The 11 Winners of Our Best Mattress Toppers Tests

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

These picks will add an extra layer of comfort to your bed.

In This Article

Better Homes & Gardens

Maybe you’re sleeping on an older mattress that’s not quite as plush as you’d like it to be. Or perhaps you’re preparing for a houseguest who’s notorious for their love of firm sleep surfaces, but the mattress in your guest bedroom is ultra soft. Regardless, mattress toppers are an easy way to transform a bed without needing a whole new mattress.

Mattress toppers are placed on top of your existing mattress — either loose, with fitted sheets on top, or secured with straps — and have varying degrees of thickness and support. Some have bonus features, too, such as temperature-regulating properties to keep you cool on hot nights, or waterproof materials to protect your mattress from spills.

To find the best mattress toppers, we tested 15 different products in our lab in Des Moines, Iowa, as well as at home for six months. We evaluated each mattress topper on its comfort, support, breathability, durability, and quality. We also consulted Dr. W. Christopher Winter, a sleep specialist and author of The Rested Child and The Sleep Solution, for additional insight about mattress toppers and how they might benefit your sleep.

We evaluated 17 mattress toppers on their comfort, support, durability, breathability, and quality. For more information on how we tested mattress toppers, check out our testing process below.

This pick was so comfortable we didn’t want to get off of it during testing, and it continued to wow us with its supportive cushioning after months of use.

The memory foam sheds a little, so you’ll have to be mindful of the mess if you’re taking it on and off the bed frequently. There’s also a strong smell when you first open the package, but it fades within about a week.

With its amazing support and secure fit, the ViscoSoft Pillow Top Memory Foam Mattress Topper checks all the boxes and then some. Even after six months of home testing, this ultra soft mattress topper continued to make us feel like we were sleeping on a cloud.

We described this topper as heavenly to lay on. Despite how plush it is, we found that this mattress topper consistently provided ample support as well as deep, cozy cushioning, helping to eliminate aches and pains in the morning.

Though sometimes we needed to fluff the topper after a few days of use, it regains its shape easily and forms nicely to your body. Over time, we found that it alleviated nighttime discomfort.

At 4 inches thick, this memory foam topper is quite plush. It was supportive as well, and we didn’t sink into it during testing. We also weren’t able to feel the acupressure mat at all while lying on the topper, which indicated that it’s the best choice for those who want to improve their bed’s comfort.

Given how thick and plush it is, we wondered if we’d feel “suffocated” by all the material, but we were surprised by how easily we could shift positions while staying comfortably aloft.

The thickness of this topper wasn’t diminished in any way after being used. After tossing and turning and getting up from the bed, we did not notice any change in the loft of the mattress topper. Plus, it never seemed to squish or become compressed or matted down.

Equally wonderful, we noted, is the seriously secure fit. The mattress topper itself is placed directly onto the mattress, then attached with four straps at each corner as well as side pockets. We liked that it stayed right where we had placed it, and seemed very stable.

Though this ViscoSoft nabbed high scores in all categories, we did note that the memory foam on the underside of the topper tended to shed. While this didn’t seem to affect the quality of the mattress topper — we noted that the area did not look damaged — the shedding was messy and could be annoying if you plan on frequently taking the mattress topper on and off your bed.

There was also a strong smell when we first opened the package, but within a week of use at home it had faded completely. Still, we felt that this pick was a great value, noting that it performed very well and was priced well below the median price.

Product Details: Size: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, short queen, and California king | Thickness: 4 inches | Fill Material: Memory foam

This latex topper is very plush and comfortable but retains its shape after you sleep on it.

There isn’t a fastening mechanism to get a super secure fit.

Although it’s more expensive than other options, the Brooklyn Bedding Latex Topper impressed us with its thick and plush latex fill. We tested this mattress topper on a pull-out couch, and it significantly improved the comfort of the mattress. We even had a houseguest sleep on it and they reported an excellent night’s sleep.

