The Best Mattress Topper for College Dorm Rooms
When the time comes to fly the coop and head off to college, preparation is key – and that doesn’t just mean all your study materials. For college students, it’s their first time away from home, living elsewhere, and you want to make sure they’re as comfortable as possible in their new digs. Probably the most important aspect of comfort is your bed, since resting well is crucial to a successful college career, and you can’t guarantee the dorm beds are going to be anything more than adequate.
That’s why it’s important to know how to find the best mattress topper for dorm rooms to assure you the sound sleep you need to keep going for the next four years. We’ve done all the work for you and put together a list of the best toppers on the market, so read on to find which one will be best suited to you and your sleeping needs
1. Isolus 2.5″ Mattress Topper – Editor's Choice
- Thick enough to renew even a thin and worn dorm room mattress
- Gel infused for cooler sleep
- Pressure relief for better joint health
- Hypoallergenic
- 3 years
2. Sleep Joy 2″ ViscO2 Mattress Topper
- Infused with plant materials for eco-friendly construction
- Lightweight for ease of transport (6.6kg/14.5lb)
- Well ventilated for head disbursement
- 2 years, limited
3. ViscoSoft Mattress Topper
- Slip resistant bamboo material cover
- Temperature control surface holds and releases heat evenly for year round comfort
- Great for alignment and removal of motion transfer and unwanted bounce
- 3 years
4. eLuxury Bamboo Pillow Top Mattress Pad
- Cooler sleep with bamboo material infusion (30%)
- Laboratory tested and certified safe
- Softens surface and protects against bed sores from worn mattresses
- 1 year
5. Avocado Green Natural Latex Mattress Topper
- Cotton and wool materials keep the topper cool throughout the night
- Removable zippered canvas and cotton cover
- Certified against some of the most stringent emissions standards worldwide
- 10 years
Table Of Contents
- The Best Mattress Topper for College Dorm Rooms
- 1. Isolus 2.5″ Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- 2. Sleep Joy 2″ ViscO2 Ventilated Memory Foam Mattress Topper – Runner Up
- 3. ViscoSoft Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper – Best for Alignment
- 4. eLuxury Bamboo Pillow Top Mattress Pad – Best Bamboo
- 5. Avocado Green Natural Latex Mattress Topper – Best Eco-Friendly
- Value and Buyers Guide
- Hygiene
- Size Matters
- Mattress Depth
- Material and Sleep Positions
- Conclusion
- Additional Resources
The Best Mattress Topper for College Dorm Rooms
1. Isolus 2.5″ Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper – Editor's Choice
Highlights
- Available in 7 sizes from Twin to California King
- 2.5 inches of gel infused memory foam
- Bamboo cover
- Warranty: 3 years
Pros
- Thick enough to renew even a thin and worn dorm room mattress
- Gel infused for cooler sleep
- Pressure relief for better joint health
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Somewhat heavy and difficult to transport
- Dimensions may run a little short of actual mattress length
- Not machine washable, as is common with memory foam products
The Isolus 2.5” Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper is our top pick for a dorm room bed, coming in multiple sizes to accommodate whatever existing mattress is available. Ventilation for greater airflow coupled with the gel infusion keeps the memory foam from trapping heat, while also creating a temperature regulation system that keeps you comfortable all night long. The memory foam is formulated to relieve pressure around major joints so you’ll wake up without soreness, as well as realigning your spine so you’re fully supported after long hours of studying. This cooling mattress topper may be just the thing for college students who tend to sleep hot, as this breathable topper from Isolus promotes a restful, cool night’s sleep.
2. Sleep Joy 2″ ViscO2 Ventilated Memory Foam Mattress Topper – Runner Up
Highlights
- 2 inches of breathable, open cell memory foam
- Odor neutralizer to assure there is never an unwanted ‘foam’ smell
- CertiPUR-US Certified Memory Foam
- Warranty: 2 years, limited
Pros
- Infused with plant materials for eco-friendly construction
- Lightweight for ease of transport (6.6kg/14.5lb)
- Well ventilated for head disbursement
Cons
- Limited warranty
- Slightly thinner than some competitors.
