A mattress topper can significantly change how your bed feels without replacing your mattress.
The right topper can improve comfort, support, pressure relief, and even temperature regulation.
This guide explains how mattress toppers work and how to choose the best one based on your sleep needs.
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Short on time? These are our top mattress topper picks right now.
What Is a Mattress Topper?
A mattress topper is a removable layer placed on top of your mattress.
It is designed to adjust firmness, improve comfort, and extend the life of your mattress.
Toppers are ideal if your mattress feels too firm, too soft, or lacks pressure relief.
When Should You Use a Mattress Topper?
• Your mattress feels too firm
• You want more pressure relief for hips or shoulders
• You experience back or joint pain
• Your mattress is still supportive but uncomfortable
• You want to improve sleep without buying a new mattress
If this sounds like you, our recommended toppers below are a good place to start.
Mattress Topper Thickness Explained
Topper thickness affects how much a mattress topper changes the feel of your bed.
• 2 inches: Light comfort adjustment
• 3 inches: Balanced comfort and support
• 4 inches: Significant softness and pressure relief
Best Mattress Topper Materials Compared
The material of a mattress topper determines firmness, durability, and temperature control.
• Memory foam: Contouring and pressure relief
• Latex: Responsive, supportive, and breathable
• Gel-infused foam: Cooler sleep with contouring
• Feather or down: Soft feel with minimal support
• Down alternative: Hypoallergenic and affordable
Best Mattress Toppers by Sleeping Position
Side Sleepers
Side sleepers benefit from softer toppers that relieve pressure on shoulders and hips.
Best choice: 3–4 inch memory foam or latex.
See side sleeper friendly toppers below
Back Sleepers
Back sleepers need balanced support to maintain spinal alignment.
Best choice: Medium firmness latex or memory foam toppers.
View balanced support toppers below
Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleepers should avoid thick, soft toppers.
Best choice: Thin, firm toppers or no topper at all.
Thin topper options listed below
How Mattress Toppers Affect Mattress Firmness
Mattress toppers can soften a firm mattress but cannot fix a mattress that lacks support.
They work best when your mattress is still structurally sound.
If firmness is your main concern, see our complete mattress firmness guide.
Quick Mattress Topper Recommendation
For most people, a 3-inch memory foam or latex topper offers the best balance of comfort and support.
It improves pressure relief without compromising spinal alignment.
Looking for the best mattress topper for your sleep style?
If you’re not sure where to start, these mattress toppers work well for most people.
Explore our recommended mattress toppers based on comfort, durability, and value.
- Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Topper
The Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Topper is a strong option for side sleepers who want extra pressure relief without replacing their entire mattress.
The graphite-infused memory foam contours closely to the body, helping reduce pressure on the shoulders and hips — two common problem areas for side sleepers.
Compared to standard memory foam toppers, the graphite infusion is designed to help with heat dissipation, making this topper a good choice for side sleepers who tend to sleep warm.
- Lucid Gel Memory Foam Topper
The Lucid Gel Memory Foam Topper is a popular Amazon choice for side sleepers looking to add contouring comfort to a too-firm mattress.
The gel-infused foam helps balance pressure relief with cooling, making it a good fit for side sleepers who want softer cushioning without overheating.
- Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Topper
The Green Tea Memory Foam Topper is designed for sleepers who want pressure relief and freshness at a very affordable price. The green tea infusion helps reduce odors and keeps the topper fresh over time.
This topper gently contours to your body, helping to relieve pressure on shoulders, hips and lower back. It’s best suited for people who want to soften a firm mattress without losing overall support.
- Linenspa Gel-Infused Memory Foam Topper
The Gel-Infused Memory Foam Topper from linenspa is one of the most popular entry level cooling toppers on Amazon. It combines soft memory foam with gel infusion to help regulate temperature better than the standard foam.
The topper provides a plush feel that’s ideal for side sleepers and anyone experiencing pressure points. It’s especially usefullif your mattress feels too firmbut you’re not ready to replace it yes.
All mattress toppers listed above are selected based on comfort, support, durability, and value.
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