It’s no surprise that college dorm beds aren’t the best, and in fact, you’d likely agree that some of the most uncomfortable night’s are on old, worn college dorm mattresses. These are often years old, rarely replaced and can downright have little to no pressure point support whatsoever.
With this in mind, and the fact that we spend a third of our lives asleep, it’s almost an essential to invest in a new mattress, or a comfortable mattress pad to sit over your dorm room’s bed.
We’re happy to say that you don’t have to break the bank to transform your dorm’s bed, and with a great pillow top mattress topper, you’ll soon be sleeping like a baby once again. Most of the suggestions on our list are hyper-plush and conforming memory foam toppers, so you can rest assured there’s a cushioning, healthy night’s sleep right around the corner.
Milliard 2″ Egg Crate Ventilated Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Kicking off our list is the affordable and comfortable egg crate topper from Milliard. This topper is ideal for those whose mattresses need a lot more support and a little extra ventilation on warmer nights. The topper is also temperature regulating thanks to its ventilated memory foam, so those nights when you’re craving a refreshing sleep, the Milliard has you covered.
When it comes to comfort and support, college students will be glad to know that the topper is thick enough to give you that ‘sinking’ feeling that relieves pressure from joints. After a long day studying at your desk, this topper will easily relieve your neck and shoulder pressure and give you a good night’s sleep.
Being an egg crate design also helps the high-density foam to conform to the body even if you’re a lighter person. The shape is ergonomic without needing body weight and body heat to soften and push the topper down. What this means is that your firm, old mattress will feel like a brand new one.
Perks
Good Breathability
Comes in Twin Size
Affordable
Made of Memory Foam
Red Nomad Memory Foam Mattress Pad 2 Inch – Queen Size Mattress Topper for Back Pain Relief
A second awesome dorm mattress topper comes from Red Nomad, and being a thick 2 inches, the topper is ideal for all sleeping positions. It’s affordable, comfortable, provides optimal sinkage and helps to regulate body temperature as you sleep – everything you need for a great night’s sleep.
Being a premium viscoelastic topper, there’s plenty of pressure relief for side sleepers who need that extra support for shoulders and hips, though back and tummy sleepers will find this topper great too.
Red Nomad touts that their materials prevent overheating even in warmer months, and that the topper pairs perfectly with firm mattresses (or old college dorm mattresses) because the 2-inch high-quality foam layer relies on a thicker base for added support.
As a queen size mattress topper, the Red Nomad product also works best for couples or anyone who shares their bed routinely. The memory foam blocks almost all motion transfer, making it a great mattress topper for sleepovers or anyone sensitive to movement when they’re asleep.
A proprietary cooling gel also makes an appearance here, so you’ll always find yourself getting into a crisp, cool and refreshing bed.
Perks
Good Motion Isolation
Optimal Sinkage and Support
Cooling Gel Technology
Comes in Queen Size
CertiPUR-US Certified
DreamFoam Bedding 2″ Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper
Another 2-inch topper, the DreamFroam variant is ideal for those who need an ultra breathable option that’s going to keep you cool throughout the night. With hundreds of Amazon users touting how cool the topper keeps them, this option is for all those college students in the warmer climates who need good temperature regulation.
At 2-inches thick, there’s also ample memory foam depth that ensures any dorm room mattress has plenty of support atop. You’ll be able to rest assured that your joints have ideal pressure relief and that you’re not going to wake up sore in the morning.
There aren’t too many features or perks outlined on DreamFoam’s website, however, users online have noted that the topper is extremely soft and makes their nighttimes a lot more comfortable. We’re happy to recommend this affordable topper as one of the best mattress toppers for college.
Finally, a gel bead infusion makes an appearance here, for efficient heat dispersion, so there is a level of engineering in this topper to make sure you’re actively kept cool, rather than passively.
Perks
Ultra Affordable
Plenty of Support
Gel Infusion for Optimal Heat Regulation
Very Plush
Sleep Innovations Gel Memory Foam 4-inch Dual Layer Mattress Topper
Making our way into a little more costly topper now, the double-thickness four inch topper by Sleep Innovations is your best bet at a mattress topper that will truly change the way you sleep.
You’ll find a double-layered quilted fibre memory foam fill here, and that means more comfort than just about any other topper on our list. For college students who have painfully firm or unsupportive mattresses, this topper will counteract just about every issue you’re having.
There’s a plush, cloud-like feel here that you’ll notice right away, and being split into two layers, a 2-inch comfort fibre fill and a 2-inch gel memory foam, you’ll have well-supported joints.
