Memory foam mattress topper
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- TEMPUR-Adapt topper (3 inch). Best for: More pressure relief and support. See options on Amazon
- TEMPUR-Cloud topper (2 inch). Best for: A softer, subtler change. See options on Amazon
- CertiPUR-US certified gel memory foam topper. Best for: Certified foam with a cooling gel option. See options on Amazon
What a memory foam topper does
A topper changes how the surface of your bed feels without replacing the mattress. Tempur-Pedic says its toppers improve the feel and support of any mattress and that its TEMPUR-Material responds to your weight, shape and temperature. Treat claims of one-of-a-kind pressure relief on maker pages as marketing language.
For the basics of every topper type, see our what is a mattress topper guide. If you already have a foam mattress, read our memory foam topper on a memory foam mattress guide before buying.
2 inch vs 3 inch
| Detail | TEMPUR-Cloud Topper | TEMPUR-Adapt Topper |
|---|---|---|
| Profile | 2 inches | 3 inches |
| Feel, per maker | Soft feel with support | An extra inch of material for more support |
| Cover | Removable, washable | Removable, washable |
| Cooling option | Cooling upgrade available | Adapt + Cooling version |
Details are from Tempur-Pedic's topper page, which lists a 10-year warranty and sizes from Twin (37 by 73 inches) to California King (71 by 83 inches).
CertiPUR-US and new-foam smell
CertiPUR-US is a certification program run by a nonprofit. It says certified foams are made without formaldehyde, ozone depleters, mercury, lead and other heavy metals, and phthalates regulated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, and have low VOC emissions for indoor air quality, less than 0.5 parts per million. Certified foams are also screened for relevant chemicals, including flame retardants, classified as carcinogens, mutagens or reproductive toxins.
New foam can have a smell. EPA lists building materials and furnishings among indoor sources of volatile organic compounds, notes they can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, and advises increasing ventilation and following label instructions. Unpack a new topper in a well-aired room and follow the maker's directions before sleeping on it.
Covers, heat and fit
- Removable cover. Tempur-Pedic lists a removable, washable, dust mite and allergen-resistant cover on its toppers.
- Heat. Tempur-Pedic offers a cooling upgrade with a cool-to-the-touch performance fabric; for gel options, see our gel memory foam topper guide.
- Staying in place. Tempur-Pedic lists a stretch skirt on its Cloud topper to hold it on the mattress.
- Size. Match the topper to your mattress size; Tempur-Pedic notes individual topper dimensions may vary.
Sizes and weight
Tempur-Pedic lists its toppers in Twin (37 by 73 inches), Twin Long (37 by 79 inches), Full (52 by 72 inches), Queen (59 by 79 inches), King (75 by 79 inches) and California King (71 by 83 inches), weighing 15 to 30 lbs depending on size.
Tempur-Pedic also describes a breathable, high-stretch knit cover with moisture-wicking properties on its toppers, and says the cover is dust mite and allergen-resistant.
When a topper will not fix your bed
A topper changes the surface of the bed rather than the mattress underneath. If your mattress sags, see our mattress topper for a sagging mattress guide for what can and cannot help. If your bed is too soft, a firmer material may suit better; see our firm mattress topper guide.
For back pain that keeps you up or wakes you at night, see a doctor; bedding can help comfort but does not treat the cause.
Other topper materials
Memory foam is one of several topper materials. Our latex mattress topper guide covers Dunlop and Talalay latex, including allergy cautions, and our wool mattress topper guide covers wool fill, loft and care. Our what is a mattress topper guide compares memory foam, gel memory foam, latex, egg crate foam, wool and down in one table.
What to look for when you buy
TEMPUR-Adapt topper (3 inch)
Best for: More pressure relief and support
Tempur-Pedic lists 3 inches of TEMPUR-Material, a removable washable cover and a 10-year warranty.
Watch out: If you sleep hot, consider the cooling version.
See options on AmazonTEMPUR-Cloud topper (2 inch)
Best for: A softer, subtler change
Tempur-Pedic lists 2 inches of TEMPUR-Material for a soft feel, with a stretch skirt and washable cover.
Watch out: A thinner layer will not hide a sagging mattress.
See options on AmazonCertiPUR-US certified gel memory foam topper
Best for: Certified foam with a cooling gel option
3 inch gel memory foam toppers with CertiPUR-US certification are widely sold.
Watch out: Check the certification on the listing and air it out before use.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- How thick should a memory foam topper be?
- Common options are 2 or 3 inches; Tempur-Pedic sells a 2 inch Cloud and a 3 inch Adapt topper, describing the Adapt as adding an extra inch of material for more support.
- What does CertiPUR-US mean?
- CertiPUR-US says certified foam is made without formaldehyde, ozone depleters and heavy metals, has VOC emissions under 0.5 parts per million, and is screened for harmful flame retardants.
- Why does my new memory foam topper smell?
- New furnishings can release VOCs; EPA advises more ventilation and following label instructions.
- Do memory foam toppers sleep hot?
- If you sleep hot, look at cooling covers or gel foam; Tempur-Pedic offers a cooling upgrade.
- Will a topper fix a sagging mattress?
- A topper changes the surface, not the mattress underneath; see our sagging mattress guide.
Sources
- TEMPUR-Toppers (tempurpedic.com), Tempur-Pedic
- CertiPUR-US home page (certipur.us), CertiPUR-US
- Volatile Organic Compounds' Impact on Indoor Air Quality (epa.gov), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency