What Are the Best Firm Mattress Toppers? 11 Features

1. Durability: Look for a mattress that has natural latex instead of petroleum-based foams, since natural latex is longer-lasting.
2. Thickness: Mattress toppers can vary in thickness. Typically, the thicker it is the more plush and substantial it should feel. 
3. Sleeping position: A side-sleeper may prefer medium thickness, whereas a back or front sleeper may prefer medium-firm thickness.
4. Support: Some toppers provide support to your spine. Look for one that helps with spinal alignment and relieves pressure points.
5. Pressure relief: Most toppers provide pressure relief to some extent but may vary based on their design as well as your body type. For example, individuals weighing less than 130 pounds should buy a softer mattress topper for pressure relief.
6. Cooling properties: If you tend to overheat while sleeping, you may want to try a mattress topper with cooling features. Foam mattress toppers trap heat and provide a cooling effect.
7. Price: Try to invest in a quality product. While it may be more expensive, you are likely getting a topper that will stand the test of time.
8. Cleaning: Since cleaning a mattress topper can be an ordeal, look for ones that have removable and washable covers. 
9. Warranty or trial: The best mattress toppers should come with a warranty period and sleep trial, as this will allow you to test a product before committing to it long-term. The longer the warranty, the better. You can expect a maximum 5-year warranty period for your mattress topper.
10. Chemical-free: Choose toppers free from harmful chemicals or fire retardants, which can cause respiratory issues, headaches, organ damage, hormone disruption, and even cancer. Look for toppers with natural materials, such as latex or cotton.
11. Certification: Check to see if the mattress topper has one or more of the following certifications:
    1. Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)
    2. Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
    3. GREENGUARD Gold
    4. OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100
    5. Eco-INSTITUT
    6. Made Safe

Below are brands with reasonably good reviews. Based on your needs and preferences, you can consult the manufacturer regarding each product’s pros and cons: 

• Tempur-Pedic Tempur Supreme Mattress Topper
• Tuft & Needle Mattress Topper
• Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper
• SOPAT Extra Thick Mattress Topper
• Linenspa Gel-Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper
• Lucid Down Alternative & Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
• Viscosoft Serene Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress Topper
• Parachute Down Mattress Topper

Mattress toppers can improve your sleep without having to invest in a new mattress. Some of the benefits of a mattress topper include:

• Help with spinal alignment
• Adapt easily to different sleepers and their sleeping styles
• Can be easily transported
• Can be removed or changed

While mattress topper is the best option to make your bed firmer, there are alternatives:

• Mattress pads are like mattress toppers but less thick. They usually fit like a fitted bedsheet.
• Placing plywood between the mattress and the box spring or bed frame can make your bed firmer.
• If you are using a memory foam mattress, turn down the temperature to make it firmer, as high temperatures can soften the mattress.
• If you have a two-sided mattress, use the side with less wear. Rotate the mattress from head to foot every month to avoid soft spots from forming.