Types of Mattress Toppers (Comparison)

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Instead of replacing your existing mattress, a more economical option might be to add a mattress topper on top of it. In our experience, the best mattress toppers can make an old mattress feel like a brand new one. To help you select the right model, we’ve done extensive research on all known mattress topper types and each of their pros and cons.

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Memory Foam Mattress Toppers

Memory foam, or viscoelastic polyurethane foam is a temperature-sensitive material that closely contours to the shape of your body to relieve pressure as well as pain and stiffness. Moreover, a memory foam mattress topper will have a slower response to pressure compared to other foam toppers. It also returns to its original shape once pressure is removed from it, unlike feather or down mattress toppers. Dormeo is a good example of a brand made out of memory foam. You can read our guide to the best-queen size mattress toppers for more examples.

Types of Memory Foam Toppers

There are several different types of memory foam toppers and we’ve listed the main ones below.

• Solid memory foam toppers – A solid memory foam topper in its most basic form is great for adding an extra layer of softness and comfort to your mattress.
• Egg-crate memory foam toppers – As its name suggests, these models feature a convoluted design which promotes more airflow than traditional memory foam. This type of topper also offers pressure point relief which is great for those who suffer from back pain.
• Infused memory foam toppers – Some manufacturers add certain infusions to memory foam toppers such as graphite, copper particles, and different plant oils. These materials usually have high antimicrobial properties to prevent bad odors and mold development.
• Gel memory foam toppers – These mattress toppers contain microbeads of cooling gel to counteract the heat-trapping tendencies of traditional memory foam. On top of that, these toppers also feature an open-cell structure for added airflow and extra pressure relief.

Pros and cons of a memory foam mattress topper

Pros:

• Great pressure relief – If you’re a stomach or side sleeper, you’ve likely experienced waking up with stiff and painful joints due to sleeping on an overly firm mattress. Adding a memory foam mattress pad or topper on your mattress can create a softer sleep surface that alleviates pressure points across your body.
• High durability – Since memory foam is denser than polyfoam, it typically lasts longer and offers more value for money.
• Excellent motion isolation – Compared to toppers made of polyfoam or latex foam, memory foam models are great at absorbing and isolating motion on one part of the mattress. This is especially important for couples who don’t want to be disturbed by their partner’s movements.

Cons:

• Heat retention – Probably the most well-known drawback of memory foam is its tendency to trap body heat. Although other types of memory foam such as open-celled and gel-infused memory foam offer better airflow and cooling, traditional memory foam is notorious for sleeping quite hot. For more info, read our guide to gel vs. memory foam mattress toppers.
• Stuck in the mud feel – Another common issue that people encounter when sleeping on memory foam toppers is that they tend to impede movement on the bed. This could be a problem especially for combo sleepers who like to switch positions throughout the night.
• Off-gassing – Newly unboxed memory foam mattress toppers typically emit a chemical smell that might be disturbing for some individuals. However, this can be remedied by allowing the topper to air out in a well-ventilated room anywhere from 24-48 hours until the smell disappears.

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Polyfoam Mattress Toppers

Another common mattress topper type is one that’s made with polyfoam. This material is quite similar to traditional memory foam but it’s less viscous and it has a more spongy feel. Like memory foam toppers, polyfoam models are also available in solid, egg-crate, and gel-infused designs.

Pros and cons of a polyfoam mattress topper

Pros:

• Less heat retention – Unlike traditional memory foam which has a closed-cell structure, polyfoam contains interconnected cells which help dissipate heat into the air at a faster rate.
• Better mobility – Polyfoam offers a quicker response to pressure than memory foam which makes it much easier to move around on the bed.
• Affordability – While memory foam is more expensive to produce, polyfoam usually contains fewer chemicals and undergoes a simpler production process which all result in a lower price overall.

Cons:

• Shorter lifespan – Polyfoam is not as dense as memory foam which causes it to have less durability and be more susceptible to premature wear and tear.
• Off-gassing – Like memory foam models, polyfoam mattress toppers also tend to release a new chemical smell right after unboxing. However, the smell also dissipates faster due to its open-cell structure.

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Latex Mattress Toppers

Derived from the sap of rubber trees, latex has higher elasticity as well as a quicker response to pressure than memory foam. Natural latex can be made through the Dunlop or Talalay manufacturing process which both result in slightly different final products. Latex mattress toppers are made with natural latex, or latex blends that combine natural and synthetic latex in certain proportions.

