The best mattress toppers 2024: Tested and approved

Best mattress topper: The image shows a man place a Tempur-Adapt mattress topper on his mattress
(Image credit: Tempur-Pedic)

A mattress topper can instantly transform your bed's overall comfort and prolong its lifespan. Plus, investing in a top-rated mattress topper is a cost effective way to get a flavor of the sleep-enhancing features of some of the mattresses included in our best mattress guide. Whether you wish your current mattress were firmer, softer, or cooler, all you need is the right mattress topper — and you'll find one in this guide.

For this 2024 guide to the best mattress toppers, our team of highly experienced mattress testers and certified sleep coaches have spent hundreds of hours testing and sleeping on every bed topper you see on this list. We've slept on all of these memory foam and latex mattress toppers, testing them in key areas such as support, comfort, and temperature regulation, to provide you with expert advice on how to decide which bed topper to buy in the upcoming Black Friday mattress topper sales.

The best mattress toppers 2024 — expert-tested

Best mattress topper overall

Our top recommendation overall and the best choice for hip pain, too

Specifications

Price: from $319
Type: Memory foam
Best for: Side sleepers; joint pain
Depth: 3"
Sleep trial: None
Warranty: 10 years

Reasons to buy

+
Luxe Tempur feel for less
+
Plush cushioning for hip pain
+
Great for side sleepers
+
Removable, washable cover

Reasons to avoid

-
Can't be returned
-
Too soft for back or stomach sleepers

Quick summary

The Tempur-Adapt Mattress Topper is the best mattress topper around, offering the the signature luxe feel of a Tempur-Pedic mattresses for a fraction of the price. The Adapt topper contains 3 inches of NASA-developed Tempur material, which will meld to your shape and help alleviate hip pain and joint aches. This memory foam bed topper also earns brownie points for its design, which includes stretchy, elastic straps keep the topper in place and a removable, machine-washable cover for an easy clean and hygienic sleep. However, its all-foam construction does mean it traps heat slightly, so hot sleepers should either opt for a cooling cover upgrade (at $100 extra) or choose the Casper Comfy Topper (#7) instead for both cushioning comfort and temperature control. 

At MSRP, the starting price of a Tempur-Adapt is $319, while a queen size is $419. However, there's a 40% off deal on this topper that comes and goes, appearing sporadically and without warning. If you happen to catch this discount, the starting price becomes $191.40 and a queen is reduced to $251. There's also a generous 10-year warranty included all year round, but be aware that this bed topper is non-returnable and no sleep trials are available. 

EXPERT VERDICT
Frances Daniels
EXPERT VERDICT
Frances Daniels

While the absence of a sleep trial would have ordinarily knocked any other mattress topper off the top spot, the Tempur-Adapt's soothing pressure relief and cloud-like comfort outweighs any negatives. If you're a side sleeper looking to add cushioning comfort and softness to a hard mattress, I strongly recommend the Tempur-Adapt mattress topper. Read more: Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt Topper review

The best cheap mattress topper

This Amazon bestseller is the best option if you want a thick mattress topper at a cheap price

Specifications

Price: From $74.99
Type: Gel-infused memory foam
Best for: Small budgets, side sleepers
Depth: 4"
Sleep trial: 30 nights
Warranty: 3 years
Shipping: Free

Reasons to buy

+
Low price
+
Generous thickness
+
Doesn't sleep too warm

Reasons to avoid

-
Cover not included
-
Too squishy for some

Quick Summary

The Lucid Gel Memory Foam mattress topper is a low-budget model and an Amazon best-seller that provides a thick bed surface with decent cooling at a lower price. At 4 inches deep, there's lots of cushioning for maximum pressure relief, and it's chunky enough to mask an uncomfortable sleep surface, too. While memory foam does have a reputation for trapping heat, this budget-friendly topper features a ventilated design infused with cooling gel to keep you feeling refreshed throughout the night. 

Another big draw here is the price. A queen retails for $120 (based on the 4-inch, no-cover version). Since multiple retailers sell it, you'll be able to shop around for a good deal, too. If you buy directly from Lucid (which we reccomend) you'll get a 30-nght sleep trial, a 3-year warranty, and free shipping. Plus, Lucid has a habit of throwing 30% off flash sales every so often, which brings a queen-size down from $119.99 down to $84. 

