If you’re a college student, you may have noticed something unfortunate: dorm room mattresses can be so uncomfortable! I remember trying to sleep on my dormitory bed freshman year, and the combination of noisy neighbors and an uncomfortable mattress had me waking up achy and exhausted for my 8 a.m. class. Luckily, there’s an easy solution: pick up the best dorm mattress topper. This can adjust the feel of an uncomfortable mattress and help busy college students get the sleep they need to perform their best! With that said, here are five mattress toppers that should add some comfort to the collegiate sleeping experience. All of the featured toppers are around $200 or less (in some cases, much less) for a Twin or Twin XL!
RELATED: Could Dorm Mattress Quality Be A Cause Of Sleep Deprivation in College Students?
The 5 Best Mattress Toppers for College and Dorm Rooms
- Nolah – Editor’s Pick
- Saatva – Best Soft Topper
- ViscoSoft – Best For Side Sleepers
- Dreamfoam – Best Value Mattress Topper
- Helix Plush – Best Cooling Mattress Topper
Video Review: Best Mattress Toppers for College 2022
Editor’s Pick – Nolah
Nolah Mattress Topper
The Nolah Mattress Topper uses its proprietary CertiPUR-US certified foam to achieve a super pressure-relieving yet supportive feel.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.90 / 5
Who is it for?
Those wanting the best college topper should check out Nolah’s model. It comes in a twin and twin XL, so it should fit nicely in dorm beds. And its organic cotton cover and breathable proprietary foam should keep students cool in the warmer months.
Benefits
- You can choose between two firmnesses: Plush and Luxury Firm.
- The foam in this topper is CertiPUR-US certified, meaning it’s free of harmful toxins.
- There’s a 10-year warranty and free shipping with FedEx.
Some Drawbacks
- While it does have amazing features, this makes it more of a luxury option than a budget option.
Full review coming soon!
Best Soft Mattress Topper – Saatva
Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper
If you love the pressure-relieving qualities of memory foam, but don’t want to invest in a brand new mattress, the Saatva Graphite mattress topper could be just the thing for you. In addition to its soft feel, this 3” topper has many cooling features.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.80 / 5
Read Full Review
Who is it for?
The Saatva mattress topper graphite model has a layer of soft, graphite-infused memory foam on top and a transition layer below. Its pressure-relieving qualities are due to the 3″ of plush foam. This should be great for side sleepers. Meanwhile, its hardier transition layer should be great for supporting back sleepers.
Benefits
- The foam is CertiPUR-US certified.
- The Saatva has a dual-layer construction, a rare feature in mattress toppers.
- The graphite infusion should keep the mattress topper sleeping quite cool.
Some Drawbacks
- This topper might be too soft for stomach sleepers.
- The topper isn’t machine-washable. You have to spot-clean it with detergent.
Read our full Saatva mattress topper review.
Best Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers – Viscosoft
ViscoSoft Select High Density Mattress Topper
If you’re craving a memory foam sleeping surface, but don’t want to spring for a new mattress, the Select High-Density ViscoSoft mattress topper may just be the answer. This 3” gel-infused mattress topper has excellent body contouring at a low price.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.50 / 5
Read Full Review
Who is it for?
If side sleepers wake up with achy shoulders and hips, their mattress might be too firm. For those in this position, the ViscoSoft mattress topper could be a good option because it features 3″ of a very soft, slow-moving memory foam. Side sleepers should slowly sink in and feel that pressure melt away. Even larger people should feel some exceptional pressure relief on the ViscoSoft.
Benefits
- Back sleepers should feel their hips sink in while the memory foam provides some fantastic contouring.
- The memory foam contains cooling gel, which helps the breathable cover stay cool to the touch.
- The cover is removable so it can be easily washed at home.
Some Drawbacks
- This is another soft mattress topper that likely won’t be supportive enough for stomach sleepers.
- Because of its classic memory foam feel, it might be difficult for combination sleepers to change positions.
Read our full ViscoSoft mattress review.
Best Value Mattress Topper – Dreamfoam
Dreamfoam 2" Gel Swirl Memory Foam Mattress Topper
If you’re a fan of the slow-moving memory foam feel, but you’re not ready to spring for a brand new mattress, then the Dreamfoam mattress topper just may be the perfect thing for you.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.50 / 5
Read Full Review
Who is it for?
I know finances can be tight during college, as I remember consuming countless bowls of Easy Mac and Ramen. Those looking for cheaper mattresses should consider the Dreamfoam, a topper priced at around $50 for a Twin XL. It features 2″ of soft memory foam, giving the top of the mattress the slow-moving quicksand feel one expects from memory foam.
