Menu

Best Soft Bed Toppers

Candace Osmond

A mattress topper can be a really efficient way of adding some additional comfort to a mattress that you’re not yet ready to replace. There are plenty of benefits to turning to a bed topper, and it’s basically like having a brand-new comfort layer for you to sleep on. What are some of the things that you should know about mattress toppers before buying them and what are some of the best soft mattress toppers that money can currently buy? Stick with us to find out!

RankProductHighlights
#1

ViscoSoft Mattress Topper

BUY NOW

 

  • Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
  • Height: 4 inches
  • Material: gel memory foam + down alternative
#2

PlushBeds Natural Latex Topper

BUY NOW

  • Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
  • Height: 2 or 3 inches
  • Material: natural Talalay latex
#3

Linenspa 3 Inch Mattress Topper

BUY NOW

  • Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Queen, RV Queen, King, Cal King
  • Height: 2 or 3 inches
  • Material: polyurethane memory foam gel beads
#4

Allswell Mattress Topper

BUY NOW

 

  • Available sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King
  • Height: 4 inches
  • Material: copper gel memory foam
#5

LUCID Mattress Topper

BUY NOW

 

  • Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
  • Height: 4 inches
  • Material: gel-infused memory foam
#6

ELEMUSE Mattress Topper

BUY NOW

 

  • N/A
#7

Bedluxury Mattress Topper

BUY NOW

 

  • N/A
#8

PERLECARE Mattress Topper

BUY NOW

 

  • N/A

Features to Look Out For

If you’ve ever read our articles, then you already know that buying a new mattress is a process that takes time and understanding how different materials interact with one another to give you the best comfort and support ever. But imagine that you had to buy… only ⅓ of a mattress. What do you even look for in such a product, then?

  • The first thing that sets a mattress topper aside from an entire bed is the thickness. For the most part, mattress toppers measure between one and four inches in height. Some people might be tempted to choose a really thick mattress topper because they think a thick comfort layer would benefit them most. However, a mattress topper’s thickness has to match the surface of the mattress. For example, if you have a really firm mattress, you want a thick topper to have a more generous comfort layer. You can look for a thinner topper when you only require making minor “adjustments” to how your mattress feels.
  • Naturally, the second aspect that requires immediate attention is the material the topper is made from. Memory foam and latex toppers are preferred to those made from other materials because they are really good at relieving pressure points. Some people might want to consider cotton, wool, or feather toppers, but these aren’t that good at conforming as latex and foam.
  • Hand-in-hand with the materials used to make the toppers is the density of the materials used. High-density materials offer some advantages, while low-density ones have their perks as well. If you choose a high-density memory foam topper, it will provide you with better edge support and better conforming, but they also tend to have noticeable off-gassing and they sleep hot.
  • The firmness of the topper will also determine if you’ll actually sleep comfortably on that product. The general consensus is that you have to choose a firmer topper if you think your mattress is too soft, and a softer topper is the mattress feels too firm.
  • If you’re sharing your bed with a partner, you also want to consider the product’s motion isolation capacity.
  • In order to protect your investment, you might want to opt for toppers that are made from longer-lasting materials. For example, latex, foam, and wool toppers have a longer lifespan compared to those made from fibres or feathers.

Toppers & Sleeping Positions

In the end, you will have to pick a topper that provides the best support and pressure point relief for your weight and favorite sleeping position. With that in mind, here are some useful buying tips:

  • Side sleepers are better off with toppers that can compress enough in order to cradle the body parts that most tend to sink into the mattress when you’re laying on your side, such the shoulders and hips. If you weigh less than 130 pounds, you will find better comfort in lower-density soft toppers, while those who weigh more than 130 pounds might be better off matches with medium-firm to firm mattress toppers.
  • Back sleepers need a product that can support their spine to rest in its natural position. They also require a topper with a higher density, as these are most capable of providing the right amount of support. When you are a back sleeper resting on a topper that’s too soft, you will notice that your body sinks to into the surface of the bed too deep, while mattress toppers that are too firm will leave a gap between your lower back and the topper. If you weigh between 130 and 230 pounds, you are best off with a medium-firm mattress topper. Heavier sleepers require firmer surfaces, while lightweight sleepers need softer ones.
  • Stomach sleepers will have a very hard time finding true comfort in this position because no matter what measures you take, there will be a lot of strain put on several parts of your body. For instance, even if you sleep without a pillow, your neck will be forced in an unnatural position which could lead to pain. If you can’t help it and find yourself sleeping on your stomach a lot of the time, you need a firmer topper. This will prevent your hips from sinking into the surface of the bed too deep by pushing them upwards to prevent your spine from curving downwards. You want a thin and low-density topper.

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.

– Changes 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.

