We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
  • Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
  • Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
  • Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
Was this helpful?

If you know your mattress is to blame for your back or joint pain but can’t drag a new one into your bedroom just yet, a memory foam mattress topper may be the compromise you’re looking for.

Memory foam mattress toppers may be able to deliver comparable benefits to memory foam mattresses. A 2021 review concluded that medium-firm mattresses help improve comfort, sleep quality, and spinal alignment. They may also help prevent low back pain.

Keep reading to shop our favorites and snag that restful night’s sleep you’ve been dreaming about.

While we were searching for the top toppers, here’s what we kept in mind:

  • User reviews. We checked out what reviewers had to say about comfort and quality.
  • Lifestyle needs. We looked for picks that meet different user needs, like portability, washability, and more.
  • Sleeping styles. Some toppers are best suited to a certain sleeping style. We included picks for side, back, and stomach sleepers.
  • Brand reputation. We only recommend brands that are known for creating high-quality products and engaging in ethical and transparent business practices.
  • Flammability requirements. Foam mattress toppers not enclosed in ticking (a cloth covering) and excluded from federal flammability requirements. Still, some manufacturers coat their foam in chemical fire retardants. We made sure to only include toppers that have some form of fire protection, whether it’s ticking or chemical flame retardants.
  • Price. We considered a variety of price points to work within your budget.

A mattress topper is a quick and useful way to spruce up your mattress while saving money. Plus, there are super comfy toppers available at a variety of price points. Here are our top picks.

Pricing guide

These price ranges are for queen-size memory foam mattress toppers. Prices for other sizes will vary.

  • $ = under $170
  • $$ = over $170

Best Tempur-Pedic memory foam mattress topper

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt + Cooling Topper

  • Price: $$
  • Height: 3 inches

This high-end mattress topper is from the renowned Tempur-Pedic brand, known for its memory foam design. It’s famous for being ideal for back pain and staying cool as a cucumber — quickly absorbing body heat.

It also comes with a removable, washable cover so you can easily refresh it anytime you want.

Some reviewers describe receiving counterfeit dupes by ordering through popular e-commerce sites. It may be best to buy directly from Tempur-Pedic.

Buy the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt + Cooling Topper online.

Best memory foam mattress topper for back pain

Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper

  • Price: $$
  • Height: 3 inches

This high-density mattress topper is built with pressure relief in mind, with a memory foam top layer that also lowers motion transfer. That means that if you share your bed with a partner, kids, or pets, you won’t be able to feel them moving around so much.

This topper is infused with graphite to help keep sleepers cool. If you prefer, it also comes in a latex version and a basic foam version without graphite.

The topper comes with sturdy straps to help keep it securely in place. It’s designed to work with a Saatva mattress, or any other brand.

This topper falls on the luxury side and lands toward the top of our price guide. It doesn’t have a removable cover, but can be spot cleaned if needed.

Buy the Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper online.

Best luxury plush memory foam mattress topper

Helix Plush Mattress Topper

  • Price: $
  • Height: 1.5 inches

This memory foam mattress topper is breathable, hypoallergenic, and provides a plush comfort feel. It’s made from bamboo fiber materials that give it a soft touch for a cozy night’s sleep.

Added bonus: This topper comes with a 1-year warranty and a 100-night sleep trial.

Buy the Helix Plush Mattress Topper online.

Best long lasting memory foam mattress topper

ViscoSoft 3-Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper

  • Price: $$
  • Height: 3 inches

This ventilated memory foam mattress topper is made from a heavier grade memory foam than most, which is why the company says it has a longer life span. The manufacturers also say that its surface is temperature-controlled, which might help with even heat distribution.

Happy reviewers rave that this topper is soft without making you sink in, offering a plush feel.

Added bonus: This topper comes with a machine-washable bamboo rayon cover as well as straps to help it stay in place.

Buy the ViscoSoft 3-Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper online.

Best flippable memory foam mattress topper

Lucid Duo-Foam Charcoal Mattress Topper

  • Price: $
  • Height: 2.5 inches

This topper is flippable, offering plush comfort along with contouring support. Its dual-layer foam structure is constructed to form to your body shape, regardless of your sleeping style. You can choose between having the egg crate side up or the flat side up, depending on your needs.

This topper is made from a bamboo-charcoal material that operates with moisture-wicking technology and is designed to reduce the buildup of odor that can happen over time.

Some less satisfied reviewers point out that their foam layers came apart and the charcoal tips of the egg carton foam fell off after only a few months.

