Softest Mattress Topper - Memory Foam, Pillow Top & More
Last Updated: April, 2024 | This Post May Contain Affiliate Links
If you're having trouble sleeping at night because your mattress is too firm, adding a soft mattress topper could help you sleep better. Besides adjusting the firmness of your bed, it can help you regulate your body temperature and even keep allergens at bay while you sleep.
Mattress toppers that provide a plush, cloud-like feel appeal to many sleepers. Generally, individuals who weigh less than 130lbs often feel most comfortable on soft toppers because they cushion and contour the body. The same can be said for side sleepers, as this position usually needs extra cushioning for the hips and shoulders to ensure less pressure along the spine and even alignment.
So, if you fall in this category and you'd like to enhance the feel of your aging mattress without having to purchase a new one, it might be time to invest in a plush mattress topper.
Our team brings years of expertise and experience to our hands-on mattress topper testing. While we focused on toppers with soft feels for our list below, all our top picks excel in specific areas that make them stand above the competition.
A Quick Glance : 5 Softest Mattress Toppers
GhostBed Memory Foam Mattress Topper - Best Overall
The GhostBed Memory Foam Mattress Topper comes with a soft and supportive design that makes for a durable and ultra-comfortable topper for all body types. It performs exceptionally well across the board for its cooling, comfort, and pressure-relieving properties.
Lift by Amerisleep Mattress Topper (Comfort Option) – Most Comfortable
With its full-body hug and deep cushioning, the comfort option of the Lift by Amerisleep Mattress Topper is a solid choice for individuals who love the memory foam feel. It pairs memory foam’s contouring comfort with cooling technology to offer sleepers a plush and pressure-relieving surface that resists overheating.
Puffy Mattress Topper (Soft Option) – Best Pressure Relief
Designed to relieve joint pressure, align your spine, and eliminate muscle tension, the Puffy Mattress Topper is made for lightweight sleepers struggling with pressure point pain.
PlushBeds Cooling Gel Memory Foam Topper - Best Cooling
The Cooling Gel Memory Foam Toppers from PlushBeds want your mattress to be the comfortable oasis you've dreamed of. Made with cooling gel-infused memory foam, PlushBeds' climate-beneficial foam topper will keep you sweat-free throughout the hot months. Naturally hypoallergenic and dust-resistant, this mattress topper is also an A+ alternative for sensitive sleepers.
PlushBeds Down Alternative Mattress Topper - Best for Side Sleepers
If you often sleep on your side and want to add cushiony comfort to your mattress, this vegan down alternative topper might be your holy grail. It's filled with silky soft and ultra-fine microfiber to give you that full, fluffy feeling of down, but in a vegan alternative.
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Summary
Fans of memory foam mattress toppers have a plethora of options to choose from when hunting for a soft topper, but the GhostBed topper stands out from the competition for its quality of construction, balance of support and contouring, and approachable mattress topper price point. The topper is made of a unique channeled pattern and a 3-inch gel foam layer. It boasts five distinct firmness zones that deliver added support for heavier body sections and help to prevent sagging or sinking.
Most soft mattress toppers underperform when it comes to temperature regulation because closer contouring often means more body heat retention. The GhostBed mattress topper is infused with cooling gel to cool off the interior. A breathable, moisture-wicking cover made of proprietary Ghost Ice fabric regulates temperature on the sleep surface. So this mattress topper should be comfortable for hot sleepers who often feel uncomfortable on softer pads.
Plus, the foam layer absorbs a significant amount of motion, so if you sleep with your partner, you should notice fewer sleep disturbances. Individuals with pressure-induced pain around their shoulders and hips should also appreciate the relief and support from the close contour. However, if you weigh more than 230 lbs, you may have to go for a suitable mattress topper for heavy sleepers.
The topper’s removable, machine-washable cover comes with elastic edges to fit snugly around the corners of your bed. GhostBed recommends washing it in warm or cool water followed by a low-heat drying cycle. You can also spot clean it with a damp clean cloth and mild detergent. While most mattress topper covers only encase the topper, GhostBed’s cover is somewhat similar to a fitted sheet. Its pocket depth measures 18 inches, and the fabric is completely waterproof.
Orders ship free of charge to customers in the contiguous U.S. While GhostBed mattress topper isn’t eligible for a return, it’s backed with a 5-year warranty that covers splitting, cracks in the foam, and defects in the cover material.
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Back pain is common with side and combo sleepers who don’t receive adequate support from their mattresses. Most sleepers carry a disproportionate amount of body weight around their midsection, and a surface that feels too soft will crumple and sink around the hips and shoulders. One of the most remarkable aspects of the Lift by Amerisleep mattress topper is the firmness options. You can choose between the Comfort and Support options depending on your body type and general preferences. People who often sleep on their sides will likely find this Comfort option more appealing, but those who weigh above 230lbs and struggle with back pains may want to pick the Support option instead.
As one of the best mattress toppers for side sleepers, the Lift by Amerisleep (Comfort Version) is soft, breathable, and will stay in place the entire night. It’s also completely machine-washable, so if you accidentally spill something on the cover, you can easily unzip it and throw it in your washing machine. Underneath the cover lies Amerisleep’s MicroGrip technology that helps your stay secure to the mattress without damaging it.
Inside the cover, you’ll find Amerisleep’s slow-moving foam that features the HIVE (Harnessing Intelligent Ventilation and Energy) technology. This technology offers targeted support for sensitive body sections and minimizes pain-causing pressure points. It creates five different comfort zones using a unique pattern with hundreds of hexagons, helping you feel the right balance of support and comfort.
The topper also incorporates the Bio-Pur material for more cushioning. It’s also worth noting that adding the Lift by Amerisleep mattress topper to your aging mattress can help enhance its motion isolation. Generally, when you shift sleep positions on a highly responsive bed, your body's movements can transfer across the sleep surface. Amerisleep’s high-quality foam traps most motion, thus allowing couples to move on their side of the mattress without disturbing their partners.
With a 3-inch profile, this mattress topper is thick enough for beds with deep impressions on the surface. It carries a 5-year warranty and ships free to residents within the contiguous U.S. The Amerisleep Lift (Support) Mattress Topper is a perfect alternative if you prefer firm instead.
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Summary
Puffy has established a solid reputation in the mattress industry for its mattresses and toppers made with quality materials and thoughtful designs. While all memory foam mattress toppers are well-known for their excellent pressure relief, the Puffy topper’s above-average plushness sets it apart from the competition. If pressure relief is a top priority in your hunt for a soft mattress topper, the Puffy topper (soft option) is a worthwhile pick.
Soft mattress toppers can be very beneficial for sleepers who prefer sleeping on their backs or sides – especially those who weigh below 230lbs. The Puffy mattress topper is designed from pure memory foam that cushions your spine and minimizes discomfort in the lumbar region, shoulders, and hips.
A cover made of 40% rayon derived from 60% polyester and bamboo encases this soft mattress pad. Bamboo-derived materials are soft to the touch and naturally breathable, meaning sleepers shouldn’t experience bothersome heat retention. The cover is also fully removable and machine washable for easy maintenance, and it boasts an elastic perimeter to help you secure your topper to the mattress. Its pockets can fit beds of up to 15 inches thick, and the thin anti-slip grips at the bottom prevent your topper from shifting while you sleep.
The Puffy soft mattress topper comes in six different sizes that correspond to normal mattress dimensions. It’s competitively priced, and the company offers free ground shipping for shoppers in the contiguous U.S. Each order includes a 101-night sleep trial and a generous lifetime warranty. Shoppers can return the topper after a 30-night break-in period.
