Firm Mattress Toppers: Extend the Life of Your Mattress
Mattress toppers are a supportive option that can help provide an alternative comfort to your mattress surface, help extend the life of your mattress, or offer a softer, or firmer choice to help avoid purchasing a new mattress altogether. They are also a budget-friendly choice for those struggling with sleep comfort, but who are not ready to replace their existing bedding.
Firm toppers options are more popular overall due to the fact they can help make an old, compressed mattress feel practically new. Generally made of various foams, they often add 2 to 3 inches to the surface of your bed to help create conforming, uplifting options.
If you’ve been struggling with:
- Body pains upon waking
- An older mattress
- A partner who needs different support than you
- A mattress surface that doesn’t provide enough support
- Issues with mattress surface conforming
Or anything else that you feel requires a new sleeping surface, you may want to take a look at our top firm mattress topper picks.
| Rank | Product | Highlights |
| #1 |  Sleep Innovations 4-inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper
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| #2 |  Pure Green 100% Natural Latex Mattress Topper
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| #3 |  Viscosoft Select High-Density Mattress Topper
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| #4 |  Novilla 4 Inch Foam Mattress Topper, Medium Firm
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| #5 |  Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Topper Supreme
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| #6 |  Linenspa Gel-Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper
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Our Best Firm Mattress Topper Picks
1. Sleep Innovations 4-inch Dual Layer Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper w/ Enhanced Support
SPECS:
- Sizes Available: Queen
- Firmness Level: Medium- Firm
- Materials: Polyfill and gel-infused layer
Luxurious, 4-inch Topper
When you want a firm feel, but don’t want to sacrifice a luxurious feel, this 4 inch, the layered topper is worth taking a look at. The top surface is a quilted fiber-fill layer and is placed over a gel-infused layer to provide a cooling, soft surfaced, uplifting support. An easy to remove cover can be washed and helps keep your topper in place.
You can actually separate the layers if you wish for individual use, as one will soften the surface of anything you set it on, while the foam is cooling and firm. Together they create pressure-relieving support and is a truly great way to enhance your existing mattress.
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2. Pure Green 100% Natural Latex Mattress Topper
SPECS:
- Sizes Available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal. King
- Firmness Level: Extra Firm
- Materials: 100% Natural Latex
Extra Firm, Cooling Latex Topper
If extra firm support is a must, the Pure Green Mattress Topper is the choice you need. Poured from 100% natural latex, the design is both cooling and supportive, and allows for body contouring without sacrificing comfort level. The 3-inch profile is perfect for all body types and weights, and is considered incredibly durable for many years of use.
The company also offers various other firmness levels so you can find your perfect match, and guarantees you won’t have any sinking going on that makes it difficult to get out of each morning. It also is extensively tested for safety to comply with quality standards worldwide. Designed with air channels, you also will stay cool.
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3. Viscosoft Select High-Density Mattress Topper
SPECS:
- Sizes Available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal. King
- Firmness Level: Medium- Firm
- Materials: Gel-infused Memory Foam
Best Plush, Underlying Support
The Viscosoft Select Mattress Topper is a high density, gel-infused visco foam and provides the soft contouring of memory foam, but has amazing underlying support. Reviewed in detail by The Sleep Judge Review Team, you can see the topper for yourself here, and look over the features in even more detail! The 3-inch profile fits well under existing sheets and doesn’t feel like it raises your bed height much due to its compact and lightweight design.
The bamboo and rayon blend cover is highly breathable, and works with the gel-infusion to help draw heat from the body and help you sleep cooler through the night. A mesh backing enhances this further. Plus, you can avoid slipping and sliding many other toppers create due to the mattress corner straps that keep it firmly in place.
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4. Novilla 4 Inch Foam Mattress Topper, Medium Firm
SPECS:
- Sizes Available: Twin, Full, Queen, King
- Firmness Level: Medium- Firm
- Materials: Memory Foam
Best Medium-Firm
This medium-firm mattress topper is infused with gel and bamboo charcoal to offer support while isolating motion and relieving pressure. The Novilla 4 Inch Foam Mattress Topper, Medium Firm comes in a variety of sizes including Twin, Full, Queen, and King. Novilla also offers consumers a variety of thicknesses to choose from depending on their personal preference, including two, three, or four inches. This memory foam mattress topper utilizes both cooling gel memory foam and charcoal to add balanced cushion and support to a too firm, or too soft mattress. The high-density memory foam used in this topper conforms to your curves in order to relieve pressure, help align your spine and offer enhanced support.
The open cell and egg crate foam structure used in this product are designed to improve airflow and regulate your body temperature while you sleep. Sleep well knowing that the materials used to make this topper are CertiPUR-US and OEKO-certified which means you don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals. A washable bamboo cover comes with your purchase and is designed to protect your mattress topper for years to come. The manufacturer offers a 30-day money-back return policy and a 3-year warranty for added peace of mind.
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5. Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Topper Supreme
SPECS:
- Sizes Available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal. King
- Firmness Level: Medium- Firm
- Materials: Memory Foam
Most Firm, Contouring Topper
Tempur-Pedic is known for its wide array of memory foam comfort, but investing in a mattress is a step many cannot afford. Their high-quality mattress toppers provide much of the same supportive comfort, and their Topper Supreme is an excellent option if you want a firm, yet contouring choice to help make your existing mattress last. The Sleep Judge Team has personally reviewed this particular topper in detail, and extra features can be viewed here.
The 3 inch, dense proprietary, patented foam allows for body contouring and an awesome firm underlying support. The knit-poly cover can be removed and washed, and helps provide a breathable surface to avoid the heat sink of memory foams.
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6. Linenspa Gel-Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper
SPECS:
- Sizes available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Short Queen, Queen, King, California King
- Firmness: Medium-firm
- Materials: Gel-infused memory foam
Best Budget
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What is a mattress topper?
A mattress topper is an extra layer (usually 1”-3” thick) that you place on top of your mattress to make it more comfortable. What makes your mattress “more comfortable” usually comes down to personal preference. Ask yourself, what do you like and dislike about your mattress? Once you’ve figured that out, try and find a topper that can help you out in the problem areas. Mattress toppers can provide you with extra cushion, if that’s what you need, and some can also help make your mattress firmer. Finding the right firmness of your topper can do all kinds of beneficial things like improving pain and pressure in your back and joints, and help you wake up feeling refreshed. Mattress toppers come in a wide range of materials including feathers, memory foam, polyfoam, latex and even wool, and some of these materials are designed to help regulate your body temperature while you sleep. Mattress toppers are a great thing to invest in to make the beds in your home more comfortable, and they’re also great to travel with as they can be used in hotels, on sofa beds, RV’s, or even camping.
Who can benefit from a mattress topper?
Anyone who has a mattress that is too soft: While a super soft mattress sounds comfy, for many people (especially those with sore backs!) a mattress that lacks support can be a nightmare. There are many mattress toppers on the market that are designed to make a mattress more firm to alleviate these issues and provide more support.
Hot sleepers: Some mattress toppers are designed to help regulate your body temperature while you sleep. Anyone who tends to run hot while they sleep can find many different mattress topper options on the market that are bound to keep them cool and comfortable for years to come.
Couples with different sleeping preferences: If two people are sharing a bed and have different mattress preferences, an individual-sized mattress topper can be used on just one side of the bed in order to make the mattress on that side softer, or firm.
Frequent travelers or couch surfers: Mattress toppers are an excellent option for guest beds, pull out couches, regular sofas, or even air mattresses. Investing in a mattress topper is a great way to ensure your guests are comfortable when they sleepover. If you travel a lot, investing in a portable mattress topper is a great way to ensure you get a great night’s sleep wherever you are.
Anyone who has a mattress that is too firm: For many people, this is a common problem. A mattress that is too firm can be uncomfortable, and even cause you to wake up with a sore back. A plush mattress topper is an excellent way to make a too firm mattress just right in no time.
Materials
Almost all toppers of any height are made from a type of foam. Whether it is poly foam, memory foam, latex, or combination designed into layers, they are created to provide various comfort options to meet your needs.
Poly foams are generally offered in various densities so you can pick from soft to firmer options. They are usually the most affordable choices but may compress more quickly with use and won’t last as long as more expensive options. However, they are amongst the most popular because they are excellent, quick comfort solutions and are lighter weight than other choices.
Memory foam is also a popular choice and provides various comfort options. These are more conforming to the body and also offer dense, firmer options in most cases. These are also generally more expensive overall, but have a tendency to give a few years of really good use before beginning to compress.
Latex foams and latex blends also provide long-lasting, firm options. Although not as easy to find, they are awesome choices that provide excellent body-conforming comfort while avoiding the sink of memory foam.
Gel infusion is a feature you will often find in foams as well to help provide a cooler sleep experience. Many foams create heat sinks and are not as breathable as other materials due to their density. The addition of gel infusions allows for it to help pull heat from your body and create a cooling sensation.
Choosing The Right Firm Topper
The vast majority of people who purchase a mattress topper are looking to make their bed softer, as opposed to more firm. When it comes down to choosing a topper that will provide more support, it can be a bit of a tricky task. Finding the right topper that will achieve your desired level of firmness might take a little bit of trial and error. At the end of the day, it’s going to come down to your personal preference because the “right level of firmness” is pretty subjective. Usually, the thicker the topper, the more firm and supportive. If you’re just looking to add a bit of support to your existing mattress, a thinner topper should do the trick. No matter what topper you choose, make sure it can withstand the test of time. Purchasing a mattress topper is always going to be more cost-effective than replacing your mattress. With that said, depending on the size you choose (and the quality) they can still cost a pretty penny. Make sure to invest in a quality option that will last for many years.
Conclusion
A good mattress topper will provide a ton of benefits and help you sleep better each night. Firm mattress toppers are best to help create a more supportive surface and allow for the ability to improve upon the feel of an older or soft mattress type. Protect and elongate the use of your mattress, and help support your body without sinking with these choices.
Whether you prefer a soft surface with uplifting support; a firm, contouring foam; or an extra firm option- these provide something or everyone.
Recent Updates
August 10, 2022: The Linenspa Gel-Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper has been added to this roundup due to popularity, along with links to our hands-on review of this product.
October 19, 2021: The MyPillow Mattress Topper has been removed due to product unavailability, replaced with the popular Novilla 4 Inch Foam Mattress Topper.