Top 10 Best Mattress Pad Reviews and Buying Guide

Although it may seem like adding the best mattress pad to your bed is quite a luxury, mattress toppers are actually essential to achieving the good night sleep you deserve.

Not only will the best mattress topper add comfort and cushioning to even a cheap bed, but it will also prevent wear and tear, protect your bed from spills, dander and dust and keep you and your partner at a comfortable temperature while you’re sleeping. But choosing a topper can be a challenge. And when I am asked: “What is the best mattress topper,” unfortunately, It’s hard to give the single ultimate answer because people differ in their needs.

Instead, I invite you to read this guide and the comprehensive mattress topper reviews that I have written below. I trust that it will help you find the one topper you will absolutely love.

Top Best Mattress Pads Comparison Chart

ProductsThicknessReview
LUCID Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
3 InchOur Review
iSoCore 3.0 Memory Foam Mattress Pad
3 InchOur Review
Sleep Master Gel Memory Foam Topper
2 InchOur Review
Memory Foam Solutions Twin Size
3 InchOur Review
Advanced Sleep Solutions Memory Foam Mattress Topper
2 InchOur Review

What Is a Mattress Topper?

If you’ve never owned a mattress topper before, you might be wondering what one is and what all the fuss is about. Mattress pads reviews and general descriptions of mattress toppers can explain how the best mattress toppers and pads work. But let’s define what one is in the first place!

A Definition of Mattress Toppers

Generally speaking, a mattress topper is a large piece of gel, memory foam, some type of pillow filling or a combination of any of these materials. The topper sits on top of your bed and adds protection, comfort, added warmth or coolness and height.

Mattress Topper Sizes

Toppers come in various sizes that correspond to the typical sizes of beds. In this way, you can choose from a twin, full, queen or king size mattress topper.

How They Fit on Your Bed

Mattress toppers fit over top of your mattress and underneath your fitted sheet. Some toppers simply sit on top of your bed while others act as a fitted sheet themselves and have elastic sides integrated into them.

This makes them fit around your mattress for a more secure stay. Many people prefer this because some toppers can slowly shift and become off-center over several nights of use if they don’t have something to secure them.

Typical Mattress Topper Thickness

Most memory foam or combination mattress toppers are between 2 and 4 inches thick. In fact, not many toppers are more than 4 inches thick.

With that being said, some people choose to use multiple units at once, which can make your bed taller and deeper overall. Just keep in mind if you do this, you may need to use extra deep sheets as well in order to accommodate the new height.

Do They Work?

If you’re considering the purchase of a mattress topper but wonder whether or not they truly work, my answer to this is an overwhelming yes. They do work. But you have to find the right one.

In other words, if you purchase a low-quality, inexpensive mattress topper for an already basic and uncomfortable bed, you probably won’t have much luck adding comfort and cushioning to your sleep.

But if you do your research, read lots of mattress pad reviews and shop around, you may find a high-quality topper that can help you achieve just what you’re looking for in your sleeping experience. It’s important to note here that everyone wants something different when they sleep, so you need to find a topper that fits your particular needs. The section below will help you.

How To Choose a Mattress Topper

You already know that you want a mattress topper for your bed. Great!

But there are so many choices. Which is the best?

Mattress pad reviews can sound like gibberish if you don’t have a handle on what to look for.
Fortunately, I can tell you exactly how to choose a mattress pad for your bed without any added anxiety and stress.

All you need to do is follow the steps and questions below. They will lead you right to the best mattress topper for you!

Serta 4-inch Cradling Cloud Memory Foam Mattress Topper

1. First, get the size right.

Toppers come in sizes that correspond exactly to regular mattress sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King and California King. Naturally, a twin size mattress topper won’t work for a queen bed, so check the size before everything else.

2. Consider thickness.

Most mattress pads will be between 2 and 4 inches thick. Some may get up to 5 inches thick, but these are rare.

If you know that you want more firm support, you should look for more thickness. If you like a plush, soft bed, you can go with a thinner pad.

Some people don’t know how much softness or support they like. If this is you, go by your most common sleeping position.

For example, the best topper for side sleepers is a more cushioned and thicker mattress because they have their weight concentrated on their knees, shoulders and hips. Those who sleep flat on their stomachs or backs can handle less thickness.

3. How firm do you want your bed to be?

This is just preference. Those who love plush, soft beds will want less firmness while those who struggle with aches and pains may need more support and more firmness. Finally, there’s plush firm, which is somewhere in between.

4. Density makes a difference.

When you see a mattress pad that has a density of 2 pounds, this means that each cubic foot of mattress pad has 2 pounds of memory foam in it. If you want a lot of support and a firmer mattress, you want more density.

For serious aches and pains, I recommend a density of 4 or more. A density of 3 is standard.

5. Have you considered a gel and memory foam mattress topper?

Gel is infused into some memory foam toppers to help them feel cooler on the skin during the night. If you live in a hot region or just love to feel cool at night, one of these may be for you. Keep in mind that gel and memory foam toppers tend to cost a bit more.

6. Go with a name brand when you can.

There are tons of mattress toppers out there, but even if you find some good reviews for one product in particular, it might not be the cream of the crop if it wasn’t made by a name brand.

Not all name brand mattress toppers will be top notch, but you can definitely put faith in most high-quality brands. Their products and customer service will inherently be better.

7. How much are you willing to spend?

Money’s important, and you don’t want to blow it on a subpar product or on one that is simply overpriced. Get a feel for the overall prices of toppers by reading mattress toppers reviews. From there, set a budget for yourself and stick to it.

8. Don’t expect miracles.

To be sure, an excellent topper can revive many an old saggy mattress, but sadly, even the best topper can’t make miracles happen. The ideal situation is to have a cheap but firm mattress that you can make plusher and more comfortable with a topper that adds cushion and softness.

But a super old mattress that starts out saggy and structureless may simply need to be replaced.

Why You Need A Good Mattress Topper Today

lady sleeping in bedYou know what a mattress pad is, but really, what’s all the fuss?

You’ve seen them for sale. Your friends and family swear by them. Do you actually need one yourself?

The truth is that you don’t need a good mattress topper.

But if you don’t have one, rest assured that you’re missing out.

That’s because a topper can literally turn your sleeping life upside down. Every night, I feel like I’m sleeping on a cloud. The topper cradles my body with lots of support in all the right places, yet it also feels soft and cushiony. It even makes my bed higher, so I feel like a princess!

I’ve known people who used to hate the nighttime because they could never get to sleep or stay asleep.

But once they found the best pillow top mattress pad or memory foam pad, they couldn’t wait until nighttime! In fact, one friend told me that she actually daydreams about crawling into bed while she’s at work. It makes that much of a difference.

Truthfully, even if you sleep well now, you have no idea how much better your sleep will get with a great topper on your bed.

And furthermore, buying a new pad for your bed is an investment. It saves your actual mattress from spills and accidents. Plus, it can last up to 10 or 15 years if you take care of it, which means that you’ll be prolonging the life of your bed and improving your sleep at the same time.

Best Mattress Topper Reviews: TOP 10

1. LUCID 3-inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress TopperLUCID 3-inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper

 

For

  • Super springy material will inflate easily and quickly after unpacking
  • Unique plush gel is infused into the memory foam to create a cooling sensation
  • Special ventilated design helps move air through the memory foam and gel
  • Memory foam mattress topper reviews rave about the softness of this mattress pad
  • Memory foam is extremely soft yet supportive
  • Fits any size of bed from twin to California king
  • Lovely light color

Against

  • A few of the gel mattress topper reviews mentioned that the memory foam wasn’t dense enough.

