If you want to add an extra layer of comfort to your current mattress, a gel mattress topper might do the trick. There’s a lot to love about gel memory foam – it offers a classic slow-moving feel without trapping body heat.
If you need help finding the perfect option for your sleep needs, you’ve come to the right place. We rounded up a list of the best gel mattress toppers and rated them based on durability, construction, comfort, price, and more.
The Best Gel Mattress Toppers
- Layla – Best Cooling Gel Mattress Topper
- Lucid – Best Gel Mattress Topper for Back Pain
- Dreamfoam – Best Affordable Gel Mattress Topper
- Viscosoft – Best Luxury Gel Mattress Topper
How We Chose Our Products
Here at Mattress Clarity, we’ve tested dozens of mattress toppers. For this specific roundup, we focused on gel mattress toppers and assessed their durability, pressure relief, cooling features, and price points.
Best Cooling Gel Mattress Topper – Layla
If it’s a cooling memory foam mattress topper you’re after, take a look at the Layla. This popular online mattress brand is known for their high-quality products, and this mattress topper is no exception.
Layla Mattress Topper
Mattress Clarity Score
4.20 / 5
Read Full Review
All of the toppers on this list help dissipate body heat, but none sleep as cool as the Layla. This topper doesn’t just have gel in the memory foam; it has copper, too! Copper is an antimicrobial material that helps sleepers stay cool and clean at night.
This topper will soften your current mattress and offer excellent pressure relief. It’s particularly great for side sleepers, because it helps alleviate pain along the shoulders and hips. Best of all – this topper should help extend the lifespan of your current mattress!
What Makes The Layla Mattress Topper Stand Out?
- It contains two cooling infusions – copper and gel.
- This topper helps alleviate pain along pressure points.
- It’s a great choice for side sleepers.
Read our full Layla mattress topper review.
Best Gel Mattress Topper for Back Pain – Lucid
Lucid 2" Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
![Lucid 2" Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper](https://www.mattressclarity.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/lucid-mattress-topper-featured-image-300x169.jpg)
In the end, the Lucid Memory Foam Mattress Topper is a great value. It provides a memory foam feel and some extra pressure relief at an affordable price. However, stomach sleepers and hot sleepers might want to look elsewhere. The Lucid comes with a 3-year warranty, but we do question its long-term durability.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.40 / 5
![star](https://www.mattressclarity.com/wp-content/plugins/air-db/accessory-block/assets/images/review-star-full.svg)
![star](https://www.mattressclarity.com/wp-content/plugins/air-db/accessory-block/assets/images/review-star-full.svg)
![star](https://www.mattressclarity.com/wp-content/plugins/air-db/accessory-block/assets/images/review-star-full.svg)
![star](https://www.mattressclarity.com/wp-content/plugins/air-db/accessory-block/assets/images/review-star-full.svg)
Read Full Review
The Lucid gel mattress topper strikes the perfect balance between comfort and support, making it a great choice for people with back pain. This mattress topper will slightly soften your current mattress, but it won’t make you feel like you’re “stuck” inside the bed.”
It’s also a great option for people who are shopping on a budget! Lucid is known for their low prices, and most of the brand’s products are conveniently sold on Amazon.
What Makes Lucid Stand Out?
- It works well for people who suffer from lower back pain.
- This topper feels soft, but it won’t make people feel “stuck” inside the mattress.
- It’s sold at a budget-friendly price.
Best Affordable Gel Mattress Topper – Dreamfoam
DreamFoam Mattress Topper
![DreamFoam Mattress Topper](https://www.mattressclarity.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/dreamfoam-best-topper-205x175.jpg)
The Dreamfoam is a comfortable and affordable mattress topper that should be a good match for back and side sleepers.
Cooling gel foam doesn’t have to break the bank! With Mattress Clarity coupons, you can purchase a queen size Dreamfoam mattress topper for less than $100! If you want to save even more, shop during one of Dreamfoam’s holiday sale periods.
