Best Mattress Toppers for College Dorm Bed

Why It’s Best Overall

Many mattress toppers are perfectly suitable for dorm beds, but the Sleepyhead Copper Topper was designed specifically for this purpose. You can choose from five sizes, four of which correspond with common dorm mattress dimensions, as well as 2-inch and 3-inch profiles depending on how much cushioning you need to sleep soundly.

How It Performed

During our hands-on tests, most of our team members enjoyed the Copper Topper but differed in their opinion about which profile was most comfortable. Our side sleepers preferred the deep contouring and extra padding of the 3-inch model, which is slightly softer and more adaptive than the 2-inch. Back and stomach sleepers received a bit more support from the lower profile.

Temperature control tests revealed above-average cooling compared to other memory foam toppers we’ve evaluated. This can be attributed to the copper infusion, which helps the core resist heat buildup. We also found the topper effective at distributing weight and promoting even alignment, which in turn can reduce soreness and pressure points along the spine for sleepers who frequently experience upper or lower back pain.

What It’s Made of

The Copper Topper’s core contains solid memory foam measuring 2 or 3 inches thick, depending on which profile you choose. A knit polyester cover encases the foam. You may remove and machine wash the cover whenever it needs to be cleaned. Each corner features a thick elastic strap for securing the topper to your mattress, so there shouldn’t be too much shifting when you toss and turn or change sleep positions. Twin, twin XL, full, and full XL sizes are available, as is a queen option for dorm residents with private rooms or people who live off-campus.

All current students receive a 10% discount with their purchase. Standard ground shipping is free of charge, and all orders include a sleep trial that runs for 60 nights. Sleepyhead’s “Good Till Graduation Warranty” covers structural and material defects in the Copper Topper for up to 5 years after the purchase date.

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.

A lot of college students operate on a fixed income, and many toppers exceed their spending budget. The Brooklyn Bedding 4-Lb. Memory Foam Topper is much more affordable than the average model made from solid memory foam. Multiple profile options and a cooling cover add to the appeal of this wallet-friendly option.

How It Performed

The 2-inch topper has a medium (5) feel, and earned favorable ratings from testers on our team weighing 130 to 230 pounds. Side and back sleepers were particularly impressed. Since this is the slimmer option, it’s best suited to mattresses with light impressions and indentations. Those using a mattress with heavier wear should consider the 3-inch topper, which is medium soft (4) and is only slightly more expensive. This model was popular among our side and back sleepers under 130 pounds.

The GlacioTex cover effectively offsets heat retention from the foam and feels cool to the touch, so the topper is above average in terms of breathability and temperature control. Pressure relief is another selling point if you’re prone to aches, pains, and sore spots in sensitive areas along the spine like the shoulders or hips.

What It’s Made of

The topper’s core is composed of solid memory foam with a density of 4 pounds per cubic foot, making it fairly dense — this indicates even contouring and a longer than average lifespan. A cover made of specialty GlacioTex fabric encases the foam. This material is engineered to dissipate body heat on contact. The topper is not equipped with corner straps, so you’ll need to secure it by tucking it beneath a fitted sheet — otherwise shifting may occur when you change sleep positions.

Brooklyn Bedding offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. Each 4-Lb. Memory Foam Topper comes with a 30-night trial. If you keep the topper after the trial ends, structural and material defects are covered under a three-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Saatva’s reputation for luxurious sleep products extends beyond the brand’s mattress line. Take the Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper, which boasts high-quality construction and thoughtful detailing to help you sleep comfortably on any dorm mattress — even those with deep impressions and indentations. 

How It Performed

The topper measures 3 inches thick and has a medium soft (4) feel. As such, it received favorable ratings from our side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds and our back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds. We also found that the topper alleviates pressure well, and is a good fit for people with chronic or frequent aches and pains in sensitive areas along their spines.

