Best Cheap Mattress Toppers
We rounded up eight of the best cheap mattress toppers on the market right now, so you can get a good night’s sleep without breaking the bank.
Best Cheap Mattress Topper
- Gel Swirl Mattress Topper: Best Temperature Regulating Mattress Topper
- Helix Plush Mattress Topper: Best Plush Mattress Topper
- PlushBeds Natural Latex Topper: Best Latex Mattress Topper
- Layla Mattress Topper: Best Cooling Mattress Topper
- ViscoSoft Pillow Top Memory Foam Topper: Best Hybrid Mattress Topper
- Serta Comfort Zone Memory Foam Mattress Topper: Best Mattress Topper for the Money
- Brooklinen Down Alternative Mattress Topper: Best Down Alternative Mattress Topper
- Puffy Mattress Topper: Best Hypoallergenic Mattress Topper
Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper
Best Temperature Regulating Mattress Topper
Dreamfoam 2″ Gel Swirl Memory Foam Mattress Topper
For those in search of a softer mattress, without the price tag of a new one, the DreamFoam 2″ Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper could be the solution for you.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.50 / 5
Read Full ReviewThis temperature-neutral mattress topper is made with two or three inches of pressure-relieving memory foam and a cooling gel swirl.
Reason to Buy: CertiPUR-US-certified foam gives this ultra-plush mattress topper a nice balance of pressure point pain relief and responsiveness. It’s a great addition if you want to add gentle contouring and a cushioning feel to your current mattress without any extra bells and whistles. Plus, it’s available in a range of sizes.
The largest size, a California king in the three-inch option, is priced just under $200 before discounts.
Helix Plush Mattress Topper
Best Plush Mattress Topper
Helix Plush Mattress Topper
This plush topper provides a cushy layer that can make firm mattresses feel softer.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.40 / 5
This mattress topper from Helix is made with silky fiber clusters with a naturally high loft for that five-star hotel bed feel. The quilted cover keeps the fibers evenly distributed for a luxuriously plush feel.
Reason to Buy: The ultra-soft fibers in the Helix topper are hypoallergenic and breathable, so this is a great pick for those with allergies or anyone looking for cooler nights. The whole thing is machine washable, and Helix offers a 100-night sleep trial so you can see for yourself if this is the inexpensive mattress topper of your dreams.
PlushBeds Natural Latex Topper
Best Latex Mattress Topper
PlushBeds Natural Latex Mattress Topper
This latex mattress topper is designed to let you rest easy knowing it was made with safe, organic materials.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.90 / 5
PlushBeds makes its natural latex mattress topper with high-quality Talalay latex. It’s certified by GOLS, Greenguard Gold and OEKO-TEX Standard 100, indicating its safety and purity. It makes for a buoyant, responsive, and pressure-relieving addition to any mattress.
Reason to Buy: This topper comes in two or three-inch heights. Latex is naturally temperature regulating and it isolates motion well too, making it a good choice for couples. The topper is available in a range of sizes and firmnesses, and you can also upgrade to an organic cotton cover.
Layla Mattress Topper
Best Cooling Mattress Topper
Layla Mattress Topper
Layla’s mattress topper features copper gel-infused memory foam to prevent overheating.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.20 / 5
Read Full ReviewIf you tend to overheat at night, this topper from Layla might be your ticket to better sleep. A two-inch layer of copper-gel-infused memory foam makes this a top pick for cooler, more comfortable nights.
Reason to Buy: The contouring memory foam is infused with copper gel beads, which draw away body heat. Meanwhile, the plush topper has the signature cradling sensation of memory foam, with deeper compression right where you need it to sleep comfortably. The copper gel also makes this topper antimicrobial, which makes for a cleaner bed.
ViscoSoft Pillow Top Memory Foam Topper
Best Hybrid Mattress Topper
ViscoSoft Serene Hybrid Mattress Topper
This topper features down alternative and gel-infused memory foam for a feel that’s the best of both worlds.
This hybrid mattress topper pairs a pillow-top layer of down-alternative fill with a support layer of gel-infused, CertiPUR-US-certified memory foam. It ticks all the boxes for comfortable, supported sleep.
Reason to Buy: The plush down-alternative pillow-top layer features adjustable straps and an elastic skirt. It serves as a soft quilted layer between you and the supportive memory foam layer, while also ensuring everything stays in place. The topper comes in a choice of thicknesses, so you can get the right balance of contouring support for your preferred sleep style.
Serta Comfort Zone Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Best Mattress Topper for the Money
Serta Comfort Zone Memory Foam Mattress Topper
This memory foam topper from Serta is zoned for precise contouring where you need it most. That means targeted support in five separate zones to relieve pressure and ensure proper spinal alignment.
