Best Mattress Topper For College Dorms [Review] in 2021
Last Updated on March 16, 2021
written by sleep expert Lauren Hall
Find the products quick - here are the review winners
ViscoSoft 3 Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper
TOP CHOICE
DreamFoam 2" Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper
OUR PICK
Best Price Memory Foam Mattress Topper
RUNNER UP
Just moved into your college dorm room, sat on your bed, and realized how excruciatingly uncomfortable it was? Or are you looking to move into your new dorm and want to be prepared?
Well, good news, you’re at the right place.
College is such an exciting fresh start, moving into your dorm, meeting your new roommate, meeting new friends! The only downside is your mattress; it feels like you’re sleeping on a pile of bricks– not comfortable at all! But there’s an easy solution: A MATTRESS TOPPER!
Lucky for you, I have hunted down the very best and most comfortable memory foam mattress toppers that will transform a dorm bed that feels like bricks to one that you will go Zzz as soon as you hit the pillow.
But that’s not all.
To make things easier for you, I have also considered budget in my search, as I know you’ve probably already spent a fortune on all the books you need, things for your dorm, and much more. I have looked through 37 different options, factoring it down to my top 6!
Here’s a tip: if you find yourself getting hot in the night or you’re staying in a particularly hot state, then I would recommend getting a mattress topper that is infused with a cooling gel or has a well-ventilated design, so that you can sleep in complete comfort.
These mattress toppers will bring any old mattress back to life so that nothing will affect your college experience! Let’s jump in!
We’ve spent the time researching so you don’t have to:
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Our Top 5 Best Mattress Toppers for College Dorm Rooms
ViscoSoft 3 Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Coming in hot at number one has to go to ViscoSoft; this is my number one pick for all my back and side sleepers out there. It will take the edge off of any concrete college mattress and will make you feel like you’re sleeping in a 5-star bed!
I wish I had a mattress topper this good in college. It is made out of 3 inches of slow-moving memory foam, which will cradle and conform to your body’s shapes and curves and provide you with comfort like no other.
It will align your spine and relieve any pressure points that have been irritated by sleeping on a concrete dorm mattress; it provides the right level of comfort without feeling like you’re sinking into the foam.
Their breathable, well-ventilated design distributes body heat evenly to improve comfort; it is also infused with a gel memory foam to keep you cool throughout the night. You won’t have issues with waking up in a hot sweat anymore with ViscoSoft.
You will feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud.
Not only is this memory foam mattress topper more affordable than most, but it will see you through the whole of college and more with their 3-year-warranty!
ViscoSoft has researched and tested its design to ensure it delivers maximum comfort and restful, uninterrupted sleep for the whole night. Just by using this topper, you will notice the difference in pain relief and the quality of sleep.
You will feel as refreshed and energized as you would with a brand new mattress. The comfort that it provides is unmatched and knowing how hard college mattresses can be, ’s why I recommend it as my number one choice!
Pros
Will transform any concrete mattress
Conforms to your body’s curves and shapes for ultimate support
Affordable choice considering how long it’ll last you
Well ventilated and infused with gel, ideal for hot sleepers
Cons
None
Latest deal: ViscoSoft 3 Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper
DreamFoam 2" Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper
This mattress topper is a master at conforming to your body position and weight throughout the night, allowing you to get a deep and restful sleep. It also offers an insane amount of pain relief thanks to its conforming capabilities.
If you’re looking for a good value pick, then this is it!
You will not only sleep comfortably, but you can snack on all the ramen noodles or takeouts with complete comfort. You will even struggle to get out of bed in the morning; it’s that comfortable!
Find yourself sleeping hot? You can kiss goodbye to those nights of feeling like you’re drowning in your own sweat. Just like Viscosoft dream memory foam is gel-infused and provides excellent temperature regulation features, it will dissipate heat and keep you cool.
I would recommend adding a sheet or cover over the top of this topper; we don’t want any spills or accidents from a drunken night with friends! Still, with a 3-year warranty and a good quality topper for under 100 bucks, it’s definitely worth a go.
No more concrete night’s sleep anymore!
Pros
Will provide support and comfort to any mattress
Gel infusion regulates temperature
Great value for money
3-year warranty
Cons
Off-putting smell when first opened
Latest Deal: DreamFoam 2″ Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper
Best Price Memory Foam Topper
It is made of gel-infused memory foam allowing you to melt into a deep sleep. Waking up covered in sweat is no way to enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep in our opinion.