The Sleep Joy 2” ViscO2 Ventilated Memory Foam Mattress Topper offers a comfortable, green and hygienic solution to the problem of the dorm room mattress. With environmentally friendly materials used during construction, you can rest easy that you’ll be leaving a smaller carbon footprint. You can also expect the mattress topper to create a smooth, comfortable environment that allows you to sink in just enough to feel cushioned, without compromising your optimum sleep position. The memory foam is ventilated to avoid the typical heat retention you’ll find in the memory foam, allowing you a full, cozy night’s sleep. It also includes a 2 year warranty in case of any defects and you’re not fully satisfied with your purchase.
3. ViscoSoft Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper – Best for Alignment
Highlights
- 3 inches of 3.5-lb density gel memory foam
- Removable cover with adjustable straps
- Soft and breathable material with 60 day satisfaction guarantee
- Warranty: 3 years
Pros
- Slip-resistant bamboo material cover
- Temperature controlled, gel-infused sleeping surface holds and releases heat evenly for year round comfort
- Great for alignment and removal of motion transfer and unwanted bounce
Cons
- Heavier than some models, not as easily transported
- Not machine washable
- Lower amount of gel means possibly sleeping warmer than other models
The ViscoSoft 3.5lb Density 3-inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper comes with an ultra-soft removable cover, adjustable straps for ease of care and assurance of easy placement on your mattress. You don’t have to worry about it slipping around, and you won’t slide around on it with its slip-resistant bamboo cover that’s smooth and cool for sleeping comfort. The gel infusion will give you a cooler sleep that will last throughout the night for less sleep interruption, and the high density foam promotes your spine and joint health. Hot sleepers will not only be more comfortable while sleeping, but also when sitting in class during long lectures all day.
4. eLuxury Bamboo Pillow Top Mattress Pad – Best Bamboo
Highlights
- Combination bamboo rayon/polyester blend material
- 1.5 inch thick pillow top with air traps for longer lasting shape and plush design
- Double needle baffle box stitching for quality construction
- Warranty: 1 year
Pros
- Cooler sleep with bamboo material infusion (30%)
- Laboratory tested and certified safe
- Softens surface and protects against bed sores from worn mattresses
Cons
- Doesn’t have the same shape and hold as memory foam
- Thinner than similar models
The eLuxury Pillow Top Mattress Topper with Removable Bamboo Cover is an excellent alternative to more expensive memory foam if you’re looking for a soft, quilted feel with less pressure point support. This mattress protector utilizes Revoloft polyester staple fiber and creates a thick, plush barrier between you and the mattress that also offers extra cushion to avoid aches and pains. Sized to fit a twin to twin XL mattress and up, you’ll have options for any size mattress you find in your college dorm room.
5. Avocado Green Natural Latex Mattress Topper – Best Eco-Friendly
Highlights
- Uses 100% natural Dunlop latex and all organic materials
- 2 inches thick with 2 firmness options available
- Cool and dry design with natural wool for moisture wicking and air flow
- Warranty: 10 years
Pros
- Works to relieve pressure points, ideal for college students who suffer from back pain
- Cotton and wool materials keep the topper cool throughout the night
- Removable zippered canvas and cotton cover
- Certified against some of the most stringent emissions standards worldwide
Cons
- Organic and natural materials have a high price point
- Even natural latex from tree tap may cause an allergy in some
The Avocado Green Natural Latex Mattress Topper is perhaps the best certified fully organic mattress topper on the market. While you’ll pay a higher price for organic materials and hand crafting, the price point here is still quite reasonable for the product, which includes natural Dunlop latex, organic cotton and all-natural wool. The materials are combined to keep you cool and dry throughout the night, while providing you a similar support system to memory foam. With pressure-point relief worked into this topper, you can ease the aches and pains of a long day – and night – hitting the books, or a night out with your friends.
It’s common for students in college to suffer from back pain, particularly when you’re hunched over your desk cramming for an exam, or sitting in uncomfortable chairs at the caf for hours on end. That’s why investing in a dorm mattress topper to alleviate back pain is ideal to conform to your body shape, giving you quality sleep night after night. You can also opt for one of two firmness levels – with medium-firm being the most popular – to complete the personalization of your sleep space in your new dorm room. The warranty is incredible, too, so you can rest assured it’ll last throughout the long years of college.
Value and Buyers Guide
No matter how old or worn a mattress is, a mattress topper can refresh it so it feels like it’s brand new. And let’s face it – when you get to the dorm, you may have a brand new mattress, or your mattress may have experienced quite a bit of distress from a former student. A mattress topper can spring new life into an old mattress and can create a cloud of comfort, without having to haul an entirely new mattress into your dorm room. But how do you choose which mattress topper is right for you?
Hygiene
Another concern you’ll have when you reach your dorm room is that you don’t know who slept on that mattress prior to your stay. Even though dorm rooms are cleaned after occupancy, you can’t guarantee the safety and health of the space around you if you’re sleeping straight on a mattress formerly used by someone you don’t know. A mattress topper creates a hygienic barrier between you and the former occupants of your room, so you never have to worry about the health risks involved. If you’re lucky, the former sleeper also used a mattress topper, keeping the mattress completely clean and sterile.
Size Matters
In order to properly outfit your dorm room bed, you need to know the size of the bed. Since rooms are often shared, most dorm rooms have twin sized beds. But this isn’t always the case, especially since larger full size beds may replace the addition of a couch or futon in the room, which can actually be more conducive to restful sleep that can lead to better academic performance. Typically, your dorm room mattress topper will need to fit a twin, full or perhaps a twin XL size or full XL mattress. It’s fairly uncommon to find anything larger in a dorm room, though it’s not completely unheard of.
Mattress Depth
Knowing what to expect from your existing mattress can also help you determine just how thick of a mattress topper you’ll need. The thickness of the mattress on your bed can have an impact on the style, depth and type of mattress topper you need to accommodate your desire for a full night’s sleep. Thinner mattresses tend to sag more and have more compression issues. If you find that your dorm room mattress is less than eight inches thick, you may need to look into a thicker, heftier mattress topper to ensure you get the support and cushion you need while you sleep.
Material and Sleep Positions
Depending on how you prefer to sleep – and whether you’re a back sleeper, side sleeper or stomach sleeper – you may find that one type of mattress topper is better suited for you over another. Maybe there’ll be one that contours to your body shape when sleeping on your side, or offers more head and neck support for stomach sleepers (and your head is constantly turned to one side, causing neck strain). Much like mattresses, pillows and other bedding, mattress toppers come in a wide variety of materials to choose from.
Latex mattress toppers offer a luxurious feel, both supportive and firm, while allowing just enough give to contour to your body and keep you comfortable through the night. However, there may be issues with breathability for latex, leading you to sleep too hot. Some people also have allergies to latex, which could disrupt a visit from a friend or even cause problems for a roommate. However, if you find a natural latex option with additional features for cooling, this could be a perfect alternative to more expensive materials.
A foam egg crate mattress topper is extremely economic and serves the function of a hygienic separation between you and the used mattress, but may not offer enough support where your mattress is lacking.
Memory foam is a great material for mattress toppers, conforming well to your body so that you stay properly aligned throughout the night. However, you’ll want to throw a few extra bucks toward this more expensive option to avoid the heat retention and add some cooling gel. Note that this is also the most expensive material and could be cost-prohibitive, especially if you’re trying to outfit your dorm room on a tight budget.
Feathers and down can be soft and luxurious like a cocoon, but they’re costly and require frequent ‘fluffing’ to retain any cushioning properties. However, these are usually hypoallergenic so they won’t cause allergic reactions in any way. They’re also soft and can make an overly firm mattress – or one with sprung coils – feel less obtrusive.
Wool and cotton mattress toppers are great options because they’re versatile, come in a variety of thicknesses with a range of price points to offer you flexibility and ease of care. They also have excellent heat regulation, so if you tend to sweat a lot in your sleep, wool is excellent at moisture-wicking so you don’t have to feel discomfort all night long.
Keep in mind that it’s not only important for your sleeping patterns, but also for your health and hygiene to have a mattress topper in your dorm room bed. If you need a temporary solution until you can choose one that’s more suited to your comfort needs, you could opt for the cheap standard egg crate mattress topper so you aren’t sleeping directly on the mattress.
Conclusion
While there are plenty of great mattress toppers out there suitable for use in a college dorm, you want to assure you find the best to meet your needs. If you’re looking for a bargain, it’s essential to make sure you at least protect yourself against a used mattress and whatever it holds. That means you should at least look at a temporary fix, such as an egg crate foam mattress topper. But if you’re going that route, you might as well opt for something more comfortable, such as the eLuxury Pillow Top Mattress Topper. However, our pick for the best mattress topper for dorm rooms is the Isolus Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Topper, which will give you the soft, contouring support of memory foam, while also keeping you cool as you enjoy your much-needed rest.