So you are off to college and probably going over a list of things you need to bring.

Here is why a mattress topper is perhaps one of the most worthwhile things on the list. Since college isn’t cheap, you will probably not buy a fancy mattress. However, you don’t want to mull around in that beaten-down dorm mattress, either.

So what’s the next best thing?

You guessed it, a mattress topper!

As the name suggests, a mattress topper goes over the top of your mattress, giving you extra height, depth, and cushioning. It is also an ideal accessory to revamp the look and feel of an old worn-out mattress without spending a lot.

Most importantly, it gives you a sense of hygiene since you won’t have to sleep directly on a used mattress. The thought of sleeping in a preowned mattress is probably repulsive if you are anything like me.

So, why not save yourself the trouble and spend a few bucks?

Then, what mattress topper is best for you?

Don’t worry because we have thoroughly researched and come up with a list of the best affordable mattress toppers for dorm. Find them below!

Best Overall

Linenspa 3-Inch Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper

If you find most memory foam firmer than you’d like, this one will surprise you.

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Memory foam mattresses provide much-needed support to your lower back and joints. However, most often than not, they tend to be quite a bit firmer than you’d want them to. That’s where Linenspa comes in. With its 3-inch cooling gel-infused mattress topper, you will sleep cooler and softer than ever.

While also available in 2-inch thickness, the 3-inch one is the more popular option as it provides a degree of plushness absent from other toppers. In addition, you will feel hugged by the softer memory foam relieving pressure from your joints and back.

Hate getting warm in your sleep? The cooling gel beads will help dissipate the heat away from your body.

Pros:

• Ultra plush and soft feel thanks to 3-inch thickness
• Memory foam conforms to your body shape
• Cooling gel beads help regulate body temperature
• Even body weight distribution

Cons:

• Some people may find it hot even with the cooling gel
• It might offer bad movement isolation for those who move a lot during sleep

Get it from here.

Best Overall Runner-Up

LUCID Zoned Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Sleep cool and say bye-bye to your back troubles.

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If you want a firmer bed for your back or just like the feeling of one, get this.

Regarding mattresses, it’s well-known that memory foam is ideal for back/joint support.

However, good memory foam might be out of your budget, making this topper a great choice.

Lucid Gel Memory foam mattress contours to the shape of your body whether you sleep on your back or side. This helps take pressure off your joints, giving you a much better sleeping experience.

Moreover, the cooling gel helps keep the temperature cool, overcoming a common issue with memory foam toppers.

Pros:

• 3-inch memory foam alleviates pressure from joints
• Infused with cooling gel to help keep you cool
• Available in five different sizes
• A breathable surface lets air circulate

Cons:

• It might be a little too soft for those used to very firm memory foam
• The lavender scent be overbearing for some

Get it from here.

Best Budget

1.5-inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper by Best Price

Want a topper for the absolute cheapest? This is the one!

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We know that tagline isn’t much, but that is the salient feature here. Imagine a topper for some 20-odd bucks; this is the one. Of course, you won’t be breaking any sleeping records with this one, but depending on how bad your dorm mattress is, this might be a night and day difference.

In all seriousness, though, this 1.5-inch mattress topper is surprisingly good, given the price. It has a no-frills approach to comfort and provides a decent sleeping experience at no cost. The ventilating design and cooling gel are the cherries on top.

Pros:

• Incredible cost-to-quality ratio
• Breathable design and infused with cooling gel
• Perfect for students hard on cash
• Pressure relieving properties

Cons:

• It might be too thin for some
• Inadequate support for heavier people

Get it from here.

Best Cooling

Subrtex 4-Inch Gel-Infused Memory Foam Bed Mattress Topper

Don’t want to compromise on the cooling? This is the one!

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Be it memory foam mattresses or toppers, they are notorious for running hot. Even though things have improved with manufacturers, including cooling gel and other workarounds, your memory foam mattress is still hot.

If so, say hi to the Subrtex 4-inch Memory foam mattress topper. This topper has a depth of 4 inches, giving you a cozy night-long sleeping comfort. However, more importantly, it is equipped with a unique ventilated design that makes temperature regulation a breeze (no pun intended). If your dorm room lacks air conditioning, this is the one you should get.

Pros:

• The unique ventilated design keeps you cool all night
• The extra deep 4-inch height provides the most support
• Ten-year warranty
• Removable/washable cover

Cons:

• It May easily come off if you move around a lot during sleep
• Not ideal for heavier people

Get it from here.

Best Foldable

4-inch Trifold Memory Foam Mattress by Best Price

Want something easy to lug around? This one folds in thirds!

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You are not going to be at college all year round, yeah?

Say you get an excellent mattress topper and get used to it.

Then, come the holiday season, you’d be leaving for your home and wishing to take the topper with you. However, memory foam toppers tend to be quite heavy. If you see yourself wanting to take your topper with you back and forth, this tri-fold one is an ideal choice.

It will fit easily on the back seat of your car and can even be a great companion on potential camping trips.

Apart from its folding feature, this topper packs a lot of goodies, such as the 4-inch depth, double-layered construction for added support, and comfortable design to relieve pressure points.

Pros:

• Perfect choice for those who move around a lot
• It can be used folded to save up space
• Ideal for camping and use in the car
• Pressure relieving design

Cons:

• Lacks handle for easy carrying
• It might be hotter than usual for some

Get it from here.

Best Down-Alternative

Amazon Basics Mattress Topper

Don’t let the price fool you. This Amazon Basics Mattress topper is the best bang-for-buck out there.

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Funding yourself through college ain’t no walk in the park.

The last thing you need is to spend hundreds on a mattress topper. We get it. However, you cannot go wrong with an Amazon Basics mattress topper if you are short on cash.

For less than $50, this mattress topper will introduce much-needed softness and cushioning to your mattress. It is fluffy and pleasant to touch while it keeps dust and microbes from reaching your mattress. The topper is filled with soft polyester, and the outer fabric is made of microfiber, making it extra durable.

Pros:

• Ideal option for those short on cash
• Introduces a plump and soft feeling to a worn-out mattress
• Microfiber fabric is durable
• Hypoallergenic construction repels dust

Cons:

• It might not be the best choice for hot climates
• It might come off on one side if you move a lot during sleep

Get it from here.

Best Soft

Sleep Innovations 3-Inch Cooling Gel Infused Memory Foam topper

Want something that ticks all the boxes? This one is the best overall!

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This sleep innovations memory foam mattress topper has a little bit of everything, making it the best overall choice.

Albeit a little pricier than the others on the list, this topper provides the maximum support while keeping you cool and cozy. The 3-inch thickness is plenty for most people and supports all sleeping positions. Moreover, the foam is equipped with air channels throughout its body which aids airflow resulting in better cooling. Not to mention the myriad pressure relieving benefits for your joints.

Pros:

• 3-inch cooling gel memory foam
• Breathable and cool thanks to air channels and cooling gel.
• Best overall quality and comfort
• 10-year warranty

Cons:

• It might be a bit too stiff for some
• It might be hotter than expected in warm climates

Get it from here.

Final Verdict

Moving into a dorm room is quite the transition for many students who are used to a certain comfort level at home. The abrupt shift from their cozy and familiar room to a strange new dorm might take some getting used to.

One of the things that could make this transition easier is an affordable mattress topper and for that we recommend Linenspa or Lucid. If you are looking for something cheap but decent then go for Amazon Basic.

Unfortunately, mattresses are expensive, and not many college students have the budget for them. The next best thing is a mattress topper that can revamp the look and feel of your worn-out dorm mattress.