If you want to make your firm mattress feel soft and plush, a mattress topper made of memory foam could do the trick. This popular material softens mattresses and creates comfy pressure relief. To help you choose the right one, we’ve compiled a list of our seven favorites. After testing tons of different toppers, these are the best memory foam mattress toppers that stood out above the rest.
Our Verdict: What’s the Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper?
We named the Saatva Graphite Memory Foam mattress topper as our best overall memory foam topper. This topper provides an impressive amount of pressure relief for side sleepers and will significantly soften your mattress. The graphite infusion is there to help pull heat away from you, making it a good choice for hot sleepers. And it should be very long lasting thanks to the outer cotton cover, which will protect the foam.
Our Top 7 Picks
- Saatva Graphite – Best Overall
- Nolah Mattress Topper – Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper for Back Sleepers
- Coop Sleep Goods Retreat Topper – Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers
- Brooklyn Bedding Dreamfoam Gel Swirl Topper – Best Value Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- TEMPUR-Adapt Topper – Most Durable Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- Layla – Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper for Hot Sleepers
- ViscoSoft High Density Mattress Topper – Best Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
The Best Memory Foam Mattress Toppers: Video Review
How We Chose Our Products
Our team of sleep specialists tested many mattress toppers currently on the market, using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing to find the best of the best for our readers. When building our roundup for the best memory foam mattress toppers of 2024, we paid special attention to cooling abilities, durability, overall feel, and quality of materials.
With our guide, we give you a number of options so you can select a product that not only fits your preferences, but one that is also long-lasting, breathable, and extremely comfortable. We also encourage you to check out our Buyer’s Guide at the bottom of the page. There, we take a deeper dive into all of these attributes so you can make the most informed purchase possible.
Best Overall – Saatva
Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper
If you love the pressure-relieving qualities of memory foam, but don’t want to invest in a brand new mattress, the Saatva Graphite mattress topper could be just the thing for you. In addition to its soft feel, this 3” topper has many cooling features.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.80 / 5
Read Full Review
Our Expert’s Take
The Saatva Graphite memory foam mattress topper is just one of six toppers that Saatva offers. We love the graphite topper because it’s 3″ thick and uses graphite-infused memory foam. This is a slow-moving memory foam topper, so it’ll offer good body contouring for back sleepers and ample pressure relief for side sleepers. The graphite infusion in the foam can help pull body heat away from you, so it’s also a great choice for hot sleepers.
Saatva uses high-quality materials for this topper, and the memory foam is enveloped in a cotton cover. In each corner, there are elastic straps that can help secure the topper to your mattress. This makes it a long-lasting topper and could help extend your mattress’s life for a few more years. The cover is also removable and machine-washable for easy care.
What We Love About the Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- The Saatva topper could soften a mattress by 2.5 points, and even extend the life of your current mattress.
- The topper is available in graphite, latex, and foam. Of those, latex and graphite are the best options for cooling. We tested the graphite topper and noticed that it didn’t trap much heat. The graphite was able to pull away body heat.
- The topper should have a slow-moving feel for plenty of contouring.
What to Keep In Mind About the Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- While this topper should last you a long time, it might be out of some shoppers’ budgets. A Queen-size topper is around $450. Saatva does offer a financing option to break up the payment, however.
- This is a memory foam topper, and it does have that slow-moving, sinking feeling to it. For some, this is ideal, but if you’re a combination sleeper, it might be hard to move around on.
Read our full Saatva mattress topper review or check out our list of Best Mattress Toppers for Side Sleepers for more options.
Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper for Back Sleepers – Nolah
Nolah Mattress Topper
The Nolah Mattress Topper uses its proprietary CertiPUR-US certified foam to achieve a super pressure-relieving yet supportive feel.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.90 / 5
Our Expert’s Take
For back sleepers, adding some body contouring to the top of your mattress is what can give your mattress that “just right” feeling. The Nolah Mattress topper is a 2″ thick memory foam topper that offers some additional comfort and body contouring to the top of your mattress. Nolah offers this topper in two firmnesses: plush and firm. Plush will be better suited for sleepers who weigh less than 230 lbs while the firm version might be more supportive for back sleepers who weigh more than 230 lbs.
Nolah uses its proprietary AirFoam memory foam. This is an open cell foam, meaning the foam has room for airflow so it won’t trap a lot of heat. This also gives the foam a much more responsive feel. Memory foam can have that slow-moving, sinking feel to it, and for some that can make you feel stuck. But that shouldn’t happen on the Nolah topper.
What We Love About the Nolah Mattress Topper
- The foam is soft and should add some additional comfort and body contouring to your mattress, which helps make it a good fit for back sleepers.
- The foam comes inside of a cotton cover that has straps in the corners. These straps make it easy to attach the topper to your bed and help it stay in place.
