Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Brooklyn Bedding mattress toppers
Written by
Daniel Noyed, Certified Sleep Coach
We personally test every product featured in our reviews and guide to provide accurate, data-driven recommendations. Learn More
After recent testing, we’ve updated this page to include the Brooklyn Bedding Memory Foam Topper (4 PCF) as our best overall pick. We also added the Pacific Coast Down on Top Feather Bed as our best featherbed, and the PlushBeds Natural Latex Topper as our most comfortable pick.
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If you’re not happy with how your bed feels, you can add a mattress topper to make it softer or firmer. A soft mattress topper will instantly add a layer of plushness to your bed. It can also help protect your current mattress from wear and tear and potentially prolong its lifespan. As an added benefit, a topper is typically just a fraction of the cost of buying a new mattress.
Mattress toppers can vary widely when it comes to their materials, price, thickness, and firmness. We’ll help you navigate between different models and give you key points of comparison so that you know what to look for when shopping for a soft mattress topper.
Best Overall
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Brooklyn Bedding mattress toppers
With its deep cushioning and full-body hug, the Brooklyn Bedding Memory Foam Topper is a worthwhile pick for sleepers who love the feel of memory foam. This topper has a density rating of 4 pounds per cubic foot (PCF) that should be a good fit for sleepers who want a pressure-relieving and exceptionally comfortable topper. This model also has an affordable price-point considering its high-quality memory foam.
Shoppers can purchase this model in two different heights: 2-inch and 3-inch. People who want to enhance their mattress’ feel but not alter it significantly should purchase the 2-inch version while those who prefer substantial cushioning will want to pick the 3-inch model. Side sleepers and people who weigh under 230 pounds will get the most from this Brooklyn Bedding topper, as its surface may be too plush for stomach sleepers or people who weigh above 230 pounds.
You can further customize your topper by choosing its cover material. The standard option is a breathable organic cotton cover, and the upgraded version features proprietary cooling technology. Both covers are washable and easy to remove. This topper is available in seven standard dimensions that each carry a 3-year warranty. Shoppers in the contiguous U.S. enjoy free shipping and 30-day returns.
Best Value
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Puffy mattress toppers
Memory foam mattress toppers are known for their exceptional pressure relief capabilities, and the Puffy Mattress Topper – Soft is no exception. This affordable topper is made with thick memory foam that cushions the shoulders, hips, and lower back to limit aches and pains. The soft (3) feel and adaptive feel was best suited to side sleepers on our team, particularly those weighing up to 230 pounds. People sharing a bed with a restless sleep partner should also find the thick memory foam absorbs most movement transfer and noise, leading to fewer sleep disruptions.
A breathable shell made from bamboo-derived rayon and polyester helps reduce heat retention on the surface and keeps sleepers cool. The cover has elasticated corners with a 15-inch pocket depth, allowing you to secure the topper to most mattresses sold today. Grips on the bottom of the topper also prevent shifting throughout the night. The cover is fully removable and machine washable for easy care. Six sizes are available: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king.
Along with the competitive price-point, Puffy offers free shipping to the contiguous U.S. and a 101-night sleep-trial. Customers can return a topper anytime after the 30-night break-in period for a full refund. If you decide to keep the Puffy Mattress Topper, it comes with a generous lifetime warranty covering structural defects.
Most Comfortable
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on PlushBeds mattress toppers
The PlushBeds Natural Latex Topper is an all-latex model that comes in five different firmness levels, but the “soft” option stands out for its luxurious comfort.
The topper is composed of 100% Talalay latex that balances cushioning and bounce. The soft option rates 3 on our 10-point firmness scale, giving it exceptional plushness with a slightly responsive feel. The topper contours closely to your body and relieves pressure in areas such as the shoulders, hips, and spine. Sleepers who wake up with achy joints due to pressure buildup will benefit from this pressure relief.
Shoppers can pick between a 2-inch or 3-inch model. While both provide strong cushioning, the thicker topper will adjust the feel of your mattress more significantly. Latex is a naturally breathable topper material, and the perforated design further promotes cooling to help hot sleepers sleep comfortably. For an additional fee, you may add a GOTS-certified organic cotton cover.
The topper is not eligible for returns due to the personal nature of the product, but it does come with a 5-year warranty. PlushBeds offers free shipping to addresses in the contiguous U.S.
Best Luxury
The Saatva Mattress Topper is available in three designs with different materials and firmness levels. The softest option, considered medium soft (4), is constructed from ventilated Talalay latex, a naturally durable and responsive material that conforms much like memory foam without hugging the body or sinking too much.
