These Memory Foam Mattress Toppers Will Make Your Bed Feel Brand New

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New mattresses, especially the most comfortable mattresses, can be expensive. In some cases, we’re talking as much as a used car. But there’s no question that buying a new mattress is often the best way to improve your sleep sitch. If you’re not ready to drop a few thousand dollars on an upgrade, though, a memory foam mattress topper is probably the next best thing. The best part? It’s way, way cheaper.

Think of a mattress topper like a miniature mattress that sits atop your actual mattress. It’s a thin-ish (usually two to three-inch) layer of soft, comfy material designed to add extra support and comfort to your bed setup. Most are made of similar materials to mattresses, so you can find down-filled options, latex mattress toppers, and, of course, memory foam mattress toppers.

Each material has its strengths and weaknesses. Down is typically the softest, and latex is “bouncier” and naturally cooling. But memory foam offers solid support, pressure relief, and usually a just-right comfort where you’re not quite sleeping on your mattress but not fully sunken into it either.

But how do you know where to start? There is no one best mattress topper, but rather the best mattress topper for you. Our team of sleep enthusiasts vetted dozens of top-selling and well-reviewed models over the last few months. We compared everything from design to comfort to support to price to find the models we felt comfortable recommending. More importantly, we consulted with Matthew Cavanaugh of Cavanaugh Chiropractic in Lafayette, Louisiana for his professional opinion on how to find the right topper for you. Here are the nine best mattress toppers worth buying in 2024.

Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper

If "money is no object," or you're just looking to splurge on the best memory foam mattress topper you can buy, Saatva might be it. The premium mattress maker's Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper uses a unique graphite-infused memory foam as the base for this three-inch-thick model. It's designed for maximum support, advanced cooling, and reduced motion transfer (great for couples!).

Who It's For

This is a solid option for anyone looking to splurge on a mattress topper but who isn't quite ready to drop the big big bucks on a brand new mattress. The thick profile adds significant comfort and support to any existing mattress setup. For hot sleepers, Saatva's cooling sleep tech is second to none, so it's (almost) guaranteed to keep you cool, calm, and comfortable in any season.

Why It's Great

We're huge fans of everything in Saatva's catalog, from mattresses to bedding to mattress toppers. Although it's pricey, this model features industry-leading sleep tech throughout. It's ultra-comfy, supportive enough for most sleep positions (including combo sleepers), and even features a Guardin botanical antimicrobial treatment, so it's more likely to stay fresh and free of bacteria, mold, and mildew. Bonus: Free shipping and a 180-night sleep trial make this a truly risk-free buy.

Comfy Mattress Topper

The key to comfort in most toppers lies in the extra top layers. Casper's aptly named Comfy Mattress Topper adds a plush, pressure-relieving layer to your existing mattress. It's a total of three inches of combined multi-density foam, including memory foam, a responsive top layer, and Casper's AirScape perforated foam that promotes airflow and prevents overheating.

Who It's For

This topper is more plush than most on our list, making it a great solution for side sleepers. The memory foam layer supports the back, hips, and shoulders while you sleep, with just enough give without letting you "sink in." The medium firmness is a good choice for most sleepers, especially couples who might have a hard time choosing just one firmness level.

Why It's Great

Like everything in Casper's catalog, this memory foam mattress topper combines premium materials that deliver a near-perfect balance of support, comfort, and response. At roughly $300 (closer to $270 on sale), it's a bit pricier than most in our roundup. But we think the high-quality construction makes it worth the splurge.

3" Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper

If you've never tried a gel topper, consider this your sign. The cooling gel memory foam in Sleepy's three-inch gel memory foam mattress topper is a major plus for anyone who's a hot sleeper. It'll keep you cool and provide all the support you need for a good night's rest.

Who It's For

Like every memory foam mattress topper in our roundup, this model provides excellent support and pressure relief for your hips, back, and shoulders—all great news for chronic pain sufferers. But the use of gel-infused memory foam also makes this a good bet for hot sleepers, too. It's designed to actively dissipate heat, plus Sleepy's adds a cool-to-the-touch cover, so it just feels good all night long.

Why It's Great

The big win with this model is price. At roughly $200 delivered, it's a fantastic value and competes with some toppers that cost almost twice as much. Plus, we like that Sleepy's adds an antimicrobial treatment to keep your topper fresher longer between washes.

TEMPUR-Adapt Supreme 3" Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Tempur-Pedic brings much of its premium mattress tech to its line of mattress toppers, too. The TEMPUR-Adapt Supreme is a three-inch topper made with the company's unique Tempur memory foam. It's one of the most supportive materials we've ever slept on, making it a solid pick for chronic pain sufferers. But it's also incredibly good at regulating body temperature and keeping you cool all night. (An extra-cooling model is available for around $50 more.)

