The best cheap mattress topper, as long as it’s of a higher quality, is a great way to change the feel of your bed. Not only are they much less expensive than mattresses, but they’re also able to extend the life of your current bed (and soften it) without making a huge dent in your bank account. To alleviate the stress of online shopping, we compiled a list of the five best cheap mattress toppers in 2023. But don’t be fooled! Just because these products have low price points doesn’t mean they suffer in quality.
Our Top Picks
The best cheap mattress toppers of 2023 are:
- Dreamfoam Gel Swirl – Best Cheap Gel Mattress Topper
- Nolah – Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- Brooklinen Down Alternative – Best Cheap Plush Mattress Topper
- ViscoSoft – Best Cheap Pillow-Top Mattress Topper
- Tuft & Needle – Best for Hot Sleepers
Best Cheap Gel Mattress Topper – Dreamfoam
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
Who is it for?
Thanks to its infusion of cooling gel, the Dreamfoam Gel Swirl mattress topper pulls heat away from the body, all while still retaining that classic memory foam feel. This makes it great for people who need additional pressure relief.
Dreamfoam Mattress Topper Details
- It will soften a mattress by two points.
- When lying on your back, you’ll feel some great body-contouring around your hips.
- While side-sleeping, you should feel your shoulders gently sink into the soft foam.
Read our full Dreamfoam mattress topper review
Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper – 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
Who is it for?
Memory foam is known for its softness, as well as its ability to conform to your body. When lying down on a memory foam mattress topper, you’re likely to sink into the bed and feel a comforting hug. Constructed with high-quality memory foam, the Nolah Mattress Topper is especially great for any sleepers who need pressure relief. Better yet, the foam is CertiPUR-US certified, which means it doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals.
What Makes The Nolah Mattress Topper Stand Out?
- We’re confident that side sleepers who need pressure relief at the shoulders and hips will be extremely comfortable on this mattress topper.
- It comes with a soft and breathable cover that should help hot sleepers stay cool.
- You can choose from several different firmnesses, including Plush and Luxury Firm.
Full review coming soon!
Best Cheap Plush Mattress Topper – Brooklinen Down Alternative
Brooklinen Down Mattress Topper
If you love the plush comfort of down to surround you while you sleep, you can find it with the Brooklinen down mattress topper! This topper combines the plush comfort of down clusters with supportive, plump feathers to soften your bed, and cradle you in soft, feathery goodness.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.40 / 5
Who is it for?
Animal lovers looking for a plush and luxurious feel should check out the Brooklinen Down Alternative Topper. A microgel fill mimics the feel of down, and it’s all-encompassed by a cozy cotton cover. It can fit mattresses up to 18″ deep because of its stretchy sides.
Topper Details
- Brooklinen offers a 365-night trial and a 1-year warranty.
- This topper is available for full, queen, king, and California king beds.
- It can be machine washed in cool water and tumble-dried on low.
Our full review is coming soon!
Best Cheap Pillow-Top Mattress Topper – ViscoSoft
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
Who is it for?
This 3″ mattress topper offers more pressure relief than many others on the market, and that’s due to its thick layer of high-density memory foam that’s similar to a pillow-top. It should soften a mattress by two points while also creating tons of body-contouring. This should bode especially well for side sleepers and back sleepers.
ViscoSoft Mattress Topper Details
- The high-density foam makes for excellent pressure relief.
- It has a thin, breathable cover, plus a gel infusion running throughout, so sleepers shouldn’t overheat at night.
- This topper has four corner straps and a zip-up cover that’s removable and machine-washable.
Read our full ViscoSoft mattress topper review
Best for Hot Sleepers – Tuft & Needle
Tuft & Needle Mattress Topper
The Tuft & Needle mattress topper is a great choice for back sleepers, side sleepers, and those who like a responsive foam feel
Mattress Clarity Score
4.40 / 5
Read Full Review
Who is it for?
The Tuft & Needle topper features the company’s proprietary responsive foam, which doesn’t trap heat easily. The foam’s construction allows for plenty of airflow, so it’s a natural choice for hot sleepers. They should especially appreciate this cooling mattress topper.
Tuft & Needle Mattress Topper Details
- It creates plenty of pressure relief.
- Back sleepers and side sleepers alike should be comfortable on the Tuft & Needle.
- This topper softens the mattress by one point.
Read our full Tuft & Needle mattress topper review
What Are the Benefits of Cheap Mattress Toppers?
Don’t be deterred by a mattress topper’s low price point. Just because it’s affordable, doesn’t mean it’s low-quality. Many cheap toppers provide excellent pressure relief and plush comfort.
Some toppers may not last as long as the high-end models on the market. All of the toppers featured should last at least two years, and that’s still much cheaper than buying a brand new mattress.
What you’ll need from a cheap mattress topper depends on your sleeping position, body type, and personal preferences. So let’s dive into some specifics.
