The Best Mattress Toppers of 2026, According to Bedding Experts
Add a layer of comfort and support to your bed.
Tested by Amanda ConstantineHome & Apparel Reviews Analyst
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It's not necessary to buy a brand new mattress if you want to improve your sleep quality and comfort. The simple addition of a mattress topper can totally upgrade the bed you already have. A topper can help you customize the feel of your bed by making it either firmer or softer, and some toppers are even temperature regulating for cooler sleep. They're also ideal for temporary living situations (like college dorms or care facilities) where you don't get a say in choosing your mattress.
Our top picks:
- Best overall: Tempur-Pedic TEMPER-Adapt Topper
- Best on Amazon: ViscoSoft Select High Density Memory Foam Topper
- Best pillow top: Coop Original Mattress Topper
- Best for back pain: Nolah Mattress Topper
To find the best options, our bedding experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab have tested 51 different mattress toppers, including ones made with memory foam, down, down alternative, and latex materials. We first evaluated each topper's materials and specifications before we and our consumer sleep testers tried them out firsthand to offer feedback on comfort, support, pressure relief, temperature regulation, and more.
Pros
- Excellent pressure relief and motion isolation
- Straps help secure it on the bed
- Outer cover is machine washable
Cons
- Some testers noted topper shifting, despite straps
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: This memory foam topper is ideal for beds starting to sag, innerspring mattresses with too much bounce, or couples who want to reduce motion transfer. It's also suitable for back-pain sufferers and side sleepers, since it offers pressure relief and conforms to the shape of your body.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: Made with the same materials as Tempur-Pedic's popular mattresses, this luxury topper can transform the feel of your bed by adding a supportive surface to increase comfort and pressure relief. It's 3 inches tall and has a plush feel that adapts to your body shape, so you don't instantly sink in. It also offers superior motion isolation, meaning you're less likely to feel your sleeping partner toss and turn.
Besides the contouring foam, we love that it has a removable and machine-washable outer cover to keep it clean, straps that help keep it attached to your bed, and moisture-wicking material to help prevent overheating. And if you're a hot sleeper, you can upgrade (for an added fee) to a performance cover that feels cool to the touch.
WHAT TESTERS SAY: Testers confirmed it instantly improved the feel of their mattresses. One tester shared her experience getting in bed, "I wanted to fall into a big, fluffy cloud, and that is exactly what this topper did." Another tester noted, "It softened the firmness of our mattress, which almost immediately alleviated my hip and lower back pain." The same tester was impressed by the temperature-regulating abilities of the cooling cover and said sleeping on this topper was "the first in a LONG TIME that I did not overheat at night!"
Testers said the straps made it easier to get the topper onto the mattress, though a couple said that the topper still shifted around at times.
RELATED: Tempur-Pedic Mattress Review
Pros
- Perforated foam for more airflow
- Three height choices
- Secure straps and anti-slip bottom
Cons
- Testers noticed a foam odor when new
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Sleepers who want the pressure relief and supportive comfort of foam but are worried about overheating and also want a value-priced topper with convenient Prime shipping
KEY TAKEAWAYS: Most mattress toppers use materials known for trapping heat, but this one has ventilated foam for breathability. The foam also incorporates a cooling gel that the brand says is designed to pull heat away from your body as you sleep. And because it's foam with a medium to medium-firm feel, you still get the benefits of pressure relief and motion isolation.
Another perk: The topper comes in three heights, allowing you to pick the right model for your bed depending on the depth of your existing mattress. It also has adjustable straps to help achieve the most secure fit, along with a slip-resistant mesh material on the bottom to keep it in place. Plus, the cover is removable and machine washable in case accidents happen.
WHAT TESTERS SAY: Our testers liked how it upgraded the feel of their beds. One shared, "The memory foam made my mattress softer, almost like sleeping on a marshmallow." Testers appreciated the security of the straps and slip-resistant bottom but said it made the topper more difficult to initially place on the bed.
While it didn't feel cool to the touch, testers noticed that they didn't overheat either. A tester of a similar Viscosoft model said, "One night I left the heat on full blast by mistake and I still didn't overheat, and that was impressive."
Another tester said after sleeping on the topper, "I now wake up free of aches and pains, and I toss and turn less in my sleep." One thing to note: Some testers found it to have a foam-y chemical smell upon opening and said it took some time for the odor to dissipate.
