Casper’s Mattress Topper is not quite as nice as the brand’s mattresses—I currently sleep on a Casper Hybrid that is the best mattress I’ve ever slept on—but it is a good choice if you’re shopping for an affordable option for guest beds or twin XL dorm mattresses. The memory foam is available in 2- or 3-inch thicknesses. We tested the 2-inch option on a twin-sized guest bed. It didn’t radically change the feeling of the mattress the way other toppers on this list did, but it did slightly improve overall comfort. It’s also airy, so it shouldn’t cause overheating.
How we picked
Trust us
I’ve been testing and reviewing products professionally since 2017, including sheets, sleep tech and mattresses. I also have a history of tossing and turning at night, struggling with back pain, overheating and overall, not getting great sleep.
I consulted sleep professionals about sleep health and what qualities to consider for an optimal sleep surface: Dr. Ashtaad Dalal, an Arlington, Va.-based doctor of sleep medicine and president of the DC Sleep Society; Dr. Saema Tahir, a New York City-based doctor who specializes in sleep medicine, pulmonary disease and critical care medicine; and Dr. Jennifer Namazy, a San Diego, Calif.-based allergist and immunologist and fellow of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
We tested
We researched more than 40 mattress toppers from 15 brands, narrowing our list down to eight of the most promising options that offered a range of firmness levels and extra features, such as cooling covers and copper coils. We eliminated toppers without covers and those not available in a range of bed sizes, as well as brands that didn’t offer returns.
We tested seven of the mattress toppers made from memory foam, latex and fiber fill (also referred to as down alternative) on a 2-year-old, medium-firm king-size hybrid mattress, and one foam topper on a new medium-soft twin-size hybrid mattress. Here are some factors that were considered during testing:
- Comfort: I slept on each mattress topper for three or four nights with my husband. We noted how comfortable each one was immediately after getting in, and compared our thoughts again each morning. At the end of the test period, we took note of how comfortably we slept and if we felt sore or stiff when we woke up.
- Available options: Some toppers are available in one firmness level and thickness, while others offer different plushness and sizes.
- Materials: Many of the toppers we tested meet health and environment certification standards from various independent organizations.
- If it stayed in place during the night: It doesn’t matter how comfortable a topper is; if it shifts around, it will disturb your sleep. Many, but not all, of the toppers we tested include corner straps to secure it to the mattress.
- Trials: It’s hard to know exactly what type of topper will work for you until you sleep on one. We considered brands that offer trials so you can return a topper if it isn’t right for you.
The best surface for each sleep position
Mattress toppers are made from different materials and available in different firmness levels, from ultrasoft to something closer to a plank of wood. The best surface for any individual tends to be a matter of personal preference, but there is some medical advice to consider.
Both of the sleep doctors we consulted agreed that medium firmness tends to be, well, a happy medium. “Overall, medium-firm mattresses tend to perform best for most people because they provide balanced pressure distribution, reduce nighttime awakenings and support more deep sleep,” says Tahir.
Your sleeping position can also help determine which type of mattress topper you should choose. “Side sleepers often do better with a medium to medium-soft surface that cushions pressure points,” says Dalal. “Back sleepers usually benefit from medium to medium-firm support that maintains neutral spine alignment.” And if you’re a stomach sleeper? You may find medium-firm mattress toppers to be the most comfortable (I did). However, “stomach sleeping is generally least favorable for spinal health and breathing,” Dalal says.
There are plenty of toppers that provide support and a sleep surface on the softer side, including the Coop topper included in this list. But be careful of going too soft. “Extremely soft mattresses can feel luxurious initially, but for some people they allow too much sinking, which can compromise spinal alignment and contribute to back or hip pain,” Dalal adds.
Our experts
- Dr. Ashtaad Dalal, doctor of family and sleep medicine in Arlington, Va. and president of the DC Sleep Society
- Dr. Saema Tahir, quadruple board-certified physician who specializes in sleep medicine, pulmonary disease and critical care medicine in New York City
- Dr. Jennifer Namazy, allergist and immunologist in San Diego, Calif., and fellow of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
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