ReviewMemory foam pad

As you’ll read in many of the gel memory foam mattress topper reviews of this product, this is definitely the best overall mattress pad and the best cooling mattress pad. It cools you as you sleep, so if you have trouble getting to sleep or sleeping throughout the night because of night sweats or overheating, this is the best bed topper for you.

Features

  • Thickness: 3 inches
  • Material: Memory foam infused with plush gel
  • Color: Light blue
  • Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Queen, King and California King
  • 3-year warranty included

Overall Value for the Money

This is by far one of the best mattress toppers that I’ve used, and that’s why it’s number one on the list. The price is a bit of an investment as is the case with all mattress toppers, but it will be well worth it for you in the end.

2. Red Nomad Queen Size 2 Inch Thick, Premium Quality Made in USARed Nomad Queen Size 2 Inch Thick

 

For

  • High quality Visco elastic memory foam allows for a restful sleep every night
  • Special Cool Cycle Polymer design helps circulate air beneath you as you sleep and keep you cool
  • One of the best mattress pad options when you want different thickness options
  • Mattress pad can reduce pressure point pain

Against

  • A few of the mattress toppers reviews were unhappy with a slight odor. Memory foam may have an odor, but most of the time, this will go away after a while. Airing it out for a few days before using it on your bed may help if the memory foam odor is a problem.

Review

Red Nomad does it again with one of the best mattress topper options on the market. As with all of the best mattress pads, this pad is made of high-quality memory foam that contours your body and provides support while still being soft and comfortable. I love that you get three thickness options with this mattress pad as well. You can make it work for your specific needs.

Features

  • Available Thicknesses: 2 inches, 3 inches or 4 inches
  • Material: Memory foam
  • Color: White
  • Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
  • Mattress topper is guaranteed and warranty is available from the manufacturer

Overall Value for the Money

This mattress pad is sold at a reasonable price no matter what size your bed is. Keep in mind that the price will go up if you want to choose one of the thicker sizes, but this is normal.

3. iSoCore 3.0 Memory Foam Mattress PadiSoCore Foam Queen Size 3 Inch pad

 

For

  • High-quality Visco elastic memory foam is comfortable yet firm
  • Special memory foam helps reduce pain on your body’s pressure points
  • Memory foam keeps you cool at night
  • Conforms to your body
  • Some of the memory foam mattress toppers reviews mentioned that this mattress is great at converting a terrible mattress into a luxurious bed
  • Amazing 3-year warranty included

Against

  • Bed topper reviews of this iSoCore mattress pad said that it was extra soft, so it may not be great for those who have bad backs and need more support and a denser mattress.
  • Some mattress toppers reviews mentioned that it took longer than usual for the mattress topper to inflate to its original shape after shipping.

Review

The best memory foam toppers are those that provide soft comfort and a firm base to support the back, neck and spine. This is a great mattress pad, but it is definitely on the softer side, so keep this in mind if you have a bad back or often suffer with a sore neck.

Features

  • Thickness: 3 inches
  • Material: Visco elastic memory foam
  • Color: White
  • Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King and California King
  • Mattress pad comes with a 3-year iSoCore manufacturer limited warranty

Overall Value for the Money

The mattress pads from iSoCore are extremely reasonably priced, and this mattress pad is also unique in that it comes with a 3-year limited warranty.

4. Soft Sleeper 5.5 Full / Double SizeSoft Sleeper 5.5 Full Memory Foam Mattress Pad

 

For

  • Luxurious mattress topper for those with bad hips or back
  • Made of high quality Visco elastic material
  • Pressure on knees, ankles, hips and shoulders is reduced before of the extra density of 5.5
  • Mattress works with your body’s temperature to help regulate it
  • Adjusts to the contours of your body
  • No terrible odor like other mattress pads
  • Try this mattress topper for 30 nights to see how you like it
  • Amazing 2 year Soft Sleeper manufacturer limited warranty included in case anything goes wrong

Against

  • Some of the best mattress topper reviews have mentioned that firmer mattress pads aren’t great for those who like a plush sleeping surface. The firm 5.5 density is better for those who need more support on pressure points like the hips and back.