RELATED: The Best Mattresses on Amazon
Pros
- Secure straps attach to corners of mattress
- Lofty 5-inch height
- Unique, super-plush combo of shredded memory foam and fiber fill
Cons
- Testers said their sheets would slide off because of added height
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Side sleepers looking for pressure relief around their shoulders and hips who want a plush, sinking-in feeling and a lot of cushion, without resorting to a down topper
KEY TAKEAWAYS: Most mattress toppers are made using solid foam or a fluffy down fill, but this one uses an innovative combination of shredded memory foam and synthetic fill for a super plush feel. It's designed with baffle-box construction, which keeps the fill evenly distributed throughout the topper for a fluffier shape. It is a whopping 5 inches tall, which is loftier than any other mattress topper we've tested, adding some serious height to your mattress.
Particularly ideal for side sleepers, this topper offers pressure relief around areas like the shoulders and hips. Though you'll sink into the topper, the unique fill molds to your body and still provides support. Thick side straps also help secure the topper to each corner of your mattress.
WHAT TESTERS SAY: Our consumer testers gave this Good Housekeeping Bedding Awards winner near-perfect ratings across every category including overall comfort, maintaining a comfortable temperature, and ease of putting it on a bed.
Testers shared that they looked forward to climbing into bed at night to experience the cozy feel of the topper and compared it to sleeping "on a cloud." One said, "The enveloped feeling and the feeling of soft support all around your body is wonderful." When describing the temperature, another tester shared, "It is very breathable and nice and cool." If you're a particularly hot sleeper, the brand carries a cooling version, as well.
The caveat: Because the topper is so thick, testers had a hard time finding sheets that stayed on without slipping at the corners. It may be worth investing in deep-pocket sheets that are specially designed for taller mattresses.
Pros
- Cushioning material for relief around common pain points
- Elastic straps attach to the bed to keep it in place
- Available in two firmness levels
Cons
- May not be ideal for those with limited mobility
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: This one's ideal for sleepers that struggle with back or hip pain and for side sleepers, thanks to its cushioning foam that contours pressure points. It has a sinking-in feel that testers said offered relief for their discomfort.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: Users of Nolah beds have told us the brand's mattresses relieve back pain, hip pain, and sciatica, and this topper uses the same signature foam for superior pressure relief. It comes in two firmness levels: The most popular Luxury Firm (which is like a medium) and the Plush (which is soft), both of which are designed to contour to bodies.
There are wide elastic bands at the corners that stretch to secure the topper onto your mattress, though it doesn't have a removable cover, making it spot-clean only. It also has a lower height than other foam options we recommend at just 2 inches, so it's good for people that don't want to add too much loft to their beds.
WHAT TESTERS SAY: This pick was s a Good Housekeeping Bedding Awards winner for two years straight. “The mattress topper added a level of comfort that was lacking in my mattress," said one consumer tester. Another added, "It made my mattress ‘new’ again." Several testers attested to getting a better night's sleep when using this topper, including one who said "It makes it feel like you’re floating on air" when asked about the feel.
Some testers noted that it took a few days to get used to that foam feeling, but they ultimately loved how comfortable it was. They also appreciated the height, with one sharing, "It feels more premium compared to a thinner topper, but it wasn't too thick."
Just know that because it's on the softer side, one tester said it was harder to turn over during the night, so it may not be ideal for those with limited mobility. Some senior testers noted that putting on their bedsheets felt more difficult with the addition of the topper too.
RELATED: Best Mattresses for Back Pain
Pros
- Made with 37.5 Technology for temperature regulation
- Plush feel
- Testers said it was easy to place on their beds
Cons
- Some testers said it shifted at night
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: This topper is a great choice for hot sleepers searching for relief from night sweats, along with pressure relief, since it features a plush pillow-top construction.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: Sleep Number's latest topper is made using patented 37.5 Technology, which helps to move heat and humidity away from the body for better temperature regulation. Even more, the topper has a cool-touch cover, which provides a cooling sensation when you initially climb into bed.
It offers 2 inches of cushion for a softer sleeping surface that's not too lofty. The topper is made with a fluffy fiber fill for a plush feel, and the brand recommends fluffing it occasionally to help maintain its shape. It's an especially good option for side sleepers who are looking for some added pressure relief around their joints and for combination sleepers who find themselves switching positions at night, since it's not overly plush.