Buy the Lucid Duo-Foam Charcoal Mattress Topper online.

Best pillow top memory foam mattress topper

ViscoSoft Serene Dual-Layer Mattress Topper

  • Price: $
  • Height: 4 inches

This high-density mattress topper offers the best of two worlds: gel memory foam and a fluffy down alternative pillow top.

Reviewers can’t say enough good things about this topper — one even refers to it as a “sponge cake.”

The cover is removable and washable, and the company says they’ve worked on reducing the chemical scent that comes with many memory foam mattresses and mattress toppers.

Added bonus: This topper has a 3-year warranty for manufacturing defects.

Buy the ViscoSoft Serene Dual-Layer Mattress Topper online.

Best 4-inch memory foam mattress topper

Sleep Innovations 4-Inch Dual-Layer Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper

  • Price: $
  • Height: 4 inches

Taller than other options, this topper has two layers: a 2-inch base layer made of cooling memory foam with gel and a 2-inch top layer made of quilted fiberfill. The company says the topper is ideal for back, side, and stomach sleepers.

The majority of reviewers are impressed, while a few wish it was thicker than 4 inches and others weren’t happy with the chemical smell (again, a common complaint with most memory foam mattress toppers).

Buy the Sleep Innovations 4-Inch Dual-Layer Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper online.

Best copper gel memory foam mattress topper

Layla Memory Foam Topper

  • Price: $$
  • Height: 2 inches

The Layla Memory Foam Topper is infused with copper gel beads that absorb and whisk away body heat for a cool, comfortable night of deep sleep. The copper-infused mattress topper may also have antimicrobial properties that keep bacteria at bay.

The foam topper can easily transform a firm, uncomfortable mattress into a soft, cushiony bed. Several customers say the topper is as comfortable as sleeping on a cloud, providing a balance of support and pressure relief.

Buy the Layla Memory Foam Topper online.

Best memory foam mattress topper for side sleepers

Brooklyn Bedding 2.5-lb Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper

  • Price: $
  • Height: 2 or 3 inches

Available in two heights, the Brooklyn Bedding mattress topper is extremely soft and comfortable, helping to ensure quality sleep. The ultra-plush cushioning helps alleviate shoulder and hip pressure, which is ideal for side sleepers.

Providing excellent value for the cost, the topper is made from gel swirl memory foam that’s designed to keep you cool. However, a few customers report that it retains too much heat, which is something to consider if you tend to sleep hot.

Buy the Brooklyn Bedding 2.5-lb Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper online.

Best gel foam memory foam mattress topper

Perfect Cloud Gel-Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper

  • Price: $
  • Height: 2 inches

Made of gel-infused memory foam, the Perfect Cloud mattress topper promises to keep you cool, alleviate pressure, and reduce nervous tension. The memory foam contours to your body and reduces motion transfer. The topper features a removable stretch-knit cover that enhances breathability.

The plush mattress topper adds softness and cushioning to firm mattresses.

Buy the Perfect Cloud Gel-Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper online.

Best splurge-worthy foam mattress topper

PlushBeds Cooling Gel Memory Foam Topper

  • Price: $$
  • Height: 2 or 3 inches

Made in the United States, this memory foam topper is infused with cooling gel that wicks away moisture and heat, providing temperature regulation that keeps you dry and cool. The PlushBeds topper provides cushioning and alleviates pressure so you can wake up feeling refreshed and pain-free.

The hypoallergenic mattress topper is available in two heights. You have the option to purchase an organic cotton cover too.

Buy the PlushBeds Cooling Gel Memory Foam Topper online.

Best soft memory foam mattress topper

Beautyrest 3.5-inch Memory Foam Fiber Mattress Topper

  • Price: $
  • Height: 3.5 inches

The Beautyrest Memory Foam Fiber Mattress Topper is ideal for adding comfort to a hard mattress, which alleviates aches and pains. It combines dense memory foam with a cushiony removable cover, which has an elasticated bottom that fits around your mattress and holds everything in place.

Several customers remark that the topper is comfortable and has good shape retention. However, some online reviewers report it traps heat and isn’t supportive enough.

Buy the Beautyrest Memory Foam Fiber Mattress Topper online.

Best memory foam mattress topper with removable cover

SealyChill 4-inch Gel and Comfort Memory Foam Mattress Topper

  • Price: $$
  • Height: 4 inches

The SealyChill 4-inch Gel and Comfort Memory Foam Mattress Topper features a down-alternative pillow top cover and a layer of gel-infused memory foam, which offers cooling technology. The topper is an excellent upgrade for a firm mattress, adding cushioning and the right amount of support.

