Thick Pillow Top Mattress Pad

People With Health Conditions

As much as diet and exercise are crucial for living a healthy life, so is getting adequate sleep on a regular basis. For those with certain health conditions, creating the best sleep environment possible can’t be emphasized enough, and this is where a topper for your mattress can really make a positive impact. Overweight sleepers and those who need back pain relief should consider investing in a good, thick mattress topper.

Get More Info:Best Mattress Topper for Back Pain

Parachute Down Mattress Topper

• Fill materials: 85% down, 15% down/feather blend
• Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King

Whether your mattress feels too hard or you just want to layer on a pillow top for added comfort, a down or down-alternative topper is the best way to soften up your bed. This indulgent featherbed has two layers of down and feathers in a baffle box construction that keeps the fill evenly distributed. It’s gusseted so it won’t fall flat, and the outer fabric is a cotton sateen, which means it’s tightly woven to prevent feathers from poking through.

The down is incredibly lofty so you get the fluffy feel that testers compared to sleeping on a cloud. If youre looking to save a bit or have allergies to down, the brand also sells a down-alternative version made with microfiber fill. Besides the fill, it has the same overall construction. Keep in mind that both options are dry clean only.

Exceptional Sheets Bamboo Mattress Pad

A low-cost way to make your mattress feel softer

The natural bamboo topper by Exceptional Sheets is technically advertised as a pad rather than a topper. However, the terms pad and topper are often interchangeable, with the end result being what really matters.

The pad is particularly soft and comfortable, with a generous fill of revoloft fiber fill. This is sometimes used as a goose or duck down alternative, and while it doesnt feel quite the same, its still very cozy to sleep on.

It wont support your body in the same way that a memory foam or latex topper will, but it still does a pretty good job because of all the soft padding that youll sink into.

Here are the key features:

• The inside of the pad is filled with Revoloft cluster fiber. It has the gentle feel of down, but without the feathers.
• It has a silky bamboo blend cover, which makes it feel even softer under your sheets.
• Its a good alternative if youre allergic to down, but enjoy that feel and softness.
• It can be used on top of either a mattress or a firmer topper such as memory foam or latex.
• Its designed with individual boxes of fiber to keep an even shape.
• Its easy to clean and machine washable.
• Low price compared to memory foam, latex or wool.
• You get a 30 day return and one year exchange warranty.

The price is good, with most sizes usually available for under $100, depending on the time of the year and any holiday sales.

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What To Look For In A Pillow

Buying a new mattress can be confusing. Theres a wide variety of models on the market, and mattress companies often use fancy marketing terms or mattress jargon that can make it difficult to understand how a mattress actually performs.

Luckily, the rise in online mattress companies has also transferred more power to the consumer. Online mattress companies are often more transparent about whats inside their mattresses, and its easier than ever before to compare and contrast different models.

These are the most important things to consider when buying a new mattress.

How To Choose A Pillow

Theres a wealth of pillow-top options on the market, so its important to know what you value in your mattress before you set out to buy a new one. Do you prefer a standard pillow-top or a Euro-top? Memory foam, latex, or another type of fill? Hybrid or innerspring mattress?

In addition to the pillow-top itself, its also important to consider the benefits of the mattress as a whole. This means weighing edge support, temperature neutrality, material quality, and other factors.

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How We Test Mattress Toppers

Our bedding experts use their extensive backgrounds in testing bedding to review materials and features for each topper. Next, we call in samples for at-home sleep testers to try out on their own beds. After sleeping on the toppers for several weeks, each tester fills out a survey to provide in-depth feedback. Our analysts follow up with testers annually to check how the mattress toppers are holding up with extended use. Here’s how we analyze the mattress toppers:

• Comfort: Users give the mattress topper a rating for how comfortable it feels to lie on underneath their sheets.
• Mattress enhancement: We review in detail if and how the topper changes the feel of our tester’s mattress.
• Ease of use: Testers rate how easy it is to put the topper onto their beds.
• Temperature: Each reviewer notes whether or not they maintained a comfortable body temperature while sleeping on the topper.
• Stay-in-place capabilities: The toppers are given scores for whether or not they shift around on the beds during use.
• Sound: To ensure the toppers will be quiet and undetectable, each one is rated for whether it made noise during use.
• Overall satisfaction: Finally, testers tell us whether they liked sleeping on the mattress topper, whether they plan to continue using it and any other comments that could help provide more insight.

Lucid Down Alternative & Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper

LUCID Down Alternative and Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper

LUCID Down Alternative and Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper

• Fill materials: Gel-infused memory foam, synthetic down alternative
• Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King

This pick is a hybrid mattress topper that combines foam and fiberfill for support and pillow-top comfort, but it’s available from Amazon for a lower cost and with the convenience of Prime shipping. The bottom layer is memory foam infused with gel, while the top layer includes pockets of down alternative for plush padding. It goes onto your bed like a fitted sheet to help everything stay in place, though it doesn’t have the strap to keep the two layers extra secure together.