WHAT TESTERS SAY: Consumer testers gave this topper high scores for helping them to maintain a comfortable temperature as they slept, and they loved the cool-touch feel of the outer cover. One tester who is a self-proclaimed hot sleeper but still sleeps with a fluffy comforter commented, "In winters past, I have woken up actually many times feeling so hot, probably at least once a week. Since putting this one on the bed, I have only woken up maybe twice from overheating [in over a month]." Another tester recommended using the topper with cooling sheets for an even icier effect at night.
Our testers appreciated the light, yet fluffy feel of the topper and said it was comfortable to sleep on from night one. One highlighted, "I LOVE the feel of this mattress topper—the material has that plushness that makes a bed feel cozy and welcoming, and it just feels luxurious."
While some testers said the topper stayed put throughout the night, other testers noted that the straps weren't quite secure enough, which led to the topper shifting.
RELATED: The Best Cooling Comforters
Pros
- Soft, cloud-like feel
- Tester said it didn't cause them to overheat
- Smooth cotton sateen cover
Cons
- Requires regular fluffing
- No straps to secure it in place
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Sleepers who want to soften the feel of their too-firm bed and are looking for a super plush feel and pressure relief.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: Filled with a blend of down and feathers, this luxurious 3-inch topper from Parachute can bring your dreams of sleeping on a cloud to life. The mattress topper features top-notch construction with a baffle-box design to ensure the down doesn't move within the topper, preventing a lumpy sleeping surface, and it has a dual-chamber structure for better loft. A tightly woven sateen cover ensures the fill stays inside for a smoother sleeping surface sans pesky poking feathers.
The plush topper offers pressure relief around the shoulders, hips, and knees, making it ideal for side sleepers who prefer a sinking-in feel, rather than lying on top of their mattress. It's not the best option for back or stomach sleepers who need a bit of a firmer surface for proper spinal alignment. Know that the mattress topper is more difficult to care for, as it's dry-clean only, and it requires monthly fluffing to help maintain its shape.
WHAT TESTERS SAY: Despite being made with insulating down fill, our tester said the mattress topper didn't feel overly warm, and she told us that she and her partner are particularly sweaty sleepers. Our tester shared, "I prefer to sleep on my side, but my mattress is too firm and causes pain, especially around my shoulders. Just one night with this topper on my bed gave me the relief I've been looking for."
A Textiles Lab analyst who has slept on innerspring, memory foam, and latex beds, including models with cushioned pillow tops, said she "finally [has] the cloud-like bed experience that [she's] always wanted." While the topper doesn't have straps or a textured bottom to help it stay in place on your bed, the tester said it didn't shift around too much at night, and she noted that she regularly tosses and turns while she sleeps.
RELATED: The Best Down Comforters
Pros
- Adds substantial support to a mattresses
- 180-night trial
- Stay-in-place straps
Cons
- Spot-clean only
- Some testers said it slept warm, despite graphite material
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: If you're looking to seriously upgrade your bed without buying an entirely new mattress, this is for you. It's not as plush as other foam toppers, making it especially great for people who want pressure relief without too much sinking in.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: This topper gives you the conforming feel of memory foam without feeling too cushy. It also offers good motion isolation so you're less likely to feel your sleeping partner move, and it comes with built-in straps that secure it to your bed. Though it's pricier than other models, it comes with an impressive 180-day trial period so you can get a refund if it's not a good fit. Just note that it's spot-clean only, meaning you can't machine wash the cover.
The brand says this topper can be used for all sleep positions—which we found to be true in our review—but notes that it's especially good for side sleepers. It also uses graphite in the foam which is designed to pull heat away from your body for a cooling feel, although testers didn't notice this effect when they tried it out.
WHAT TESTERS SAY: The biggest highlights, according to our testers, were the pressure relief and the fact that it made their beds feel much more substantial. They also found that its straps actually worked, with one noting, "It stays put without sliding around, and I’m so impressed."
Another tester said, "I really felt very well supported on this mattress topper and felt like I slept more soundly and quietly. Though the brand claims it has cooling benefits, testers didn't notice this and said it felt a little warm.
Pros
- Certified organic materials
- Two firmness levels and heights for comfort and support
- Durable and resilient latex
Cons
- One tester said it felt firmer than expected
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Eco-conscious shoppers who prefer to buy organic materials and sleepers who want a resilient foam feel, since latex is bouncier than memory foam
KEY TAKEAWAYS: Most mattress toppers are made of synthetic materials like memory foam or polyester fiberfill, but this one's certified organic by the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). Not only is it organic, but it's also top quality, earning it a Good Housekeeping Bedding Award two years in a row.
