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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.