Shopping for a memory foam mattress topper?
You’ve come to the right place.
A memory foam mattresses topper is a great choice if you want to improve your mattress’s pressure-point relief and spinal alignment.
Memory foam mattress toppers are especially ideal for those who feel their mattress is too firm.
What’s In This Buying Guide?
In this in-depth buying guide, we review the top 8 memory foam mattress toppers for 2022. We also give you tips on how to pick the most comfortable memory foam mattress topper depending on your current mattress and comfort needs.
If you are not looking specifically for a memory foam topper, read our reviews of the best mattress toppers (all types).
The 8 Best Memory Foam Toppers
- Editor’s Choice: ViscoSoft Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- Luxury: Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Topper Supreme
- For Firm Mattresses: Layla Memory Foam Topper
- Budget: LUCID 2-Inch Ventilated Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- For Back Pain: LUCID 3-inch Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- Gel Infused: LINENSPA 3 Inch Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- Cooling: ViscoSoft 4-Inch Active Cooling Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- Support: Sleep Innovations 4-inch Dual Layer Gel Memory Foam Enhanced Support
| Mattress toppers | Award | Size | Materials | Cover | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ViscoSoft Link goes to Amazon | Editor’s choice | 4" | Microfiber pad and gel memory foam base | Removable & washable cover | 5-years |
Tempur-Pedic Supreme | Best luxury | 3" | Exclusive memory foam | Removable & washable cover | 10-years |
Layla | Best for firm mattresses | 2" | Copper and gel infused memory foam | Non-removable cover | 5-years |
Lucid 2” Link goes to Amazon | Best budget | 2" | Gel memory foam | No cover | 3-years |
Lucid 3” Link goes to Amazon | Best for back pain | 3" | Gel memory foam | No cover | 3-years |
LINENSPA Link goes to Amazon | Best gel-infused | 3" | Gel memory foam | No cover | 3-years |
ViscoSoft Active Cooling  Link goes to Amazon | Best cooling | 4" | Copper Memory foam + polyfoam | Removable & washable cover | 5-years |
Sleep Innovations Link goes to Amazon | Best support | 4" | Fiberfill pad and gel memory foam topper | Removable & washable cover | 10-years |
1. Editor’s Choice: ViscoSoft Memory Foam Mattress Topper
ViscoSoft’s 4-inch double-layer design makes it the best memory foam topper for most people. It combines the pressure-point relief of a down alternative pillow top with the support and contouring of memory foam.
Pros
- Super comfortable.
- The 4” thickness makes it ideal even for heavier sleepers.
- Good pressure relief and support.
- Sleeps fairly cool.
- Straps and elastic skirt keep the topper in place on the mattress.
Cons
- Not ideal for those looking for a firmer, more supportive mattress topper.
Our Review
The ViscoSoft memory foam topper is a 2.5” topper and a 1.5” pad in one. The pad consists of a cotton cover filled with a fluffy down alternative. It goes on top of the 2.5” gel memory foam topper.
The combination of a down alternative pad and a memory foam base gives the ViscoSoft topper a pillow top kind of feel. It’s soft and plush but also supportive.
The down-alternative pad cushions your pressure points, so you don’t wake up with a sore shoulder or hip. The memory foam topper provides support, ensuring your spine stays properly aligned and preventing back pain.
The down-alternative pad has its corner straps to secure it to the memory foam base. A deep skirt on the cover then goes under the mattress to secure both the pad and the memory foam topper, so you don’t get any shifting at night.
Despite being a memory foam topper, the ViscoSoft topper is surprisingly cool. Even sleepers with hot flashes say they sleep cool on it.
The gel in the memory foam absorbs some of your body heat, keeping you cool. It also helps that there’s a layer of down alternative between you and the memory foam, so the foam doesn’t get very hot.
The cotton cover also improves breathability and cooling.
The only downside of the VicoSoft topper is that it can feel too soft for some sleepers. Stomach sleepers should not buy this topper. Look for a firm topper instead.
Heavier folks who sleep on their back may also not find the ViscoSoft topper very comfortable. We recommend ViscoSoft mostly for back sleepers weighing under 230lbs and side sleepers.
The ViscoSoft memory foam topper comes with a 5-year warranty. It also includes a washable cover. The microfiber pad can also be machine washed.