The topper now comes in two firmness levels—Medium, made with Dunlop latex for a denser feel, and Plush, made with Pure Talalay latex for a bouncier feel (priced $54 higher). For both, the outer cover is a soft, breathable cotton. Plus, you're able to choose between a 2- or 3-inch option (priced $45 higher). Avocado recommends the loftier option for side sleepers.
WHAT TESTERS SAY: Besides for the topper's organic makeup, at-home testers loved how it upgraded the feel of their beds. One tester shared, "Although it hugs your body like memory foam might, I don't feel like I sink in. It feels springier and lighter than memory foam." Our testers who described themselves as "hot sleepers" said the latex didn't cause their beds to feel warm.
Testers also highlighted the motion-isolating abilities, including one who shared, "My husband is an 'active sleeper' and I didn't wake up from his movements as much as I usually do." Testers also recognized how high quality the construction is, with one commenting, "It was very comfortable and very well made." Another tester said the topper felt too firm, but others were impressed by the firmness level they tested, so go with your gut when deciding between Plush and firm.
RELATED: Best Organic Mattresses
Other toppers we tested
Brooklyn Bedding 3" Latex Topper: This responsive latex topper comes in three different firmness levels for a more customized sleep experience, and testers loved the soft yet supportive feel. There are no straps or non-slip backing, so testers said the topper was prone to shifting and didn't fit flush on their mattresses.
Woolroom The Wooly Mattress Topper: Made with wool and micro-coils, this high-end topper currently retails at over $1,000 for a Queen (though may be on sale for less). Our testers were impressed by its supportive feel and said it transformed their beds without trapping heat, but ultimately we felt it was too pricey to make the shortlist.
Tuft and Needle Mattress Topper: Testers liked that this topper added a plush feel to their beds while also offering pressure relief for sounder, more comfortable sleep. But because this pick lacks straps, testers reported that it moved around and didn't stay secure on their beds.
How we test mattress toppers
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we've tested 51 different mattress toppers, including memory foam, down, down alternative, and latex options. We start by reviewing the materials and features of each topper before calling in samples for our consumer sleep testers to try out on their own beds. After sleeping on the toppers for several weeks, each tester fills out a survey to provide in-depth feedback. We follow up with testers over time to check how the mattress toppers are holding up with extended use. Here's a look at the factors we consider:
✔️ Comfort: Testers give the mattress topper a rating for how comfortable it is to lie on.
✔️ Temperature: Each tester notes whether or not they maintained a comfortable body temperature while sleeping on the topper.
✔️ Mattress enhancement: We review in detail if—and how—the topper changes the feel of our tester's mattress.
✔️ Sound: To ensure the toppers will be quiet and undetectable, each one is rated for whether it made noise during use.
✔️ Ease of use: Testers rate how easy (or difficult) it is to put the topper onto their beds.
✔️ Stay-in-place capabilities: The toppers are scored on whether or not they shift around on the beds during use.
✔️ Overall satisfaction: Finally, testers tell us whether they liked sleeping on the mattress topper, whether they plan to continue using it and any other helpful insights.
What to look for when shopping for the best mattress topper
When it comes to mattress toppers, there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for everyone. Here are the factors to consider when shopping for your most comfortable mattress topper:
- Thickness: A good topper should be at least 2 inches, but a thicker option will offer more support, especially if it's made of solid foam. People with larger frames should opt for thicker toppers for better support. If you’re just looking for a small upgrade or you don't want to make your bed too high, opt for a thinner model, which will also cost less.
- Softness: If your mattress is too firm, adding a down or fiberfill topper can offer plush comfort.
- Support: If you feel pain when you wake up, adding a foam topper can increase support and help you achieve proper spinal alignment as you sleep.
- Temperature regulation: Most mattress toppers are made of foam, down, or down alternative, all of which can trap heat. If you're concerned about overheating while you sleep, look for a mattress topper with cooling features.
- Price: Though they're less expensive than a new mattress, a mattress topper is still an investment and can cost quite a bit more than a mattress pad. Though it's not a hard and fast rule, a good mattress topper typically costs between $200 and $300 for a Queen size.
- Care: Many mattress toppers aren't washable, especially ones made of foam. Some fiberfill toppers are machine washable but may require a large-capacity machine to fit properly. In some cases, the topper's cover may be removable and washable to help you keep it clean.
