Best Mattress Toppers for College Dorm Bed

College dorm beds aren’t known for their comfort, but it’s hard to justify spending money on a mattress that might only see a couple of years of use. Another solution is a mattress topper. A mattress topper can go a long way toward improving the performance of a college dorm bed without the need to invest in a whole new mattress.

There are multiple factors to consider when choosing a mattress topper. Toppers come in various types of materials, which can affect their ability to cushion and support the body, regulate temperature, and provide an inviting sleep surface. The topper also interacts with the mattress below, which is something to keep in mind when evaluating the firmness level.

We’ve rounded up a list of our top picks for mattress toppers for dorm beds in order to help students get the all-important rest they need for success in college.

Product Details

The Sleepyhead Gel Topper is made with 3 inches of memory foam and a removable fabric cover. It excels at providing cushioning to potential pressure points, which enhances comfort and spinal alignment. 

Why It’s Best Overall

The Sleepyhead Gel Topper delivers substantial pressure relief and helps support healthy spinal alignment for people in most sleeping positions. It matches particularly well with side sleeping, which is the most common sleeping position. This memory foam model includes gel infusions whose purpose is to fight heat buildup, and the conforming foam keeps noise to a minimum.

How It Performed

Our in-house testing revealed that the Sleepyhead Gel Topper performed best for side sleepers. This sleeping position can cause harmful impact at the hips and shoulders, but we found that the memory foam conformed closely in these areas to relieve pressure and allow the spine to settle into a neutral position.

The topper also promoted healthy spinal alignment for back and stomach sleepers under 230 pounds. With its medium (5) firmness, the topper supported the midsection and helped cushion the lumbar area to reduce lower back strain.

The topper makes virtually no noise, making it a great option for students who share their dorm room. While not the bounciest, the Sleepyhead Gel Topper allows for fairly easy movement compared to other memory foam models.

What It’s Made Of

The Sleepyhead Gel Topper is made with gel-infused memory foam, which is intended to keep the topper from collecting heat during the night. The topper has 3 inches of this foam that is known for its conforming properties, allowing it to adapt to the body’s weight distribution around key pressure points. 

The Sleepyhead Gel Topper has a medium (5) firmness level, so for most sleepers it keeps the body from sinking too deeply into the bed. To facilitate cleaning, the topper has a polyester cover that can be fully removed for washing. 

Sleepyhead also offers a 2-inch twin XL model of the Gel Topper that is lighter but may not offer quite as much contouring. This option may be more practical for students who anticipate moving dorm rooms each year. 

Based on our tests, the Sleepyhead Gel Topper shows all the characteristics that most college students should look for in a quality mattress topper. Sleepyhead offers a 60-night sleep trial and free shipping. The company also provides a five-year warranty that can last through graduation.

The Puffy Mattress Topper is a memory foam model sold in two options: soft (3) or firm (7). The cover has deep, elastic pockets designed for a snug fit and is removable for easy washing.

How It Performed

In our sleep lab, the Puffy Mattress Topper showed a clear ability to provide pressure relief. That said, there were marked differences between the soft (3) and firm (7) models of the Puffy Mattress Topper. Side sleepers and people under 130 pounds on our testing team preferred the soft (3) mattress topper, which cradled the hips and shoulders to minimize pressure points. 

Back and stomach sleepers leaned toward the firm (7) model, which more effectively supported the midsection to keep the spine from dipping into an uncomfortable U-shape. People over 230 pounds said the firmer topper provided more meaningful support. Testers found it easier to switch sleeping positions on this model, and heat mapping tests revealed the firm topper retained less heat than the soft topper.

What It’s Made Of

Built with 2.5 inches of memory foam, the Puffy Mattress Topper comes in two firmness options that shoppers can select at the time of purchase. The soft (3) version conforms closely to the body, delivering pressure relief that is well suited to most side sleepers. The firm (7) model is designed for those who prefer less sink, such as back and stomach sleepers.

The Puffy Topper attaches to the bed with an elastic extension that wraps around the bottom of the bed, in a manner similar to a fitted sheet. This design is intended to keep the topper firmly in place throughout the night, and it can fit mattresses up to 15 inches tall. The cover, which is made from a blend of polyester and rayon from bamboo, can be removed for washing.

With an affordable price-point, the Puffy Mattress Topper offers a choice of firmness options without breaking the bank. In addition, Puffy provides a 101-night sleep trial, a lifetime warranty, and free shipping to all 50 states.

Saatva offers three different versions of its mattress topper, including one made with graphite-infused memory foam, another made with high-density polyfoam, and a third option made with durable Talalay latex.

