative, and wool.
  • Thickness: Most toppers are between two and three inches thick. If you feel you need something thicker, it may be time to replace your mattress entirely.
  • Comfort and support: Decide if you need coolness, pain relief, support, or a combination. Look for mattress toppers with the features you need most for maximum comfort.

The bottom line

Choosing the best mattress topper doesn’t need to be an overwhelming process. Think about the topper type and thickness you want and the sleeping problems you want to solve. For example, if you need to relieve pain, choose a medium-density topper. If you want to stop sleeping “hot,” hoose cooling gel memory foam.

Frequently asked questions

What mattress topper is best? 

Picking the best mattress topper involves understanding the comfort and support you need when sleeping. Our overall top pick is the Sleep Innovations 4-inch Dual Layer Mattress Topper for its cooling and pressure-relieving support.

Do I need a mattress topper? 

If your mattress feels too firm or you feel like it’s too hot, then you might need a mattress topper. Toppers are also good if you need pain relief.

What is the best mattress topper for back pain? 

We like the Linenspa 3 Inch Memory Foam Topper because it’s designed to evenly disperse your body weight, which can relieve back pain.

What is the best mattress topper to relieve pressure points? 

In addition to being the best-ventilated mattress topper, the Lucid 3-inch Ventilated Memory Foam Mattress Topper is also excellent for pressure point relief. It molds to your body while simultaneously supporting your spine and relieving pressure points.


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