Best Twin XL Mattress Toppers for College Dorm Beds
Are you looking for the best college mattress topper?
If you want to sleep well in college, you’ll need the best mattress topper for college dorm beds!
When you head off to college and move into a dorm room, you’ll probably sleep in a twin XL bed with a relatively thin mattress and a few tension springs for support. For most college students, their college twin bed is a far cry from the comforts of their mattress at home.
The good news is that there’s a lot you can do to make your dorm room bed more comfortable and cozy. The key is finding the best mattress topper for your college dorm bed.
The best dorm mattress topper provides an extra layer of support to supplement the thin mattress provided in your dorm room. You have a variety to choose from: soft mattress toppers, cooling mattress toppers, plush mattress toppers that you sink into — and the list goes on.
Buying a twin XL mattress topper for college is something you don’t want to skip. I remember tossing and turning on thin mattresses in my college days.
I was so glad I bought a mattress topper for my daughter when she went to college: it was such a relief to hear her say, “Mom, my bed is so comfortable.”
Read on to learn why you need a comfortable mattress topper at college and which mattress toppers are best for dorm beds! Each mattress topper review will tell you the features of each topper to help you decide if it’s the right mattress topper for you at college.
There are lots of great options listed here, to help you find the best twin XL mattress topper based on your personal preference and budget.
Bring a mattress topper to college!
My Top 3 Picks: Best Mattress Toppers for College Dorms
Why you need a mattress topper for college
What is a mattress topper?
Mattress toppers go on top of your mattress to provide pressure relief, cushioning, and support.
Different types of mattress toppers provide a two- to four-inch layer of supportive material, like memory foam, gel, latex, or foam. Memory foam might be the most popular material, but there are lots of great options.
Mattress toppers make thin mattresses more comfortable and help the user get quality sleep!
Why do I need a mattress topper for my dorm bed?
College dorm beds are almost always have mattresses that are disappointingly thin and unsupportive.
Using the right twin xl mattress topper at college will improve the feel of your uncomfortable mattress and help you get a better night’s sleep.
A terrible mattress can contribute to poor sleep — something no college student needs!
A great twin XL dorm mattress topper is the most essential college dorm bedding item you’ll want at college.
What are the benefits of dorm mattress toppers?
The ultimate benefit of using a mattress topper at college is that mattress toppers can completely change the feel of a mattress.
Mattress toppers for dorm twin beds can provide extra back support when a dorm mattress is too thin.
And the right mattress topper can turn a too-firm mattress into a comfortable surface perfect for sleeping.
Mattress toppers can be infused with calming scents, like lavender and aloe, to help you fall asleep.
Some mattress toppers have cooling properties—perfect for someone who tends to get hot at night.
A good twin XL size mattress topper will make your dorm bed much more comfortable, so you can get a great night’s sleep.
Given that you’ll stay up late studying and hanging out with your friends, get up early to get to class, and have to deal with your roommate‘s schedule too, sleep will be in short supply. Anything you can do to ensure better sleep is worth it.
Should I use a mattress pad or topper for college?
Actually, you should use both a dorm mattress topper and a dorm bed mattress pad, because they are two totally separate things.
A mattress topper provides two- to four-inches of extra support and cushioning to your dorm bed. A mattress pad is a thinner piece of fabric that covers your mattress topper.
A mattress pad or mattress protector keeps your dorm bed clean and dry. Mattress pads are thin, so they don’t really change the firmness or supportiveness of a mattress. However, they do provide a waterproof barrier to protect your mattress topper from any spills.
Should I use a Mattress Topper or a mattress encasement at College?
Again, you should actually use both. A mattress encasement is a thin, washable cover that encloses your mattress.
A mattress encasement will protect you from anything in your mattress, like mildew and mold, as well as bed bugs or dust mites.
A mattress encasement is optional. But if you have environmental allergies or your dorm mattress is particularly gross after years of use, you should consider using a mattress encasement.
How to make your dorm bed in college
Best Mattress toppers for college dorm beds
Here are the best twin XL mattress toppers for college students — recommended by actual college students:
1. ViscoSoft 4 inch Serene pillow Top Memory Foam Mattress Topper
The ViscoSoft 4 inch Serene Pillow Top Memory Foam Mattress Topper is incredible. This hybrid mattress topper is made from 2.5 inches of temperature neutral gel memory foam, topped with 1.5 inches of down.
This luxurious topper balances support and softness, so users are comfortable and get a good night’s sleep, no matter what their sleeping position is.
An important feature of this high density mattress topper is that the top plush cover pad is washable. To keep the ViscoSoft mattress topper from slipping, it has adjustable straps.
