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If you’re not happy with how your bed feels, you can add a mattress topper to make it softer or firmer. A soft mattress topper will instantly add a layer of plushness to your bed. It can also help protect your current mattress from wear and tear and potentially prolong its lifespan. As an added benefit, a topper is typically just a fraction of the cost of buying a new mattress.

Mattress toppers can vary widely when it comes to their materials, price, thickness, and firmness. We’ll help you navigate between different models and give you key points of comparison so that you know what to look for when shopping for a soft mattress topper.

In-Depth Reviews

The Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper is a thick foam topper that should please most fans of soft toppers. The pressure relief and deep body hug are standout features.

  • Pros

    1. All-foam design offers excellent pressure relief

    2. Foam absorbs motion to minimize transfer of movement across surface

    3. 3-inch profile drastically adjusts comfort level on mattress

  • Cons

    1. Foam is prone to heat retention

    2. Noticeable off-gassing right after unboxing

Price

$295

Material

1″ graphite-infused memory foam, 2″ memory foam

Firmness

Medium Soft (4)

The Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper is an all-foam topper with an exceptionally soft feel. The memory foam design caters to sleepers seeking a topper that cradles the body closely and cushions surfaces of overly firm beds.

The topper measures 3 inches thick, which is a higher profile than some competing toppers on the market. It begins with an inch of memory foam, which is known for its close contouring. This is followed by 2 inches of polyfoam, which contours to the body but also has a slightly firmer feel to prevent excessive sinkage. The topper has an overall medium soft (4) feel that was especially comfortable to sleepers up to 230 pounds when we tested the topper.

The foam excels at absorbing movement, so we noticed minimal motion transfer when two testers lay on the topper at the same time. While foam is known for trapping heat, the graphite infusion in the memory foam layer helps reduce some of the heat retention. The cover is made of GOTS-certified organic cotton, which has natural breathability that further helps promote cooling.

Each of the corners is equipped with an elastic anchor band that allows the topper to remain in place on top of your mattress without shifting or sliding. Six sizes are available for the topper ranging from twin to king and California king.

Your purchase includes free shipping if you reside in the contiguous U.S., as well as a 180-night sleep trial and 1-year warranty.

The PlushBeds Natural Latex Topper comes in an impressive array of firmness options, several of which offer a remarkably soft feel. With so many options to choose from, you can pick the model that best suits your sleep position and personal preferences.

  • Pros

    1. All-latex design balances support and cradling

    2. Cotton and latex offer natural cooling properties

    3. Available in multiple soft firmness options

  • Cons

    1. Not suitable for sleepers with a latex allergy

    2. Responsive surface may not appeal to sleepers who prefer the deep hug of foam

Price

$445

Material

2-3″ natural Talalay latex

Firmness

Soft (3), Medium Soft (4), Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Extra Firm (8)

The PlushBeds Natural Latex Topper is an all-latex model that comes in five different firmness levels, but the “soft” option stands out for its luxurious comfort.

The topper is composed of 100% Talalay latex that balances cushioning and bounce. The soft option rates 3 on our 10-point firmness scale, giving it exceptional plushness with a slightly responsive feel. The topper contours closely to your body and relieves pressure in areas such as the shoulders, hips, and spine. Sleepers who wake up with achy joints due to pressure buildup will benefit from this pressure relief.

Shoppers can pick between a 2-inch or 3-inch model. While both provide strong cushioning, the thicker topper will adjust the feel of your mattress more significantly. Latex is a naturally breathable topper material, and the perforated design further promotes cooling to help hot sleepers sleep comfortably. For an additional fee, you may add a GOTS-certified organic cotton cover.

The topper is not eligible for returns due to the personal nature of the product, but it does come with a 5-year warranty. PlushBeds offers free shipping to addresses in the contiguous U.S.

Measuring nearly 4 inches thick, the Helix GlacioTex Premium Mattress Topper – Luxury Plush delivers close contouring and cradling to significantly alter how your mattress feels. Our tests show this version of the topper is well suited to side sleepers, especially those who weigh 230 pounds or less.