For students who love the feel of a soft comforter, this topper is going to provide just that, but with a kick – sinkage and body contouring capabilities.
Coolness and heat dispersion are also top notch on this topper as you’ll be able to rely on the gel beads inside the topper to absorb and throw heat out the sides of the topper, keeping you cool and comfortable all night.
To add, there’s also a washable cover here that makes keeping the topper clean and hygienic a breeze, ideal if you’re prone to spills or just want to keep a fresh, clean-smelling topper for as long as possible.
Perks
Long Warranty
Multi-layer Foam
Great Temperature Regulation
Doesn’t Dip or Sag
Pure Green 100% Natural Latex Mattress Topper
On to a latex mattress topper now, the Pure Green Natural Latex topper is a godsend for college students looking for a firm, supportive topper to go over the top of a mattress that’s too soft or worn.
As latex is often more firm than memory foam, the Pure Green product is going to be your ultimate sleep companion when it comes to back and tummy sleepers. The topper has been engineered to provide ‘pinpointed support’ so that all of your joints are properly supported and relieved of any pressure or weight as you sleep.
In some cases, latex does sleep a little hotter than foam, fibre and other materials, though Pure Green have taken care of this by integrating cooling technology. You’ll notice heat being drawn from the topper and cool air being pulled into the sheets.
This topper is also ideal for those with allergies as its hypoallergenic. Students will quickly notice that sneezes and runny noses become a thing of the past when sleeping on a topper that actively keeps dust mites, skin cells and other nasties away.
Lastly, the topper is ultra lightweight at only four pounds, so if you’re often moving, it’s easy to roll up and take to another bed.
Perks
Made of Natural Latex
Lightweight
Stays Cool
Firm Support for Back Sleepers
ViscoSoft 3.5 lbs Density 3Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Getting into a little higher-end territory now, the ViscoSoft is an ultra-high-density topper that will be one of the most comfortable that you’ll ever sleep on.
The ViscoSoft topper has been engineered from top to bottom to be comfortable, supportive and cool to ensure the best night’s sleep every time. There’s 3 inches of gel memory foam here in a rather soft to medium firmness, so there’s plenty of sinkage and contouring capability. If you often find yourself with a little joint pain when going to bed, then this topper will relieve that right away.
When it comes to spine support, the 3-inch thick foam is deep enough to conform and ‘hug’ the body as you sleep, so you’re able to rest assured knowing that your back remains in correct alignment throughout the night – even if you’re on a bad mattress.
There’s also a great removable cover that can be easily washed, so keeping your new favourite mattress topper clean is really easy.
ViscoSoft also designed the topper to include an anti-slip bamboo material bottom, that grips on to mattresses so you’re not stuck with a topper that’s always trying to slide off the side of the bed.
Perks
Industry-leading Back Support
Body Heat Regulation
Slip Resistant
Conforms to the Body
Easily Washable Cover
Choosing a Mattress Topper for College Dorms
If you’ve been to college, and stayed in the dorm rooms, you’d agree right away that the mattresses aren’t exactly the best out there. They’re often overused, poor quality and are not designed to give you the best sleeping experience.
One of the most effective ways to combat this is to throw a thick, foam or latex over the top and rely on this for your comfort and back support – and that’s where our list comes in!
But, if you’re in the market to find your own mattress topper and aren’t too sure where to look or what to consider, we have a few tips for you below.
Consider Depth First
One of the most important things to keep in mind when grabbing a new mattress topper for college dorms is considering the comfort level you’re looking for. With a topper that’s too shallow, you’re going to sink down to the base and simply find yourself hitting up against the hard mattress.
With this in mind, we suggest a 2-inch minimum, with 3.5 and 4 inches being ideal. Having a thicker topper will mean you’re able to sink all the way into the topper, and see all weight lifted off your joints; keeping the spine in alignment and soreness away from the shoulders, neck and lower back.
Temperature Regulation
There’s nothing worse than having to constantly toss and turn in summer when your topper gets too warm, so be sure to get your hands on something with cool gel infused within it. This gel will draw out body heat and keep the topper cool, so you can stay in your favourite position for longer.
Washability and Allergens
Lastly, you’ll want to choose a topper that’s really easy to keep clean. There’s nothing worse than having a spill run through to the topper and you having no choice but to leave it to dry. A removable and washable microfibre cover is ideal and this can be quickly washed with your sheets each week, keeping everything sanitary.