- Certifications: To make sure there are no harmful levels of off-gassing chemicals in foam materials, look for labels like CertiPUR-US. For down toppers, check for the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), which ensures the ducks and geese receive humane treatment.
How to decide on materials and construction
The are several types of mattress toppers you can choose from. The right one for your needs depends on what you're looking for, including whether you'd like it to provide more firmness and support or you want it to soften up your bed.
- Memory foam mattress toppers: These are popular because they can add support, comfort, and pressure relief to any mattress. There's also a wide range of price points in this category—you can even find some for under $100. You'll also see variations in memory foam, like ones infused with gel or graphite to help prevent overheating from the foam.
- Latex mattress toppers: Unlike memory foam made from petroleum, latex is a natural foam made from rubber trees. It's typically more expensive, but it's durable, more resilient, and has more bounce than traditional foam. Latex toppers can be organic since they're made from natural materials.
- Pillow-top mattress toppers: If your bed feels too hard and you want to add cloud-like softness, a topper made of down or fiberfill is your best bet: 100% down or down featherbeds are the most luxurious and fluffiest, while fiberfill made of polyester down alternative is less expensive and animal product-free.
- Hybrid mattress toppers: These typically include a layer of foam with a pillow-top cover so you get pressure relief and support combined with plush softness. You can also find hybrids that use memory foam clusters and fiberfill in the blend—these feel more like a featherbed but with extra support.
FAQs
What's the difference between mattress toppers, pads, and protectors?
- Mattress toppers are usually several inches thick and sit right on top of your mattress. The goal of a mattress topper is to make your bed more comfortable, whether by adding support or pillow-top softness.
- Mattress pads aren't as thick as toppers. They also typically have five sides and go onto your bed like a fitted sheet, rather than just sitting on top. Adding a mattress pad doesn't change the feel of your bed as much as a mattress topper does, but they're typically less expensive and can often help protect your mattress from stains or spills.
- Mattress protectors are designed specifically to keep your mattress safe from accidents, dust, bedbugs, and more. They don't usually have comfort enhancements. Toppers and pads can technically extend the life of your mattress by protecting it from wear and tear, but a protector is more suitable if you're just looking to keep your mattress safe. These can be five-sided (like a mattress pad) or fully encased to keep the mattress protected on all sides.
Does a mattress topper improve sleep quality?
Yes, a mattress topper can actually help you sleep better. Whether your mattress is starting to sink or sag or it's brand new and you just don't love the feel, a topper can improve its comfort. You can layer on a mattress topper for an enhanced feel, whether you purchased an expensive model that needs an affordable upgrade or you find your bed is lacking in comfort or support. Mattress toppers can also provide a boost to an older mattress if you no longer love the feel but aren't ready to buy a new mattress.
Just note that a mattress topper isn't for everyone, especially for those who prefer a firm mattress. Most toppers add softness, pressure relief, or cradling comfort, and while they're certainly supportive, they won't give you the firm feel that'd you find in an innerspring bed without a pillow top.
How do I use a mattress topper?
As the name implies, a mattress topper sits right on top of your mattress. Some have straps that you can anchor onto your mattress, whereas others solely lie on top. If you use a mattress pad or protector to keep your mattress safe from spills or wear and tear, you can add them over your mattress topper as well.
Keep in mind: A mattress topper can add several inches to your bed's height. Make sure to buy sheets that will fit your mattress and its topper, especially if you have a tall mattress to begin with.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Lexie Sachs is the executive director of strategy and operations in the Good Housekeeping Institute, and formerly served as the executive director of the Textiles Lab, where she led testing efforts to find the best bedding, including mattress toppers. She began testing toppers when she joined GH more than a decade ago, reviewing them in the Lab and sending them to the homes of consumer testers for more feedback. She also loves trying out mattress toppers on her own bed and swears by their ability to change the feel of any mattress.
Amanda Constantine is a home and apparel reviews analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab. She has tested a variety of bedding products like sheets, mattress toppers, waterproof mattress protectors, silk pillowcases, and more. Constantine also reviews mattresses for the Textiles Lab and has visited mattress manufacturing facilities to learn more about the materials used and the construction process. She recently updated this article based on testing for Good Housekeeping's 2026 Bedding Awards and added new picks to reflect tester feedback and Lab results. She has tried many of the included picks and sleeps on a Coop topper herself.
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Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.
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