Life

The One Thing You Probably Haven’t Tried That Can Seriously Improve Your Sleep

by Lisa Fogarty

If you have to ask if you could use one of the best mattress toppers on your bed, the answer is probably a firm yes. A mattress pad's most basic function is to make a bad mattress more comfortable. It can take the mattress you already have — the one that you suspect is causing you to wake up in the morning with aches in places you didn't know you had muscles — and transform it into the cloud you always dreamed of sleeping on. Even if you already own a decent enough mattress, mattress toppers offer added support and can help you get a better quality sleep — and who can't use a little more of that in their lives?

So now that you're sure you want a mattress topper, the next hurdle is finding one that suits your body, sleeping style, and personal preferences. No two toppers are alike, but generally speaking, you can expect to choose among categories that include memory foam mattress toppers, down, and down alternative toppers. Each has its pros and cons and comes at various price points to suit every budget.

The one given, no matter what, is that a mattress topper will run you a lot less than buying a brand new mattress. Here are five of the best to consider.

1A Gel Memory Foam Topper That Keeps Hot Sleepers Cool

DreamFoam Bedding Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper, $46-$85, Amazon

If you're a sweaty or hot sleeper, this gel memory foam topper is a dream. One of the benefits of gel memory foam is that it provides better air circulation and prevents heat from being trapped on your body. Gel foam also molds to your body and can help support your lower back and hips, preventing aches and pains. This topper comes in sizes twin through California king (with twin XL, full XL, and short queen thrown in for good measure).

2A Warm And Cozy Down Mattress Topper For People Who Are Always Cold

Lavish Home Down & Duck Feather 4-Inch Gusset Topper, $72-$121, Amazon

Sleeping on top of a down mattress topper will turn your bed into one fit for a king. This topper is made from 223 thread count cotton and contains 95 percent duck feathers and 5 percent down feathers. If you're the kind of sleeper who always feels cold, you'll find a down mattress topper provides a lower layer of warmth that's perfect for winter and cold climates. This topper fits twin, full, queen, and king mattresses, and reviewers say it makes hard mattresses more bearable.

3A Plush, Hypoallergenic Down Alternative Mattress Topper

Home Sweet Home Dreams Down Alternative Mattress Topper, $49-$75, Amazon

If you're allergic to down mattress toppers, but love the way they trap heat for warmth and are super soft, try a down alternative mattress topper like this one, which is just as plush, but is filled with hypoallergenic fiber filling in place of feathers. This 2-inch topper, which comes in twin, full, queen, and king sizes, is unique in that it features anchor bands that attach to each corner of the mattress to prevent it from sliding off. Choose from twin, full, queen, and king, and prepare for pure bliss.

4A Hybrid Gel And Fiber-Filled Topper For The Best Of Both Worlds

Sleep Innovations 4-Inch Dual Layer Mattress Topper, $102-$154, Amazon

If you can't decide between a cooling gel mattress topper or one filled with soft fiber, don't fret — this dual layer mattress topper is the perfect compromise. It boasts 2 inches of gel memory foam that supports your body and promotes better spinal alignment, plus 2 inches of fiber fill that feels cozy and fluffy. This one is machine-washable and dryer-friendly, too, so it's super easy to keep clean.

5A Five-Zone Memory Foam Topper Infused With Sleep-Inducing Lavender

LUCID 2-Inch 5-Zone Lavender Memory Foam Mattress Topper, $35-$58, Amazon

Got aches and pains from your current mattress? Say bye-bye to them, because this five-zone memory foam mattress topper was designed to reduce pressure on your shoulders, hips, knees, and feet, and can actually reduce tossing and turning for a deeper, better quality sleep. And, if that's not enough, the soft and breathable topper is actually infused with the calming scent of lavender, which is known to promote sleep.

Bustle may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from Bustle's editorial and sales departments.