How Much Should I Spend on a Mattress Topper? 

If you've been using your mattress for over 5 years and already notice unevenness and indentations on the surface, mattress toppers can help you squeeze more years out of it before you buy a new one. There's a wide variety of mattress toppers available, from luxury options to budget mattress toppers. Purchasing a quality topper is an excellent investment as it encourages a good sleep routine and gives sleepers many years of use. 

However, how much should you spend on a mattress topper?

How much a specific mattress topper model costs depends on various factors, including its materials, construction, dimensions, and whether you buy it from a retailer or the manufacturer. But for shoppers, two vital elements make the most significant difference in how much you'll spend on a new mattress topper. 

In this definitive guide, we'll walk you through the average mattress topper prices, the factors that influence the prices, and how you can find a high-quality topper at a fair price. 

Mattress Topper Price Guide: What Affects the Price of a Mattress Topper?

With so many alternatives available, shopping for a new mattress topper can seem overwhelming. Fortunately, defining your budget can help you narrow down your options. 

Depending on the brand and model, mattress toppers can cost anywhere between a few dollars to the upper hundreds and thousands. It's easy to see why this might leave shoppers asking, " Why are some brands worth $400+?"

Before you buy mattress toppers, you should understand what goes into their cost. Some driving points behind this wide price range include materials, special features like extra thickness, and durability.

Mattress toppers are a necessity in many households. They can directly impact your overall health and sleep quality. While their purpose remains the same, the research and technology behind a mattress topper, its density, and the massive demand for good quality products contribute to rising prices.

Beyond this, shipping and delivery for a topper and purchasing in-store often add to the sticker price of a new mattress topper. 

Understanding the various factors influencing mattress topper pricing will help you stick to your budget without sacrificing quality and comfort. 

The following elements contribute to a mattress topper's sticker price. 

Mattress Topper Size

Generally, larger mattress toppers need more materials and time to design. So naturally, the bigger your topper, the more it costs. And for the same model mattress topper, the price difference between the largest and smallest size is often over $100. 

Mattress Topper Type 

Each mattress topper type uses unique materials and needs a different manufacturing procedure. As a result, the price tag can vary drastically across mattress topper types, even for the same size topper. Later in this guide, we'll dig deeper into each mattress topper type and how much you should expect to pay for it. 

In-store vs. Online

In the past few years, the online mattress topper industry has boomed. It's faster and easier than ever to order toppers online and have them delivered to your door. 

Purchasing a mattress topper online usually comes with significant savings. For instance, online brands often have lower overhead costs, thus bringing down topper prices. What's more, it's cheaper to buy mattress toppers directly from the manufacturer than from retailers who have to mark up the prices to turn profits.

Shipping, Sleep Trials, and Warranties

Many online mattress topper brands include free shipping, a warranty, and an at-home sleep trial with your purchase. The conditions and length of these services can significantly influence the overall price of your topper. That said, if you're comparing two toppers of comparable price, consider what other benefits are included. 

Things to Be Wary of for Toppers Priced Under $100

Just because a mattress topper is more expensive than others doesn't mean it's better quality. While most brands have luxury options for shoppers who desire top-of-the-line toppers, the best mattress topper for your needs and preferences might be on the cheaper or budget side. And there's totally nothing wrong with a bargain.

However, there are some things you need to be wary of for cheap mattress toppers, especially those priced under $100, as we'll discuss below. 

Poor Quality Materials 

It goes without saying that you always receive what you pay for, and the overall quality of the materials used to make your mattress topper is no exception to that rule. 

Some cheaper mattress toppers use lesser quality materials which won't last as long as good quality ones. For example, cheaper foam toppers will lose shape and get softer faster than top-quality foam mattress toppers. 

Buying a cheap mattress topper with poor-quality materials will most often result in spending more money in the long run because of its short life cycle. For instance, a $20 mattress topper may last only 1 to 2 years without any problems before losing its shape, while a $500 mattress topper may last over 5 years. 

Health Risks Associated with Poor Sleep Quality

Ever heard of the saying - you can never put a price tag on your sleep? This can't be further from the truth when choosing your mattress topper. Those who choose to stick to low-quality toppers throughout their lifetime often end up suffering the consequences, especially when it comes to their overall health.

Most mattress toppers priced under $100 often don't retain their original shape and sag much faster during their lifespan, thus causing you to suffer from conditions like neck, muscle, and back pain. This is primarily due to insufficient body support caused by cheap, low-quality mattress toppers. 

Over time, this can cause pressure in your joints and other sensitive body parts, which often results in unwanted medical issues, especially in your senior years when your body is more fragile and needs extra care. That said, going with a better quality topper will ultimately lead to a better life quality without putting you at high risk of health issues.