It’s a luxurious four inches high with equal parts foam and pillow top, but it’s actually two separate pieces that you can layer together or use separately. The down alternative top layer that holds everything together is machine washable and dryer safe. Just note that some reviewers noted it sleeps hot, despite the gel infusion in the foam.

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How Do I Clean My Mattress Pad

It is important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer about how to clean any specific mattress pad. Laundering a mattress pad in the recommended way can extend its longevity and keep it from wearing thin or losing its waterproofing.

In general, mattress pads can be machine-washed and dried on gentle or low-heat settings, but the optimal way of cleaning a mattress pad will depend on its materials.

Whats The Difference Between A Mattress Pad And A Mattress Topper Or Mattress Protector

A mattress pad is thinner than a mattress topper, which is instead built primarily for the purpose of changing the feel of a bed. Mattress pads offer a line of defense for a mattress, but they dont fully encase it on all sides like a mattress protector.

Each of these products serves a different core need. If your focus is maximum protection against spills and allergens, a mattress encasement is the strongest fit. If your focus is on maximum change to the feel of the mattress, a topper is ideal. If you want something that falls in between, defending the mattress while lightly changing its feel, then a mattress pad is a compelling choice.

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More Mattress Topper Shopping Tips

With mattress toppers, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, so here are factors to consider when shopping for your most comfortable mattress topper:

• Thickness: A good topper should be at least two inches, but a thicker option will offer more support, especially when it comes to foam toppers. If youre just looking for a small upgrade, opt for a thinner model.
• Softness: If your mattress is too firm, adding a down or fiberfill topper can give you plush comfort so it won’t feel as hard.
• Support: If you’re feeling pain when you wake up, adding a foam topper can increase firmness or give you pressure relief around your joints.
• Temperature regulation: Some mattresses can cause night sweats because they trap heat around your body, so you can opt for a topper with cooling features.
• Care: Many mattress toppers aren’t washable, especially ones made of foam. If this matters to you, check for one that you can launder in a washing machine.
• Certifications: To make sure there are no harmful levels of chemicals in foam materials, look for labels like CertiPUR-US. For down toppers, check for the Responsible Down Standard , which ensures the ducks and geese receive humane treatment.

What Is A Mattress Pad

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A mattress pad is a layer of fabric that goes between the mattress and a fitted sheet.

There are two principal uses of a mattress pad:

• Making the sleeping surface more comfortable. In most cases, a mattress pad provides added softness, but it can also boost comfort through its cooling or heating properties or with a cozy pillow-top.
• Providing a line of defense against damage to the mattress. By placing a layer on top of the mattress, a pad can offer protection against spills and the collection of dust and allergens. Some pads have waterproof layers for more complete protection, but not all mattress pads are designed to be impermeable.

In contrast to a mattress pad, a mattress topper is thicker and used principally to adjust the feel of a mattress. A mattress encasement, sometimes called a mattress protector, goes all the way around a mattress with a zippered enclosure and is almost always waterproof.

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Honorable Mention: Nest Bedding Cooling Topper

Nest

Material: Energex Foam | Height: 2 inches | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Certifications: CertiPUR-US | Return Policy: 30 days

• Not the best value

While it didnt beat the other foam toppers in testing, wed still recommend the Nest Bedding Cooling Topper, which could help to provide more cushioning on a too-firm mattress. Its made from the brands proprietary foam, and our testers liked its soft and squishy texture. It also has an attractive design and is made in the US using CertiPUR-US certified foam.

This topper had a very slight odor after unboxing, and it was a tad too short for the mattress. Because its only 2 inches thick, we were able to detect objects placed underneath the surface, and it also got quite warm during testing. Overall, its not a bad choice for those looking to make a firm mattress more comfortable, but its a bit pricey compared to other comparable options.

Phoebe Cheong / The Spruce

After extensive testing, we’re confident that the Saatva Mattress Topper would be a great fit for most people. It’s extremely supportive and made of thoughtful materials that are designed to last a lifetime. For something a little cheaper, the LUCID Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper is cushy and supportive. We liked its airy feel, which is achieved thanks to dozens of ventilation holes in the foam.

Other Good Mattress Toppers

If you prefer wool and want good temperature regulationbut are ok with less support: The Deluxe Wool Mattress Pad from Woolroom is a great option. Its 2-3 inches thick and, unlike our other picks, it comes with an elastic skirt as part of the design, so it stays in place. We also appreciated the companys dedication to using ethically sourced and traceable wool. Like most wool toppers, it offers less support than foam or down, but it does an excellent job at staying both cool and warm when neededand it still added noticeable cushioning to our very firm guest sofa bed. We plan on testing Woolrooms loftier Wooly Topper to see if it can provide the support this one lacked.

