If your current mattress is waaay too soft and ruining your beauty rest but an upgrade just isn’t in the cards right now, a firm mattress topper is a great alternative. The right topper can quickly revive a limp, lifeless, too-soft mattress at a fraction of the price of a brand-spanking-new one. But where do you start?
We dove into what makes a fab firm mattress topper and picked out 10 stellar models for you to consider.
10 best firm mattress toppers
- Best overall: Brooklyn Bedding Organic Cotton Talalay Latex Topper
- Best rated: Plushbeds Natural Latex Topper
- Best for sleepers with higher body weight: Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Topper Supreme
- Best budget option: Sealy Essentials Mattress Topper
- Best cooling: Subrtex Gel-Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- Best memory foam: Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- Best latex: Sleep On Latex Pure Green Mattress Topper
- Best organic: Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper
- Best for back pain: Lift by Amerisleep Mattress Topper
- Best for couples: ViscoSoft Select High-Density Mattress Topper
How we made our top picks
When researching our fave firm mattress toppers, we set the following standards for quality:
- Price. Obvi you don’t want to spend a ton of money on a mattress topper, because that would defeat the convenience purpose. Our list includes toppers at a variety of price points but nothing too spendy.
- Firmness. This, of course, was our main search criterion! We specifically looked at toppers that had good firmness.
- Customer reviews. We included only products that get rave reviews from customers.
- Ease of use. We tried to include models with removable covers that are a cinch to wash. Toss it into the washer and you’re done.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $100
- $$ = $100–$300
- $$$ = over $300
These price ranges are based on queen-size topper pricing.
Best firm mattress toppers
Let’s firm up this sleeping situation.
Best overall: Brooklyn Bedding Organic Cotton Talalay Latex Topper
- Price: $$
- Size range: twin, twin XL, full, full XL, queen, short queen, king, California king
- Material: latex
- Notable features: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, available in multiple firmness options, organic materials
Our top pick is the Brooklyn Bedding Organic Cotton Talalay Latex Topper because, besides being organic (❤️), it’s also made of premium Talalay latex — which comes from rubber trees!
The 3-inch-deep mattress topper’s organic cotton cover is both comfy and hypoallergenic.
Reviewers call the topper bouncy and well-made. One person notes that you’ll want to air it out for a few days because it does have a pungent odor.
Best rated: Plushbeds Natural Latex Topper
- Price: $$$
- Size range: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
- Material: latex
- Notable features: Two thickness options, different firmness levels, GOTS certified organic cotton cover, GreenGuard Gold certified, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified
This comfy topper has certifications up the wazoo. And with more than 900 happy customers, you can be sure this highly rated latex topper is a great buy.
Choose between two thickness options (2 and 3 inches) and a variety of firmness levels, including medium-firm and extra-firm.
Customers say the extra-firm option is a good choice if you want to upgrade the firmness level of your mattress. One person also notes that the extra-firm topper met their expectations of firmness. Another reviewer even says it felt almost too firm at first.
Best for sleepers with higher body weight: Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Topper Supreme
- Price: $$$
- Size range: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
- Material: foam
- Notable features: 10-year warranty, washable cover
This ultra-cushy topper from Tempur-Pedic is the perfect option for folks in larger bodies, thanks to its 3-inch-thick design and proprietary foam. (FYI: Firmness-wise, it’s more on the medium-firm than the extra-firm side.)
The brand claims their foam is the bee’s knees and will last way longer than others. They’re so convinced about its durability that they back it with a 10-year warranty.
What do reviewers have to say? One customer says they bought the topper to add to a not-firm-enough mattress that caused sciatica flare-ups. The verdict? They’ve had a great night’s sleep ever since adding the topper to the mix.
Best budget option: Sealy Essentials Mattress Topper
- Price: $
- Size range: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
- Material: gel-infused foam
- Notable features: CertiPUR-US certified, 1-year limited warranty
Our budget-friendly pick is the Sealy Essentials Topper, which features gel-infused memory foam that prevents overheating and delivers pressure relief.
The 3-inch-thick topper (also avail in 2-inch thickness) is CertiPUR-US certified and comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
Reviewers seem happy with the topper — some even say it helps them “sleep like a baby.” The biggest downside? You’ll need to buy a cover for it.