EXPERT VERDICT
Photo of Frances Daniels
EXPERT VERDICT
Frances Daniels

Mattress toppers can be expensive, especially if you're looking for a quick stopgap fix an older mattress while saving up for a new one. This is where the Lucid 4" Memory Foam Topper comes in handy. At a lower price, even at full retail, you can add comfort to a hard or aging mattress without having to spend a small fortune. Read more: Lucid Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper review   

The best luxury mattress topper

Our favorite memory foam mattress topper for providing luxury comfort at a lower price

Specifications

Price: From $195
Type: High-density memory foam
Best for: Side sleepers; pressure relief
Depth: 1.5"
Sleep trial: 180 nights
Warranty: 1 year
Shipping: Free

Reasons to buy

+
An affordable way to sleep on a Saatva
+
Great for side sleeping
+
Comes with a 180-night trial

Reasons to avoid

-
Cover is spot-clean only
-
Prone to shifting, despite straps

Quick Summary

The Saatva Foam Mattress Topper is the brand's least expensive topper, making it the quickest way to add the premium brand's signature luxury to your bed. It's also the thinnest in Saatva's topper line with a 1.5-inch profile, but its high-dense foam makes up for its slim build by providing ample cushioning for people who otherwise like the feel of their mattress. This high-density foam topper has a medium-firm feel to gently cradle your body. 

It's also a great choice if you want a taste of Saatva's signature luxury comfort at a fraction of the cost of its full-fledged mattresses. A queen size retails at $295 ($150 cheaper than a queen Saatva Graphite at #5), and you can take your time trying it out with a 180-night sleep trial. However, discounts are virtually non-existent on this topper (as with all of Saatva's mattress toppers). 

EXPERT VERDICT
Photo of Frances Daniels
EXPERT VERDICT
Frances Daniels

While we always reccomend choosing a topper that's at least 2 inches thick, the Saatva High Density Foam Topper makes up for its relatively thin frame by using ultra-cushioning, ultra-dense foam. It's also one of the cheapest ways to experience Saatva's trademark luxury, and side sleepers will be able to overlook the minor faults  thanks to the deep pressure relief it provides.  Read more: Saatva Foam Mattress Topper review

Best cooling mattress topper

An excellent bed topper for hot sleepers or for keeping cool during warm weather

Specifications

Price: From $179.99
Type: Copper-infused memory foam
Best for: Hot sleepers, side sleepers
Depth: 3"
Sleep trial: 30 nights
Warranty: 5 years
Shipping: Free

Reasons to buy

+
7-zoned design for targeted support
+
Excellent temperature regulation
+
Will suit most side and back sleepers

Reasons to avoid

-
No washable cover
-
May be too soft for some

Quick Summary

The Molecule's open-cell, copper-infused memory foam kept us comfortably cool throughout our testing period. In fact we scored this cooling topper 5 out of 5 in the temperature regulation department. We never felt any trapped heat (usually associated with memory foam) As a bonus, copper has anti-microbial properties, so it's also a great choice for those with allergies. 

The medium-firm sleep feel should suit a wide array of sleepers, but we found it to be most comfortable for side sleeping. Our side-sleeping main tester found the topper provided a good balance of firmness and pressure relief, while she also felt cushioned yet supported when sleeping on her back. However, if you want a cooling mattress topper that provided a good amount of firmness for back and front sleepers, we recommend checking out the ViscoSoft Active Cooling Mattress Topper at #6. 

While the brand justifies its lack of a cover by suggesting a cover would prevent sleepers from fully experiencing the zoned support and airflow benefits, we still feel the bed topper would benefit from one. However, no matter how much bedding we added to the topper, it's cooling performance remained unaffected. Without a cover, it's a tad annoying to keep clean, so we recommend finding a machine-washable mattress protector that'll safeguard it from spills.