Toppers vs. Pads

We wanted to include this chapter in this buying guide section because we often see mattress pads being advertised as mattress toppers when there are huge differences between the two:

  • Mattress toppers are basically like an additional layer that goes on top of the mattress, whereas mattress pads are like fitted sheets with some material quilted on top.
  • Toppers are made from a variety of different materials, while pads are mostly made from fibers like polyester or cotton.
  • A topper is thicker, which makes it more suitable to change a mattress’s comfort level. Pads, on the other hand, are thinner and won’t make that huge of a difference.
  • Mattress pads do a way better job in protecting the mattress compared to toppers. Pads are also easier to clean because they can be washed inside the washing machine, whereas toppers most likely require spot cleaning.
  • Toppers are likely to be more durable when compared to mattress pads, but their durability is heavily reliant on the material they’re made from.

The Best Soft Bed Toppers

With a tab more topper-related knowledge, it is now time to dive into the best soft mattress toppers. These are the best choice for side sleepers who can use all the pressure-point relief they can get since this is the sleeping position where body parts most sink into the surface of the bed.

1. ViscoSoft Mattress Topper

SPECS:

  • Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
  • Height: 4 inches
  • Material: gel memory foam + down alternative

Best overall

The first item on today’s list is a mattress topper made from ViscoSoft, which is a 4-inch layer of memory foam with some really interesting features. The cover of the topper is made entirely out of cotton, with a generous thread count of 300, as you will find in most decent bedding items.
The topper brings together 1.5 inches of down plush alternative pearl fiber that’s combined with 2.5 inches of gel memory foam. The product is basically designed to be both a mattress topper and pad that adds an extra layer of comfort that side sleepers are found to enjoy whenever they want to add some extra cushioning to their beds.

The ViscoSoft topper is an American-made product that’s available in all standard sizes to fit most mattresses out there. Thanks to its construction, the topper does a really good in alleviating pressure points, while the product is also great on motion isolation.

ProsCons
  • Good pressure point relief.
  • Good motion isolation.
  • Pad and topper in a single product.
  • No odors.
  • Comes with retention bands.
  • Not supportive for back sleepers.

Who Should Buy This?

The ViscoSoft Mattress topper is a viable option for lightweight side sleepers that could use some extra cushioning, but also for couples who share a bed.

CHECK AMAZON PRICE

You can read our full review here

2. PlushBeds Natural Latex Topper

SPECS:

  • Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
  • Height: 2 or 3 inches
  • Material: natural Talalay latex

Best for hot sleepers

Made from natural Talalay latex, the PlushBeds topper is more of a luxury product, but one that meets really demanding criteria and manages to deliver quality, comfort, and durability. It is available in two and three-inch options, but also in four different firmness levels, from soft to extra firm. Because of these extra options, you are very likely to find a topper that suits you.

As you may already know, latex has natural cooling properties, while this specific block of latex can also be combined with an organic cotton cover, for an extra fee. Despite latex having bouncy properties, it does manage to isolate motion really well.

This is an eco-friendly product that’s made from latex harvested only half a year so that the trees won’t be cut out.

ProsCons
  • Eco-friendly product.
  • Natural cooling latex.
  • Cotton cover available.
  • Multiple firmness options.
  • Durable.
  • Two thickness options.
Expensive.

Who Should Buy This?

It is a viable option for people who suffer from shoulder or neck pain, but also for those who tend to sleep hot and could benefit from the natural cooling properties of latex.

LEARN MORE

3. Linenspa 3 Inch Mattress Topper

SPECS:

  • Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Queen, RV Queen, King, Cal King
  • Height: 2 or 3 inches
  • Material: Polyurethane memory foam gel beads

Customer’s choice

Linenspa is a brand that a lot of online buyers recognize, but how many of you knew that they actually make one of the best-selling mattress toppers? Available in a lot of different sizes from Twin to Cal King (with an RV Queen model included), the Linenspa mattress topper is available in a thickness of two and one of three inches.

It’s made from a really soft memory foam that features a gel infusion, making it a perfect choice for side sleepers that demand the extra comfort and pressure point relief that they don’t seem to be able to get from their current mattress.

The temperature gel beads inside the memory foam layer aim to provide more temperature neutrality compared to the standard performance of memory foam which, as you know, uses the heat of your body for better contouring, which means trapping it and creating a warm sleeping environment.

ProsCons
  • RV Queen size available.
  • Good temperature neutrality.
  • Great motion isolation.
  • Great pressure point relief.
  • Can tear easily.

Who Should Buy This?

The Linenspa mattress topper is designed for side sleepers that want an affordable product. It is also a great buy if you’re looking for a Queen-sized RV topper.

CHECK AMAZON PRICE

Read our full review

4. Allswell Mattress Topper

SPECS:

  • Available sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King
  • Height: 4 inches
  • Material: copper gel memory foam

Best memory foam topper

Allswell makes a really mean mattress, but did they nail the mattress topper niche as well? Their copper gel memory foam product says they did, as it successfully combines a soft layer of foam with a gel infusion that makes it cool and really pleasant to sleep on.

