3 Reasons Your Firm Mattress Topper Is Broken (And How To Fix It)

Which Mattress Toppers Are Best?

A cushioning layer can help make your bed more comfortable and also relieve tension on joints. Which mattress covers work best?

Dr. Holliday-Bell recommends this organic alternative for those who require the supple support of memory foam but want to stay clear of chemicals. It has an easily removable cover, and the firmness options permit the majority of sleepers to find their ideal level of comfort.

1. Sleep Innovations Gel Memory Topper

The topper is soft enough for most people to be comfortable with, but it's not devoid of support. Our testers loved how it moulded pleasantly to their bodies, giving support in all the proper places. It can also be fitted to most mattresses although it's tricky to get the sheets on (read more about how to fit mattress toppers here). The thick memory foam layer is machine-washable and naturally anti-bacterial. It has a quilted bamboo cover that is non-toxic and sustainably sourced. It was a favorite of our panelists, however it's important to keep in mind that it doesn't have any straps to help anchor the topper to your bed and it's possible that it will move as you sleep.

The panelists who adored this topper also appreciated how it eased back pain. It's a great choice for heavier sleepers who may find that a topper with an average depth of three to four inches can ease pressure on a sensitive area such as hips and shoulders.

A two-inch layer of copper-infused memory foam wicks heat and promotes airflow for a cool night's sleep. The top layer was firm enough to ease her pressure in the back as well as the front and side sleeping positions, but not so firm that it made her feel uncomfortable. She also noticed that her back pain "pretty well disappeared overnight." She was amazed by how quiet the mattress is, too, even when it is paired with a soft spring mattress. It also stops motion transfer, making it an ideal option for couples sharing a bed.

2. Coop Home Goods Retreat

Coop Home Goods mattress toppers have a plush pillow-like feel, so we were delighted to discover this model that can only be spot-cleaned. It's made of the brand's crosscut microfiber and memory foam that's hypoallergenic, and perfect for those looking to improve the quality of an existing soft mattress or revitalize the bed in a dorm, guest room, or rental home. What makes this topper distinctive is the inclusion of five body-zones with different density zones, which helps to shape and conform to your unique frame while still providing sufficient support.

This topper's cover is made of 100 percent microfiber that is brushed and it has an asymmetrical baffle box design that creates pockets of filling to keep it evenly distributed. The topper is also equipped with four elastic straps on each corner to ensure it stays in place on your double mattress topper. A layer of memory foam with copper infusion wicks heat away from the body to keep you cool at night, and it's topped with another 2" layer of memory foam that is ventilated to provide even more airflow.

The Retreat is the most suitable mattress topper for sleepers who prefer a soft feel. When Strategist writer Louise tried it, she noted that the mattress quickly adapted to her body and hugged her, making her feel well-supported and at ease. She tends to get hot in bed however the Retreat stayed her cool and didn't change significantly throughout the night. It's available in two firmness options, and back, side, and stomach sleepers will find it suits their preferences.

3. Nolah Beds Luxury Firm Memory Foam Topper

There are plenty of options when you're in search of a mattress topper. Some are designed to keep your body cool or regulate body temperature, while others provide a little more support or comfort. A mattress topper is a great way to increase the comfort of your mattress without spending a lot of money. A memory foam topper is a good choice for most sleepers, though should you prefer the bouncy feel of an innerspring mattress toppers single bed consider a hybrid topper that blends latex with tiny nano-springs.

For those who sleep on their sides and backs, a more firm topper can better align your spine and reduce pressure on the sensitive areas. Our test participant Julia was impressed by this four-inch mattress by Tempur, which is made in the US and comes with a remarkable 120-night trial. It helped her sleep better and was pleased with the extra comfort it brought to her old mattress toppers for sofa beds. She did smell an off-gassing smell when she first opened it, but it went away within one day.

Another firm option is this one from Parachute which provides shredded foam that's not as dense as traditional memory foam, but is still very comfortable. Strategist contributor Lauren Levy says that it's "much cheaper than a down-topper" and offers the same marshmallow softness and baffle-box construction. She loved sleeping on it, but doesn't recommend it for front sleepers due to her torso was smashed in the topper.

A topper made of natural wool fleece is hypoallergenic and soft. It's not as breathable, and can make you feel hot in the evening. Cotton is a good choice, as it is breathable and keeps you cool. Some fabrics are infused with copper or graphite to keep your cool.

4. Sleep Innovations Gel Cooling Memory Foam Topper

This topper made by Puffy is an excellent budget choice, offering a soft feel and gentle, pressure-relieving support for a low price. It is available in a variety of thickness and density options to assist you in finding the ideal suitable bed.

Strategist Contributing writer Lauren Levy loved that this topper resembles down--it's "marshmallow soft" and has the appearance of a baffle-box with pillow-like fiber-fill. It's hypoallergenic and comes with an easy-to-clean cover that will help you maintain the cleanliness in your mattress.

The topper's 2" layer of copper-infused memory foam helps to increase airflow and wicks away moisture during sleep, allowing you to stay cool. Even though it's not as bouncy as much bounce as latex toppers, Levy found it to be very supportive. It's ideal for side, back, or stomach sleepers and those suffering from chronic pain who require additional cushioning.

A 10-year warranty and free shipping are included. This topper is also easy to clean. Just wipe it down and allow it to dry in the sunlight. Just be careful not to put it in the dryer or washer in order to end the warranty.

The Sleep Innovations Gel Cooling Memory Foam Topper is an excellent budget-friendly option for a soft and comfortable mattress. It is medium (5) firm and is suitable for most sleepers. However those who find their mattress too firm will benefit from this product. It also prevents motion transfer which is essential for sleepers who are combination. It also alleviates shoulder and neck pain, similar to the Coop Home Goods Retreat topper. The only drawback to this topper is that it may not be as breathable as latex or polyfoam and is therefore not the ideal choice for those who sleep hot.

5. Nolah Beds Luxury Plush Memory Foam Topper

The Nolah Beds luxury mattress topper Plush Memory Foam Topper is an excellent choice for those who sleep on their backs and want to soften their firm mattress as well as for side sleepers who want extra cushioning. The topper also helps to reduce pressure points and is a great option for those suffering from chronic pain. It's made in the USA with non-toxic materials and is a great choice for those who sleep hot. It has a 2" layer of copper-infused foam which promotes breathability as well as providing support. It also has a cover made of organic cotton which helps in regulating moisture. The topper was discovered by our tester Paige to be extremely efficient in stopping motion transfer. It also gave an impressive amount of softness without sacrificing any support. However, she did notice that the edges didn't fully hug her mattress. If support for edges is important to you, this might not be the ideal mattress for your needs.

The cover is machine washable, making it easy to clean. It's also hypoallergenic and antibacterial, providing an uninhibited sleep. It's also made with five body zones to support various areas of the mattress. It comes with a warranty as well as a 120-night trial period, which is more than the policies of rivals.

This is one of our cheapest alternatives but it doesn't sacrifice quality. It's made of a mixture of memory foam and natural latex that gives it a luxuriously soft feel. It features a more dense memory foam layer to provide extra comfort and promote the restful sleep. While it may not be the best option for stomach sleepers since it can sink too much, and may cause spinal misalignment It's a good choice for those seeking better sleep for less.