Growth of Bugs and Dust Mites

Generally, chemical-infused mattress toppers produce fungus and bacteria in and around your topper, causing sleep issues. What's more, your sweat and other dust particles on the surface attract bugs and make them unbearable. Therefore, if you're planning to buy a cheap mattress topper, it surely needs a re-consideration. 

How Much Should I Spend on a Budget Topper?

A budget mattress topper is the most affordable alternative as it's made of basic materials. Depending on the size and the make of your topper, you can expect to pay between $50 and $200 for a budget topper. 

Choosing a low-cost mattress topper may be the best alternative when working on a small budget. The good news is that affordable toppers can still offer good comfort and support if you conduct your research and choose a quality budget mattress topper. 

For instance, the Puffy Mattress Topper is a good example of a budget-friendly topper that offers excellent pressure relief, body contouring, and support at an affordable price. 

How Much Should I Pay for a Mid-range Mattress Topper?

A mid-range mattress topper will cost between $100 and $300 and will usually feature a pocket spring, all-foam, or hybrid construction.

Mid-range mattress toppers are made of better materials than budget toppers. However, they're more affordable than premium and luxury topper brands. If you're looking for a mid-range mattress topper, you may want to check out the Nolah Topper.

Considered the best memory foam mattress topper by many sleepers, this durable and pressure-relieving topper transforms any sleep surface with an extra layer of support and comfort. It contours to the sleeper's curves and redistributes body weight, taking stress off the joints and pressure points while keeping the spine aligned. 

How Much Should I Pay for a luxury Mattress Topper?

Luxury mattress toppers are usually in the $300 to $400+ price range and are made of high-end materials. Most premium toppers are made of natural latex and fibers such as silk, horse hair, and cashmere. 

Buying luxury mattress toppers is a worthwhile investment as they're designed with the best quality in mind and constructed to last a lifetime. Remember, you spend nearly half of your lifetime in bed, so it's always wise to invest in a premium topper that will encourage and support restorative sleep. 

The PlushBeds Natural Latex Topper is a luxury topper made of premium natural materials that offer optimal comfort and support while you sleep. It epitomizes everything sleepers enjoy about latex sleep surfaces. Other benefits of this plush mattress topper include good responsiveness to keep you on an even plane, excellent airflow, and easy movement, especially when getting in and out of bed.

Note that: Just because a mattress topper is expensive doesn't mean it's the right product for you. We've reviewed plenty of "luxury" toppers that we don't think are worth the money. That's why it's always wise to research vital factors like the material and warranty/trial information before making a purchase decision. 

Average Cost By Mattress Topper Type 

In addition to size, mattress topper type plays a pivotal role in determining how much a topper costs. Remember, every topper material carries different merits and demerits related to durability, temperature neutrality, pressure relief, and other performance areas. 

In this section, we'll break down the major differences between the most common mattress topper types and the average price for each. 

Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Memory foam toppers are perfect alternatives if you prefer to sink into your sleep surface. Memory foam is well-known for conforming closely to the sleeper's body to evenly distribute weight across the topper and keep the hips, spine, and shoulders aligned. That's why many side sleepers prefer memory foam mattress toppers. 

This material also isolates motion transfer and doesn't produce any noise, making it an excellent option for co-sleepers and couples. Although memory foam tends to trap body heat, a memory foam mattress topper can be infused with copper, graphite, gel, and other materials to help your bed maintain a comfortable temperature. 

The average Queen-size memory foam topper costs between $400 and $200. Remember, a higher sticker price doesn't necessarily mean your topper is superior to its affordable counterparts. In fact, some top-quality Queen-size memory foam mattress toppers cost less than $150. 

Latex Toppers

Latex mattress toppers are known for their responsiveness, exceptional durability, breathability, and pressure relief. Natural latex is a premium material that costs more than memory foam. The average latex topper costs between $300 and $800 in a Queen size. However, eco-conscious sleepers love that it's long-lasting, sustainably sourced, and hypoallergenic. 

Stomach and back sleepers who need more support may find latex toppers more comfortable than memory foam models. And when ventilated with small holes, a latex topper also sleeps very cool compared to memory foam toppers. 

Polyfoam Toppers

Polyfoam conforms to the sleeper's body but not as closely as memory foam. It also feels a bit more responsive. Polyfoam toppers may be a suitable fit if you want a perfect balance of surface-level bounciness and contouring. Many polyfoam mattress toppers in the market today are convoluted with ridged surfaces - these models are also called egg-crate toppers. They're among the most affordable toppers, with some models costing as little as $20. 

Other Materials

Memory foam, latex, and polyfoam are the most popular models, but they aren't your only options. For instance, a topper made of down and feathers might be your best alternative if you prefer ultra-plush surfaces that are also highly breathable. However, you'll have to prepare to deal with their hefty price tags, as some models cost as high as $1,500.

