Best Topper Pads 2023: Better Alternative Than Replacing Your Mattress?

Let’s say you’ve had a mattress for years, and it’s served you well, but lately it’s become a bit less comfortable that it used to be. Should you replace the mattress, just try to live with it, or perhaps buy a mattress topper to improve the feeling of the bed? We help find you the best topper pads on the web.

Got a crappy mattress, but just don’t want to shell out $1,000 for a new one? Guess what, there are tons of options. Most people are just not willing to part with an expensive bed that has served them well, especially if it might need a bit of tweaking to make it really amazing again. People buy topper pads for many other reasons.

Older mattresses can compress or become stiff as components inside age and dry out. If your mattress is still supportive however, you may only need to embellish the top of the mattress to refresh and renew it.

Typically, as mattresses age, the components inside can wear out, pack down, or even deteriorate. this can make your mattress feel hard, with little spring back or comfort.

Live in a dorm room or furnished residence? We review the best topper pad options that can be delivered directly to your door in a vacuum packaged box.

Our curated list of the best topper pads include memory foam, latex, copper infused, gel foam, and other materials and are guaranteed to reinvent the way your mattress feels, while adding some unique benefits as well.

Mattress Topper Pads Can Add Supportive, Pressure Relieving Comfort To A Tired Mattress

Topper Pads in any size are rolled up and ready to install upon arrival. An outer covering is typically already on the topper, and cn be easily attached to your mattress with the four corner straps provided.

Even if you buy a new mattress, you may not be able to find the comfort and support that many state of the art topper pads can offer.

You can choose from memory foam or gel foam if you are primarily looking for pressure or pain relief, natural latex if you want a hypoallergenic topper, and even copper infused foam which is proven to reduce bacterial growth inside the material.

You’ll see that we recommend both 2″ and 3″ thick toppers in our curated list shown below.

Our lineup of the best topper pads we reviewed were specifically designed to lie directly on top of an existing mattress. By securing with straps, the topper will remain stationary without shifting or migration.

A new topper pad arrives rolled up inside of a box that is typically shipped via FedEx or UPS ground directly to your door. Super easy to unroll, and installs in seconds.

A new mattress topper pad is simply installed directly on top of your existing mattress. If you are using a mattress protector, it should be installed to cover both the topper and the underlying mattress

What makes buying a topper pad such a great alternative to hauling in an entirely new bed, is that there are a variety to choose from, but typically, better quality toppers run anywhere form $200-400 in price, including shipping.

I’m going to give you a basic outline of the the most popular topper pad options available, and then give you our curated list of recommended retailers that we’ve reviewed to verify owner satisfaction.

One thing you should know up front though, is that there are some basic rules to stick to when buying ANY kind of topper, whether it be polyurethane foam, latex, memory foam, or gel foam.

Also remember that topper pads are different from mattress pads, which really don’t offer any measurable thickness to an ailing mattress.

It’s important to distinguish between a mattress pad and a mattress topper pad. A mattress pad really offers protection for the mattress rather than any additional comfort or support value. A topper pad is much thicker, usually made using specialized foam layers designed to improve the aesthetics of an existing mattress.

Mattress pads are usually made with an assortment of fiber layers, like cotton, wool, or perhaps down feathers, and are less likely to provide effective support or change the feel of a mattress, but provide some embellishment or level of protection.

A mattress pad is great if you are looking to protect your bed, or merely add a subtle level of additional padding without changing the underlying feel of your bed.

A mattress topper, when you buy the right one, essentially reinvents and markedly improves the feel of a bed, by adding a substantial amount of unique material, generally a function of thickness, that increases the comfort level and improves the support that you receive from a mattress.

Generally, a decent topper pad is 2-3″ thick, because anything thicker is essentially getting into mattress thickness territory. It might make your mattress too tall to easily get in and out of, but you need to properly choose between a 2″ or 3″ model of topper pad.

I will tell you that if you have an existing mattress that is extremely hard, you will definitely need to opt for the thicker 3″ version of almost any topper pad. A 2″ thick topper pad should only be used if you want minimal improvement in softness, need some additional lower back support, and is best used for back or belly sleeping.