And what’s extra nice is that this high quality topper is made in the USA, so you’ll be supporting an American business when you buy from ViscoSoft.
I think this is the best memory foam mattress topper for college dorm beds!
2. Tempur-pedic Tempur-Cloud 2-inch Mattress Topper
The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud 2-inch Mattress Topper is made of the original Tempur material. It comes with a soft, breathable cover that fits over your topper and mattress (so you don’t need to buy a separate mattress pad).
The Tempur-Pedic mattress topper cover protects the topper (and you) from common allergens.
The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud 2-inch Mattress Topper comes with a 10 year warranty, so you don’t have to worry about it falling apart on you before you graduate!
Tempur-Pedic made the original memory foam mattresses, and their memory-foam toppers are top quality. Tempur-Pedic is also made in the USA.
3. Lucid 4-inch Bamboo Charcoal Memory Foam Mattress Topper
The Lucid 4-inch Bamboo Charcoal Memory Foam Mattress Topper will help regulate moisture, odor, and temperature of the sleeper.
The memory foam is naturally hypoallergenic. This Lucid memory foam mattress topper is infused with charcoal to help neutralize odors.
This ventilated mattress topper allows for air transfer so the sleeper doesn’t get too hot during the night, making it a good choice for someone who wakes up hot during the night. The deep memory foam provide a high level of cradling comfort.
4. COONP extra thick Pillowtop Mattress Topper
The COONP Extra Thick Pillowtop Mattress topper is soooo cozy, but not too hot! This mattress topper is an overfilled pillow top mattress topper.
It’s filled with supportive down alternative. It’s cool and breathable.
Down-alternative toppers are a great option for anyone who finds memory foam to be too hot.
This pillowtop mattress topper can be washed in a commercial washing machine. The topper has a combed cotton top. If you don’t like memory foam, you should try this mattress topper.
5. Zinus 3-inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress Topper
The Zinus 3-inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress Topper has two pressure-relieving layers.
It has two inches of high density memory foam as the base, topped with another inch of green tea- and charcoal-infused memory foam. The infused memory foam neutralizes moisture and odors.
The high-density foam, plus a top layer of softer additional support, create a 3-inch thickness with a medium-firm feel to support to all body types.
6. ViscoSoft 3 inch Reflex Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
The ViscoSoft Reflex Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper features gel-infused foam to create a soft and supportive mattress topper.
This American-made mattress topper relieves pressure points, so you can relax into your bed and get a good night’s sleep.
This ViscoSoft mattress topper with gel-infused memory foam is a good option for anyone with lower back pain.
7. Lucid 4-Inch Lavender Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper
The Lucid 4-Inch Lavender Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper features a calming lavender scent infused directly into the memory foam to promote a soothing sleep environment.
This comfy mattress topper has four inches of foam, ventilated for breathability. It provides so much support and feels comfortably plush!
The infusion of lavender makes this the best choice for someone who likes calming scents, enjoys aromatherapy, or needs a little help falling asleep.
8. Pure Green Natural Latex Mattress Topper
Pure Green Natural Latex Mattress Toppers are made of natural latex harvested from organically grown rubber trees. It’s GOLS certified organic (Global Organic Latex Standard) and Fair for Life Fair Trade Certified.
The Pure Green Natural Latex Mattress Topper adds softness to a mattress. The latex foam is heat neutral, so it doesn’t absorb body heat and doesn’t change firmness depending on the room temperature.
If you don’t like the “sinking” feeling of sleeping in memory foam, you might want to try the Pure Green Natural Latex Mattress Topper.
9. Mellow 5-Zone Memory Foam Mattress Topper
The Mellow 5-Zone Memory Foam Mattress Topper looks so awesome, you won’t want to cover it up with a mattress pad and sheets! The different patterns of foam are there to provide maximum comfort for 5 body zones.
This targeted comfort is designed to prevent tossing and turning. It provides comfort to side, back, and stomach sleepers.
No matter your body type or body shape, this mattress topper should help you rest comfortably and sleep well.
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10. Linenspa 3 Inch Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper
The Linenspa 3 Inch Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper might be the coolest looking memory foam topper on this list! The memory foam is infused with a swirl gel so the topper has a blue and white marbled look.
This toppers made of CertiPUR-US certified gel-infused memory foam. You can place the Linenspa 3-Inch gel swirl topper directly on your mattress or purchase a cover to protect the topper. It comes in a 2- or 3-inch profile.
The memory foam relieves pressure points and evenly distributes your weight, and it is ventilated to allow airflow while you’re sleeping.
11. Lucid 3-inch Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
The Lucid 3-inch Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper has a gel infusion to alleviate overheating and help regulate the sleeper’s body temperature.
