Best Queen Mattress Toppers

A mattress topper is a separate layer that can be added to a mattress to adjust its feel. Most measure between 1 and 4 inches thick, with thinner models subtly altering the sleep surface and thicker options providing a more significant variation.

Many people use toppers to soften a bed that’s too firm, but they can also firm up a mattress that’s too soft. Regardless of your personal preferences, the right topper can help you fine-tune your sleep surface so that it more closely matches your ideal feel without the expense of purchasing an entirely new mattress.

Since queen is the most popular mattress size in the United States and Canada, shoppers will experience no shortage of topper choices. However, the queen mattress topper selection is so broad that it may be hard to narrow your options and find the best topper for you. We’ll make it easier by highlighting our favorite picks, explaining what makes them stand out, and sharing the most important factors to consider while you shop. We’ll also answer common questions related to mattress toppers.

Product Details

The Silk & Snow Organic Mattress Topper is an excellent choice for anyone who finds foam toppers too soft or prone to deep sinkage. The topper’s core contains Dunlop latex, a naturally dense and responsive material that lightly cushions the body and shouldn’t sink too much. A 2-inch profile makes this topper best suited to mattresses with minor indentations or impressions in the surface.

Two firmness levels are available for the topper. Side sleepers will likely prefer the close cushioning and contouring of the medium (5) feel, while the firm (7) feel is more supportive and may be more comfortable for back and stomach sleepers. A cover made of organic cotton encases the latex. The cotton has earned certification from the Global Organic Textile Standard, a leading authority for sustainably sourced fabrics. Likewise, the latex is certified by the Global Organic Latex Standard. Both certifications make the topper an appealing option for eco-conscious individuals.

Hot sleepers should also enjoy the topper. The latex retains very little heat – especially compared to foam – and the cotton is naturally breathable. Easy care is another perk for owners, as you can unzip, remove, and machine wash the cover whenever a cleaning is needed. Wash in warm water with like colors and mild detergent, then tumble dry on low heat.

Silk & Snow offers free ground shipping to customers in the contiguous U.S. and provincial Canada. The company also allows you to return the topper within 100 nights of the delivery date if you aren’t satisfied with it. Additional covers are available to purchase if you need a replacement. The topper’s latex core is covered under a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty, and the cover comes with its own 1-year warranty.

The Nolah Mattress Topper is a foam topper that cradles your body and retains less heat than some other foam toppers you’ll find on the market. It’s a strong option for sleepers who prioritize a comfortable feel and temperature in their topper.

The 2-inch topper is composed of AirFoam, a specialized polyfoam that provides the deep contouring of memory foam but with cooling properties that minimize the heat retention that memory foam is known for. A breathable cotton cover further enhances cooling and moisture-wicking properties. The topper excels at relieving pressure, so it’s a great choice for back and side sleepers who have painful pressure buildup in the shoulders, hips, or spine. The topper can be secured to your mattress using elastic bands on the corners.

You can choose between two firmness options — plush or luxury firm. The plush model has a medium soft feel that corresponds to 4 on our 10-point firmness scale, while the luxury firm model has a medium firm feel that corresponds to a firmness rating of 6. Side and back sleepers up to 130 pounds, especially those with pressure-sensitive joints, may prefer the deep cradling of the plush model. While topper firmness is largely a matter of personal preference, those in heavier weight categories may prefer the firmer support of the luxury firm model.

Nolah offers free shipping to addresses in the contiguous U.S. The topper comes with a 30-night sleep trial and is backed by a 10-year warranty.

A memory foam topper can be a useful investment if your mattress feels uneven or excessively firm after years of use — but for many, these toppers exceed their shopping budget. The Puffy Mattress Topper offers excellent quality, and thoughtful touches elevate the design over many competing models, but reasonable pricing and a lengthy sleep trial make this topper a great option for value seekers.

Two firmness levels are available. If you prefer close contouring and a deep “hug” from your sleep surface, the soft (3) feel should meet your needs. Our testing shows side sleepers up to 230 pounds and back sleepers under 130 pounds receive adequate cushioning and pressure relief from the soft design. At the other end of the spectrum, the firm (7) feel conforms very little and maintains a flat, even surface for your body. This design was most popular among our back and stomach sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds, and our side sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds.

The topper has a 2.5-inch profile, so it should improve the comfort level of your mattress to a noticeable extent. One interesting feature is the cover, which is made from a soft, breathable blend of polyester and rayon from bamboo. The cover has an elastic border and stretchy pockets at the corners, so it can be secured to your mattress much like a fitted sheet, while the topper’s bottom has a grooved surface to prevent slippage during the night. These features make the topper particularly well suited to people who frequently change positions, toss and turn, or otherwise move in their sleep. You can remove and machine wash the cover whenever a cleaning is needed.