This topper measures 1.5 inches thick, and is best suited to sleepers looking for a low-profile add-on to their current mattress. The latex is sustainably sourced, while the topper’s cover is made of GOTS-certified organic cotton. Both of these components promote breathability and cooling, so the topper is a great option for hot sleepers and people who live in warm or humid areas.
Each of the corners is equipped with an elastic anchor band that allows the topper to remain in place on top of your mattress without shifting or sliding. Six sizes are available for the topper ranging from twin to king and California king.
If you’d rather not sleep on a latex topper, Saatva also offers high-density polyfoam and graphite-infused memory foam designs. Prices vary depending on the selected material. Your purchase includes free shipping if you reside in the contiguous U.S., as well as a 45-night sleep trial and one-year warranty.
Best for Side Sleepers
The GhostBed Memory Foam Topper pairs the contouring comfort of memory foam with cooling technology to provide sleepers with a pressure-relieving surface that resists overheating. With five distinct zones and a uniquely channeled pattern, this mattress topper is engineered to provide targeted support while remaining cool throughout the night.
The topper is constructed using a 3-inch layer of gel memory foam, which conforms to the body and distributes weight away from sharp pressure points. A channeled design splits the topper into five zones that provide extra reinforcement for heavier parts of the body. The zones vary in firmness level across the topper, and air can travel easily between the grooves to prevent overheating.
The topper comes wrapped in a cooling cover made of proprietary Ghost Ice fabric, which is waterproof and can double as a mattress protector. The cover is removable and may be machine washed, though the topper itself should only be spot cleaned with a mild detergent. Deep pockets in the cover allow it to fit most mattresses, and a 2-inch elastic band helps keep the topper in place on your mattress.
GhostBed offers free shipping to customers in the contiguous U.S. All sales are final and returns are not allowed, but the topper is backed by a 5-year warranty.
Best Pressure Relief
The Birch Organic Mattress Topper softens the sleep surface with natural materials. This 3-inch topper is composed of an organic cotton cover, organic Birch wool, and natural Talalay latex. The result is a supportive topper that rates around 5 on the 10-point firmness scale.
The layer of Talalay latex provides a fairly soft sleep surface and moderate contouring. Although latex doesn’t have quite the same body-hugging feel as memory foam, it generally offers more support and should perform better for sleepers who weigh over 230 pounds. It also adds durability to the topper.
Overall, our sleep testers found that the Birch topper performed well across the board. The topper sleeps exceptionally cool due to the breathable layers of organic wool and latex, as well as the organic cotton cover. The latex gives this topper a somewhat responsive feel, but motion transfer shouldn’t be a major issue. Due to its responsive and conforming latex layer, the topper should be suitable for couples who prefer a balance of springiness and traction for sex. The topper is also virtually silent when bearing weight.
The Birch Organic Mattress Topper comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year limited warranty.
Best for Back Pain
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Tempur-Pedic mattress toppers
Tempur-Pedic was one of the first companies to use memory foam in their sleep products, recognizing its pressure-relieving benefits. The TEMPUR-Topper Supreme is a standout memory foam mattress topper that cushions the spine and cradles your body. This topper in particular has a medium feel that contours effectively without sinking excessively, making it an excellent choice for sleepers with back pain. Shoppers should note this model has a luxury price-point, but it’s well-made and highly durable.
This topper also boasts excellent isolation motion. Couples who wake each other when shifting sleeping positions may find relief by adding this topper to their current mattress. The foam effectively stops motion where it starts, preventing movement from disturbing your partner on the other side of the bed.
At 3 inches thick, the TEMPUR-Topper Supreme will significantly soften the feel of the mattress underneath. Those looking for less contouring may want to consider a thinner model. While this topper’s memory foam may trap more body heat than foam that’s less dense, its temperature regulation should be adequate for all but the hottest sleepers.
A washable cover protects the topper from general wear and tear. Free shipping is available to shoppers in the contiguous U.S. and Tempur-Pedic backs this product with a generous 10-year warranty.
Best Down
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Parachute mattress toppers
The Parachute Down Mattress Topper features a 3-inch gusseted cover made from a soft cotton fabric with a sateen weave. The topper contains 85% white duck down and 15% feathers, creating a 550 fill power blend and a soft (3) sleep surface.
Shoppers looking for pillow-top comfort will likely appreciate the plush feel of the Parachute Down Mattress Topper, but it may be too soft for some. Those who weigh more than 230 pounds may find that they sink excessively into the topper. Though it cushions the body, down does not provide the same level of contouring as a memory foam mattress topper would.
