Top 5 Best Mattress Topper for College Reviews 2019

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I know how stiff beds in dorms sometimes feel, so I decided to get the best dorm mattress topper. One of the best decisions I made in college because it relieves much of the pain I felt during sleep.

I'll get on to the details in the next sections, so read on to check out my helpful purchasing guide!

Check out on this later ... 

Mattress Topper Comparison Table

Editor's Choice
Preview
SleepJoy 2" ViscO2 Ventilated Memory Foam Mattress Topper, Queen*
Material
ViscO2 memory foam
Our Rating
-
Prime
-
Runner Up
Preview
DreamFoam 2" Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper, Made in Arizona, Twin XL*
Material
Gel Swirl Memory Foam
Our Rating
-
Prime
-
Budget Pick
Preview
LINENSPA 2 Inch Gel Swirl Memory Foam Mattress Topper – Cooling Gel Infused – Pressure Relieving...*
Material
Gel Swirl Memory Foam
Our Rating
-
Prime
Amazon Prime
Therapeutic and Natural
Preview
LUCID Bamboo Charcoal Infused Memory, 2 Inch, Hypoallergenic, Cooling Ventilation,...*
Material
Bamboo Charcoal Memory Foam
Our Rating
-
Prime
Amazon Prime

Top 5 Best Dorm Mattress Toppers

After much research, I review these dorm mattress toppers, the best among the bunch!

SleepJoy ViscO2 Memory Foam Mattress Topper Breathable and Cozy

The SleepJoy ViscO2 Memory Foam Mattress Topper deserves the status of the best choice for its fantastic quality design.

The mattress topper surprised me because even if it's only two inches, it provided more than enough support! I felt all the necessary features, enjoying the material's strength and plush texture.

I can see that the memory foam had the premium quality to it, offering ViscO2, known for its durability. Even after a few weeks of daily use, it stays in shape and would spring back up without difficulty.

The topper doesn't sag, nor does it wear out or tear apart easily, so I know it can last for a few years.

I admire it most for breathability, the feature which makes it the best among the rest! I expected memory foam to sleep hot, but it kept cool throughout summer nights, so I had no problem with sweating. YES, college dorms can get hot, so if you're from a warmer climate, you'll love this topper.

As a college student with messed up sleep hygiene, I noticed I rest even better with the topper. It's no miracle worker, but I don't wake up groaning from anybody pain anymore.

From its durability material down to its breathable foam, this mattress topper's made for hard college dorm beds!

Pros
  • It improves sleep through relieving pressure
  • Breathable memory foam to keep you cool all night
  • Durable material that doesn’t tear or wear out easily
  • Softens college mattresses even if it’s only two inches thick
Cons
  • Some complaints about its shipping and packaging
  • Has a terrible smell that lasts for at least four days

Dreamfoam Bedding Gel Memory Foam Topper - Supportive and Pain-Relief

Another best mattress topper for college goes out to Dreamfoam Bedding Gel Memory Foam Topper, a two-inch topper you can use as a mattress pad.

I really enjoyed this review because of its cooling properties AND amazing material, which helped improve my sleep. And mind you as a college student who doesn't sleep well from stress, that's a fantastic feat.

The mattress' best feature is its breathability and gel swirl infusion, which helps with air circulation. It also draws heat away from my body as I sleep, and I noticed its helped with my sweating issues.

Besides its cooling feature, I'd like to commend it for its quality foam material! It really contours to your body shape and position, which relieves pain and hits pressure points. Until I managed to sleep straight it took a few weeks, but it actually helped my sleep quality!

But, I do have some questions about its durability, hence the dorm mattress topper staying in second place. With that said, many people counter with such comments, meaning that you just need to care for it well. So as long as you clean and maintain it, you won't have much of an issue.

For its support and pain-relieving qualities, it's a worthy buy for college students struggling with sleep!

Pros
  • Helps college students’ broken sleep with better pain relief
  • It’s extremely cooling and great for hotter rooms
  • Cute and bright gel swirl design for aesthetics
Cons
  • Foam might break easily if not cared for very well
  • The topper might change color

Linenspa Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper - Plush and Affordable

If you're a college student on a budget, you'll love this dorm mattress topper from Linenspa.

Its affordability doesn't make it one of the best alone, but its excellent features for temperature regulation. The dorm mattress topper keeps me cool throughout the night with its open cell technology!

For its cost, I didn't expect much from it. But, I notice you do get more than what you pay for given its contouring properties.

It conforms well to my body and helps with my sleep position. As a result, I wake up with less neck pain, though still with some back problems I don't mind.

BUT, with an affordable product review comes some issues. While it's supportive, you only get so much pressure relief during sleep. I still wake up from my deep sleep feeling some strain in my position, coming from the topper and mattress.

I would recommend this dorm mattress topper mostly if you're tight in funds. Yes, it performs adequately, but don't expect it to have the absolute best durability and support for sleep. You'll make use of it more if you're a college student using it periodically or temporarily. 

Pros
  • Light open cell technology for good breathability
  • Affordable cost suitable for a college student’s budget
  • Offers quick delivery and in good packaging
Cons
  • Doesn’t obliterate pain, more softness than support
  • Takes time for the foam to get back to the standard shape

Sleep Innovations Memory Foam Mattress Topper - Contouring and Long-Lasting

I love Sleep Innovations Memory Foam Mattress Topper, another one of my best reviews that helped me sleep straight again!

It has the superior quality material known to last and keep you comfortable in bed. Even I felt amazed that a two-inch mattress topper could feel so good on firm mattresses.

Though it isn't natural latex, it still has excellent breathability to maintain good body temperature. My sleep improved vastly, and I feel NO pain whatsoever after the first days of using it.

The topper build consists of SureTemp, which contours well to my body and bounces back in shape after I get up.

Unfortunately, not all college students have enough money to cover the costs of the topper! While quite pricey for a memory foam topper, I would understand if its construction had organic or natural latex material!

With that said, I can't deny it has extremely excellent quality, showing value and making it a good choice.

If you have extra funds and can spend more on a topper, I highly suggest you get this one! It helped with my sleep tremendously and gave comfort to any college student needs. Plus it fits most mattresses, deserving the spot as the fourth best topper.

Pros
  • Excellent comfort and support from SureTemp foam
  • Improves sleep with pressure-relieving properties
  • Distributes weight well and keeps you cool
  • Made of good material and construction to last long
Cons
  • Not budget-friendly for college students
  • Some complaint of a TOO soft texture

Lucid Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Topper - Therapeutic and Natural

Last but not least, I want to share my review on the Lucid Memory Foam Mattress Topper!

It didn't make the first choice because of its two-inch thickness, most suitable for newer dorm mattresses. BUT, I love its natural features which make it safer and healthier to use.

The memory foam mattress topper has natural hypoallergenic properties, resisting bacteria growth. It even has infused bamboo charcoal to help with the odor and moisture.

Even if it did have a slight smell at first, I noticed it faded away, and I experienced NO sniffles afterward.

And though it's only two inches thick, it still provides adequate comfort on some dorm beds. It has the softer and "squishier" material texture to it, which conforms to my body well.

The topper doesn't contour amazingly, but just enough to sustain my natural sleeping position.

I still felt some discomfort, but significant pressure relief after a few weeks of using the topper. Plus, it's really helped with my sleep and allergies, keeping it at bay.

So if you're focusing on getting a topper that acts as a mattress pad, you'll appreciate Lucid. For its price and hypoallergenic features, sensitive sleepers will love it!

Pros
  • Naturally hypoallergenic and resists bacteria growth
  • Reduced moisture and better temperature regulation
  • Made with plush memory foam material for comfort
  • Two-inch thickness best used as a mattress pad for protection
Cons
  • There’s some odor to it at first.
  • Not thick enough to relieve pain completely

Why Use the Dorm Mattress Topper?

best affordable mattress topper

Based on R.C. Dimas (founder of Foamite Industries), dorms use extra firm mattresses for it to last longer.

To help lessen the stiff feeling, a mattress topper saves the day with the following benefits: 

1

Long Mattress Life

Toppers keep a mattress away from direct contact with foreign items. It protects it from excess pressure, which causes sagging or indentation! Plus, it's easier to clean!

2

Comfort and Sleep Improves

Studies from the National Tsing Hua University showstoppers help with the pain. That way, you can enjoy better rest without worry of discomfort.

3

Improved Posture and Less Pain

Toppers have firmness levels based on your shape and how you sleep. It improves your sleeping position well. Besides, it balances out pressure to relieve pain from stress or activities from college.

