If you want something that feels like laying down on an oversized pillow, this is it! You will need a mattress cover to protect the topper. This does not replace a mattress but will make a hard mattress extremely soft. If you you are looking for just a soft mattress, I would recommend 2 inches instead. Because you will sink into this topper, the mattress becomes little hotter in the summer. If you have soar spots, bad hips or knees, or pain at night this mattress topper is for you. I recommend a thin pillow with this because of how much you will sink down.