Best Memory Foam Mattress Toppers 2024
Memory foam toppers are among the most popular types of mattress toppers because they provide what people shopping for toppers are often interested in: close conforming, pressure relief, and comfort. Memory foam toppers also have other benefits, such as above-average motion isolation for couples.
If you’re considering adding a layer of memory foam to your sleeping surface to adjust its firmness and improve your sleep, keep reading to discover our top picks for the best memory foam toppers sold in 2024. We also include a brief buyer’s guide with tips on what to look for, important shopping considerations, and how to decide on the best topper for your mattress.
Best Memory Foam Mattress Toppers of 2024
- Saatva Mattress Topper – Nerd’s Pick
- Layla Mattress Topper – Runner Up
- Lucid Mattress Topper – Best Value Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- TEMPUR-Adapt Mattress Topper – Best Luxury Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- Nest Bedding Cooling Mattress Topper – Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress Topper
The Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper Video
To hear directly from the Nerds about our hands-on testing results and opinions, check out this video.
Nerd’s Pick: Saatva Mattress Topper
Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper
Saatva makes one of the best memory foam mattress toppers in terms of keeping you comfortable and cool at the same time. Their latex topper is great for hot sleepers who sleep on their back, and the high-density foam topper is a great solution for stomach sleepers looking for comfortable support.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.80 / 5
Read Full ReviewThe Saatva Mattress Topper is our Nerd’s Pick it excels in cooling ability, durability, and comfort level. While high-density foam and Talalay latex options do exist at Saatva, we’re huge fans of the graphite memory foam version because of its plush, luxurious feel.
This three-inch topper is made with graphite-infused, CertiPUR-certified memory foam and enclosed in a breathable organic cotton cover. It’s designed for cooler, more comfortable sleep, and the certification means minimal off-gassing and no potentially harmful chemicals. The topper includes four elastic anchor bands to ensure a secure fit to your mattress.
The Saatva may not be the cheapest option on the market, but its high-quality materials should make it a great investment. The graphite infusion provides cooling features that not all memory foam toppers offer, and its 3” height adds to its comfort level. With excellent contouring abilities, you should sink in the way you’d want to with a memory foam topper; it provides a cushioning, hugging sensation. With the Saatva topper’s construction in mind, we recommend this product to side sleepers, who need pressure relief at the shoulders and hips, as well as lightweight back sleepers, who search for a balanced feel. The Saatva topper comes with a one-year warranty and a 180-night sleep trial.
What our testers say: “The Saatva mattress topper is one of our favorite luxury options when it comes to toppers on the market. You get the choice of three material options, each coming with an organic cotton cover and elastic securing straps. Depending on your preferences, you can find the Saatva topper material that’ll work best for you. The graphite-infused option is best for hot sleepers who love the feel of memory foam, as well as side sleepers.” – Becca Fair, Lead Accessory Tester
Who’s Going to Love the Saatva Mattress Topper
- Hot sleepers
- Couples due to great motion isolation
- People who want high quality materials
- Side sleepers
Who Should Steer Clear of the Saatva Mattress Topper
- People who want products to be easy to care for
- Budget-friendly shoppers
Read our Saatva Mattress Topper Review to learn more.
Runner Up: Layla 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 ReviewThe Layla topper is a 2” memory foam topper that contains Layla’s signature copper-infused memory foam and has a medium-soft (4/10) feel. According to the company, copper gel beads in the foam absorb body heat so you sleep cooler and more comfortably all night long.
The plush foam is designed to allow a little extra give under your hips and shoulders to help ensure your spine stays in proper alignment no matter how much you toss and turn. The topper also has a soft, quilted cover with Layla’s hexagonal gray design.
The Layla’s price point is a little higher than others, but we think you get what you pay for with this product. Not only is the foam actively cooling (copper draws heat away from the body), but the plush feel will contour closely to your body to help alleviate back pain, joint pain, pressure points, and aches. For more information on relieving pain during sleep, take a look at our pain and sleep guide.
An added benefit of the copper infusion is that it may promote blood flow, which can help active individuals recover faster at night. As a bonus, the Layla’s foam is CertiPUR certified, which means that it’s made without ozone depleters, heavy metals, or formaldehyde. The Layla comes with a 5-year warranty and a 120-night sleep trial.