Hot sleepers will appreciate this cooling mattress topper.
The ventilation adds airflow to further ensure a comfortable sleep environment — because the last thing you want is to wake up at night because you’re too hot.
Best Dorm Twin XL Mattress Pads and Mattress Encasements
Now that you’ve chosen the best dorm bed mattress topper, Here are the best dorm bed mattress pads and mattress encasements:
Best Mattress pads for college dorm beds
On top of your mattress topper, you’ll need a twin XL mattress protector or a twin XL mattress pad.
A machine-washable cover for your mattress topper and mattress will protect your mattress topper.
Here are the best mattress pads for dorm beds for college students:
1. TEXARTIST Mattress Pad
The TEXARTIST mattress pad is extra soft, with pillows of spiral fiber, so the mattress pad stays cool while you sleep.
This cooling cover has a deep pockets on the corners, so it fits easily over your twin XL dorm mattress and your mattress topper.
2. Meritlife Mattress Pad
The Meritlife mattress pad is made of bamboo and polyester.
It’s waterproof, so when you’re studying in bed and spill your coffee, you won’t ruin your mattress topper! Deep corner pockets will accommodate your dorm bed mattress and mattress topper.
3. Favorland Mattress Pad
The Favorland Mattress Pad is made of microfiber. It’s soft and cool to the touch.
It’s deep corner pockets ensure that it will stay in place over your dorm room mattress and mattress topper. This is a great basic college mattress pad.
Best Mattress Encasements for college dorms
1. Four Seasons Mattress Encasement
The Four Seasons twin XL mattress protector is a hypoallergenic barrier barrier between you and your mattress. It will protect you from bed bugs, dust mites, and other allergens.
It zips all around your mattress for a snug fit and doesn’t make any crinkling noises.
2. LUCID Mattress Encasement
The LUCID mattress encasement surrounds your mattress completely to protect you from dust mites, bed bugs, and other allergens that might be in your dorm mattress.
It has a quiet fabric, a waterproof zipper and a sealing flap.
FAQs
Do I need a mattress topper for college?
Yes, if you want to get good sleep at college you will need a mattress topper for your dorm bed mattress.
Most universities provide pretty basic mattresses. Most college dorm mattresses are thin and uncomfortable. Adding a mattress topper to your dorm bed will make it so much more comfortable, support your back better, and help you get great sleep.
Some universities do offer better quality mattress for college students. Some universities provide Tempurpedic mattresses to their students, but most campus housing is not so upscale! If you attend a college with great mattresses, you won’t need a mattress topper. (You will still need a mattress pad.)
Colleges that provide great mattresses for college students usually mention that as a selling point, so you’ll probably know all about it. But if you aren’t sure what kind of mattress your university provides, just call the Office of Residential Life and ask!
What is the average size of a dorm bed?
Dorm room beds are usually Twin Extra Long (XL). Regular twin beds are 38 inches wide and 75 inches long. Twin XL beds (the dorm bed size) are 38 inches wide and 80 inches long. Twin XL beds are the same length as Full- or Queen-sized beds.
Check with your college to get the exact dimensions of your dorm mattress, because college bed size varies.
Do I need an extra-long (XL) mattress topper or regular mattress topper for college?
Most dorm room beds are XL twin sized, so a Twin XL mattress topper is recommended. An XL mattress topper will fit an XL twin mattress perfectly.
However, here’s a special tip about mattress toppers: a regular-length mattress topper will work just fine on a dorm XL twin mattress because the pull of the sheets at the head and foot of the bed compress the mattress topper.
Also, the very top and bottom of the mattress aren’t where your body needs support! So if you can’t find a twin XL topper for your dorm bed, don’t worry—a regular mattress topper will be just fine!
Is it worth it to buy a mattress topper for college?
Everyone knows college is expensive and college students don’t have a lot of extra cash. But yes, it is worth it to buy a mattress topper for your dorm bed.
Mattress toppers don’t have to be expensive to provide a significantly better night’s sleep than your dorm bed mattress alone. And your quality of sleep will impact your grades, your mood, and your overall health.
At college, a good night’s sleep is priceless.
Sleeping well at college helps you do better academically, puts you in a better mood, and gives you the energy to get through long days.
You want to wake up from a restful sleep feeling good and ready for your classes, looking forward to your morning coffee, but not desperately drinking it all day to try to make up for a sleep deficit!
What kind of mattress topper should I buy for college?
What type of mattress topper to buy for your dorm room bed is really a matter of preference.
