The best mattress toppers you need for a good night’s sleep

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We spend about a third of our lives in bed, so it’s worthwhile to make yours as comfortable as possible. According to the 2020 Canadian Community Health Survey, 77 per cent of Canadian adults ages 18 to 64 meet the recommended sleep duration times of seven to nine hours of sleep, averaging 7.9 hours a night. That number falls to just 55 per cent for Canadians aged 65 and older  — meaning there’s plenty of room for improvement when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. 

While a new mattress may spring to mind as the best way to upgrade your bedtime routine, it’s not always the most affordable option. Instead, you may want to consider adding a mattress topper to your bed, which can help increase the lifespan of a new mattress or improve the quality of sleep you’re getting with your existing one. Depending on your needs, they can change the firmness, cushioning, breathability, motion isolation, springiness, temperature or level of support you feel. 

Whether you’re looking for a way to make a dorm mattress more comfortable, need some extra support in bed or are just looking for a less expensive alternative to a brand-new mattress, there are plenty of mattress toppers on the market to choose from. Keep reading for all the details on seven options that are worth adding to cart. 

Best overall: Sleep Mantra Pillow Top Mattress Topper Best sustainable and responsibly sourced materials: Silk & Snow Organic Mattress Topper Best cooling mattress topper: Lucid Zoned Memory Foam Cooling Mattress Topper Best memory foam mattress topper: Casper Comfy Mattress Topper Best hypoallergenic mattress topper: Niagara Sleep Solution Bamboo Mattress Topper Best down mattress topper: Linen Chest White Down & Feather Mattress Topper Best mattress topper for kids: WhatsBedding Waterproof Mattress Best affordable mattress topper: Spa Sensations by Zinus 2″ Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Best for: Adding plush comfort to tired mattresses Options: Shop it in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King and California King sizes Thickness: 3” Key features: Double-walled design adds a comfortable plush layer to tired mattresses

This quilted mattress topper checks all the boxes: it’s machine washable, has a deep pocket that fits even the thickest mattresses and offers pillow-top comfort to support you while you sleep. It’s made with a 100 per cent cotton exterior and soft down alternative filling, for a comfortable feel without the potential allergens of down. Unlike memory foam mattresses that can trap heat and leave you feeling warm at night, this breathable mattress topper also keeps you cool — plus it has a deep gusseted pocket to help secure this mattress topper in place even if you toss and turn while you sleep. 

Fine print: Equipped with an all-around elastic skirt, this mattress topper offers a tight fit that stays in place. Price: From $103 (currently on sale for $83) Where to buy: Amazon

Best sustainable and responsibly sourced materials: Silk & Snow Organic Mattress Topper

Options: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King and California King in medium and firm Thickness: 2″ Key features: Comes with removable, washable organic cotton cover

Silk & Snow champions the use of ecologically and responsibly sourced materials in its products. But just because it uses Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified organic cotton in its cover and Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) certified organic latex in its mattress toppers doesn’t mean it sacrifices anything when it comes to comfort.  We tried the medium king mattress topper on top of an older, too-firm mattress and it dramatically improved the comfort level of the bed and provided a cooler sleep. Heads up: There’s nothing to help keep the topper in place and we found that it slipped out of place at least a little bit each night, requiring it to be repositioned on a regular basis.   

Fine print: The removable cover features a sateen weave with a thread count of 300 making it very soft and smooth.  Price: From $256.50 Where to buy: Silk and Snow 

Best for: Hot sleepers Options: Available in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King and California King sizes. Also available with a soothing lavender scent Thickness: 2” or 3” Key features: Designed with five targeted zones for support throughout the body

This memory foam mattress topper is infused with cooling gel – making it a must-have for those who are prone to tossing and turning at night due to overheating. It’s designed with five zones targeted to reduce pressure at the head, shoulders, hips, knees and feet, each with a uniquely textured feel. Depending on the level of support that you’re looking for, you can choose from 2” or 3” thicknesses, as well as a lavender scent if you’d like an extra dose of relaxation. With all the options, it’s no wonder that this Lucid mattress topper has racked up more than 40,000 five-star reviews from Amazon shoppers. 