Reason to Buy: This low-profile topper is made with gel-infused foam to minimize heat retention. It comes in multiple sizes, making it suitable for just about any bed, and even the largest size comes in under $65.
Brooklinen Down Alternative Mattress Topper
Best Down Alternative Mattress Topper
Brooklinen Down Alternative Mattress Topper
The Brooklinen Down Alternative Mattress Topper features evenly distributed microgel for a soft sleep surface.
This down-alternative topper is made with a soft, silky microgel in a tufted construction. That gives it a soft, cushioning feel with even distribution no matter how much you toss and turn.
Reason to Buy: The Brooklinen topper adds a little luxury to any mattress. The generously-sized skirt accommodates mattresses up to 18 inches deep and ensures the topper stays put. Plus, it has a waterproof barrier at the bottom for bonus mattress protection.
Puffy Mattress Topper
Best Hypoallergenic Mattress Topper
Puffy Deluxe Mattress Topper
The Puffy Deluxe Mattress Topper adds a layer of luxurious comfort to your bed, available in firm or soft options for your particular needs.
Mattress Nerd Score
5.00 / 5
Read Full ReviewThe Puffy mattress topper is a cooling, hypoallergenic addition to your bed. It’s made with bamboo and polyester to stay breathable. Plus, it comes with free and fast shipping.
Reason to Buy: This topper features a non-slip layer to make sure its cushy surface stays on top of your mattress. With a lifetime warranty and free returns, this brand has you covered.
Considerations for a Cheap Mattress Topper
A cheap mattress topper doesn’t necessarily mean poor quality, as long as you shop carefully and keep a few considerations in mind.
Materials
Mattress toppers come in many of the same materials as popular mattresses, including latex, memory foam, down, and down alternatives. Individual preferences, along with your body type and size, will help you zero in on the right topper for you. Even though you’re shopping on a budget, it’s important to look for certifications like CertiPUR-US-certified foams, which indicate they’re free of harmful pollutants.
Pressure Relief
If you’re looking to relieve pressure point pain in your hips and shoulders, memory foam and latex toppers will be your best bet. These materials contour closely to the curves of your body, which helps alleviate stress and ensures proper spinal alignment to minimize back pain.
Cooling Benefits
If you’re exploring cheap mattress toppers as a remedy to hot, sweaty sleep, look for those made with cooling gel-infused foams or temperature-neutral materials like latex. Wool and cotton are other natural materials that can improve breathability and promote airflow for cooler sleep.
Sleeping Position
Shopping on a budget doesn’t change the fact that the right topper comes down to how you sleep. Stomach sleepers, for example, do better with a firmer feel because it helps elevate the hips to maintain spinal alignment. Side sleepers should prioritize contouring materials that will cushion their hips and shoulders. Combination sleepers will benefit from something responsive, such as latex, so they can comfortably move from one position to the next.
Thickness
The thicker a mattress topper is, the more it changes the feel of your current mattress. If you have an overly soft or overly firm mattress, that can be a good thing. Thinner mattress toppers also tend to offer more comfort and less support. They also tend to mean a smaller price tag.
Price
Of course, if you’re looking for a cheap mattress topper, price is going to be the biggest consideration. Keep in mind that you often get what you pay for, so try to prioritize options from reputable brands and those made with better materials. That will give you a better chance at a more comfortable topper that will last.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cheap mattress toppers any good?
Price isn’t the only indication of a great mattress topper, and you can definitely find great toppers for a reasonable price. Look for high-quality materials and certifications such as CertiPUR-US, GOLS, and GOTS, and remember to shop from reputable brands.
How many inches of a mattress topper is best?
The thicker the mattress topper, the more it changes the feel of your mattress. For deeper cushioning and comfort, look for a thickness that’s at least three or four inches deep. If you simply want to add a little softness and your current mattress is sufficiently supportive, a two-inch mattress topper should work.
How much should I spend on a mattress topper?
Prices for a good mattress topper will vary depending on the brand, materials, size, and thickness. Still, for a queen-size mattress topper, it’s reasonable to expect to pay somewhere between $50 and $250.
Our Final Take
With a little bit of research, it’s possible to find a cheap mattress topper that will add a layer of much-needed comfort or support (or both!) to your current mattress. If you’re looking for pressure relief, take a close look at the options from Tempur-Pedic and PlushBeds on this list. For cooler nights, we recommend the Layla mattress topper. And for the best buy for the money, Serta’s Comfort Zone topper should get the job done nicely.
