I recently bought an inexpensive mattress pad that has drastically improved my sleep quality. My previously too-firm mattress now feels softer yet still supportive. That got me wondering what other bed upgrades can transform how well we sleep. Here are 7 bed upgrades you should try out to help you sleep better. 

1. A Good Quality Mattress 

Someone on a Subreddit offered the following advice when it comes to bed upgrades: “Unless you have a huge budget, put everything you can into a good mattress.” 

I think it’s great advice and true to an extent. A mattress is the most important part of your bedding and it’s worth it spending over $1,000 on a good mattress that will be really comfortable and last for years. 

It’s tempting to go for a cheap foam mattress, but it will likely give you aches, ruin your sleep (which causes a host of other issues on its own) and cause debilitating back pain. It will probably lose its form in just 2-3 years, forcing you to withstand an even worse mattress or spend more money on a new one. 

So if you pick only one upgrade from this list, let it be a mattress. Refer to our helpful guide on the best mattresses for different types of sleepers. Generally, we recommend spending at least $600-700 on a good quality mattress (price is for a Queen size). 

Go with memory foam if you need lots of cushioning (e.g. if you are a side sleeper), a hybrid pocket coil mattress if you need support, bounce and cooling, and natural latex if you are a hot sleeper or prefer an organic mattress. 

2. Natural Linens 

Many people opt for microfiber or polyester bedding because they are inexpensive, durable and easy to clean. But until you try sleeping on sheets made from wool, silk or linen, you have no idea what you are missing out on. 

Bed linens made from natural fibers tend to be more expensive, but they offer a far superior sleeping experience. They are highly breathable, they keep you cool, they are soft and gentle on your skin and they do a great job wicking away sweat. 

You can switch out your synthetic bed sheets, duvet cover and pillowcases with those made from cotton, wool, bamboo, modal, Tencel, silk and linen. 

If you are on a budget, get semi-synthetic bedding that combines polyester and natural fabrics. They are cheaper while still offering some of the benefits of premium bedding. 

3. Mattress Pad/Topper 

You don't always have to splurge on a new mattress if your current one doesn't feel quite right. A mattress pad or topper can fix what you don't like about your mattress. 

Depending on the type and thickness of topper you buy, it can make your bed slightly softer for better pressure relief, a lot softer so that you sink into it, or firmer. You can also get a cooling mattress topper if your mattress makes you too warm.  

4. Mattress Cooling System

Cooler bedding can help you sleep better if you are a hot sleeper. But if your bed turns into an extra-hot oven at night or if you have severe hot flashes, a mattress cooling system is far more effective than a cooling topper or breathable sheets. 

The two best known ones right now are BedJet and SleepMe.  BedJet blows cooled air under the sheets, while SleepMe circulates cooled water through the ChiliPad mattress pad. 

With both systems, you can set your preferred bed temperature. They also offer a warming option for the chilly nights. 

5. Waterproof Mattress Protector 

Your mattress accumulates a lot of icky stuff like dead skin cells, dust mites, mold, mildew, bacteria, fungi and other unmentionables. What’s worse is that you can’t wash a mattress the same way you wash sheets. The best you can do is vacuum it. 

A dirty mattress can make you sick. The best way to keep your mattress clean is using a waterproof mattress protector. It keeps out fluids and other kinds of particles and dirt from getting through to the mattress. And since the mattress protector is washable, it’s easy to keep it clean.  

6. Antimicrobial Bedding 

If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, we highly recommend getting antimicrobial bedding like the Hercleon Jax sheets or pillowcase. 

Antimicrobial bedding greatly improves bed hygiene and reduces your risk of acne, rashes and other skin problems. Because this bedding also fights odor-causing bacteria, your bed will smell fresh even after several days of sleeping on the same sheets. 

7. A Weighted Blanket

If you’ve yet to join the weighted blanket bandwagon, give it a try. It’s not just hype; a weighted blanket can soothe away worries and anxiety, and help you fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply. 

Plenty of people with insomnia have found a weighted blanket to be helpful. The general rule is to pick a weighted blanket that’s 10% of your body weight, though you can go as low as 5% if you are worried about feeling hot or uncomfortable, or go up to 12% if you want a slightly heavier weight wrapped around you.