How It Performed

Each version of the Saatva Mattress Topper appealed to different types of sleepers on our testing team. Side sleepers found that the polyfoam and graphite models provided solid cushioning to soften pressure points in the hips and shoulders. For our back sleepers, the latex model helped maintain spinal alignment. With the exception of those weighing less than 130 pounds, our stomach sleepers found all of the Saatva models a little too soft.

Temperature tests revealed that the Talalay latex did very well at deflecting heat buildup on the surface of the bed. Although not quite as cool, the foam models were found to be about average at temperature regulation. 

What It’s Made Of

The Saatva Mattress Topper comes in three options. Each model is wrapped in a breathable organic cotton cover and equipped with elastic bands to help secure the topper to the mattress.

The firmest and most economical topper, rating a medium (5) for firmness, is made with 1.5 inches of high-density polyfoam. Back sleepers under 230 pounds on our testing team found that the polyfoam in this topper provided the right level of contouring and support. 

The medium soft (4) graphite model is constructed with 1 inch of graphite-infused memory foam over 2 inches of transitional polyfoam. The memory foam adds a boost of contouring and pressure relief for side and back sleepers under 230 pounds, and the graphite infusions are engineered to limit heat buildup. The polyfoam base helps reduce the feeling of sinking too far into the bed.

Back sleepers and side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds may prefer the latex option, consisting of 1.5 inches of ventilated Talalay latex. With its medium soft (4) firmness, the latex topper has a springier feel that facilitates movement for people who frequently change their sleeping position over the course of the night. Its temperature neutrality makes this option the best fit for hot sleepers.

All of the Saatva Mattress Toppers show attention-to-detail in their construction, and the choice of options allows virtually any student to find a good fit for their needs. The Saatva Mattress Topper ships free to the lower 48 states, and it’s backed by a 180-night sleep trial and a one-year limited warranty.

Read our Full Saatva Mattress Topper Review to learn more

Available in 3-inch or 4-inch models, the Viscosoft Select High Density Mattress Topper consists entirely of memory foam and has a medium firm (6) firmness level. The breathable cover and gel-infused foam are designed to mitigate heat retention.

How It Performed

Side and back sleepers on our testing team found that this memory foam topper contoured to the hips and shoulders, reducing pressure and supporting spinal alignment. Its performance was especially well-suited to side sleepers who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds and back sleepers under 230 pounds.

Testers on our team also found the topper outperformed the average memory foam topper in terms of temperature regulation. The topper’s gel-infused foam is intended to prevent heat from collecting in the foam, and tiny holes in the foam are designed to provide ventilation so that heat can escape out and away from the sleeping surface. 

Memory foam makes virtually no noise when bearing weight. Additionally, with its medium firm (6) feel, sleepers didn’t perceive that they were sinking too deeply into the topper. 

What It’s Made Of

The Viscosoft Select High Density Mattress Topper is made with gel-infused memory foam. Viscosoft offers the option of a 3-inch or 4-inch profile, both of which have a medium firm (6) feel. Given its thicker foam layer, the 4-inch model may be a better fit for people who have sharp pressure points. 

The topper has a breathable cover made with rayon derived from bamboo. To make cleaning easier, the cover is removable and machine-washable. It’s also equipped with adjustable straps as well as an anti-slip mesh bottom. Viscosoft offers upgraded topper options infused with lavender or charcoal intended to enhance other aspects of the topper’s performance. 

Our testing showed that the Viscosoft Select High Density Mattress Topper can meet the needs of most students who are looking for a truly comfortable topper that can also offer solid support. The topper is backed by a 90-night sleep trial and a five-year warranty. Toppers ship free to the contiguous U.S.

Read our Full ViscoSoft Select High Density Mattress Topper Review to learn more

Made with plush memory foam, the Layla Memory Foam Topper helps cradle the body and cushion pressure points. Design elements like copper gel-infused foam and a ThermoGEL agent in the cover are included to promote temperature neutrality.

How It Performed

In our testing, the Layla Memory Foam Topper stood out for pressure relief, particularly when our testers were sleeping on their side. Side sleepers often experience bothersome impact near the hips and shoulders, which bear most of the weight in this position. The plush memory foam helped hug and cushion these areas, especially for people who weigh under 130 pounds. While some people over 130 pounds also liked this topper in our testing, others found it to be too soft.

Back sleepers on our team who weigh under 130 pounds also rated the Layla Memory Foam Topper well, noting that it provided even conforming with just the right touch of support to prevent lower back pain. Back sleepers over 130 pounds and most stomach sleepers found the memory foam to have too much sink. 

Like most memory foam toppers, the Layla effectively absorbed motion and noise. In our tests, the cooling features also did their job, helping attenuate the heat buildup that is common with traditional memory foam. 

What It’s Made Of

The Layla Memory Foam Topper is built with 2 inches of memory foam with a soft (3) firmness level. Copper gel is infused into the memory foam with the goal of keeping heat from building up around the sleeper. At just 11 pounds for a twin size, the Layla Mattress Topper is practical and easy to move when changing dorm rooms.