Review

I like this mattress pad for people with bad backs, and I recommend it often when people say that they want something that will make their bed firmer. The 5.5 density is pretty high, so this is about as firm as you’re going to get in a mattress pad.

Features

  • Thickness: 3 inches
  • Material: Visco elastic memory foam
  • Color: White
  • Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King and California King
  • Mattress pad comes with 2-year Soft Sleeper manufacturer limited warranty

Overall Value for the Money

If you have a bad back or just like sleeping on a bed that provides a lot of firm support, this is the mattress pad for you, and it’s even reasonably priced.

5. Sleep Master Gel Memory Foam 2 Inch TopperZinus Sleep Master Gel Memory Foam

 

For

  • Provides comfort while contouring to your body
  • Made of super comfortable CertiPUR-US certified memory foam
  • One of the best cooling mattress pad options on the market
  • Most of the memory foam mattress topper reviews mention that unpacking the smart shipping and decompressing the mattress topper is easy and takes only minutes
  • Lovely medium blue color
  • Excellent limited warranty that lasts 5 years

Against

Zinus mattress topper

  • The mattress pad reviews on this product mentioned that you can get quite cool at night with this on your bed. If you don’t want to be cooler at night, I don’t recommend this product.

Review

The best mattress pad review that I can offer with this mattress pad is that it’s excellent for those who want to stay cool at night. If you live in a hot climate, get this mattress pad. You even have a worry-free limited warranty of 5 years, so if something goes wrong, you’re covered.

Features

  • Thickness: 2 inches
  • Material: Gel memory foam
  • Color: Medium blue
  • Available Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, and King
  • Mattress topper comes with 5-year limited warranty

Overall Value for the Money

In my opinion, this is the best gel memory foam mattress topper on the market. If you want to sleep on a mattress that can help to cool you while you sleep, this is an excellent option. I also happen to love the medium blue color!

6. Sleep Innovations 2-Inch Memory Foam Twin XLSleep Innovations 2-Inch Memory Foam

 

For

  • Makes a thin, tired mattress into a cushiony, comfortable bed
  • Best memory foam mattress topper warranty of 10 years
  • 2 inches of high-quality memory foam
  • Helps you toss and turn less
  • Made in the USA

Against

  • A few of the memory foam topper reviews mentioned that this is not a good option if you hope to get a cooling effect from your mattress topper.
  • Some of the best mattress topper reviews mentioned that this topper may end up becoming uneven over time.

ReviewSleep Innovations 2-Inch Mattress Topper

This product has the best memory foam topper warranty. It lasts for 10 years from the manufacturer, so basically if you have problems, no matter when it is, you can count on great customer service.

Features

  • Thickness: 2 inches
  • Material: Premium memory foam
  • Color: White
  • Available Sizes: Twin XL
  • Mattress topper comes with a 10-year limited warranty

Overall Value for the Money

Keep in mind that this best mattress topper only comes in one size, and that’s not something that I like about it. Furthermore, the size is rather random as not many people have twin XL mattresses at home. This makes this mattress pad best for college students as twin XL is a common dorm room mattress size.

7. Memory Foam Solutions Twin Size 3 Inch Thick, Gel SwirlMemory Foam Solutions Twin Size Memory Foam Mattress Pad

 

For

  • Helps to make your bed cooler
  • Can make a sagging mattress firmer and more comfortable
  • One of the best mattress toppers made with gel swirl
  • Exceeds environmentally friendly certification standards set by PURGreen
  • Available in 6 sizes
  • Helps you toss and turn less by cradling your body and improving pressure point pain
  • Made in the USA

Against

  • Select gel mattress topper reviews said that the cooling effect with this gel memory foam mattress was not as effective as with some other mattress toppers.
  • The blue color may show through light colored sheets, which some people may not like for aesthetic reasons.