Best cooling: Subrtex Gel-Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- Price: $$
- Size range: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
- Material: memory foam
- Notable features: multiple thickness options, gel-infused foam, CertiPUR-US certified, 10-year limited warranty
“Memory foam” and “cool” in the same sentence? You betcha.
Sleep cool with this topper that features gel-infused memory foam and a ventilated design for maximum airflow. Bonus: The foam is CertiPUR-US certified.
You can pick from three thickness options (2, 3, or 4 inches), and they’re all under $300 for the queen size. Go for the thicker option if you want added firmness.
Reviewers say the squishy foam topper is comfortable and doesn’t feel hot like other memory foam models. Just be aware that it’ll take some time to fully rise.
Best memory foam: Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- Price: $–$$
- Size range: twin, twin XL, full, queen, short queen, king
- Material: memory foam
- Notable features: odor- and moisture-eliminating materials, CertiPUR-US certified, 100-night trial, 5-year warranty
Nope, Zinus isn’t pouring a hot cuppa tea all over their products. But the mattress *is* infused with green tea and charcoal — materials they claim will banish moisture and odors.
This topper is a good choice if you want added support but don’t want to feel like you’re sleeping on a plank. Oh, and did we mention it’s available in multiple thicknesses? Choose from 1.5-, 3-, and 4-inch options.
One customer describes the memory foam topper as “soft but firm enough to hold me in place.” Another says they like things soft while their partner prefers a firm surface, and this Zinus topper works well for both of them.
Best latex: Sleep On Latex Pure Green Mattress Topper
- Price: $–$$
- Size range: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
- Material: latex
- Notable features: GOLS certified organic, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, GreenGuard Gold certified
This topper, made of organic natural latex foam, is an excellent choice if you’re looking for pressure relief.
Choose from three thickness options (1, 2, or 3 inches) and soft, medium, or firm. The 3-inch is your best bet if you’re looking to significantly alter the firmness level of your mattress.
It also has a certified organic cover and comes with a 30-day trial period and a 5-year warranty.
Customers say the topper adds much-needed support, but a few people complain that the off-gassing lasts too long.
Best organic: Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper
- Price: $$$
- Size range: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
- Material: latex
- Notable features: 10-year warranty, 1-year sleep trial (wow!), GOLS organic and GreenGuard Gold certified
Organic and sustainable? Yes, please!
All of Avocado’s line includes non-toxic, eco-friendly products, and this topper is no exception.
It’s made from organic latex and a cotton cover. While the main model has a wool layer for added breathability, you can also opt for the vegan version. And you can choose from plush and firm options.
There are currently more than 2,200 reviews of this topper on the website, and it’s averaging a 4.6 out of 5 rating, with raves about overall comfort.
Best for back pain: Lift by Amerisleep Mattress Topper
- Price: $$
- Size range: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
- Material: memory foam
- Notable features: 5-year warranty, available in two firmness options
If your current mattress makes your back pain worse but the idea of leveling up will cause pain in your wallet, this pressure-relieving topper is a solid add-on.
The support firmness option is ideal if you’re looking to firm up your bed. A grippy back keeps the topper from slipping and sliding, and the topper has a soft, removable cover that’s easy to wash.
One customer who opted for the support option says the topper’s firmness is just right. But a few peeps complain that it’s a little too firm.
Remember that firmness can vary, depending on your weight — and your preference plays a part in whether you’ll like a particular topper.
Best for couples: ViscoSoft Select High-Density Mattress Topper
- Price: $$
- Size range: twin, twin XL, full, queen, short queen, king, California king
- Material: memory foam
- Notable features: 60-night guarantee, 5-year warranty
This super-durable 3-inch topper will keep both you and your sleeping partner comfy and supported, thanks to high density foam and adjustable straps.
Even if you and your partner toss and turn, the straps and slip-resistant mesh keep the topper in place all night long. It also comes in a gentle lavender option for added sleepytime vibes. Plus, the cover is removable and easy to wash.
Reviewers love that the topper doesn’t sleep hot and provides lotsa support. BUT that high density design means it’s a hefty topper. The king-size option weighs nearly 40 pounds. (Time to start weightlifting!)
Who does a firm mattress topper make sense for?
