Best Mattress Toppers to Relieve Back Pain and Give You a Comfortable Sleep

A good night’s rest is an undisputed tenet of a healthy, productive life. You need a mattress that soothes you to sleep. However, over a lot of use, mattresses do get thin and this means getting uncomfortable. Buying a new mattress can be very expensive. Good thing is that you can give that old mattress new life with a quality mattress topper! 

What exactly is a mattress topper? Also known as a mattress pad, this is a solid piece of material that can range from thin to thick that can be placed on top of the mattress (hence the name) to add extra cushion or firmness to your bed.

On average, a quality mattress topper can increase the firmness or softness of a bed by 10% to 20%. Naturally, this product category is filled with numerous choices because everybody knows how important sleep is to the overall quality of life.

So, how does one find the best mattress toppers that will make a decent bed into your perfect mattress match? It’ll obviously take time and a whole lot of patience which is why we put in the hours and worked hard to sleep on the bestselling mattress toppers to find which ones are truly worth lying down on.

Related Review: Best Down Comforter

Top 10 Mattress Toppers Of 2020 Reviewed

1. Red Nomad Ultra Premium Gel Infused Visco Elastic Memory Foam Mattress Pad

Mattress Toppers Memory Foam

The Red Nomad is visually similar to our number 1 pick – the DreamFoam 2-inch gel swirl. In fact, this memory foam topper is also 2 inches thick and has been gel-infused for temperature control. What sets this apart from the DreamFoam product is durability, size, and price. When tested, the durability of this mattress topper seems to be better.

The price of the Red Nomad is higher but the size of the topper is 1 inch less on all sides. The manufacturer clearly states that this reduction in size is done to help ensure that the topper will fit inside your mattress cover. However, that 1-inch of space does create a small ledge on the sides of your bed that may be noticeable to some. In terms of performance, you really can’t tell much of a difference between the two.

This topper has a medium-firm feel, perfectly comfortable while providing you with much-needed pressure relief. And while there is a slight chemical smell when you first unroll the topper, it does quickly go away after several hours of airing out. As for sleeping hot, this low-density memory foam is a lot cooler than some of the other memory foam toppers we’ve tried.

Red Nomad Ultra Premium Gel Infused Visco Elastic Memory Foam Mattress Pad

Pros:

  • Medium-firm feel
  • Off-gassing goes away after a few hours
  • Sleeps cool

Cons:

  • Comes with no cover
  • 1-inch shorter on all sides
  • Pricier than the DreamFoam

2. Pure Green 100% Natural Latex Mattress Topper

Best Mattress Toppers Latex

If memory foam is too hot for you or you want a bit more bounce to your topper, then this latex topper from Sleep On Latex may be just your thing. Yes, it is made of all-natural latex so the price (currently $199 at the time of this review) is understandable. Because it is made out of natural latex, you can expect this mattress topper to be anti-microbial, dust mite resistant, and hypoallergenic. It doesn’t retain heat as much as a memory foam mattress topper so you’ll definitely be sleeping cool on this. If you can’t sleep well when it’s too hot, you can also choose one of the best cooling pillows we found.

We absolutely love the fact that this mattress topper comes in a wide variety of sizes, three thickness options, and three firmness options. This means that you can subtly change the feel of your mattress or give it an entire makeover. This topper is great at molding around your body shape and relieving pressure points. It’s very comfortable as well, especially since you can choose the amount of comfort that the topper will give you – soft, medium, or firm. You should note that this mattress topper is that it does have an initial odor.  Also, make sure you don’t have a latex allergy before you buy this topper.

Pure Green 100% Natural Latex Mattress Topper

Pros:

  • Does not trap heat
  • Comes in a wide range of sizes, thickness, and firmness
  • 30-day trial and 5-year warranty

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • May be too firm for some

3. DreamFoam Bedding Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper

Mattress Toppers For Back Pain

This is a 2-inch CertiPUR-US memory foam mattress topper that features a gel swirl and is the perfect choice if you want to add a bit more cushion to your firm mattress. While it does add more plushness to your mattress, this topper offers excellent support and pressure relief. It doesn’t allow you to sink too much into the topper but it is also great for reducing motion transfer.

What we love about this mattress topper is that it is offered in a variety of sizes so you can definitely find one that fits your bed just right. Also, most sleepers have found that the topper doesn’t trap heat. While this topper hasn’t been around long enough to give us a clearer picture of its durability, the manufacturer does offer a 3-year warranty.