- You won’t feel stuck in this foam. So, if you’re a combination sleeper who changes positions throughout the night, you won’t be fighting the topper to change positions.
What to Keep In Mind About the Nolah Mattress Topper
- This topper is only 2″ thick. While it can still help soften your mattress, heavyweight sleepers (especially those over 300 lbs) might compress the foam too much. Because of this, we recommend getting a thicker topper, or looking at our list of the best mattress toppers for heavy people.
Read our full Nolah mattress topper review.
Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers – Coop Sleep Goods
Coop Sleep Goods Retreat Mattress Topper
Breathable and comfy, the COOP Sleep Goods Retreat mattress topper is a great choice for a king-size bed.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.90 / 5
Our Expert’s Take
Memory foam toppers are great for side sleepers because, more often than not, they offer a good amount of pressure relief that some mattresses just can’t provide. Thick memory foam toppers are a great choice for side sleepers because they’ll keep you from touching the mattress underneath. One of the thickest toppers I’ve reviewed is the Coop Sleep Goods Retreat mattress topper, coming in at 5″ thick. And, unlike some other memory foam toppers out there, this one is a little bit different.
The Retreat topper is made with shredded memory foam instead of a single slab of foam. This feature, coupled with the sewn-through baffle box design in the outer cover will give your mattress a pillow top look and feel. The shredded foam will offer some great pressure relief in the shoulders and hips for side sleepers, and with the baffle box design, it feels like sleeping on several pillows.
What We Love About the Coop Sleep Goods Retreat Mattress Topper
- At 5″ thick, this is one of the thickest toppers we’ve reviewed. It works well for side sleepers who are looking for some additional pressure relief on their mattress.
- In the corners, you’ll find elastic bands that can help secure the topper to your mattress.
- Even though it’s made of memory foam, because the foam is shredded, it’s very easy to move around on this topper. You shouldn’t feel stuck in the foam. So, if you’re a combo sleeper who moves around frequently during the night, this should be a win.
What to Keep In Mind About the Coop Sleep Goods Retreat Mattress Topper
- Because this topper uses an outer cover that’s been sewn through, it can’t be removed. That means if accidents or spills happen in bed, you’ll have to spot clean the top of this topper. For some, this might not be the ideal for care instructions.
Read our full Coop Sleep Goods Retreat mattress topper review.
Best Value Memory Foam Mattress Topper – Brooklyn Bedding
Dreamfoam 2" Gel Swirl Memory Foam Mattress Topper
If you’re a fan of the slow-moving memory foam feel, but you’re not ready to spring for a brand new mattress, then the Dreamfoam mattress topper just may be the perfect thing for you.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.50 / 5
Read Full Review
In addition to its soft feel, the Brooklyn Bedding Dreamfoam Gel Swirl topper has, as its name suggests, a gel swirl infusion that helps promote breathability and airflow. It’s common for memory foam to trap heat, but that shouldn’t be an issue with this budget-friendly topper.
This topper is 3″ thick, so it should be able to provide good pressure relief for side sleepers and body contouring for back sleepers. Brooklyn Bedding includes this topper in seasonal discounts, so if you’re shopping around holidays, you can often get it for a good deal as well.
What We Love About the Brooklyn Bedding Dreamfoam Gel Swirl Mattress Topper
- The Dreamfoam should be a good option for back sleepers whose mattress is too firm. It should provide some good body contouring and take some strain off of your back.
- Side sleepers should also get some added pressure relief. It’s 3″ thick, so most side sleepers shouldn’t compress the foam and touch the mattress underneath.
- Brooklyn Bedding often includes this topper in seasonal discounts, so this topper is sold for an affordable price.
What To Keep In Mind About the Brooklyn Bedding Dreamfoam Gel Swirl Mattress Topper
- Because this topper is just a single slab of memory foam, it doesn’t have a cover to protect it. This means this topper might not be as long-lasting as some other toppers out there.
Read our full Brooklyn Bedding Dreamfoam Gel Swirl mattress topper review.
Most Durable Memory Foam Mattress Topper – TEMPUR-Adapt Topper
TEMPUR-Adapt Mattress Topper
The TEMPUR-Adapt is a soft memory foam mattress topper. It should be a good match for back sleepers, side sleepers, and fans of slow-moving memory foam.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.50 / 5
Read Full Review
Our Expert’s Take
One issue with more budget-friendly mattress toppers is that they contain low-density memory foam, which – while comfortable – might not last very long. For those who are looking at their mattress topper as more of an investment, the TEMPUR-Adapt Topper is an excellent choice. While not the most affordable topper, its 3″ of high-density TEMPUR foam is exceptionally durable and should stay comfortable for many years.