Benefits
- While it’s only 2″ thick, most people, including back sleepers, should feel pressure relief on their shoulders and hips.
- The memory foam contains a swirl of cooling gel to help dissipate heat.
- The topper should contour the body, making for a significantly more comfortable sleep.
Some Drawbacks
- Although most side sleepers should feel significant pressure relief on the 2″ model, some of them may want to opt for the thicker 3″ model.
- It doesn’t come with a cover, so you’ll want to outfit it with a fitted sheet.
Read our full Dreamfoam mattress topper review.
Best Cooling Mattress Topper – Helix Plush
Helix Plush Mattress Topper
The Helix mattress topper adds a touch of plushness and a luxurious pillow top feel. It's made with hypoallergenic and durable materials. Click the link below for the best deal!
Mattress Clarity Score
4.40 / 5
Read Full Review
Who is it for?
Helix is famous for their versatile mattress options, but they make so much more than just mattresses. They also make accessories! Their mattress topper is made out of hypoallergenic bamboo, a naturally cooling material. Hot sleepers should love how light and breathable this topper is.
Benefits
- This topper is super durable because of its baffle box stitching.
- The support provided makes it an especially good pick for stomach sleepers.
- Its 1.5″ of fiberfill gives it a pillow-top look and feel.
Some Drawbacks
- While it has “plush” in the name, this topper only slightly changes mattress firmness. So, it’s not the best for those wanting significant pressure relief or a memory foam feel.
Read our full Helix Plush mattress topper review.
What to Consider When Buying a Mattress Topper for College
Still undecided? Here are a few things to think about when choosing the best mattress topper for college.
Mattress Size
This may seem like an obvious point, but make sure to pick the right-sized mattress topper. Check to see the exact dimensions of the mattress in the dorm room. Most are going to be either Twin (38″ x 75″) or Twin XL (38″ x 80″). Students can measure themselves or ask the college administration about size.
Recommended: Mattress Sizes and Dimensions.
Sleeping Position
Side sleepers are going to want a softer mattress topper, back sleepers should look for a topper that’s soft but not too soft, and stomach sleepers are going to want a mattress topper with more support, especially around the hips.
Feel Preferences
Not all mattress toppers feel the same. While it is true that the majority feature some kind of memory foam, some contain other materials like latex or a foam alternative. For those who like to sink into their sleeping surface, try memory foam. For something bouncier, latex foam will be a better choice.
Recommended: Best Latex Mattresses
Budget and Durability
Budget is always a concern, but luckily these toppers are going to be under $200 for a Twin or Twin XL topper. At a certain point, the lower the price, the less durable your topper may be. For example, a cheaper memory foam topper doesn’t contain the highest-density memory foam, and it might not last as long as a pricier topper that contains high-density memory foam.
Recommended: College Sleep Resources & Accessories
Other Sleep Accessories for a College Dorm Room
A mattress topper is just one item college students should consider if they want to sleep better in their dorm room. Here are a couple of other handy items that can ensure they get the best sleep possible.
- Earplugs: Dorms are loud. Roommates can snore and noisy neighbors might care more about partying than studying. Earplugs could be an easy solution to this problem and, for not much money, students could be blocking out the majority of these sounds
- Sleep masks: When sleeping in a dorm, college students aren’t in control of the lighting. They may have a roommate who stays up late watching TV or working on their computer, or they could have light coming through their window. This could disrupt sleep and mess with circadian rhythms. A good sleep mask could cut out the majority of these unwanted beams.
- Bedding: Students should also make sure that they find sheets and comforters promoting healthy sleep. If they’re a hot sleeper, they should consider cotton sheets with a percale weave, as well as a breathable comforter. Also, consider a duvet cover, which can slip this over a comforter and is a lot easier to clean.
- Pillows: The right pillow can go a long way in helping one get great sleep. Don’t break the bank, but make sure to find a pillow that fits one’s sleeping position and feel preferences.
Recommended: The Ultimate Guide to Sleeping Better on a College Campus
Summary
| Topper | Best For |
| Nolah | Editor’s Pick |
| Saatva | Best Soft Mattress Topper |
| ViscoSoft | Best Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers |
| Dreamfoam | Best Value Mattress Topper |
| Helix Plush | Best Cooling Mattress Topper |
Don’t settle for poor sleep. Give it the old college try and make that mattress more comfortable!
Featured image: Alexandre Rotenberg/Shutterstock