DreamFoam Bedding Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper

Pros:

  • Excellent pressure relief and support
  • 3-year warranty
  • Sleeps cool

Cons:

  • Too thin for some sleepers
  • Some sleepers have experienced durability issues

4. Hospitology Heavenly Microfiber Hypoallergenic Mattress Pad

Mattress Toppers Down Alternative

This mattress topper is made of brushed microfiber polyester. What that means is that it’s soft like cotton but durable like polyester. It has hypoallergenic properties and is perfect for those who like the feel of down but are allergic to it. The firmness rating of this topper is super plush so it’s really great for adding softness to a firm mattress. Aside from comfort, this fiberbed mattress topper is great at temperature regulation which means you won’t be sleeping hot. And should you be unlucky enough to spill something on this topper, no worries? This has natural stain repellent properties!

One other feature we were glad to note was that the topper was box stitched. This prevents the filling to clump together in places, making your bed feel lumpy instead of comfortable. The only true complaint we have about this topper is the fact that it might not fit in your washing machine. Also, keep in mind that this is not made for support, just comfort.

Hospitology Heavenly Microfiber Goose Down Alternative Overstuffed Hypoallergenic Mattress Pad

Pros:

  • Very comfortable
  • No initial odor
  • Hypoallergenic

Cons:

  • Too thin for some sleepers
  • Too large for some washing machines
  • Not for support

5. Sleep Innovations 4-Inch Dual Layer Queen Mattress Topper

Mattress Toppers For Side Sleeping

This mattress topper from Sleep Innovations features two layers – a 2-inch layer of fluffy fiberfill inside a soft quilted cover and a 2-inch cooling gel memory foam layer. These two materials are combined to provide you with a comfortable feel and pressure-relieving support. If you require your mattress to feel firmer, this is not the topper for you. But if you want something soft and yet great at relieving pressure points and keeping your spine aligned, then this is your best bet. What about heat retention? When tested, we found that this mattress topper is great for keeping you cool while you sleep.

Cleaning this mattress topper is quite easy as well. You can just spot clean the foam layer (though how you got that dirty is beyond us) while the cover can be machine washed. You’ll also be glad to know that this topper comes with a lengthy 10-year warranty – almost as long as some mattresses! While this mattress topper is on the pricier side, it does deliver on its promises.

Sleep Innovations 4-Inch Dual Layer Queen Mattress Topper

Pros:

  • Very comfortable and provides excellent support
  • 10-year warranty
  • Sleeps cool

Cons:

  • More expensive
  • Too soft for some sleepers
  • Initial odor takes a few days to go away

6. SleepJoy 2″ ViscO2 Ventilated Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Mattress Toppers for Cooling

The Sleep Joy mattress topper is an open cell construction ViscO2 memory foam that is 2 inches thick and infused with plant-based ingredients. It is offered in a variety of sizes and thicknesses to fit your mattress and preference.

One thing we did notice about this mattress topper is the fact that it has been odor-neutralized. We all know how memory foam can be when new. Also, the open cell structure of the foam enhances its breathability which lessens heat retention. The mattress topper is great at providing support and comfort for back sleepers. However, side sleepers, particularly heavy individuals, may sink too much into the topper.

As for maintenance, we’re disappointed that you can’t wash it and it doesn’t come with a cover. If you sweat on it or spill something on it, you will need to make do with spot cleaning. The warranty is also much shorter than what we’ve come across on other toppers – only 2 years and it’s a limited warranty at that.

SleepJoy 2" ViscO2 Ventilated Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Pros:

  • Little to no odor
  • Sleeps cool
  • Very comfortable

Cons:

  • Support seems to vary depending on the individual and the sleeping position
  • Limited 2-year warranty
  • Some complaints on the durability of the mattress topper after a year or two of use

7. LEISURE TOWN Twin Mattress Pad Cover

Best Twin Mattress Pad Cover

Do you have a twin mattress? Are you a fan of having breakfast in bed during those cold mornings? Then the Leisure Town Twin Mattress Pad Cover is just what the doctor ordered. Coming in a width of 39 inches and a length of 75 inches, this mattress pad will fit your twin bed snugly and protect it from moisture and dust mites. In addition to this, the mattress pad cover’s fabric can comfortably accommodate mattresses with thicknesses of up to 21 inches. It does all this while ensuring, regardless of how much you twist, toss, and turn in your bed; the topper doesn’t slide off.

Sleeping on this mattress pad will have you feeling like you’ve slept on an authentic goose or duck down. The only difference in the feeling being that with our mattress pad fill, the Snow Down Alternative Fill, you will reap all the benefits of comfortable rest without feeling like you’re being poked by feather tips. Furthermore, if all these professional sleeping testers are to be believed, the Leisure Town’s HNN Cooling Technology will ensure your sleep is sweat-free. Folks, why shouldn’t you have a mattress that’s both comfortable and breathable enough to have you feeling fresh in the morning? Take charge and get yours today. 

