You don’t know what you’re going to get into when you and your child first encounter their dorm bed. These mattresses have often been used by many other students, accumulating years of dust and dirt. If you can’t afford to buy your child a mattress, the next best thing is a mattress topper. Mattress toppers provide an extra layer of comfort for sleepers, a barrier between your child and a used mattress, and another level of protection for the mattress itself.
To help you find the right mattress topper for your child, we’ve rounded up the best mattress toppers for college dorms that you can order online. All of our picks are designed to fit Twin XL mattresses, which is the most common size offered in college dorms in 2024.
The Best Mattress Toppers for College Dorms in 2024
Shop our selection of mattress toppers from our favorite retailers, including Wayfair and Target. All of these picks are loved by customers, with review scores of 4 stars or higher (where available).
Best Thick Mattress Topper for College Dorms: Twillery Co. Newburg 3-Inch Ultra-Plush Mattress Topper
College mattresses aren’t known for their comfort. So, to make your child feel like they’re sleeping on a cloud when they’re away from home, treat them to this extra-thick mattress topper from The Twillery Co.
The mattress topper is 7.5 cm thick and has a synthetic down filling, which gives the feeling of sleeping on a duvet. In addition, it can be cleaned in the washing machine. and dryer.
Twillery Co. Newburg has a 4.5-star rating on Wayfair. One reviewer wrote, “I’ve had this mattress topper for a month now and it has really helped me get a more comfortable night’s sleep. I highly recommend it!”
Another customer said: “So comfortable. Feels like you’re sleeping in the clouds.”
Best Budget Mattress Topper for College Dorms: Room Essentials Quilted Mattress Topper
You can’t go wrong with Target when it comes to affordable school supplies. This Room Essentials quilted mattress topper is just $10, a great price for parents who are already overwhelmed by the cost of dorm room essentials.
Because of its low price, don’t expect this mattress to be as cushiony as our other top picks. It may offer an extra layer of comfort thanks to its microfiber material (a soft synthetic fabric) and quilted construction, but its primary function is simply to cover a mattress.
Despite this, the Room Essentials Quilted Mattress Topper has a 4.3-star rating on Target. One reviewer wrote, “This mattress topper is perfect for our new memory foam bed. It protects but doesn’t interfere with the memory foam.”
The best madness: Marriott Mattress Topper
Give your child the gift of sleeping in a hotel bed by getting them a mattress topper used in luxury hotels. The Marriott mattress topper is more expensive than other mattress toppers, but it will provide extra comfort that your child will definitely appreciate. Plus, it can last longer than its more affordable counterparts thanks to its cotton material (cotton is known for being a durable fabric).
This resilience also ensures that the mattress stays securely in place on the bed as your child adjusts their sleeping position throughout the night (after all, these mattresses were designed to accommodate hotel guests). The filling is made of polyester, which can provide a little extra warmth for sleepers (synthetic fabrics, like polyester, warm the body).
Buy this mattress topper now and get 20% off your purchase.
Best Waterproof Mattress Topper for College Dorms: Madison Park Heavenly Soft Waterproof Mattress Topper
This mattress topper is waterproof, so it should prevent liquids from soaking into its fabric. Even though it is waterproof, the mattress topper should also be comfortable. The mattress topper is filled with a down alternative, which will provide a nice layer of cushioning for sleepers. Plus, it is hypoallergenic, which can provide some relief for those with household allergies.
The Madison Park Heavenly Waterproof Mattress Topper has a 4.3-star rating on Target. One reviewer wrote, “I bought this mattress topper for my daughter’s bed. She’s been sleeping on it for almost a month now and says it’s very comfortable. It’s just enough extra padding for her without taking away from the firmness of her mattress. She loves it so much that I caught her sleeping on it without a sheet. It’s super soft. I highly recommend it.”
Best Cooling Mattress Topper: Niagara Sleep Solution Bamboo Mattress Topper
Those who suffer from overheating during the night will appreciate this bamboo mattress topper. Bamboo is known to wick away moisture.
The pillow features a pillow-like filling that will add a cloud-like sleeping experience to the bed. machine washable and can accommodate mattresses up to 20 inches deep. Plus, it’s currently on sale for $5 off (be sure to add the available coupon before checking out).
The Niagara Sleep Solution Bamboo Mattress Topper has a 4.4-star rating on Amazon. One reviewer wrote, “Our kids have this on their bed. They both have hot temperaments and they say it keeps them cool and makes the bed more comfortable than it is. It’s easy to put on and wash.”
Another customer wrote: “I am a full time night shift nurse and I was not sleeping well at all. I was hot and sick to my stomach and would wake up with pain. After receiving this product my sleep problems went away. I have had it for a little over a week and I am so happy I received it.”