How To Choose A Mattress Topper

photo of a person's hand unzipping a mattress topper

Replacing your mattress can be quite expensive, so adding a mattress topper is an effective way to revitalize or change the style of your bed instead.

With some careful research, the right one can significantly improve the way your bed feels, including important areas such as the firmness, comfort, breathability, and motion isolation.

In this article, I’ll discuss the key factors that can help inform your decision making. I’ll also cover the pros and cons of the main materials used in mattress toppers.

By cross-referencing the two sections, you’ll hopefully have a clearer idea about which style will be right for you.

Do I need a mattress pad, topper, protector, cover or encasement?

First of all, it’s useful to understand the difference between the various categories of products available for your mattress.

Mattress covers, protectors, and encasements

graphic illustrating that a mattress protector stops spills and bed bugs

Mattress covers, protectors, and encasements are all about protecting your mattress from catastrophic spills and/or increasing the hypoallergenic protection from allergens such as dust mites.

Manufacturers don’t always use the same terminology, so it’s important to check what the product does exactly, and how many sides of your mattress it will cover. They sometimes also include a padded top to offer some extra comfort, but their main function is usually protection rather than adding significant padding.

Reducing the living space for bed bugs is a good reason to use a six-sided encasement if you live in an area where bed bugs are an issue. It will completely enclose your mattress rather than just covering the top and sides.

Mattress pads

Mattress pads may add some extra padding and comfort, but it’s unlikely to be as thick as a mattress topper. Much like covers or protectors, they are often designed to protect against fluids, oils, and spills, or help with allergies.

In addition to standard mattress pads, you can find heated mattress pads for use in the winter, and cooling mattress pads for those who tend to sleep hot at any time during the year.

Some mattress pads are designed to do more than one job, which might affect the overall feel, quality, and price.

In the photo below you can see three layers: pad on top, topper in the middle, and mattress on the bottom. As a rule of thumb, a mattress pad tends to be thinner than a topper.

photo of a mattress pad

Mattress toppers

Mattress toppers typically add a more substantial layer of material to your bed than the previous categories. They can significantly change the feel of the bed surface, but not all in the same way.

For example, they might change the softness, firmness, cushioning, warmth, breathability, motion isolation, springiness, or level of support you feel it gives your body.

You could also use a topper and a pad/protective layer together to further improve the surface of your mattress. By placing a mattress pad, cover, or encasement over the topper, you can help protect both the topper and the mattress.

Having said that, some companies use the terms interchangeably. They may call their product a topper or pad, but it’s actually much thicker or thinner than you would usually associate with that category. It’s always worth checking how much padding it actually provides, along with the features.

Recap

  • Encasement: Completely encloses your mattress on all six sides to protect it from damage or help with allergens like dust mites and bed bugs.
  • Cover/protector: Protects the mattress from damage, but often only on five sides like a fitted sheet. May provide some allergen reduction too.
  • Pad: Might add some comfort, protection, or help with temperature regulation.
  • Topper: A thicker layer that’s designed to add comfort or better body support.

Key points to consider when choosing a topper

With so many types of mattress topper, it might be helpful to first decide what you want or need from yours. Then you can work out which material will best meet your needs.

Personal preference (and even gut feeling) will probably play a role too, but if you’d like to weigh up the pros and cons, here are some of the key factors to take into account.

A) Price

A higher price doesn’t necessarily guarantee it would be better for you personally. It’s about meeting your needs, not simply buying the most expensive one you can afford.

  • Microfiber, polyester, and basic cotton toppers tend to be the most affordable.
  • Higher quality cotton, feather, and down are typically in the middle of the price range, but may be more expensive depending on the feathers or down used.
  • Memory foam ranges from inexpensive to relatively expensive. Wool and latex tend to be the most expensive.

B) Pain relief, firmness, and extra support

If it’s extra support for your back and other pressure points that you need, memory foam and latex might be worth considering. Some people find that they provide better cushioning because they mold well to your body. They tend to be more durable too and don’t flatten as quickly as other materials do.

