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After several years of use, even the best mattresses can become uncomfortable and unsupportive. Whether your bed is too firm, soft, hot, or painful on your joints and muscles, the best mattress toppers can upgrade your mattress at a lower cost than completely replacing it, giving you years of restful sleep.
I tested 20 mattress toppers and pads for this guide and interviewed several medical professionals and sleep scientists. Our top pick is the Parachute Down Mattress Pad; it’s machine washable, comfortable, supportive, and dissipates heat well. Our budget pick, the Lucid Bamboo Charcoal Memory Foam Mattress Topper, will save you about $120 and keep you cool, but it may be too soft for back and stomach sleepers.
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Top picks for mattress toppers
Best overall: Parachute Down Mattress Pad – See at Parachute
The Parachute Down Mattress Pad was one of the best in every category we tested, including heat dissipation, motion isolation, comfort and support, and fit.
Best budget: Lucid Bamboo Charcoal Memory Foam Mattress Topper – See at Amazon
If you’re looking for a cheap way to make your mattress cooler and softer, consider the Lucid Bamboo Charcoal Memory Foam Mattress Topper.
Best cooling: GhostBed Memory Foam Topper – See at GhostBed
The GhostBed Memory Foam Topper with its unique airflow-promoting design did an outstanding job of dissipating heat in our tests while providing soothing comfort for side sleepers.
Best for back pain: Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt Mattress Topper – See at Amazon
If you suffer from chronic lower back pain, you’ll appreciate the body-contouring foam of the Tempur-Pedic Tempur- Adapt Topper.
Best latex: Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper – See at Avocado
The Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper is designed for all sleeping styles and body types, and it’s made of eco-friendly materials and comes with a one-year trial period.