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Thanks to its balance of support and plushness, the Cooling Gel Memory Foam Topper can be a welcoming addition to your existing mattress. A versatile design with multiple profile options sets this topper apart from the competition. Shoppers can choose a thickness of 3 or 2 inches, based on how much they want to change the feel of their sleeping surface. With these multiple options, any sleeper should be able to find a topper that feels comfortable.
The 2-inch topper offers a minor comfort adjustment best suited to individuals who are generally satisfied with their mattress but want some extra cushioning. The 3-inch option, on the other hand, will greatly change the feel of an uneven or saggy mattress.
Like the 2-inch model, the 3-inch thick alternative comes in a medium-firm mattress feel. You'll notice some close conforming, and the topper will allow you to sleep comfortably without sinking too much. If your mattress has become too stiff or firm with use or the sleep surface has developed impressions and indentations that compromise how comfortable and supportive it feels, the 3-inch model can significantly increase its comfort level.
All versions of the mattress topper are made of cooling gel-infused memory foam to ensure you sleep cool every night. The cooling infused gel also adds softness with no loss of soothing pressure relief and support.
The cost of this Cooling Gel Memory Foam Topper depends on the selected profile and size. While the sticker price might seem a bit high, the resilient memory foam construction offers excellent longevity and - if correctly cared for and maintained - could last for several years before you make a replacement. PlushBeds offers free ground shipping for their cooling gel topper throughout the contiguous U.S. Due to safety and sanitary regulations, returns are not accepted, but a 2-year warranty covers each mattress topper.
If you're a student looking for the best mattress topper for College, the PlushBeds Cooling Gel Memory Foam Topper is one of the best options to consider.
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Ever fantasize about sleeping on a bed of marshmallows? Well, it's time for your dreams to come true. Say hey to PlushBeds Down Alternative Mattress Topper, the ticket to turning even lumpy mattresses to luxury.
Many sleepers cannot enjoy the invitingly soft feel of down and feather mattress pads for a simple reason: these materials can trigger allergy symptoms, thus negatively affecting sleep. If you fall in this category, you're a prime candidate for the Dawn Alternative Mattress Topper from PlushBeds. In place of goose down, PlushBeds used a fine and silky microfiber that enables you to enjoy that full and fluffy feeling of down but in a vegan alternative.
Thanks to its baffle box design, the down-alternative fibers fluff up nicely and stay in place, keeping warmth and cushioning evenly distributed night after night. This mattress topper measures approximately 3 inches thick, leaving plenty of space for you to sink into the surface and enjoy a luxury hotel feel.
It comes with a breathable 100% cotton twill cover that promotes excellent breathability and cooling to offset microfiber fill's heat-trapping properties. The down-like cushioning eases common pressure points and offers decent reinforcement for side sleepers who weigh up to 230lbs.
Free domestic ground shipping is available for customers within the contiguous United States. The Down Alternative Mattress Topper isn't returnable, but it's backed by a 2-year warranty.
Buyer's Guide: What to Consider When Buying a Soft Mattress Topper
What is comfortable varies between sleepers, so a wide array of toppers are available on the market to suit diverse preferences. Even between soft mattress toppers, there are distinct differences in materials, supportiveness, softness, and more. Don't forget size matters too and there are variety of twin toppers to cal king on the soft scale. Let's highlight some of the most important differentiating factors that make each plush mattress topper unique.
Sleeping Position
Since your pad goes on top of the mattress, it's vital to opt for a topper with the right firmness that can accommodate your sleeping position and body type. And even if you're certain about getting a soft mattress topper, your sleeping style will still dictate how soft the surface should be. Don't forget to consider the firmness of your current bed too.
Side sleepers typically prefer a more cushioning and contouring sleep surface to offset the added pressure that this sleeping position puts on their hips and shoulders. Do you sleep on your back? If so, you'll be more comfortable on a firmer and more balanced topper. This will ensure even support and a relaxed body-conforming with minimal sagging around your waist and torso. For stomach sleepers, a mattress topper should provide extra reinforcement between your hips and shoulders to prevent too much sinkage.
