Don’t you just hate it when you have to keep tossing and turning because your mattress is too firm? While most people tend to buy very soft mattresses, they have been linked to spinal alignment issues.
Mattress toppers are the best alternative because they not only breathe life into your old mattress but also provide essential neck and back support. And let’s face it, new mattresses are expensive. We reviewed the best soft mattress toppers in the market and ranked them based on their size, thickness, density, and materials used. We have also compiled a comprehensive guide to make it easy for you to get a mattress topper that suits your needs.
Other features: waterproof, breathable cover, 2″ signature GhostGrip elastic band
The GhostBed Memory Foam Topper is our top pick because it balances out all the important features of a mattress topper. It’s segmented into 5 zones, all of which have a different firmness level. For instance, the midsection has enough reinforcement to support your body weight while the legs, head, and shoulder sections are soft and contouring. This topper is 3 inches thick and would be perfect for you if your mattress has become uneven.
Some of the features that set the GhostBed Memory Foam Topper apart from the competition include a cooling gel infused into the foam. This prevents the topper from absorbing a lot of body heat, which is a common problem with memory foam. The topper is also waterproof and feels cold to the touch. It has a thick elastic band on its borders that hold it in place, making it perfect for people that change their sleeping positions a lot.
Other features: GreenGuard Gold and GOTS certified, 100-night sleep trial
This mattress topper is the best organic alternative and is specially made out of Talalay latex that is extracted from rubber tree farms in a sustainable way. The topper cover is made from organic cotton, while the topmost layer is made of natural wool that helps in temperature regulation on the surface.
The Birchliving Plush Organic Mattress Topper is extremely pricey but is worth every dime you spend on it. It’s one of the most eco-friendly mattress toppers and, unlike most of the other models and brands, is very eco-friendly. Unlike polyfoam and memory foam, the latex doesn’t trap too much body heat, and the top wool layer is breathable.
Other features: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and GreenGuard Gold certified
Plushbeds has always been known for producing products that provide quality support without compromising on comfort, and the Plushbeds Natural Latex Topper is proof of this. It’s made from 100% organic Talalay latex from naturally grown rubber trees and is locally manufactured and abides by the labor laws and manufacturing guidelines.
Some of the aspects that make this mattress topper stand out include its hypoallergenic and anti-microbial properties, making it perfect for people that have dust and mite allergies. It’s also certified by GreenGuard Gold and OEKO-TEX Standard 100, which are some of the highest manufacturing and safety standards.
Other features: CertiPur-US® Certified, anti-microbial
The Layla Memory Foam Topper is one of the softest toppers in the market and is made from memory foam infused with copper beads. This gives it a low profile that allows it to add more plush to your mattress without being too bulky. It comes with a removable cover that machines washable and has a 5-year warranty and a 120-day sleep trial.
Perhaps the most distinguishing aspect of the Layla Memory Foam Topper is its cover made from stretch-knit cotton infused with copper. This gives it a cooling effect on the skin and reduces the amount of heat you feel at night. The cover also has corner straps that keep it in place even when you frequently toss and turn at night.
Other features: adjustable strap, deep elastic pockets
The ViscoSoft 4 Inch Mattress Topper is made from copper-infused memory foam that is specially designed for hot sleepers. It has a medium firmness level and is designed to conform to your body and distribute your weight equally on the topper. This also makes it perfect for side sleepers and people below 230 pounds that enjoy a deep sink into their mattresses.
One of the features that sets it apart from other brands is its firmness levels and 4-inch thickness that provide deep pressure relief. The memory foam has also been designed to draw heat away from your body, and these cooling properties stay intact even after you wash the topper multiple times.
There are 2 main reasons why people buy mattress toppers; to protect the surface of the mattress from wear & tear and to adjust its comfort by either making it firmer or softer. While choosing the best mattress topper should be easy, there are several brands and models in the market, which sometimes make the entire process overwhelming. There are also several factors to consider, including overall performance, materials, thickness, and budget.
Check out our comprehensive guide below that takes an in-depth look into all you need to know about buying the right mattress topper, including some frequently asked questions.
A mattress topper is an extra layer or a bed accessory, usually between 1 to 4 inches thick, that you place on top of your mattress to adjust its level of comfort. Most people add mattress toppers to make their bed softer and even (after the mattress starts sagging), but there are also those that go for firm mattress toppers.
It all boils down to your preference and sleeping position and what you don’t like about your mattress. Once you figure this out, you can find a topper that complements your trouble areas and enhances your sleep comfort.
Mattress toppers should not be confused with mattress protectors and mattress pads. Toppers are often thick pieces of foam that are placed on top of your mattress but below your mattress pad or protector. Mattress pads, on the other hand, are thin pieces of materials that are placed on fitted straps. Even though they are placed on top of your mattress and enhance sleep comfort, they are very thin compared to mattress toppers.
Mattress protectors are simply covers that are fitted into a mattress and are often removable and machine washable. They don’t have any padding and are used to protect your mattress from allergens, spilled liquids, or dust mites.
There are several reasons why we recommend that you buy a mattress topper:
When mattresses are subjected to long-term use, they endure a lot of wear and tear, and with time, they’re not as comfortable as they used to be. Some even sag in the middle and result in backaches and neck aches.
