Mattress toppers are a great way to enhance the comfort of your bed and improve your quality of sleep. If you are thinking of purchasing a mattress topper, you should know that there are many different types that all have their pros and cons depending on what outcome you are looking for and how you intend to use it.
The 10 types of mattress toppers are:
- Cooling
- Memory Foam
- Feather
- Waterproof
- Egg-Crate
- Heated
- Latex
- Cotton
- Hypoallergenic
- Wool
Here is a helpful guide about the 10 different types of mattress toppers you can choose from for a better night’s sleep, along with what makes them each so great and why you might want to use them!
Toppers vs Pads
Oftentimes the terms “mattress topper” and “mattress pad” are used interchangeably. However there is a clear distinction between the two and the purpose they each serve.
Toppers are used to improve mattress comfort and provide that extra layer of support and thus changing the firmness of your own mattress.
Pads are used to protect a mattress and provide a thin layer of support, oftentimes placed over a topper.
Now that we have cleared up that important distinction, let’s go ahead and compare each of the 10 different types toppers and pads you can choose from.
Cooling Mattress Toppers
Difficulty regulating your body temperature can lead you to have a poor night’s sleep. One way to combat this problem is by getting a cooling mattress topper, which come in different makes and varieties depending on how much coolness you are looking for.
Also check out our Best Cooling Mattress Topper page.
While some are just made using cooling material (which is enough for some people, but not cool enough for others), some cooling mattress pads have full out water-cooling systems built-in. These are more expensive but also more powerful in terms of cooling capability.
Who Uses It/Best For: People who live on hot weather and people who suffer from hot flashes and night sweats during their sleep.
Pros
- Helps improve sleep by regulating body temperature
Cons
- Can be expensive
Memory Foam Topper
Memory foam mattress pads are a popular option for people who want extra comfort when they are sleeping. Memory foam mattress pads can be moderately expensive but they are supportive and durable, if they are taken care of.
Who Uses It/Best For: People who suffer from pain and are looking for relief
Pros
- Forms to the shape of your body and supports the spine and the body’s natural curves
Cons
- Usually needs to be hand washed
- Can retain heat
- Sometimes it has a funny smell when you first buy it
Feather Mattress Toppers
Another option when it comes to mattress toppers is the feather-filled variety. Feather mattress toppers are also mid-way in the spectrum when it comes to pricing and are known for their soft and luxurious feeling. You may need to fluff your mattress topper up from time to time if you want it to remain just as comfortable as it was when you first purchased it.
Who Uses It/Best For: People who want to soften a hard mattress
Pros
- Soft and comfortable
- Good temperature regulation
Cons
- Less supportive
- Can flatten out over time
Waterproof Mattress Protector
Replacing mattresses can be expensive, which is why sometimes it is a good idea to purchase a waterproof mattress protector. Waterproof mattress protectors often slip over your existing mattress to keep as much covered as possible. While these mattress pads may make the bed a little bit warmer when you sleep, they are great for cleaning and allergy protection.
Who Uses It/Best For: Parents, kids, pet owners and the elderly.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Easy to clean
- Allergy protection
Cons
- Warmer bed
Egg Crate Mattress Topper
Egg crate mattress toppers are used for a number of reasons, from comfort to convenience. These toppers refer to the egg-crate shape, which faces towards the ceiling and gives comfort to the sleeper.
The best egg crate mattress toppers can come in different materials, including lightweight and easy to store memory foam. These can be placed on your bed at home or easily transported for camping and other trips.
Who Uses It/Best For: Anyone – good for families and camping trips.
Pros
- Affordable
- Comfortable
Cons
- Don’t last too long
- Can start to fall apart after repeated use
Heated Mattress Pads
Heated mattress pads can be a little more expensive but they are worth it for people who always complain that they are cold at night.
Luckily, if you use your heated mattress pad a lot you can save money in return by lowering the temperature of your house at night while your mattress pad keeps you warm in bed. These mattress pads come with safety features that also help save energy, like turning off after ten hours.
Who Uses It/Best For: People who are cold at night and want to save energy.
Pros
- Save money in long-term by reducing heat in the house
- Warm and comfortable
Cons
- Expensive
- Harder to clean safely
Latex Mattress Topper
Latex mattress toppers are one of the more expensive options available but they are worth it in terms of comfort, durability, and support.
These mattress toppers come with lots of benefits. For example, they are anti-microbial, good for people with allergies and perfect for couples because the latex material reduces movement in the bed when one person shifts in their sleep.
Who Uses It/Best For: People with pain, people with allergies and couples where one person moves in their sleep a lot.
Pros:
- Comfortable and forms to shape of your body
- Clean
- Durable
Cons
- More expensive
Hypoallergenic Mattress Pads or Topper
Hypoallergenic mattress toppers not only protect and extend the life of our mattress, they also protect us from allergens that can affect our health and stop us from getting a good night’s sleep. Hypoallergenic mattress covers should be made of durable materials that can be cleaned often.
These types of mattress covers can be used for multiple purposes like keeping bugs away from your mattress, stopping spills, and protecting from dust mites, plus they are relatively easy to remove, clean and take care of.
Who Uses It/Best For: People with allergies, families.
Pros
- Protects your mattress and keeps it clean
- Easy to remove and wash
- Durable
Cons
- Needs to be washed frequently
Cotton Topper
Cotton mattress toppers are available in different forms, from simple and cheap to high-end and expensive. While some cotton toppers can be inexpensive, going with one that costs a little more or is made with a different material might be more worth your money.
Who Uses It/Best For: Everyone, hot sleepers.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Don’t keep their shape for very long
- Can wear out easily
Wool Topper
Wool mattress toppers can be a little bit more expensive, but they have their benefits. When it comes to mattress toppers, wool is durable and comfortable to sleep on. It is also a good material when it comes to regulating your temperature while you sleep, making sure you don’t get too hot or cold at night.
Who Uses It/Best For: Anyone
Pros
- Good for regulating temperature
- Durable
- Comfortable
Cons
- Can be expensive
- Less cushioning
So what types of mattress topper should you choose?
As you can see, there are many different kinds of mattress toppers to choose from. Your decision needs to include considerations about your budget when it comes to choosing something that will last. You also need to keep in mind the reason that you want to buy the topper in the first place when you are looking for the best option for your unique situation.