C) Comfort and softness

With such a dizzying range of materials, brands, densities, and thicknesses, you should be able to find the ideal level of softness and comfort. Your definition of comfort may be different from the next person’s though.

Would you prefer a topper that conforms to the shape of your body, such as with latex or memory foam? Or would you prefer lying on a soft and fluffy surface, such as microfiber, cotton, feathers, or down?

In some ways, adding softness is easier than balancing firmness and comfort with a mattress topper. You could try a low-density memory foam topper, or one of the many relatively inexpensive fabric toppers which add a plush layer of soft padding.

D) Thickness and density options

Most mattress toppers fall in the range of one to four inches in thickness, either to start with or once they naturally flatten when you lie on them.

If you need to revitalize an aging mattress, sleep on your side, or if you (and perhaps a partner) carry significant weight, two, three or four inches should be sufficient. The materials with the best range of thickness are usually memory foam and latex.

In addition, the density of a topper is important in determining how much support it will provide you. Memory foam and latex toppers tend to have the most choice, allowing you to find just the right comfort level.

See the memory foam section below for more information about thickness and density. To give you a quick point of reference, I weigh 84 kilograms (185 pounds) and sleep best when using a two or three inch medium firmness latex or memory foam mattress topper.

photo of a mattress topper on a mattress in a bedroom

E) Motion isolation: reducing the noise of a partner moving

Memory foam and latex can help reduce how much you’re disturbed at night when your partner moves in bed. If you sleep with someone who keeps you awake with their tossing and turning, they are both good choices.

Memory foam probably has slightly more effective motion isolation, but both are much better than sleeping directly on top of a sprung mattress, or a fabric or feather topper.

F) Body heat

Memory foam and microfiber mattress toppers tend to retain the most body heat and perhaps aren’t the best choice if you tend to overheat in bed. Some manufacturers try to mitigate this with techniques like adding gel beads or ventilation tubes in the memory foam, which sometimes helps.

Wool and latex toppers are good all year round as they don’t overheat so much, but still feel comfortable in cooler weather. The cover and/or bedsheet can also contribute to how cool the bed surface feels by wicking away sweat or feeling cooler against the skin.

If you’re a hot sleeper and this is your main concern, I recommend trying a latex topper.

G) Allergies

Some materials are better for certain allergies, so it’s worth checking the list below. Some are also less likely to result in serious problems with bed bugs, mites, mildew, and mold than others.

H) Ease of moving and cleaning

Remember that you need to remove your mattress topper from the packaging, get it onto the bed, and potentially remove it from time to time for cleaning.

If you’re on your own and not physically strong, the weight of a heavy memory foam or latex topper might be an issue if you don’t have anyone to help you get it set up.

Feather, down, microfiber, and cotton are the easiest to transport, move around the home, and adjust on the bed if needed.

Some toppers can be machine washed, but many can’t. It can be tricky and time consuming if it needs to be spot cleaned by hand. This is another good reason to get a mattress topper that comes with a cover and/or use a mattress protector that’s large enough to cover both the topper and mattress.

I) Warranty

The standard warranty time seems to be around two years for many mattress toppers. This can be as short as one year and as long as ten, depending on the company. You won’t get a replacement just because it’s compressed under your weight over time though.

The most durable materials are latex and memory foam. Cheaper microfiber toppers are the most likely to compress quickly and become less effective over time.

Which type of material to choose

Mattress toppers come in a range of different styles and materials. It’s therefore good to decide what you hope to gain from using a topper, and what the pros and cons are of each material.

Let’s take a look now at the different types to give you a better idea of what your options are.

1) Latex

latex mattress topper

Latex toppers can be relatively expensive, but like memory foam, can provide excellent support and comfort.

Natural latex comes from the sap of rubber trees and is produced by one of two processes: Dunlop or Talalay (hence the name some toppers have).

