What is an egg crate mattress topper? Your expert guide

Say you're sleeping on a firm, inflexible mattress that's leaving you stiff and sore in the mornings. For whatever reason, you can't replace your mattress: perhaps you're sleeping in a short-term rental and your landlord won't allow it, or you just can't afford a brand-new bed. In these sorts of circumstances, an egg crate mattress topper could provide some pressure relief that leaves you feeling looser.

Your average egg crate mattress mattress topper is highly affordable: often $100 or less. Still, as H&G's resident Sleep Editor, I'll never compromise quality for cost. This article should tell you everything you need to know about egg crate mattress toppers: how they work and whether they're worth the spend.

I lead a team of expert testers to find the world's best mattress topper. Together, we've tested 12 toppers for pressure relief, thermoregulation, motion isolation, and edge support. I've learned that egg crate mattress toppers offer a great balance of comfort and support, as well as enhanced airflow, but they aren't especially durable. If you're looking for a long-term solution to your sleep problems, you'd be better off buying the best mattress you can afford.

What is an egg crate mattress topper?

I consulted mattress manufacturers to find out how an egg crate mattress topper gets made and how its design can transform the feel of your mattress. I also spoke with fellow mattress testers to pick out the pros and cons of egg crate mattress toppers for every style of sleeper and every size of budget.

What is an egg crate mattress topper?

Before we begin, it always helps to define our terms. I asked Jack Dell'Accio, CEO and Founder of organic mattress brand Essentia, to tell us more about egg crate mattress toppers.

'An egg crate mattress topper, also known as a convoluted foam topper, gets its name from the peaks and valleys on its surface, which form a similar shape to an egg carton,' explains Jack. 'This design is intended to create a softer, more cushioned feel by allowing some give in the mattress where pressure points, such as hips and shoulders, meet the surface.'

'The idea behind an egg crate mattress topper is to provide a more budget-friendly option for people looking to adjust the firmness or feel of their existing mattress,' says Jack. 'Egg crate toppers are made from inexpensive polyurethane foam, and the peaks and valleys mean that less foam is used per topper. To give you an idea of cost savings, each solid sheet of 3" foam creates two egg crate mattress toppers, each measuring 2.75".'

What are the pros of an egg-crate mattress topper?

I asked Derek Hales, Founder and Editor-in-Chief at NapLab, the sleep product testing platform, what he likes best about egg crate toppers. For Derek, it's all about breathability. Even though foam is known to trap heat, Derek finds that 'egg crate toppers can help you sleep cooler. The convoluted layers create air channels, which enhances airflow through the foam.'

Some of the best egg crate mattress toppers are infused with cooling gel or perforated for extra ventilation. With that said, synthetic materials are less breathable than natural fibers. If you're shopping for one of the best cooling mattress toppers, you should consider latex, cotton, and wool.

'Additionally, egg crate mattress toppers provide enhanced pressure relief,' explains Derek. 'The peaks and valleys help to distribute your weight more evenly across the surface.' If you're worried that your mattress might be causing you back pain, then an egg crate mattress topper could help take the pressure off your joints and add some plush comfort.

For Jack, 'the true benefit of an egg crate mattress topper is how cheap it is. It's a low-cost, temporary fix. Also, an egg crate mattress topper is lightweight and easy to roll up, so it's a portable option to take to and from a college dorm or short-term vacation stay.'

What are the cons of an egg-crate mattress topper?

According to Jack, 'the downsides of an egg crate mattress topper outweigh the benefits, especially for those looking for long-term solutions. Low-grade polyurethane foam isn't known for its longevity, so you might start noticing sagging or indentations fairly quickly.'

'Also, since polyurethane foam is often not certified for its safety, it can off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs),' Jack warns. 'This isn't ideal for anyone, especially those with sensitivities or children.' Your best bet for air quality is a topper made from natural materials, such as latex, or else the best organic mattress.

'From a sleep quality perspective, the egg-crate design can also lose its effectiveness over time,' says Jack. 'Over months of nightly use, the foam begins to break down and the peaks compress. This can result in uneven support, which can actually cause more discomfort. Finally, these toppers aren't typically hypoallergenic or resistant to mold or dust mites, which are important factors for a healthy sleep environment.'

If you know you need a mattress topper, but you're not convinced by egg crates, you should consider my tried-and-tested alternatives. These toppers might be more expensive than your average egg crate, but they're far more durable and breathable.

FAQs

Which side up should my egg crate mattress topper go?

Your egg crate mattress topper should go right side up, with the peaks and valleys of the foam on top and the smoother surface on the bottom. That way, you'll feel the full benefit of the design.

Are egg crate mattress toppers good for side sleepers?

Out of all the sleep positions, side sleepers tend to get the best use out of egg crate mattress toppers. The peaks and valleys of the egg crate work to evenly distribute weight across the surface of the mattress, preventing pressure from building up around your hips, knees, ankles, and shoulders.

If I were you, I wouldn't buy an egg crate mattress topper. Most come in Plush or Medium-Soft firmness levels, which are insufficiently supportive for back and stomach sleepers. If your hips aren't supported by a firm surface, they will start to dip and throw your spine out of alignment. You may well wake up with even more acute back pain, which is exactly the problem you were trying to prevent in the first place.