What our testers say: “The Layla memory foam mattress topper is an excellent option for sleepers who want to add some softness to their current bed. Using 2” of slow-response foam, the Layla Topper hugs the body’s curves, providing extra cushioning and pressure relief to sensitive areas. It’s also one of the coolest memory foam toppers that we’ve seen. It might not be the best choice for stomach sleepers or people who want to firm up their mattresses.” – Becca Fair, Lead Accessories Tester
Who’s Going to Love the Layla Mattress Topper
- Hot sleepers
- Couples
Who Should Steer Clear of the Layla Mattress Topper
- Stomach sleeper
- Heavier side sleepers
- Budget-friendly shoppers
Read our Layla Mattress Topper Review to learn more.
Best Value: Lucid Mattress Topper
Lucid 3″ Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
An excellent mattress topper for those on a budget seeking a cooling topper that provides pressure relief.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.40 / 5
Read Full ReviewThe LUCID mattress topper is an affordable gel memory foam mattress topper that’s available in 2” and 3” heights for all mattress sizes. The CertiPUR-US-certified foam gel has a few cooling features to help minimize heat retention and promote airflow, and the plush topper is designed to feel gently contouring with the slow response inherent to memory foam.
Looking for a more cradled sensation? The thicker topper will create a deeper sink, so it might be worth the minor price upgrade. The LUCID topper also comes with a removable cover for a small additional cost.
Sold on Amazon with an average of 4.4 stars, this topper costs less than $160 in all sizes with the upgraded removable cover. Designed to help keep you cool on memory foam, which normally traps heat, it features a ventilated design and cooling gel. With a below-average price point compared to other memory foam toppers, this topper has a soft firmness setting, which makes it great for side sleepers and lightweight sleepers. It also comes with free shipping.
What our testers say: “In essence, the Lucid topper is simply a rectangular slab of foam. Still, sometimes that’s exactly what you need to make your bed a bit comfier and relieve pressure points along the body.” – Becca Fair, Lead Accessories Tester
Who’s Going to Love the Lucid Mattress Topper
- Hot sleepers
- People needing pressure relief
- Side sleepers
Who Should Steer Clear of the Lucid Mattress Topper
- People who do not like memory foam
- Firm mattress topper purist
Read our Lucid Mattress Topper Review to learn more.
Best Luxury: TEMPUR-Adapt Mattress Topper
TEMPUR-Adapt + Cooling Mattress Topper
This foam topper is made of 3 inches of supportive TEMPUR material. It is designed to enhance or improve the original comfort level of virtually any mattress, no matter how firm or soft.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.50 / 5
Read Full ReviewThe TEMPUR-Adapt Topper by Tempur-Pedic is made with the company’s TEMPUR Material, which has impressive pressure-relieving benefits and close contouring. This memory foam is designed to respond to your body weight, shape, and temperature to keep you aligned all night. According to the company, TEMPUR Material also sleeps cooler than traditional memory foam.
The topper features corner straps that create a secure, no-slip attachment to your mattress. It also comes with a breathable, stretch-knit cover that can be zipped off for easy cleaning. The cover is also resistant to dust mites and allergens, and it’s moisture-wicking, too.
If you’re looking to improve the feel of your mattress with the most luxurious topper available, we recommend the TEMPUR-Adapt. It’s made with 3” of TEMPUR foam, which is supportive yet pressure-relieving. The TEMPUR-Adapt comes with free shipping and a 10-year limited warranty.
What our testers say: “Tempur-Pedic is one of the pioneers of the memory foam mattress. If you’re a budget shopper, their price points might be a little high for you, so why not try their mattress topper instead? It has the same soft, slow-moving feel of the mattress at a fraction of the cost.” – Becca Fair, Lead Accessories Tester
Who’s Going to Love the TEMPUR-Adapt Mattress Topper
- People who like toppers that are easy to care for
- Firm mattress lovers
Who Should Steer Clear of the TEMPUR-Adapt Mattress Topper
- Hot sleepers
- People who do not like firm mattresses
- Stomach sleepers
Read our TEMPUR-Adapt Mattress Topper Review to learn more.
Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress Topper: Nest Bedding Cooling Topper
Nest Bedding Cooling Mattress Topper
The Nest Alexander Cooling Topper has a Soft to Medium Soft firmness setting, making it ideal for side sleepers and lightweight sleepers who want pressure relief. It also works well for average-weight sleepers who are sleeping on a mattress that’s too firm for their taste. However, all sleeper types will rest a little cooler with the addition of this topper. If you’re a heavier-weight sleeper (more than 230 pounds), you’re unlikely to feel a significant change in the comfort of your mattress due to the firmness setting and 2” thickness of this topper, and we recommend looking for a Medium or Medium Firm topper instead.
The Nest topper is not only plush, but cooling, and this is where other memory foam toppers often miss the mark. While it doesn’t have the same “hugged” feel as typical memory foam, the Nest does offer the same contouring and pressure-relieving qualities that memory foam lovers enjoy.
Think of it as an alternative to latex, which is a little more buoyant than memory foam (you get the sensation you’re “on” the mattress instead of “in” it), with similar responsiveness and durability. The two-inch topper has straps in all four corners to keep it in place, and it’s made with CertiPUR-certified foams.
The Nest Bedding Cooling topper, not surprisingly, sleeps extremely cool. With phase change material in its cover, this topper regulates body heat throughout the night. Its Energex Foam technology assists with moisture-wicking and breathability. The Nest also includes corner straps, which are great for keeping the topper in place, so between this and the endless comfort provided by the two inches of foam, you should sleep without worry. Side sleepers and lightweight sleepers of all sleeping positions should enjoy using this topper; they should find the right balance of cushioning and support for their body weight and sleeping preferences. For this topper, Nest offers a 30-night sleep trial and a limited two-year warranty.
What our testers say: “The Nest Alexander Cooling Topper has a Soft to Medium Soft firmness setting, making it ideal for side sleepers and lightweight sleepers who want pressure relief. It also works well for average-weight sleepers who are sleeping on a mattress that’s too firm for their taste. ” – Becca Fair, Lead Accessories Tester
Who’s Going to Love the Nest Bedding Cooling Mattress Topper
- Hot sleepers
- Side sleepers
- Lightweight sleepers
Who Should Steer Clear of the Nest Bedding Cooling Mattress Topper
- Budget friendly shoppers
- Those who like firm mattresses
Read our full Nest Bedding Cooling Topper Review to learn more.
How to Pick the Right Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Should you Buy a Mattress Pad or a Mattress Topper?
Mattress toppers, mattress pads, and even mattress protectors are often confused with one another. While all three are additions to an existing mattress, they each serve a specific purpose, so it’s important to be able to distinguish between them.
- A mattress topper is a layer of foam or another material (latex, etc.) that is placed on top of a new mattress or old mattress to add comfort and softness. Firmer toppers are available for people who find their existing mattress or new bed too soft. Most toppers measure anywhere from 2” to 6” thick. For more information about mattress toppers or to browse other topper styles, read our Guide to the Best Mattress Toppers of 2024.
- A mattress pad is thinner than a mattress topper and typically measures about 1” thick. Mattress pads are designed to add a little bit more cushioning but won’t significantly change the feel of the mattress.
- A mattress protector is often confused with a mattress pad because they are designed for two different purposes. However, a protector is more focused on protection from liquids. It typically features a thin design that’s waterproof in order to fight spills, urine, sweat, allergens, and more.
All in all, mattress toppers are best for sleepers who want to change the comfort level of their bed. Mattress pads and mattress protectors are best for people who want to alter their bed slightly and protect it.
Types of Mattress Toppers
Mattress toppers are available in all different sizes, constructions, and materials. Each material type has unique benefits and drawbacks. To help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of memory foam compared to the other types, here’s an overview of the types of mattress toppers.
- Convoluted Polyfoam—Sometimes referred to as eggshell foam or egg crate foam, convoluted polyfoam toppers have soft ridges that help the topper conform to the sleeper’s body. They’re more affordable than memory foam, but they’re not as durable. They’re a good option if you want to soften your mattress for a very low price.
- Latex—Latex toppers are more expensive than memory foam in most cases and offer comfort, pressure relief, and a more responsive feel. They’re also more inherently cooling than memory foam toppers. As a natural material that’s hypoallergenic and moisture-wicking, latex can work well for sleepers who are sensitive to off-gassing or don’t like that memory foam is a synthetic material.
- Wool—Wool toppers are less common, but the material is known for its year-round temperature neutrality and moisture-wicking abilities. A great option for people living in climates where summer is very hot and winter is very cold, wool toppers offer softness, warmth, and cooling just when you need it.
