Your mattress topper should be thick enough to provide some pressure relief, yet thin enough to slot neatly between your mattress and your fitted sheet. You're looking for a topper that's thick enough to change the look and feel of your mattress, but not so thick that you end up squashed against the ceiling.
Most mattress toppers measure somewhere between two and four inches thick. How thick your mattress topper should be depends on the current state of your mattress, as well as different facets of your sleep style, from how you lie on the bed to whether you run hot or cold.
With these decision-making factors in mind, I asked an expert panel of physical therapists and bedding designers to explain how thick your mattress topper should be. To save you time and money, I've combed through our back catalog of reviews to bring you a selection of the best mattress toppers for every style of sleeper.
How thick should my mattress topper be?
Before we begin, it always helps to define our terms. I asked Byron Golub (Vice President of Product and Merchandising at Saatva) to tell us more about mattress toppers and explain why mattress topper thickness matters.
Does mattress topper thickness matter?
'Topper thickness plays an essential role in comfortable, quality sleep, especially for sleepers suffering with underlying health conditions,' says Byron. 'For example, a thicker topper on the firmer side will be better for back pain, as it should provide good support and promote proper spinal alignment.'
Byron believes that 'the primary purpose of the mattress topper is to offer additional comfort to the sleeper. A top-quality topper can prolong the life of an old mattress, reduce motion transfer, and help to regulate temperature if you sleep too hot or cold for a fraction of the price of the best mattress.'
As H&G's resident Sleep Editor, I lead a team of expert testers in the search to find the world's best mattress topper. Together, we've tested 12 models, ranging from plush pillow tops to high-density foam models. As a general rule, the thicker the topper, the softer it feels.
In my experience, a two-inch topper is more suitable for new mattresses and anyone in need of firm support; a three-inch topper is suitable for all sleep positions and anyone who wants to soften up their old mattress; while a four-inch topper is best for side sleepers who like extra cushioning.
How to choose the right mattress topper thickness
Sleep positions
Your sleep positions − whether you tend to lie on your stomach, back or side − impact your spinal alignment and inform how firm or soft a mattress feels to you.
- Side sleepers: 'When you sleep on your side, you're putting extra pressure on your hips and shoulders,' says Andrew Buchan, Director at Strictly Beds & Bunks. 'Choosing a thicker topper, around four inches, keeps your spine aligned and prevents those pressure points from becoming a problem.'
- Back sleepers: 'When you lie on your back, you need a careful balance between cushioning and support,' says Andrew. 'Aim for a topper that's two to three inches thick. This offers comfort without letting you sink so deeply into the surface of the topper that you throw your spine out of alignment.'
- Stomach sleepers: 'If you lie on your stomach, you want a topper that's thin and firm to create consistent support and stop your spine from arching,' says Andrew. 'Stick to two inches.'
The current state of your mattress
If you've bought your mattress within the past few years, and you only want to alter the look and feel, then a two-inch topper should be sufficient. If you've had your mattress for more than seven years, and it's showing signs of wear and tear, then you probably need something thicker. 'For a noticeable improvement on a truly tired bed, opt for a topper between three and four inches thick,' says Andrew.
Your aches and pains
I asked Dr. Kevin Lees ,The Joint Chiropractic, whether a thin mattress topper could alleviate aches and pains. He doesn't think so: 'A thin mattress topper likely won't change the support of the mattress much, though it might be an option if the person is looking for a layer to add breathability.'
'If the idea is to enhance support or add extra cushion for hips and shoulders, shoppers should look for a mattress topper that's at least three inches thick'.
Mattress topper materials
There are three major mattress topper types: memory foam; latex; and feather and down. The material composition of each topper type informs the mattress firmness and influences how thick the topper needs to be to make a difference to the feel of your mattress.
High-density memory foam and Dunlop latex feel solid and supportive. A two-inch topper in either of those materials could toughen up a soft, sagging mattress. Talalay latex feels springy and responsive, while feather and down feels plush. Three or four inches of either of those materials could soften up a firm, inflexible mattress.
This organic latex mattress topper is just two inches thick. It couldn't soften up an old bed, but it's just the right consistency to support your spine.
Read the full review: Earthfoam Mattress Topper
The Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper offers something for everyone. Three inches thick with medium-firm support to suit all sleepers, it's a great pressure reliever.
Read the full review: Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper
This organic mattress topper comes in two heights (two inches and three inches) and two comfort levels (plush and firm) so you can choose the thickness and firmness that suits you.
Read the full review: Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper
FAQs
Is a mattress topper worth it?
As a temporary solution, absolutely. The right mattress topper can transform the look and feel of your bed, keeping your body cool and your spine straight, for a fraction of the price of a new bed. You could buy a mattress topper for your guest bed, while the best mattress topper for dorm beds would make a safe bet for college students.
If you've had your mattress for seven years or more, and it's showing visible signs of aging, then it might be time to weigh up the pros and cons of a mattress topper vs new mattress.
Which is the best mattress topper?
For my money, the best mattress topper is the Tempur-Adapt Tempur-Topper. It hits that sweet spot between comfort and support to suit all sleep styles. Then again, it might not be the best mattress topper for your sleep needs.
If you're a hot sleeper, you might appreciate a cooling topper, such as the ViscoSoft Active Cooling Mattress Topper. People who suffer from back pain should consider a memory foam mattress topper: I rate the Coop Retreat Mattress Topper to alleviate aches.
Our verdict
Your mattress topper should be no less than two and no more than four inches thick: exactly where yours should fall within that range depends on your sleep style, the current condition of your mattress, and any underlying health conditions.
As a general rule, I'd recommend a thick mattress topper for side sleepers (between three and four inches); a thinner one for stomach sleepers (around two inches); and about three inches for back sleepers. A thicker topper isn't always the answer. Too thick, and your fitted sheet might not fit anymore: then, you'll have to invest in a new set of the best bed sheets.
