Sleep has a big impact on your health, so it’s definitely worth investing in the best mattress you can afford. But sometimes you can boost your bed’s support and feel with a mattress topper. “Investing in a topper is easier and less expensive than getting a whole new mattress,” said Joseph Dzierzewski, PhD, senior vice president of research and scientific affairs for the National Sleep Foundation. Mattress toppers can help make a bed feel softer, firmer, or cooler, and they may ease pressure on your back, hips, or shoulders. “Toppers can certainly add a comfort level,” said Dzierzewski. 

To find the best options, we tested mattress toppers for comfort, support, ease of movement, and quality. We also compared their performance across different sleep needs and budgets. Here are the best mattress toppers to upgrade your bed right now.

Best Overall

Saatva Graphite Memory Foam

8.7 out of /10

Made with a thick, durable, cotton-blend cover and graphite-infused foam for cooler sleep

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Best Soft

Helix GlacioTex

8.2 out of /10

Hybrid design features foam and microcoils while the GlacioTex cooling cover offers temperature regulation

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Best Memory Foam

Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex 201

8.7 out of /10

Breathable, moisture-wicking cover and impressive pressure relief

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Best mattress toppers in 2026

• Saatva Graphite Memory Foam: Best Mattress Topper Overall
• Helix Premium GlacioTex: Best Soft Mattress Topper
• Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex 201: Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper
• Nolah Mattress Topper: Best Mattress Topper for Back Pain
• Birch Plush: Best Organic Mattress Topper
• Visco-Soft High Density: Best Budget Mattress Topper
• Saatva Natural Latex Topper: Best Luxury Mattress Topper
• Avocado Eco Organic Latex Topper: Best Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers
• Bear Pro Topper: Best Cooling Mattress Topper

Comparing the best mattress toppers

*Ratings reflect a brand's overall offering; the best overall pick doesn't necessarily have the highest score

What we look for in a mattress topper

We tested the following factors when choosing the best mattress toppers:

Saatva Graphite Memory Foam: Best Mattress Topper Overall

We selected the Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Topper as the Best Mattress Topper Overall because it balances comfort, support, and quality better than any other mattress topper we tested. It feels plush and responsive, offers standout perks such as a long trial period, and works well for a wide range of sleep styles.

Our Top Pick

Saatva Graphite Memory Foam

Best Overall

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• Saatva Review
• Responsive memory foam for easier movement
• Plush, high-quality cover that feels durable and soft

• 180-night sleep trial

Saatva Graphite Memory Foam features

• Material type: Memory foam with graphite
• Thickness: 3”
• Cooling: Graphite
• Pressure relief or ergonomic design: Memory foam offers spinal support

Pros and cons

Pros

• Excellent responsiveness 
• Long 180-night trial period
• Strong overall accessibility and support

Cons

• Fit may not be perfectly edge-to-edge
• Cover is not removable

Helix Premium Mattress Topper with GlacioTex: Best Soft Mattress Topper

We chose the Helix Premium Mattress Topper with GlacioTex as the Best Soft Mattress Topper for its truly plush, cozy feel. At 3.75 inches, it's the thickest topper on our list and adds instant comfort to a mattress. 

Helix GlacioTex

Best Soft

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• Helix Review
• The thickest topper on our list (3.75 inches)

• Cooling GlacioTex cover
• Hybrid design with foam and micro coils

Helix GlacioTex features

• Material type: Memory foam and steel microcoils
• Thickness: 3.75"
• Cooling: Cooling cover
• Pressure relief or ergonomic design: Coils for pressure relief

Pros and cons

Pros

• Very soft and plush sleep surface
• Excellent pressure relief for side sleepers
• Feels cooling and luxurious
• Choice of two firmness levels

Cons

• Heavy and hard to move
• Not a good option for already-soft mattresses
• Weak edge support
• Higher cost and somewhat short warranty (1 year)

Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex 201: Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper

We chose the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex 201 as the Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper because it delivers deep pressure relief with a cozy, contouring feel. This topper is made for sleepers who love that classic memory foam hug. 

Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex 201

Best Memory Foam

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• Copper-infused memory foam for pressure relief and temperature control

• Breathable, moisture-wicking airflow design
• Corner straps to keep the topper securely in place

Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex 201 features

• Material type: Copper-infused memory foam
• Thickness: 2 inches
• Cooling: Copper-infused foam and breathable material
• Pressure relief or ergonomic design: Pressure-relieving foam

Pros and cons

Pros

• Excellent pressure relief and body contouring
• High-quality materials with copper infusion
• Stays securely in place on the mattress

Cons

• Cover is not removable
• Only average cooling for hot sleepers
• Slow response makes movement harder than on firmer toppers

Nolah Mattress Topper: Best Mattress Topper for Back Pain

We chose the Nolah Mattress Topper as the Best Mattress Topper for Back Pain. It earned some of the strongest pressure relief scores in our testing while still allowing for comfortable movement.

Nolah Mattress Topper

Best for Back Pain

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• Good for both soft and firm mattresses
• Excellent pressure relief may help ease pain

• 10-year warranty, one of the longest

Nolah Mattress Topper features

• Material type: Memory foam and cotton
• Thickness: 2”
• Cooling: Breathable foam
• Pressure relief or ergonomic design: High-density foam for pressure relief

Pros and cons

Pros

• Outstanding pressure relief
• Equally supportive on soft or firm mattresses
• Has a 10-year warranty

Cons

• One of the more expensive toppers we tested
• Cover is not removable

Birch Plush Organic: Best Organic Mattress Topper

We selected the Birch Plush Organic as the Best Organic Mattress Topper because it delivers comfortable, responsive support and is made of natural materials. Made with certified organic cotton and latex, it has a high-quality feel that stands out from synthetic toppers. 

Birch Plush

Best Organic

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• Organic latex and cotton provide a high-quality feel and stay cooler naturally

• Great at limiting heat buildup
• Easier to move around on

Birch Plush Topper features

• Material type: Organic cotton and latex
• Thickness: 2”
• Cooling: Breathable cotton
• Pressure relief or ergonomic design: Responsive latex

Pros and cons

Pros

• Longest warranty at 10 years
• 100-night trial period
• Made with certified organic materials

Cons

• Most expensive mattress topper we tested at $532
• Cover is not removable
• No straps, which can cause shifting
• Not suitable for anyone with a latex allergy

ViscoSoft Select High Density: Best Budget Mattress Topper

We chose the ViscoSoft Select High Density mattress topper as the Best Budget Mattress Topper because it delivers impressive comfort, support, and cooling at the lowest price on our list. It has a plush feel and includes a 90-day trial period and a 5-year warranty. 

ViscoSoft Select High Density

Best Budget

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• The most affordable mattress topper on our list
• High-density memory foam with an ultra-plush feel

• Removable cover and adjustable straps for a secure fit
• Creates a supportive, medium-firm feel

Visco-Soft High Density Topper features

• Material type: High-density gel-infused memory foam
• Thickness: 2"– 4”
• Cooling: Gel-infused memory foam
• Pressure relief or ergonomic design: Pressure-relieving memory foam

Pros and cons

Pros

• One of the best mattress toppers for budget shoppers
• Excellent pressure relief on firm mattresses
• Adjustable straps
• Soft and cushy without making you feel stuck

Cons

• Edge support is only average
• May feel too soft on already soft beds
• Adds noticeable height to the mattress

Saatva Natural Latex: Best Luxury Mattress Topper

We chose the Saatva Natural Latex Topper as the Best Luxury Mattress Topper because it delivers a premium feel with great responsive support. This topper is made with latex and organic cotton, pairing comfort with ease of movement.

Saatva Natural Latex

Best Luxury

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• Responsive natural latex foam 

• Secure corner straps for a stable fit
• 180-day trial period

Saatva Natural Latex Topper features

• Material type: Perforated hypoallergenic natural latex foam 
• Thickness: 1.5”
• Cooling: Breathable organic cotton cover
• Pressure relief or ergonomic design: Responsive latex foam

Pros and cons

Pros

• Excellent responsiveness and support
• 180-night trial period
• Premium materials and attentive customer service

Cons

• Only a 1-year warranty
• Cover is not removable and must be spot cleaned

Avocado Eco Organic Latex: Best Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers

We chose the Avocado Eco Organic Latex as the Best Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers because it provides exceptional pressure relief, especially for the most common sleeping position. Natural latex relieves pressure underneath the hips and shoulders, where it tends to build up for side sleepers. 

Avocado Eco Organic Latex

Best for Side Sleepers

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• Organic latex with an organic cotton cover
• Excellent pressure relief for shoulders and hips

• Supportive and responsive on soft and firm beds

Avocado Eco Organic Latex Topper features

• Material type: Latex
• Thickness: 2”-3”
• Firmness level: Plush or Medium
• Cooling: Breathable latex
• Pressure relief or ergonomic design: Talalay latex for pressure relief

Pros and cons

Pros

• Tied for the highest pressure relief score we tested
• Natural and organic materials
• Feels comfortable on different mattress types

Cons

• Not suitable for people with a latex allergy
• No straps to hold it in place
• A one-year warranty is on the shorter side

Bear Pro: Best Cooling Mattress Topper

We chose the Bear Pro Topper as the Best Cooling Mattress Topper because it had the best temperature control of any option we tested, by a wide margin. In our thermal gun test, all other toppers showed double-digit temperature increases after use, but the Bear showed only about a 6-degree increase. 

Bear Pro

Best Cooling

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40% off sitewide with code: NCOA40

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• Bear Review
• Dense, responsive memory foam

• Removable cover for easier washing
• Excellent cooling performance

Bear Pro Topper features

• Material type: Memory foam
• Thickness: 3" 
• Firmness level: Medium
• Cooling: Celliant- and copper-infused memory foam 
• Pressure relief or ergonomic design: Pressure-relieving memory foam

Pros and cons

Pros

• Barely heated up after use
• Made of responsive and comfortable memory foam
• High-quality materials with a washable cover

Cons

• No straps to hold it in place
• Can feel slippery when sitting on the edge
• 30-day trial period on the shorter side

Our process testing the best mattress toppers

Our team has spent thousands of hours testing mattresses, pillows, and mattress toppers to find the best ones for older adults. We compared features such as pressure relief, spinal support, pain relief, edge support, and accessibility. Here are some of the factors we paid particular attention to during our research and testing:

Materials and thickness

The right thickness for a mattress topper depends on several factors, but in general, 2–4 inches is best. Within that range, a topper can provide support and comfort layers without adding enough height to make the mattress unstable. How the mattress is constructed can also have a big impact on the feel of a topper. Materials like latex have more bounce to assist movement, while memory foam may make it more difficult to change positions.

Pain and pressure relief

To test this, we noted how well the mattress toppers cradled sensitive joints like the shoulders, hips, and knees. We made sure that the toppers we recommended here distributed weight evenly to prevent pressure buildup.

Responsiveness

We tested the responsiveness of each mattress topper by measuring how quickly it rebounds after being compressed. A responsive mattress allows you to change positions easily without feeling trapped. 

Comfort and firmness

We placed each topper on both a soft and a firm mattress to assess how much it changed the sleep experience. Our testers rated their comfort on each. We also noted which ones may provide better or less support, depending on the type of mattress they're placed on. The right mattress topper can add comfort to a mattress that feels too soft or too firm.

For more information on how we test sleep products, see our review of the best mattresses for older adults.

Who should consider a mattress topper

A mattress topper can be a smart choice if you want better sleep without replacing your existing mattress. Mattress toppers can be a simple and affordable way to change how your mattress feels. Many people use a topper to address minor comfort issues and extend the life of their mattress. They are not a substitute for a worn-out mattress that needs replacing. 