The removable cover is washable, which makes it easy to maintain. Unsatisfied customers complain that the topper emits a strong, lingering chemical odor.

Buy the SealyChill 4-inch Gel and Comfort Memory Foam Mattress Topper online.

Take a look at how our top picks compare:

Memory foam mattress topperPriceHeightFeatures
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt + Cooling Topper$$3 in.-cooling
-removable cover
Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper $$3 in.-graphite-infused memory foam
Helix Plush Mattress Topper$1.5 in.-made from bamboo fiber materials
-hypoallergenic
ViscoSoft 3-Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper$$3 in.-temperature-controlled
-ventilated
-removable cover
Lucid Duo-Foam Charcoal Mattress Topper$2.5 in.-made from bamboo-charcoal materials
-flippable dual layer
ViscoSoft Serene Dual-Layer Mattress Topper$4 in.-down-alternative pillow top
-removable cover
Sleep Innovations 4-Inch Dual-Layer Mattress Topper$4 in.-dual layer
Layla Memory Foam Topper$$2 in.-infused with copper gel beads
-antimicrobial properties
Brooklyn Bedding 2.5-lb Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper$2 or 3 in.-cooling gel swirl memory foam
-ultra-plush cushioning
Perfect Cloud Gel-Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper$2 in.-gel-infused memory foam
-removable cover
PlushBeds Cooling Gel Memory Foam Topper$$2 or 3 in.-cooling gel memory foam
-hypoallergenic
Beautyrest Memory Foam Fiber Mattress Topper$3.5 in.-dense memory foam
-removable cover
SealyChill 4-Inch Gel and Comfort Memory Foam Mattress Topper$$4 in.-gel-infused memory foam
-down-alternative pillow top cover
-removable cover

If you’re considering refreshing your bed with a memory foam topper, you’ve got nothing but options. You’ll likely need to consider:

To narrow things down, focus on the features that matter the most to you and your sleeping style. Materials and certifications come into play for some, while comfort, height, and firmness play a bigger role for others.

It’s also important to think about how firm you want your memory foam.

Is a mattress topper absolutely necessary?

Strictly speaking, a mattress topper isn’t necessary. However, it’s an option you might want to consider, especially if you’re looking to save money.

What are the benefits of a mattress topper?

A topper can make your bed more comfortable without having to buy a whole new mattress. For example, if your bed is too firm, a mattress topper can make it feel softer. Or if your mattress is old, a topper can extend its life until you can replace it.

A topper also adds another layer of height and protection to your mattress. Toppers usually range in height from about 1 to 4 inches.

Finally, some mattress toppers offer special properties, like cooling or pressure relief.

What’s the best type of mattress topper?

A bunch of different mattress topper types are on the market, including memory foam, latex, wool, down, and down alternative.

Memory foam toppers may be best for people who want their bed to feel softer, or people who want pressure point relief.

If you don’t like the feeling of “sinking into” your bed, opt for a different type of topper, like springy latex or soft wool, down, or down alternative.

How do you put a mattress topper on your bed?

The mattress topper goes directly on top of your mattress. Some toppers come with straps or ties to secure them under each corner.

Once your topper is on, you can put on your mattress protector (if you want) and your sheets.

What’s the difference between a mattress topper and a mattress protector?

A mattress topper is typically thicker than a mattress protector. While a topper’s main function is to adjust the feel of your mattress, a protector’s main function is to keep your mattress clean. Some protectors are also waterproof.

What’s the best thickness of a memory foam mattress topper?

Most memory foam mattress toppers are between 1 and 4 inches thick. The ideal thickness will depend on your needs and sleeping position.

You’ll also want to consider the height of your bed and make sure your fitted sheets can handle the extra thickness if you don’t want to get new ones.

Thicker memory foam mattress toppers provide more cushioning and are usually more comfortable. They accommodate side sleepers and offer more support to people with higher body weights.

If you sleep on your back or stomach, you may prefer a thinner memory foam mattress topper since it provides more firmness.

Memory foam mattress toppers are a quick and easy way to stretch the longevity of your mattress or achieve a memory foam mattress feel at a lower cost.

Some research suggests that memory foam is ideal for those with back pain.

Choosing the right topper for you largely comes down to factors like preference, sleeping style, and budget.


Breanna Mona is a writer based in Cleveland, Ohio. She holds a master’s degree in media and journalism and writes about health, lifestyle, and entertainment.