Subrtex Memory Foam Mattress Topper review

I'll admit that I've made a few mistakes in my time, and not investing in my sleep has definitely been one of them. Well, this is what I've come to realize after testing a memory foam mattress topper that's super cooling — because as a side sleeper who runs very warm, I've been missing out on a good night's sleep for years. And as someone who wakes up at the lovely hour of 4:30 am to go to the gym, you can bet this has made a significant change to my life.

Before you ask, my mattress is old. It's not a top-of-the-range buy either, it's your basic spring mattress that I've actually been sleeping on since I was 13. This is even more proof that the Subrtex Memory Foam Mattress Topper is a worthy purchase, IMO. Especially for anyone like me who is working with a tired mattress but really wants to get a decent kip without spending hundreds. Did I mention that it costs just $89.99? I had the opportunity to sleep on the three-inch Subrtex Memory Foam Mattress Topper for four weeks and it's safe to say it's one of the best cooling mattress toppers out there.

Quick Menu:
1. TLDR
2. Testing
3. Specs
4. Unboxing
5. Comfort
6. Breathability and cooling
7. Is it right?

Subrtex’s Gel infused memory foam topper utilizes holes and ventilation to promote air circulation, while the tiny microbeads of gel help with temperature regulation and cooling. The gel memory foam also has a springier texture than traditional memory foam, which means no imprints will be left when you get up. Subrtex also touts the ergonomic design of the mattress topper, stating it’s designed for any body weight, any body type, and any sleeper, by perfectly aligning the spine.

You have the option of choosing a two, three, or four-inch thickness, which also influences the softness of the product; the thicker the plusher, typically. The topper comes with a removable, washable bamboo casing, which is great for individuals with allergies or people in need of hypoallergenic bedding. It stays in place with four adjustable elastic straps that fit mattresses up to 12 inches and has a mesh fabric backing to prevent sliding.

Subrtex Memory Foam Mattress Topper Review

TLDR: What I thought of the Subrtex Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Since sleeping on top of this Subrtex topper, I have noticed a significant change in my sleep. I am a side sleeper and I sleep alone, too, and I am also usually hot while I sleep, FYI. Rest assured this topper made me feel cool, supported, and super comfortable while still able to roll over without it being any major workout. Maybe it’s just because I came from an innerspring mattress, but I was hesitant about the sinking softness that memory foam mattresses are known for. However, after sliding into bed on day one, I was shocked by the comfort and firmness. 

If not for the memory foam and gel aspects that provide subtle softness for comfortable support, then consider this topper for the cooling feature. One of the hallmarks of this product is the cooling feature due to the ventilation and gel infusion. As a person whose internal temperature runs hot, I was really looking forward to this feature working… and it did, which was my favorite part I’m surprised by how much I ended up loving this topper. Truth be told, albeit not entirely surprising given the mattress I was used to sleeping on, I’ve gotten the best sleep since getting this topper. It stays in place, has the firmness I need, provides gentle softness, and is a budget-friendly option for most.

Regardless of the thickness you chose, the topper is made from CertiPUR-US certified, nontoxic, ventilated, and gel-infused memory foam. The gel aids in cooling and helps provide a springy, bounce-back texture. I reiterate: keep in mind the height that you opt for in comparison to the bed set-up you currently have.

Testing the Subrtex Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Alex Shimalla

Hi, I'm Alex, a writer — and a sleeper. My night-time ritual is a sacred experience. Not one for napping, I wake up at 4:30 a.m. to work out, which means I'm usually ready for slumber when the sun is still out. Since sleeping is such a revered act, I couldn't pass on the opportunity to test a sleep product that’s as coveted as memory foam and even claims to cool hot sleepers couldn’t be passed up. I slept with the Subrtex Memory Foam Mattress Topper for four weeks.

Sleep stats:
• Sleep position: Side
• Insomnia: Occasionally/during times of high stress
• Sleep problems: None (just an aggressive toss-and-turner)
• Average sleep time: 8 hours

Subrtex Memory Foam Mattress Topper specifications

• Type: Memory foam
• Fill: CertiPUR-US® certified gel-infused memory foam
• Cover: Bamboo Rayon 
• Firmness: I would say 7/10, 10 being firm
• Thickness: 2", 3" or 4"
• Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, Cal King 
• Price: $89.99 - $269.99

Unboxing the Subrtex Memory Foam Mattress Topper

I was a bit nervous about the delivery of my mattress topper. I had no idea what the delivery would look like, nor how it would be packaged. The topper was delivered to my apartment door in a large box, which I shimmed into my living room. When I opened the box, there was a letter-opener-type device and a small pamphlet. The booklet provided detailed instructions on how to set up the topper as well as some general marketing information and details about the product itself. 

The booklet cautions that the topper needs 48–72 hours to puff up fully, and it actually does take at least 48 hours. After carefully cutting through the plastic, I unrolled this big piece of memory foam onto my living room couch so it could fulfill its breathing requirements. 

It’s common for memory foam to be accompanied by a chemical off-gassing smell, which was the case with the Subrtex mattress topper. 