As noted in the descriptions of our recommended mattress toppers, you have to choose the firmness or softness level that feels best for your body, particularly pressure points like your hips and shoulders.
Memory foam mattress toppers are some of the most popular mattress toppers for college students because they provide both a supportive and comfortable addition to the bad dorm room mattresses most college students are stuck with. Memory foam is so popular, there are even memory foam pillows!
Some people find memory foam mattresses to be warm. Many memory foam mattresses have cooling features to help air flow and heat transfer.
Mattress toppers can also be made of down or a synthetic down alternative. These materials provide softness and support too, but some users may find them more comfortable or more breathable than memory foam.
You’ll also find natural latex mattress toppers. These are soft but don’t have the sinking feeling that people use to describe memory foam.
To choose the best mattress topper for you, think about:
- How you sleep (Is your sleep position on your side, back, or stomach?)
- If you want a soft or firm mattress
- If you like to sink into your mattress or rest on top
- How much you want to spend
- If you want to buy an organic mattress topper
- If you tend to be hot, cold, or neutral when you’re sleeping
After considering those questions and reading the reviews of the featured mattresses, you can find a mattress topper that will help you get a better sleep at college. For example, back sleepers might prefer a higher firmness level in a mattress topper, while side sleepers might choose a softer topper.
How thick should my dorm bed mattress topper be?
Mattress toppers are usually between two and four inches thick. The perfect thickness depends on each student’s preferences.
A person’s body weight may determine how comfortable they feel with a mattress topper. For example, a heavier person may need the four-inch thick mattress topper in order to feel supported when sleeping. A two-inch thick mattress topper might be just right for a lighter person, but a thicker mattress topper would work for them also.
Sleeping position matters too. The best mattress topper for side sleepers is usually a four-inch thick mattress topper, because the deeper topper provides more support for his and shoulders.
What else do I need for a comfortable dorm bed at college?
To make your dorm room bed comfortable (and stylish), you need:
Can I use a mattress topper with a lofted bed?
If you want to use a mattress topper with a lofted bed, you’ll need to measure the height of your bed rail. (If you are sleeping in a raised bed, yes, you need a bed rail!)
You will probably need to use a 2-inch mattress topper. But before you buy it, make sure the height of your bed rail will be higher than the height of your mattress and your mattress topper.
Can I ship a mattress topper?
Look for free shipping (or cheap shipping), since mattress toppers are bulky items. Amazon Prime free shipping comes in really handy here.
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With Amazon Prime Student, you get:
- Free delivery on everything you need for your dorm
- Secure Amazon Pickup Locations
- Discounts on streaming movies and shows
- Discounts on textbook rentals
- Extra exclusive offers for students
Also, most colleges will let you ship Amazon purchases directly to your college. They hold the items at Amazon Pickup Locations until you arrive on campus to pick them up. (Check with your college for more information about their specific options!)
This is perfect for a bulky item like a mattress topper, because your car will already be full of all your other stuff for college! And if you’re flying to college, shipping your mattress topper directly to your college campus will be essential.
Your mattress topper will arrive in a box. If it’s a foam mattress topper, the first thing you’ll do is open the box. Then, unroll your topper and give it some time to recover from being compressed. You should be able to sleep on it the first night you have it.
Do you need special sheets with a mattress topper?
Yes, you need deep sheets to be sure that the corners of the sheets will fit over the mattress and the mattress topper.
These are my favorite sheets for college dorm room beds:
California Design Den Cotton Sheets
These 100 percent cotton sheets have a 400 Thread Count, so they’re smooth and not tissue-paper thin. Because they’re 100% cotton, they’re breathable and won’t be too hot when you’re sleeping.
What makes these sheets the best sheets for dorm room beds is that they are deep pocket sheets. They will fit over your dorm mattress and your mattress topper and mattress protector with no problem! Also, you have over a dozen colors to choose from!
Final thoughts
High-quality mattress toppers are a dorm room essential!
Choosing a mattress topper for college is something you may not think about when you plan what you need for your dorm room.
However, picking the best dorm mattress topper for college is important because the right mattress topper will help you get plenty of quality rest throughout your college years.
A good mattress topper will completely change the feel of your mattress by adding a top layer of supportive foam to the thin, uncomfortable mattress supplied by campus housing.
Even if you’re lucky enough to get a dorm bed with a new mattress (and this is extremely unlikely!), you will appreciate having a thick layer of foam as a bed topper on your flimsy dorm mattress.
The best dorm room mattress topper will help you feel comfortable in bed, provide support, and be neither too hot nor too cold — and give you the rest you need to achieve academic success!
Choose one of the mattress toppers for dorm beds listed in this post, so you can get enough hours of sleep at college!
