If your current mattress leaves something to be desired, a memory foam topper is an easy way to give your bed a refresh. Looking for something that’s both comfortable and cost-effective? The 2-inch Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper from DreamFoam by Brooklyn Bedding is an excellent option. Made in the United States, this topper’s gel-swirl memory foam provides pressure point relief by molding to your body. It’s also CertiPUR-US®-certified, which means it’s made without the harmful materials or chemicals found in many foams. To see if this topper was up to par, we sent it home with one of our expert testers, who slept on it for months. Read on for the full report.
Unboxing: Smell takes days to dissipate
This mattress topper arrives rolled and compressed; the manufacturer recommends letting it sit outside the packaging for 24 to 48 hours to expand and let any odors dissipate. According to our reviewer, this process took the full two days and that the topper’s smell was indeed “very strong” out of the box: “I had to keep this topper in the closet for two days while it degassed,” she said. “Before I did that, it was stinking up my whole room. I swear I can still smell something under my sheets, but my husband can’t.”
Material: Gel-swirl memory foam retains heat
This mattress topper is made from gel-swirl memory foam crafted with open cell technology which is supposed to “increase air circulation,” according to the company. Essentially, the pad is supposed to help users regulate their temperature for a cool and comfortable night’s sleep. Unfortunately, our tester didn’t find that to be the case. Although she said that she’s generally a hot sleeper, she also said she was “pretty sure that this topper contributed heat” and that she’s “been getting hotter at night since using it." Memory foam mattresses and toppers have a reputation for being hot, so we weren’t surprised that this option presented the same issues. A plus of this topper’s material, however, is that it’s CertiPUR-US-certified, meaning that it’s not made with materials like ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP or TCEP flame retardants, mercury, lead, heavy metals, formaldehyde, or phthalates.
Texture: Thick, dense, and very comfortable
At two inches thick, this topper is meant to conform to your body and provide pressure point relief. “It’s very comfortable, and it’s perfect no matter what position you sleep in,” our tester said. “For example, I’m a side sleeper, so I need something that conforms to my hips and shoulders, and this does it.” She also loved the foam’s density and said it gave great all-around support. Overall, the texture of this topper was a big highlight—our tester found that it molded to her body “much more” than the mattress topper she used previously.
Washing: Not washer- or dryer-safe
The manufacturer doesn’t provide any information on how to clean the DreamFoam 2-Inch Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper, but like all foam pads, it should never go in the washing machine or dryer. In the event of stains or odors, your only options are to spot clean or use the upholstery brush on your vacuum (see our detailed step-by-step guide). Ultimately, this process is a pain, but it shouldn’t be necessary to launder the topper very regularly.
Price: At under $100, it’s a steal
No matter what size you need, this mattress topper still costs less than $100; prices range from around $50 for a twin to around $90 for a king. This price point puts it firmly in the budget-friendly range, especially compared with higher-end alternatives like Tempur-Pedic, whose toppers cost around three to four times as much. However, this topper didn’t skimp on quality, either; our reviewer reported no decrease in support or comfort during the testing period: “It was very durable,” she said. To add value, this topper also has a three-year warranty.
DreamFoam 2-Inch Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper vs. LUCID 2-Inch Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper
LUCID, another manufacturer of memory foam and latex mattresses and toppers, also offers a two-inch, gel-infused mattress topper. These mattress toppers have many similarities: They are both two inches thick (although LUCID also offers a three-inch version), are made from gel-infused memory foam, and are under warranty for three years. They’re also priced similarly. The most notable difference: LUCID’s option is ventilated with small holes while the DreamFoam model is a solid sheet of foam. DreamFoam by Brooklyn Bedding’s topper is American-made; LUCID doesn’t specify where its topper is manufactured. Read more reviews of the best mattress toppers available to purchase online. Although this mattress topper from DreamFoam by Brooklyn Bedding had a manufactured smell at first and also tends to retain heat, our tester maintained that it was worth buying, overall—it was the ideal combination of comfortable, supportive, and affordable.
