A convenient and budget-friendly way to improve your 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.
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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.
Summary of the best mattress toppers
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
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Our favourite mattress toppers, explained
Best overall: Sleep Mantra Pillow Top 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
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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
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Best cooling mattress topper: Lucid Zoned Memory Foam Cooling Mattress Topper
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
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Best memory foam mattress topper: Casper Comfy Mattress Topper
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 hypoallergenic mattress topper: BedStory Memory Foam Mattress Topper
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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 down mattress topper: Linen Chest White Down & Feather Mattress Topper
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.
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Fine print: Quilted baffle-box construction eliminates shifting of the feathers
Price: From $340
Where to buy: Linen Chest
Best mattress topper for kids: WhatsBedding Waterproof Mattress
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 affordable mattress topper: Spa Sensations by Zinus 2″ Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
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
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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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