No commission • No endorsements • Based on owner experiences • Since 2008 • More
THE GOOD: Fiberbeds (also known as down alternative toppers or pads) are generally affordable as well as effective at softening a mattress and lessening pressure points. They seldom have odor or allergy-causing potential.
THE BAD: Fiberbeds may be too thin and lumpy for some. They tend to provide little support. Shaking / fluffing may be needed to maintain loft and comfort. Machine washing and drying may cause damage.
THE TOPPER: A fiberbed is filled with polyester fiber or down alternative puffball. Despite its name, a fiberbed is not an actual bed or mattress, but rather a mattress topper or thick mattress pad.
THE COMPETITION: Mostly featherbeds and wool toppers. See how fiberbeds compare to these and other types in the mattress topper comparison.
The ratings show how fiberbeds / down alternative toppers compare to the average topper. For ratings on individual models, see the following section.
| Price | A- | Prices range from $35-$125. On average, owners pay about $55. |
| Value | B+ | High owner satisfaction combined with a relatively low price results in most owners giving high marks for value. |
| Durability / longevity | D+ | Fiberbeds will compress / flatten with use, losing some comfort. |
| Less pain | b- | About 20% of owners with back pain report their fiberbed helps to reduce it. |
| Supportive | c- | Their ability to improve mattress support is below that of memory foam and latex. |
| Conforming ability | D+ | While a fiberbed can soften a mattress considerably, it performs below that of memory foam and latex in providing a cradling, cloud-like sensation. |
| Motion isolation | d | Unlike memory foam and latex toppers, fiberbeds do not reduce your motion from reaching and disturbing your partner. |
| No lumpiness / clumping | c- | Lumpiness and clumping of the inner contents – often due to machine washing – is a significant owner complaint. |
| Easy to move on | b+ | Fiberbeds tend to offer little resistance to movement, making them better than memory foam and latex in this regard. |
| No noise | C | Some may make a rustling or crunching noise when moved on. |
| No initial odor | a- | Fiberbeds usually have fewer complaints on this issue than any other topper type. |
| No sleeping hot | C | About 5% of owners report that their topper acts as a heat trap. |
| Sex friendly | A- | The topper can cause sex to be more comfortable without reducing bounce. |
| Proper fit / secure | c | Fiberbeds may not fit properly to the dimensions of the mattress. And they may not stay secure or keep from sliding. |
| Easy to maintain | D+ | Occasional-to-regular shaking / fluffing may be required to maintain the topper's loft and comfort. |
| Easy to lift, move, handle | C | Weight of thicker fiberbeds can be substantial (9+ lbs). |
| Appearance | c | When the bed is made, the topper may cause it to appear somewhat uneven and lumpy. |
| Washable | d+ | 30%+ of owners report that their fiberbed becomes lumpy or is damaged when machine washed or dried. Dry cleaning may provide better results. |
The following table compares fiberbeds / down alternative toppers that have 85% or higher owner satisfaction based on 600+ consumer experiences.
| Hospitology Heavenly | COZyClouds | Bamboo Mattress Pad | Leisure Town |
| Owner Satisfaction (sample) | |||
| 95% (3571) | 90% (4081) | 88% (5222) | 85% (1095) |
| Price | |||
| $38-$60 | $50-$83 | $90-$118 | $60-$70 |
| Fits Mattress Thickness | |||
| up to 18" | up to 18" | up to 18" | up to 20" |
| Sizes Available | |||
| twin, full | twin, full, queen, king, CA king | twin, full, queen, king | twin, full, queen, king, CA king |
| Weight (queen) | |||
| 8 lbs | 7 lbs (estimate) | 9 lbs | 6 lbs |
| Cover | |||
| 100% microfiber polyester | 100% cotton | rayon from bamboo | 100% cotton |
| Return Policy | |||
| 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| Retailer | |||
| amazon | overstock.com | amazon | amazon |

Ratings are based on 13,000+ fiberbed owner reviews gathered from review sections on various retailer web sites.
– 30%+ of owners report that their fiberbed becomes lumpy or falls apart when machine washed and dried. Dry cleaning may provide better results.
– Occasional-to-regular shaking / fluffing may be needed to maintain a fiberbed's loft and comfort.
– Unlike some other topper types, such as memory foam and latex, fiber toppers may give the bed a somewhat lumpy and uneven appearance.
– Durability / longevity is not a strength. Fiberbeds will compress / flatten with regular use, losing some comfort.