The ViscoSoft memory foam topper is good for:
- Anyone looking for a plush yet supportive memory foam topper.
- Hot sleepers.
- Sleepers looking for a thick and lofty topper.
2. Best Luxury: Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Topper Supreme
Tempur-Pedic is known for premium products, including mattresses. While they do cost more than other brands, they are more comfortable and usually better quality.
If you are looking for a high-quality luxury memory foam topper, Tempur-Pedic is a safe bet. Specifically, we recommend the popular Tempur-Topper Supreme.
Pros
- Luxury comfort.
- Sleeps cool.
- 10-year warranty.
- Removable and washable cover.
Cons
- Pricey.
Our Review
The Supreme topper is made using Tempur-Pedic’s exclusive memory foam formulation that they call TEMPUR® Material.
TEMPUR adapts to your body better than ordinary memory foam, providing a perfect balance between soft contouring and firm support. It relieves pressure on your hips and shoulders while supporting your back.
TEMPUR is also airier than normal memory foam, which is why the Supreme topper sleeps much cooler than other memory foam toppers even without cooling gel.
Tempur-Topper Supreme is 3” thick, which provides plenty of travel for heavier sleepers. You’ll enjoy support and pressure relief without bottoming out.
Because the Supreme topper has a medium-firm feel, it’s ideal either for softening a too-firm mattress or firming up an overly plush mattress. You can also use it on a spring mattress to reduce motion transfer or on another memory foam mattress to enjoy cooler sleep.
The Supreme topper comes with a removable and washable cover. To guarantee longevity, Tempur-Pedic offers a 10-year warranty, longer than just about every other memory foam topper.
Our only complaint is the price tag. The Supreme topper is significantly more expensive than other brands. If you are looking for a budget memory foam topper, this is not it.
The Tempur-Pedic Supreme Topper is Good For:
- Anyone looking for a premium quality memory foam topper and doesn’t mind spending more.
- Hot sleepers.
- Sleepers who want to improve support on a soft mattress or add extra pressure-relief on a firm mattress.
3. Best For Firm Mattresses: Layla Memory Foam Topper
If your mattress feels too firm, we recommend the Layla memory foam topper. Its extra-soft feel makes it the best choice for softening a too-firm mattress.
Pros
- Soft, cloudy feel – great for firm mattresses.
- Copper-gel infusion keeps the topper cool.
- Includes a cooling cover.
- 120-night trial and 5-year warranty.
Cons
- Pricey.
- Too soft for some sleepers.
Our Review
Spring and latex mattresses are great at support but can sometimes feel too firm, especially after a few years. If you often wake up with a sore hip or shoulder or have been experiencing some back pain, you may need to soften your mattress.
The Layla memory foam topper is the best choice for improving pressure-point relief on an overly firm mattress.
The Layla topper uses soft memory foam to make your mattress softer and more conforming. It improves pressure relief and spinal alignment on a firm mattress.
The memory foam used in the Layla topper is infused with copper and cooling gel. Both of these materials improve cooling. Copper dissipates heat away from the topper while gel absorbs excess heat.
The topper cover also contains Thermo gel, which gives the topper surface a cool-to-the-touch feel.
Unfortunately, you cannot remove or wash the cover. Either get a washable cover for the topper or protect the topper under a bedsheet. The topper is only two inches thick, so your fitted or flat sheet should still fit.
Something else to note is that the topper may be too soft for some sleepers. If your current mattress is soft, this topper will make it overly soft and unsupportive. We also don’t recommend Layla for stomach sleepers and heavier back sleepers (230+ lbs).
Price-wise, the Layla topper is in the same higher than average price range as the Tempur-Pedic Supreme topper – not the best choice if you are shopping for a budget memory foam topper.
One thing we like about the Layla topper, and which Tempur-Pedic does not offer, is the 120-night trial period. And if you don’t like the topper, you’ll get a full refund once you donate it to charity.
The warranty runs for 5-years.
The Layla Memory Foam Topper is Good For:
- Anyone who feels their mattress is too firm.
- Sleepers looking for a soft and plush memory foam topper.
- Side sleepers looking for a topper with better than average pressure relief.
4. Best Budget: LUCID 2-Inch Ventilated Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Some of these memory foam toppers cost as much as a basic foam mattress. If you are looking for a more pocket-friendly but comfortable topper, we recommend the Lucid 2” ventilated gel memory foam topper.