EXPERT VERDICT
Photo of Frances Daniels
EXPERT VERDICT
Frances Daniels

While discounts on this topper are rare, the CopperWELL is still the top choice if you're looking for an easy, cost-effective way to cool down your bed. Its copper-infused foam offers a heat-dissipating, antimicrobial feel while its open-cell design adds breathability to a stuffy mattress. Plus, its seven-zone design means it's perfect for side-sleeping hot sleepers looking for cooling pressure relief.  Read more: Molecule CopperWELL Mattress Topper review 

The best mattress topper for back pain

This supportive mattress topper will alleviates lower back pain and keep you cool

Specifications

Price: From $245
Type: Memory foam
Best for: Back sleepers, hot sleepers
Depth: 3"
Sleep trial: 180 nights
Warranty: 1 year
Shipping: Free

Reasons to buy

+
Soothing support for back sleepers
+
Excellent cooling capabilities
+
Anchor bands keep things in place

Reasons to avoid

-
Too soft for some front sleepers
-
Cover is spot clean only

Quick Summary

The Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper is our top recommendation for back sleepers  who need medium-firm support.  It includes three inches of body hugging foam for a soothing feel when sleeping on your back or side, while the graphite infusion provides a cooling touch. The organic cotton cover also provides extra breathability and features anchor straps to keep the topper from shifting. 

Sitting in the premium price bracket, a queen is typically priced at $445. Saatva toppers aren't usually discounted in the Saatva mattress sales, but it's worth checking before you buy, just in case. When it comes to extras, there's a 180-night home trial – the longest of any brand on this list. On the other hand, it's only backed by a 1-year limited warranty, which is very short considering the premium price tag. 

EXPERT VERDICT
Photo of Frances Daniels
EXPERT VERDICT
Frances Daniels

The Saatva Graphite Topper is ideal for back sleepers and those suffering with lower back pain thanks to its soothing support and its crowd-pleasing medium-firm feel. A major plus is its temperature regulation, with the graphite infusion and breathable organic cotton cover providing a refreshingly cool sleep.  Read more: Saatva Graphite mattress topper review

The best firm mattress topper

The perfect mattress topper for making a too-soft bed feel firmer - and cooler

Specifications

Price: From $269.95
Type: Copper-infused memory foam
Best for: Hot sleepers, back sleepers
Depth: 4"
Sleep trial: 90 nights
Warranty: 5 years
Shipping: Free

Reasons to buy

+
Impressive cooling
+
Cover is washable, comes in 2 colors
+
Great support for back sleepers

Reasons to avoid

-
Frequently out of stock
-
A bit firm for lighter side sleepers

Quick summary

If you want to make your mattress firmer and supportive, the ViscoSoft Active cooling topper is the best option. This 4-inch thick, medium-firm option offers gentle pressure relief alongside more solid support, and it's perfect for back sleepers. As you'd guess from the name, it also offers good temperature regulation. Although the phase-change cover wasn't cold-to-the-touch for us, the copper-infused foam kept our testers comfortably cool on even the warmest nights.

Officially, there's no trial period for this topper, although if you buy direct from ViscoSoft, there's a 90-day money-back guarantee, during which time the brand will refund you if you're not satisfied with your purchase. You'll also get a 5-year warranty. Price-wise, this is the most expensive of ViscoSoft's topper line-up, with a queen going for $399.95 at MSRP. However, there's a 25% of evergreen deal on toppers at ViscoSoft, which regularly takes a queen size down to $299.95. 

EXPERT VERDICT
Photo of Frances Daniels
EXPERT VERDICT
Frances Daniels

A great choice if you dislike a sink-in soft bed and want to make it less stuffy, the Active Cooling Topper will add both firmness and decent temperature control to your mattress. While it can be hard to find certain sizes due to frequent unavailability, it's worth the money if you manage to get your hands on one. Read more: Viscosoft Active Cooling Mattress Topper review 

The best mattress topper for side sleepers

A memory foam mattress topper that's best at keeping side sleepers cool and comfortable

Specifications

Price: From $199
Type: Memory Foam
Best for: Side sleepers, hot sleepers
Depth: 3"
Sleep trial: 30 nights
Warranty: 5 years
Shipping: Free

Reasons to buy

+
Cloud-like comfort
+
Excellent temperature regulation
+
Great for side sleepers

Reasons to avoid

-
Too soft for back and front sleepers
-
Cover isn't machine washable

Quick summary

A favorite among side sleepers, the Casper Comfy Mattress Topper is the perfect way to add some softness to a hard bed. This 3-inch tall topper topper is luxuriously cushiony, like adding a giant pillow to your bed, thanks to its body-cradling top layer of foam and a supportive layer on the bottom. Its perforated foam design also means it sleeps incredibly cool for a memory foam mattress topper that isn't billed as cooling. 