What exactly makes this product a really good option for people who love the feel of memory foam? Measuring four inches in height, the topper is made from dual-layer open cell memory foam which is divided into a two-inch layer meant to contour the body, and another two inches for support. However, we feel that the entire topper is more about pressure point relief and not that much about support. After all, you have the actual mattress to handle that.

There are two benefits to the copper gel infusion: better temperature neutrality and an antimicrobial barrier that creates a better sleeping environment and prolongs the life of your topper.

ProsCons
  • Trusted brand.
  • Quality memory foam construction.
  • Copper gel foam.
  • Sleeps cool.
  • Antimicrobial.
  • Premature sagging.

Who Should Buy This?

The Allswell mattress topper is designed for memory foam fans, but also for people who are looking to sleep cool and would like a product made by a brand that knows its way around mattresses.

LEARN MORE

5. LUCID Mattress Topper

SPECS:

  • Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
  • Height: 4 inches
  • Material: gel-infused memory foam

Best-seller

To top off our series of amazing dost mattress toppers, we bring you the 4-inch Lucid all-foam product. It’s made with a plush memory foam that features a gel infusion designed to prevent the material from trapping body heat.

The surface of the foam is punctured, in order to improve airflow and to ensure that heat is distributed and not trapped to the surface of the topper. The memory foam has excellent contouring properties and will provide great pressure point relief, especially for lightweight and average-weight side sleepers that need a comfort layer that contours to the shape of their bodies.

Because Lucid is a brand that means business when it comes to affordable toppers and mattresses, this 4-inch product is available in a normal version, but also in one that features a lavender infusion, and another one with a bamboo charcoal infusion.

ProsCons
  • Soft to the touch.
  • Highly conforming.
  • Three years warranty.
  • Available with lavender or charcoal infusion.
  • Ventilated design.
  • Slight off-gassing.
  • Not supportive of heavyweight sleepers.

Who Should Buy This?

The Lucid mattress topper is one of the best-selling memory foam products in this category. It is a great choice for lightweight and average-weight side sleepers, for couples who need a topper with good motion isolation, but also for those who tend to sleep hot.

CHECK AMAZON PRICE

6. ELEMUSE Mattress Topper

This mattress topper is designed to offer you a pleasant sleeping experience if you bought a mattress that’s too firm and it’s past the return period. Available in a variety of different sizes, this topper is designed to be fitted around your mattress, thus preventing potential topper movements while you switch between sleeping positions.

The brushed microfiber cover is combined with a bunch of down alternative fibers that over a soft and pleasant sleeping experience. The pocket of this topper is compatible with mattresses that range from 8 to 21 inches in height. The topper is machine washable, which makes it easy to clean. 

ProsCons
  • Hypoallergenic construction.
  • Fitted around the mattress.
  • Easy to clean.
  • Thinner than pictured.

CHECK AMAZON PRICE

7. Bedluxury Mattress Topper

When you want to add more softness to your mattress, nothing can really beat the properties of memory foam. This topper measures three inches in thickness and is constructed using pressure-relieving memory foam that adapts to the natural curves of your body. The foam is concealed inside a bamboo cover. This material makes the topper more breathable, is hypoallergenic, and feels very pleasant against the skin. 

The topper comes with elastic straps that allow you to secure it to the matter and prevent this extra comfort layer from shifting around at night. The cover is completely machine washable and very easy to put back on. 

ProsCons
  • Quality bamboo cover.
  • Adjustable strap to fit mattress thickness.
  • Contouring memory foam construction.
  • Noticeable off-gassing.

CHECK AMAZON PRICE

8. PERLECARE Mattress Topper

If you want a comfortable mattress topper, there are few other options out there that can beat one that’s made using memory foam. This 3-inch topper is designed to keep you cozy and get rid of some of those annoying pressure points that could lead to pain in certain body parts. 

Made with CertiPUR-US certified materials, this memory foam topper is just what you needed if your bed is too firm and you want a topper that’s made with quality materials. The cover is made mostly out of synthetic fabrics and features 4 elastic bands for securing to the mattress, one placed at each corner. The cover is removable and machine washable. 

ProsCons
  • Removable and washable cover.
  • CertiPUR-US certified materials.
  • Adjustable straps.
  • Sleeps hot.

CHECK AMAZON PRICE

Bottom Line

Finding a soft bed topper isn’t really a complicated task, especially if you’re a fan of materials such as memory foam or latex. If you’re looking to buy a soft topper, it most likely means that you’re a side sleeper that owns a mattress with comfort layers that are just too firm. Since a topper is a better investment rather than buying a new mattress altogether, it’s an option worth exploring if you want to add some extra comfort to your bed.

Think of the process of buying a mattress topper as being quite similar to that of buying a regular mattress: you will have to pay attention to aspects such as durability (never expect a topper to last as long as the mattress, though), construction, density of materials, firmness, feel, and motion isolation.