A mattress topper can be one of the simplest ways to change how your bed feels without replacing your entire mattress. Depending on the material and design, a topper can add cushioning, increase pressure relief, create a more responsive surface, or help you sleep cooler.

But the best mattress topper isn't necessarily the thickest, softest, or most feature-packed option. The right choice depends on what you want to change about your current mattress, along with your sleep position and preferred feel.

At Nolah, we offer foam, latex, microcoil, and cooling mattress toppers because different sleepers have different needs. In this guide, we'll explain what to consider when shopping for a mattress topper and how to choose the right material and firmness for your bed.

What Is a Mattress Topper?

A mattress topper is a removable mattress accessory that sits directly on top of your mattress and underneath your fitted sheet. Unlike a mattress protector, which primarily shields the mattress from spills and wear, a topper is designed to noticeably change the feel of your sleep surface.

Mattress toppers can be made from foam, latex, microcoils, down, down alternatives, wool, or combinations of materials. Solid foam and microcoil models generally provide more structure and support than loose-fill toppers.

Depending on the design, adding a topper can help:

• Add cushioning to a mattress that feels too firm
• Create more pressure relief around the shoulders and hips
• Add responsiveness and easier movement
• Provide additional support and structure
• Improve temperature regulation
• Reduce motion transfer
• Refresh the feel of an otherwise comfortable mattress

However, a topper isn't a substitute for a mattress that's structurally worn out. If your mattress is sagging, deeply indented, damaged, or no longer providing adequate support, it's usually better to replace the mattress rather than try to correct the problem with a topper. Our blog "Mattress Toppers: When to Buy and What to Look For" can help you identify if a mattress topper will help your situation or if it's time for a new bed. 

How to Choose the Best Mattress Topper for You (And Your Current Mattress) 

Before comparing materials or features, start with one simple question: What do you want your mattress topper to change?

A sleeper who wants extra cushioning has different needs from someone who sleeps hot or wants a more responsive surface. Identifying your main goal makes it much easier to narrow down your options.

With this end goal in mind, consider the following mattress topper attributes, additional features, and your sleep style and preferences. 

1. Mattress Topper Materials

Material has a major influence on how a topper feels and performs.

Foam generally provides deeper contouring, while latex feels springier and more buoyant. Microcoil toppers introduce responsive coils for added adaptability and structure. With any of these mattress topper types, additional cooling infusions or cover materials can provide active cooling, moisture-wicking action, or breathability. 

2. Your Sleep Position

Your sleeping position can help determine how much cushioning and support you need.

• Side sleepers often benefit from a softer, contouring topper that cushions the shoulders and hips.
• Back sleepers typically need balanced cushioning and support without excessive sinking around the midsection.
• Stomach sleepers generally benefit from a firmer surface that helps prevent the hips from sinking too deeply.
• Combination sleepers may prefer responsive materials like latex or microcoils that make changing positions easier.

Body weight and personal preference also affect how a topper feels, so sleep position should be treated as a helpful starting point rather than a strict rule.

3. The Right Firmness

A mattress topper can help fine-tune the firmness of your existing bed.

If your mattress feels too firm, a softer topper can add cushioning and contouring. If it feels slightly too soft, a firmer topper can provide more resistance and structure.

For example, the Nolah Mattress Topper comes in Plush and Luxury Firm. Plush provides softer cushioning, while Luxury Firm creates a more supportive surface.

Remember that a firm topper can adjust surface comfort, but it can't totally correct sagging or inadequate support deep within an aging mattress.

4. Mattress Topper Thickness

A thicker mattress topper generally creates a more noticeable change in your sleep surface, while a thinner topper provides a subtler adjustment.

However, thickness shouldn't be considered by itself. Two toppers of the same thickness can feel completely different depending on whether they're made from foam, latex, or coils.

Instead of automatically choosing the thickest option, consider thickness alongside material, firmness, and construction.

5. Pressure Relief

Pressure relief is particularly important for side sleepers and anyone whose current mattress feels uncomfortable around the shoulders or hips.

Foam is popular for pressure relief because it contours around the body and distributes weight across the sleep surface. Latex offers a different approach. It cushions pressure points but responds more quickly to movement, creating a more buoyant sensation rather than a deep foam hug.