  • Pros

    1. Adaptive foam and microcoils ensure deep contouring and cushioning

    2. Cooling GlacioTex cover helps offset heat retention

    3. Corner straps secure the topper to your sleep surface

  • Cons

    1. People over 230 pounds may need more support

    2. Strong off-gassing odor for the first few nights

Price

$499

Material

1.5″ polyfoam, .75″ microcoils, 1.5″ high-density polyfoam

Firmness

Medium Soft (4)

Your ideal sleep surface largely depends on which sleep position you primarily use. If you’re a side sleeper, chances are you’ll prefer deep contouring and cushioning around the shoulders and hips. The Helix GlacioTex Premium Mattress Topper – Luxury Plush features three individual layers, including adaptive foam on top to cradle your sore spots and a microcoil middle layer to push back against your weight and keep your body on an even plane. Since the topper measures 3.75 inches tall, it’s a great option if your mattress has become too firm or rigid over time.

The cover is made of GlacioTex, a specialty cooling fabric engineered to dissipate body heat on contact and feel cool to the touch at all times. This can be especially handy if you’re a hot sleeper, as the material effectively offsets heat retention from the foam layers. Steady airflow through the coil layer also helps ensure excellent thermoregulation.

We’ve rated the Luxury Plush as medium soft (4). Side sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds and back sleepers under 130 pounds should find this topper comfortable. Those who weigh more, as well as stomach sleepers, should consider the Luxury Firm (6) version of the topper — this design offers more support and won’t compress too much when bearing weight.

The GlacioTex Premium Mattress Topper – Luxury Plush is fairly expensive, but Helix offers free ground shipping for all orders in the contiguous U.S. and a generous sleep trial running 100 nights in length. If you decide to keep the topper after the trial concludes, your purchase is further covered under a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.

The Brooklyn Bedding TitanFlex Mattress Topper offers standout pressure relief and cushioning at a much lower price-point than some other foam toppers we’ve tested in our lab. You can also choose between two cover fabrics, which is not always an option with toppers — especially ones in this price range.

  • Pros

    1. Proprietary polyfoam offers pressure relief without excessive body hug

    2. Choice of two cover options

    3. Below-average price-point

  • Cons

    1. Does not attach to the bed, which may result in the topper shifting at night

    2. Foam may produce some off-gassing at first

Price

$224

Material

3″ TitanFlex polyfoam

Firmness

Soft (3)

Soft mattress toppers made of traditional memory foam tend to be somewhat expensive. The Brooklyn Bedding TitanFlex Mattress Topper uses a proprietary polyfoam that gently contours to the body, resulting in decent pressure relief without too much sink. If you’re shopping on a limited budget and you don’t care for the “hug” of traditional memory foam, this topper checks both boxes. Three firmness levels are available, and we’re spotlighting the soft (3) model for its deep, adaptive cushioning.

TitanFlex’s responsive feel mimics that of latex, so you’ll notice a light bounce when you get into bed. This can help you move across your mattress without feeling stuck — another common issue with memory foam. At 3 inches thick, the topper should improve the comfort level of any mattress, even older models with deep indentations that affect how comfortable the surface feels.

You can choose from two covers for your topper. The organic cotton cover is soft and naturally breathable, whereas the circular-knit cover feels smooth and cool to the touch. Both can effectively offset heat retention, so either way the topper is a solid choice for hot sleepers. You may remove and machine wash the cover whenever it needs to be cleaned. Although the circular-knit cover drives up the price-point a bit more, the topper is reasonably priced regardless of which fabric you choose.

Seven sizes are available, including six that correspond with standard mattress dimensions and a short queen designed for RV owners. Brooklyn Bedding covers ground shipping costs for customers in the contiguous U.S., and each order comes with a 30-night sleep trial. Returns are free of charge during the trial period. If you decide to keep your TitanFlex Mattress Topper, you’ll also receive a 3-year warranty against structural defects.