How to Choose the Best Mattress Topper for College?

best dorm mattress topper

Consider these factors before making your final decision for your dorm:

The Material

Choose between different materials for your chosen mattress topper based on your preference:

  • Memory foam

The most popular material for mattress toppers, which contour to your body shape and size. It alleviates pain and pressure well, though sleeps hot!

This material offers the luxurious feel one needs. You'll like natural latex if you live in hotter climates for its breathability.

  • Foam egg crates

The most affordable material and best used for hygienic purposes. It isn't the most supportive, nor would it relieve pain well.

Size and Depth

Your chosen mattress topper should have the proper size according to the dorm's bed. Most importantly, consider its depth and thickness, which helps with your sleep and support.


These toppers come in thicknesses ranging between two to four inches, depending on what you need.

  • Two inches have thinner properties and work best for those on a budget or with newer mattresses.
  • Three inches have better firmness and support, the "middle ground."
  • Four inches have the most thickness. It offers excellent support that adjusts to your body shape.

Sleep Position

If you're a side sleeper, it's best to get 3-5 inch thick toppers. Stomach sleepers need thinner 2-inch toppers. Back sleepers can choose somewhere between 2-3 inches for comfort.

Your Budget

As a college student, the budget's sometimes an issue. But, I suggest that you DON'T scrimp on your dorm mattress topper. I don't believe you should get the most expensive one as well, but to set a reasonable budget.


A quality dorm mattress topper range between $40 to $100. You can begin setting suitable budgets from there. 

Editor's Note

Some dorms only offer sofa beds, and if you use one, you can avail toppers explicitly made for it. These have a similar size of sofa beds, ensuring that it's a good fit and won't slip off. They're also just as supportive as the typical mattress topper.


At ASleepyWolf, we have a round-up reviews article about mattress topper for sofa sleepers; you can check out here for more details.

Tips to Care For Dorm Mattress Topper

college mattress pad

To care for your dorm mattress topper, follow these helpful tips:

  • While your mattress topper's dry, vacuum up all the crumbs and dust gathered from daily use.
  • If you find stains on your mattress topper, you can spot clean it. Dampen a soft cloth with your water and vinegar mixture and blot on affected areas until clean. DON'T place vinegar or liquids directly on your topper!
  • You can also clean your topper completely. Place a bit of mild detergent and water in a spray bottle and spray the mixture all around the topper. Scrub it with a soft cloth gently and allow it to sit for half an hour.
  • "Wash" your topper by dampening another cloth with plain water and wipe it up. Blot excess water using a dry cloth.
  • Dry the topper out on a flat area with good ventilation, NOT directly under the sun.

For more information about how to wash memory foam mattress toppers for dorms, check out this informative video:

Wrapping it Up

Of all the different ones I've tried out, I love the SleepJoy Mattress Topper the most.

I noticed that even during the first day of using it, it immediately feels right and improves on sleep! That's because it's made of quality memory foam, which contours to my body shape excellently to relieve pain.

But, I commend the topper mostly for its soft and breathable design, which kept me cool all night.

College students like me will rest well without the risk of night sweats or waking up with neck strains. I can see it lasting for a few years on my mattress, making it a great buy.

SleepJoy 2" ViscO2 Ventilated Memory Foam Mattress Topper, Queen*
  • INSTANT MATTRESS ENHANCEMENT: Easily upgrade your mattress with a luxurious layer of high-quality memory foam. When you experience the gentle contouring and pressure point relief, you’ll sleep...
  • BREATHABLE DESIGN: Cooler sleep means deeper sleep, so we designed this mattress topper for maximum breathability. Our open-cell memory foam allows for the free flow of air throughout the entire sleep...
  • PREMIUM MEMORY FOAM: Our ViscO2 memory foam offers superior durability, holding its shape over time for years of enjoyment. Plus, ViscO2 is odor-neutral, thanks to our unique manufacturing process...
  • MADE IN THE USA: We proudly manufacture this topper right here in the USA and adhere to all quality standards -- ensuring consistent delivery of a product you can trust. Overseas products may have...
  • FRIENDLIER TO THE ENVIRONMENT: You can sleep soundly knowing that what you purchased is friendlier to the environment than other products on the market. This memory foam topper is enhanced with...

I hope my guide on the best dorm mattress toppers gave you an idea on what to invest in. So if your dorm bed's hard to sleep on, try using a quality mattress topper now.

If you have any questions or want to share your own reviews on these mattress toppers, then comment below. Your thoughts are much appreciated!

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