As a parent with a child who started college last year, I remember all too well the struggles they had trying to get a good night’s sleep the night before an exam or after an intense day of studying. Hence, I can’t even imagine how it would feel trying to do all that while sharing a dorm with a bunch of other students.
It probably doesn’t help that the mattress supplied by the dorm buildings themselves are pretty atrocious unless you’re staying somewhere top-end.
That’s where a mattress topper can come in extremely handy, and make a world of difference, increasing comfort and enhancing your sleep quality.
Sleepyhead 3-Inch Twin Mattress Topper
Our Top Recommendation for Mattress Topper For College Dorm!
- Innovative Gel-Infused
Memory Foam - Cooling Design
- CertiPUR-US Certified
- Unparalleled Comfort
Top Picks For College Dorm Mattress Toppers
When I chose to research and test the best mattress toppers for college dorms in 2023, there were several factors to consider. What size do they need to be? Are they transportable? Do they pack away? Are they lightweight? And how much are they?
So, in this guide, you will get a terrific selection, ranging from high-end toppers to budget-friendly. And in my opinion, they’re all worthy of being on my list of the top five mattress toppers for students staying in college dorms.
- Sleepyhead 3-Inch Twin Mattress Topper
- BedsPick Memory Foam Gel Mattress Pad
- Nelaukoko Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- ViscoSoft Memory Foam Mattress
- Hansleep Memory Foam Mattress Topper
1. Sleepyhead 3-Inch Twin Mattress Topper
I started my research with the more expensive, high-end toppers, and I admit, I would be reluctant to spend this much on a mattress topper normally, especially for a college dorm, but I’d heard so many good things; the temptation was too much.
Anyway, despite the initial layout of cash being a little eye-watering, I have to say, I could see where my money was being spent because this is one of the highest-quality mattress toppers I’ve ever experienced sleeping on. It was comfortable, cooling, and transportable. It had everything I could possibly want out of a topper, in all honesty.
Usability
The topper is lightweight enough to be transported around the house or up the stairs, and I managed this without assistance. It was also easy to unpack and place onto the current mattress.
Warranty
The topper comes with a five-year warranty, which means the company deal with any after-sale queries, complaints, returns, or replacements for five years after your purchase for peace of mind. I think that’s needed when you’re spending this money, don’t you?
Versatility
This is perfect for college dorms, of course. But, when you’re leaving college, it’s also ideal for use on standard mattresses, camping, or even for sleeping in an RV.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Sleepyhead |
| Color | White |
| Size | Twin |
| Fabric Type | Gel Memory Foam, Polyester Fabric Cover |
| Special Feature | Washable |
| Item Weight | 12 pounds |
| Price | $350.00 |
Pros
- Cooling Design – The gel infusion means this topper helps regulate body temperature throughout the night.
- Certified Product – The fact that this topper is certified by CertiPUR-US means that you have peace and mind your topper has undergone a rigorous testing process.
- Comfortable – I had one of the best night’s sleep on this topper than I have had in a long time, which was down to the sheer comfort level.
Cons
- Cost – The mattress topper might be well above some people’s budget, which is understandable, as this is a pretty high-end topper, especially for a college dorm.
2. BedsPick Memory Foam Gel Mattress Pad
I often experience a lot of anxiety when I’m trying to sleep, usually when I’m going through a bout of insomnia. And despite me experiencing an episode at the time of testing this topper, I was highly surprised to notice I indeed fell asleep much quicker.
I can’t say exactly what this was or whether the topper even had anything to do with it. All I know is that sleeping on it was heavenly. I felt immediately relaxed. It was also cooling and breathable, so I didn’t find myself overheating at any point.
Usability
The topper was very lightweight, well-packaged, easy to unroll, and was ready to place on my bed with no time without any struggles.
Material
The topper is made from 100% memory foam, which means it contours to the body perfectly and supports in all the right places.
Sizes
The toppers of this brand are available in two thickness levels, 2 and 3 inches, so you can choose the one that suits you and your current mattress best.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | BedsPick |
| Color | 3 Inch |
| Size | Twin XL |
| Fabric Type | 100% Memory Foam |
| Special Feature | Cooling, Breathable |
| Item Weight | 11.68 pounds |
| Price | $97.99 |
Pros
- Pillow Top – The pillow-top feature is exceptionally soothing and hugs your body while not making you too hot.
- Durable – Without testing for a massively long period, I had faith that this mattress topper would stand the test of time regarding quality.
- Price – I believe this was extremely reasonably priced without skimping on craftsmanship.
Cons
- Very Soft – This might be too soft for anyone who doesn’t enjoy a very soft sleeping surface.
3. Nelaukoko Memory Foam Mattress Topper
If you’re looking for a mattress that will help you fall asleep and wake up early, feeling fresh as a daisy, then I am pretty confident that the Nelaukoko might be the one to meet your expectations.
This topper made an excellent difference to my current mattress and provided a great extra comfort layer.
Usability
The mattress topper comes with clear instructions on how to unpack, unroll, and expand the mattress, making it extremely simple and user-friendly.
Guarantee
The product comes with a 120-day trial, which is kind of like having a try before you buy for your sleep, and if it doesn’t meet your expectations, there’s a no questions asked money-back guarantee.