Who It's For

Shoppers looking to seriously upgrade their sleep setup without buying a whole new mattress will love this option. At more than $400 (often on sale for much less), it's definitely an investment, maybe even a splurge. But for anyone who wants the very best in bedding and isn't afraid to spend a little extra, this'll do the trick.

Why It's Great

For chronic pain (including back pain and sciatica) sufferers, this is virtually guaranteed to improve your sleep sitch. It's a luxe topper built with some of the world's best materials and sleep tech designed to keep you cool and well-supported for probably longer than you'll own your actual mattress. It's easily one of the best memory foam mattress toppers on the market.

2" Gel-Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper

The best memory foam mattress toppers can be pricey. If you're looking for the most affordable (i.e., cheapest) option—whether for a kid's room or a guest bedroom—this model from Linenspa is a good buy. It adds an extra two inches (a thicker, three-inch upgrade is available for around $20 more) to your existing mattress setup. It's nothing fancy, but the material is comfortable, breathable, and CertiPUR-certified, so you know it's not made with any harmful or funky chemicals.

Who It's For

Sleepers looking for a budget-friendly solution to upgrade their current sleep sitch will find a lot to like with this simple topper. The cheapest option (the two-inch model without a cover) is available from Amazon for just under $60 delivered, sometimes less on sale.

Why It's Great

Price, price, price. You'll be hard-pressed to find any memory foam mattress topper worth buying for less. It's pretty plush, though, so it's a better option if you're looking to soften up your existing bed rather than add extra support.

Mattress Topper

Our test team has been long-time fans of Nolah's mattresses for their ability to alleviate chronic back, hip, and shoulder pain. So, it's no surprise that the company's mattress topper is every bit as good. It's available in two firmnesses—Plush and Luxury Firm—though we recommend the latter for anyone wanting a middle-of-the-road medium firmness that should satisfy most sleepers.

Who It's For

For back pain sufferers and anyone who struggles to find good pressure point relief in their mattresses, this does the trick. The secret is in Nolah's own AirFoam, a flavor of memory foam that's designed to be more comfortable and durable. Plus, it's far cooler than traditional memory foam, making it a cool choice (literally) for hot sleepers.

Why It's Great

We've tested Nolah's AirFoam before, and it's the real deal. It dissipates body heat and promotes better airflow than most comparable memory foams in this price range. The organic cotton cover is a nice touch, too. It's soft, breathable, wicks moisture like a champ, and holds up to repeated machine washings.

2-Inch Adaptive Foam Mattress Topper

For transparent value, we love Tuft & Needle mattresses. So, it's no surprise the brand's mattress topper is pretty great, too. It's thinner than most on this list (at just two inches), which can actually be a plus for sleepers who don't want the extra-thick feel of cushier, premium toppers. Even better: It's less than half the price of those options, too.

Who It's For

Tuft & Needle's Adaptive Foam Mattress Topper isn't the most budget-friendly or the most expensive in our roundup. Rather, it falls right in the middle, making it a great option for anyone who's looking to "level up" from the cheapest, entry-level models, but isn't ready to splash out on a $400 option from Saatva or Tempur-Pedic.

Why It's Great

At less than $200 (for a queen-sized topper on sale), this is a great value. The two-inch profile is enough to upgrade any existing mattress setup, and the adaptive, open-cell memory foam inside is breathable, comfortable, and supportive. It's all wrapped in a knit cover that's comfy and machine-washable, too.

4" Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Most mattress toppers—even those from premium brands like Saatva and Casper—are only available in two or three-inch profiles. Viscosoft's four-inch memory foam topper stands out as one of the thickest we've seen this year. (Two and three-inch versions are also available.)

Who It's For

For sleepers looking to add even more height and cushiness to their existing mattress setup, this four-inch option is perfect. Thanks to its gel-infused memory foam construction, it also draws away body heat so you stay cooler and more comfortable while you sleep. Fidgety sleepers (e.g., combo sleepers who toss and turn at night) will also appreciate the built-in elastic straps and anti-slip mesh bottom that keep the topper firmly in place.

Why It's Great

At a little over $200, this is another solid mid-range option that feels like a clear step up from the cheapest models we've seen. But it's less than half the price of the most premium options. Still, that price gets you a super-thick topper with great support and pressure relief, and the gel-infused design means this model is better at keeping you cool than most in this price range.

4" Down Alternative and Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper

This hybrid topper from Lucid stands apart from every other on this list, thanks to a unique design that combines two inches of memory foam with two inches of plush, down alternative fiber fill. It's the "best of both worlds:" Supportive, responsive, and comfy. Plus, the two layers can be separated to use just the memory foam, just the fiber fill, or both together.

Who It's For

Finnicky sleepers who want all the benefits of both memory foam and a down alternative needn't look any further. This topper's adaptive, three-in-one design means it can be easily mixed and matched depending on your mood or the season.

