Lucid vs Linenspa: We compared two popular budget mattress toppers under $100

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Lucid 3-inch Bamboo Charcoal Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Lucid's mattress topper is pleasantly plush, with a deeply contouring feel that's best for side sleepers. Linenspa 3-inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper (Twin)
The Linenspa Memory Foam Mattress Topper is soft yet supportive. It's best for stomach sleepers, back sleepers, and heavy people.
The verdict
The soft memory foam feel of the Lucid mattress topper is the pick for side sleepers looking for plush contouring, while the high-density foam feel of the Linenspa is for stomach and back sleepers who need a little extra support. The Linenspa is usually about $10 cheaper than the Lucid mattress topper, so it's more affordable, too.
When you're shopping for the best mattress topper — especially on Amazon — you're likely to notice two brands dominate the budget options. Lucid and Linenspa. The mattress toppers look alike and have similar price points, both costing well under $100. After some research into the companies, we found that they're owned by the same parent company, which piqued our interest even further in terms of each brand's overlap in terms of quality, value, and design.
I compared a popular topper from each: the Lucid Bamboo Charcoal Mattress Topper and the Linenspa Memory Foam Mattress Topper. On first look, designs are similar: both were three inches thick, made of memory foam, feature cooling properties, and cost under $100. Trying them both out for myself, I also compared them on features like comfort, cooling, motion isolation, and policies like trial and warranty to help you find which budget mattress topper is the one for you. I've uncovered that they have subtle differences that you may not notice on paper.
Whether you're trying to customize your mattress on the cheap or in need of the best twin XL topper for your college dorm room, read on for the differences between the Lucid and the Linenspa, and find which is will be the most comfortable for you. Lucid vs Linenspa: Overview Lucid vs Linenspa: Design
The Lucid is made of memory foam infused with bamboo and charcoal; it's ventilated with tiny holes for extra breathability. The Linenspa is made with gel-infused memory foam. Kinsley Searles/Business Insider
The Lucid and Linenspa mattress toppers have similar, simple designs. The Linenspa and Lucid I tested are both three-inch slabs of cushy, compressive CertiPUR-US-certified memory foam (meaning it's free from toxic chemicals) that sit directly on top of your mattress. They don't have straps or skirted elastic to attach them to the mattress, but thankfully, they didn't shift.
The Lucid mattress topper is made of CertiPUR-US-certified memory foam infused with bamboo and charcoal. This gives the topper a soft gray color and helps wick away moisture and regulate odors. The topper also has air holes for additional ventilation. It's sold in two-inch, three-inch, and four-inch varieties. Generally speaking, the taller toppers will be plusher, more contouring, and cause your body to sink the most, while the thinner toppers will have a firmer, more on-top feel.
The Linenspa topper is also made with CertiPUR-US-certified foam, but it's infused with cooling gel. The cooling gel stands out as dark blue specks against the light blue topper. The Linenspa topper doesn't have ventilation holes. It's also available in a two-inch thickness.
Both brands offer the toppers with a removable, machine-washable cover, which I recommend since the foam itself is spot-clean only, but it does add to the cost. I also recommend protecting your mattress topper with a mattress protector to increase its lifespan in the event of sweat or spills. Lucid vs Linenspa: Setup
Both the Lucid and Linenspa are simple sheets of memory foam to soften up a firm mattress. Kinsley Searles/Business Insider
Both toppers arrive in a box about the size of an end table. Inside, the memory foam is compressed and rolled within a layer of tissue paper and plastic wrap. On first impression, these toppers feel very distinct from one another. After unboxing, the Lucid topper was significantly compressed, with a texture that reminded me (rather specifically) of crushed cotton candy. As such, it took much longer to expand than the Linenspa mattress topper, which popped out of the plastic basically ready to go — although the brand recommends letting it air out for 24 to 48 hours after opening. I attribute the different texture to the construction of the toppers: Lucid is plusher, whereas the Linenspa has high-density foam, so it springs into place quickly. Both had a slight chemical scent that faded by bedtime. Lucid vs Linenspa: Comfort and support
Despite their similar appearance, the Lucid and Linenspa mattress toppers are notably distinct in terms of comfort and support. Both are comfortable and supportive toppers that can soften a firm bed, but which is best for you will depend on your sleeping position and comfort preferences.