The Parachute topper is relatively durable due to its dual-chambered design and gusseted cover. Additionally, the baffle box stitching helps keep the down fill evenly distributed throughout the topper’s surface. Down can absorb body heat, but the Parachute Down Mattress Topper’s breathable cotton cover helps the topper stay cool. This topper is fairly quiet when bearing weight, but sleepers will notice some light rustling as they move on its surface.
The Parachute Down Mattress Topper is dry clean only. It comes with a 60-night sleep trial, and it is protected by the company’s 3-year warranty.
Best Featherbed
Featherbeds are known for their softness, and the Pacific Coast Down on Top Feather Bed is no exception. This mattress topper adds instant plushness to any mattress.
The topper is designed with two chambers. A top chamber contains down with 525 fill power, giving the bed a luxurious fluffy feel. The bottom chamber is composed of feathers, which further enhance the fluffiness but also balance it out with support. The topper cradles the body and excels at relieving pressure buildup during sleep. This especially benefits side sleepers, who are prone to painful pressure buildup in the shoulders and hips.
With a 3-inch gusset, the topper has a generous loft that will greatly adjust the feel of your mattress. The fill is encased in a 230 thread count cotton cover that’s designed to prevent feathers from escaping. Baffle box construction ensures that the fill won’t bunch up, and handles on the topper’s side make it easier to lift for fluffing. The topper is trimmed with navy blue piping for a subtle touch of sophistication. Owners may spot clean the topper.
Pacific Coast backs this topper with a 3-year warranty and a 30-night sleep trial, during which you may return the topper for a full refund. Shipping is free to addresses within the contiguous U.S.
Best Memory Foam
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Layla mattress toppers
People who sleep on their sides can develop uncomfortable pressure points if their mattress is too firm. The Layla Memory Foam Topper is a soft (3) model that helps prevent pressure buildup by closely hugging your side. Layla has designed this topper to work seamlessly with its flippable mattress, though it’s also compatible with mattresses from other brands.
The topper has a 2-inch profile that’s designed to enhance your current mattress without significantly affecting its overall performance. While memory foam has the tendency to trap heat, this model combats the issue by using foam that’s infused with copper gel beads. This material is engineered to draw body heat away from you while you sleep, ensuring that you don’t overheat. The cover is crafted from polyester and viscose that also includes proprietary cooling technology.
In addition to temperature control, the Layla topper excels at isolating motion and relieving pressure buildup. Side sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds should find that the foam gently hugs hips and shoulders – two areas particularly prone to pressure. People who weigh more than 230 pounds may prefer a firmer topper.
This model’s price-point is on par with other premium toppers and your purchase includes a 120-night sleep trial. A 5-year warranty covers splitting and cracks in the foam as well as cover material defects.
If you’re not sure what to look for, searching for a new mattress topper can be overwhelming. It doesn’t help that bedding companies often use misleading marketing jargon when describing their products. This can add to the confusion and distract shoppers from the factors that are most important.
Since each sleeper will have different needs and preferences, there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to selecting a mattress topper. That said, most shoppers will want to consider several factors prior to making a purchase. We’ll break down price, firmness, quality of materials, and other considerations to help you find the right fit.
Price
Purchasing a mattress topper is often more affordable than buying a new mattress altogether. Setting your budget will help you narrow down the list of possible brands and models to consider. Mattress topper prices will vary based on the topper’s materials and construction, but soft toppers can be found at a wide range of price-points.
Sleeping Position
Although often overlooked, your sleeping position is one of the most important factors to take into consideration when shopping for a mattress topper. Even if you’re certain that you need a soft topper, your sleep style will still dictate just how soft your sleep surface should be. You’ll also need to keep in mind the firmness of your current mattress.
Side sleepers often need a softer, more conforming sleep surface, due to the added pressure that this position puts on the shoulders and hips. Back sleepers are likely to benefit from a medium to medium firm surface, while stomach sleepers tend to prefer a firm surface to help keep the hips and spine aligned.
Quality Materials
A topper’s materials will have a significant impact on its softness and how it performs. The softest toppers tend to be pillow-tops featuring lofty materials such as down, feathers, or polyester microfiber fill. These materials can flatten over time, but high-quality fill and construction can help improve a soft topper’s durability.
If you want a topper with the added benefit of pressure relief, memory foam and polyfoam toppers often conform to the shape of the body to cushion the hips and shoulders. Latex toppers are durable, but often lack the deep contouring of memory foam toppers.