Overall, we think the latex fill in this topper is exceptional. After using it for some time, we noted that it continued to look brand new and could easily regain its shape. There’s no delay, and it quickly “springs” back to its original height similar to memory foam. It also feels substantial and well-made.

We found that this topper offered decent support, although it may not be quite as supportive as some other mattress toppers on this list because it’s not firm. We did sink into the fill a little bit, but we didn’t mind it. However, people who prefer a firmer mattress may find this one to be somewhat too soft. Its softness also means it may be best suited for stomach or side sleepers.

This topper has a zippered cover that’s easy to remove and can go in the washing machine. It’s very easy to put on a bed, too: You simply unwrap it from its plastic and place it gently on top. We didn’t notice any odors when we unpacked the topper, and we didn’t have to wait for it to rise either.

Our only complaint was that there are no straps to hold the topper securely in place on a mattress. It still fit well and didn’t slide around when we slept on it. But because the topper extended slightly longer than the mattress, it would move a little bit if we were to accidentally bump into it while walking around the room.

Product Details: Sizes: Twin, twin xl, full, queen, queen short, king, and California king | Thickness: 3 inches | Fill Material: Latex

This luxurious topper is soft and plush and adapts to your shape for a super comfortable night’s sleep.

Since it conforms to your body, it does take time to regain its shape — but it doesn’t become flattened with continued use.

While we initially thought the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Mattress Topper was going to be too soft, we were quickly proven wrong. After six months of home use, we were impressed by how perfectly it maintained its shape and integrity, and it remained wonderfully comfortable.

Made from Tempur-Pedic’s premium memory foam and 3 inches thick, this mattress topper easily disguised the acupressure mat, which we could not feel at all. We raved about the very soft and plush texture and how they gently sunk into the dense, substantial memory foam.

We also really liked the way it conformed to us with no pressure points. Though it’s very soft, it never became permanently flattened, even after consistent use, and is clearly made of high-quality materials.

In lab testing, too, we found this topper quite comfortable and one of our favorites. This mattress topper also appears to be highly durable as we didn’t notice any tearing or snagging from the acupressure mat.

The topper stayed firmly in place during testing, and the material doesn’t generate any noise as you move around. Another nice feature is the cover, which is made of cooling fabric and can be easily removed and washed. And when using it at home, we noticed that we never became overly hot while sleeping on this topper.

Because the memory foam is so thick and molds to you, this mattress topper does take some time to regain its shape after use. If that’s a feature that would bother you, or if you don’t love a super soft sleep surface, this may not be the best option for you. It’s also worth noting that this is a fairly heavy topper (it weighs a little over 30 pounds), so you may need two people to get it on a bed.

Note that this is definitely one of the softer, plusher mattress toppers we tested — and while it’s very comfortable to sink into, it’s not the most supportive option. If you prefer a firmer mattress and more support, this might actually be too soft for you.

Product Details: Size: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king | Thickness: 3 inches | Fill Material: Memory foam

This soft, plush topper is supportive and has reduced motion transfer, making it a good choice for couples.

There’s no return option if you purchase directly from Tempur-Pedic.

We used the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud Topper on a firm mattress that had become increasingly lumpy and uncomfortable over the years. This mattress topper was just the thing the bed needed: It’s soft, plush, and offers plenty of support. We tested this pick with a partner and reported that this topper transformed our bed and improved sleep quality.

This Tempur-Pedic topper is made from the brand’s Tempur material, which is similar to memory foam. And like memory foam, it has a lovely “hugging” effect that helps relieve pressure points. Although we think it’s particularly supportive for side sleepers, we found it comfortable in a number of sleep positions.

During testing, this pick stayed securely in place on the mattress, even during lots of movement, and was comfortable to sit or lounge on during the day.

This mattress topper appears durable and well-made. We didn’t notice any changes in its quality during the testing period, and it “bounces” back to its original height after you sleep on it. It did take about a day to rise when we took it out of the package, and it’s decently heavy — you probably wouldn’t want to take it on and off your bed frequently.