Since mattress toppers are like thinner mattresses, they breathe life into your old one and make your bed cozy again. Some even help alleviate the aches and pains, like the Layla Memory Foam Topper, as it contours your body and relieves pressure in the zones that you need most.
It increases the lifespan of your mattressSince mattress toppers are placed on top of the mattress, they protect it from being worn down quickly. This allows you to enjoy your mattress longer and make more use out of it.
Good mattresses are very expensive!
If you sleep directly on your mattress, it will be subjected to long-term wear and tear, and you’ll have to replace it frequently. Mattress toppers make your mattress feel new again and reduce the pressure exerted on it, ultimately increasing its lifespan.
Unlike mattresses, you can take your toppers on and off to suit your comfort. Too hot in the summer? Take it off! Are the winters too cold? Mattress toppers to the rescue!
They are also available in various thickness and firmness levels, making it easy for you to find the one that suits your sleeping positions and preferred level of comfort.
Dust mites increase your chances of having allergic reactions and can trigger asthma Trusted Source BBC News | Health | Dust mites winning asthma war All attempts to stop dust mites causing asthma symptoms have proved of little use, say scientists. news.bbc.co.uk . Mattress toppers protect your mattress from accumulating dirt and dust, allowing it to stay clean for longer. Some toppers, especially the hypoallergenic ones like Plushbeds Natural Latex Topper and Birchliving Plush Organic Mattress Topper, have hypoallergenic and microbial properties that allow you to enjoy allergy-free sleep. Most toppers are also easy to keep clean as they come with removable and machine washable covers.
If your mattress is beginning to change its feel, we recommend that you get a mattress topper to rectify this. For instance, if you feel that the mattress is too hot, you should go for a soft mattress topper that you can sink into after a long day. This also applies if you feel that your mattress is not providing you the support that you need.
When it comes to choosing the best soft mattress topper for you, a one size fits all approach does not work. There are several factors to consider, but ultimately, it all boils down to your sleeping position and preferences.
We recommend that you consider aspects such as;
You should buy a mattress topper that perfectly fits on your bed. If the topper is too small, then your levels of comfort will only decrease as you might fall on the mattress later in the night. Overly big mattress toppers, on the other hand, look tacky and make it hard to make your bed.
The good news is that all mattress toppers come in a variety of sizes, and you can easily find one that’s right for your bed.
On average, mattress toppers are between 1 to 4 inches thick, and since you place them on top of your mattress, you should consider that they increase the height of your overall bed profile.
If your mattress is already thick, you might consider going for less thick toppers like the Plushbeds Natural Latex Topper and Layla Memory Foam Topper that have a 2-inch option. This will prevent your mattress from feeling too tall. You should, however, note that thin toppers don’t enhance the firmness of your mattress.
The mattress topper should support your weight with ease and should neither feel too firm nor too thick. Keep in mind that a topper is supposed to complement your mattress and not change it entirely.
If you’re a light sleeper, you should go for thin toppers of 1 to 2 inches. Heavy sleepers, on the other hand, need deep toppers of 3-4 inches for pressure relief and the ViscoSoft 4 Inch Mattress Topper is a great option.
If you have dust allergies or prefer organic products, you should consider the material used to make the topper. The Birchliving Plush Organic Mattress Topper and Plushbeds Natural Latex Topper are great organic options as they are made from natural Talalay latex. They also have hypoallergenic qualities that allow you to have a sneeze-free night.
Since toppers are placed beneath your mattress, most of them don’t come with covers. Some of them, like the GhostBed Memory Foam Topper, however, have covers to keep the topper clean and protect it from damage.
You should note that even though covers simplify the wash care of the topper, they sometimes make it more pricey.
Sleep trial and warrantyYou can easily tell the quality of the mattress topper based on the sleep trial period and the warranty cover. Some toppers like the Birchliving Plush Organic Mattress Topper have a 10-year warranty which means that they will serve you for longer.
All factors considered, you should go for a quality mattress topper that will not break your bank account. You simply have to identify the features you prioritize and then look for affordable alternatives.
For instance, if you’re looking for organic and hypoallergenic mattress toppers, the Birchliving Plush Organic Mattress Topper and Plushbeds Natural Latex Topper are great options. However, the former topper is almost double the price of Plushbeds Natural Latex Topper.
You should also consider factors such as;
While it is difficult to find a mattress topper that fits all your preferences, you should go for one that satisfies your priorities.
Sleep deprivation can leave you unfocused and dull your reflexes which is why it’s recommended that you get between 7 to 10 hours of sleep Trusted Source Sacrificing sleep? Here's what it will do to you - CNN This feature is part of CNN Parallels, an interactive series exploring ways you can improve your health by making small changes to your daily habits. edition.cnn.com . Your sleep quality is highly dependent on your mattress’s level of comfort, which is where mattress toppers come into play.
From our review of various toppers, we loved the GhostBed Memory Foam Topper most as it integrates all the important factors, including price, thermoregulation, cover, and optimal firmness. Our premium pick, the Birchliving Plush Organic Mattress Topper, is purely organic and perfect for people with allergies but is also very pricey. The ViscoSoft 4 Inch Mattress Topper is the best value product as it strikes the perfect balance between value provision and price.
Choosing the best soft mattress topper shouldn’t be difficult, and the above guide will help you pick the one that meets all your sleeping needs.
