How Thick Should a Mattress Topper Be?

A mattress topper should add to the overall softness, luxuriousness and support of your mattress. It can increase the thickness of your mattress and make it feel more comfortable and even and prolong its lifespan, etc.

When buying a mattress topper, you should determine what is that you need from it and define its basic criteria. By sorting out a few basic things, you will certainly be able to find the best one for you.

One of the most important things you should consider when looking for a mattress topper is its thickness. Decide what thickness would work the best for you and whether it can meet your needs and sleep preferences.

However, many people don’t know how to choose the right thickness of a mattress topper. If you have difficulties making your final decision about the appropriate thickness of your mattress topper, read our guide and we will help you pick the right one for you.

Before we explain how to make your decision easier, we will tell you something more about what are mattress toppers and what they are used for. They can be used for various reasons and your mattress topper thickness will depend on why exactly you need it.

Reasons for Buying a Mattress Topper

Prolonging the Lifespan of Your Mattress

As they age, and the more they are used, mattresses can become saggy and develop lumps and depressions in the sleeping areas. To prevent this, or at least slow down the process, you can use a mattress topper.

If you choose the right type and correct thickness, the topper will rejuvenate your sleeping surface and slow down the aging of the mattress and the process of sagging and developing lumps. Depending on the current condition of your mattress, you may need a 3 or 4-inch thick topper.

Changing the Level of Softness or Firmness of Your Mattress

Some people may find their mattress to be either too soft or too firm for them and this can be right after the purchase or due to the long use.

You could change your mattress, but if you are looking for a cheaper solution, then a mattress topper would be an ideal solution for you. A mattress topper is far more economical solution as it will change the feel of your bed without costing you too much.

In this case, a 2” topper may be sufficient, although a thicker topper will provide a more lasting change especially for heavier sleepers.

Changing the Nature of a Mattress

If you want to see how it feels like to sleep on a memory foam mattress without purchasing one, or you already have memory foam and you don’t like it and want to try latex or wool, in each of these cases, you can change the nature of your mattress by using the right mattress topper.

You can use a memory foam topper to get that contouring and hugging feel, or you can use a latex topper if you want to try out something more buoyant and different from memory foam. In such cases you can use a minimum 3” thick topper.

Increasing the Thickness of a Mattress

Some people may find that their bed is too low for them or that it is too thin and compresses pretty quickly under their weight. An extra 2 or 3 inches of a mattress topper could make some difference here, and it is less expensive than purchasing a new mattress.

Medical Reasons

If you have developed a condition that requires a good orthopedic support, then a viscoelastic material on the top of your mattress may be most suitable for you.

If your mattress is made entirely of latex or it is an innerspring and foam hybrid, then a viscoelastic or memory foam mattress topper may be the best solution for you.

A 3 or 4-inch memory foam topper might be enough and it will cradle your body, relieve pressure points and provide the right amount of support to those areas where it is needed most.

Available Sizes and Thicknesses

Mattress toppers generally vary in thickness from 2” to 4” although some may go up to 6 inches. In addition to thickness, the toppers may also be available in different foam densities, but let’s take a look at the available thicknesses and sizes.

So, the first thing you have to learn about is the availability of various thicknesses and sizes.

If you are going to buy a memory foam mattress topper then you should consider both the thickness level and the density of a mattress topper to make sure you get the right level of comfort and support you need.

In most cases, mattress toppers are available in three basic thickness ranges: 2 inches, 3 inches, and 4 inches thick although you can also find some special mattress toppers that are 5 or 6 inches thick as well.

2 Inches Thick Mattress Topper

A 2-inch thick mattress topper is the thinnest topper available. It can introduce more comfort and softness to your mattress and give you an extra plush and luxurious feel.  

You should only buy a 2” mattress topper when you have a brand new mattress and you only want to add an extra soft layer to it and make it feel a bit softer.

2” thick mattress toppers are not suitable for older mattresses as they are too thin and they won’t be able to provide the support that you need and cover sagging or other deficiencies.

3 Inches Thick Mattress Topper

The extra inch can make a big difference. A 3-inch mattress topper is a bit thicker and depending on the material you choose and whether you purchase a softer or firmer topper, it will provide you with greater comfort and support.

It can also make up for certain deficiencies in an older mattress, but this again depends on the type of a topper you choose. If you have a latex mattress and want memory foam on top, then you can use a 3-inch memory foam topper. It will make your existing mattress plusher and more luxurious or just slightly firmer.

4 Inches Thick Mattress Topper

4 inches is considered to be a maximum thickness of a mattress topper and anything thicker than 4 inches would be classed as a mattress rather than a mattress topper. However, some 5 or 6 inch thick toppers can be found as well.

A 4-inch mattress topper is ideal for covering the deficiencies of an older mattress. It will provide you with a smooth and supportive layer and a comfortable sleeping surface for a sleep without any body aches.

It is also a good thickness if you want to feel all the benefits of a memory foam mattress without buying one.

Read more about mattress toppers and find out what are the best mattress toppers on the market in the following guides:

Best Mattress Toppers

Read the full Best Mattress Toppers Guide. 

Best Mattress Topper for Back Pain

Read the full Best Mattress Toper for Back Pain guide. 

Best Mattress Topper for College

Read the full Best Mattress Topper for College guide. 

Best Mattress Topper for Hip Pain

Read the full Best Mattress Topper for Hip Pain guide. 

Best Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers

Read the full Best Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers guide.

Best Cheap Mattress Topper

Read the full Best Cheap Mattress Topper guide.

Best Soft Mattress Topper

Read the full Best Soft Mattress Topper guide.

Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Read the full Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper guide.