The foam comes inside of an outer, removable cover. This helps protect the foam and adds to the durability of the topper. In the corners, you’ll find elastic straps. Like I’ve said throughout this list, this helps keep the topper securely in place. This is an ideal topper for side sleepers who want to get some added pressure relief. However, back sleepers should also get some good body contouring as well.
What We Love About the TEMPUR-Adapt Mattress Topper
- This is a great topper for side sleepers – even those on the heavier side – because it provides fantastic pressure relief for the shoulders and hips.
- While back sleeping, the high-density memory foam will let the hips sink while it also contours to the body. In fact, the topper is so thick and dense, even larger sleepers shouldn’t “bottom out.”
- The topper’s cover can be removed for easy cleaning at home, which helps the memory foam last longer.
What to Keep In Mind About the TEMPUR-Adapt Mattress Topper
- At full price, this topper is over $400. Temper-Pedic is a reputable brand, and the materials are high-quality and should last the length of its 10-year warranty, but the price might be a bit high for those shopping with a budget in mind.
Read our full TEMPUR-Adapt Topper review.
Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper for Hot Sleepers – Layla
Layla Mattress Topper
If it’s a cooling memory foam mattress topper you’re after, take a look at the Layla. This popular online mattress brand is known for their high-quality products, and this mattress topper is no exception.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.20 / 5
Read Full Review
Our Expert’s Take
One of the main drawbacks of memory foam is that it can trap body heat, causing some sleepers to wake up feeling uncomfortable and clammy. However, that won’t be a problem with the Layla topper – one of the coolest sleeping memory foam mattress toppers we’ve come across. The cover has been infused with a cooling agent known as Thermogel, and the topper itself has copper beads for additional heat dissipation.
What We Love About the Layla Mattress Topper
- The copper infusion has antimicrobial properties, so it should keep mildew and mold from building up in the Layla topper.
- The Layla is a particularly good choice for back and side sleepers because it features some great contouring and pressure relief.
- The topper features four corner straps to secure it to the mattress.
What to Keep In Mind About the Layla Mattress Topper
- This topper likely isn’t a good fit for stomach sleepers. It’s made of slow-moving memory foam, so it won’t offer the support needed to keep your hips elevated while resting on your stomach.
Read our full Layla mattress topper review.
Best Gel Memory Foam Topper – Viscosoft High Density Mattress Topper
ViscoSoft Select High Density Mattress Topper
If you’re craving a memory foam sleeping surface, but don’t want to spring for a new mattress, the Select High-Density ViscoSoft mattress topper may just be the answer. This 3” gel-infused mattress topper has excellent body contouring at a low price.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.50 / 5
Read Full Review
Our Expert’s Take
For side sleepers who want to add some serious pressure relief to their mattress, the ViscoSoft is an exceptional option because it features either 3″ or 4″ of high-density memory foam. Even larger people should press into the topper and feel little pressure on their shoulders and hips on the 4″ model.
Memory foam lovers who don’t want to overheat often look for gel memory foam toppers. That’s because the gel infusion will absorb heat and help you stay cool. This topper also comes with a bamboo rayon outer cover, which helps out with cooling because it’s both breathable and moisture-wicking.
What We Love About the ViscoSoft High Density Mattress Topper
- The topper contours to the body and should also be a good match for back sleepers of many sizes. Their hips will sink in while the memory foam contours to the curves of their body.
- The topper should be a particularly good choice for hot sleepers, thanks to an infusion of cooling gel. It’s also ventilated, and the bamboo/rayon cover is cool to the touch.
- It features four anchor straps to keep the topper secured to the mattress.
What to Keep In Mind About the ViscoSoft High Density Mattress Topper
- While many may love the slow-moving feel of foam, combination sleepers may find it hard to move around on this topper.
- The 4″ model comes at a higher price than the 3″ model, which may push this topper out of some peoples’ budgets.
Read our full ViscoSoft mattress topper review.
What Are the Benefits of Memory Foam Mattress Toppers?
Memory foam toppers add an extra layer of comfort and can significantly change how a mattress feels. This is especially helpful if you’re sleeping on an older mattress. Side and back sleepers are the most likely to reap the benefits, as they’ll feel some excellent pressure relief along their shoulders and hips.
Toppers are also a great way to spruce up your bed’s overall feel. Do you want to sink into the top layers and feel plush comfort all around you? Memory foam mattress toppers will do just that. Plus, they’ll save you money! Adding a topper can extend the life of your current mattress, so you won’t have to invest in a brand new bed just yet.
What’s the Best Type of Memory Foam Mattress Topper?
With so many foam toppers on the market, it can be difficult to sift through them all. We’ve outlined the main types of foam toppers to help you make sense of the seemingly endless options.