Price-wise, we're at the lower end of mid-range here. Casper sales and deals aren't super common, but you can often catch a 10% or 20% discount at the brand from time to time. It's also available at Target, you can often save big when buying the topper from Amazon.

EXPERT VERDICT
Photo of Frances Daniels
EXPERT VERDICT
Frances Daniels

The Casper Comfy Topper is ideal if your current mattress is too firm, or if your dorm bed feels too hard. The temperature regulation is a huge bonus, too, with a ventilated design keeping you cool. I recommend shopping around for this topper, as there are some pretty good deals to catch at both Casper and Amazon.   Read more: Casper Comfy Mattress Topper review 

Best memory foam mattress topper

A customizable memory foam mattress topper to make beds softer or firmer

Specifications

Price: From $238
Type: Memory Foam
Best for: Side sleepers, back sleepers
Depth: 2.5"
Sleep trial: 101 nights
Warranty: Lifetime
Shipping: Free

Reasons to buy

+
Available in soft or firm
+
Backed by a lifetime warranty
+
Stays in place, even if you fidget a lot

Reasons to avoid

-
Too soft for heavier sleepers
-
Traps heat 

Quick summary

The Puffy Deluxe is the only bed topper in this guide that comes with two adjustable firmness options (soft or firm), so this 2.5 inch memory foam mattress topper is perfect for providing customized comfort. This gives you a little more freedom in adjusting your bed feel so you can make it cozier or more supportive as needed. Plus, good news if you deal with allergies — this topper comes with a hypoallergenic bamboo rayon/polyester cover you can throw in the wash.

Puffy includes a 101-night trial and a lifetime warranty with its mattresses — and offers those same extras with its mattress toppers. Sleep companies usually truncate the warranty and trial periods for their toppers, so it's nice to see Puffy go against the norm. (No other topper on this list comes with a lifetime warranty, either.) 

EXPERT VERDICT
Photo of Frances Daniels
EXPERT VERDICT
Frances Daniels

Choose the Puffy Deluxe Topper if you want to customize your firmness feel and add a signature hug of memory foam to your mattress. However, as it sleeps warm, I suggest hot sleepers should either choose the Casper Comfy Topper at #7 or add a cooling mattress protector.  Read more: Puffy Deluxe Mattress Topper review

The best dorm mattress topper

A down hybrid mattress topper that's ideal for giving dorm beds memory foam comfort

Specifications

Price: $184.95
Type: Memory foam, down-alternative fill
Best for: Side or back sleepers, couples
Depth: 4" or 3"
Sleep trial: 90 nights
Warranty: 5 years
Shipping: Free

Reasons to buy

+
Cushioned support for side/back sleepers
+
Thick, luxurious feel
+
Has a washable pillow-top

Reasons to avoid

-
Too plush for stomach sleeping
-
Doesn't stay in place well

Quick summary

As ViscoSoft's most affordable mattress topper, the Serene Hybrid is perfect for providing a thick layer of comfort and protection to an uncomfortable dorm bed. It's also the only hybrid mattress topper on the list, featuring a 4" combination of 400gsm down alternative fill, a 2.5 inch gel-infused memory foam, and a 1.5 inch pillow-top cover. The result is a medium-soft surface with a plush sink-in sensation that's still plenty supportive. There's also a 3 inch version that instead has 2 inches of gel-infused foam.

In our opinion, this topper is more than a Band-Aid for a mattress that's seen better days. You can use it to transform a bed you already love into a luxury hotel mattress. Fortunately, it costs much less than ViscoSoft's Active Cooling Topper (#6). This mid-range mattress topper is often on sale at 25% off, which reduces a 4 inch queen from $254.95 to $189.95. 