Pros
- Low price.
- Improves pressure-relief on a firm mattress.
- Ventilated design and cooling gel keep the topper cool.
- Plush without being overly soft.
Cons
- Some off-gassing when new.
- Not ideal for soft mattresses and stomach sleepers.
- Shorter lifespan.
Our Review
The Lucid 2” memory foam topper may cost less than other toppers, but it’s not any less comfortable. Ok, there are a couple of drawbacks, but they don’t affect comfort.
The foam density is lower than that of other toppers, so don’t expect it to last more than 3-5 years. The 3-year warranty should give you an idea of how long it’ll last.
Also, the topper doesn’t come with a cover. But that’s not an issue once you place a bedsheet on it.
The Lucid topper has a soft comfort feel. We recommend it if you feel your mattress is too firm. The Lucid topper adds a comfy plush layer on top that hugs your pressure points and reduces tossing and turning.
Because the topper is only 2” thick, it doesn’t feel too soft to the point where you sink into the mattress.
For cooling, the memory foam has perforations that carry excess heat away from the topper. It also contains a cooling gel that draws heat from your body.
There’s a bit of a smell when you first unbox the Lucid topper, but it fades away in a couple of days. We recommend airing the topper for a few hours before you sleep on it. This will give it time to off-gas and expand to its full size.
The Lucid topper comes with a 3-year warranty.
The Lucid Memory Foam Topper is Good For:
- Shoppers on a budget.
- Sleepers who want to soften a firm mattress without compromising support.
- Anyone who doesn’t mind buying a new topper every few years.
5. Best for Back Pain: LUCID 3-inch Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
For back pain relief, you need a topper that closely conforms to your body while also supporting you. The Lucid 3” memory foam topper does exactly that.
For best results, only use the Lucid 3” topper on a firm or extra-firm mattress. This allows the softness of the topper and the firmness of the mattress to balance out and maintain the right amount of support.
Pros
- Deep pressure relief and support – help with back pain.
- Softens firm and extra-firm mattresses.
- Sleeps cool for most sleepers.
- Low price.
Cons
- Too soft for some sleepers.
- Not ideal for hot sleepers.
Our Review
The Lucid 3” topper is almost similar to the 2” topper, the only difference being the extra inch of thickness. But that single inch makes a whole lot of difference.
The 3” topper feels plusher and sinks more than the 2” version. It also hugs you more closely and easily adapts to your body shape and sleeping position. That’s why we think it is the best choice for back pain sufferers.
If your firm mattress has caused or worsened your back pain, the 3” Lucid topper will help. It is especially ideal for side sleepers and back sleepers.
We do not recommend the Lucid 3” topper for stomach sleepers as it will not keep your body in proper alignment.
We also don’t recommend it for use on a soft or medium mattress. It’ll soften an already soft mattress, which could further worsen your back pain.
The Lucid 3” topper contains the same cooling gel and ventilated design as the 2” topper. This helps keep the topper cool for most people. But because of how closely the topper hugs your body, it can feel too warm for hot sleepers.
The Lucid 3” Topper is Good For:
- Budget shoppers.
- Back pain sufferers sleeping on a firm or extra-firm mattress.
- Anyone looking for a lofty and plush memory foam topper.
6. Best Gel Infused: LINENSPA 3 Inch Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Gel-infused memory foam toppers don’t sleep quite as cool as latex or wool toppers, but they are more comfortable than ordinary memory foam toppers.
Our top gel-infused topper pick is the LINENSPA 2” memory foam topper.
Pros
- Gel-infused memory foam stays cool.
- Relieves pressure points.
- Budget price.
Cons
- Low-density foam – doesn’t last long.
- Not ideal for stomach sleepers.
Our Review
The LINENSPA 3” topper consists of soft memory foam infused with gel beads. The beds absorb excess body heat, helping you sleep cooler.
For most people, the cooling gel is enough to guarantee a cool night’s sleep. However, some hot sleepers may still find the LINENSPA too warm. If your body produces a lot of heat, the cooling gel quickly reaches its absorption capacity, and the topper begins to warm up.
We recommend the LINENSPA topper for sleepers that do not sleep hot. When only mild cooling is needed, the gel in the LINENSPA topper will do. If you naturally sleep hot, consider buying a latex or wool topper instead.