In addition to its affordable price-point, the Puffy Mattress Topper qualifies for free ground shipping to all 50 states. Puffy’s generous sleep trial allows you to test out the topper for up to 101 nights. Should you decide to keep it, you’ll also receive a lifetime warranty against structural defects.

Saatva offers three distinct mattress topper designs, allowing you to choose the model that best meets your needs and preferences. The most popular model among our testing team was the Graphite Mattress Topper, which measures 3 inches thick, and has a medium soft feel (4). This model is a good option for anyone who enjoys close body-contouring or experiences pressure points. It’s also the thickest of the three if you want to significantly change the feel of your mattress.

The dual-layer topper contains 1 inch of memory foam over a 2-inch base of high-density polyfoam. Graphite infused in the top layer is intended to dissipate heat, so you can enjoy the memory foam’s close contouring without feeling uncomfortably warm. During hands-on tests, the Graphite Mattress Topper was most popular with our side and back sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds.

All Saatva toppers are encased in an organic cotton cover for added breathability. Elastic corner bands secure the topper to your mattress during the night. Saatva provides free shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. Your order includes a 180-night sleep trial and a 1-year warranty.

The PlushBeds Latex Mattress Topper’s two thickness options and generous firmness range make it an excellent choice for most sleepers. Due to its versatility, this topper may be a suitable option regardless of sleeping position, body weight, sleep needs, or firmness preferences. In particular, the thinner profile and firmer option provide excellent relief for sleepers with lower back pain.

Made of ventilated Talalay latex, the PlushBeds topper provides pressure relief without the hug of memory foam. Sleepers will feel more like they are comfortably floating on the surface. The latex topper also does not trap as much heat as foam. The extra breathability makes it a strong choice for hot sleepers. Couples should also appreciate the responsive surface for bed-sharing and sex.

Those weighing up to 230 pounds may want to opt for a soft (3) to medium firm (6) feel, and those over 230 pounds may prefer the medium firm (6) and up. Upgrading to a 3-inch thickness may be better for side sleepers who often prefer more pressure relief. A thicker profile can also be helpful for people whose mattresses have become severely indented with use. The thinner option may be more suitable for back and stomach sleepers.

You can choose to add an optional cotton cover to the PlushBeds Latex Mattress topper for a fee. Shipping is free to the contiguous U.S. PlushBeds does not allow returns for the topper, but the company provides a 5-year warranty with all purchases.

As you shop for a queen size topper, you may notice that memory foam toppers are more expensive than those made from other materials. The Brooklyn Bedding 4-Lb. Memory Foam Topper is an exception to this rule. A mid-level density of 4 pounds per cubic foot (4 PCF) means the foam contours closely and evenly, but shouldn’t trap too much heat or emit excess off-gassing odor. Our hands-on tests also show the topper performs at the level as many competing models, despite being a more affordable option.

You can choose from two profiles for your topper, and we recommend basing your decision on the shape of your current mattress. The 2-inch profile provides a noticeable comfort adjustment, and should be a good option for mattresses with minor to moderate wear and tear. If your mattress is heavily indented and you’re planning to replace it soon, you should consider the thicker 3-inch profile instead — this topper creates more of a buffer between your body and the sleep surface, resulting in extra comfort.

The GlacioTex cover has thermoregulating properties to offset bothersome heat retention from the foam. It is soft and fully machine-washable. In addition to the standard queen you can pair with a bedroom mattress, you can opt for a short queen designed for RVs. 

Brooklyn Bedding offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S., and each purchase comes with a sleep trial spanning 30 nights in length. If you decide to keep your topper after the trial period ends, you’ll also receive a three-year manufacturer’s warranty covering structural and material defects.

The Birch Organic Mattress Topper features Talalay latex, which is derived from the sap of rubber trees and formulated to produce a durable, buoyant foam. Like memory foam, latex shapes to the body to relieve pressure, but it spreads out the pressure over a wider area to create a floating sensation, rather than a hug. This makes the topper an excellent choice for sleepers with persistent pressure points.

The cover uses organic cotton, which is soft to the touch and slightly stretchy, so that it can move with the latex core for optimal contouring. The breathability of the cotton cover helps circulate air and dissipate heat.  A layer of wool enhances the breathability and moisture-wicking properties while acting as a natural fire retardant.

With its medium (5) firmness and 3-inch thickness, the Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper should modify the sleep surface more noticeably than many toppers on the market.

The Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper holds several certifications pertaining to the purity and safety of its materials, including GOTS and OEKO-TEX certifications.

Sleepers have a 100-night trial period to decide if this topper is right for them. A 10-year limited warranty provides recourse for qualifying defects.

The Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Topper Supreme combines pressure relief and spinal support to help cradle the hips without putting a strain on the back.