Why It's Great

This topper is unlike most others on the market, and we're here for it. The two-inch memory foam layer is also infused with cooling gel to help regulate your body temperature. The top cushy down alternative layer features a built-in fitted sheet-like design that can be pulled down snugly over mattresses up to 15 inches deep for the perfect fit. But the best part? It's well-priced at around $160 delivered with free returns through Amazon.

How we selected the best memory foam mattress toppers

Women's Health editors and writers carefully vetted dozens of the best-reviewed, top-selling memory foam mattress toppers available in 2024. We paid close attention to every important feature, including comfort, support, pressure relief, durability, ease of care, and, of course, price. With the help of back health expert Dr. Matthew Cavanaugh, we narrowed our list of recommendations down to the nine picks above as this year's best memory foam mattress toppers.

Meet the expert

• Matthew Cavanaugh is a chiropractor at Cavanaugh Chiropractic in Lafayette, Louisiana.

What should I look for in a memory foam mattress?

As with any type of mattress or mattress topper, there are a few key features to consider.

Thickness / Height

Mattress toppers are available in a variety of heights, and that's true of memory foam toppers, too. The right height for you depends largely on your sleep position, but most memory foam mattress toppers usually range between two to four inches in thickness. "Thinner toppers (two inches or less) are better suited for back or stomach sleepers who need a thin layer of comfort," Cavanaugh says. "Side sleepers generally respond well to toppers that are three to four inches as they offer more support and cushion," he adds.

Material

Each material has its pros and cons. "The type of material you choose for your topper will largely be based on your specific needs, so it is a good idea to carefully evaluate your sleeping habits and any health issues like a history of lower back pain," Cavanaugh says." Some options you may find out there include toppers made from traditional memory foam, gel-infused memory foam, medium-density foam, high-density foam, and others.

Special Features

Mattress toppers—even the best mattress toppers—are pretty straightforward products. But other special features you can find in a mattress topper include things like temperature regulation, motion isolation, and hypoallergenic properties, Cavanaugh says. "While these features are not as important, in my opinion, as the proper amount of support, they could be a deal breaker for someone who sleeps hot, suffers from allergies, or is easily disturbed by their partner's movements."

What type of sleepers are memory foam mattress toppers best suited for?

In short: Just about everyone! Cavanaugh confirms that "[m]emory foam mattress toppers are great for sleepers of all positions but are also well-suited for couples and sleepers with back pain." They're specifically great for those with back pain because they can offer significant support and pressure relief, he says. "Memory foam will contour to your spine's unique shape, helping reduce stress and minimize pain."

But, if you share a bed with a significant other, he also says that couples, specifically, can benefit from a memory foam mattress topper, since memory foam is well-suited for different types of sleepers and offers great motion isolation. "This means that your lower back pain will not be exacerbated by a restless partner," Cavanaugh explains.

Can memory foam mattress toppers help back pain?

They sure can. That's because "[m]emory foam is well-known for its contouring properties and for offering exceptional pressure relief," Cavanaugh says. "These features help keep your spine in a neutral alignment and evenly distribute your body weight." When that happens, you can expect more restful and restorative sleep, Cavanaugh says. "You drastically lower your chances of waking up with a flare-up of lower back pain," he explains,

Sometimes, though, upgrading your mattress alone may not be enough to alleviate chronic back pain. "I do feel it necessary to mention that while a memory foam mattress topper can help with back pain, it should not be a substitute for appropriate treatment," Cavanugh says. "Severe or persistent back pain should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause."

Do memory foam mattress toppers sleep hot?

Memory foam, including memory foam mattress toppers, typically runs hotter than natural materials like cotton, linen, and latex because it’s a heavier, denser synthetic material. But, many of the best toppers on the market use high-tech construction and treatments to better shed heat and regulate your body temperature throughout the night.

To find a topper that won’t make you overheat, look for models with cooling features, like open-cell memory foam or memory foam infused with gel or copper. These are designed to dissipate body heat. Breathable bedding—blankets and sheets, in particular—can help and can better wick away sweat and moisture, too. Lastly, consider lowering the temperature in your bedroom by a couple of degrees before getting into bed. The consensus among many experts is that a cool environment can help promote better sleep.

Can I wash my memory foam mattress topper?

The short answer is: It depends. As with all bedding, the machine-washability of a mattress topper depends on the material it’s made of. Vinyl-backed mattress toppers and thin cotton, polyester, and featherbed toppers can usually be machine-washed on a gentle cycle. But memory foam mattress toppers are more delicate and almost always require spot cleaning with only a damp cloth, mild detergent, and cool water.

No matter the material, you’ll almost always want to air-dry your topper and avoid using bleach or other harsh chemicals. If there’s any doubt, double-check your mattress topper’s care label or consult the manufacturer. Pro tip: Make sure your washing machine is large enough to accommodate the (generally oversized) dimensions of your new mattress topper.

Read more about the best mattress accessories

Best Latex Mattress Toppers | Best Mattress Toppers For Side Sleepers | Best Cotton Sheets | Softest Bed Sheets | Best Cooling Pillows

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