Stability is another strength. Thick straps in each corner secure the topper to your mattress and prevent it from shifting during the night, even when you change positions or toss and turn. And while the foam may retain some warmth, the graphite infusion and breathable cover should reduce heat buildup to help you stay reasonably cool.

What It’s Made of

The topper’s core features a top layer of memory foam and a high-density polyfoam base. Graphite infused into the memory foam is intended to dissipate heat from the surface. A cover made of organic cotton encases the topper. Each corner is equipped with a thick elastic strap, and the fabric is treated with Guardin antimicrobial agent to stave off bacteria and keep your sleep area hygienic.

The Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper is somewhat expensive, but Saatva offers free ground delivery and a 180-night trial period with all orders. Those who keep the topper also receive a manufacturer’s warranty covering various defects for up to one year.

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.

If you enjoy the deep cradling of all-foam toppers but tend to overheat on them, the Sleepyhead Super Topper is worth checking out. This model is designed with cooling features that help reduce some of the heat retention that foam is known for, so you’ll receive the strong contouring benefits of foam without getting overly hot.

How It Performed

The topper has a medium (5) feel and you can choose between a 2-inch or 3-inch option. Both thickness options excel at contouring but the thicker model offers deeper cushioning, which is ideal if you experience painful pressure buildup. Side sleepers may prefer this extra padding for the shoulders and hips, while stomach sleepers and certain back sleepers might prefer the thinner model to maintain support for the lower back.

What It’s Made of

The Sleepyhead Super Topper is composed entirely of memory foam, which conforms closely to your body. The foam is infused with a cooling gel that’s meant to combat heat buildup, and the cover is composed of a fabric specifically engineered to help keep you cool. Sleepyhead also infused the foam with copper, which is intended to promote antimicrobial properties. Adjustable straps help secure the topper to your bed, and a non-slip design on the bottom further prevents slippage at night.

The topper comes with a 60-night sleep trial and free ground shipping. It is also backed by a five-year warranty.

If you’re shopping for a mattress topper and pad, Coop Sleep Goods lets you save some money with the Essentials Dorm Bundle. Both items are thoughtfully constructed and — as our testing shows — can significantly improve the comfort level of your room’s sleep space. 

How It Performed

During our hands-on test, most team members found the Retreat Mattress Topper comfortable. Side sleepers appreciated the shredded foam’s contouring properties, while back sleepers enjoyed the gusseted design and mid-range 2-inch profile — both of these traits ensure the topper doesn’t sink excessively despite the plush feel. The corner straps are another notable feature. When testing the topper for stability, we noticed minimal shifting with all four straps secured to the mattress.

Our team tested the Ultra Luxe Waterproof Mattress Protector, as well. Many protectors we’ve tested sleep warm because their waterproof membranes trap heat, but the Ultra Luxe is made from a moisture-wicking blend of bamboo-derived viscose and polyester. This fabrication allowed the protector to perform well during temperature control tests.

What It’s Made of

The Retreat Mattress Topper contains the same fill blend that has made Coop Sleep Goods pillows so popular. Shredded memory foam combined with down alternative fibers creates a feel that’s both plush and adaptive, and quilting with thick baffle boxes makes the topper feel exceptionally soft. A shell composed of smooth microfiber encases the fill. Each corner is equipped with a sturdy elastic strap designed to snugly secure the topper to your mattress.

The Ultra Luxe Waterproof Mattress Protector’s fabric blend is 60% polyester and 40% viscose derived from bamboo. Polyurethane backing forms the waterproof membrane. The pad has an elasticated perimeter, and the pocket depth is 15 inches. The protector is fully machine-washable. Please note the topper and pad are both intended for use with twin XL mattresses.

If you are interested in the Retreat Mattress Topper but not the Ultra Luxe Waterproof Mattress Protector, or vice versa, Coop Sleep Goods offers a 10% student discount on all individual product orders. This discount is not valid for bundles. Standard shipping is free of charge within the contiguous U.S. Each order comes with a 100-night trial period, and you’ll also receive a 5-year warranty for both items.

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.

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.