Review

Cooling mattress pad reviews were not happy with the cooling effect that this mattress pad had, but they said that is was definitely comfortable. In addition, this pad definitely has a lot of gel swirl in it, so it feels like gel when you touch it and doesn’t bounce back right away. Some people like this.

Features

  • Thickness: 3 inches
  • Material: Cooling gel swirl memory foam
  • Color: Light blue
  • Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King and California King
  • Product does not come with a warranty

Overall Value for the Money

If you like the gel effect on your bed, this is one of the best gel mattress topper options. But it may not be the best cooling mattress topper.

8. SoftHeaven Topper Cover All AroundSoftHeaven Topper Cover

 

For

  • Makes any mattress topper much more comfortable
  • Made of high-quality jacquard velour fabric in a light color
  • Great for covering up darker colored mattress pads so that they aren’t noticeable under light colored sheets
  • Zipper makes this mattress topper cover easy to take on and off
  • Wash the topper in the washing machine whenever you want
  • Keeps your mattress topper in great shape so that it lasts for years
  • Special fabric offers breathability
  • Fits mattress toppers made of any type of fabric
  • Fits mattress toppers that are from 2 to 4 inches thick

Against

  • Some of the topper reviews mentioned that the zipper can be difficult to work.

Review

This is a top quality mattress topper. You have something that can be zipped on and off and washed when needed. It’s especially great for kids’ beds as it can prevent spills and accidents getting onto the mattress pad and mattress.

Features

  • Thickness: Cover only fits mattresses from 2 to 4 inches thick
  • Material: Velour cover with breathability
  • Color May Vary: Yellow, Off-White or Beige
  • Available Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King and California King
  • You may request a warranty from the manufacturer

Overall Value for the Money

When you’re looking for a cover to put on your mattress topper, this is an excellent option. I use this cover myself to help keep my mattress topper in better condition.

9. Advanced Sleep Solutions Memory Foam Mattress TopperAdvanced Sleep Solutions Memory Foam Mattress Topper

 

For

  • 2 inches of top quality Visco elastic memory foam
  • Helps reduce pain on pressure points
  • Relaxes muscles
  • Helps with spinal alignment
  • Even when your partner moves, you’ll stay still
  • The best foam mattress topper for both those who want a firm bed and those who want a soft bed
  • Uses CertiPUR-US certified foam that is also eco-friendly

Against

  • Even though this is one of the best-rated mattress toppers, it is slightly more expensive than some of the other models.

Review

This is a safe mattress bad to get for any type of sleeper and any type of bed. The density of the memory foam is 3.3, so that’s mid-range. It supports those who want to reduce pressure point pain, but it’s also great for those who are looking for a plush, soft bed.

Features

  • Thickness: 2 inches
  • Material: CertiPUR-US certified memory foam
  • Color: White
  • Available Sizes: Twin XL, Full, Queen and California King
  • A 60-day money back comfortably perfect guarantee and a 3-year manufacturers warranty are included with this mattress topper

Overall Value for the Money

This mattress pad is slightly more expensive than some of the other mattress pads on the list, but you’re getting great, American made quality here. The density is a mixture of firmness and softness, so it works for everyone.

10. PharMeDoc Memory Foam Mattress TopperPharMeDoc Memory Foam Mattress Topper

For

  • Helps with spine alignment
  • Made of excellent quality memory foam
  • One of the best mattress topper for back pain options
  • Feels like you’re sleeping on a cloud
  • Changes any type of sagging or lackluster mattress into a wonderful bed
  • Special design allows for breathability in the mattress topper
  • Great for side, stomach or back sleepers
  • Available for twin, twin XL and queen sized beds

Against

  • Some memory foam topper reviews said that this was not a good mattress topper for those who want a softer and less dense sleeping experience. Instead, it’s better for those who need more support.
  • A few of the mattress pad reviews mentioned that the odor of this mattress topper was a problem at first.