This mattress topper will soften your current mattress and offer additional pressure relief. It’s great for side and back sleepers!
What Makes The Dreamfoam Mattress Topper Stand Out?
- It’s a great value.
- This mattress topper helps dissipate body heat.
- It offers plenty of pressure relief for side sleepers.
Read our full Dreamfoam mattress topper review.
Best Luxury Gel Mattress Topper – Viscosoft
ViscoSoft Select High Density Mattress Topper
![ViscoSoft Select High Density Mattress Topper](https://www.mattressclarity.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/viscosoft-bottom-300x169.jpg)
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
![star](https://www.mattressclarity.com/wp-content/plugins/air-db/accessory-block/assets/images/review-star-full.svg)
![star](https://www.mattressclarity.com/wp-content/plugins/air-db/accessory-block/assets/images/review-star-full.svg)
![star](https://www.mattressclarity.com/wp-content/plugins/air-db/accessory-block/assets/images/review-star-full.svg)
![star](https://www.mattressclarity.com/wp-content/plugins/air-db/accessory-block/assets/images/review-star-full.svg)
Read Full Review
If you want something more luxurious, check out the Viscosoft gel mattress topper. The 3” tall model feels particularly plush, making it perfect for side sleepers who need lots of pressure relief.
It’s made with high-density foam, which helps eliminate motion transfer. That’s great news for couples who are concerned about feeling their partner’s movements during the night!
The washable cover is made with breathable material, so you shouldn’t feel hot on this topper. It also has adjustable straps that easily attach to the sides of the mattress.
What Makes The Viscosoft Mattress Topper Stand Out?
- It’s made with luxurious, high-quality materials.
- This mattress topper isolates motion well.
- It has adjustable straps and a washable cover.
Read our full Viscosoft mattress topper review.
What are Gel Mattress Toppers?
Gel mattress toppers contain gel-infused memory foam. The gel infusion helps dissipate body heat and keep sleepers cool at night. They are great options for hot sleepers who need a lot of pressure relief!
For more information, check out our “What is a mattress topper?” article
Pros and Cons of Gel Mattress Toppers
Gel mattress toppers have many benefits, but they aren’t for everyone. Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons:
Pros |
Cons |
Help dissipate heat |
Don’t offer much lumbar support |
Often sold at affordable prices |
Aren’t as responsive as other types of toppers |
Offer pressure relief |
Won’t work well for stomach sleepers |
For more options, take a look at our list of the best memory foam mattress toppers.
Gel vs Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Both types of toppers offer pressure relief and body contouring, but they aren’t quite the same. Gel foam does not trap as much body heat as pure memory foam does.That said, some memory foam mattress toppers are aerated for extra airflow and contain cooling covers. Take a look at our list of the best cooling mattress toppers for more great options.
How to Clean Gel Mattress Toppers
Because every gel mattress topper is slightly different, the care instructions aren’t universal. Some toppers, like the Viscosoft, have removable and machine-washable covers. Others, like the Dreamfoam, can only be spot cleaned. Make sure to thoroughly read the care instructions before washing your gel mattress topper.
Summary
Once again, here are our top picks for the best gel mattress toppers.
Topper | Superlative |
Layla | Best Cooling Gel Mattress Topper |
Lucid | Best Gel Mattress Topper for Back Pain |
Dreamfoam | Best Affordable Gel Mattress Topper |
Viscosoft | Best Luxury Gel Mattress Topper |
FAQs
For more information, check out our FAQ section below!
Can you wash a gel mattress topper?
You can, but the method differs from product to product. Some gel mattress toppers have machine-washable covers, while others need to be spot cleaned.
Can you cut a gel mattress topper?
You can cut most gel mattress toppers, but make sure to read the care instructions before starting your craft project. Some gel foam toppers may contain fiberglass and have covers that are not meant to be removed. If you purchase one like that, do not cut into it.
Are gel mattress toppers good for back pain?
Yes! Gel mattress toppers offer pressure relief, which can help people who suffer from back pain.