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.

• Best Overall Mattress Topper: Sleep Number ResponseFit Memory Foam Mattress Layer​​, $350
• Best Plush Mattress Topper: Birch Organic Mattress Topper, $499 $399
• Best Cooling Mattress Topper: Double Stitch by Bedsure Cooling Mattress Topper, $180
• Best Organic Mattress Topper: Avocado Eco Organic Mattress Topper, $399 $359
• Best Soft Mattress Topper: Parachute Down Mattress Topper, $390
• Best Lightweight Mattress Topper: Coyuchi Washable Wool Filled Mattress Topper, $548
• Best Splurge Mattress Topper: Woolroom Woolly Sprung Mattress Topper, $1,258 $881

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.

Reviewer: Stewart Savin, senior SEO analyst

What was the setup like for this mattress topper? When the box arrived it was quite heavy! I was able to slide it through the threshold to get it inside but I got my husband to carry it up to our bedroom. We got a king-size mattress topper, so I suspect smaller sizes would be more manageable. I was careful opening the package with my box cutter but it was thoughtfully assembled to avoid punctures. From there, I laid it out on the bed and let it rise. We slept on it a few hours later with no issue; however, there was a scent from the foam for a few days. I didn’t mind it, just something to be aware of if you’re purchasing.

What do you love about this mattress topper? This topper is the perfect thickness, allowing you to add a few inches to your mattress while still using your standard sheets. It also has elastic straps for each corner so you don’t have to worry about readjusting the topper every time you wash your sheets.

This mattress topper allows me to sink into my bed without feeling like I’m stuck. Some extra thick pads make it hard to roll over, but this one is the perfect balance of comfort. As a platform bed lover I am used to having my mattress sit quite low, so I appreciate how it adds a few inches to the height of my bed. I especially like that I didn’t have to invest in deep pocket sheets to accommodate this topper.

What’s it like sleeping on this mattress topper? My spouse and I share a king-size Nectar Classic memory foam mattress that is about two years old. Although we love it, I worry about its longevity. I thought a topper might help to extend the life of our beloved mattress for as long as possible. I am generally a hot side and back sleeper while my husband sleeps cold on his side, back, and front. We both found this topper to be supportive of all sleep positions and temperatures.

How comfortable was the mattress topper on a scale of 1 to 10? I would give it a solid 9. My husband and I love the luxurious feeling of this topper even though we have very different sleeping styles. I am hopeful this addition will save us money in the long run by extending the life of our mattress.

Reviewer: Lauren Arzbaecher, commerce producer

What was the setup like for this mattress topper? At the time I received the Birch topper, I was living in a fourth-floor walk-up, so the ease of getting a big item up to my apartment was a concern. Fortunately, it wasn’t too heavy and was delivered promptly inside a fairly large box. The packaging made it easy enough for me to carry up the stairs on my own. Set up was simple, just unwrapping and leaving it to expand on the bed for a few hours before the first night’s sleep.

What do you love about this mattress topper? I like that the topper is fairly simple, without a lot of bells and whistles. Its standout feature to me is the high quality construction and materials, which give it longevity.

I really appreciate that Birch uses organic and natural materials. The majority of mattress toppers I’ve used in the past were almost entirely synthetic, and because of that they have a shorter lifespan and often emit a strong odor upon delivery. Due to it being free of polyurethane-based foams, off-gassing wasn’t present at all for this topper. Beyond appreciating Birch’s integrity in sourcing eco-conscious materials, the organic wool and cotton have held up incredibly well over the two years I’ve used it on my bed.

What’s it like sleeping on this mattress topper? Prior to getting this topper, I was sleeping directly on my many years-old spring coil mattress, which was akin to sleeping on a rock. I craved something cushier, but didn’t have the budget to get a whole new mattress. I’ve used this topper for over two years now, and it has made my sleep much better. I don’t wake up with as much hip pain as I used to, even when I sleep on my side.

How comfortable is the mattress topper on a scale of 1 to 10? Working with a stiff mattress, I was skeptical about how much of a difference in comfort a mattress topper could make, but this small but mighty addition brought the comfort of my bed from what I would say is a 4 to a 9 out of 10.

Reviewer: Lori Keong, associate commerce director

What was the setup like for this mattress topper? The mattress topper took a little while to ship out but I kind of loved how it arrived. There was a sturdy interlocking box (the platonic ideal of a moving box, I’m so tempted to hoard it for future projects) that contained a nice fabric bag with the mattress topper inside. The box wasn’t too heavy, though it was very large!

What do you love about this mattress topper? I love how breathable and cooling this topper feels under my body, though, to be honest, my mattress was already plushy enough so it wasn’t 100% a must-have.

What’s it like sleeping on this mattress topper? Rather than sliding over my mattress like a fitted sheet, this one has elastic straps to affix itself to your bed along its four corners. That was nice in that I didn’t have to struggle to get the mattress topper over my already tall 15-inch bed, but that also meant the topper didn’t sit that smoothly on top of my mattress. There was some definite lumpiness happening under the sheet.

I always worry about mattresses and toppers becoming heat sinks that pool all the heat under your body, but this one genuinely felt cooling, which was noticeable even from underneath the sheets. The Bedsure was soft but not too prone to sinkage like a foamy eggcrate topper. I don’t have a pressure map to test its pressure-relieving qualities, but I do know that I don’t feel any worse for wear in the morning.

I was a little dismayed that after two weeks of sleeping on it, I changed my sheets and the topper was shedding all kinds of little balls of lint out of the seams. Maybe not a huge deal breaker if you’re just popping another sheet on top, but I did have to take it off the bed and give it a vacuum. Not ideal!

How comfortable was the mattress topper on a scale of 1 to 10? 9

Reviewer: Rachel Fletcher, commerce director

What was the setup like for this mattress topper? The product isn’t light per se. Avocado says the queen size weighs a little over 32 pounds and that feels right. It came vacuum sealed like an air mattress, so the box was manageable and not very big.

What’s it like sleeping on this mattress topper? This topper is made of 95% organic latex with a soft, crinkle cotton cover. It’s pretty plush to the touch but has an elasticity to it so you don’t sink right in. Aside from the organic materials, there aren’t too many other standout details.

What do you love about this mattress topper? I really like the responsiveness of this product. I was already pretty happy with my mattress and was worried a medium firmness might be too soft or too hard, but it lends just the right layer of cushion without swallowing me whole.

What’s it like sleeping on this mattress topper? This mattress topper is definitely supportive—I can almost feel the latex actively propping me up, which is a welcome and pleasant experience. I have slept comfortably on it with no complaints.

I really wish the topper had straps and adhered to my mattress, though. Because it’s basically a freestanding pancake, it often hangs over the sides of my mattress and needs a tug to get it back into place if I want my sheets to fit over it neatly. It basically relies on gravity to keep it in place, and a little more assurance would be nice.

How comfortable was the mattress topper on a scale of 1 to 10? As I mentioned, I already loved my mattress and didn’t think it could get better, but the topper has upped the ante and I’d say the comfort level is currently a 9.5—the .5 deduction is because it is slightly challenging to move it back into place.

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. I think elastic straps to keep it in place could be a great addition, though I haven’t found that this slides around much!

How comfortable was the mattress topper on a scale of 1 to 10? 10!!!

Reviewer: Nashia Baker, senior commerce editor

What was the setup like for this mattress topper? The setup was smooth for me. The shipment was delivered in a lightweight box that I could easily move into my space. Upon unboxing, the mattress topper came in a bag with straps that made it easy to carry. I’m happy to have the bag on hand to help transport the mattress topper for machine washing and keep it stored if I’m not using it.

What do you love about this mattress topper? I love the mattress topper’s light weight and luxe feel. It’s simple to drape over my bed, and I appreciate that I can toss it in the washer and dryer for easy maintenance. I also like that it’s hypoallergenic, temperature regulating, and made entirely of organic ingredients to keep my sensitive skin soothed.

The built-in elastic straps have been incredibly helpful to keep the mattress topper in place on my bed. The wool batting makes it cozy, and the sateen shell gives it a smooth feel on top. Since this mattress topper is less of a high density pick, I would recommend it for someone who likes a firm feel for their sleep experience.

What’s it like sleeping on this mattress topper? I’ve slept comfortably with this mattress topper on my bed. My mattress is on the firmer side, so if you like an extra-plush feel as you sleep, you might want to consider a mattress topper option that is a bit thicker.