Some latex toppers have mostly natural ingredients. Synthetic latex is, you guessed it, mostly made from synthetic materials. Blended latex has a mix of natural and synthetic materials. Check before buying if this is an important consideration for you.

Pros

  • Usually the most breathable material, so a good choice for hot sleepers.
  • Excellent for comfort and cushioning your body.
  • Provides support for the hips, back, and shoulders in any sleeping position.
  • Often available in a range of densities from soft to extra firm.
  • Can feel even firmer than memory foam if you like a very firm surface.
  • Natural latex might have better resistance to microbes and dust mites.
  • The most durable mattress topper material, often lasting many years.
  • Good motion isolation.

 Cons

  • Can be expensive.
  • May be heavy to move.
  • If you want a very soft surface, even the softest latex can still feel firmer than other materials.

2) Memory foam

hand pressing into a memory foam mattress topper

Memory foam is one of the most popular choices for both mattresses and mattress toppers nowadays.

Luxury memory foam mattresses can be expensive though, so a topper is a good way to have the benefits of memory foam without breaking the bank.

Pros

  • The memory foam will conform to your body in all sleeping positions, providing good support for the entire length of the body.
  • Some people find it helps with pressure points.
  • Good motion isolation.
  • Different density options means you can find just the right level of softness or firmness.
  • More durable than microfiber or feather toppers.

Cons

  • Memory foam sometimes has an initial odor that takes a few hours to dissipate.
  • You may find it holds body heat. If you tend to overheat, look for a breathable memory foam topper. Cheaper brands may not have the best breathability.
  • It can make it harder to change positions in bed, especially if it’s a thick and soft memory foam topper.

Understanding memory foam thickness and density

Whether you’re looking at memory foam mattresses or memory foam toppers, you’ll find a confusing range of thickness and density options.

It’s useful to understand that both elements affect the level of comfort and support. The spectrum of thickness and density keeps expanding, but let’s take a look at the difference between the most commonly found figures of each.

Density

The choice of density of a mattress topper is very important. It’s measured in pounds per cubic feet, or kg/m3 in some countries.

Most toppers have a density ranging between two and six (or more) pounds per cubic feet. Higher density usually means higher cost too, but potentially better support for the body and longer-lasting conformity to your body shape.

3 pounds or under per cubic feet – will feel much softer and less supportive than higher densities. Your body will sink into it faster than higher densities. More lightweight and easily transported.

4 to 5 pounds per cubic feet – a good option for most people, providing a balance of medium firmness. Will mold to your body a little slower than lower densities.

6+ pounds per cubic feet – better for people who like to sleep on a firm surface. Will take longer to conform to your body shape and weight, and support you for much longer than lower densities.

If you’re a heavy person, a higher density might be a better choice so you can benefit from the extra support for longer during the night.

Many companies don’t list the exact density and use simple descriptions like soft, med-soft, med-firm, firm, and extra firm instead.

Thickness

Most memory foam toppers tend to be sold in one, two, three or four inch thickness. Some companies have just a couple of thicknesses available, while others have a wider range.

1 inch – usually provides a little extra comfort, but can be quite firm if the density is also high. Good for those with a firm mattress who just need a little extra comfort and support for the body.

2-3 inches – a popular choice if you’re not sure which thickness to choose. Provides a good balance of comfort and support.

4 inches – provides even more support for the body parts that most need it.

Some density + thickness combination examples

Now we have a rough idea of how density and thickness affect the comfort and support, how do you choose the best combination?

A rule of thumb is that higher density means you can get more support with less thickness. However, a one inch topper with a low density won’t provide as much support and could be too soft.

Likewise, a very thick topper with a very high density might prove unnecessarily firm, not to mention heavy to move.

Here are three examples to consider:

You like a firm surface to sleep on

Try a 2 or 3 inch topper with a high density of 4+ pounds (med-firm or firm). That will provide a firm density and you shouldn’t sink into the topper in an uncomfortable way.

You prefer a medium firmness

Try a thickness of 2 or 3 inches with 4-5 pounds density (soft-med or medium firmness).