When it first went on the mattress, the memory foam was flat in some areas and the topper didn't fully reach all four corners, but this went away by the next day. It fit perfectly on my bed once it fully expanded.

The foam-like fill helps reduce motion transfer, which means this is a great option for couples where one person is a light sleeper. We noted that they found themselves getting less interrupted sleep after using this topper since they didn’t awaken when their partner got up or moved around during the night.

We found the softness of this topper to be very comfortable. However, we did note that it might be too soft if you’re someone who exclusively sleeps on your stomach. Finally, ordering this topper through Tempur-Pedic offers some benefits; shipping is free and there’s a 10-year warranty, for example. But you don’t have a return option when you order directly from them.

Product Details: Sizes: Twin, twin xl, full, queen, king, and California king | Thickness: 2 inches | Fill Material: Tempur ES material

This plush topper conforms to your body, making it an excellent option for back sleepers. Plus, it’s also highly breathable for hot nights.

The foam took some time to regain its shape.

At only 2 inches thick, the Linenspa Memory Foam Mattress Topper is one of the thinnest mattress toppers on our list. However, we found it very comfortable to lay on and liked how soft and plush it was. Though not super thick, we found that it created a much more comfortable sleep experience both in lab testing and six months of using it at home.

Made of gel-infused memory foam, this is a classic foam mattress topper that molds to your shape, and it greatly improved our sleep quality during the six-month real-world testing period. We appreciated that the foam gently created a contour around our body. Overall, we think it’s more comfortable for people who sleep on their backs because it will create a deep plush to sleep on the side.

This topper added a nice cushy layer of extra comfort to our mattress, and we found that it helped us sleep well and even fall asleep more easily over time. The topper appeared to be very well-made, too. After months of use, we didn’t notice any flattening, loose threads, tears, or holes or stains in the fabric.

Because it molds to your body, you can expect it to take a little time to regain its shape. While it's not a dealbreaker, if you’re someone who frequently changes positions while you’re sleeping, this feature may frustrate you.

This mattress topper is a great option for summer nights or hot sleepers. During testing, we found the memory foam to be quite breathable and that it helped reduce body heat. We even noticed that the temperature where we had laid was the same as other parts of the topper.

Although it lays loosely on the bed without any straps or side pockets, this mattress topper still delivers a secure fit. We jumped up and down and rolled back and forth on it, but the topper stayed in place perfectly. We also didn’t see any tearing or snagging where the acupressure mat was placed.

Overall, we felt that this mattress topper is reasonably priced and well worth the investment if you’re looking to add substantial softness to your mattress without investing much. We tested the 2-inch version of this mattress topper, but Linenspa also offers one that’s 3 inches thick. If you prefer a very plush mattress, you might opt for this slightly thicker topper.

Product Details: Size: Twin, twin XL, full, full XL, queen, short king, king, California king, and small single | Thickness: 2-3 inches | Fill Material: Gel memory foam

This topper offers a firmer level of support that’s still very comfortable.

It isn’t cooling, if that’s a feature that’s important to you.

Stomach sleepers usually need a firmer mattress that they won’t sink deeply into, and the Nolah Mattress Topper delivers, according to both home and lab testing.

In the lab, We noted that it’s firm and supportive with some softness without being stiff and hard, and the topper successfully retained its softness and quality feel during real-world testing. Overall, we found the level of support to be very comfortable in all positions, but especially on our back and stomach.

We liked that this foam topper could quickly regain its shape when you get off it in the morning — there are no flatter areas left behind — and we didn’t spot any loose threads, tears, holes, or stains in the fabric after continued use.

While just 2 inches thick, the Nolah Mattress Topper still offers enough loft to completely hide the acupressure mat, which we noted wasn’t noticeable at all. The fill is memory foam with an organic cotton cover, and since the support is a little firmer, the topper immediately regains its shape after use.