How comfortable was the mattress topper on a scale of 1 to 10? 8

Reviewer: Zoë Sessums, senior digital design editor

What was the setup like for this mattress topper? Setup was quite easy. The topper came rolled up. It was fairly heavy, though manageable for one strong person. I would recommend two people for added ease, but all you have to do is unwrap and plop on your bed.

What do you love about this mattress topper? The mattress topper has a sturdy edge and an elastic strap, so even though I find it is heavy enough to stay in place on your mattress, the straps add an extra bonus in keeping it in place. The cotton case is sturdy-like a canvas, while still being quite soft. I also like that the quilting of the top feels like it adds another layer of longevity.

Aside from the added comfort and softness that this topper adds to my mattress, I appreciate the sustainability Woolroom focuses on with their products. It’s comforting to know that the material I’m pressed against for so many hours of each day has care and consideration built in. The company hand-selects traceable British wools, which have been sourced through their exclusive Wool ID program. Plus they don’t use any chemicals in their wool.

What’s it like sleeping on this mattress topper? My sleep experience is great with the addition of this topper on my bed. It has just the right amount of added softness to balance out my firm mattress, plus the temperature regulating quality is ideal for me (hot sleeper in a cold environment).

How comfortable was the mattress topper on a scale of 1 to 10? 9

Hot sleepers will love this one: It’s one of the best cooling mattress toppers thanks to its graphite material. Graphite draws heat away from the body, and the organic cotton cover also helps keep you cool while you sleep. If it’s not quite cool enough for you, don’t worry—Saatva offers a 180-night trial period for you to really figure out if this is the topper for you. Otherwise, pair it with cooling bed sheets, and you’ll have the sweetest sleep, even in the height of summer!

This three-inch mattress topper is designed with pressure points, pain relief, and comfort in mind. It molds to your body and reduces the force of the mattress. As a bonus, this super comfortable mattress topper has a removable cover that you can wash (just make sure you don’t wash the entire topper).

Buffy is filled with tons of AD-favorite products that strike a balance between a soft and breathable feel for bedding, and the brand’s mattress topper also fits the bill. It is an all-season topper woven from Tencel lyocell fiber. The earth-friendly Tencel fiber is more efficient at absorbing moisture than cotton, meaning you’ll stay cool and dry throughout the night. Elastic straps at each corner keep it in its place, while the quilted stitching pattern keeps the GRS-certified recycled PET fill where it’s supposed to be—even if you move around a lot in bed.

A pillowy layer made with cooling pressure relief? Yes, please. The Nolah mattress topper was created using AirFoam technology, which sleeps cool for those that have high body heat. It’s also made with hips and shoulders in mind to provide superior comfort by alleviating pressure in those areas. This two-inch-thick topper has secure elastic bands to place over your mattress and even comes with an optimal cushioning organic cotton cover. Use it as an added bonus to a new mattress from the brand—say, perhaps, the Nolah Evolution, which commerce editor Audrey Lee said she would “buy again” in a “heartbeat”—for maximum comfort and extra support.

We here at AD are constantly testing products that elevate our bedding setups, and we have the same mindset when it comes to mattress toppers. Our editors have slept on the ones in our top picks section to determine how each felt after consistent sleep for weeks and even years.

To find the best mattress toppers out there, we informed all of the best picks in our list based on the following factors:

Material: There are a variety of materials to choose from, with the most popular ones being down, memory foam, and cotton. We prioritized options that are primarily made of organic materials and offer a supportive yet cozy feel. Earth-friendly materials like cotton typically promote airflow to keep hot sleepers comfortable and are ideal for those who are sensitive to certain allergens.

Thickness: Nearly all mattress toppers are between two to three inches in thickness. Based on our testers’ thoughts, two to three inches of height offered just the right amount of cushion to help ease them to sleep comfortably.

Trial Period and Warranty: If you want to get a feel or test run your mattress topper before fully committing, a trial period is the best way to do it. We noted which of our picks come with trial periods and warranties for dissatisfaction down the line, with most industry-leading mattress brands offering 100-night sleep trials and one-year warranties on average.

Ease of Setup: Similar to our process when testing mattresses-in-a-box, we always factor in ease of setup and delivery. We took note of the process to ship the toppers to our homes and how seamless it was to secure each one on our beds.