You want a softer surface

Try 2 inches or more in thickness, with a density of 3 pounds or less (soft).

In reality, considering the wide range of material types, additional layers, and variation in manufacturing between countries and companies, it’s hard to predict exactly how a mattress topper will feel.

It’s worth asking in advance if the company can offer advice based on your size and needs. Also ask if you can try one in a store and if they have a reasonable returns policy.

3) Wool

wool mattress topper

At the opposite end of the material spectrum is the natural material of wool. It can be fairly expensive too, depending on the animals used, the manufacturing process, and cover materials.

Pros

  • A naturally soft and comfortable material.
  • Durable, often lasting for many years.
  • Ideal for allergy sufferers who may have problems with synthetic materials.
  • Bed bugs and mites generally stay away from wool.
  • Good for keeping cool in summer and warm in winter.

Cons

  • Can be expensive.
  • Doesn’t mold to the body as well as memory foam or latex.
  • Not ideal if you want a very firm surface.

4) Feather and down

feather mattress topper

Bedding made from goose or duck feathers, or softer and more luxurious down, is known for its softness and comforting feel. If you’re an allergy sufferer or need a firmer topper though, it may not be right for you.

Pros

  • Soft, luxurious feel that’s similar to fluffy duvets and pillows.
  • Nice level of warmth for the winter, but not as hot as memory foam in warmer weather.
  • Less expensive than memory foam or latex.
  • Doesn’t hinder movement in bed.

Cons

  • Can flatten over time and need regular fluffing or shaking.
  • Feathers might poke through the cover over time.
  • Not hypoallergenic.
  • May not be responsibly farmed (check the company’s process if possible).

5) Microfiber and cotton

microfiber mattress topper

There’s a vast range of mattress toppers and pads made from microfiber and cotton, sometimes with a mixture of cotton, polyester, and other materials. The price can also vary greatly with this style of topper.

Pros

  • Good for adding softness or a plush feel to the bed.
  • Range of options from synthetic to organic.
  • Usually less expensive than other materials.
  • Some are machine washable.
  • No initial odour out of the packaging.

Cons

  • Unlikely to make an existing mattress feel firmer, if that’s your goal.
  • Can flatten over time and need fluffing/shaking.
  • Not as durable as other materials like latex, wool, and memory foam.
  • High-quality cotton can be quite expensive.
  • Can feel warm.

Trial period and returns policy when buying online

When people ask me about choosing a topper, both here on my website and in person, I usually suggest buying one from a company that has a trial period or a returns policy that isn’t too strict.

If you can try one first in a physical store, that’s ideal. However, many companies don’t have a physical store or you might live far from the one you like the look of.

So, if you buy a mattress topper online after reading reviews or talking to others, I think it’s important that you feel safe in the knowledge that you can exchange or return it if it’s just not right for you.

I decided to check the trial period of a selection of companies and list them so you can see the range of trial periods they offer. They might change their policy, so please note that the information below is accurate as of the time of my last update to this article – January 12, 2024.

This is a very basic summary, so please check what the exact fine print details are if you decide to get one, especially taking into account where you live.

Please note that most of these companies operate inside the United States, which is where I was living when I did this research.

Companies that do offer a trial period

Avocado: 100 nights trial period. Must use for 30 days minimum to have a free return.

Saatva: 180 days. They pick up, but charge $99 for processing.

Layla: 120 night trial, with no processing fee.

Tuft & Needle: 100 night trial. They would donate it to charity, with no fee.

Molecule: 30 day returns period. It’s picked up and donated to charity.

Linenspa: 30 day trial period (Amazon standard).

Sleep on Latex: 30 day trial period.

ViscoSoft: 30 day trial period (Amazon standard).

Lucid: 30 day trial period (Amazon standard).

Parachute: Free returns within 60 days.

Sleep & Beyond: 30 day trial period if you buy through Amazon.