This balance comes from the topper’s 3 inches of proprietary TEMPUR memory foam, which was originally engineered by NASA. TEMPUR responds to heat, pressure, and shape to conform to the body and redistribute its weight, thereby taking pressure off critical areas like the hips. The topper is wrapped in a quilted polyester cover that is removable, washable, and designed to be resistant to allergens and dust mites.

The TEMPUR-Topper Supreme’s medium (5) feel can add plushness to a mattress that’s too firm without skimping on the support. This makes it appropriate for virtually all weight groups and sleep positions, though stomach sleepers who weigh over 230 pounds may benefit from a firmer topper for extra support. Because of its notable contouring, the TEMPUR-Topper Supreme may be particularly suitable for side and back sleepers.

Thanks to the high-quality TEMPUR material, the TEMPUR-Topper Supreme should be durable, conforming, motion isolating, and quiet. Like most memory foam, though, it tends to retain heat and may lack the responsiveness couples usually prefer for sex.

Tempur-Pedic does not offer returns or sleep trials with the TEMPUR-Topper Supreme, due to the personal nature of the product, however the topper is backed by a 10-year limited warranty that protects against defects. Shipping is free to the contiguous U.S.

As your mattress breaks down over time, the comfort layer materials won’t be able to alleviate aches, pains, or pressure points. Uneven sleep surfaces can also lead to new sore spots. The ViscoSoft Select High Density Mattress Topper is a great option for anyone whose mattress has moderate to severe wear and tear. The topper is available in profiles of 3 or 4 inches, both of which provide ample cushioning and can greatly improve the comfort level of your mattress before you’re ready to purchase a new bed.

The core contains high-density memory foam, a material known for deep contouring and above-average longevity. The foam responds slowly, allowing your body to comfortably settle as you sink into your sleep surface. During our hands-on tests, side sleepers found the thicker profile more comfortable and effective at reducing pressure buildup. Back sleepers preferred the 3-inch topper, as they received adequate conforming without sinking too deeply into the foam.

Motion isolation is another area where the Select High Density Mattress Topper excelled during our tests. The foam absorbs movement very well and practically eliminates transfer to other areas of the surface. For added stability, the topper features elastic straps that can be secured to the corners of your mattress and a no-slip base cover intended to prevent shifting during the night. The cover can be removed and machine washed for easy care.

Seven sizes are available for the topper, including a short queen compatible with many RV-friendly mattresses. Each purchase is backed by a 90-night sleep trial, during which you can test out the topper and decide whether it’s right for you. Should you decide to keep it, you’ll also receive a manufacturer’s warranty that covers structural and material defects for up to 5 years.

The Turmerry Latex Mattress Topper’s Dunlop latex construction makes it a strong choice for sleepers who run hot at night. Latex is naturally breathable since it doesn’t hug the body as closely as a material like foam. The 100% organic cotton cover, which is sold separately, further enhances the topper’s cooling properties, since cotton is a breathable fabric.

Sleepers can choose between a 2-inch, 3-inch, or 4-inch profile and soft (3), medium (5), medium firm (6), or firm (7) feels. Note that the 4-inch model has a dual-sided design that offers a soft feel on one surface and medium firm feel on the other. Regardless of firmness level, the latex offers contouring for the body, which can help relieve pain from sharp pressure points.

Our testing found that the topper is suited for most sleeping positions and body weights, thanks to its customizable features, but the soft and medium models are especially comfortable for side sleepers. These models provide side sleepers with excellent cushion and relief from pressure-induced pain in the hips and shoulders across weight groups. Side sleepers may also appreciate the thicker options to ensure enough cushion for pressure points. The thicker models can also help correct the feel of an old or indented mattress.

All of the thickness options are available in GOLS-certified latex, though for a lower price you may purchase models that don’t have organic certification. The 4-inch topper includes the organic cover.

Turmerry provides free ground shipping to the contiguous U.S. A 120-night sleep trial allows you to test the topper and return it for a full refund. If you decide to keep the Turmerry Latex Mattress Topper, it is backed by a 5-year warranty against structural defects.

How to Choose a Queen Size Mattress Topper

While you may spend hours researching mattresses before making a purchase, a topper may seem like a more straightforward decision. However, since it alters the feel of the bed, it can be just as important despite being less of a financial commitment. Many of the same factors you would consider when selecting a mattress are also important to assess when looking at a mattress topper.

What to Consider When Purchasing a Queen Mattress Topper

We’ll detail some of the main factors to consider when purchasing a mattress topper. Which aspects are most important will depend on your personal preferences and existing mattress, but considering all of them gives you a more complete idea of a topper’s potential pros and cons.