If the preferred choice for you is a memory foam topper, the Tempur-Pedic Supreme topper sleeps much cooler.
LINENSPA’s three-inch thickness provides deep support and pressure relief, especially for side and back sleepers. It also makes the topper a good choice for softening a too-firm mattress.
LINENSPA is a budget topper made with low-density memory foam. Expect the topper to last about 3 years before it begins to sag and flatten.
Another downside of the LINENSPA topper is that it’s too soft for stomach sleepers. It can also lead to reduced support if you use it on a soft or medium mattress.
The LINENSPA is Good For:
- Budget shoppers.
- Anyone looking for a relatively cool gel memory foam topper.
- Sleepers looking for a thick and plush memory foam topper.
7. Best Cooling: ViscoSoft 4-Inch Active Cooling Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Finding a cool memory foam topper is not easy. One of memory foam’s main characteristics is its higher than average heat retention.
There are a few memory foam toppers that sleep cool. The Tempur-Pedic supreme is one of them. Another good one is the ViscoSoft 4” active cooling memory foam topper.
Pros
- Great for hot sleepers.
- Excellent pressure relief.
- Supportive two-layer design.
- Removable & washable cover.
- Long-lasting high-density foam.
Cons
- Pricey.
Our Review
The ViscoSoft memory foam topper uses three techniques to stay cool.
One, it consists of two layers of memory foam and polyfoam, instead of all-memory foam construction. This reduces the amount of heat trapped in the topper.
The firmer polyfoam base underneath also reduces the topper’s softness. It doesn’t hug you as closely, which reduces heat retention.
The two-layer design has another advantage; it improves support. Most 3” and 4” memory foam toppers are far too soft for some sleepers. If you want the softness of memory foam but with some firm support underneath, this ViscoSoft topper is a good choice.
The second cooling technique is the addition of copper to the memory foam. Copper improves heat dissipation away from the topper.
Finally, the ViscoSoft topper uses an active cooling cover with so-called Drift cooling technology. They don’t explain exactly what it is, just that it absorbs the room’s temperature and deflects moisture.
Whatever it is, customers say it works. The cover has a cool to the touch feel that makes warm nights tolerable.
The cover is removable and washable, making it easy to keep the topper clean and fresh.
The ViscoSoft 4” Active Cooling Topper is Good For:
- Hot sleepers looking for a cool memory foam mattress.
- Sleepers looking for a thick, pressure-relieving, and supportive memory foam topper.
- Shoppers with a bigger budget.
8. Best Support: Sleep Innovations 4-inch Dual Layer Gel Memory Foam Enhanced Support
The Sleep Innovations 4” topper combines the pressure-relief of fiberfill with the contouring support of memory foam to provide what the company calls pressure-relieving support.
That’s just to say that it is soft enough to cushion pressure points but firm enough to keep your spine aligned.
Pros
- Excellent support and pressure relief.
- Sleeps cool.
- Washable cover.
- Includes corner straps.
- Good value for money.
Cons
- Microfiber goes flat after a while.
Our Review
The Sleep Innovations topper is a 2-in-1 deal. It includes a gel memory foam topper and a fiberfill pad that goes on top.
Considering the low price, the Sleep Innovations topper offers good value for your money.
The two-layer design greatly improves comfort. The 2” pad on top hugs your body, reducing pressure points. It’s especially helpful for folks with back, hip, or shoulder pain.
The 2” memory foam layer below ensures you don’t crater into the topper. It holds up your weight and keeps your spine in natural alignment.
The memory foam is infused with gel to help with cooling.
The Sleep Innovations topper comes with four deep corner straps that go under the mattress and keep the topper from shifting.
It’s easy to keep the topper clean thanks to the removable and washable cover.
Overall, the Sleep Innovations topper is better and more comfortable than the price suggest. And with the 10-year warranty, it seems it’ll last longer too.
The main complaint by customers is that the microfiber pad on top goes flat after some time. The mattress topper still provides good support and pressure relief, but it may not feel as plush.
The Sleep Innovations 4” Memory Foam Topper is Good For:
- Sleepers looking for a pressure-relieving yet supportive mattress topper.
- Hot sleepers.