LEISURE TOWN Twin Mattress Pad Cover Cooling Mattress Topper

Pros:

  • Increases firmness while sleeping on a soft mattress
  • Ensures cozy sleep
  • Fits the mattress perfectly

Cons:

  • Doesn’t cool as advertised
  • Not as thick as expected
  • Smells strongly of chemicals even after the second wash

8. LUCID 3-inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Mattress Toppers for Hot Sleepers

This 3-inch ventilated gel memory foam mattress topper combines comfort and pressure-relief in one go. The topper is very responsive and infused with a plush gel material to ensure that you sleep cool throughout the night. The ventilated design improves the material’s breathability as well.

The Lucid Gel Infused mattress topper is great at helping you maintain neutral spinal alignment. It molds perfectly around the natural curves of your body but it will spring back to its original shape right away when you leave the bed. At the same time, it is very comfortable. If you plan on adding plushness to a firm mattress without losing any of the support, this mattress topper is a really good choice. The foam itself is naturally resistant to dust mites and allergens which makes this an ideal option for those who suffer from allergies.

Another thing we want to point out about the Lucid is that it has little to no odor. What initial odor that it releases when unrolled dissipates quickly.

LUCID 3-inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Pros:

  • Little to no odor
  • Offers both comfort and support
  • Well-ventilated design

Cons:

  • Slightly expensive
  • Does not come with a cover
  • Too soft for some

9. Superior All Season Mattress Topper

Mattress Toppers for Dust Mite Allergy

The Superior All Season mattress topper is hypoallergenic, down alternative polyfill topper. Its cover is 100% microfiber that is exceedingly soft while the filling gives this topper a luxurious pillowtop feel. The topper features baffle box construction and double-needle stitching so the fill shouldn’t shift or clump together. And unlike its competitors, this down alternative mattress topper is machine washable.

The mattress topper is 2 inches thick, providing you with that extra layer of softness you’ve been looking for. This is perfect for adding comfort to a too-firm bed or for revitalizing an old mattress at a very low price. Like any fiber bed mattress topper, this one does require a bit of fluffing to keep it thick. Also, it moves under the sheet which means you’ll have to adjust it back every morning. Lastly, washing it can be a bit of a gamble as sometimes it doesn’t hold up well. You’ll be better off having a professional cleaner do it.

Superior All Season Mattress Topper

Pros:

  • Luxuriously soft and comfy
  • Affordable price
  • Hypoallergenic

Cons:

  • Require re-fluffing to keep its loft
  • Slides around under the sheet
  • Doesn’t hold well when washed at home; may require a professional cleaner

10. Snugfleece SnugSoft Elite Virgin Wool Bed Mattress Cover

Mattress Toppers for Dust Mite Allergy

Ah, wool. This mattress topper will keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It feels luxurious and soft. It’s machine washable, it’s free of chemicals since it is 100 percent virgin wool, it’s also naturally resistant to dust mites. And it comes with 2-inch elastic corner straps to keep it in place.

Similar to featherbed and fiber bed mattress toppers, this wool mattress topper will need to be fluffed occasionally to maintain its loft. Most sleepers who bought this mattress topper did it to add softness to their firm mattress as well as to help regulate the temperature of their bed. It does do a really good job of reducing heat retention while making you feel luxurious at the same time. While it does help relieve pressure points a little bit, it is not as good as latex or memory foam. Also, it is thin so it really isn’t an ideal mattress topper for someone who sleeps on their side.

Snugfleece SnugSoft Elite Virgin Wool Bed Mattress Cover

Pros:

  • Luxuriously soft
  • Sleeps cool
  • Hypoallergenic

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Too thin
  • Initial odor

Choosing The Best Mattress Topper – The Ultimate Buying Guide

So you’re looking for a mattress topper or pad. How does one choose which to buy from a plethora of choices? While we may already have listed the best in the market, it’s never a waste of time to do a little research of your own.

Just like with mattresses, not all toppers and pads are created equal. More importantly, what’s good for the goose ain’t really going to be good for the gander. While all the reviews and testing give you a lot of information on a product’s suitability, the final call will be very much up to you. This is because comfort and support is very much a personal thing. What’s comfortable to you may not be for someone else.

This may seem like an overwhelming task to undertake. Fortunately, there are guidelines and tips that can help you navigate around the world of mattress toppers and we’re just the people to give them to you.