ReviewPharMeDoc Memory Foam Mattress Pad

According to many Tempurpedic mattress topper review mentions, this mattress topper was a good contender as the best mattress topper for back pain.

Features

  • Thickness: 2 inches
  • Material: Memory foam
  • Color: White
  • Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL and Queen
  • This mattress topper does not come with a warranty

Overall Value for the Money

This is the best foam mattress topper by PharMeDoc, and it comes at a good price as well. The premium quality of this soft and breathable mattress makes it perfect for stomach, back and side sleepers.

*Bonus* Best Bed Topper For Babies

Milliard 2-Inch Ventilated Memory Foam Crib/ToddlerMilliard Toddler Bed Mattress Topper

 

For

  • Memory foam mattress topper reviews for baby mattress toppers rate this as number one
  • Fits most crib mattresses
  • Helps your child move from co-sleeping to their own bed
  • Super comfortable for your baby
  • High-quality memory foam cradles your baby’s body and offers much-needed support as well

Against

  • The highest rated mattress topper reviews mentioned that this mattress pad had a little bit of a bad odor to it at first.

ReviewToddler Bed Mattress Topper

If your baby is having trouble sleeping on their own, try this mattress pad for baby cribs. It might do the trick at getting them away from co-sleeping and into their own bed.

Features

  • Thickness: 2 inches
  • Material: Memory foam
  • Color: White
  • Available Sizes: Crib and toddler bed size topper is 51.5” x 27” x 2”
  • This crib mattress topper does not come with a warranty

Overall Value for the Money

This mattress is an amazing value and has done great things for many children as well as their parents. It comes at a decent price and fits most cribs and toddler beds.

How Long Does Memory Foam Last?

The best memory foam mattress topper should last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, but this also depends on the quality of the memory foam that you are purchasing. Keep in mind that not all memory foam on the market is authentic and well-made. Moreover, even the best memory foam topper will get wear and tear.

Also remember to look for toppers that have higher densities. When memory foam has a higher density, the cell structures inside the foam are more tightly spaced. This makes them more durable and stronger overall.

With that being said, denser memory foam is also firmer. If you don’t like a firm bed, you may end up getting a lower density memory foam that will be softer. Subsequently, your pad will naturally wear out sooner.

Where to Get The Best Memory Foam Mattress Pad?

Photo of a shopping mallI often get asked where the best memory foam mattress pads should be purchased.

First, most brick and mortar home goods stores and department stores have them. But I recommend buying toppers online instead. In particular, I recommend shopping on Amazon. There are several reasons for this.

First, hands down, you’ll get the top deals on Amazon’s website. They have all of the best pillow top, memory foam and gel toppers from the best brand names, yet they’re all at the best prices as well.

In addition, Amazon has a great return policy and excellent customer service.

When you order on their website, you are protected by Amazon’s return policy. If you’re unhappy with a product or it is not as described, simply send it back to Amazon for a full refund or exchange

Finally, I love the customer reviews of the toppers on Amazon. These are reviews from people who have used the products. They’ll tell you the truth bout the pros and cons and what to watch out for.

Wrap Up and Making Your Final Decision

girl lying in a bedWhen you want to buy something as big and important as the best topper for your bed, don’t mess around.

Consider how much time you spend in your bed. Research shows that we all spend nearly one third of our lives sleeping!

Why wouldn’t you want the absolute best in terms of comfort and quality?

Being diligent about reading mattress topper reviews and using guides like this one will help you get started on your search. Here’s one other recommendation: Don’t be afraid to try out the toppers that you’re considering.

You may not know if you like soft and cushy or firm and dense, so try out different variations a and see! Amazon will allow you to order multiple items and send back what you don’t like. This is a great way to narrow your shopping from the get-go.

I truly hope that the above guide has been of great help to you and that you’ve been able to make quality final choice.

Now get going! Find that new mattress topper and purchase it. Trust me. You’ll thank yourself when it’s time to go to bed each night.