You may want a mattress topper if your bed feels close to “almost right,” but not quite there. A topper can add softness, firmness, or cooling, depending on your needs. It can also help protect your mattress from wear and tear.

Some reasons you may want to consider buying a mattress topper include if you are:

• Happy with your current mattress, but would like a softer or firmer sleep surface
• A side sleeper who needs more cushion for hips and shoulders
• A back or stomach sleeper who needs extra support
• Waking up sore or stiff in the morning
• Sleeping hot and want to stay cooler at night
• Trying to extend the life of your current mattress 
• Sharing a bed and want to reduce motion or pressure points

What to look for when choosing a mattress topper

Choosing the right mattress topper depends on how you sleep and what features are most important to you. Your sleep position, body type, and comfort needs all matter. Some people want more softness, while others need more support or cooling.

Some things to think about when shopping for a mattress topper:

• Thickness: Most mattress toppers are between 2 and 4 inches thick. Thicker toppers can provide more cushioning but may also require deeper sheets, like from our list of the best sheets. Side sleepers often benefit from three inches or more of cushioning to support the shoulders and hips. Back and stomach sleepers may prefer a thinner topper that won’t cause the body to sink and throw off spinal alignment. 
• Materials: Like mattresses, toppers can be made of memory foam, latex, and even microcoils. Memory foam is great for pressure relief and contouring. It works well for side sleepers and people with joint pain. Latex feels more responsive and bouncy, making it easier to move around. It is a good choice for combination sleepers. Personal preference plays a big role in what material feels best. 
• Firmness: A medium-firm to firm mattress topper helps keep the spine aligned while still relieving pressure.³ This is especially important for back and stomach sleepers. A firmer topper may also help if your mattress has started to sag. Side sleepers may prefer a softer topper that allows some sink at the shoulders and hips. The key is finding a balance between comfort and support based on your sleep position.
• Temperature control: If you sleep hot, cooling features in a topper can make a big difference. Gel-infused foam, phase-change covers, and breathable fabrics help pull heat away from the body. These features can help you stay cool and comfortable through the night.
• Cleaning and care: Some mattress toppers come with removable covers that can be machine-washed. This makes cleaning easier and is especially useful for people with allergies, kids, or pets. Always check care instructions before buying. Toppers without washable covers may require spot cleaning. Simple care can help your topper stay fresh and last longer.
• Trial periods and warranties: Most companies offer a trial period to test the topper at home and return it if it does not work for you. This can give peace of mind when shopping online. A good warranty shows the brand stands behind its product and can protect your purchase over time. Warranties can range from one to 10 years, while the average trial period for a mattress topper is 30 nights.

How much do the best mattress toppers cost?

The best mattress toppers on our list range from $235 to $532 for a queen-size. When choosing the right mattress topper for your budget, consider the overall value of the product, including shipping costs, warranty length, and trial period length. 

Comparing costs of the best mattress toppers

*Most mattress brands run frequent or ongoing promotions. Sale prices are typically lower and may change often.

Frequently asked questions

What should I look for when choosing the best mattress topper for my sleep style?

When choosing a mattress topper, consider the material, firmness, and thickness. People who sleep on their sides tend to do well with softer, thicker mattress toppers; back and stomach sleepers benefit from a medium-firm to firm topper.

Is a mattress topper worth it, or should I replace my mattress instead?

A mattress topper works well if your mattress has only minor wear or you want to tweak comfort or temperature. But if your mattress is sagging, has deep impressions, or you wake with persistent pain, a full mattress replacement is the better long-term solution. 

What type of mattress topper is best for back, hip, or shoulder pain?

The best mattress topper for back, hip, or shoulder pain is a medium-firm memory foam topper that contours the body while still supporting the spine.

How long do mattress toppers last, and when should I replace one?

Most mattress toppers last about 2–5 years, depending on the material and care. You should replace yours if it loses shape or support, has impressions that won’t go away, or you are consistently waking with pain. 

Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.