Luckily, this mattress pad is the king of staying cool throughout the night as it prevents your body heat from being trapped while sleeping leaving you waking up feeling energized and…dry!
Here’s the kicker:
This mattress topper can also help relieve some aches and pains you may experience due to the gel-infused memory foam that conforms to your body position and weight. Many customers said that it has helped their back and shoulder pain immensely!
College is an extremely important period of your life, don’t let a terrible mattress ruin your chance of graduating with excellent grades that you are capable of obtaining! Bring your old college mattress back to life by getting this mattress topper today!
Pros
Gel-Infused Memory Foam
Instantly revamps old mattress for superior sleep climate
Ventilated design optimizes airflow and reduces trapped body heat
Ideal pressure-relieving support
Cons
This mattress topper is on the more expensive side in the market
Latest Deal: Best Price Memory Foam Mattress Topper
LUCID 3 Inch Ventilated Memory Foam Topper
Chances are that if you sleep on a college mattress, you will experience allergies caused by dust mites at some point in time!
This Lucid Memory Foam Mattress Topper is resistant to dust mites and the allergies they cause so you can rest assured that you are free from these horrible little insects!
But that’s not all:
This mattress topper is ventilated and promises to keep you cool at night. It is designed for enhanced breathability, optimizing airflow, and working to mediate trapped body heat in order to keep you feeling cool and fresh throughout the night.
Like many other toppers on this list, you guessed it…it can also help with aches and pains in the body. It conforms to your shapes and curves in order to provide you with ultimate comfort while you rest.
The memory foam hugs your body allowing your muscles to enter a deep state of relaxation meaning you will wake up feeling refreshed and ready to study your way to the top of the class!
Pros
3″ Thick 100% premium memory foam mattress topper
Ventilated for improved airflow and breathability
Naturally resistant to allergens and dust mites
Offers superior comfort and pressure relief
Cons
There is a new scent smell that will last for a couple of days before dissipating
Latest deal: LUCID 3 Inch Ventilated Memory Foam Mattress
5.
Sleep Innovations 4-inch Dual Layer Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
The Sleep Innovations 4” Dual Layer Mattress Topper is a high-quality product renowned for its two-layer design and 4-inch thickness; it is brilliantly designed to relieve pressure points and pains like backache caused by rubbish dorm mattresses.
The comfort layer is very plush and soft and provides a cloud-like feeling. The memory foam itself is infused with gel to dissipate heat and offer a cooler night sleep as well as unmatched support.
For students that love that plush, conforming feel out of their bed, this is the one for you. It will turn a rock-hard mattress into one you can’t wait to get into, conforming to all of your shapes, aligning your spine, and relieving pressure points for a comfortable sleep.
It has a great pressure system that evenly distributes weight and reduces pain in key areas, so its softness is not too much of a downside, and it’s great for sleepers in all positions. Its added thickness means it provides even more support, and it ensures head-to-toe contouring.
As if that’s not enough!
It is dust mite resistant and relatively easy to clean, with a removable cover that is machine washable. Still, I would recommend investing in a waterproof sheet to prevent the risk of accidents, especially if you love eating ramen noodles like everyone else in college.
This topper does come at a higher price than most due to its unique composition, but it’s a solid choice for college students looking for a mattress topper that will last them through the entirety of college.
Pros
Infused with gel to help regulate temperature
Cooler than a regular memory foam topper
Light and breathable
Made with no harmful chemicals and meets all safety standards
Cons
The 3-inch memory foam topper may be too high for most beds
Latest deal: Sleep Innovations 4-inch Dual Layer Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
We’ve Created the Mattress Toppers for College Dorms Buyers Guide
It doesn’t matter how worn out or old a mattress is, you can refresh it completely by getting a mattress topper. There are no secrets about the fact that beds in college dorms aren’t going to be the most comfortable to sleep on.
Fortunately, you can solve that predicament easily by getting a mattress topper to spring new life into your dorm mattress and create a cloud of comfort.
So, how do you go about choosing the best mattress topper for your college dorm? Well, here are some of the things that you need to consider:
Things to consider before buying a mattress topper for college
Size: To buy the right mattress topper for your college dorm, you’ll need to know the size of the bed in your dorm. Most dorms in college are shared, so it’s safe to say that your dorm room is going to have a twin-sized bed but that’s not always the case.
Large, full-sized beds may have been added in the room in place of a couch. These may offer better and more restful sleep, which will translate into better academic performances.
You’ll need to buy a mattress topper that easily fits a twin, full, twin XL, or a full XL mattress for your dorm room bed. There won’t be a larger-sized bed in the dorm, but you never know.
Hygiene: A major concern you may have with your dorm room bed is that you have no idea who has slept on that mattress before you, or how hygienic it is.
As standard practice, dorm rooms are cleaned out after occupancy, but you can never be sure how clean a mattress that’s been used by someone else is. That’s where a mattress topper becomes a hygienic barrier between you and the mattress someone else slept on before you.
Mattress Depth: The depth and thickness of the mattress in your dorm should also be considered because it can have an impact on the type, style, and depth of the mattress topper you need.
Thinner mattresses are going to be harder, have compression problems, and sag more. So, if you find out that your dorm room mattress is thin, you may think about getting a thicker mattress topper to ensure you get the cushion and support that you need for a full night’s peaceful sleep.
Material: The material of the mattress topper you end up choosing depends on how you like sleeping and that will help you choose between different toppers. The good news is that mattress toppers come in a variety of different materials and we’re going to highlight some of them.
Different types of mattress toppers
Latex Mattress Toppers
Latex toppers are firm and supportive while offering a luxurious feel. They give enough contours to the body to keep it comfortable and aligned the whole night.
You may experience breathability issues with latex, which may make you too hot when sleeping, and some friends also have an allergy to latex.
Foam Egg Crate Mattress Toppers
An egg crate mattress topper is very popular, as it is economical and creates a hygienic separation between the old mattress and you. However, it doesn’t offer great back support, so you won’t have the most comfortable sleep of your life with this mattress topper.
Memory Foam Mattress Toppers
Memory foam toppers are the most popular in the market and conform well to your body, ensuring you’re properly aligned and get a good night’s rest.
However, you may need to pay extra to add some cooling gel and avoid heat retention. Memory foam mattress toppers are also the most expensive option on the market, so may not be ideal for those who don’t want to spend a lot.
Memory foam is probably the best option for a college dorm mattress, it will last you a long time and provide you with comfort like no other.
Feathers and Down Mattress Toppers
These toppers are luxurious and soft but are also expensive as a result. They also require frequent ‘fluffing’ to regain their cushioning properties, but they are hypoallergenic and won’t cause any allergic reactions.
They are very soft and are ideal for covering old firm mattresses with sprung coils.
Wool and Cotton Mattress Toppers
These toppers are also a good choice as they come in various thicknesses and price points on top of being versatile. They provide flexibility, transport, and ease of care, and have excellent heat regulation.
Since wool is great at moisture-wicking, you won’t need to worry about sleeping in a ‘wet spot’ and sleep in discomfort the entire night.
So which dorm mattress topper should I get?
Out of all of the mattress toppers for college, you can find I would recommend going for a memory foam one. This is because memory foam adds that little extra support and padding that you need. If you go for any other you may still feel the dorm mattress underneath.
Memory foam is not only comfortable but it conforms to your body like no other mattress topper, aligning your spine and relieving pressure points which are so important for posture.
If you do go for one of the memory foam options I would recommend going for gel memory foam as well as one that is well ventilated, as you may already know memory foam likes to hold onto heat and this will promote a cool environment for you to sleep on.
Side Sleepers
When you sleep on your side, an unnatural curvature is created in the spine, which places pressure on sensitive areas like the hips, neck, and shoulders. The mattress topper should sink under these areas to alleviate pressure and straighten the spine.
Light-weight people (those under 130 pounds) feel more comfortable sleeping on low-density and softer mattress toppers, but those above 130 pounds tend to prefer firmer mattress toppers; this will prevent you from sinking and defeating the purpose of the mattress topper.
Back Sleepers
When you sleep on your back, the spine is aligned naturally and that doesn’t place any pressure on sensitive body areas. However, you’ll need a high-density mattress topper to get the right support, because ones that are too soft will cause the hips and back to sink deep
Firm mattress toppers, on the other hand, create a gap between the lower back and the bed. In such instances, medium-form mattress toppers are the best option, especially for individuals between 130 to 230 pounds.
Stomach Sleepers
You shouldn’t sleep on your stomach as a lot of people carry a lot of weight in the stomach and this can cause excessive sinking around the pelvis and hips.
This can misalign the spine and increase the potential for pressure and pain. However, if you prefer sleeping in this position, you should get a firmer mattress topper that prevents sinking in the stomach area and keeps your spine straight.
The mattress topper should also be thin and have low density so that it offers equal comfort and support.
Benefits of Using Mattress Toppers for college
Mattress toppers can make a massive difference to college a dorm room mattress with an extensive range of benefits that go from alleviating pressure and pain to creating a cloud-like experience such as:
Improved Sleep Surface – The best thing about a mattress topper is that it can add comfort to old, worn-out dorm room mattress, which has indentations and are sagging. The mattress topper ensures you get the ideal sleeping surface so that you get a good night’s sleep.
More Support – Mattress toppers made from materials such as latex or memory foam help maintain and create a stable, even sleeping surface. This offers enhanced support for the neck, shoulders, and back.
Pain and Pressure Relief – Latex or memory foam models, are closely conformed to the body of sleepers. This helps them align the spine and target pressure points in the hips, lower back, shoulders, and neck.
Dual Comfort Options – Mattress toppers are a great fit for mattresses that aren’t designed for dual-firmness comfort layers. You can get a mattress topper to modify one side’s feel and maintain the firmness of the other side.
Increased Durability – You can extend your mattress’s lifespan by using a mattress topper, which helps reduce indentations and sagging in the comfort layer.
Mattress Protection – Another great use for mattress toppers is that they act as a buffer to protect the top surface of the mattress from physical damage, staining, and accidents.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Here some of the frequently asked questions by individuals shopping for a mattress topper for a college dorm mattress. These were our top picks:
Do I really need a mattress topper for my college dorm mattress?
Getting yourself a mattress topper isn’t usually something you consider until you go to college; many people will agree when I say a dorm room mattress is like a pile of rocks; it provides no support or comfort.
The majority of dorm room mattresses are old, rundown, and are in need of some TLC, which is why I would recommend getting yourself a mattress topper for your dorm room in order to provide the support and comfort you need. (It is also much cheaper than buying a new mattress.)
It also provides a hygienic barrier between the dorm mattress and you. You never know how many people have slept in that bed before you, so it’s always good to be prepared. You can now go to sleep and wake up feeling refreshed.
What’s the depth of a dorm mattress?
The standard depth of a dorm mattress is around 7-inches to 8-inches, meaning they aren’t going to be comfortable. That’s why you’ll need a mattress topper to make your dorm room mattress feel comfortable and ensure that you get a good night’s sleep.
You will be spending the next 9 months in your college dorm room; it’s important that you’re comfortable.
What is the overall price range I should expect?
The price range of college dorm mattress toppers is extensive, and the right choice depends on the buyer’s specific needs and budget. College students don’t have a lot of cash to spend, and that’s why we’ve chosen mattress toppers that offer great value for money, along with great comfort and support. The general price range for mattress toppers in the market ranges from $50 to $200.
Conclusion
There’s no shortage of great mattress toppers around in the market that is suitable for use on a college dorm room mattress However, you should shop around and compare mattress toppers before buying one as you want to buy one that best meets your needs.
If you’re looking for a bargain, you must stay clear from used mattress toppers, as they’ll only offer you a temporary fix and soon, you’ll be in the market for a new mattress topper.
A mattress topper can make a world of difference for many students when they first enter college, as it ensures that moving away from home and sleeping on an unfamiliar, uncomfortable dorm room mattress isn’t going to ruin their college experience.
The good news is that with the extensive range of options available in the market, you’re not going to face any problems in finding one that meets your budget and needs.
There are several costs associated with moving into a college dorm but a dorm mattress topper is an investment in health and education that will pay off in the form of a well-rested, relaxed, and brilliant academic student.
Lauren Hall
Head of Content at Sleepedia
ABOUT
Lauren is Sleepedia's Head of Content and is a certified sleep therapist who loves her sleep. Lauren helps people to get back to those deep, dream-filled nights they once had by helping to identify problems with their routine and sleep setup. Whether it's a mattress or pillow, Lauren researches the best products in the industry to provide you with an in-depth review of everything you need to know to encourage your buying decision.
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