If you’re looking to upgrade your sleep without replacing your current mattress, it might be time to find the best mattress topper for you. Not only is this extra layer of bedding known for being (a lot) more affordable than investing in a brand-new bed, but most also cater to specific sleep needs. So if you’re dealing with lower back pain from a too-firm mattress or you tend to run hot every season, a mattress topper can be just what you need to bolster your rest routine.
Unlike a mattress pad or protector that falls on the thinner side and is designed to keep your bed free of stains, mattress toppers can reach over three inches to give beds of different firmness levels a more comfortable, plush surface to sleep on. To help you source the latest and greatest options on the market today, our editors went to sleep and tested a range of mattress toppers at all price points. Our guide spans everything from plush picks with pillow top covers to sustainably sourced down alternative mattress toppers that’ll breathe new life into your bed.
Our Top Picks for the Best Mattress Toppers:
For consistency, all of the prices in this story reflect queen-size mattress toppers unless otherwise noted. However, brands in this list also include sizes ranging from twin XL up to a California king.
In this Article:
Best Overall Mattress Topper
- Made of RDS and OEKO-TEX certified materials
- Supportive design
- Comes with elastic straps to keep the cover in place
- Down is evenly distributed
- Slightly heavy to move upon delivery
- Material: 10% white duck down and 90% white duck feather fill, 100% cotton cover
- Thickness: N/A
- Trial period and warranty: 30-night trial
Reviewer: Zoë Sessums, senior digital design editor
What was the setup like for this mattress topper?
Delivery was smooth and efficient, just like with the Ostermoor mattress. The topper comes in a large box, and while it’s not exactly lightweight (it’s filled with a lot of down!), it was manageable for one person to carry and position. Once unboxed, it fluffed up nicely without needing hours to decompress or air out.
What do you love about this mattress topper?
The topper is generously filled and thoughtfully constructed, with a box-stitch design that keeps the down evenly distributed—no clumping or shifting. It also has built-in elastic straps, so it stays in place very well.
It adds a layer of plushness that completely transforms the sleep experience. It’s perfect for someone who wants a more sumptuous, cozy feel without compromising the firmness or support of their existing mattress. I also love how breathable and temperature-regulating it is—it’s warm but never stifling, even for a down product.
What’s it like sleeping on this mattress topper?
Sleep has been dreamy. The topper provides an extra bit of fluff to relieve pressure at the shoulders and hips, especially for side sleeping. I wake up feeling supported and well-rested, with no aches or stiffness. It’s got a “just right” softness that enhances rather than overwhelms the mattress beneath.
How comfortable is the mattress topper on a scale of 1 to 10?
I’d rate it a 9.5—it’s incredibly comfortable and makes getting into bed something to look forward to every night. It may not be the right choice for someone who prefers a firmer sleep surface or is looking for a highly technical performance foam. But for those who value plushness and elegance, it’s hard to beat.
Best Down Mattress Topper
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Julia Harrison
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Julia Harrison
Parachute Down Mattress Topper
- Plush to the touch
- Made of all-natural materials
- Dry-clean only
- Material: 85% down, 15% down and feather fibers
- Thickness: 3 inches
- Trial period and warranty: N/A
Reviewer: Julia Harrison, commerce writer
What was the setup like for this mattress topper? The delivery process was easy! The topper came vacuum-sealed and was really easy to throw on top of my mattress. I had no issue putting a sheet on top either.
What’s it like sleeping on this mattress topper? This mattress topper is made from 750 feather fill and premium European white down, which, for those who don’t know their down, just means this is the real deal. I would say this is solidly an inch and a half of down that makes for a plush experience no actual mattress can rival. For those who like sleeping soft, this is a no-brainer.
What do you love about this mattress topper? The softness of this mattress topper really changed my sleeping experience. My friends and I have taken to chatting on my bed all the time because it’s so relaxing and luxurious to lay on top of. Every night feels like being hugged by a cloud. However, it doesn’t have too many special features. You just lay this flat on your mattress. It would actually be nice if it had some attachment straps.
What’s it like sleeping on this mattress topper? It’s not supportive at all, though it’s not really designed to be. A down mattress topper is really intended to create an extra layer of luxurious comfort, which this does tremendously. I really can’t overstate the softness of this.
How comfortable was the mattress topper on a scale of 1 to 10? 10! I think elastic straps to keep it in place could be a great addition, though I haven’t found that this slides around much.
Best Down Alternative Mattress Topper
- Securely covers a bed like a fitted sheet
- Mirrors the feel of down
- Fits easily over a standard 12-inch mattress size
- The raised grid design is noticeable under a fitted sheet
- Material: Microgel fill, 100% cotton shell
- Thickness: 18 inches
- Trial period and warranty: 365-day trial
Reviewer: Yelena Moroz Alpert, contributor
What was the setup like for this mattress topper?
The quilted grid is 10 x 10 squares, but it makes a difference in how you set it up. To help you avoid any confusion, Brooklinen added a helpful “short side” tag—in case you’re wondering, that’s the side parallel to the headboard. Most recently, I put the topper in place and the roomy pockets fit perfectly over my new Tiami mattress, it’s 12 inches high. In terms of fit, this topper works just as well on memory foam and hybrid mattresses, I did not notice any difference.
Note that if you don’t follow the tag instructions, the topper will still fit, but the head and foot portion will have a bit of stretching on each side and it won’t look uniform. This shouldn’t influence the padding quality, but if you’re a perfectionist like me, it might irk you.
