These Memory Foam Mattress Toppers Can Completely Transform Your Bed
Feel like you're sleeping on a cloud, thanks to these comfortable, pressure-relieving toppers.
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If your current bed isn't giving you the sleep you've been dreaming of, there's no need to buy an entirely new mattress. Instead, consider adding a mattress topper; it could help you achieve that restful night of shut-eye. Whether you're a hot sleeper or are seeking pain relief, there are plenty of memory foam mattress toppers that can provide the exceptional comfort and pressure relief you need. Our top recommendation is Tempur-Pedic’s Tempur-Adapt Topper because of its exceptional support. It is a big investment, though, so if you’re on a budget we recommend Linenspa’s Gel Swirl Topper.
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we regularly evaluate bedding of all kinds—from mattresses to pillows—and have tested 51 different mattress toppers in recent years. To choose the best memory foam mattress toppers, we research offerings from popular brands, considering materials and features. We then assess the toppers in the Lab and share them with consumer testers who provide us with real-user feedback about their sleep experiences. The picks ahead, listed with prices for Queen sizes, include top-tested models and toppers from brands that have performed well in our evaluations.
Our top picks:
- Best overall: Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt Topper
- Best value: Linenspa Gel Swirl Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- Best for hot sleepers: ViscoSoft Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- Best for back pain: Nolah Mattress Topper
Best Deal
Pros
- Pressure-relieving foam adapts to your body instead of sink-in feel
- Motion isolation prevents you from feeling partner's movements
- Removable, machine washable cover for easy care
Cons
- Some testers said it shifted on mattress, despite straps
Who it's best for
This topper is an ideal addition if your bed is starting to dip and you need a little more support or if you suffer from back pain—the foam provides contouring pressure relief.
What you're getting (and what you're giving up)
When your bed is feeling too soft or you've noticed it's starting to sag, this luxury mattress topper from Tempur-Pedic might just be the perfect solution. The topper offers exceptional support, stability, and a surprisingly firm feel that exceeded our expectations, given the brand's Medium-Firm rating.
Plus, it uses the same foams as Tempur-Pedic's well-known mattresses, meaning you'll experience a similar high-quality, body-contouring feel for just a fraction of the price. Instead of sinking into the topper upon lying down, the memory foam material conforms directly to your body. The topper also offers the brand's super motion-isolation properties, so you shouldn't be disturbed by shifting pets or a partner who tosses and turns at night.
What our testers said
While the topper may feel firm at first, consumer testers and survey panelists shared that the pressure relief it provides is incomparable. One tester with chronic pain shared, "[It] almost immediately alleviated my hip and lower back pain."
Our testers said the elastic corner straps made it easier to place the topper on a mattress (though some survey panelists still noticed the topper shifting at night). The removable machine-washable cover is also moisture-wicking, which helps prevent sweaty sleep, and our recent testers gave the topper perfect ratings for helping them to maintain a comfortable temperature. One specifically said it "prevents overheating." An optional cooling cover is available for an added fee.
While the mattress topper is pricier than other options, our testers commented that it has maintained its shape perfectly, even after years of use, and described it as a "worthwhile investment."
RELATED: Tempur-Pedic Mattress Review
| Sizes | Twin, Twin Long, Full, Queen, King, California King |
| Height | 3 in. |
| Material | Tempur foam |
| Stay-in-place features | Corner straps |
Pros
- Adds plushness to a too-firm mattress
- Gel beads and ventilated design to prevent overheating
- Foam contours to your body for cushioning feeling, nice for side sleepers
Cons
- Brand warned of off-gassing, a strong smell upon opening
Who it's best for
This topper from Linenspa is perfect for someone looking for a quick and easy fix for a too-firm bed.
What you're getting (and what you're giving up)
Described by the brand as "Ultra-Plush" this mattress topper helps you achieve a bed with a cloud-like feel. The cozy foam is designed to conform to your body for more of a hugging sensation, providing pressure relief and cushion—better for side or combination sleepers than back or stomach sleepers.
The memory foam material is infused with gel beads, which can help prevent overheating while you sleep—a common problem of memory foam, which is known to trap body heat. Along with gel beads, the topper features small ventilating holes for better airflow.
What our testers said
A popular pick on Amazon, this topper is loved for its super soft feel. Though the linked topper is only 2 inches thick, it cushions and cradles the body, according to online reviewers. One reviewer commented, "I don't know what I would do without this topper. I have neurological and muscular pain and this topper allows me to sleep like a baby." Another reviewer who used the topper nightly for more than three years commented, "This topper has held its own with little noticeable wear" and shared that she bought multiple others for guest beds in her home.
