Best Soft Mattress Toppers

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.

Product Details

The Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper is an all-foam topper with an exceptionally soft feel. The memory foam design caters to sleepers seeking a topper that cradles the body closely and cushions surfaces of overly firm beds.

The topper measures 3 inches thick, which is a higher profile than some competing toppers on the market. It begins with an inch of memory foam, which is known for its close contouring. This is followed by 2 inches of polyfoam, which contours to the body but also has a slightly firmer feel to prevent excessive sinkage. The topper has an overall medium soft (4) feel that was especially comfortable to sleepers up to 230 pounds when we tested the topper.

The foam excels at absorbing movement, so we noticed minimal motion transfer when two testers lay on the topper at the same time. While foam is known for trapping heat, the graphite infusion in the memory foam layer helps reduce some of the heat retention. The cover is made of GOTS-certified organic cotton, which has natural breathability that further helps promote cooling.

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.

Your purchase includes free shipping if you reside in the contiguous U.S., as well as a 180-night sleep trial and 1-year warranty.

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 all 50 states 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.

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.

The Birch Organic Mattress Topper is a luxury option that 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.

Mattresses can become firmer and less adaptive with age, resulting in less contouring and a higher potential for uncomfortable pressure buildup. A soft topper can help ensure adequate pressure relief and less soreness when you wake up in the morning. The Nolah Mattress Topper contains proprietary AirFoam, an open-cell material that cushions and conforms to the body much like memory foam, but without hugging too tightly or absorbing excess heat. Two firmness levels are available, including the “Plush” design that rates as medium firm, or a 4 on our 10-point firmness scale.

Our testing shows the topper provides excellent pressure relief for side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds. If you use these positions and weigh more or sleep on your stomach, the medium firm (6) topper should provide enough support. Back and stomach sleepers on our team who weigh less than 130 pounds also found the topper comfortable. The AirFoam absorbs movement well, so the topper should be suitable for couples who use a responsive mattress and frequently lose sleep due to movement-related disruptions.

A cover made of breathable organic cotton encases the foam for added softness and cooling. Each corner is equipped with a thick elastic strap to secure the topper and prevent shifting when you change sleep positions or toss and turn. The straps can accommodate any mattress measuring 10 to 15 inches thick. You can elect to not use the straps if your mattress is shorter or taller.

Nolah offers free ground delivery throughout the contiguous U.S. Your order includes a sleep trial that runs for 30 nights. Should you decide to keep the Nolah Mattress Topper after the trial concludes, you’ll receive a manufacturer’s warranty that covers material defects for up to 10 years after the point of purchase.

Soft toppers that contour closely tend to absorb and trap heat, resulting in uncomfortably warm sleep conditions. The Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper from Brooklyn Bedding mitigates this issue with a cooling gel infused into the foam, which helps dissipate heat and keep your sleep surface cool. You can choose from a profile of 2 or 3 inches. The latter conforms more closely, resulting in a softer feel, but the 2-inch model is best suited for people who sleep excessively hot on a regular basis.

The topper does not come with a cover. To keep it hygienic, simply tuck beneath your fitted sheet and spot clean as needed. We recommend the 2-inch profile if your mattress has light wear and tear and you need some subtle cushioning, while the 3-inch topper is a better option if your mattress has deep impressions or indentations from years of continuous use.

The Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper’s sticker price is below average compared to other memory foam models, and shipping is free for all customers in the contiguous U.S. Your purchase includes a 30-night trial period. If you decide to keep the topper, Brooklyn Bedding further backs it with a 3-year warranty against material defects.

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.

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.

The Pacific Coast Baffle Box Featherbed features feathers in a baffle box construction to provide a luxuriously soft and lofty feel reminiscent of hotel bedding. The baffle boxes also help evenly distribute feathers and prevent them from clumping near your feet. With a soft (3) feel, this is one of the plushest mattress toppers we’ve tested.

A shell made from breathable cotton encases the featherbed. Barrier Weave fabric and white corded trim along the perimeter prevent feathers from poking through and escaping. Pacific Coast washes the Resilia feathers eight times to remove any dust and other potential allergens. This makes it a great choice for people with feather allergies who like the feel of a featherbed. The company also backs the topper with an “allergy-free” guarantee, where you can return it if it triggers allergy symptoms at any point.

Owners should only spot clean the topper and dry clean for larger messes. Five sizes are available: twin, full, queen, king, and California king. Shipping is free on all orders over $99, which includes every size of the featherbed. Baffle Box Featherbed purchases come with a 30-night sleep trial and a 3-year warranty.

Side sleepers often appreciate softer toppers, which can help relieve undue pressure buildup in their hips and shoulders. The Turmerry Egg Crate Mattress Topper’s latex construction offered great cushioning for our side sleepers’ bodies without causing them to sink too deeply. The latex also holds a Glocal Organic Latex Standard certification, ensuring it was sourced and produced ethically. 

An egg-crate design enhances the latex’s natural breathability, encouraging more airflow. This made the topper a hit with our hot-sleeping testers. Our heat guns detected minimal heat buildup on the topper’s surface. You can choose between two thicknesses: 1.4 and 2.4 inches. We recommend the thinner one if you want a slight comfort adjustment for your mattress, whereas the thicker option is great for older mattresses with wear or indentations. 

Six standard size options are available. Turmerry ships free to customers in the contiguous U.S. The Egg Crate Mattress Topper is backed by a 60-night sleep trial and a 5-year warranty against structural defects.

How to Choose a Soft Mattress Topper

A mattress topper is an additional layer of material, usually 1 to 4 inches thick, that rests on top of your mattress. This bedding accessory can help modify the firmness level of your sleep surface. Soft mattress toppers offer an extra layer of comfort to soften your current mattress. We’ll discuss the most important factors that you need to consider when shopping for a mattress topper.

What to Consider When Purchasing a Soft Mattress Topper

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.

Which Type of Mattress Topper Should I Choose?

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.