If pressure relief is a high priority in your search for a topper, the Nolah Mattress Topper is a solid all-foam option. Available in two firmness options, the softer model is exceptionally soft and deeply cushions sensitive pressure points.

  • Pros

    1. Polyfoam design offers deep cradling

    2. 2-inch thickness moderately adjusts bed surface

    3. Elastic straps help secure topper to the mattress

  • Cons

    1. Elastic strap only fits beds 10 to 15 inches thick

    2. Customer is responsible for return shipping

Price

$399

Material

2″ AirFoam polyfoam

Firmness

Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6)

Mattresses can become firmer and less adaptive with age, resulting in less contouring and a higher potential for uncomfortable pressure buildup. A soft topper can help ensure adequate pressure relief and less soreness when you wake up in the morning. The Nolah Mattress Topper contains proprietary AirFoam, an open-cell material that cushions and conforms to the body much like memory foam, but without hugging too tightly or absorbing excess heat. Two firmness levels are available, including the “Plush” design that rates as medium firm, or a 4 on our 10-point firmness scale.

Our testing shows the topper provides excellent pressure relief for side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds. If you use these positions and weigh more or sleep on your stomach, the medium firm (6) topper should provide enough support. Back and stomach sleepers on our team who weigh less than 130 pounds also found the topper comfortable. The AirFoam absorbs movement well, so the topper should be suitable for couples who use a responsive mattress and frequently lose sleep due to movement-related disruptions.

A cover made of breathable organic cotton encases the foam for added softness and cooling. Each corner is equipped with a thick elastic strap to secure the topper and prevent shifting when you change sleep positions or toss and turn. The straps can accommodate any mattress measuring 10 to 15 inches thick. You can elect to not use the straps if your mattress is shorter or taller.

Nolah offers free ground delivery throughout the contiguous U.S. Your order includes a sleep trial that runs for 30 nights. Should you decide to keep the Nolah Mattress Topper after the trial concludes, you’ll receive a manufacturer’s warranty that covers material defects for up to 10 years after the point of purchase.

The PlushBeds Natural Wool Mattress Topper has a luxuriously plush feel, thanks to the 100% wool fill. Between the moisture-wicking wool design and breathable cotton cover, this topper is a great option for sleepers who overheat easily at night.

  • Pros

    1. All-wool fill is luxuriously plush

    2. Wool offers natural cooling and moisture-wicking properties

    3. Organic cotton cover with sateen weave has a smooth, silky feel

  • Cons

    1. Expensive price tag

    2. Topper is not eligible for returns

Price

$999

Material

100% wool

Firmness

Medium Soft (4)

PlushBeds has earned a reputation for sleep products that are both luxurious and sustainably produced. The Natural Wool Mattress Topper nicely checks both boxes. The fill consists of natural virgin wool, a material prized for its supreme softness and moisture-wicking abilities, while the shell is made of smooth, breathable organic cotton. We highly recommend this topper if you’re hoping to significantly soften the feel of your current mattress.

The topper is hand-tufted and quilted with large baffles to contain and evenly distribute the fill, so you shouldn’t need to fluff too frequently. While the wool is quite plush, it’s also somewhat responsive and creates a springy feel when you get into bed — this prevents you from sinking too much and helps you move across your mattress more easily.

The cotton cover has earned certification from the Global Organic Textile Standard, a leading authority for verifying sustainably sourced fabrics. A Sustainable Wool certification also ensures humane and ethical animal treatment. These credentials provide peace of mind for eco- and animal-conscious individuals.

Six sizes are available, all of which correspond with standard mattress dimensions. The topper weighs up to 24 pounds, so it is somewhat heavy and should stay in place while you sleep. It is not machine-washable. Spot clean with a soft brush, and hang in direct sunlight to refresh the materials and recover the loft.