The downside: The brand warns that some off-gassing is likely, which is a chemical odor released when you open the packaging. It may take a few days for the smell to fully dissipate, so expect to let the topper air out before sleeping on it.
| Sizes | Cot, Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Queen, Short Queen, King, California King |
| Height | 2 in., 3 in., or 4 in. |
| Material | Gel-infused memory foam |
| Stay-in-place features | None |
Pros
- Adjustable elastic straps and anti-slip mesh bottom keep topper in place on mattress
- Machine-washable cover for easy cleaning
- Perforated foam lends airflow to prevent overheating
Cons
- Some testers noted a strong smell upon opening
Who it's best for
The breathable yet firm design makes this topper a good choice for hot sleepers who prefer a more supportive sleeping surface.
What you're getting (and what you're giving up)
Upgrade your bed with the support of a memory foam mattress topper without worrying about waking up in night sweats. (Memory foam is notorious for trapping body heat.) This topper from ViscoSoft is designed with breathability in mind, so although it doesn't feel cool to the touch, the gel-infused foam is perforated for airflow and to pull heat away from the body.
Because the topper is made with high-density foam, it's not necessarily plush so we recommend this topper for someone who prefers a medium-firm- or firm-feeling bed.
The elastic corner straps can be adjusted to really keep the topper in place, and it has an anti-slip mesh underside for added security. For easy cleaning, the smooth outer cover can be zipped off and machine-washed.
What our testers said
One tester praised the mattress topper and called it a "game-changer," sharing that the supportive foam helped relieve her and her husband's regular aches and pains. Testers also agreed that they maintained a comfortable temperature while sleeping on it, including one who shared, "One night I left the heat on full blast by mistake, and I still didn't overheat."
Some testers noted that getting the mattress topper onto the bed was a bit difficult because of the non-skid bottom and said that they noticed a strong smell after opening the cover that took a while to dissipate.
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Queen, Short Queen, King, California King, Short King |
| Height | 2 in., 3 in., or 4 in. |
| Material | Gel-infused memory foam |
| Stay-in-place features | Corner straps, non-skid bottom |
Pros
- Two firmness levels to choose from, depending on your sleep preferences
- Elastic straps attach to the mattress for more secure fit
- Pressure-relieving foam is ideal for pain points like hips and knees
Cons
- Some testers noted a strong chemical smell after opening
Who it's best for
Thanks to its pressure-relieving abilities, Nolah's foam topper is a great choice for those who suffer from back pain.
What you're getting (and what you're giving up)
Nolah is popular among members of our tester panel who suffer from back pain, hip pain, and sciatica, thanks to the exceptional pressure-relieving feel of the brand's signature AirFoam material. Available in two different firmness levels—Luxury Firm and Plush—the topper works both for those who prefer a medium-firm feel and for those looking for a softer, more cloud-like experience.
The memory foam material is wrapped in a breathable cotton cover, and our testers reported that it was easy to zip off for cleaning. (It can go in the washing machine.) Some testers noted a strong chemical smell that lasted a few days after opening and recommended washing the cover prior to use.
What our testers said
The foam topper lived up to its pressure-relieving reputation in our tests and was featured for two consecutive years in Good Housekeeping's Bedding Awards. The cushioning material contours to pressure points around the shoulders, hips, and back, and our testers highlighted the change they experienced in sleep quality. One commented, "It made my mattress new again, but better!" Another remarked that the topper "added a level of comfort that is lacking from my mattress."
It features wide elastic bands at each corner to attach it to your mattress and keep it secure while you sleep. One tester who used it on her adjustable bed was amazed by how secure this topper was and said, "It didn’t shift around even when we elevated the feet and head of our mattress."
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
| Height | 2 in. |
| Material | Memory foam |
| Stay-in-place features | Corner straps |
Pros
- Non-skid grip on the bottom helps the topper stay in place
- Smooth outer cover feels soft to the touch and stops sheets from bunching
- Takes pressure off hips and shoulders
Cons
- Spot clean only, makes cleaning more difficult
Who it's best for
With a plush, contouring feel, this topper is a favorite of side sleepers who are seeking pressure relief around their shoulders and hips.
What you're getting (and what you're giving up)
A memory foam mattress topper is ideal for easing pressure on the areas that support most of your weight as a side sleeper. This option from Tuft & Needle is made of 2 inches of foam for cushion, and the brand's foam material (also found in its mattresses and pillows). It's particularly popular among our tester panelists for its comfortable, plush feel and exceptional motion isolation.
Tuft & Needle's resilient foam slowly adapts and contours to your body, so you don't instantly sink in upon contact. Rather, you lie closer to the surface of the topper, which the brand says helps prevent overheating, and the foam material has an open-cell design for added breathability and airflow.
What our testers said
When asked about the mattress topper, one tester highlighted, "It was comfortable from day one." A tester who experienced regular aches reported less hip and back pain after sleeping on it, and another tester shared, "As a side sleeper, I find that this reduces the occasional discomfort in my shoulder."
This topper comes with a smooth knit cover that feels soft to the touch and helps prevent your bed sheets from bunching, but it is spot clean only, so it's not ideal for someone who is accident-prone or who has kids or pets that might be. There's also a non-skid bottom to limit shifting at night, but there are no straps, so some testers reported having issues keeping the topper secure on their beds.
