Are you waking up with aches and pains but aren’t ready to invest in a new mattress just yet? A mattress topper may be the perfect temporary sleep solution. Mattress toppers allow you to refresh your current bed by adding an additional layer of comfort and support.

What is a mattress topper?

Mattress toppers are just how they sound—they are often an additional layer of comfort and support that sits on top of your current mattress. Mattress toppers are typically 2-6 inches tall and are often memory foam or filled with down feathers (also known as feather beds). The height and type of a mattress topper depends on your personal comfort preferences, but all mattress toppers should help reduce pressure points and keep your spine aligned throughout the night.

Mattress Topper vs. Mattress Pad vs. Mattress Protector

When researching mattress topper options, it's important to understand that a mattress topper, a mattress pad and a mattress protector are all different things⁠—even though they all sit on top of your mattress.

• A mattress topper adds several inches of extra padding and comfort by creating a cushion of support for your body.
• A mattress pad is very similar to a fitted bed sheet as it wraps around the mattress and isn't as thick as a mattress topper. Mattress pads are typically best to protect your mattress from stains and spills, while adding a little bit of added comfort.
• A mattress protector is used you protect your mattress from stains and spills, as well as unwanted dust mites and bedbugs. Mattress protectors can be similar to a fitted bed sheet or they can encase the entire mattress for even more protection.

We understand it may not be time for you to replace your mattress, but it might be a good time to accessorize your sleep space with a new mattress topper for your bed.

Here are some shopping tips to find the best mattress topper.

Tips to Find the Best Mattress Topper

• Consider Your Price Point

  Mattress toppers can range in price and quality. Think about what you're looking for in a mattress topper, evaluate your budget and test out a few at varying price points to help make your decision.

• Think About Thickness

  Mattress toppers can be anywhere from two and six inches thick. Many materials like memory foam can retain body heat, so if you sleep warm, look for mattress toppers that feature cooling materials for additional temperature regulation. Keep in mind that you may need deep pocket sheets to fit over the topper and mattress combined. Be sure to measure both to know what size sheets you will need for your bed.

• Evaluate Your Needs

  Be sure to read the description, care instructions and function of each mattress topper and evaluate them against your sleeping needs before making a decision. For example, if you want a topper for extra back support, a memory foam or latex material tends to be most effective. If you are looking to make your bed feel more luxurious, a feather bed might be a better fit.

The 5 Best Mattress Toppers

With a variety of mattress toppers available, we compiled a list of our top-rated mattress toppers.

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt + Cooling Mattress Topper

The TEMPUR-Adapt + Cooling mattress topper features maximum pressure relief with 3 inches of revolutionary TEMPUR® ES Material. This is the same material found in all Tempur-Pedic mattresses. With a removable cool-to-touch cover, this mattress topper will keep your body cool and supported all night long.

Lucid 3” Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper

The Lucid 3” Gel Memory Foam mattress toppers aligns your spine while reducing pressure points throughout the night. This highly rated mattress topper features a specialized memory foam formula that is plush, airy and responsive. The addition of gel material helps with temperature regulation throughout the night. Customer reviews have stated that the Lucid 3” mattress topper, “is magic” and “it doesn’t hold body heat”, making it one of our best mattress topper picks.

Pacific Coast Luxe Loft Feather Bed

The Pacific Coast Luxe Loft feather bed features a baffle box design with hypoallergenic resilia feathers. The baffle box design promotes even distribution of the feathers throughout the bed, ensuring you have a plush sleep surface that cushions and cradles your pressure points throughout the night.

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Supreme Mattress Topper

The TEMPUR-Supreme mattress topper features maximum pressure relieving comfort. Three inches of revolutionary TEMPUR^® material adapts to your weight, body and temperature throughout the night, providing truly personalized support.

Lucid 3” Bamboo Charcoal Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Three inches of pressure-relieving memory foam comfort combined with bamboo charcoal for temperature regulation and superior airflow makes the Lucid 3" Bamboo Charcoal memory foam mattress topper top rated by customers. A thick comfort layer helps evenly distribute body weight and conforms to your body, ensuring you wake up free of aches and pains.

A mattress topper can help breathe new life into an aging bed, plus provide additional comfort and support. Shop our full collection of mattress toppers online at MattressFirm.com.

Photo of Tempur-Supreme mattress topper with removable and washable cover courtesy of Tempur-Pedic.