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 Top 7 Picks
- ViscoSoft – Best Value
- TEMPUR-Adapt Topper – Most Durable Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- Saatva Graphite – Best for Side Sleepers
- Dreamfoam – Best Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- Layla – Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper for Hot Sleepers
- Casper – Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper for Back Pain
- Amerisleep – Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper for Back Sleepers
Best Value – 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
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For side sleepers who want to add some serious pressure relief to their mattress, the ViscoSoft is an exceptional option because it features a whopping 3″ of high-density memory foam. Even larger people should press into the topper and feel little pressure on their shoulders and hips. Best of all, you can often get a queen-size for under $200 after discounts.
What Makes the ViscoSoft Stand Out?
- 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.
Read our full ViscoSoft 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
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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.
What Makes the TEMPUR-Adapt Topper Stand Out?
- Side sleepers – even those on the heavier side – should feel fantastic pressure relief on their 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.
Read our full TEMPUR-Adapt Topper review.
Best for Side Sleepers – Saatva
Saatva 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
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At 3″ thick, this topper provides significant pressure relief for the shoulders and hips. This makes it a great match for side sleepers of varying body types. Back sleepers and even larger people should also get the pressure relief they need.
What Makes the Saatva Stand Out?
- The Saatva topper will soften a mattress by 2.5 points, and it will greatly 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.
- The topper should have a slow-moving feel for plenty of contouring.
Read our full Saatva mattress topper review.
Best Gel Memory Foam 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
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In addition to its soft feel, the Dreamfoam topper has 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.
What Makes the Dreamfoam Stand Out?
- The Dreamfoam should be a good option for back sleepers whose mattress is too firm.
- Side sleepers should also get some added pressure relief.
- The topper is sold for a very affordable price.
Read our full Dreamfoam mattress 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
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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 Makes the Layla Stand Out?
- The copper infusion is antimicrobial, 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.
Read our full Layla mattress topper review.
Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper for Back Pain – Casper
Casper Mattress Topper
The Casper mattress topper has three comfort layers that provide excellent pressure relief. The graphite-infused foam layer helps keep sleepers cool all night long.
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Most mattress toppers include one or two comfort layers, but the Casper goes a step beyond with three foam layers that combine to create excellent pressure relief and body contouring. If you suffer from back pain, you’ll want to give this topper a try. The first comfort layer is made out of alt-latex foam. Then, there’s a layer of graphite-infused memory foam. For added support, the Casper has a base layer made out of memory foam.
What Makes the Casper Stand Out?
- The Casper mattress topper will soften a mattress by two points, so it’s well-suited for back and side sleepers.
- If you want a long-term investment, this durable mattress topper should last at least five years.
- The graphite memory foam helps pull heat away from the body, and the porous materials promote airflow.
Read our full Casper mattress topper review.
Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper for Back Sleepers – Amerisleep
Lift by Amerisleep Mattress Topper
The Amerisleep Lift Mattress topper has many cooling features and creates a great balance of comfort and support. It's an easy to way to add an extra layer of softness to your current bed.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.70 / 5
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Amerisleep’s Lift Comfort Topper has 3″ of memory foam plushness, making it especially great for back sleepers. This topper is also unique because it features HIVE technology – or zoned support. It feels firmer in some areas and softer in others, so sleepers will experience a great balance of comfort and support.
What Makes the Amerisleep Stand Out?
- There’s plenty of contouring here, which makes the Amerisleep a great fit for side sleepers.
- The topper has a thin cover and breathable foam. This is great news if you tend to overheat at night!
- This topper has microgrip technology at the bottom, so it easily secures to the top of your mattress. To make things even easier, there’s also a removable and machine-washable cover.
Read our full Amerisleep 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 |
| ViscoSoft | Best Value |
| TEMPUR-Adapt Topper | Most Durable Memory Foam Mattress Topper |
| Saatva Graphite | Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers |
| Dreamfoam | Best Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper |
| Layla | Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper for Hot Sleepers |
| Casper | Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper for Back Pain |
| Amerisleep | Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper for Back Sleepers |
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.