This topper has straps to help secure it to a bed, and it stayed in place well, with no visible shifting or sliding. We were pleased to discover that these straps helped the topper remain in place after consistent use at home, and didn’t become looser-fitting with time. The material is also highly durable and didn’t develop any tears or snags after being placed on top of the acupressure mat.

This is one of the pricier options on our list, but we thought the price was well worth it if you’re looking for firmer support and quality materials. Just keep in mind that this isn’t the most cooling mattress topper — after laying on it for five minutes in the lab, we found the area they were on to be noticeably warmer compared to the other side.

It also doesn’t have the softest or plushest texture, so if you love a thick, super soft sleep surface, you may prefer one of the other best mattress toppers on this list.

Product Details: Size: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king | Thickness: 2 inches | Fill Material: Foam

This topper offers firm support for back or stomach sleepers.

It flattened slightly when supporting weight.

If you’re looking for a mattress topper with very firm support, the Casper Comfy Mattress Topper is your best bet. We found it to be supportive in most positions during our initial lab testing, though we thought side sleepers might prefer something a little softer.

Compared to the Nolah topper, this one is a little firmer though still very comfortable. And after six months of use at home, we found that this topper continued to provide excellent support.

The topper is 3 inches thick and made from a blend of perforated fabric, polyester, recycled cotton, rayon, and spandex. The fill was silent when we moved around on it, and we were unable to feel the acupressure mat at all through the material.

While it’s not the thickest or plushest topper on the market, we found it to be very comfortable, nicely cushioned, and even a little cooling — we never became overly hot while sleeping on it. We also love how this topper fit perfectly; it doesn’t shift around while you sleep and didn’t become looser with time.

Though it did flatten slightly while supporting weight, it immediately returned to its original shape when we got up, we noted. Casper says that the perforations in the memory foam help increase breathability, and we did find the material to be cooling with no noticeable temperature changes.

This mattress topper is reasonably heavy at 18 pounds (we thought you might need two people to lift it), but once we put it on the bed, it stayed put nicely with no visible shifting. The underside is made from a smooth plastic material, and the acupressure mat didn’t create any snags or tears.

This is one of the higher-priced mattress toppers on this list, and it’s comparable in terms of quality, comfort, and price to the Nolah topper. If you’re deciding between the two, the main difference is that this one is noticeably firmer.

While this topper may not be thick enough for someone looking for a super plush, deep topper, it held up beautifully with use and has proven itself to be able to offer long-term comfort and support.

Product Details: Size: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king | Thickness: 3 inches | Fill Material: Not listed

This mattress topper is soft as a cloud and has a waterproof cover.

Though breathable and good at regulating temperature, we didn’t find it to be particularly cooling.

Anyone wanting to transform a hard-as-a-board mattress into something soft will want to invest in the GhostBed Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper. Though we initially wondered if this topper might be too soft, we were proven wrong.

Overall, we noted that it’s comfortable, soft, and plush. And this Ghostbed mattress topper continued to earn its “most comfortable” accolade after six months. Adding it to a mattress made a dramatic difference in how comfortable the bed was to sleep on and greatly improved sleep quality over time.

This 3-inch topper, which is made of memory foam and has a lovely loft, feels supportive in every sleep position, we found. It’s dense enough that they couldn’t feel the acupressure mat underneath, the material retained its shape without flattening, and it didn’t develop any abrasions from the acupressure points. The topper stays firmly in place, too, even after tossing and turning.

Since it’s so plush and supportive, we noticed that we slept longer and didn’t wake up as often in the night to switch positions while using this topper. And while we hadn’t found it to be particularly cooling during lab testing, it did seem to prevent us from becoming too hot in a real-world setting.

Thanks to its waterproof cover, this is also one of the best mattress toppers for anyone with children or pets. The water was absorbed quickly in our test, and the waterproof cover was effective. Also good: Waterproof mattress toppers can sometimes be a little noisy, but this one was completely silent during testing. It retained its color, thickness, and overall appearance perfectly during long-term testing.