Amazon: Many of their other toppers have a standard 30 day returns policy, but it might depend on the third party seller, so check if they have a return option. Sometimes the 30 day window is extended.

Companies that don’t offer a trial period

Note that some companies offer a return period for mattresses, but not for mattress toppers. So if they sell both, make sure you read the returns policy carefully.

Mattress Firm: 120 night trial for mattresses, but none for toppers.

Tempur-Pedic: 90 day trial for mattresses, but none for toppers.

Plush Beds: 100 day trial for mattresses. They say toppers are not returnable due to “safety and sanitary regulations”.

Final thoughts

Ultimately, the ideal mattress topper for you will be the one that makes you feel comfortable and supported, whether it’s a luxury brand or a budget option. If it works, it works!

I hope this article helps you narrow down your choices, and gives you some ideas of where to start. If you’d like more specific suggestions, take a look at my ongoing comparison of comfortable mattress toppers.

Your questions and experience

If you have any questions, feel free to ask below. I’m also interested in hearing your experience of mattress toppers. What style and dimensions have worked well for you in the past? Do you have any useful tips of your own to share?

119 Comments

  1. Dear Ethan Green,

    Currently, I am sleeping on my 100% natural Dunlop latex 8″ height mattress(6″ – 90% density and 2″ – 110% density, ILD is 35 to 40). The top side is 90% density latex, my problem is I feel I sleep on a bouncy rubber, and the mattress doesn’t have any response to my body/weight, it is bouncy like a rubber ball. It is very good to sit and watch TV, etc as there is no sinking problem but sleeping on it I feel like I am sleeping on a plain wood table. So, I want to go with a Topper which can give me a comfortable feeling when I sleep on it. I give you one of my experiences. While sleeping, when I put my legs on my microfibre pillow I feel more comfortable than on my latex mattress, even put my legs on a foldable cotton bed sheet I feel more comfortable than on my latex mattress. Because they(Pillow, and cotton sheet) took my leg weight and give me a somewhat comfortable feeling but my latex mattress bounces back instead of taking my weight. I think this is the problem with the natural latex mattress. But, I can’t change it since I bought it recently and expensive so want to go with a Topper but I don’t have an experience with Memory foam material or with any toppers. So, which topper is good for me for my natural latex mattress? Could you help me? I appreciate it, thank you.

    • Hi Sam
      Perhaps in your case, a thick layer of either feather or synthetic microfiber topper might give you the extra padding and soft feeling you described with the pillow. I’d look for one you can send back if you’re not happy with it, rather than running the risk of being lumped with another bedroom product you don’t like and can’t return! Hopefully those materials will combine well with the latex to add more cushioning.
      Regards
      Ethan

      • Dear Ethan,

        Thank you for your reply and details. Yes, please suggest to me the good topper as you mentioned. But, don’t understand the return thing. I am from Hyderabad, India.

        • Hi Sam
          Unfortunately, I don’t know the mattress topper sellers in India, as my knowledge and experience applies more to the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
          The return thing is about checking if a company allows you to get your money back if you don’t like the topper you buy. Some companies will allow returns, but some companies don’t allow returns of mattress toppers.
          Regards
          Ethan

  2. Many thanks for the detailed explanation in a very simple and easy way to understand.
    Kindly advise what should be the topper thickness of the natural latex type and the wool type.

    • You’re welcome Jinan. I don’t think there is a specific thickness they should be. It depends on the brand, the density, your weight and the level of firmness you want. A good company’s website should include some kind of guidance to help you select the right thickness for your needs.
      Regards
      Ethan

    • Dear Ethan,

      Thank you so much for your caring and patience in giving the deep details/info to your readers. Sure, I will check with our domestic online/onsite sellers and will buy a good topper keeping your valuable info in mind.

  3. Ethan Green, you are a gem. Thank you very much. It is so refreshing to read an unbiased review. I spent hours on the internet and it was always a store that was giving me information and of course, their’s was always #1. Additionally, no one could explain in-depth the way you did. I appreciate all your time, your effort & your expertise. I feel with reading your article I can make an informed decision now. Thank you.