Although the Natural Wool Topper is expensive, the durable design should hold up well over time and prove to be a solid long-term investment. PlushBeds offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. All sales are final, so you may not return the topper at any point, but your purchase is covered under a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Soft toppers can sometimes trap excessive heat, due to a closer body hug, but the Birch Organic Mattress Topper is made with latex, wool, and cotton — all of which offer standout cooling properties. This naturally breathable design goes a long way toward keeping you at a nice, neutral temperature.

  • Pros

    1. Latex, wool, and cotton offer natural cooling properties

    2. Responsive latex and plush wool offer an even balance of cushioning and support

    3. Cotton is GOTS-certified organic

  • Cons

    1. Topper is not well suited for people with an allergy to latex

    2. Above-average pricing

Price

$499

Material

3″ Talalay Latex

Firmness

Medium (5)

The Birch Organic Mattress Topper is a luxury option that softens the sleep surface with natural materials. This 3-inch topper is composed of an organic cotton cover, organic Birch wool, and natural Talalay latex. The result is a supportive topper that rates around 5 on the 10-point firmness scale.

The layer of Talalay latex provides a fairly soft sleep surface and moderate contouring. Although latex doesn’t have quite the same body-hugging feel as memory foam, it generally offers more support and should perform better for sleepers who weigh over 230 pounds. It also adds durability to the topper.

Overall, our sleep testers found that the Birch topper performed well across the board. The topper sleeps exceptionally cool due to the breathable layers of organic wool and latex, as well as the organic cotton cover. The latex gives this topper a somewhat responsive feel, but motion transfer shouldn’t be a major issue. Due to its responsive and conforming latex layer, the topper should be suitable for couples who prefer a balance of springiness and traction for sex. The topper is also virtually silent when bearing weight.

The Birch Organic Mattress Topper comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year limited warranty.

The Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt Topper offers the excellent cradling that TEMPUR foam is known for, but it’s also dense enough to avoid too much sinkage in the lumbar area. This is a perfect design for keeping back pain at bay.

  • Pros

    1. TEMPUR memory foam is adaptive without sacrificing too much support

    2. Strong motion isolation due to all-foam design

    3. 3-inch thickness offers drastic adjustment to your bed surface

  • Cons

    1. Topper is not eligible for returns

    2. Foam is likely to trap heat

Price

$419

Material

3″ TEMPUR Memory Foam

Firmness

Medium (5)

Tempur-Pedic was one of the first companies to use memory foam in their sleep products, recognizing its pressure-relieving benefits. The TEMPUR-Topper Supreme is a standout memory foam mattress topper that cushions the spine and cradles your body. This topper in particular has a medium feel that contours effectively without sinking excessively, making it an excellent choice for sleepers with back pain. Shoppers should note this model has a luxury price-point, but it’s well-made and highly durable.

This topper also boasts excellent isolation motion. Couples who wake each other when shifting sleeping positions may find relief by adding this topper to their current mattress. The foam effectively stops motion where it starts, preventing movement from disturbing your partner on the other side of the bed.

At 3 inches thick, the TEMPUR-Topper Supreme will significantly soften the feel of the mattress underneath. Those looking for less contouring may want to consider a thinner model. While this topper’s memory foam may trap more body heat than foam that’s less dense, its temperature regulation should be adequate for all but the hottest sleepers.

A washable cover protects the topper from general wear and tear. Free shipping is available to shoppers in the contiguous U.S. and Tempur-Pedic backs this product with a generous 10-year warranty.

The Pacific Coast Heritage Baffle Box Featherbed is luxuriously plush, with attractive baffle-box stitching to make sure the feather fill is evenly distributed. The topper adds instant softness to your mattress, and the price-point is reasonable compared to other toppers we’ve tested.