If you are a side sleeper, weigh more than 135 lbs, and sleep with a partner, I almost always recommend opting for a 3″ thick mattress topper pad to get the best results.

Knowing the correct size of your mattress insures that your topper pad will be properly fitted and easily installed. You will generally be able to use your existing sheet sets along with a new mattress topper pad.

Make sure you properly measure your existing mattress before you purchase online. For example, if you are buying a topper pad for a dorm room situation, almost all college dorm mattresses are twin LONGS, which measure 38″ x 80″, unlike conventional twin size, which are 39″ x 75″.

Also, there are a few oddball sizes like full and queen longs, which are 80″ long vs. 75″. In almost all cases, though, the vast majority of mattress topper pads purchased in the U.S. are either queen size or king size.

Use the chart we’ve provided to help with your field measurements. Obviously, the height of your mattress is irrelevant.

As far as sheets are concerned, adding 2-3 of height to your existing mattress should not affect your ability to use your current sheets, since sheets will stretch to accommodate a little bit of extra height.

  • Memory foam, also known as visco-elastic foam, is a kind of urethane foam, and we’re all highly familiar with it. Also known as the “hand print” foam, it offers the slow response and wonderful melting in sensation that helps to distribute weight evenly, and also comforts to your body to offer cradling support.

Memory foam is often combined with gel material that further increases the stretchiness of the material, making it extremely effective at distributing weight and cooling your body as well. If you are a hot sleeper, consider a gel foam type of topper. We recommend a few below that have excellent reviews from its hot sleeping owners.

Copper infused gel or memory foam can also be found in topper pads as well. Copper is naturally anti-bacterial, and helps keep your mattress clean and free of microbes which can grow inside of mattresses.

  • Natural Latex foam has been around for more than 60 years, but only recently has made a roaring comeback. Originally derived from natural latex rubber, it can be made synthetically, or blended with natural and synthetic. Either way, latex foam makes an excellent topper pad option.

Naturally bouncy, spongy, and lively, many people love the “freedom” latex offers, with no sinking or molding around your body, giving restless or light sleepers the ability to turn and move without awakening. It is also naturally anti-bacterial and anti-mold, as it repels these organisms due to its high acidic qualities.

Natural latex is also known for being dust mite resistant. Dust mites lay eggs inside of mattresses and their components, and many people have strong allergies to dust mites. If you are looking for the most hypoallergenic topper pad you can buy, consider a natural latex topper pad.

 

1. Sleepyhead Gel Foam Or Copper Foam Topper Pads

Sleepyhead USA offers two different topper options, a gel memory foam and a copper memory foam pad. We’ll discuss the benefits of gel foam vs. copper.

Sleepyhead is an online store that strictly specializes in just topper pads. In fact, they offer two options, a gel foam version as well as a copper infused gel foam version.

You can get either version in 2″ or 3″, and they are in the ballpark of $349-369 in a twin long size (typical size for a dorm room mattress) but are available in most mattress sizes as well.

Either option has a stretch knit, breathable and machine washable removable outer covering, too.

Generally I recommend a 2″ topper pad for most situations, but we tested their 3″ options in both the gel memory foam and the copper infused memory foam versions.

I have to tell you, adding that extra inch and upgrading to the 3″ makes all the difference in cush factor and pressure relief. You’re basically reinventing the mattress.

Sleepyhead Gel Memory Foam Topper Option In 2″ Or 3″ Thickness

Sleepyhead’s 100% gel-infused memory foam mattress topper contains an open cell design, and breathes and moves hot air trapped underneath out and away from your body. It’s one of the best topper pads we’ve seen for keeping your body cool and comfy.

Want to learn more about memory foam and gel foam material? You can visit our memory foam history page here.

It helps regulate body temperature while conforming to your body to ease pressure points, promote spinal alignment, and provide an all-around more comfortable sleeping experience.

In a 2″ twin long it costs $249 with free shipping and a no questions asked 30 day trial. This gives you a bit more confidence about trying one out.