Cooling Properties
As is the case with soft mattresses, some plush mattress toppers retain body heat and sleep somehow warm. Materials like polyfoam, memory foam, and non-ventilated latex toppers are particularly susceptible to body heat buildup than other topper materials like down and feathers or wool. However, some foam mattress pads incorporate phase change materials and gel infusions engineered to counteract heat retention. If you tend to sleep hot during the night, you may want to opt for a soft, cooling mattress topper.
Quality Materials
Materials directly affect the durability and performance of a soft mattress topper. Wool and latex toppers offer the best longevity. On average, you can expect them to last about 3 to 4 years. In contrast, a low-quality foam mattress topper can develop permanent body indentations and impressions even before the year is out. Also, the softest toppers, like pillow tops, feature lofty materials that can flatten over time. Fortunately, high-quality construction and fill can help improve their durability.
Higher-density memory foam or polyfoam toppers will last much longer than their low-density equivalents, though they also trap more heat. Feather and fiberfill mattress toppers are fairly high-maintenance and may need regular fluffing to prevent them from losing loft over time. You can usually expect them to last about 2 to 3 years.
Price
The price of a new soft mattress topper will depend mainly on its quality and materials. Budget-friendly models often start at less than $100, while you can expect to pay over $1000 for high-end alternatives with innovative materials. Factors that can drive up a pad's sticker price include its thickness, material composition, construction, and whether it has received certifications for organic materials or not. Plus, some brands come with steeper price points than others. That said, if the hefty price tag means better longevity or reduced aches and pains, it may pay off in the long run.
Which Type of Mattress Topper Should You Choose?
After reviewing the attributes listed above to help determine the most important qualities, you'll be ready to select a soft mattress pad based on its material composition. Remember, every topper material comes with different merits and demerits related to temperature neutrality, durability, pressure relief, and other performance areas.
Memory Foam
Generally, memory foam toppers are perfect if you prefer sinking into the sleep surface. The material is highly contouring and conforms closely to your body to distribute your weight evenly and keep your shoulders, hips, and spine aligned. Memory foam is also known for isolating motion transfer, and it doesn't produce any noise, thus making it a perfect alternative for couples and co-sleepers. While memory foam toppers can retain heat, they can be infused with copper, gel, graphite, and other cooling materials that can help your mattress maintain comfortable temperatures. This could also be a good option if you're searching for a good RV mattress topper.
Polyfoam
Polyfoam feels more responsive and conforms to your body but not quite as deeply as memory foam. You may find a polyfoam mattress topper comfortable if you prefer a balance of surface-level bounciness and body contouring. Most polyfoam toppers in the market are convoluted with a rigid sleep surface; such models are also referred to as egg-crate toppers.
Latex
Like polyfoam, natural latex topper offers pressure relief and contouring while maintaining a responsive feel. While you'll probably feel less pressure, your body won't sink into the surface too deeply. Stomach and back sleepers who require more support may find latex mattress toppers more comfortable than memory foam models.
Other Materials
While memory foam, polyfoam, and latex mattress toppers are the most common, they're not your only option. For instance, a topper designed with down and feathers might be a solid choice if you prefer ultra-plush surfaces that are also highly breathable. Wool toppers, on the other hand, can be beneficial because they offer cooling and moisture-wicking during hotter months but also provide insulation when the temperature falls. Lastly, most toppers padded with polyester provide added cushioning at an affordable price.
Related Content: Best mattress topper for kids
Closing Thoughts
Knowing you want a soft mattress topper is a solid starting point. However, there are a few other factors you need to think about for optimal comfort. For example, if you often sleep hot, look for mattress toppers with temperature-regulating materials or designed to promote airflow. If you're battling sore joints, there are soft toppers with zoned support sections that are firmer around the hips and shoulders. And sleepers who'd prefer the plushest of the plush should consider mattress toppers with extra soft upper foam layers or pillow tops.