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9 Best Twin XL Mattress Toppers of 2023 for Your Uncomfy Dorm Room Bed
You gotta add one of these bbs to your college packing list.
Despite the rising cost of college tuition (let's not talk about it), it seems dorm room mattresses aren't getting any comfier...which is especially tough if you've got the mattress of your dreams on your bed at home. And because a college student needs a good night's sleep in order to party study as hard as possible, you'll wanna make sure you get yourself a primo twin XL mattress topper to make that bed a lil cozier. Not to be dramatic, but quality mattress toppers are pretty much a dorm room essential—and they make the *perfect* gift for the college student in your life. Just saying!!
Not all mattress toppers are made equal, ofc, and they come with all sorts of fills, depending on what kind of cushion ya need. You can opt for a down or down alternative topper for soft, feathery support, or you can go with a foam or latex model for something a bit more substantial. You can even find toppers that combine down and foam for the best of both worlds. Loveeee it! Ahead, all our fave twin XL mattress toppers that'll transform your dorm room bed into a cushy lil cloud.
Our top picks for the best twin XL mattress toppers of 2023:
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best hybrid twin xl mattress topper
LUCID 4" Down Alternative and Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Read more - 5
Read on for deets on all these top-rated dorm bed mattresses toppers—and don't forget to get yourself some soft sheets and a chic duvet cover as well!
ViscoSoft Select High Density Mattress Topper
ViscoSoft Select High Density Mattress Topper
Pros
- Includes elastic straps and slip-resistant bottom
- High-density foam is supportive and breathable
Cons
- Too firm to offer deep contouring
- Heavier than other options due to density
Looking for a topper with a medium-firm feel that won't budge as you sleep? Go with this hiiiighly-rated option from ViscoSoft. It's filled with three inches of high-density gel-infused foam that's perforated for better airflow (goodbye, night sweats!!), and it comes with adjustable straps and a slip-resistant mesh bottom that'll keep it secure to your mattress. The bamboo rayon cover is also removable and washable, which is always a bonus.
- Fill material: Gel-infused memory foam
- Cover material: 40% rayon from bamboo, 60% polyester
- Thickness: 3 inches
THE REVIEW: "I had really done my research before purchasing this memory foam topper and I’m glad I did," one buyer notes. "This is a great quality topper and the comfort level is excellent. It has just the right firmness. It really cradles your hips and shoulders, as I am a back and side sleeper. No pain in the morning upon waking—what more could you ask for in a topper?"
Linenspa Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Linenspa Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Pros
- Amazing quality for the price
- Sleeps a lil cooler than traditional foam toppers
Cons
- Cover isn't included and costs $22 extra
- Doesn't have straps for securing to mattress
If you don't wanna drop a ton of cash, then go with this bestseller from Linenspa, which has nearly 80,000 five-star reviews on Amazon (nbd!!). Unlike most foam toppers, which tend to absorb heat, this bb features gel infusions to help keep you cool as you sleep, and the medium-firm feel provides pressure relief without *too* much sinkage. You also have your choice of a two- or three-inch model.
- Fill material: Gel-infused memory foam
- Cover material: 100% polyester
- Thickness: 2 or 3 inches
THE REVIEW: "I bought the 2-inch and it was perfect!" one review reads. "Made a huge difference. I have a Temper-Pedic on another bed and this one is the SAME quality for 1/3 the price! My Temper-Pedic also smelled for days, although it did come with a mattress protector, which was nice. But for 3x the price of this one! I would go for this brand in the future."
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt Topper
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt Topper
Pros
- Corner straps help keep it secure to mattress
- Provides incredible pressure relief
Cons
- Not a great choice for hot sleepers, as it can trap heat
- A bit $$$
Ya, it's expensive, but the TEMPUR-Adapt Topper is one of the best memory foam mattress toppers in the game, trust. Made with three inches of the legendary TEMPUR-Material foam (which is designed to adapt to your shape and weight), this medium-feel topper offers ah-mazing cushioning and contouring. Plus, those elastic straps on the corners and the removable, washable cover are clutch. And if you're a hot sleeper, you can add on a specialty cooling cover for an additional $80.
- Fill material: Memory foam
- Cover material: 80% polyester, 20% propylene
- Thickness: 3 inches
THE REVIEW: According to one tester, "I purchased a firm mattress that's great for back support, but I toss and turn because pressure points get aggravated. This mattress topper is like magic...you lay on it and immediately feel your body being caressed as you sink just a little into it. All pressure points are cushioned no matter what position I sleep in, and my back is still supported. I can't rave enough about this purchase."
LUCID 4" Down Alternative and Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
LUCID 4" Down Alternative and Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Pros
- Foam topper and down-alternative topper can be used together or separately
- Fitted-sheet style design keeps it secure to bed
Cons
- Down-alternative topper doesn't add a ton of softness, per some testers
- Sleeps a lil too warm for some
Want the cushion of memory foam but the plushness of a pillow top? Get yourself a topper that provides both. This option from LUCID comes with a perforated, gel-infused topper that's two inches thick, as well as a fitted sheet-style down-alternative topper (which is machine-washable, btw) providing two more inches of light and airy support. Best of all, you can use 'em separately or together for the ultimate cushy experience.
- Fill material: Down alternative and gel-infused memory foam
- Cover material: 100% cotton percale
- Thickness: 4 inches
THE REVIEW: "I took a shot on this topper and I love it!" one review reads. "Just those few extra inches of cushion has changed my sleep. The first night I slept on it like a baby. I haven't had sleep that good in a couple years now. This is a great affordable option if you need the extra support and cushion without buying a new mattress."
Sleep On Latex Pure Green Natural Latex Mattress Topper
Sleep On Latex Pure Green Natural Latex Mattress Topper
Pros
- Comes in three different firmness levels
- Sleeps *so* cool, thanks to perforated design and natural materials
Cons
- Cover costs an additional $50
- May slide around a bit on bed, as it doesn't have straps
FTR, you won't find a better deal on a latex mattress topper than this bb. Made with natural materials and combining the best elements of Dunlop and Talalay latex foam, this perforated topper is similar in density to a foam topper—but like latex mattresses, it'll sleep a lot cooler and feel a bit softer to the touch than memory foam. You can get it in three thickness options (as well as three firmness levels), depending on how much support you like.
- Fill material: Natural latex foam
- Cover material: 100% organic cotton
- Thickness: 1, 2, or 3 inches
THE REVIEW: "I have NEVER had a mattress topper of this quality," one review reads. "They are usually too thin, reek of petro-chemicals, or just mat down too much to be of any use. This is so supportive and helps reduce painful pressure points so I slept better from night one. There was a mild smell when opening up the box that I didn’t even think was unpleasant. I aired it out for about 5 hours, and under my mattress cover, I can’t smell anything at all. So grateful for this product!
Nolah Mattress Topper
Nolah Mattress Topper
Pros
- Includes two firmness options and corner straps
- Doesn't trap as much heat as traditional foam
Cons
- Cover can't be removed or washed
- May not provide enough pressure relief for some
If you hate the feeling of sinking into a memory foam bed, you should give this topper from Nolah a try. It's made with two inches of high-density polyurethane foam (aka Airfoam), which tends to sleep cooler than traditional memory foam and offer a bouncier, more responsive feel. Plus, your topper comes with a choice of two firmness levels (plush or luxury firm) and elastic corner straps.
- Fill material: Polyurethane foam
- Cover material: 71% polyester, 24% organic cotton, 4% poly/lycra
- Thickness: 2 inches
THE REVIEW: As one tester writes, "I am a life-long insomniac/poor sleeper. This product did not change that, of course, but has allowed me to sleep much more soundly, and for longer periods. Most importantly, when I wake up, my hips and knees are free of pain."
Layla Memory Foam Topper
Pros
- Copper-infused gel works to keep it cool
- Provides great balance of contouring and support
Cons
- Not everyone found the elastic corner straps effective
- Def heavier than other options
Another great option for hot sleepers: this two-inch-thick foam topper from Layla. Because it's infused with copper gel beads, this topper is naturally antimicrobial and works to draw heat away from your body as you snooze—and according to reviewers, it *really* works. The high-density foam provides cozy contouring without too much sinkage, and it also comes with elastic straps and a cooling cover that can be removed and washed.
- Fill material: Copper gel-infused memory foam
- Cover material: 66% polyester, 30% viscose, 4% poly/lycra
- Thickness: 2 inches
THE REVIEW: "Cooling, firm, and supportive—this has been the best topper I've had and I have tried a good many," one review reads. "Would definitely recommend to those who need something comfortable on top of a firm mattress but who don't want to sink in too much."
Parachute Down Mattress Topper
Parachute Down Mattress Topper
Pros
- Baffle box construction keeps fill evenly distributed
- Provides fluffy, cloud-like cushioning
Cons
- Dry-clean-only and doesn't include removable cover or straps
- More expensive than other options
Anyone who loves the feel of a pillow top but wants a lil more substance will appreciate this down-filled mattress topper from Parachute. Stuffed with three inches of 550-fill-power down and encased in a cotton sateen shell, this v luxe option will give any mattress a fluffy, cloud-like feel—and while it provides plenty of sinkage, it's thick enough to keep you somewhat elevated.
- Fill material: 85% down, 15% feather fibers
- Cover material: 100% cotton sateen
- Thickness: 3 inches
THE REVIEW: As one buyer writes, "Firehouse mattresses have never been all that comfortable, but when the department recently bought us all new rock-hard twin XLs to replace the old ones, I had to do something. Been sleeping on my Parachute topper for a couple shifts now, and it’s better than I could have imagined; from unbearably firm to the most comfortable thing ever! Well worth the extra money."
Coop Sleep Goods Retreat Mattress Topper
Coop Sleep Goods Retreat Mattress Topper
Pros
- Incredibly plush while still providing support
- Elastic straps keep it from sliding around
Cons
- Sleeps a lil too warm for some
- Spot clean only, as cover isn't removable
Most unique mattress topper out there? It's gotta be this hybrid option. Unlike most memory foam toppers, which are made from a solid block of foam, this bb is packed with a blend of shredded foam and polyester fiber fill, so you don't have to worry about it trapping too much heat. The baffle box construction ensures that your five inches (!!) of fill stay lofty and evenly distributed, and it includes corner straps for a nice, secure fit.
- Fill material: Cross-cut memory foam and microfiber
- Cover material: 100% brushed soft microfiber
- Thickness: 5 inches
THE REVIEW: "This topper is so comfy!" one reviewer raves. "It’s really plush and soft. I can’t believe what a difference it has made in my quality of sleep. When I wake up during the night, I can fall right back to sleep because I’m so comfortable. I’d recommend it. I waited a while to buy it because it was a little pricey but I’m so glad I did!"
QQ: Is a mattress topper the same as a mattress pad?
Bedding can be confusing, tbh, but—just as duvets differ from comforters—mattress toppers and mattress pads are not the same thing. Mattress pads are typically less than two inches thick, and though they can make your bed feel a bit more plush, they won't offer much in terms of pressure relief. They can also work to shield your mattress from moisture and dirt, as they're typically designed like a fitted sheet and can be washed just as easily—but they likely won't protect your mattress *quite* as well as a mattress protector (which is, yes, another totally different thing).
Mattress toppers, on the other hand, provide a more substantial layer of support, so they're usually more expensive than mattress pads. They'll also make a noticeable change to the firmness level of your mattress. Just keep in mind that, while some toppers come with washable covers, mattress toppers themselves are usually spot-clean-only.
How to choose the best twin XL mattress topper
Not sure what kind of twin XL mattress topper is right for you? Here are a few tips to get ya started:
Choose the right fill material
Toppers come in a range of styles, so you'll wanna consider how you like to sleep and what your mattress is lacking. Foam mattress toppers are the most popular option, as they provide cushioning and support, but they tend to sleep a bit hot, since foam (particularly memory foam) absorbs body heat. Latex toppers offer a similar feel but a lil more breathability (thanks to the natural materials), while down and down-alternative toppers will give your bed plushness rather than pressure relief.
Consider the cover material
The material used for your topper cover or shell will also affect how well you sleep. Covers made with natural fibers (like cotton or bamboo) tend to be more breathable and cooling, while those made with synthetic materials (like polyester or microfiber) may not work as well for hot sleepers. However! Synthetic materials are typically cheaper, so if you're shopping on a budget, then they're your best bet.
Look for bonus features
In addition to having a removable, washable cover, the best mattress toppers usually include elastic straps on the corners that'll keep 'em secure to your mattress. These aren't *totally* necessary (especially since mattress toppers go under your fitted sheet), but they can def come in handy, especially if you shift positions a lot in your sleep.
Why trust 'Cosmo'?
Not to brag or anything, but helping you (yes, you!) obtain The Perfect Night of Sleep™️ is one of our many specialties here at Cosmo. For those who are tired of tossing and turning on a worn-down twin XL mattress, our informed editors scoured through reviews and firsthand tests to select the mattress toppers that really deserve the hype. All for your next cool, relaxing round of Zzzs. Sweet dreams.
Corinne Sullivan is an Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, shopping, and more. She can tell you everything you need to know about the love lives of A-listers, the coziest bedsheets, and the sex toys actually worth your $$$. She is also the author of the 2018 novel Indecent. Follow her on Instagram for cute pics of her pup and bébé.
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