  4. Thanks for the informative article that was clear and easy to understand. It answered all my questions esp about returns.
    Thank you again!

  5. Hi Ethan
    My son just started University and he was surprised that he could feel the springs in the mattress and around the edge. It’s a 4’ mattress which we want to put a topper on. Would you say the wool option would be better than the polyester/cotton option?
    Regards
    Kim

    • Hi Kim
      It depends on the quality and thickness really. But yes, a thick wool topper is likely to hide the springs better than polyester.
      Regards
      Ethan

  6. Thanks for such an informative article!
    I’ve done so much research and still don’t know which topper to buy.
    If you could make a suggestion, I would be very grateful! I don’t like memory foam because of its conforming to body pressure and because of chemicals used in production. I am 105 pounds, side sleeper with health issue that causes inflammation in hips and shoulders. Current mattress appears to have a pillowtop and medium firmness. Its okay, but I’m needing something to make it easier to deal with the inflammation issues.

    • Hi
      You’re very welcome, I’m glad it was helpful. Have you considered natural latex instead? I’m not sure what would be best to help relieve the pain of the inflammation in your case, so it’s hard to be specific. But if you need firmer support but without the chemicals of memory foam, latex could be an option.
      Regards
      Ethan

      • Thanks, Ethan!
        I will look into natural latex some more. I know there are different levels of firmness and I really prefer something kind of soft. Maybe the softer ones would work.

  7. Thank you so much. I was frustrated and confused about toppers, but after going through your article I am confident enough to buy a topper by myself.

  8. Great article! My son is s physical therapist and seems to think it’s all in personal preference . I tend to believe it combination of preference and sleep science. I don’t think very many people would feel comfortable sleeping on a slab of concrete. He agreed, and said that’s science not preference but, I digress, your article was very informative.

    • Hi Michelle
      Thank you. I agree that it’s personal preference. One person’s dream mattress is another’s idea of torture! As for concrete, I wouldn’t choose it. My dog would though as it would be cooler than his bed!
      Regards
      Ethan

      • Hi Ethan, help! I need a mattress topper for my partner and I. We are both light sleepers and any movement wakes the other. We both like to feel cool in bed. We both suffer from aches and pains so comfort is a must. We need a topper to go on top of a new but uncomfortable mattress at a relative’s who we visit and stay for a couple of weeks every other month. So nothing too expensive. What would you advise or suggest we buy? Regards Mandi

        • Hi Amanda
          This is a tricky one, but I’d be tempted to suggest trying Latex. That seems to be the best option for reducing heat build-up, easing pain points, and dampening movement from each other. However, Latex can be expensive and so might not be an investment you want considering it’s not your regular bed. Perhaps you can find sales in the lead up to Christmas. If not, just after Christmas and early January is a time many bedding companies have good sales.
          Depending on the mattress itself though, you might still feel movement even with the Latex topper. So as I said, it’s a tricky one – I’d make sure you only buy from a company that accepts returns and makes the return process easy. That way you can find out whether it’s a problem that can be fixed adequately with just a topper.
          Regards
          Ethan

      • Ethan,

        Thank you!! You have made it easy. I came up with memory foam 3” and 3lbs. I went back to trusty Amazon. What about gel? “They” claim that if gel is infused into the memory, it is cooler. Who makes this stuff up? Sorry for the rhetorical question. Once again “they” describe inches however there isn’t any mention on pounds in their ads. How does one figure that out?

        • You’re welcome, Marion. Yes “they” don’t always make the descriptions as easy to understand or complete as would be desired when spending hundreds. It’s a particular problem with density I’ve found, as they often tend to describe the thickness only. Keep shopping around would be my advice. And many companies selling toppers on Amazon have their own website too. I would cross-reference the brand names to see if they do, and if they don’t have the density on their site, see if they have a contact number to ask directly.
          Regards
          Ethan

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *