If your new mattress doesn’t live up to your expectations, it doesn’t have to mean that you’re doomed to discomfort or that you’ve wasted your money. More often than not, when you buy mattresses online, it’s not their quality that ends up being a disappointment- but rather the fact that when you can’t feel the mattress before purchase, it often ends up being too firm or not firm enough for your preferences.
In case that your new mattress is too firm for comfort, a soft mattress topper will be all you need to make the most out of your new purchase- and to get some well-deserved rest. Side sleepers, people that weigh under 130 pounds, or people that simply prefer to be cushioned by their mattress will all benefit from using a soft mattress topper to improve the feel of their mattress.
| Rank | Product | Highlights |
| #1 |  Novilla 4 Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper
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| #2 |  BedStory 3 Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper
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| #3 |  Marine Moon Mattress Topper
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| #4 |  Sleep Innovations 4-inch Dual Layer Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
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| #5 |  RECCI 3-Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper
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| #6 |  ViscoSoft 4 Inch Pillow Top Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
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What Are the Benefits of a Soft Mattress Topper?
A mattress topper is a handy accessory: not only it can prolong the service life of your old mattress, but it can make your new firm mattress more pleasant to sleep on. For a fraction of the price of a new mattress, a soft mattress topper can give you the comfort and support you crave- and as there are many different types of mattress toppers, there’s also a wide variety of benefits you can expect in accordance to their unique features.
Changing the firmness of the mattress
It’s important to note that comfort is a matter of personal, individual preferences. While some people can’t seem to get some shut-eye unless they are sleeping on a rock hard surface, others find anything less than a soft, pillowy embrace too uncomfortable to spend the night on. What’s more, your sleeping position and body type will also influence your choice of firmness levels, as what is supportive and comfortable for someone that sleeps on their back or carries extra weight won’t work as well for a side sleeper that has a petite build. A soft mattress topper can help you adjust your overly firm mattress to feel comfier yet remain sturdy and supportive.
A soft mattress topper will be ideal for people that weigh under 130 pounds and have a firm or medium-firm mattress: it will act as a layer of cushioning that allows the body to sink in the surface, to ensure pressure relief and cradling comfort. Similarly, side sleepers also require a softer mattress as a firm surface puts additional pressure on the hips and shoulders of people that sleep on their side. With a soft mattress topper, the stress on pressure points is eliminated and issues such as back pain and stiffness become a thing of the past. Memory foam mattress toppers work great in these cases, but down, down alternative, and wool toppers can also be a suitable choice for making your mattress feel softer.
Mattress protection
While you’ll certainly appreciate the improved comfort and feel of your mattress, you’re not the only one to benefit from a soft mattress topper. A mattress topper will also protect your mattress from wear and tear, dirt, and everything else it would be exposed to as the first layer of support underneath your body, such as bed bugs or dust mites. Paired with a waterproof mattress protector, a mattress topper can add years of usability to your mattress and keep it safe from any damage starting from stains and moisture to sinking and rips.
Temperature regulation
Unfortunately, poor temperature regulation is a common problem for many mattresses, particularly those made out of memory foam. If your mattress tends to trap heat and isn’t all that breathable, a cooling soft mattress topper could help you spend those hot nights without breaking a sweat. Mattress toppers made from materials such as gel-infused foam and encased in shells made from cooling fabrics such as cotton, bamboo, or ice fabric, will significantly contribute to the coolness levels. Similarly, if you are one of those people that don’t sleep hot and want a mattress topper that will adjust to their body temperature, a down mattress topper could be just the thing. While down isn’t cooling by default, it is a natural material that won’t overheat in the warmer months of the year, and when the temperatures drop, it will keep you toasty and cozy.
Pain and pressure relief
Despite the common misconception that a firm mattress is better for back pain, some people find that their symptoms are only worsened when they spend a few nights on a firm sleeping surface. This is especially true for side sleepers, as a firm mattress will put more pressure on their hips and shoulders, causing pain and discomfort in the long run. A soft mattress topper, particularly those made out of memory foam, will help relieve pressure and pain and ensure your spine retains its natural curvature throughout the night. As a result, you won’t be getting out of bed feeling pins and needles anymore- a small change such as adding a mattress topper can make a drastic difference for your chronic pain.
Best Soft Mattress Toppers
Novilla 4 Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Specs:
- Type/Material: Gel-infused memory foam
- Thickness: 2”, 3”, 4”
- Available sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King
Editor’s choice
Whether you’re looking to soften your new mattress or breathe in life in your old one, this premium-quality memory foam mattress topper will do the trick. Available in three options- 2”, 3”, and 4” high- it will be plushest and softest at its thickest. This mattress topper features a two-layer design that incorporates cooling gel foam and bamboo charcoal infused foam in a non-slip, skin-friendly cooling bamboo cover. As a result, it’s not just super comfy to sleep on but cooling as well. The body-contouring layers of foam will cradle your body regardless of the position you sleep in, offering pressure relief and ultimate comfort.
The gel-infused foam layer is egg-crate shaped to promote better air circulation which contributes to the topper’s breathability, making it a good choice for hot sleepers and year-round use. Made with the highest quality materials, this soft mattress topper also features a fully removable and machine washable cover that will make sure that you always sleep on a fresh and clean surface- and 4 handy anti-slip corner elastics for a snug fit.
Pros
- Exceptional breathability
- Gel-infused foam for coolness
- Pressure and pain relief
- Non-slip bottom
- Corner elastics for a secure fit
- CertiPUR-US certified
- OEKO-TEX certified
Cons
- Sizing can be a little off
Who Should Buy This Mattress Topper?
If you’re a side sleeper, hot sleeper, or simply prefer your mattress to be on the softer side of the spectrum, you’ll love this luxurious gel-infused foam mattress topper. The two-layered design and premium quality materials offer coolness and comfort both.
BedStory 3 Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Specs:
- Type/Material: Gel-infused memory foam
- Thickness: 3”
- Available sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King
Runner up
Boasting a well-rounded design and a budget-friendly price tag, this soft mattress topper is just the thing if you want to feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud. Made from 2” of gel-infused memory foam and 1” of supportive memory foam, it is designed to offer support and help key stress points on the body get much-needed pressure relief. Additionally, the infusion of gel helps maintain the coolness of the topper even in the warmer months of the year.
Made with CertiPUR-US certified foam, this mattress topper is a great choice for old mattresses that need a little boost to stay comfy, as it offers both support and comfort for the sleeper. As a bonus, this mattress topper is exceptional at reducing motion transfer so couples will love it as well.
Pros
- Cradling comfort foam
- Gel-infused for coolness
- The ventilated foam ensures breathability
- Anti-slip elastic straps
- Removable and machine washable cover
- CertiPUR-US certified
Cons
- Off-gassing
Who Should Buy This Mattress Topper?
For anyone that wants to make their mattress softer and comfier to sleep on, this memory foam 3” topper will be a great choice. Gel-infused to prevent overheating and with comfort foam for pressure relief, it will give you a good night’s rest.
Marine Moon Mattress Topper
Specs:
- Type/Material: Fiberfill (down alternative)
- Thickness: 3”
- Available sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King
Customer’s choice
You don’t have to break the bank to get some rest- and this down alternative mattress topper perfectly illustrates it. Soft, comfortable, and affordable, it is overfilled with down-alternative fiberfill that will make you feel like you’re sleeping on a luxurious pillow top mattress. The shell is made from 400TC cotton which is breathable and hypoallergenic, but most importantly cool to sleep on.
The plush and fluffy fiberfill will be a great choice for all sleepers that prefer a soft and snuggly sleeping surface, and it will help make an overly firm mattress feel more comfortable to sleep on. To ensure a snug fit, 4 double anchor bands will match mattresses up to 18 inches high.
Pros
- Overfilled and fluffy
- Pressure relief
- Breathable cotton shell
- Suits mattresses up to 18” tall
- Affordable
Cons
- Not machine washable
Who Should Buy This Mattress Topper?
For those of you that are not big fans of memory foam or sleepers on a budget, this down-alternative mattress topper is a perfect choice. Soft and fluffy, it will make your firm mattress more pleasant to sleep- you’ll feel like you’re sleeping in a 5-star hotel.
Sleep Innovations 4-inch Dual Layer Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Specs:
- Type/Material: Fiberfill and memory foam
- Thickness: 4”
- Available sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King
Best soft mattress topper for side sleepers
For people that sleep on their side, this dual-layer memory foam mattress topper will be an ideal match. Cradling and contouring will ensure that your spine retains its natural curvature and that pressure points on your body that activate due to your sleeping position- hips and shoulders- are relieved of stress and pressure. The combination of quilted fiberfill and gel memory foam combines the best of both worlds to ensure support and comfort both.
Pros
- Ideal for side sleepers
- Pressure and pain relief
- Contours to your body
- Fluffy and supportive at the same time
- Machine washable cover
- CertiPUR-US certified
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Chemical smell at first
Who Should Buy This Mattress Topper?
For people that prefer sleeping on their side, this body-hugging 4” thick soft mattress topper will offer both support and comfort. Made from fiberfill and gel-infused memory foam, it will offer pressure relief and a cooling effect that makes it suited for year-round use.
RECCI 3-Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Specs:
- Type/Material: Memory foam
- Thickness: 3”
- Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King
Best soft mattress topper for back pain
For many people, chronic back pain is caused by a bad mattress, and a soft mattress topper can be all it takes to sleep pain-free again. With 3” of the highest quality, pure memory foam, this mattress topper is designed to alleviate pain, offer pressure relief, and ensure that your spine is properly aligned no matter what sleeping position you prefer. The memory foam will adapt to your body shape and offer the support you need to get rid of back pain.
To prevent the topper from feeling hot in the warmer months of the year, the removable machine washable cover is made from bamboo viscose, naturally breathable and cooling material with moisture-wicking properties. As a result, this comfy mattress topper will also be pleasant to sleep on year-round.
Pros
- Made purely out of memory foam
- Eliminates pain and pressure on key points
- Cooling bamboo cover
- Machine washable cover
- CertiPUR-US certified
- OEKO-TEX certified
Cons
- No elastics
Who Should Buy This Mattress Topper?
A bad mattress can wreak havoc on your spinal health, but this soft mattress topper can help you get the support and comfort you need without having to replace your old mattress. Body-contouring and pressure-relieving, it will help you eliminate back, shoulder, and/or hip pain.
ViscoSoft 4 Inch Pillow Top Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Specs:
- Type/Material: Fiberfill and gel-infused foam
- Thickness: 4”
- Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Best soft mattress topper for hot sleepers
Sometimes, in addition to the matters of comfort and support, one of the main motivators for buying a mattress topper is to get a cooling effect- this is often true for people that have firm memory foam mattresses. In addition to softening their mattress, a topper will also provide a cooler, more pleasant surface to sleep on than heat-trapping foam. Made from temperature-regulating gel foam and fluffy down-alternative, this mattress topper will remain cool throughout the night and won’t cause you to sweat and toss and turn.
Thanks to its unique properties, this mattress topper is also a good choice for couples: it will adapt to each sleeper’s body, won’t trap heat, and it minimizes motion transfer. The mattress topper cover is machine washable and cleverly designed: it features four elastic corner tabs to keep the memory foam from shifting around and an elastic that goes around the entire mattress to ensure a snug fit.
Pros
- Gel-infused foam for a cooling effect
- A fluffy down alternative for pressure relief
- No initial chemical smell
- Machine washable cover
- CertiPUR-US certified
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Can be too soft for some people
Who Should Buy This Mattress Topper?
In case you find your memory foam mattress too hot for you to sleep on, this cooling mattress topper will help you get the most out of it- and sleep cool and comfy without having to toss out your mattress. The gel-infused foam will regulate temperature and dissipate heat, allowing you to get some shut-eye all year round.
In Conclusion
A soft mattress topper can make a big difference for your quality of sleep: not only that it can make you comfier, but it can also help you sleep cooler, pain-free, and protect your mattress from wear and tear. Ideal for new mattresses that are too firm to sleep on or older mattresses that are due for replacement but you want to “squeeze” out a few more years out of them, a soft mattress topper will add a few inches of cushioning between you and the mattress- which is, more often than not, all it takes for better sleep.