After laying on it for five minutes, we didn’t notice any temperature changes, indicating it’s good at regulating temperature, but they also didn’t find it to be particularly cooling. Although it’s more expensive than other options, we thought the price was reasonable given how well-made it is.

Product Details: Size: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king | Thickness: 3 inches | Fill Material: Memory foam

The combination of gel memory foam with down-alternative fill creates a sleep surface that’s simultaneously supportive and plush.

There’s a ridge on the edge of the topper that may be a little uncomfortable for some.

The Lucid Down Alternative and Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper is 4 inches thick, making it one of the deepest toppers on this list. Plus, it boasts a unique design: There are two inches of down-alternative fill then two inches of gel memory foam, and the different layers can be used together or separately.

Overall, we found this down-alternative and gel memory foam combination to be very comfortable, with a little extra cushion that was still supportive in all sleep positions.

Though the Lucid mattress topper didn’t seem to have a transformational effect on the quality of our sleep during long-term home testing, it performs exactly as it should and makes for a comfortable and supportive surface for side, back, and stomach sleepers.

This topper is dense enough to completely disguise the acupressure mat. The volume stayed fairly consistent throughout the test, even as we tossed and turned. Though the area they were lying on was perhaps slightly more compressed than the other side of the bed, it regained its shape within a minute or so. We also didn’t notice any changes in the topper’s quality during home testing — there were no loose threads or tearing.

Many mattress toppers are placed loosely on top of the mattress, but this one has a fitted sheet-type design that helps make it particularly secure. Despite the thickness and separate layers, it stayed in place surprisingly well during lab testing after really testing a lot of movement. At home, it shifted around a little bit while we slept on it, though it’s easy enough to move back into place when making the bed in the morning.

The material appears to be durable (there was no snagging at the bottom), it’s quiet when you move around, and it remained at a relatively consistent temperature. We were also impressed by how nicely the material held up during home testing, and high-quality it felt.

Though we didn’t have many complaints about this topper, we found it frustrating that there is a ridge where the gel memory foam meets the down-alternative fill. We noted that the ridge may be uncomfortable or distracting to those who sleep near the edge of the bed. If you can get past this ridge, though, we feel this is an excellent mattress topper at a reasonable price point.

Product Details: Size: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king | Thickness: 4 inches | Fill Material: Memory foam and down alternative fill

This soft, airy topper dramatically improves mattress comfort.

The washing instructions are a little confusing.

We used the Linenspa Essentials 3-Inch Down Alternative Fiber Mattress Topper in our guest room on an old, firm mattress. It was tested by several sleepers during this time, and everyone raved about how comfortable, soft, and plush this mattress topper is.

This topper is filled with a down alternative option, and we found it to be airy yet supportive. It effectively relieved pressure points during the night and was gloriously comfortable to sleep on while lying on both stomachs and sides.

We didn’t feel like we were sinking in too much, and all sleepers were pain-free when they woke up. It also didn’t cause us to overheat, even when it was slept on by our guests who tend to run hot.

The topper held up well during the testing period, too. It didn’t flatten with continued use or develop lumps. There was no odor, and the topper remained firmly in place on the mattress thanks to handy elastic bands to secure it. We noticed that the bands didn’t stretch out over time — a nice quality that suggests it’s well-constructed.

During testing, we did find the washing instructions to be a little confusing. The tag on the topper itself says it can be cleaned with cold water in a washing machine, but the included care card says it should be professionally laundered. We didn’t need to wash it during testing, but this may mean that the topper might not hold up well to at-home cleaning.

Overall, though, this mattress topper massively improved the older mattress we tested it on. If you’re looking for an easy solution to enhance the comfort of a firm mattress or pull-out couch, this is a great option.

Product Details: Sizes: Twin, twin xl, full, queen, king, and California king | Thickness: 3 inches | Fill Material: Down alternative

You have plenty of size and thickness options with this topper, and it’s also highly durable.

