Mattress Pad Or Mattress Topper? How To Pick The Best One For Your Bed

Providing extra support and pressure relief, this topper is perfect for people who struggle with back pain throughout the night. Not only are there three layers of cushioning TEMPUR® material to work with, but the topper also has corner straps to prevent slipping and sliding.

Another added perk is that, despite its thicker construction, the topper contours to your shape without sinking or denting—even if you happen to change positions. While it may not be as cooling as other toppers on our list, you have 90 nights to test it out, plus a 10-year warranty to back it up. 

What Reviewers Say: 

While it may be expensive, reviewers love the extra support this topper provides. “Has helped with fibromyalgia and a compressed spine,” one-five star reviewer writes. “Sleeping more and waking with less pain.” Other reviewers appreciate it for its durability and exceptional construction. “This topper is durable yet soft and contours to your body,” wrote another.

Adding three layers of cooling and support to your current mattress, this memory foam topper is a solid option for hot sleepers. The materials are moisture-wicking and help regulate your body temperature throughout the night. While memory foam is not a sustainable option, these foams are at least CertiPUR-US® certified, which is the bare minimum certification we check for in sleep products. 

If you are looking for something that can support your many sleeping positions, this topper’s targeted comfort zones will support your body and its pressure points through every toss and turn. The pressure-relieving effect also makes this a great choice for anyone with back or joint pain. To top it off, the elastic banded sides keep topper in place as you snooze. 

While the brand offers a 5-year warranty, be advised there is no trial period, refund, or return policy, unless the product is unopened and unused.

What Reviewers Say:

“The foam topper stays in place and provides a cooler sleep,” confirms one five-star reviewer. Others add that it’s a must have for those seeking pain relief. “Buy the topper, especially if you have pressure point issues with pain,” wrote another. “We have significant pressure point issues with shoulders, back, joints, and hips; this is definitely the sweet spot - you'll feel like you are cradled in comfort without the uneasy feeling of sinking in foam.” However, here’s a heads up: in addition to no trial period, there are no negative reviews of this topper on the GhostBed site, making it important to research the product (and or the brand) a little more before purchasing to get further, in-depth insight.

Like its mattresses, Avocado’s Latex Mattress Topper is made from non-toxic GOLS organic certified latex, GOTS organic and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified wool, and GOTS organic certified cotton—and the brand also offers a vegan mattress topper, which is made without wool. 

While non-toxic materials are an obvious perk, this mattress topper stands out with comfort, too, adding instant softness to your bed, while still contouring to the shape of your body. Sleepers have two firmness levels to choose from (plush or firm) and this topper is exceptional at adding height, making it the perfect remedy for an already sagging mattress. 

Above all, this topper is ready to use from the moment it’s delivered to your door. The topper arrives in a box, and fits perfectly on your mattress once unpacked, no complicated setup necessary.

What Reviewers Say: 

“Added this topper to our new Avocado mattress and it was exactly what we needed - the right amount of firmness and softness for a perfect night's sleep,” one five-star reviewer writes. “I have peace of mind sleeping on organic materials, eight hours a night. No harmful VOCS absorbing into my skin,” another adds.

Looking for a mattress pad that’ll guarantee a cozy, healthy sleep? Well, you’re in luck. This breathable and lightweight mattress pad is made from 100% organic, non-toxic GOTS certified organic cotton. Unlike most mattress toppers, this mattress pad also has the advantage of being machine washable (along with keeping you comfortable all night long).

The trial is only 45 days, which may not be enough testing time for those who really like to become acquainted with a new sleep product before committing. However, it’s fairly straightforward in design and softness, so you’ll likely get the gist of how this mattress pad can benefit your sleep over that period. It fits a ton of sizes, and can be used on mattresses up to 16-inches. Plus, it boasts elastic bands on each side to keep the pad in place.

What Reviewers Say:

“Who knew a mattress pad at any price could be so well made,” says one five-star reviewer. “Very heavy with commercial grade bare rubber elastic all around. Doesn't just slip on easily like a sheet.” Other reviewers applaud the softness of this mattress pad. “Fits generously, and the fabric it is made of is like satin,” another reviewer wrote. “Truly luxurious, and in line with my other purchases: exceeded expectations.”

Most negative reviews center around the high price, but it's helpful to consider this as an investment product you can use for years to come.

With a waterproof layer and barrier for ultimate protection, this mattress pad is great for anyone trying to protect their bed from accidents, spills, or stains. Layers of cotton jersey provide a breathable, comfortable sleep, while a waterproof lining prevents the padding from absorbing unwanted liquids.

Choose from two heights (11- or 18-inches), depending on whether you’re using a thin mattress or something taller. 

Another major bonus? There’s no crinkly, uncomfortable, or stiff feeling from the padding, so it won’t be too noisy to sleep on. Just keep in mind there's no warranty for this mattress pad, although here is a 90-day trial period.

What Reviewers Say: 

Take it from this five-star reviewer: “My mother purchased this mattress cover for my parents' guest bed, and I was so impressed by it that when I returned home after visiting my parents I immediately ordered one. I had no idea that waterproof mattress covers could feel like normal mattress covers - no crinkly, waxy, plastic-y feeling at all—I would not even believe it was waterproof if I hadn't seen how well it does the job. What a great product!”

Made with Supima® cotton with 100 polyester pockets, this mattress pad is a great choice for thicker mattresses (i.e. those that need deep sheets). The simple design easily slips onto your bed without wrinkling or popping off, and it’s also machine-washable. Although significantly less expensive than other options, it still adds comfort and plushness. However the perks end there: expect no cooling benefits or waterproof/ sustainable materials.

The lower price point also means no warranty or trial period, but you can easily return this item if you aren’t satisfied—just be sure to check the retailer's full return policy before adding this mattress pad to your cart. 

What Reviewers Say:

While this mattress pad doesn’t offer cooling benefits, plenty of five-star reviewers love this mattress pad for the added layer of softness it provides. “This is a really high quality mattress pad, well made, excellent fabric, tight stitching, plush feel, snug fit of the elastic skirt on our 18" deep king bed,” one five-star reviewer says. “We bought a new mattress that has deep tufting so while it has great support it's strangely lumpy. The pad evened the surface out and made it smooth and even more comfortable. Very satisfied.”