  • Pros

    1. Feather fill is plush and lofty

    2. Breathable cotton shell

    3. Approachable price-point

  • Cons

    1. May only be dry cleaned

    2. Feather fill may trigger allergies in some sleepers

Price

$140

Material

Hyperclean Resilia Feathers

Firmness

Soft (3)

The Pacific Coast Heritage Baffle Box Featherbed features feathers in a baffle box construction to provide a luxuriously soft and lofty feel reminiscent of hotel bedding. The baffle boxes also help evenly distribute feathers and prevent them from clumping near your feet. With a soft (3) feel, this is one of the plushest mattress toppers we’ve tested.

A shell made from breathable cotton encases the featherbed. Barrier Weave fabric and white corded trim along the perimeter prevent feathers from poking through and escaping. Pacific Coast washes the Resilia feathers eight times to remove any dust and other potential allergens. This makes it a great choice for people with feather allergies who like the feel of a featherbed. The company also backs the topper with an “allergy-free” guarantee, where you can return it if it triggers allergy symptoms at any point.

Owners should only spot clean the topper and dry clean for larger messes. Five sizes are available: twin, full, queen, king, and California king. Shipping is free on all orders over $99, which includes every size of the featherbed. Baffle Box Featherbed purchases come with a 30-night sleep trial and a 3-year warranty.

How to Choose a Soft Mattress Topper

A mattress topper is an additional layer of material, usually 1 to 4 inches thick, that rests on top of your mattress. This bedding accessory can help modify the firmness level of your sleep surface. Soft mattress toppers offer an extra layer of comfort to soften your current mattress. We’ll discuss the most important factors that you need to consider when shopping for a mattress topper.

What to Consider When Purchasing a Soft Mattress Topper

If you’re not sure what to look for, searching for a new mattress topper can be overwhelming. It doesn’t help that bedding companies often use misleading marketing jargon when describing their products. This can add to the confusion and distract shoppers from the factors that are most important.

Since each sleeper will have different needs and preferences, there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to selecting a mattress topper. That said, most shoppers will want to consider several factors prior to making a purchase. We’ll break down price, firmness, quality of materials, and other considerations to help you find the right fit.

Price
Purchasing a mattress topper is often more affordable than buying a new mattress altogether. Setting your budget will help you narrow down the list of possible brands and models to consider. Mattress topper prices will vary based on the topper’s materials and construction, but soft toppers can be found at a wide range of price-points.

Sleeping Position
Although often overlooked, your sleeping position is one of the most important factors to take into consideration when shopping for a mattress topper. Even if you’re certain that you need a soft topper, your sleep style will still dictate just how soft your sleep surface should be. You’ll also need to keep in mind the firmness of your current mattress.

Side sleepers often need a softer, more conforming sleep surface, due to the added pressure that this position puts on the shoulders and hips. Back sleepers are likely to benefit from a medium to medium firm surface, while stomach sleepers tend to prefer a firm surface to help keep the hips and spine aligned.

Quality Materials
A topper’s materials will have a significant impact on its softness and how it performs. The softest toppers tend to be pillow-tops featuring lofty materials such as down, feathers, or polyester microfiber fill. These materials can flatten over time, but high-quality fill and construction can help improve a soft topper’s durability.

If you want a topper with the added benefit of pressure relief, memory foam and polyfoam toppers often conform to the shape of the body to cushion the hips and shoulders. Latex toppers are durable, but often lack the deep contouring of memory foam toppers.

Cooling Properties
If you tend to sleep hot, you may want to consider a cooling mattress topper. Since soft mattress toppers often conform closely, they can restrict airflow around the body. Materials like memory foam are particularly susceptible to heat buildup, but some foam mattress toppers incorporate gel infusions or phase change material engineered to offset any heat retention.  Natural materials such as latex and wool may help regulate your body temperature during the night.

Firmness Level
The right level of firmness for a mattress topper will largely depend on your personal preferences. However, if your current mattress feels too firm with minimal contouring and no sinkage, you’ll likely benefit from a soft mattress topper. A topper rated soft (2 to 3) or medium soft (4) will provide a more plush sleep surface, often with better contouring.

