Down mattress toppers can be such a dream. Even if you have the best mattress in the market, sometimes it’s just not too plush enough. And down mattresses are sublimely soft and plush. These are made from a combination of feathers and down. Down is the underside of a goose or duck. But down toppers can have several cons.

So in this article, we will go over a bit on why some people will not be able to see a down mattress. And if so, what are the best alternatives to these soft toppers?

The not so sublime side of down toppers

Down toppers are notoriously famous for making a firm mattress rather soft and dreamy. In addition to the plush comfort, it also does not retain heat. So it will lend you a very comfortable and cool retreat.  

They are also rather affordable. And out of all the types of mattress toppers, these can provide a more natural and traditional feel. Sadly, not everyone will be able to use it. Here are some cons to it.

1. Down toppers tend to compress over time. Thus, there is a need for regular re-fluffing to make it plump again,
2. These are not hypoallergenic. Some people may have an allergy or develop an allergy to down and feathers.
3. Down and feathers are not always ethically farmed. So it will not be a good option for vegans or animal rights advocates.
4. Down and feathers can have an unpleasant smell. 
5. The quills and feather shaft will poke through the fabric, and it may scratch your skin too.
6. Down mattress toppers are quite crinkly and noisy.

Top 5 Best alternatives to Down Toppers

So if you want to make your firm bed soft and cushy, you can make use of these down topper alternatives. These are just as good as the feathers.

Tempur Pedic Tempur Topper Supreme ($320)- Best Pure Memory Foam Altrnative

One of the reasons why a lot of people prefer down is because they keep you very cool. Most pure memory foam mattresses, on the other hand, are not that efficient in cooling. And this is what sets this pure memory foam mattress topper apart.

Unlike other memory foam mattresses that we have tested, this one doesn’t retain heat at all. It feels cushy, soft, and just downright comfortable ( pun intended!) 

The cover is made from a polyester blend material. And this wicks moisture rather well. 

And when we say dreamy, take our word for it. This mattress topper felt like a comforting hug. So you will not miss the sublime softness of a down mattress because this is as good as the feathers less the smell and allergies.

We also love how it can isolate motion. So this is also great for couples, especially if one of you tends to toss and turn during the night. 

It might even be better than your down toppers. Aside from the soft and cushy comfort, this can also help alleviate pressure points. 

And unlike down, this does not get squished easily. It is rather durable and can accommodate those who weigh over 200 lbs. 

The main complaint is it can feel too firm at first. But it starts to soften as you slowly sink into the topper. So it’s best to try it out first because you will not be able to appreciate the softness just by touching it. 

Material: memory foam with polyester blend cover

Pros

• Durable
• Soft and cushy
• Breathable and wicks moisture
• Great motion isolation

Cons

• Has a break-in period

Royal Plush mattress Topper ($99.99)- Best Budget Option

This mattress topper is a budget-friendly option. This is also a great alternative if you have a latex allergy. This is a great option for students who are living in dorms or couples who are just starting their new life together.  

And not only is it affordable, but we also felt that we were like sleeping on clouds. So it can be at par with the cushy softness of down toppers.

And while this topper can make your bed rather soft and cushy, it can feel a bit lumpy. So it does need some time to flatten out.

Material: microfiber shell cover and microfiber filling

Pros

• Very affordable
• Soft and cushy

Cons

• Can be lumpy

Lucid 4-inch gel memory foam mattress topper ($ 149.99)- Best for back pain

This Lucid gel memory foam mattress topper is a perfect balance between support and plushness. The top layer is made of cotton down alternative and the second layer is made of a memory gel foam.

And these two materials are also known for their cooling effect, they are both highly breathable. So it will not retain heat and you will still be able to use this mattress topper even in the summer months.

One advantage it has over down is that it can feel supportive at the same time. It fits your body and can relieve pressure from your back.

Material: gel memory foam and cotton down alternative

Pros

• Highly breathable and has a cooling effect
• Supportive at the same time and relieves pressure points
• Decent softness

Cons

• It may have a strong smell

Superior Microfiber All Season Down Alternative Mattress Topper- Best Plush

We find this down alternative the most plush out of all our picks. It’s rather thick and very, very soft. It’s even at par with what they use at hotels. And it can even be softer and more dreamy than down toppers.

The top is filled with man-made microfiber fill, and it is designed to feel like down, or even better.  

This also solves the shifting problems you have with down toppers. It’s durable and rest assured that the stitching will keep the microfiber fill in place. It doesn’t shift so you don’t need to re-fluff it often as you would with a down mattress type. 

But there were a few false claims. The brand claims that the topper can provide about 2 inches of support. And we had to disagree with this. Yes, it’s luxuriously soft and even feels like a thick duvet cover. But in terms of support, we did not feel that it did anything in that category. 

Thus, those with back issues may wake up with slight back pain. This topper is all about softness. So if that’s what you want, then this is a good choice. But if you need something with a bit of support, this is not for you. 

Another cons is that this can retain what. Compared to down, it’s not as cool. So this will be suitable for the colder season only. 

Material: Microfiber Shell with polyfill alternative

Pros

• It’s luxuriously soft and cushy
• No shifting issues

Cons

• Does not offer any support
• Not as breathable and cool as the other options

Latex pure green natural mattress topper- Best Latex Alternative

This latex mattress topper is a great pick if you need something with a little bit more support. But of course, it still has to be cushy and soft. Otherwise, it won’t be a suitable down alternative!

That’s why this is also perfect for stomach sleepers. It can provide enough support for the shoulders and hips while lending a dreamy softness. It prevents your body from sinking into the cushion, but you will still find it soft. And this will prevent strains in the neck. 

This is also a great option if you’re looking for a mattress topper that’s made from natural materials. It’s made of natural latex so you can expect it to be cool and breathable.

It might not be for you if you don’t like a more responsive mattress topper. Because latex can be more responsive than memory foam, this can have a bit of a bounce.

Materials: Natural latex foam

Pros

• Provide adequate support for stomach sleepers
• Made from natural materials
• great balance of softness and support

Cons

• Some may not like the extra bounce
• Some may be allergic to latex

Final Say

With these down alternatives, you will not miss out on the cushy softness and dreamy sleep. These alternatives are maybe even better for you. Plus the sight of poor geese and ducks being ripped off their feathers can give you nightmares. Not all farms harvest them down humanely. So if you decide to ditch down, you won’t be missing a thing.