Life

The 3 Best Down Mattress Toppers

by Rachel Cavanaugh

Whether you have trouble sleeping at night, you're prone to neck and back aches, or you simply like the luxury of sleeping on an extra-soft bed, having a down mattress topper is a great way to take your sleep game to the next level. There are several things that the best down mattress toppers have in common.

First of all, they're soft. This may sound obvious, but there are actually two factors that go into this: the filling and the cover. In most cases, your best bet will be white goose down filling with a cover made of 100 percent cotton.

Also, they stay in place. This requires a secure pad and special stitching to ensure the feathers don't shift. Look for thick, durable elastic that will keep the pad from bunching up and a baffle-box design that will keep the feathers evenly distributed.

Once you've considered these factors, you should think about the price. Generally speaking, down mattress toppers aren't cheap, so if you're on a budget, consider a down-alternative option. The best ones are similar enough that you'd hardly know the difference.

Now that you know the basics of mattress pad shopping, take a look at the best down mattress toppers below to find the one that suits your needs.

1The Best Splurge

What's great about it: This ultra-soft, super comfy down mattress topper is a fantastic way to spoil yourself if you're looking to splurge. With a cover made out of silky 100 percent cotton, the exterior feels incredibly smooth, even through your bedsheet. Inside, it features 600 fill power white goose down that's been treated with a double-wash process to makes it hypoallergenic. If you're prone to allergies, this topper is a great choice. The baffle-box design prevents the down from bunching up, and reviewers say the quills don't poke out. On top of that, the bedskirt, which can fit an extra-thick, 20-inch mattress, is fully elasticized so it won't slide around. Best of all, it's completely machine-washable.

What fans say: "It’s a very nice mattress pad. Just thick enough to add warmth and softness ... The skirt will definitely cover deep mattresses. Quality material and stitching to keep down in place. No feathers poking through."

  • Available sizes: Queen

2The Best Mid-Range Option

What's great about it: If you're looking for a high-quality but slightly less expensive option, this well-constructed down mattress topper fits the bill perfectly. Like the first pick, its shell is made from 100 percent hypoallergenic cotton with a durable 230 thread count. The fabric is made with a barrier weave that keeps the feathers from poking through, and it has a similar baffle-box design as my previous pick. Most importantly, reviewers say it's extraordinarily comfortable. The down doesn't have the fancy double-wash treatment that my previous pick does, and a few reviewers did complain that it's not as thick as they'd like. Still, at this price point, it's an exceptional deal.

What fans say: "If i could give this infinity stars i would.... The feathers are so fluffy, and the baffle box design keeps them in all the right places. It took about a week of fluffing and shaking for it to reach full loft. There was no weird odor and it [doesn't get too] hot at night.... very pleased."

  • Available sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King

3The Best Budget Pick

What's great about it: It's tricky to find real goose down at a budget price, but this down-alternative mattress topper mimics the feel of feathers at a much lower cost. The outside is made of 100 percent cotton, just like my first two picks, and it's hypoallergenic as well. The difference is that instead of down, the interior features a soft synthetic alternative. It's not quite as soft and fluffy as the real thing, but it does have cooling properties the other two don't. If you're someone who tends to overheat at night, this is an excellent option. Around the edges, this topper is lined with elastic fabric that holds it in place, and it's semi water-resistant so it can withstand small spills and perspiration.

What fans say: "I loved this mattress cover since the first night I slept on it. It’s thick, fluffy and plush. I felt like I was laying on a cloud. Super comfortable... After a few nights, I felt it’s not only comfortable but also could keep my body at a comfortable temperature. Excellent! Love everything about this mattress pad!"

  • Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King

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