EXPERT VERDICT
Photo of Frances Daniels
EXPERT VERDICT
Frances Daniels

The ViscoSoft Serene Hybrid is ideal for adding a thick layer of comfort and protection to a dorm bed or an old mattress that's seen better days. With a touch of 5-star luxury through its pillow top and down alternative fill, this will add plush support to any bed that needs a comfort boost. Read more: Viscosoft Serene Hybrid Mattress Topper review

Best latex mattress topper

A vegan-friendly latex mattress topper with deep pressure relief for side sleepers

Specifications

Price: From $499
Type: Organic latex
Best for: Side sleepers, hot sleepers, pain relief
Depth: 2"
Sleep trial: 100 nights
Warranty: 10 years
Shipping: Free

Reasons to buy

+
Plush pressure point relief
+
Comfy for side sleeping
+
Naturally breathable materials

Reasons to avoid

-
Cover is spot-clean only
-
Very expensive

Quick Summary

The Naturepedic Adagio Organic Latex Topper is the only organic or latex topper on this list, so it's perfect for adding some eco-luxury to your sleep set-up. The construction here is simple: two inches of organic latex foam and a stretch-knit organic cotton cover. Naturepedic doesn't specify if it's Dunlop or Talalay latex, just that it's organic and GOTS-approved.

It's also the priciest option on our list, with a queen typically priced at $749 – some of our favorite budget mattresses don't even cost this much. However, if you're keen on latex and want a topper that's made with natural, breathable materials and provides plush pressure point relief, then this topper could be worth the price tag. As well as a 10-year warranty, a 100-night trial is included. 

EXPERT VERDICT
Photo of Frances Daniels
EXPERT VERDICT
Frances Daniels

While this not for people looking for a quick, cost-effective way to give their bed a makeover, it is a good choice for those who want to add natural latex to their sleep set-up without splurging on the best organic mattress. Plus, side sleepers and hot sleepers should love the breathable comfort, too.  Read more: Naturepedic Adagio Organic Latex Mattress Topper review 

How we test mattress toppers

The mattress topper review process at Tom's Guide is editorially independent and not influenced by third parties. Our expert testers sleep on each mattress topper for at least three weeks, which is the recommended amount of time needed to truly gauge whether a mattress topper is right for you. We test out the latest mattress toppers in all key areas — delivery and set-up, pressure relief, temperature regulation, and support and comfort — to create recommendations that are honest, helpful, and unbiased. We then give each area a score out of 5. 

When scoring delivery and set-up, we review how quick and hassle-free the delivery was, how easy it is to unbox and install the topper, and if the new mattress topper gives off any strong off-gassing. For pressure relief, support, and comfort, our panel sleeps on each topper in different sleep positions (back, stomach, and side) to see how comfortable and supportive it feels in those positions. Temperature regulation is also an important area, 

Woman lying on Tempur-Adapt Topper on her back

(Image credit: Michele Ross)

However, we know one person's experience sleeping on a mattress topper can be different to another person's experience. That's why we also asked a trusted and experienced testing panel, made up of people with different sleep preferences, to rate each mattress by following our performance criteria. 

In addition to first-hand testing, we also research each bed topper we test by trawling through verified customer reviews. We do this to give a more well-rounded review, as some areas that can't be gauged from a month of testing, such as durability or the bed topper's affect on certain sleep and health issues. 

Best mattress toppers: Buying advice

How to choose the right mattress topper for you

When choosing the best mattress topper for your mattress, you first need to know what qualities your current bed needs or lacks. That's why there are a number of things you should consider before buying a mattress topper:

  • Firmness: If you find your mattress too firm, you need to look for a mattress topper that's designed to offer cushioning comfort and pressure relief, such as a memory foam one. Likewise, if your mattress is too soft or squidgy, look for a bed topper such as the Puffy Deluxe Mattress Topper (#8 in this guide) that offers a line-up of firmness options so you can find one that’s more suitable.
  • Sleep position and body type: Make sure that your mattress topper suits your preferred sleep style, otherwise problems such as back pain can arise. For example, a lightweight side sleeper will feel comfortable on the Tempur-Adapt Topper (#1), but a heavyweight stomach sleeper will need something firmer to keep their hips supported and spine properly aligned.
  • Temperature: Does your memory foam mattress feel as if it's trapping your body heat? Do you suffer from night sweats? Well, you may want to invest in a cooling mattress topper such as #4 and #6 in this guide, as well as bed toppers with excellent temperature regulation such as #5 and #8. 