6. Cooling and Breathability

If you regularly sleep hot, look beyond general "cooling" claims and consider how the topper manages heat.

Latex has an open, breathable structure, while microcoil systems create space for airflow. Foam toppers may incorporate cooling covers and other temperature-regulating materials.

The AirFoam® Luxe Mattress Topper, for example, is available with a GlacioTex™ cooling cover for sleepers who want foam cushioning with additional cooling at the sleep surface.

7. Responsiveness

Responsiveness describes how quickly a topper adjusts when you move.

Foam tends to emphasize contouring, while latex quickly springs back into shape. Microcoils can also create a responsive surface because individual coils compress independently as you change positions.

If you frequently switch between your side, back, and stomach, a responsive topper can make movement feel easier.

8. Motion Isolation

Couples may also want to consider how well a topper absorbs movement.

Foam is particularly useful for motion isolation because it can absorb movement before it travels across the bed. More responsive materials, such as latex, may transfer somewhat more movement in exchange for their buoyant feel.

Neither characteristic is inherently better. Consider whether minimizing partner disturbance or maximizing responsiveness matters more to you.

9. Fit and Security 

Finally, make sure your topper is compatible with your mattress size and height. Adding a topper increases the overall height of your bed, so your fitted sheets also need enough pocket depth for both layers.

Features such as elastic corner straps can help keep the topper securely positioned throughout the night.

Best Mattress Toppers at Nolahs

Once you've narrowed down your preferred material and feel, you can match those priorities with the right Nolah topper.

Best Cooling Mattress Topper: AirFoam® Luxe Mattress Topper With GlacioTex™ Cover

The AirFoam® Luxe Mattress Topper with the GlacioTex™ cover option is our pick for sleepers who want cushioning and pressure relief with additional temperature regulation.

Luxurious AirFoam® Luxe contours to the body and redistributes weight, while the GlacioTex™ cover creates a cool-to-the-touch sleep surface.

Best For: Hot sleepers who want cooling performance with the contouring comfort of foam.

Best Foam Mattress Topper: Nolah Mattress Topper

Our Nolah Mattress Topper is a versatile option for shoppers who prefer the contouring feel of foam.

Its AirFoam® construction provides pressure relief and motion isolation, and you can choose between Plush and Luxury Firm depending on whether you want softer cushioning or firmer support.

Best For: Sleepers who want pressure relief, motion isolation, and a choice of firmness.

Best Microcoil Mattress Topper: Nolah Microcoil Mattress Topper

The Nolah Microcoil Mattress Topper combines foam with individually wrapped microcoils for a more responsive, adaptable sleep surface.

The microcoil construction provides a distinctly different feel from traditional all-foam toppers, making it a good fit for sleepers who enjoy the responsiveness of a hybrid mattress.

Best For: Combination sleepers and anyone who wants a responsive, supportive, hybrid-like feel.

Best Latex Mattress Topper: Nolah Latex Mattress Topper

Our Nolah Latex Mattress Topper is a responsive alternative to conventional foam.

Latex cushions the body while quickly bouncing back as you move. Its breathable construction also encourages airflow, making it well suited to sleepers who prioritize responsiveness and temperature neutrality.

Best For: Sleepers who want breathable pressure relief with a buoyant, responsive feel.

Conclusion: Which Mattress Topper Is Best for You?

The best mattress topper ultimately depends on what you want to change about your current bed.

Choose foam if you prioritize cushioning, pressure relief, and motion isolation. Consider latex if you prefer a breathable, responsive surface. Microcoils are a good fit for sleepers seeking a more adaptive, hybrid-like feel, while dedicated cooling features can help those who tend to sleep hot.

Rather than choosing based on a single specification, consider material, firmness, thickness, cooling, and responsiveness together. When your mattress still provides good underlying support, the right topper can be a practical way to fine-tune your bed for more comfortable sleep.

Disclaimer: Nolah does not provide medical advice. All resources on the Nolah blog, including this article, are informational only and do not replace professional medical counsel. Talk to your doctor about any health, mental health, or sleep-related issues.