Though not overpowering, the latex does have a slight smell, and the topper forms to your body over time.

The Sleep On Latex Pure Green Natural Latex Mattress Topper is available in several sizes (from 1 to 3 inches), and the one tested both at home and in our lab was 2 inches thick, making it one of the slimmer toppers we reviewed. However, we still found it highly supportive and noted that it adjusts to your body instantly, adding extra softness and support.

It’s nice and thick, and we found that it provided sufficient support and was very comfortable to sleep on over the course of the home testing period. The comfort felt equal for all sleep positions as well and we didn't sink in or feel trapped.

Made of 100% organic latex, which is known for being very durable, this mattress topper felt nice and thick and completely concealed the acupressure mat. Unlike many of the memory foam toppers, this one didn’t flatten even momentarily as we tossed and turned.

It stayed firmly in place for the duration of the test and didn’t create any noise either. What’s more, the latex didn’t tear or snag after being placed on top of the acupressure mat, and we found the material to be nice and cooling as well.

Latex products can emit a slight smell, and this mattress topper is no exception. Though not strong or overbearing, we did notice it initially. However, after putting sheets on the bed, it disappeared, so it’s not necessarily a dealbreaker. During home use, we found that the odor faded after some time and we didn’t notice it again.

Also important to know: This topper initially was a little large and ran over the sides of the bed at first, we noted. But after some use, it molded to the mattress. So if it seems oversized when you first take it out of the box, give it a few days to see if it adapts to your bed.

Unlike some other mattress toppers we tested, we did notice that this one starts to form to the shape of your body over time — while it otherwise maintained its condition well, it was visibly flatter in the spot where we tended to sleep.

Product Details: Size: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king | Thickness: 1-3 inches | Fill Material: Latex

When it comes to the best mattress toppers, much comes down to personal preference. But overall, we found the ViscoSoft Pillow Top Memory Foam Mattress Topper to be a clear winner. Not only is this mattress topper available in a wide range of sizes, but we found it to be quite comfortable. We also appreciated that it stayed put on the bed better than comparable products and held up nicely after months of use.

The Casaluna Serene Foam Mattress Topper is plush, supportive, and soft. We appreciated the luxurious-feeling cover and the fact that it can withstand laundering well. But it’s not cooling, and we overheated at night. It also doesn’t fit very well on a bed, leaving an annoying gap on all sides.

Overall, we really liked the Threshold Performance Memory Foam Mattress Topper. It’s very comfortable and supportive in all sleep positions, with a nice plush texture that maintains its shape without becoming lumpy. The cover isn’t machine-washable, though, which we would have preferred.

We appreciated how comfortable the Dreamlife Queen Gel Memory Foam Cooling Cover Mattress Topper is. This topper has excellent squishiness and has some effective cooling properties. It also offers decent support. But we found the shoulder positioning a little uncomfortable in some positions, and there was a slight odor when we opened the package.

Better Homes & Gardens

To find the best mattress toppers, we put 15 products to the test in our lab in Des Moines, Iowa. After lab testing, we also tested top picks at home for up to six months.

On a queen-sized bed, we first placed an acupressure mat on the left side near the head of the bed, then set up the mattress topper on top. The mattress topper was secured with a queen fitted sheet.

Next, we laid down on the right side of the bed for one minute in three positions: back, stomach, and side. We assessed the comfort of the pad or topper from each position, then repeated this on the left side with the acupressure mat, noting whether we could feel a difference, as well as whether the pad shifted around or made noise. After, we inspected the placement of the topper or pad to see how much, if at all, it moved.

We then laid on the mattress topper for five full minutes to consider whether it added warmth or cooling. We compared the area they laid on with the other side of the mattress, checking to see if there were any temperature differences.

After laying on the bed, we also assessed the thickness of the pads or toppers to see if the volume flattened in areas where we laid on the bed compared to areas we did not put as much weight on, such as the foot of the bed. We also lifted the mattress topper to see if there were any tears or snags in the area where the acupressure mat was placed to help determine how durable the material was.