I recommend giving the 2″ gel foam option a try if your existing mattress is too soft, a pillowtop, or just needs some extra thickness to add a touch of plushness.

You won’t bottom into your mattress underneath, and you’ll get a bit more pressure relief at hips and shoulders when you’re sleeping on your side.

Sleepyhead Copper Infused Memory Foam Topper Pad

The Sleepyhead Copper Topper is a 100% copper-infused mattress topper featuring advanced hygiene and wellness benefits. Sleep comes easiest when your worries have been put to rest.

Boasting antimicrobial, hypoallergenic, anti-inflammatory, and odor-eliminating properties, our ventilated and copper-infused memory foam draws excess heat from the body, working to keep you cool so you can catch more Zzzs.

The Sleepyhead Copper Topper is a 100% copper-infused mattress topper featuring advanced hygiene and wellness benefits. Sleep comes easiest when your worries have been put to rest.

Copper infused memory foam offers antimicrobial, hypoallergenic, anti-inflammatory, and odor-eliminating properties.

Because it’s a more porous foam, it draws excess heat from the body, working to keep you cool so you can catch more Zzzs.

The copper infused version is a bit more expensive, with a twin long 2″ costing $269, and a twin long 3″ costing $369. The benefits though, especially in a harsh dorm room environment or kid’s room is well worth the upgrade, though.

2. The Nolah AirFoam® Memory Foam Topper Pad

The Nolah AirFoam® 2″ Topper Pad delivers pressure relief and additional buoyant and uplifting comfort because it a more dense version of open celled memory foam.
With its organic cotton cover pre-installed, we tested and slept on The Nolah AirFoam® 2″ Mattress Topper and found it to sleep cooler than most other mattress toppers.

We tested this topper pad, which claims to sleep cool, relieve pressure, and deliver durability and lifespan. Turns out it was one of our favorite for best topper pads that we reviewed.

Even though it’s just 2″ thick, you don’t bottom into it, and I even found myself floating on it, much like a raft in swimming pool. I’m 6’2″ and 190 lbs, so I expected to crash right through it.

Because Nolah uses a proprietary material called AirFoam®, a kind of modified memory foam with a specialized cell structure, it keeps the air inside of the topper pad without bleeding it out through the edges of the topper.

Arrives to your door with pre-installed organic cotton cover, and according to owners who have had their Nolah AirFoam® Mattress Toppers for as long as 3 years, the topper will not mash, collapse, settle, or develop indentations over time. $349 in queen, free shipping.

3. The Latex For Less 100% Natural Latex Topper Pad

Latex For Less is a company that sells only 100% pure botanical latex, and they offer either 2″ or 3″, and in your choice of soft, medium, and medium-firm. We recommend the 3″ medium, which delivers the float factor, springiness, and bounce factor that only natural latex can offer.
The Latex For Less 3″ Natural Latex Topper is supportive enough for couples, and offers buoyant, easy to turn on, and lively, springier support. If your mattress feels dead, this is a great option.

Latex For Less specializes in latex mattresses and toppers made using pure, botanically derived latex. The covers used for their topper pad are pure organic cotton, and contain no synthetic fibers.

They also offer not only 2″ and 3″ natural latex topper pads, but you can choose your level of firmness, of which they offer three options.

With the organic cotton cover, their 3″ super thick topper in medium firmness runs $431. You can opt for the 2″ natural latex topper in your choice of firmness levels for just $287.

I would describe the 3″ topper as sumptuous, buoyant, and provides cushioning even when on your side at hips and shoulders. If you have an extra firm mattress that needs a real overhaul and you have a sleep partner, or you weigh over 175lbs., I highly recommend the 3″ option.

You’ll get free shipping with your order as well. Our #1 choice for all natural latex mattress topper.

  • No Chemical Smell– Made using no fillers or synthetic additives

  • Superior Pressure Relief– reducing pressure points and providing forgiving support to your shoulders, hips, back and knees

  • Resilient And Long Lasting– Because our topper is made from our wonderfully resilient single-origin latex, a pure natural latex topper won’t sag or break down and will always return back to its original shape.