Lucid 4-inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper

(Image credit: Lucid)
  • Materials and durability: Materials are also important when considering what mattress to buy, as they often dictate how long a mattress topper is likely to last. For example, a latex or wool topper is highly durable and can last a decade. Memory foam toppers need to be replaced every two to five years (depending on quality), while a feather or down topper lasts only one to two years.
  • Budget: While a luxury organic mattress topper can offer advanced cooling, high durability, and premium comfort, they can be outside a lot of budgets and even cost as much as an inexpensive mattress. Look for cheaper toppers, such as the Lucid at #2, if you're on a tight budget.
  • Hygiene: Mattress toppers are a great way to add extra protection to your mattress, so finding one with a removable, washable cover is a great way to keep both the mattress and mattress topper clean. If you suffer from allergies, there are also plenty of mattress toppers made from clean, hypoallergenic materials. For example, all Saatva mattress toppers (such as #3 and #5) are covered in antimicrobial treatment to keep mold, mildew, and dust mites away.
  • Height: Always choose a mattress topper that's between 2" and 4". Any shorter, the topper will make no difference to the feel of your mattress. On the other hand, a thicker mattress topper will make your bed surface feel too squidgy.

When is the best time to buy a mattress topper?

Good value mattress topper deals come up regularly throughout the year. Usually at least one of the toppers in our guide will have a discount at any given time. That said, there are some key periods that tend to offer slightly bigger discounts. November is when we normally see some of the best Black Friday mattress topper deals from the biggest names in sleep, and these usually form part of the wider Black Friday mattress sales.

In February, there are big discounts in the Presidents Day mattress sales; and in May there's always a wide variety of toppers on sale during Memorial Day. We also tend to see decent deals during the summer sales, on Labor Day in September, and in early December with Cyber Monday.

Mattress topper materials guide: foam, gel, latex

There is a countless number of mattress toppers available, so it can be difficult to know what to choose. Here’s a quick guide to the three main materials that you’ll find in bed toppers and the benefits of each.

Memory foam — a popular material used to make many of the best mattresses in a box, memory foam bed toppers are a cheap and easy way to change up your mattress, making it softer or firmer depending on what you need. If you get chilly, then memory foam is a cozier option as it tends to retain heat, although there are some cooling options too.

Gel — if you sleep hot then bed toppers made with cooling gel-infused foam are designed to keep your body temperature at a cooler level as you sleep. These are often cool to the touch, which is total bliss for hot sleepers. Look out for gel-infused toppers that also have washable and antimicrobial covers, which is essential for keeping your bed topper hygienic if you sweat. 

Latex — natural latex is extremely durable, nicely springy, and breathable making it ideal if you’re looking for something long-lasting and hard-wearing on top of the comfort. Latex mattress toppers are often a good choice for RVs/campervans. To find out which type of latex is best for you, take a look at our Dunlop vs Talalay latex comparison guide.

Best Mattress Toppers: FAQs

What are the benefits of a mattress topper?

If your mattress is still in good condition, but isn’t quite right — maybe it’s too soft, too firm, or not cooling enough — then there will be a mattress topper to help. Bed toppers are a simple way to transform any mattress, instantly, cheaply, and easily, with just a few inches of memory foam, latex, or feathers providing that little extra something you need. 

If you’re looking to bring the temperature down, try a bed topper with cooling qualities such as a gel-infused top or a sweat-wicking cover. Many come with covers that can be removed and washed too, making it easier to keep fresh.

Most mattress toppers are around 3 inches thick, but there are many that are deeper if you need extra support or stability beyond your existing mattress. If you need more relief for pressure points, then a memory foam topper is ideal. 