Pros and cons of a latex mattress topper

Pros:

• Better ventilation – Like polyfoam, latex also has an open-cell structure which promotes lots of airflow. However, latex does a much better job of drawing heat away from the sleeper’s body to keep them temperature-neutral at night.
• High durability – Known as one of the most durable mattress topper materials, latex typically lasts longer than other foam toppers on the market.
• Eco-friendly – Latex does not produce any harmful byproducts in its manufacturing process and it’s also a renewable material with one rubber tree producing approximately 25 years worth of natural latex.
• Hypoallergenic – Natural latex toppers feature tiny pores which are resistant to dust mites, mold, and mildew. This is a great perk for those who suffer from nighttime allergies.

Cons:

• High motion transfer – Since it offers a quicker response to pressure than memory foam, latex tends to perform poorly in motion isolation. This could be an issue if you sleep with a restless partner and you don’t want to be disturbed by their movements.
• Expensive – Latex toppers, like latex mattresses, especially those made with 100% natural latex, are significantly costlier than other foam mattress toppers. This makes it a bit difficult to afford if you’re on a tight budget.
• Distinctive rubber smell – A new latex topper can emit an intense rubber smell especially for the first couples of days. This could be an issue for some individuals, while others might be fine with it as the smell does disappear eventually.

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Natural Down and Down Alternative Mattress Toppers

Also known as featherbeds, natural down mattress toppers are filled with bird’s down. This material comes from a layer of soft feathers that are hidden under tough exterior feathers. Since it’s soft and lightweight, the down of geese and ducks are typically used for bedding products such as mattress toppers.

On the other hand, down alternative or fiberfill, is a synthetic material made of polyester. This mattress topper type is quite distinctive as it usually has a quilted design to prevent the fiberfill from lumping and moving to the corners. Moreover, fiberfill toppers may contain a foam core layer to add some durability and contouring.

Pros and cons of natural down and down alternative mattress toppers

Pros:

• Great contouring – Both down and fiberfill can conform to your body’s shape to relieve pressure points and offer plush comfort.
• Breathable – Unlike foam, these materials do not retain body heat and they help regulate the temperature of your bed.
• Inexpensive – Some down or fiberfill mattress toppers can be cheaper than memory foam or latex models.

Cons:

• Short lifespan – Due to the extremely soft nature of these materials, they are prone to sagging and compressions. If these toppers do not contain a memory foam core, they might wear out in the first few years of use.
• Tough to maintain – This factor applies specifically to natural down toppers which can only be dry cleaned. Cleaning stains and spills will be difficult and without proper care it might become a home to a colony of dust mites.

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Wool Mattress Toppers

While quite rare on the market, wool toppers have recently gained increased popularity among customers. This is because it’s an organic material that’s really comfortable and easy to obtain. Since wool toppers are lightweight and thin, they usually feature a fitted design to secure the topper in place and prevent it from sliding.

Pros and cons of wool mattress toppers

Pros:

• Excellent temperature control – Wool is a great material for regulating temperature because natural materials typically sleep cooler than synthetic materials.
• Softness – With its soft and fluffy design, natural wool toppers can add comfort to an overly firm mattress.
• Organic – Natural wool toppers don’t contain any harsh chemical or additives which could be harmful to your health or and the environment.

Cons:

• High price point – Because of its rarity, natural wool toppers tend to cost a bit more than average foam mattress toppers.
• “Sheep” smell – Natural wool toppers release a distinctive odor which could last from a few days to a couple of weeks.

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What’s the best mattress topper type for you?

At the end of the day, there is no ONE best mattress topper type for everyone. Since each individual has unique needs and preferences, the decision ultimately lies with you, the sleeper. That being said, I do have some recommendations to help you select the right mattress topper for your sleeping needs.

• Choose a memory foam mattress topper if you want a conforming hug feel that helps relieve pain and pressure points. This type of mattress topper is also highly durable and it excels in motion isolation which could be great for couples. We recommend this primarily for side sleepers and some back sleepers.
• Choose a polyfoam mattress topper if you want a more affordable option that has some of the qualities of traditional memory foam. Keep in mind though that this type of mattress topper is not as durable as memory foam hence the lower price. We recommend this for some side sleepers as well as back and stomach sleepers.
• Choose a latex mattress topper if you want a more responsive and better cooling option. However, since it’s an organic mattress topper, it’s also more expensive than average foam models. Still, it offers great value for money because of its increased durability and hypoallergenic nature. We recommend this for combination sleepers as well as hot sleepers.
• Choose a natural down or down alternative mattress topper if you want something that offers soft contouring and lots of airflow. Some down or fiberfill toppers are also cheaper than foam models. We recommend this for back sleepers and some side sleepers.
• Choose a wool mattress topper if you want something that offers soft comfort and excellent temperature control. Like latex, this type of mattress topper is also eco-friendly and hypoallergenic which makes it a great option for allergy sufferers as well. We recommend this for side sleepers and hot sleepers.

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FAQs

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