Thickness
Mattress toppers tend to be between 1 and 4 inches thick. The thicker the topper, the more it will change the feel of your current mattress. A thinner mattress topper will offer sleepers some cushioning without significantly altering the feel of their existing mattress. Thicker toppers are ideal for sleepers who want to make more substantial changes to their sleep surface, particularly in terms of firmness, pressure relief, and motion isolation.

Pressure Relief
Pressure relief refers to how well a topper cradles the contours of your body to alleviate pressure in areas such as the hips and shoulders. Memory foam toppers typically offer sleepers significant pressure relief, though latex and polyfoam models are also worth considering.

Which Type of Mattress Topper Should I Choose?

Mattress toppers come in a wide variety of sizes, materials, and firmnesses options. To find the right mattress topper for you, you’ll need to consider your unique comfort preferences, body weight, and preferred sleeping position. The material you choose will have a significant impact on your topper’s comfort. We’ll break down potential benefits and drawbacks to consider for each type of mattress topper.

Memory Foam
Memory foam is a specially formulated material originally designed by NASA. It’s highly contouring for excellent pressure relief. Memory foam is often used in soft mattress toppers, as it responds to both heat and weight to conform closely. However, it is known to trap body heat. If you tend to sleep hot but enjoy the feel of memory foam, look for cooling toppers with features that are intended to fight heat buildup, such as gel-infusions, open-cell technology, or phase change material.

Polyfoam
Polyfoam is a versatile type of foam commonly used in mattress toppers. Higher density polyfoam often provides a firmer sleep surface, but there are plenty of soft polyfoam mattress toppers on the market. Lower density polyfoam tends to be softer, but may be more susceptible to deep impressions over time.

Latex 
Natural latex provides contouring and pressure relief, with top-notch temperature regulation and durability. Latex toppers tend to be more supportive than memory foam models, and they will not feel as soft as down or down alternative toppers.

Pillow-Top
Pillow-top mattress toppers often provide a soft sleep surface for your bed. Made with materials such as feathers, down, or polyester fiberfill, pillow-tops have a lofty, cloudlike feel that’s similar to a pillow. Pillow-top mattress toppers are often soft and breathable, but many tend to lack pressure relief and durability.

Wool
Wool is another natural option. Although less common, wool toppers are quite soft while being fairly temperature neutral. The breathability of wool makes it particularly suitable for hot sleepers, as well as for year-round use.

Frequently Asked Questions About Soft Mattress Toppers

What is a plush mattress topper?

On the 10-point firmness scale, a plush mattress topper typically rates between soft (2) and medium soft (4). The more plush or soft a mattress topper is, the more you will feel as if you’re sinking into the sleep surface. This can add cushioning to an otherwise firm mattress.

What is a pillow-top mattress topper?

A pillow-top mattress topper is a soft type of topper featuring plush material and a gusseted design. This type of topper typically uses lofty material such as down, feathers, or polyester microfiber. As the name suggests, the loft adds a pillow-like softness to your sleep surface.

Which types of mattress toppers are the softest?

Pillow-top mattress toppers tend to be the softest, but bedding companies can also formulate memory foam and polyfoam materials to be quite soft. Commonly featured in pillow-top mattress toppers, fibrous materials such as down and down alternative create a lofty sleep surface that feels similar to a pillow. This loft gives the sensation that you’re sinking into your bed.

Foam-based mattress toppers offer softness coupled with excellent pressure relief, a feature that pillow-top mattress toppers generally lack. Foam toppers can vary in firmness, but most models are designed to soften the sleep surface.

Can a mattress topper fix a bed that feels too firm?

If you find that your current bed is too firm, mattress toppers offer an inexpensive way to soften your sleep surface without needing to buy an entirely new mattress. Toppers are typically 1 to 4 inches thick, providing enough material to modify the firmness of your current mattress. Selecting a topper that is softer than your existing mattress can help your mattress feel less firm.

Still have questions?

Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market.

Send an email to [email protected] with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

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