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
| Height | 2 in. |
| Material | Memory foam |
| Stay-in-place features | Non-skid bottom |
How we test mattress toppers
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we have a long history of evaluating all kinds of bedding, including mattress toppers and pads. We review the materials, specifications, features, and claims of toppers from popular brands and then evaluate the toppers in our Lab. We also share samples with consumer testers who try them out in their own homes and report back on their sleep experience.
Here are a few things we consider when testing mattress toppers:
✔️ Overall comfort: Testers score the mattress topper on how comfortable it feels to sleep and lie down on.
✔️ Mattress enhancement: We consider how the topper changes the feel of our testers' mattresses.
✔️ Temperature: Our testers note whether they were able to maintain a comfortable body temperature while sleeping on the topper and shared if any cooling features lived up to their claims.
✔️ Sound: We ask our testers to assess the amount of noise, if any, the topper created during use.
✔️ Ease of use: Testers rate how easy (or difficult) it is to set up the topper on their beds and note any issues with delivery.
✔️ Stay-in-place capabilities: Testers report whether the topper shifted or moved during their testing experience. We gauge and make note of any special features like straps or grip technology.
✔️ Overall satisfaction: Finally, our testers tell us whether they liked sleeping on the mattress topper and whether they plan to continue using it. They also relay any likes, dislikes, or additional comments about their user experience.
What to look for when shopping for the best memory foam mattress topper
Mattress toppers, like mattresses, aren't a one-size-fits-all product. When you're shopping for a new topper, here are some things to consider:
✔️ Common sleep problems:
- Your mattress is too firm. A too-firm mattress can lead to discomfort, especially if you have a light body weight or sleep on your side. Add a softer topper for a plush, cushioning feel to relieve some pressure.
- Your mattress is sagging. Mattresses start to sag over time and with regular use. If you notice a dip in your bed, consider supplementing it with a firmer mattress topper. A firmer topper will create an even sleeping surface that will provide more support.
- You sleep hot. The majority of our testers claim to sleep hot, so if you find yourself waking up in the middle of the night covered in sweat, know you're not alone. Opt for a mattress topper with perforated foam for airflow and/or foam that's infused with temperature-regulating materials like copper, graphite, or gel. It's always a good idea to choose a cool-touch cover if it's an option.
- You experience back, hip, or shoulder pain. According to Jaspal R. Singh, M.D., co-director of the Center for Comprehensive Spine Care at Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian, there isn't a definitive type of mattress or mattress topper that's the best for alleviating back pain, but some patients who sleep on mattresses containing memory foam have reported feeling well supported and experience restful sleep. A mattress topper made of contouring memory foam can relieve pressure around common pain points.
- Your partner disturbs you in your sleep. If you constantly feel your partner tossing and turning at night or notice every time your pet jumps into bed, your mattress could benefit from a denser foam topper. Denser foams with motion-isolating abilities absorb some of that movement, so your mattress doesn't feel as bouncy.
✔️ Thickness: Most mattress toppers are 2 to 4 inches thick, and we recommend choosing one that's at least 2 inches. Thicker toppers (3–4 inches or more) can provide additional support, but if you're looking for a more affordable upgrade, a thinner model (2 inches) is a great option. Keep in mind that toppers will add to the height of your mattress, which can affect how bed sheets fit, causing them to slide off at night.
✔️ Plush vs. supportive feel: Toppers fall into two main categories: plush and supportive. A plush topper adds a layer of softness to your bed, providing cushioning relief around pressure points. On the other hand, a firmer topper lends support and stability to beds that need more structure.
✔️ Stay-in-place features: If you're concerned that your mattress topper may move or shift at night, look for toppers with features like corner straps that hook onto your mattress or a non-skid bottom that'll keep it locked in place. You can also consider adding a mattress protector on top of the topper and mattress if you find your topper needs something extra to keep it from shifting.
✔️ Care: Many mattress toppers aren't machine washable, especially those made of memory foam, and require spot cleaning. Some may come with a removable cover that can be washed by hand or in a machine for easier care. Be sure to follow all of the brand's recommended care instructions (typically found in online product descriptions and on the product care label) to keep your mattress topper in tip-top shape.
✔️ Certifications: To ensure that there aren't any harmful levels of chemicals in your memory foam topper, keep an eye out for a certification from CertiPUR-US. A GREENGUARD certification for indoor air quality signifies that the mattress topper has met chemical emission standards.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Amanda Constantine joined the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2022 as a home and apparel reviews analyst and has tested bedding products including sheets, mattress protectors, and duvet covers in the Textiles Lab. She has also researched and evaluated mattresses from popular brands like Tempur-Pedic, Puffy, and Saatva. For this article, she used her categorical expertise and data from our most recent round of bedding tests to add new picks and more product information.