Companies may try to make it seem like their topper is perfect for all sleepers, regardless of their preferences. This usually just means that the topper falls towards the middle of the firmness and thickness range that most individuals prefer. While such a topper is likely to be comfortable for many sleepers, it may not be ideal for you depending on your unique preferences and sleep style.

Price
Queen size toppers range greatly in price, depending on their materials. Convoluted polyfoam and fiber toppers tend to be the most affordable, memory foam and latex toppers usually fall towards the center of the average price range, and high-quality down toppers tend to be the most expensive.

Sleeping Position
Your sleep position plays a major role in your pressure points and spinal alignment, so it’s important to consider when selecting a topper.

Side sleepers often need the most pressure relief because of the width of their hips and shoulders, so they may prefer a thicker topper that cradles their curves. Back sleepers generally need the right balance of support and contouring to let their hips dip in without sagging, so they may gravitate towards a topper with a medium firmness and thickness. Since stomach sleepers usually need more support to keep their spines well aligned, a thinner and/or firmer topper may be best.

Quality Materials
While toppers can use a wide range of materials, the quality of those components may ultimately be more important than the type of material. Quality can affect both comfort and durability. A high-quality topper should retain its shape for years to come, while a lower-quality option may go flat or develop impressions. Since you may end up replacing a low-quality topper sooner, a high-quality option may be a better overall value even though it will likely cost more upfront.

Cooling Properties
If your existing mattress tends to trap heat, a cooling topper can counteract this effect to help you maintain a more comfortable temperature. A topper with cooling properties may also be an ideal choice for those who live in warm climates or who tend to sleep hot. Some toppers use advanced materials designed for cooling, like phase change materials, while others rely on breathable components like cotton, wool, and latex to allow heat to escape.

Firmness Level

While most mattress toppers fall around medium on the firmness scale, options are available to suit different needs and preferences. Sleepers with a mattress that’s too firm and those who favor a cloudlike feel may like a softer model, while those who weigh more than 230 pounds or who have a mattress that’s too soft may find a firmer option more supportive.

Thickness
Toppers usually measure between 1 and 4 inches thick. The thickness of a mattress topper influences how much it will alter the feel of the bed. Thinner toppers can tweak the feel without obstructing the support of the mattress. Thicker options often modify the surface to a greater extent, altering its pressure relief, support, motion isolation, and more.

Pressure Relief

Sleepers often experience pressure buildup around their hips and shoulders, which can contribute to aches and pains. Some toppers redistribute pressure to help reduce this discomfort.

A topper’s pressure relief depends on several factors. The thickness of the topper plays a big role. A thin topper may add a bit of pressure relief, while a thicker option will likely provide more. Selecting the right firmness for your sleep position and body type can give you the combination of support and contouring necessary to balance pressure relief and spinal alignment.

Which Type of Mattress Topper Should I Choose?

The type of mattress topper that’s best for you will depend on your sleep position, preferences, and existing mattress. Several varieties are available, each with potential pros and cons.

Polyfoam 
Polyfoam toppers typically relieve pressure and reduce motion transfer while being budget-friendly. Since polyfoam is usually more breathable than memory foam, these toppers may be a good option for those who sleep hot but like the feel of foam. The main drawback is often durability. High-quality polyfoam should have a longer lifespan, but lower-quality options could break down or develop indentations quickly.

Memory foam
Memory foam toppers are popular for their close-conforming pressure relief that sleepers often compare to a hug. In addition to exceptional contouring, they usually absorb vibrations so that motion doesn’t transfer across the surface of the bed. However, this material’s slow response to changes in pressure could restrict movement and be less conducive to sex. Traditional memory foam also frequently traps heat against the sleeper’s body, though some toppers use gel-infused foam designed to transfer it away for a cooler night’s sleep.

Latex 
Latex toppers spread compression over a wider area than polyfoam or memory foam, relieving pressure with more of a floating sensation than a hug. Natural latex is especially prized for its quality, durability, and sustainability. Toppers made of latex tend to be more breathable than memory foam models, making them a good option for hot sleepers. Latex also has a natural buoyancy that makes it easier to move around on, which may be beneficial for amorous activity.

Feather and Down 
Feather and down toppers typically contain materials from geese and/or ducks. Down is the layer of fine plumage under a bird’s exterior feathers. This material is typically light, soft, and fluffy, but it can be quite expensive. Feather toppers usually have a sturdier, more supportive feel. While some people feel feather or down toppers are plush and luxurious, they could trigger allergies, allow motion transfer, make a rustling noise, and/or emit a natural odor.

Wool 
Toppers made of wool usually cushion the surface of the bed while adding temperature-regulating properties. Wool transfers heat away when it’s warm and insulates when it’s cold for year-round comfort. It also wicks away moisture to keep the sleeper dry if they sweat overnight. Despite their cushioning, however, wool toppers may not provide the cradling some sleepers want for pressure relief.