Wool and feather toppers, on the other hand, can be advantageous as they offer insulation during colder months and cooling and moisture-wicking during summer and when the temperatures rise. however, it's worth noting that feather toppers tend to aggravate those with allergies. Lastly, most mattress toppers padded with polyester fibers provide adequate cushioning at a very pocket-friendly price. 

It's also worth distinguishing between toppers and pillow-top or Euro-top covers. Pillow tops are layers of padding sewn into your sleep surface, leaving a small gap separating them from your bed's comfort layer. Euro-tops are also sewn into the surface, but their edges are flush with your mattress' comfort layer, creating a more uniform appearance. 

While euro-tops and pillow-tops offer the same comfort and cushioning adjustment as standard toppers, they're typically offered as customization alternatives for a new mattress. They are not sold separately as an additional layer. 

What to Consider When Buying a Mattress Topper

Generally, mattress toppers serve two crucial functions: adjusting the feel of your sleep surface to make it firmer or softer and protecting your mattress from long-term wear and tear. There's a wide selection of mattress toppers in today's market that vary by thickness, material, price point, firmness, and overall performance. The best mattress topper for you will depend on your personal needs and preferences. 

Below are the most important factors to consider before you buy a mattress topper.

Feel

When you nestle under your blanket to sleep, what do you want your sleep surface to feel like? Some sleepers want to use a mattress topper to make their bed softer. Others prefer to sleep on a responsive and bouncy firm mattress to easily shift positions at night. Knowing this vital piece of information can help you narrow down your search.

Sleep Position

If you're a side sleeper, chances are you'll feel comfortable on a soft memory foam topper that cushions your shoulders and hips to align your spine and minimize pressure points. Back sleepers usually need a firmer and more balanced feel. This ensures even support and comfortable conforming with minimal sagging around your waist and torso. For a stomach sleeper, a firm mattress topper should provide extra reinforcement between the hips and shoulders to prevent too much sinkage. 

Firmness

The firmness level is strongly tied to body type and sleeping position. If you weigh less than 130 pounds and sleep on your side, you'll likely prefer a softer mattress topper feel. Sleepers weighing 130 and 230 pounds, irrespective of sleep position, may be satisfied with a mid-level firmness. Sleepers who weigh over 230 pounds and sleep on their stomach or back should consider a firmer mattress topper with stronger overall support. 

Materials

Certain mattress topper materials are associated with stronger performance in different categories and longer lifespans than others. These include natural wool, premium down, ventilated latex, and high-density memory foam. While quality materials can drive up the price point by a significant margin, your topper will provide better long-term value than models made from lesser components. Before you settle on a certain material, you should also consider your current health. For instance, if you suffer from joint or back pain, a memory foam mattress topper can help improve your sleep comfort.

Thickness

Toppers usually measure from 1 to 3 inches thick. Since mattress toppers are placed directly on the sleep surface, you're adding 1 to 3 inches to the mattress' overall profile. If you use a firm mattress that's already thick, then a high-profile mattress topper may make your bed feel too tall. This can, in turn, make shifting in bed and getting in and out of bed during the night more difficult. On the other hand, thin toppers may not adjust the firmness level of thin mattresses as well as thicker toppers can. 

Related Content: Mattress pad vs topper

Cooling Properties

Like mattresses, some mattress toppers retain body heat hence sleep somewhat warmer than other models. For example, polyfoam, non-ventilated latex, and memory foam often bottle in more heat than other topper materials like down, feathers, and wool. Natural wool, open-cell foam, and ventilated latex are some of the materials that can make the best cooling mattress topper.

Remember, topper softness can also play a crucial role in temperature regulation. For instance, if you sink too deeply into the sleep surface, this can restrict surface airflow, thus making you feel too warm. 

Price

A new mattress topper may cost more than $500 or less than $100, but most high-quality toppers are priced between $150 and $450. As mentioned earlier, factors that can drive up your topper's sticker price include thickness, material composition, and whether or not the topper has received certifications for organic materials. Plus, some topper brands come with steeper price points than others. Fibre and corrugated polyfoam toppers tend to be the most affordable, foam and latex toppers tend to fall on the average price range, and high-quality down toppers are often the most expensive.

Closing Thoughts 

Your mattress topper shopping experience should be unique to your specific sleep needs. Now that you know the average price ranges for different mattress toppers, decide what works best with your budget. After that, figure out what mattress topper you need for your sleeping positions and preferences.

Then, do thorough research to determine if a topper is a perfect fit for you. Keep in mind that you don't have to spend thousands of dollars on a mattress topper. If you know where and how to shop, you can find a fantastic pocket-friendly option with as good enough quality as $500 or $1000+ premium mattress toppers.