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Or A Personal Cooling Pad Your Partner Can Continue Enjoying The Mattress As

The pad is made from a cooling gel that doesn’t require water, electricity, or refrigeration to retain its chill temp.

Promising review: “This mat is crazy cool! I’ve been suffering through hot flashes every night, waking me up several times. I got it yesterday and put it under my fitted sheet hoping for a miracle. It worked! I immediately laid down on it and actually got chilly enough to use a blanket. Fell sound asleep and woke up seven hours later. My first full night sleep in a year. Since I laid it body length, I’m going to order another for the rest of my queen bed and one for my couch. If you’re on the fence, just get it. Way less expensive than those water cooling systems and takes no electricity. JUST DO IT!” Ayla

Get it from Amazon for $79.98 .

For more, check out these hot sleeper products if you want to stay cool!

Keep Your Bed Fresher

A mattress topper also helps you keep your bed fresher and your mattress in better condition. The mattress topper absorbs moist and sweat from your body instead of letting it sink into the mattress. The topper is then easy to clean, you can easily take it out of bed and air the whole thing. Some of our mattress toppers also have covers that can be removed and machine washed, making them even easier to keep clean and fresh.

If you like eating or drinking in bed and are worried about spilling, wed recommend you get a mattress protector. They are easy to machine wash and you can put them on top of both a mattress topper or directly on the mattress

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A Gusseted Topper It’s Disguised As A Mattress Pad So Everything Stays Strictly In Place No Matter What You Get Up To In Bed

Yes, the topper sits *inside* the included down-alternative mattress pad, which then has a gusset aka the the sides that you pull down to tuck under the mattress, like on a fitted sheet. That cover also adds a pillow-y soft feel!

Promising review: “Excellent mattress pad with extra foam cushion. Came in a bigger package then expected since I bought the thinnest one, but did the trick in reviving my older full mattress. The sides of this pad are nice and thick and cradle well under the mattress to keep in place. Overall, so much better than just a plain mattress pad. Excellent quality and worth it!” Christian P. Haynes

Get it from Amazon for $94+ .

How To Use A Mattress Topper

As the name implies, a mattress topper sits right on top of your mattress. Some have straps that you can anchor onto your mattress, whereas others solely lie on top. If you use a mattress pad or protector to keep your mattress safe from spills or wear and tear, you can add them over your mattress topper as well.

Keep in mind, a mattress topper can add several inches to your bed’s height. Make sure to buy sheets that will fit your mattress and its topper, especially if you have a tall mattress to begin with.

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What Type Of Mattress Topper Is Best

It depends on what you’re looking for i.e., whether you’d like your mattress topper to provide more firmness and support, or if you need to soften up your bed. Here are the main types of toppers you can choose from:

• Memory foam mattress toppers: These are the most popular because they can add support, comfort and pressure-relief to any mattress. There’s also a wide range of price points in this category, and it’s your best bet if you’re looking for an affordable pick under $100 to spruce up a temporary bed. You’ll also find variations of memory foam, like ones infused with gel or graphite to help prevent overheating from the foam.
• Latex mattress toppers: Unlike memory foam that’s made from petroleum, latex is a natural foam that’s made from rubber trees. It’s typically more expensive, but it’s durable, more resilient and has more bounce than traditional foam.
• Pillow-top mattress toppers: If your bed feels too hard and you want to add cloud-like softness, a topper made of down or fiberfill is your best bet: 100% down or down featherbeds are the most luxurious and fluffiest, while fiberfill made of polyester is less expensive and animal free.
• Hybrid mattress toppers: These typically include a layer of foam with a pillow-top cover so you get the pressure relief and support combined with plush softness. You can also find hybrids that use memory foam clusters and fiberfill in the blend these feel more like a featherbed with extra support.

Saatva Latex Mattress Topper

A springy and breathable topper with a cotton cover that will suit hot sleepers

The Saatva latex mattress topper was the first latex topper I bought when I moved to the United States. It had just the right balance of support and comfort, and it was still going strong after three years before I eventually made room to test other mattress toppers.

As a side sleeper, I need good support for my hips and shoulders in particular, which are usually the first to complain if a mattress or mattress topper is too firm. Im also a perennially hot sleeper, so I was very impressed by how little heat retention this latex topper had compared to the memory foam toppers Id tried.

If youve never slept on a latex topper before, its hard to describe the difference in how it feels compared to memory foam. For me, its the comfortable springiness that stands out. It conforms to the shape of your body like memory foam, but it feels like youre cushioned rather than simply sinking in.

The fact that its only 1.5 inches thick and still managed to support my body well, absorbing a lot of pressure in the key areas where my weight needs extra support, says a lot.

Here are the key points to consider:

The Saatva is an impressive mattress topper. Its constructed and finished to a high standard with excellent materials and provides effective support for the entire length of your body.

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