For side sleepers looking for a super soft, cushy topper, I recommend the Lucid. The Lucid topper isn't as firm as the Linenspa, and it adapts to the curves of your body to support pressure points, like the hips, while you sleep. This feel is perfect for side sleepers, since your body can sink into the mattress, keeping your spine aligned as you sleep.
Some might not enjoy the plushness, though. I'm a plus-size person, and I found myself sinking into the Lucid topper too much for my liking. At times, I felt like I was stuck in a sea of memory foam, making moving around at night or getting in and out of bed difficult. The Lucid topper is better suited for people with lighter bodies, since you won't have to worry about sinking in and can enjoy the plushness and support.
On the other hand, the Linenspa topper is cushy yet firm. I never felt like I was "stuck" in bed when I used it, and I could move around easily. The topper still adapts to fit your body, but the feeling is much subtler than the Lucid mattress topper. I recommend the Linenspa for back and stomach sleepers, who usually require a firmer surface than side sleepers. Don't worry, though: it's not overwhelmingly firm, so it will still soften up any uncomfortable mattress. It's also a great choice for heavy people, since you won't sink into this topper as much as the Lucid.
Overall, I preferred the pressure relief of the Linenspa topper, but side sleepers might prefer the Lucid. It just depends whether you prefer the foam to fully engulf your pressure points or offer gentler support. Lucid vs Linenspa: Cooling
Both Lucid and Linenspa mattress toppers have features to keep hot sleepers cool and sweat-free throughout the night, making them viable options to consider if you require the best cooling mattress topper. However, the way they do so is a bit different. Lucid infuses its memory foam with bamboo and charcoal, which is designed to also help absorb odors and is ventilated for airflow, while Linenspa's cooling gel foam helps regulate body temperature.
Overall, the Lucid had better heat dissipation (meaning it wicks heat away faster), while the Linenspa stayed cooler for longer. To test cooling, I measured the topper's temperature before going to bed, immediately after waking up, and two minutes after getting out of bed. On average, the Lucid topper had a starting temperature of 74.6 degrees, while the Linenspa measured in at 71.8 degrees, in a room with the same ambient temperature. Both toppers increased about 10 degrees immediately after waking up, meaning that the Linenspa stayed the coolest at night. After the two-minute period, the Linenspa only dropped two degrees, while the Lucid dropped over seven degrees, showing incredible results for heat dissipation. Lucid vs Linenspa: Motion isolation
Motion isolation refers to the way movement is transferred through a mattress. Motion isolation is important for couples or people who share a bed with pets, so your sleep isn't interrupted by twitching legs or midnight zoomies. To test motion isolation, I placed a soda can near the middle of the bed. Then, I dropped a 15-pound weight a foot away from the can 10 times while observing if the can shifted, tipped, or fell over completely.
The two mattress toppers had comparable motion isolation, with the Lucid narrowly edging out the Linenspa in its ability to minimize motion transfer. The can tipped over twice in my Lucid test, whereas it tipped over three times on the Linenspa. This is probably because the Lucid topper uses softer foam, so motion is easily absorbed into the material. Subjectively, I never felt movements from my dog or boyfriend when testing either topper. Both toppers are a solid choice for couples and people with pets, though you might feel a little bit of movement across the bed if your sleeping companions are particularly restless. Lucid vs Linenspa: Trial and warranty policies
The Lucid and Linenspa mattress toppers can be returned within 30 days of purchase and come with a 3-year limited warranty. Lucid's warranty covers manufacturing defects but doesn't apply to general wear and tear, indentations less than 1.5 inches deep, stains, misuse, third-party repair, damage from transit, or commercial use. Linenspa's warranty covers the same things, but excludes coverage of indentations less than 0.75 inches deep.
If you successfully claim your warranty, Lucid and Linenspa will issue a repair, replacement, or refund. The bottom line
With its support and subtle feel, the Linenspa was the victor in the Lucid vs Linenspa match. Kinsley Searles/Business Insider
The Lucid Bamboo Charcoal Mattress Topper and the Linenspa Memory Foam Mattress Topper are both excellent, supportive budget options that excel in cooling and have good motion isolation. I recommend side sleepers and those who want to sink into the foam to go with the Lucid, while back and stomach sleepers will appreciate the more balanced feel of the Linenspa topper. If you're stuck between the two, I recommend the Linenspa: it's best for most people and will cost about $10 less than the Lucid. Read our Linenspa gel-infused mattress topper review for more information.
Linenspa 3-inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper (Twin)
Kinsley Searles
Home and Sleep Reviews Fellow