- Anyone looking for a good bargain on a mattress topper.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Good Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Here’s what to consider when shopping for a memory foam mattress topper.
Thickness
Memory foam toppers range between 2” and 4”. Thicker toppers generally feel softer and hug your body more closely. The exception is if it’s a two-layer topper with a softer layer on top and a firmer layer below.
A 2” topper will feel slightly firmer and hug your body less. Get a 2” memory foam topper if you want to get more pressure relief without making your mattress too soft.
A 3” topper offers more support and pressure relief. It’s ideal for heavier folks and side sleepers. A 3” topper is also the best choice for extra-firm mattresses.
A 4” topper consisting of just one layer of memory foam is the best choice for those who want a super-plush topper. Be careful, though, as it can be so soft that it hurts your back and turn your bed into a sauna.
If you want a lofty 4” topper, get a dual-layer topper.
Firmness Level
Memory foam toppers range between soft and medium-firm. They are generally softer compared to latex toppers.
The best firmness level depends on how firm your current mattress is, your sleeping position, and your comfort preferences.
If you have a firm or extra-firm mattress, a soft topper will balance it out nicely. If you have a medium mattress that you want to soften a bit more, get a medium comfort topper.
Side sleepers will find a soft topper to be most comfortable while back sleepers should get a medium topper than maintains a comfortable level of support.
If you are a stomach sleeper, you probably should not get a memory foam topper. A firm latex or polyfoam topper will be more supportive.
Construction/Materials
Most 2” and 3” toppers will have a single layer of memory foam with or without a cover. If you go up to 4”, a two-layer topper with memory foam and polyfoam or microfiber and memory foam offers better support than a thick all-memory foam topper.
Cooling Performance
Don’t expect a memory foam mattress topper to feel as cool as a latex or wool topper. Memory foam traps more heat than these materials.
That said, some memory foam toppers sleep cooler than others. If you are a hot sleeper, look for a gel or ventilated memory foam topper. Some toppers use copper to dissipate excess heat.
Having a breathable cover also helps. A cotton cover is the best at cooling.
Durability
The durability of a memory foam topper largely depends on its density—low-density toppers (under 4lbs), last about three years. Higher density toppers above 3lbs can last between 5 and 10 years.
The warranty is also a good indicator of longevity. Cheaper low-density memory foam toppers will typically have a 3-year warranty while higher-quality toppers have a 5-10 year warranty.
Who Should Use a Memory Foam Topper?
A memory foam topper is good for anyone who wants to enjoy more pressure-point relief. Pressure relief is the biggest strength of memory foam. It readily conforms to your body, reducing pressure on your back, hips, and shoulders.
Memory foam toppers are especially ideal for firm mattresses though you can also use a medium-firm memory foam topper to improve support on a soft mattress.
FAQs
What is the best memory foam mattress topper for hip pain?
For hip pain, we recommend a soft memory foam topper if you sleep on your side and a medium memory foam topper if you sleep on your back.
What is the best memory foam mattress topper for back pain?
For back pain, we recommend a medium or medium-firm memory foam topper that provides a balance of firm support to keep the spine aligned and soft contouring to cushion your back from pressure.
What is the best density for memory foam mattress toppers?
If you are a side sleeper, a soft low-density (3lbs or less) memory foam topper is the best. It provides excellent pressure relief.
For average weight back and stomach sleepers, a medium-density topper between 4 and 5lbs provides more support to keep your spine properly aligned. A medium-density topper is also the best choice for back pain.
Heavier sleepers should get a high-density topper that’s at least 5lbs.
Note that foam density is not the only determinant of firmness. A low-density foam can be firm. So check the firmness level in addition to density.
Can you sleep on a memory foam mattress topper the first night?
As long as you’ve given the mattress topper a few hours to expand and off-gas, you can sleep on it the first night.
However, it can take as long as 48 hours for the topper to expand to its full thickness. Sleeping on the topper before it fluffs up will not damage it. So even if you only have a couple of hours before bedtime to let it expand, you can still sleep on it the first night.
Do you have to wait 48 hours for memory foam topper to expand?
While it takes about 48 hours for most memory foam toppers to expand to their full thickness, you don’t have to wait that long to sleep on it.
Even a couple of hours are enough to expand the topper to the point that you can sleep on it. But it may not reach its full comfort until it expands completely.
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