A firm topper is an excellent choice if you:
- want to firm up a too-soft mattress
- want to extend the life span of a mattress that’s starting to soften
- want additional support to help with back pain or other body aches
- prefer to sleep cool (you’re less likely to sink into a firm topper, which can cause overheating)
- want something long lasting (higher-density materials tend to last a while)
- have a higher body weight
Pros and cons of firm mattress toppers
Here’s a quick breakdown of some high level perks and drawbacks of owning a firm mattress topper:
Pros
- Extends mattress life span. Toppers can extend the usability of your mattress by reducing wear and tear. And a firm topper can help deliver extra support when your mattress is on its last legs, allowing you to squeeze a little extra time out of it.
- A+ comfort. You bought a mattress, it’s nonreturnable (oops!), and you find it too soft. A firm topper can fix your problem by balancing out the comfort equation.
- Saves you $$$. Buying a topper is a lot cheaper than buying a whole new mattress.
Cons
- Can’t fix what’s already broken. If your mattress sucks big-time (e.g., it sags or is lopsided), then a topper likely isn’t going to make much of a difference. Even the firmest mattress topper can’t redeem a seriously crappy mattress.
- Too much of a firm thing. Yes, a mattress or topper can be too firm. A sleep surface that’s too hard can dig into your body, causing very annoying and sometimes painful pressure points.
- $$$. Yep, a mattress topper is cheaper than a mattress. BUT firm toppers tend to be a bit pricier than soft ones because they’re thicker or contain denser materials.
Frequent questions from firm mattress topper newbies
We read your mind and figured you might have more questions. So here’s a roundup of the most frequently asked ones and our crack at clearing them up.
Can a firm mattress topper make my mattress firmer?
Uh, no. A firm topper can’t magically fix your mattress. Adding a firm layer on top still means you have a soft layer underneath, and eventually you’ll need to replace your mattress if it sags or dips too much.
(Expect most mattresses to last about 10 years, BTW.)
How do I know if my firm mattress topper is too firm?
If you regularly wake up with aches and pains in spots like your hips and shoulders, your sleep surface might be too hard.
A topper or mattress that’s too firm can create pressure points on your body, potentially making any existing joint pain worse. Your morning discomfort may also mean your mattress is on its way out.
What should I do if my partner prefers a softer sleeping surface?
This is the subject of many nightly feuds between couples. We suggest using a smaller mattress pad just for your side of the bed. And if your partner still thinks your bed is too firm, they can opt for a softer topper on theirs.
Should I put a firm mattress topper on a mattress that’s 10+ years old?
It can help temporarily, but it won’t solve the problems of an ancient mattress — sagging, lumps, etc.
What’s the difference between a mattress pad and a mattress topper?
A mattress pad is typically thinner and doesn’t usually provide support. Most people add these thin pads for extra softness, not firmness.
Toppers are thicker and, whether they’re firm or soft, can extend the life of your mattress.
What to consider when choosing your firm mattress topper
Ask yourself the following when shopping for a firm mattress topper:
- How firm do I want my sleep surface? What’s the status of your current mattress? Is it wayyyy too soft? Or is it just missing a slight bit of firmness? This will give you an idea of the firmness level you should be looking for (e.g., medium-firm, extra-firm, ultra-firm).
- Is my mattress dead? Is your mattress just starting to lose its oomph, or is it time to kick it to the curb? Remember, a mattress topper can only do so much — even one that’s super-firm.
- What material should I choose? Opt for latex foam over memory foam if you’re in the market for a firm mattress topper. That doesn’t mean memory foam can’t be firm, but it does tend to be softer. Down and feathers are comfy AF but useless if your goal is to firm things up.
- Do I sleep hot or cold? If your answer is “hot,” keep an eye out for materials like gel. “Cooling” materials won’t actively cool you all night long — they’re just better at absorbing body heat. Active cooling tech exists and is neat, but the electrical components make noise and typically come with a higher price tag.
- Is there a trial period? These days most mattress brands offer some pretty generous trial periods. But don’t assume this policy applies to mattress toppers. Make sure to read the fine print! If you can, definitely try before you buy.
The bottom line
If you’re sick of sleeping on a too-soft mattress, a firm mattress topper (especially one of our recs) might be just what you need to transform your Zzz’s and enjoy a night of sweet dreams. 😴
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