4. The GhostBed 3″ Memory Foam Zoned Topper Pad

The GhostBed Memory Foam Topper is 3″ thick and features five unique zones, each specifically designed to provide proper support and spine alignment for a particular part of your body.
Your GhostBed 3″ Memory Foam Topper Pad also includes a covering and protector that pulls all the way down to encase both your mattress and foundation for best spill proof protection and comfort.

For best targeted back pain relief, we loved testing and reviewing The GhostBed 3″ Memory Foam Topper. It’s made with a 4lb density memory foam, considered more durable and more responsive to pressure.

For lower back pain, shoulder and neck pain, even hip pain, it is designed to target areas where pressure requires optimal support.

We found it to be comfortable, medium firm (you don’t sink to the bottom) and very inviting. Also, at just $299 with free shipping using my link, it’s a pretty good deal for a more sophisticated topper pad.

Excellent for renewing even the most tired mattress. 2-stage cooling for deeper, more restorative sleep. Includes elastic straps which grip the underside of both mattress and foundation.

The mattress cover itself adds a cozy feel that we really liked. The best 3″ topper pad in any category under $300.

GhostBed customers who buy their mattresses often purchase the topper as an add on, just to make their brand new mattresses even more sumptuous and embracing.

5. Saatva Memory Foam, Graphite, And Latex Topper Pads

Saatva offers the best splurge topper pad program we’ve seen. We reviewed all three of their options, all of which are outfitted with an organic cotton cover and elastic attachment straps, to keep it in place
Each Saatva topper pad option is 3″ thick to offer the best comfort and to prevent bottoming out. Price in queen starts at $295 and includes free shipping, a 180 night in home trial, and full factory warranty.

Saatva is known for offering upscale products, and we’ve reviewed many of their mattress options. They are outstanding and more upscale without being priced out of the market.

Their mattress topper pad lineup does not disappoint.

Choose from three options, each outfitted with an organic cotton cover and elastic straps to secure to any mattress.

Each of their three premium mattress toppers are thoughtfully designed to elevate your sleep experience.

You can choose from memory foam, for best pressure relief, latex for springy livelier bounce factor, or graphite /memory foam which prevents odors, is antibacterial, and helps to cool more effectively. Each model includes:

  • A cover made with naturally breathable and moisture-wicking organic cotton
  • Secure elastic anchor bands keep mattress topper in place
  • Works with all mattress brands in standard sizes
  • Spot clean

We’ve reviewed Saatva products for years and have typically found that they set the gold standard for customer service and consistency with quality foams, as well.

We have found that many mattress shoppers will often buy a more basic mattress that can be upgraded substantially simply by adding a topper pad.

If you purchase an 8″ or even 10″ memory foam or latex mattress, and need a little bit more of a sumptuous feel, adding a memory foam or latex topper pad adds a lot of luxury and makes your mattress feel more inviting and “nest like”.

The Saatva web site features verified owner reviews as well, and overall, their lineup is outstanding in quality.

6. The Bear Pro Copper Infused Mattress Topper Pad

The Bear Pro 2″ Copper Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper Pad offers the pressure relieving comfort you need, just the right amount of immersive comfort, and the anti-bacterial benefits of copper.
Copper infused memory foam is a state of the art support material that

Bear Mattress offers a 2″ copper infused memory foam topper pad that is covered with an outer fabric material called Celliant fiber.

This unique material converts body heat to far infrared heat, and is clinically proven to promote a more restful sleep, aid in quicker recovery, and help you wake up with more energy.

Copper infused memory foam is an excellent thermal conductor that pulls away excessive body heat as you sleep, keeping you at optimal temperature.

Sleeping on a slightly cooled surface, around 88ºF actually, causes you to sleep deeper, meaning you get more REM sleep which is restorative and energizing.

We reviewed the Bear Pro Copper Infused Memory Foam Topper and loved it. And, you can get a queen for just $276, or a king for $396, and shipping is included.