What’s the Best Type of Cheap Mattress Topper?
As you may have noticed, cheap mattress toppers come in many different styles. To help you sift through this information, we’ve outlined the different types below.
Memory Foam
Memory foam toppers give mattresses a plush and slow-moving feel. This material contours the body and allows sleepers to “sink” inside it. This type of topper benefits side and back sleepers because it helps relieve pressure on joints.
However, some memory foam toppers trap heat. If you tend to sleep hot at night, look for a memory foam topper with built-in cooling features. Gel and graphite infusions help pull heat away from the body, and open-celled foams promote airflow.
The slow-moving, quicksand-like feel of memory foam is depends on each sleeper’s individual preferences. Some people love it, while others find it difficult to move around in bed.
Poly Foam
Because of poly foam’s low price point, manufacturers often use it to make cheap mattress toppers. This material creates decent pressure relief and comfort, but it won’t last as long as traditional memory foam. Also, it emits a slight chemical smell at first, though it won’t harm you.
Pillow-Top
Pillow-top mattress toppers can make your bed look like it came straight from a high-end hotel. They provide an extra layer of plushness, but without significantly altering a bed’s overall firmness level or causing sleepers to sink into the bed. This can make pillow-tops great choices for stomach sleepers who are already comfortable on a firm mattress.
Gel Foam
Gel foam mattress toppers have grown in popularity, as they provide the pressure relief memory foam is known for without overheating. Gel infusions help pull heat away from the body, which is great news for hot sleepers.
Down Alternative
Traditional down mattress toppers are made from goose and duck plumage, which can get expensive. Down also has a tendency to trap allergens like dust mites. For these reasons, down alternative may be a better option for some people. These toppers give beds a soft, malleable, and luxurious feel. They won’t, however, adjust a mattress’ firmness or create additional support.
What to Consider When Buying a Cheap Mattress Topper
When it comes to mattress toppers, what works for one person may feel uncomfortable for another. To help you pick the right cheap mattress topper, we’ve highlighted the most important things to consider.
Feel
When you nestle under the covers to sleep, what do you want the bed to feel like? Some people prefer to sink into thick layers of memory foam and feel the softness surround them. Other people like to rest on a responsive and bouncy surface so they can easily shift sleeping positions in the night. Knowing this key piece of information will help you narrow down your mattress topper search right away.
Firmness
When shopping for a mattress topper, it’s especially important to identify the current firmness level of your bed. On our firmness scale, 6.5/10 is considered medium firm. If your bed feels more like an 8/10, you may develop pain along pressure points. By adding a soft mattress topper, you can bring the firmness level back to the industry-standard level. If you’re currently resting a bed that feels too soft, look for a topper that will create additional support.
Sleeping Position
One of the most important things to consider is your sleeping position. Side sleepers will likely want a mattress topper that provides a boost of pressure relief for shoulders and hips. Back sleepers will benefit from a topper that creates both comfort and lumbar support. Stomach sleepers may want to find a topper that makes their mattress firmer, because that will promote the proper spinal alignment.
Thickness
People often wonder how thick their mattress topper should be, and this greatly depends on your personal needs. 1″ and 2″ toppers work well for lightweight back and side sleepers. Heavier people may need something that creates more pressure relief, such as a 3″ topper.
Durability
Sometimes, it’s worth spending a little bit more money for a topper that will last a long time. Ultimately, this depends on what you need. If it’s a short-term solution, or just for your guest bedroom, you may not need to invest in an especially durable product.
Budget
As you can see, it’s easy to get a quality mattress topper that’s also affordable. These cheap mattress toppers not only boost the comfort of your bed, they can also save money. It’s not necessary to purchase the most luxurious product available.
Final Thoughts
Here’s our recap of the best cheap mattress toppers in 2023:
| Mattress | Best For |
| Dreamfoam Gel Swirl | Best Cheap Gel Mattress Topper |
| Nolah | Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper |
| Brooklinen Down Alternative | Best Cheap Plush Mattress Topper |
| ViscoSoft | Best Cheap Pillow-Top Mattress Topper |
| Tuft & Needle | Best for Hot Sleepers |
FAQs
Does a mattress topper really help?
Yes! Mattress toppers are especially helpful if you want to soften your bed and create pressure relief. They can also save you money because they extend a mattress's lifespan.
What thickness mattress topper should I get?
Not all toppers suit every type of sleeper. A lightweight person may only need a 1" or 2" topper, because they won't sink deeply into it. Heavier people should look for a 3" topper, because this will create more pressure relief.
What is the most comfortable mattress topper?
There are so many great mattress toppers on the market, so it's hard to choose the best one. If you're looking for a low-cost memory foam topper that provides excellent pressure relief, we recommend the ViscoSoft High-Density Mattress Topper. If you tend to sleep hot at night, check out Tuft & Needle's mattress topper. This product is made with responsive foam, so it won't trap heat easily.