Best mattress toppers: A mattress topper is placed on top of a mattress

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

How thick should a mattress topper be?

Mattress toppers can range in thickness greatly, from just an inch or two to eight inches or more. However, a happy medium for most is around four inches, and those under two inches should probably be avoided.

A thin topper is unlikely to actually provide much extra support or cushioning, and in use you're likely to 'bottom out', meaning your pressure points won't really be feeling any difference compared to your mattress alone.

Those that are too thick, however (especially standard memory foam toppers), will have you sinking deeply into the topper. While some might enjoy this, it can prove problematic when it comes to moving around in bed. You might find yourself feeling a little trapped, and if it doesn't spring back into shape immediately you could also struggle to get comfy when you change position.

While it all depends on your preference and what material you've chosen, we think between two to four inches is the best for a mattress topper.

A woman sits on a mattress holding a hand to her lower back

(Image credit: Getty)

Are mattress toppers good for back and hip pain?

If you suffer from back ache and suspect it could be caused by your mattress, it could just take adding a mattress topper to help relieve the pain. Side sleepers, for instance, should be properly supported along the spine and at the pressure points, something a memory foam topper can help with.

If you’re sinking too much into your mattress, that can push your spine out of alignment, so a firmer topper will help even straighten things out. The same is true for a mattress that is too firm, which can quickly cause soreness. A mattress topper with a softer surface, such as a plush top, will soon transform your sleep and make it less painful at pressure points too.

If your pain is severe or persistent then check with a healthcare professional, who should be able to advise you further.

How long do mattress toppers last?

There are key signs that your mattress topper needs replacing, such as a stained or damaged cover or a noticeable decline in comfort and support. However, sometimes a mattress topper may not show these signs, so its helps to know its life expectancy. 

A mattress's lifespan depends on both its quality and materials. Cheaper mattress toppers will have a low life expectancy, while expensive bed toppers with a high-quality design tend to last much longer. There's also the type of mattress topper you buy. Most mattress toppers are made of one of the four following materials: memory foam, latex, wool, or feather/down. Here's the average lifespan of each kind:

Swipe to scroll horizontally
MaterialAverage topper lifespan
Feather/Down1-2 years
Memory Foam 2-5 years
Latex5-15 years
Wool10 years

Feather or down toppers are great for small budgets but have the lowest life expectancy, needing to be replaced every two years. Memory foam, the most popular topper material, has a slightly longer lifespan of up to five years. Latex and wool topper are natural and durable, so are much more expensive. However, they can be a good investment as they can last over a decade. 

How can you keep mattress topper from sliding?

A common problem with mattress toppers is that they can shift on the mattress when you move around, especially if you're a restless sleeper. However, a lot of toppers (such as #6 and #8) come with elasticated anchor straps to keep the topper in place. 

Some bed toppers also have an anti-slip base or lower cover to stop the topper from shifting. If your topper doesn't come with these anti-slip features, you could try covering it with a fitted sheet to anchor it in place. 

How much is a mattress topper?

The popularity of mattress toppers stems from their prices. They are a much cheaper way to transform your bed without having to splurge on a new mattress. However, some premium bed toppers don't come cheap, and even cost more than some of the best cheap mattresses

Here's a breakdown of the average costs of each type of mattress topper:

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Material / typeAverage sale price (Queen)
Memory foam mattress topper$299
Latex mattress topper$575
Cooling mattress topper$375
Affordable mattress topper$55
Frances Daniels
Sleep Staff Writer

Frances Daniels is a PPA-accredited journalist and Sleep Staff Writer at Tom's Guide with an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University. Her role includes covering mattress and sleep news and writing sleep product reviews and buyer's guides, including our Best Hybrid Mattress 2024 guide. She is hugely interested in the relationship between good sleep and overall health, interviewing a wide array of mattress and sleep experts to create well-informed articles about important topics such as nutrition, sleep disorders (from sleep apnea to night terrors), lucid dreaming, sleep hygiene, and mattress care. She is also our specialist on mattress toppers — producing mattress topper reviews and taking care of our Best Mattress Toppers 2024 guide — and takes the lead on all content related to fiberglass-free mattresses for a clean, non-toxic sleep.