Types of Mattress Toppers

Memory Foam

Made from polyurethane, memory foam is a popular material used in mattresses, toppers, and pads. They’re great for providing comfort, support, and pressure relief. Plus, they lessen motion transfer. These toppers usually come in many varieties. However, this material tends to retain heat and release a chemical odor when newly bought. Also, memory foam can be heavy and hard to move around on.

Latex

This material can be made from rubber (natural) or synthetic. Latex is known for providing pressure relief and motion isolation. It’s antimicrobial and non-allergenic (unless you’re allergic to latex itself). Unlike memory foam, it is bouncy with the faster response time. Keep in mind that latex can be expensive, especially the natural kind. Also, like memory foam, this releases an initial odor and retains heat.

Feathers

Also called featherbeds, this type of material is generally great at adding plushness to a firm mattress. It doesn’t retain heat, is lightweight, and relatively inexpensive compared to the other two materials. However, some individuals are allergic to feathers. Also, this kind of topper may require re-fluffing to retain its loft. Some feathers may also poke through the cover which can lead to a rude awakening.

Fiber

This material is typically good at softening a firm mattress but not at providing support. It’s a good alternative to those who are allergic to feathers but like its feel. In addition, fiber or down alternative mattress toppers produce little to no odor at all. However, this kind of material tends to lump together over time and may need fluffing to keep its initial loft and comfort level.

Why are You Buying A Mattress Topper?

Before you even start considering what type of mattress topper to look at first, you’ll need to answer this question. Are you planning to make your too-firm mattress more comfortable? Then you’ll need to choose a mattress topper or pad that’s thick and soft. Cotton toppers are great for giving you extra padding that’s soft and breathable, perfect if you happen to live in a warm/hot climate. Wool or down also creates that plushy feel but is great for cold climates since they’re going to keep you warm. For those who wish to use the topper to relieve back pain, you’ll be better off with memory foam or latex mattress topper since these provide awesome pressure relief by conforming to your body shape.

If you wish your mattress to feel cooler or warmer depending on your own internal temperature, you’ll need to choose one that contains natural fibers such as wool, cotton, and down. Memory foam toppers are notorious for retaining heat. If you wish for a mattress to reduce motion transfer so that you never get rudely awakened whenever your partner tosses and turns on the bed (or vice versa), you’ll need a memory foam or latex topper which are great for isolating movement.

Are you buying a mattress topper or pad for only half the bed? You’ll need to look for a topper offered in that particular size. For king-size beds, you can get an XL twin. However, for a full-size bed or queen-size bed, there are no sizes that will cover only half of the bed. This means that you may only choose a topper that can be trimmed without having the contents spilling out such as foam, memory foam, and latex toppers.

Another thing you should note is that a topper that’s too thick may give your bed an awkward appearance if it’s only covering half of the bed. If this won’t bother you much, then you have nothing to worry about. However, if this will be an issue for you, you’ll need to stick to toppers that have a slim profile.

What Level of Firmness do You Need?

As we mentioned earlier, firmness is very subjective. However, in general, if you want to add plushness to your bed, you’ll want a featherbed or fiber mattress topper. Wool mattress toppers also add softness to a mattress but it’s not as cushy.

Latex and memory foam mattress toppers, on the other hand, have various levels of firmness that you can choose from. Typically, you buy a memory foam topper or latex one to add firmness to your bed as well as additional support. Also, the thickness of the toppers will also help determine how much softness will be added to the bed’s overall feel.

Conclusion

Sleep isn’t mentioned as one of the basic needs because it is an obvious inalienable right. And so is quality sleep. For one reason or another, this might be compromised mostly because of the disconnect between the firmness of your mattress and the sweet spot you need to achieve to comfortably slumber. A quality mattress topper will more than help you overcome this. With the array we’ve brought together for you, a good night of relaxation is within your grasp.

SHARE
Previous articleBest Tarps for Camping and all Your Covering Needs [2020 Update]
Next articleBest Baby Play Mats to Keep Infants and Babies Entertained [2020 Update]
A blogger, personal finance enthusiast with slight “addiction” of planning and organizing whether it’s budget, business or just life in general. When you run into an article around the web you can clearly tell it’s Michael’s work,as it can never be mixed with anyone else's , because of his very unique own voice. Finances, real estate, budgeting, new technological solutions are not the only talking points, that he has his heart set on. Passionate about life he studies and writes about environmental changes, human rights and quality of life. Being a true humanist he draws inspiration from the simple thing as an everyday life and the matters one come across on daily bases doing his best and above to help everyone around.