Gel Foam
Traditional memory foam tends to trap heat, but thankfully, manufacturers have developed new materials that don’t have this problem. One of the most popular ways to keep sleepers feeling cool? Add gel! This substance helps pull heat away from the body, so you shouldn’t wake up feeling clammy and hot in the middle of the night.
High-Density
If you want your mattress topper to last through the years, look for something made with high-density memory foam. Most memory foam toppers have a 1.5lb density. Even though they’re lightweight and easy to transport, these toppers won’t last very long. Toppers within the 3.5lb–5lb density range are much more durable and provide more pressure relief.
Infused Memory Foam
Like gel foam, infused memory foam helps sleepers stay cool at night. Copper and graphite aid in heat dissipation and promote airflow. If you tend to overheat at night, look for a memory foam topper with either of these materials infused throughout.
Plant-Based
Traditional memory foam is made out of petroleum-based polyurethane. While this creates luxurious body contouring, it also can also produce odors. Plant-based memory foam contains plant-derived oils, so they’re less likely to off-gas after opening, plus they’re more eco-friendly. If you’re especially sensitive to chemicals, look for a Certi-PUR certified mattress topper.
What to Consider When Buying a Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Feel
Not all memory foam toppers feel the same. Some offer that classic, slow-moving feeling. Others quickly bounce back into place after you press into them. Which do you prefer? There’s a topper out there that will give you exactly what you need.
Firmness
If you currently sleep on a firm mattress, you may want to make it feel softer. On our firmness scale, 6.5/10 falls in the medium firm category. So if your bed feels like an 8/10, you may want a topper that will soften it by 1.5 points. On the flip side, some mattress toppers make beds feel firmer, such as the Lift by Amerisleep Support topper.
Sleeping Position
Finding the right topper depends greatly on your primary sleeping position. For instance, if you mostly sleep on your back, you’ll want a topper that creates a great balance of comfort and support. Side sleepers should look for a soft, thick mattress topper that will provide the necessary pressure relief. Stomach sleepers, on the other hand, will want a mattress topper that keeps their bed feeling firm and supportive.
Pressure Relief
If you’re looking for a topper, your current bed probably feels firm and uncomfortable. If this is the case, you’ll want to find a topper that provides plenty of pressure relief. Thick memory foam toppers help alleviate pressure along shoulders, which is especially beneficial for side sleepers. Back sleepers will benefit from a topper that can ease pain along the hips and lower back, such as the Casper.
Thickness
A person’s size and weight will determine what thickness of topper they should look for. A lightweight side sleeper might only need a 2″ mattress topper to give them the proper pressure relief, but those who need a mattress for heavy people will probably want something thicker. This is because a larger person’s weight will cause them to sink in more than a lighter person might.
Cooling Features
If you already struggle with sleeping hot at night, you’ll want to make sure your topper has some of those cooling features we mentioned earlier built in. Foams infused with gel, copper, and graphite help pull heat away from the body. Some memory foam toppers also have open-celled and porous constructions, which promote airflow and breathability.
Durability
Will your topper break and start to crack in the first month, or will you be able to use it for years? A low-density memory foam mattress topper isn’t going to cost as much, but it might only be useful for a short amount of time. A high-density mattress topper might cost more, but it should last longer.
Budget
As you can see, there are tons of mattress topper models to choose from. The luxurious, high-end models will last a long time, and they come with impressive features. But if you’re on a budget, there are still some great value picks. The Dreamfoam mattress topper is friendly to both your wallet and your lower back.
RELATED: Best Mattress Toppers
Final Thoughts
| Mattress | Superlative |
| Saatva Graphite | Best Overall |
| Nolah | Most Memory Foam Topper for Back Sleepers |
| Coop Sleep Goods | Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers |
| Brooklyn Bedding | Best Value Memory Foam Mattress Topper |
| TEMPUR-Adapt Topper | Most Durable Memory Foam Mattress Topper |
| Layla | Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper for Hot Sleepers |
| ViscoSoft | Best Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper |
FAQs
What is the best memory foam mattress topper?
As you can see, there are loads of great options out there. In the end, it all depends on what you're looking for. If you suffer from back pain, take a look at the Casper mattress topper. If you tend to sleep hot at night, the Layla topper will keep you cool. The Saatva mattress topper creates that classic, slow-moving memory foam feeling. And the Dreamfoam Gel Swirl topper is a great budget-friendly pick.
What is better - memory foam or gel foam mattress toppers?
Both options create excellent pressure relief and body contouring, but gel foam mattress toppers are better at dissipating heat. If you tend to sleep hot at night, we recommend finding a gel-infused foam topper.
How thick should my memory foam mattress topper be?
This depends on what you're looking for! Lightweight people who don't need much pressure relief will be fine with a 2" topper. Heavier people who need some additional comfort will benefit from a 3" topper.