The cover is made with polyester, viscose, and lycra, and it contains a ThermoGEL agent engineered to cool things down when body temperature rises.

For students who want a plush feel to their bed but want to avoid overheating, the Layla Memory Foam topper can deliver impressive results. Layla offers free shipping to the contiguous U.S., and the topper comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a five-year warranty.

Read our Full Layla Memory Foam Topper Review to learn more

The Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt Topper contains 3 inches of TEMPUR memory foam with a medium (5) firmness. For an extra fee, Tempur-Pedic offers an upgraded cover with cooling technology.

How It Performed

This topper formed a snug cradle for side sleepers on our testing team, allowing the hips and shoulders to sink in just enough so the spine could rest in a neutral position. Likewise, back sleepers found that the topper cushioned the lumbar area and supported the hips. Although stomach sleepers generally require a firmer sleep surface, the TEMPUR-Adapt Topper provided decent spinal support for testers under 230 pounds.

Our heat mapping did reveal that the topper retains some warmth, which is to be expected with a memory foam topper. Hot sleepers may want to consider the additional features offered by the TEMPUR-Adapt+ Cooling Topper.

What It’s Made Of

The TEMPUR-Adapt Topper is built with 3 inches of proprietary TEMPUR memory foam. With a medium (5) firmness, the topper contours closely to the sleeper to alleviate pressure points.

Elastic straps help secure the topper to the bed, so it doesn’t move when you switch sleeping positions. Removable and washable, the cover is made with a stretchy knit material designed to increase airflow. For an extra fee, shoppers can upgrade to a topper cover with supplemental cooling features.

Overall, the TEMPUR-Adapt Topper offers a high level of spinal support and comfort from a well-known name in the mattress industry. For this topper, Tempur-Pedic offers free shipping to the contiguous U.S. and a 10-year limited warranty.

Read our Full Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt Topper Review to learn more

The Brooklyn Bedding 2.5-lb. Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper is sold in 2-inch or 3-inch models, each made with gel-infused memory foam designed to cushion pressure points without overheating.

How It Performed

Our pressure mapping tests showed minimal stress at pressure points for side and back sleepers under 230 pounds. The memory foam contoured to typical problem areas like the hips, shoulders, and midsection, providing targeted relief that can facilitate better spinal alignment during sleep.

Compared to traditional memory foam, our testers also found that this topper retained less heat. The gel infusions and the structure of the memory foam itself are designed to resist heat collection and facilitate cooling airflow. 

What It’s Made Of

Shoppers can select a topper thickness of either 2 or 3 inches. Both models of the Brooklyn Bedding 2.5-lb. Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper are made entirely with memory foam and do not have a cover. 

This topper has a medium soft (4) firmness, which is plusher than average. A soft sleep surface is often ideal for side sleepers who typically have more pronounced pressure points. However, some people, especially people over 230 pounds and many back and stomach sleepers, may find this topper to be too plush. 

This topper from Brooklyn Bedding is a good match for students who want a topper with a simple design and affordable price that can hug the body to relieve pressure. Shipping is free to the continental U.S., and Brooklyn Bedding offers a 30-night sleep trial and a three-year limited warranty.

The Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper is made with a combination of organic cotton, organic wool, and natural Talalay latex. Its 2-inch profile and medium (5) firmness make it suitable for sleepers of most weights and sleeping positions.

How It Performed

Side, back, and stomach sleepers on our team all rated the Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper highly. With a medium (5) firmness, the topper relieves pressure points without sinking or sagging. The topper performed best for those under 230 pounds. However, since latex does not compress as much as memory foam, stomach sleepers and those over 230 pounds still received a modest amount of support despite the topper’s firmness level.

Unsurprisingly, the topper excelled at resisting heat buildup thanks to its airy cotton cover and layers of breathable wool and ventilated Talalay latex. Latex also has a natural bounce that facilitates movement on top of the bed. This is helpful for those who frequently change sleeping positions, and it is also a desirable trait for sex.

What It’s Made Of

The Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper is crafted with an organic cotton cover lined with organic wool fibers that add softness and double as a fire retardant, eliminating the need for fire-repellent chemicals. Cotton and wool are highly breathable, and wool has a naturally resilient structure that adds a subtle springiness.

The bulk of the topper is made with natural Talalay latex, a material that can accommodate pressure points while maintaining bounce and responsiveness. Altogether, the topper measures approximately 2 inches thick and has a medium (5) firmness level.

This topper is most compelling for people who want a topper with eco-friendly materials, including materials with certifications from the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and Greenguard Gold. It is also a top choice for people who want a topper made with latex instead of foam. For each topper, Birch Living offers free shipping, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty.

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