- Feather—Feather bed toppers are filled with duck or goose feathers and have a very thin, plush feel. Like a down pillow, they add a luxurious feel to your mattress, but they aren’t as effective as memory foam toppers when it comes to pressure relief and spinal support. Lightweight sleepers and side sleepers may benefit the most from this style because it’s so thin and plush.
Considerations for Buying a Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Here are some important considerations to take into account when shopping for a memory foam topper.
- Price—The average price range for a Queen size memory foam mattress topper is between $100 and $250. Toppers outside of this price range are available but not as common.
- Cooling Properties—Memory foam is known for its pressure relief but also sleeps hot. If you struggle with body heat throughout the night, look for toppers that can create a cooling effect. Hot sleepers should prioritize toppers with cooling effects, and terms like “cooling gel topper” and “gel memory foam mattress topper” are a good indication that the topper will sleep cool or at least temperature neutral.
- Ease of Cleaning—If you or the person you’re buying the mattress topper for struggle with sweating at night or are prone to spills, consider a topper with a washable, removable cover. Some covers can be removed but the brand recommends spot cleaning only, so your level of comfort with different cleaning methods should come into play here. If your mattress surface is suffering from spills, check out our guide on how to clean your mattress.
- Sleeping Position—Side sleepers require more contouring and pressure relief in the hips and shoulders, so a softer, lower-density topper like the Layla is appropriate. Back sleepers and stomach sleepers need firmer support to keep the hips and shoulders from sinking, so a firmer mattress topper works best. If you can’t find a memory foam topper that’s firm enough for your sleeping position, we recommend a latex mattress topper. Learn more about how sleeping positions impact the firmness level that’s right for your body in our mattress firmness guide.
- Firmness—Memory foam toppers come in all kinds of firmness settings, so make sure to read the company’s specs or reviews about firmness settings before making your purchase. If you want more cushioning, look for a medium or medium-soft topper. If you need contouring with more support, consider a medium-firm or firm topper. Keep in mind that how a topper feels will vary based on your body weight. Lighter weight sleepers experience firm mattresses as extra firm, for example.
- Dimensions—To the surprise of many shoppers, topper dimensions don’t always match the exact dimensions (width and length) of your size mattress. You’ll also want to consider that, after the addition of the topper, you may need to purchase a sheet set with deeper pockets to accommodate for the added height of the topper.
Pros and Cons of Memory Foam Mattress Toppers
Pros
- Capable of improving one’s sleep experience by softening the sleep surface or making it firmer.
- Available in a wide range of sizes, from Twin to California King.
- Many incorporate cooling features, which can help hot sleepers get a good night’s sleep.
- Motion transfer and noise won’t be an issue on memory foam toppers, which distill movement better than other types and are virtually silent when bearing weight.
Cons
- Memory foam is more prone to sagging and faster deterioration than other topper types.
- Memory foam tends to retain more heat than other types of toppers.
- Combination sleepers may have trouble changing positions on a memory foam topper, which sinks underneath the body and is slower to respond.
- Memory foam toppers can be more expensive than mixed-foam toppers, and some cost $300 or more.
FAQs on the Best Memory Toppers
What’s the best thickness for a memory foam mattress topper?
It depends on your sleep preferences and body type. Most mattress toppers are between 2″ and 6″. The thicker toppers (6″) do well for people with heavier bodyweights who need a lot of room to sink into the memory foam. Around 4″ will accommodate most sleepers looking to breathe new life into an old mattress. The thinner toppers (2″) do well for lightweight sleepers (less than 130 lbs) or people who simply want to add a touch of comfort to their bed.
Is memory foam the best material for mattress toppers?
Memory foam is a very common material for mattress toppers, and for good reason. It provides good pressure relief (an important factor for side sleepers) and motion isolation. Some toppers utilize natural latex, which can be a bit more expensive than memory foam. It tends to be worse for motion isolation, but is naturally cooling and hypoallergenic.
Conclusion
The right memory foam topper for you will come down to your firmness preferences, goals, budget, and sleeping position. We recommend starting with your budget and narrowing down your options from there. If you simply want the best memory foam mattress topper available and aren’t hindered by cost, go with the TEMPUR-Adapt. Opt for the Layla topper if you prefer a soft, cradling feel. For budget shoppers, the Lucid topper is an excellent choice.