Fine print: Gel infusion regulates body temperature, providing a cooler sleep temperature than traditional memory foam Price: From $54 Where to buy: Amazon

Best for: Adding firm support to soft or aging mattresses Options: Available in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King and California King sizes Thickness: 3” Key features: Topper has two memory foam layers and a washable exterior made from a blend of recycled polyester and cotton. 

If a brand-new mattress is out of the question, this Casper mattress topper could be the way to go. Like the brand’s iconic mattresses in a box, their Comfy Mattress Topper uses the same memory foam technology to provide comfort and support while you sleep. It combines a plush and responsive top layer with supportive AirScape perforated memory foam that circulates heat away from your body while you sleep. A quilted knit cover stretches comfortably over your mattress topper, and can easily be washed when it comes time for a deep clean. We love the Casper Haven Bed Frame, too.

Fine print: Foam is CertiPUR-US certified and made without ozone-depleting chemicals or phthalates. Price: From $199 Where to buy: Casper | Amazon

Best for: Allergy sufferers Options: Available in Twin, Full, Queen and King sizes Thickness:  2”, 3” or 4” Key features: A removable hypoallergenic cover is easy to wash, cutting down on trapped allergens

Anyone who suffers from allergies knows that dirt, dust or pet hair trapped in fabrics can wreak havoc on your immune system while you sleep. Frequently washing your bedding is one way to cut down on exposure to allergens, and this BedStory mattress topper has a removable knit cover that helps keep it fresh. It also has adjustable elastic bands to keep the topper secured to the mattress and a dense memory foam interior that cuts down on motion transfer while you sleep. 

Fine print: Foam infused with cooling gel prevents overheating and draws heat away. Price: From $123 Where to buy: Amazon

Best for: A plush, luxurious sleep Thickness: 3” Options: Comes in Twin, Double, Queen and King sizes Key features: 75 per cent white duck down filling provides an ultra-soft feel

Ready to doze off in luxury? Then you’ll want to add this plush feather mattress topper to your home. Its base is filled with white duck feathers and baffle box compartments for support, and a separate Down Touch top filled with white down locked into sew-through box construction for added comfort. The soft down interior contours to your body, gently cushioning pressure points like your shoulders and hips, allowing your body to relax into a comfortable night’s sleep.

Fine print: Quilted baffle-box construction eliminates shifting of the feathers Price: From $340 Where to buy: Linen Chest

Best for: Waterproof protection Options: Shop it in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King and California King sizes Thickness: 16″ Key features: Waterproof lining protects mattresses against spills or accidents

This pillow top mattress topper is a must-have for those with kids or pets, as it features a TPU waterproof lining that protects your mattress against nighttime accidents and is easily washable. The plush upper layer is made from a soft cotton blend, while a down alternative microfiber fill adds extra cushioning and support. Suitable for use on mattresses up to 21” deep, this topper stays secured in place with an elasticated pocket design.

Fine print: Natural cotton top with TPU waterproof material bottom Price: From $50 Where to buy: Amazon

Best for: Budget-conscious shoppers Options: Twin/Single, Full/Double, Queen and King sizes Thickness: 2” Key features: Classic egg-carton texture adds support to this memory foam topper

For a mattress topper that doesn’t break the bank but still provides extra comfort and support where you need it, look to this one from the brand Zinus. It’s made with cooling gel memory foam that has an egg-carton texture for support and improved airflow. At two inches thick this mattress topper is on the thinner side, but could be a great option for those less-used spaces like the cottage, RV or camper. 

Fine print: Made with green tea extract and castor plant oil to eliminate odour-causing bacteria. Price: From $40 Where to buy: Walmart | Amazon

Looking for more sleep accessories? Check out our guide to the best sheets, mattresses, pillows, duvets and weighted blankets for a fabulous sleep experience.

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