Cooling Properties
If you tend to sleep hot, you may want to consider a cooling mattress topper. Since soft mattress toppers often conform closely, they can restrict airflow around the body. Materials like memory foam are particularly susceptible to heat buildup, but some foam mattress toppers incorporate gel infusions or phase change material engineered to offset any heat retention. Natural materials such as latex and wool may help regulate your body temperature during the night.
Firmness Level
The right level of firmness for a mattress topper will largely depend on your personal preferences. However, if your current mattress feels too firm with minimal contouring and no sinkage, you’ll likely benefit from a soft mattress topper. A topper rated soft (2 to 3) or medium soft (4) will provide a more plush sleep surface, often with better contouring.
Thickness
Mattress toppers tend to be between 1 and 4 inches thick. The thicker the topper, the more it will change the feel of your current mattress. A thinner mattress topper will offer sleepers some cushioning without significantly altering the feel of their existing mattress. Thicker toppers are ideal for sleepers who want to make more substantial changes to their sleep surface, particularly in terms of firmness, pressure relief, and motion isolation.
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief refers to how well a topper cradles the contours of your body to alleviate pressure in areas such as the hips and shoulders. Memory foam toppers typically offer sleepers significant pressure relief, though latex and polyfoam models are also worth considering.
Mattress toppers come in a wide variety of sizes, materials, and firmnesses options. To find the right mattress topper for you, you’ll need to consider your unique comfort preferences, body weight, and preferred sleeping position. The material you choose will have a significant impact on your topper’s comfort. We’ll break down potential benefits and drawbacks to consider for each type of mattress topper.
Memory Foam
Memory foam is a specially formulated material originally designed by NASA. It’s highly contouring for excellent pressure relief. Memory foam is often used in soft mattress toppers, as it responds to both heat and weight to conform closely. However, it is known to trap body heat. If you tend to sleep hot but enjoy the feel of memory foam, look for cooling toppers with features that are intended to fight heat buildup, such as gel-infusions, open-cell technology, or phase change material.
Polyfoam
Polyfoam is a versatile type of foam commonly used in mattress toppers. Higher density polyfoam often provides a firmer sleep surface, but there are plenty of soft polyfoam mattress toppers on the market. Lower density polyfoam tends to be softer, but may be more susceptible to deep impressions over time.
Latex
Natural latex provides contouring and pressure relief, with top-notch temperature regulation and durability. Latex toppers tend to be more supportive than memory foam models, and they will not feel as soft as down or down alternative toppers.
Pillow-Top
Pillow-top mattress toppers often provide a soft sleep surface for your bed. Made with materials such as feathers, down, or polyester fiberfill, pillow-tops have a lofty, cloudlike feel that’s similar to a pillow. Pillow-top mattress toppers are often soft and breathable, but many tend to lack pressure relief and durability.
Wool
Wool is another natural option. Although less common, wool toppers are quite soft while being fairly temperature neutral. The breathability of wool makes it particularly suitable for hot sleepers, as well as for year-round use.
On the 10-point firmness scale, a plush mattress topper typically rates between soft (2) and medium soft (4). The more plush or soft a mattress topper is, the more you will feel as if you’re sinking into the sleep surface. This can add cushioning to an otherwise firm mattress.
A pillow-top mattress topper is a soft type of topper featuring plush material and a gusseted design. This type of topper typically uses lofty material such as down, feathers, or polyester microfiber. As the name suggests, the loft adds a pillow-like softness to your sleep surface.
Pillow-top mattress toppers tend to be the softest, but bedding companies can also formulate memory foam and polyfoam materials to be quite soft. Commonly featured in pillow-top mattress toppers, fibrous materials such as down and down alternative create a lofty sleep surface that feels similar to a pillow. This loft gives the sensation that you’re sinking into your bed.
Foam-based mattress toppers offer softness coupled with excellent pressure relief, a feature that pillow-top mattress toppers generally lack. Foam toppers can vary in firmness, but most models are designed to soften the sleep surface.
If you find that your current bed is too firm, mattress toppers offer an inexpensive way to soften your sleep surface without needing to buy an entirely new mattress. Toppers are typically 1 to 4 inches thick, providing enough material to modify the firmness of your current mattress. Selecting a topper that is softer than your existing mattress can help your mattress feel less firm.
Certified Sleep Coach
Danny is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with an in-depth knowledge of sleep health. He has tested hundreds of mattresses and sleep products.
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