A convenient feature of this product is the removable case. Those with allergies will really enjoy the fact they can remove the top casing and wash it, which is what I did while I let the topper air out. 

Once the casing was washed, I wrestled it back onto the topper. (Pro tip: If you have the option of undertaking this unboxing and setting up experience with an additional set of hands, I highly recommend it. It’s doable on your own; you just end up a bit sweaty. It’s an awkward shape to maneuver.) 

The product weighs almost 21 pounds, which isn’t a lot in the grand scheme of items, but with a bulky 80 x 60 x 3 frame, it’s a beast to handle. Note that there are three thickness levels to choose from — two, three, and four inches.

Is the Subrtex Memory Foam Mattress Topper comfortable?

I’d like to start off this part of the review with transparency. You’re reading a review from someone who has been sleeping on the same innerspring mattress (minus her years away in college and then graduate school) since she was 13 (she’s now 27). Memory foam is a foreign concept, except for two special pillows I have, so being offered the chance to test out a memory foam mattress topper was exciting.

Some other important notes: I run on the hot side. It’s not uncommon to find me in shorts and a t-shirt in the winter or sweating through my sleep in the summer. I’m, also what some might call, an aggressive side sleeper. I take normal side sleeping and make it an adventure of twists and turns — but not peaceful tossing and turning… aggressive, jumpy tossing and turning. So thinking about a topper that might make that self-wrestling experience less was another draw for completing this review. 

Right, on to the first use.

Off-gassing
The chemical smell lingered for a few days. Although this was expected, I want to note that I was surprised when getting into bed on the third and fourth days and still caught a hint of chemical-ness. It’s dissipated since then, as it’s supposed to, but I want to warn any potential buyers not to be alarmed if the scent sticks around longer than you think it will.

Height
Easily overlooked, consider the additional height a mattress topper can add to your bed. I'm 5’3”, and it often felt like climbing the side of a mountain — in comparison to what I was used to — just to get into bed. A happy adjustment to make for how much I enjoy this topper, but still an interesting hurdle to accomplish at 2 am.

Comfort and support
My first night was heaven — not to be dramatic. The product description claims to help spinal alignment and relieve pressure points due to the zero-pressure memory foam. Subrtex says this disperses pressure from your body, so you don’t wake up sore or uncomfortable. 

Considering an experience with a different memory foam mattress topper I've tried, I recall it feeling like suction — inescapable unless I pried myself out of it. Subrtex’s topper did not have that effect. The inner foam is soft to the touch, but I still felt supported and able to move about the bed freely. 

Motion transfer
There’s little to no motion transfer, though I did not share the bed with anyone during this time, so I can’t say that as a fact. To simulate motion transfer, I placed a cup of water in the center of the bed and pressed my hand in various spots around the mattress. Despite how close I got, the glass of water didn’t move. It barely tilted in the direction of the pressure.

Is the Subrtex Memory Foam Mattress Topper breathable and cool?

The product’s gel-infused aspect and ventilation promote airflow, which creates a cooler sleeping experience. This mattress topper has 3.5-pound density memory foam, which is supposed to “ensure the longevity of our mattress toppers,” according to the Amazon description. 

I can’t attest to the longevity yet, but I can attest to the cooling part: It really does keep you cool. I run hot, so during the summer, I change out my bedding to be thinner and more comfortable. Despite this, with my previous sleeping arrangements, I would occasionally still wake up sweaty. That definitely wasn’t the case with the Subrtex mattress topper. I dare say it made me cold some nights — and that is NOT a complaint! If you need a cooling mattress topper, definitely consider this one.

Ordering and warranty

Is this mattress topper right for you?

This Subrtex topper is no longer available to buy directly through Subrtex. You can find it available on a variety of websites including Amazon, Walmart, and Overstock.

Amazon directs buyers to the manufacturer’s website regarding warranty questions. Subrtex has a 10-year limited warranty, and although the Amazon description mentions that the warranty extends to the toppers, communication from Subrtex is confusing. A direct inquiry to the company resulted in them denying warranties on toppers, but the pamphlet (which came with the topper) states that toppers are protected by a 10-year manufacturing warranty that covers “defects in materials or workmanship.” 

Check the website you are purchasing this topper from before you buy if you want to know the warranty info.

Invest in this mattress topper if:
You sleep hot
You're on a budget
You're a side sleeper
Your current mattress is old
You like a soft yet firm base
You want something with a washable cover

Avoid this mattress topper if:
You want something with a trial period
You dislike a firm base

For more mattress topper recommendations, if you're just not sure that this is the one for you, see below for more ones we've tested.

Real Homes' Review Process

There's much more to how we test mattresses (and toppers) ICYWW, but for a brief overview, our mattress topper testers are all required to sleep on their bed with the new product for a minimum of three to four weeks before reaching their verdict, testing the topper according to a strict brief. This allows Real Homes to compare and contrast their mattress topper experiences to find the best product. During the review, we will pay close attention to comfort, support, cost, and how it lives up to claims. We will also choose a reviewer depending on how they sleep, and we will ensure that this matches the type of topper we give them.