Finally, we performed a breathability test on the products that claim to be water-resistant by pouring one tablespoon of water onto a flat area on the pad or topper. We examined how the water sat on the material, noting if it immediately sank in or if droplets formed on top.

We used a predetermined methodology to evaluate each mattress topper in six categories: comfort, support, breathability, durability, quality, and value. The final rating was determined by averaging each pick's scores across categories.

Better Homes & Gardens

Most mattress toppers are available in standard twin, full, queen, and king sizes, though you can also often find extended sizing such as twin XL, California king, or short queen.

In addition to choosing a mattress topper that’s the right size for your bed, it’s also helpful to check reviews for how well it stays put. “The one variable that seems to annoy everyone is a topper that does not stay in place or bunches,” says Winter.

During testing, the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Mattress Topper and the ViscoSoft Pillow Top Memory Foam Mattress Topper stayed firmly in place, which we appreciated.

When talking about thickness, it’s important to differentiate between mattress pads and mattress toppers. Mattress pads deliver additional comfort and are usually between 1 and 2 inches thick; this type attaches to the mattress much like a fitted sheet, so they typically stay put nicely though don’t offer major support or volume.

Mattress toppers can be between 1 and 4 inches thick and add more support. This style can significantly change the feel of a mattress. They usually are either simply placed on top of the mattress or attached to it with straps. Of all the options we tested, the Lucid Down Alternative and Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper was particularly thick.

Though mattress toppers can have various degrees of firmness at every thickness, generally thicker toppers make it harder to feel the original mattress beneath — helpful, for example, if you have an older, lumpy mattress or are looking to drastically improve the softness level.

Better Homes & Gardens

Mattress toppers can have a variety of different fill materials, each of which has its benefits.

Many of the mattress toppers on this list come with a free warranty for up to five years. If you’re concerned about the lifespan of your mattress topper or pad, it’s a good idea to look for one with as long a warranty as possible.

Better Homes & Gardens

As with most products, the lifespan of a mattress topper depends in part on how frequently it’s used: A topper placed on the bed you sleep on every night will wear down faster than one on a guest bed, for example.

Mattress toppers made of durable materials will also last longer. In lab testing, we measured how much each mattress topper flattened after use to assess its long-term durability, which can be a helpful indicator of how much use you’ll get out of it.

If you’re concerned about a mattress topper’s longevity, it’s also a good idea to look for a product with a longer warranty.

The main reason to purchase a mattress topper is to make a bed more comfortable. Most people look to buy a mattress topper because they’d like to change the softness or firmness level of their bed without investing in a whole new mattress, which can be expensive and inconvenient.

But there are other reasons, too: “The benefits would largely be comfort, temperature and heat distribution, and perhaps dampening the movement of a bed partner,” says Winter.

Some mattress toppers are made with fabrics that help keep you cool, making them a good option for hot sleepers or anyone looking to make summer nights more tolerable. And as Winter notes, they can sometimes make it easier to sleep soundly if your partner tosses often in the night. What’s more, a mattress topper can even help protect and extend the life of your mattress.

Mattress toppers are available at a wide range of prices, and you can find one on any budget. The toppers we reviewed range from around $50 to $500 for a queen-sized topper (you’ll generally pay a little more for a king or California king, and a little less for a twin, twin XL, or full size mattress topper) with a median price of $189.

Just keep in mind that as you start to consider a higher-priced mattress topper, depending on your needs, you may be better off investing in a new mattress instead.

Better Homes & Gardens

Kathleen Felton is a writer who specializes in covering bedding and furniture for Better Homes & Gardens. To compile this list, Kathleen analyzed lab insights from our testing site in Des Moines, Iowa. She also spoke to Dr. W. Christopher Winter, a sleep specialist and author of The Rested Child and The Sleep Solution. Winter has more than 30 years of experience in sleep medicine and research.

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.