Customer Service
The company was extremely accommodating, fast to respond, and helpful with queries from the point of sale.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Nelaukoko |
| Color | 3 Inch |
| Size | Twin XL |
| Fabric Type | Memory Foam |
| Special Feature | Cooling |
| Item Weight | 12.42 pounds |
| Price | $89.99 |
Pros
- Extremely Soft – Ideal for anyone like me who wants that “sleeping on a cloud” type feeling
- Pain Relief – The topper is excellent for added support, joint pain, and general comfort regarding pressure points.
- Guarantee – The seller offers not only a 120-day money-back trial period but also there’s an after-sale promise of three-year support.
Cons
- Not Water Resistant – As with many mattress toppers, this would need an extra protective sheet laying for water-resisting properties.
4. ViscoSoft Pillow Top Memory Foam Mattress Topper
This mattress topper had tons of great features for me. Not only did it improve my sleep quality, but relieved pressure points lessened the pain in my lower back, and I woke up feeling incredibly refreshed, which is rare for me.
On top of all that, it was highly breathable, which meant I stayed at a pretty ample temperature most of the night, which says a lot for me as I’m usually a very hot sleeper.
Usability
The ViscoSoft mattress topper has a removable cover, which makes it easy to maintain and clean. The cover can be placed in the washing machine.
Pain Relief
The topper is extremely high density, which makes for great comfort if you’re suffering from painful pressure points, recovering from surgery, or have other aches and pains that worsen at night.
Durability
The topper has been tested in laboratories such as SGS, ensuring longevity and quality.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | ViscoSoft |
| Size | Twin XL |
| Fabric Type | Outer Cover - 100% Cotton / Side Skirt Fabric 100% Polyester |
| Special Feature | Quilted, Pillow Top, Washable, Breathable |
| Product Care | Machine Wash |
| Item Weight | 18.31 pounds |
| Price | $149.95 |
Pros
- Great for Side Sleepers – Perfect for anyone who prefers to sleep on their side due to the pressure point relief.
- Medium Density – This is great if you’re a “not too firm, not too soft” kind of person, as I think it lies somewhere right in the middle.
- Top Seller – The topper is made by a reputable, popular brand.
Cons
- Fitting – I found this was a little tricky to secure into place, but nothing too challenging.
5. Hansleep Memory Foam Mattress Topper
I think this was the lowest-priced mattress topper for college dorms I tested throughout this process. However, the low price certainly didn’t reflect on the quality of the product.
In fact, I would say that this mattress was just as good regarding comfort, support, and transportation as some of the top-end brands. It even has a premium bamboo layer which makes the topper feel luxurious, cooling, and breathable.
Usability
The topper is designed like a fitted sheet, making it simple to put on the bed, and it also means that it doesn’t move around through the night, a problem that I have come across with many, many mattress toppers.
Deep Pocket Design
This means the mattress can stretch even over the thickest mattresses, making it suitable for most users.
Multi-Layer Function
The topper has four layers, polyester innards, the down alternative filling, memory foam with cooling gel, and a 3D AIR bamboo cover.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Hansleep |
| Color | White |
| Size | Twin-xl 39x80x2 |
| Fabric Type | Bamboo |
| Special Feature | Cooling, Deep Pocket, Memory Foam, Washable, Breathable |
| Item Weight | 5.94 pounds |
| Price | $46.99 |
Pros
- Washable – This is completely machine washable and easy to handle, which is great. However, as I didn’t put this in the washing machine, I can’t comment on the quality after washing.
- Price – The topper is extremely affordable and will suit almost any budget without compromising quality.
Cons
- Hard to Remove Stains – Although this isn’t an issue I dealt with directly, I did read about other people who have struggled to wash out stubborn stains.
How I Selected The Best Mattress Toppers For College Dorms?
While I was testing for the best college dorm mattress toppers, there were certain factors I was on the lookout for. After all, I wanted to ensure I was only recommending you the very best.
1. Comfort
The primary thing I was trying to find was obviously the most comfortable mattress toppers. Students need all the sleep they can get, and they won’t get that by sleeping on those old, scrawny mattresses the dorms usually supply. That’s why these mattress toppers are all fantastic. They add a great, comfortable, and supportive layer to any dorm bed.
2. Price
I wanted to make sure you were getting the best value for money possible, and while I realize some of these toppers are a little on the high end of the scale, I still believe that they’re great value for money due to the standard of the product.
3. Storage and Portability
If you need a mattress topper for a college dorm, chances are, you’ll be expecting to move it around from time to time, such as visits home, etc. In this case, they need to be lightweight enough to move around and toss in the trunk of the car. The lightest topper I looked at weighed as little as 5 lbs, perfect for moving around.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Toppers for College Dorms
Here are a few common questions I encountered while studying college dorm mattress toppers.
Can a College Dorm Mattress Topper be Used on Futon?
How To Store a College Dorm Mattress Topper?
How Do I Clean My College Dorm Mattress Topper?
Let’s Conclude
Mattress toppers are the ideal solution when it comes to upgrading your lousy college dorm mattress. They’re affordable, easy to transport, and can really enhance your comfort and sleep, which can both be hard to come by when living student life.
Whether you’re looking for convenience, added support, or simply want to make your college dorm feel more like home, a mattress topper can make a world of difference on so many levels.
As you can see, there are tons of options available and something to suit everyone’s budget, so hopefully, by now, you’re on your way to a better night’s sleep.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1005459/full
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7323637/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5310954/
