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Give Your Worn-Out Bed New Life With Our Favorite Mattress Toppers

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  • ️Tue Jan 21 2025

My childhood mattress in my parents’ house is 14 years old—yes, really—and despite suffering from back pain whenever I stayed over, it never made much sense to replace it since I hardly ever slept there. But after one too many holiday visits resulting in a sore back, I finally purchased a mattress topper, which improved my sleep quality immensely.

Sometimes, it just isn’t worth replacing your entire mattress, and that’s when a mattress topper is the right solution. A topper can refresh your bed (and your comfort) and save you money. 

Here at The Spruce, we’ve been testing mattress toppers in The Lab and our homes for years, and we’ve tried a wide variety of options with different thicknesses, firmness levels, and materials. Our list includes supportive latex options, plush foam toppers, and everything in between—including options I've used on my bed.

Our Top Picks

What We Like

  • Doesn’t shift during the night

  • Plush yet supportive, feels like a hug

  • Quiet with tossing and turning

What We Don’t Like

  • Off-gassing odor lingers

  • Heavy and difficult to move

The Bear Pro Mattress Topper was our clear winner after several weeks of testing. This heavy-duty topper hit the mark on all fronts, and we loved its Goldilocks construction of plushness and support. We were so impressed by the topper's feel upon arrival that we laid it directly on the hardwood floor and found it surprisingly comfortable.

This topper isn't just our favorite pick overall; it's also the best foam mattress topper we've tested. That's because it offers body-cradling support without causing you to sink into the bed. Our new mom tester found the topper's pressure relief to be a dream after a long day of carrying a 20-pound baby. It also supported multiple sleeping positions and didn’t make any noise with tossing and turning.

At 3 inches thick, this topper is plenty hefty enough to transform the comfort level of overly-firm mattresses. Its weight also makes the topper stay in place well, and we didn’t experience any shifting or sliding throughout the testing period. That said, it’s quite bulky and a bit of a struggle to set up and place on the bed, so you may want to recruit some help. But once it’s on, we found the effort to be well worth it.

  • A person laying down on the Bear Pro Mattress Topper

    The Bear Mattress Topper is supportive enough to support multiple sleeping positions, including stomach sleeping. PHOTO: The Spruce / Ivy Ford
  • A person pressing down on the Bear Pro Mattress Topper

    In our testing, we liked that the dense construction dramatically changes the texture of any mattress. PHOTO: The Spruce / Ivy Ford
  • The Bear Pro Mattress Topper on top of a mattress/sleeper sofa

    PHOTO: The Spruce / Ivy Ford
  • Close up of the patterns on the Bear Pro Mattress Topper

    The circular knit cover offers a smooth, breathable feel, which we found did not cause us to overheat at night. PHOTO: The Spruce / Ivy Ford
  • Close up of a person lifting up the Bear Pro Mattress Topper

    This three-inch-thick topper is made with memory foam, which offers a cushiony feel. PHOTO: The Spruce / Ivy Ford

Throughout the testing period, we observed no signs of wear or changes in texture. It kept its shape nicely and never flattened, which is a good sign of its durability and resilience. While we haven’t needed to clean this topper yet, we appreciate that it comes with a machine-washable zip cover for easy care, like most of the options on this list. 

While we did notice a strong plastic-y odor out of the package, it has dissipated over the span of a few weeks.

Material: Memory foam | Thickness: 3 inches | Available Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Trial Period: 30 nights | Warranty: 2-year limited

The Spruce Team Tests the Best Mattress Toppers

What We Like

  • Cushiony and plush

  • Resilient construction

  • Suitable for all sleeping positions

What We Don’t Like

  • Doesn’t deliver on cooling properties

  • Not much additional support

The Threshold 2-in Cool Touch Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper offers a comparable feel to other premium mattress toppers on the market at a fraction of the cost. We added this topper to a 13-year-old pillow top mattress that was old but in decent condition, and we were surprised with how much plushness the 2-inch topper provided.

This option is definitely on the softer side, providing a sink-in feel we absolutely loved. We found the 2-inch size plenty plush considering the state of our mattress, but it also comes with a 3-inch version if you want a bit more cushioning. While we don’t think it’ll provide much additional support, it’s a great option if your main priority is adding comfort.

This topper wasn’t very firm, but we loved its pressure relief. Our tester, who historically felt soreness when side sleeping, never felt any pain or discomfort when using this mattress topper. We think this would be a great choice for most sleepers, as we found it enhanced the comfort of every sleeping position.

Although this is marketed as a cooling mattress topper, we didn’t think it delivered much on that front—but neither did most of the options we tested, especially with a fitted sheet on tip. While we like nearly everything about this topper, we recommend the GhostBed Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper if you’re looking for a slightly cooler option.

Material: Memory foam | Thickness: 2 inches | Available Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Trial Period: 365 nights | Warranty: Not listed

  • Close up of a person pressing into the Threshold 2-in Cool Touch Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper

    The Threshold Mattress Topper has a resilient construction, bouncing back into shape quickly without flattening. PHOTO: The Spruce / Jennifer Joanning
  • The Threshold 2-in Cool Touch Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper on top of a mattress

    This topper comes with a removable and washable cover that is easy to clean and protects the topper from wear and tear. PHOTO: The Spruce / Jennifer Joanning
  • A person laying down on the Threshold 2-in Cool Touch Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper

    This comfortable topper felt great while sleeping on our side, and we liked that it provided ample support in all positions. PHOTO: The Spruce / Jennifer Joanning
  • The Threshold 2-in Cool Touch Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper and its original packaging on top of a mattress

    PHOTO: The Spruce / Jennifer Joanning

What We Like

  • Medium-firm comfort

  • Supportive

  • Stays in place nicely

What We Don’t Like

  • Shorter warranty period

Latex can be a great option for those looking for a breathable, resilient, and supportive mattress topper—and we particularly love Saatva’s Natural Latex Mattress Topper. If you have a mattress that's too soft, a latex topper can provide the extra support you need. It’s on the thinner side at just about 1.5 inches thick, but we think its moderate density makes it very effective.

We’d describe this mattress topper as medium-firm, but not hard or uncomfortable. While it still conforms to sleepers’ bodies, we found the topper provides a more buoyant and resilient feel. We think it’s a great option if you prefer to sit comfortably at the surface of your mattress topper versus sinking in. 

We liked how supported we felt, especially in our lower back and hips. Throughout the testing period, we never woke up with any pain or discomfort. Our tester, who has sporadic neck stiffness, has yet to experience that with this topper. We also found this topper quite durable, with a buoyant, flattening-resistant construction.

One of our favorite aspects of this product is its built-in elastic straps, which secure the topper to the mattress. Shifting and sliding can be a common issue among mattress toppers, especially if it doesn’t fit perfectly. This thoughtful design detail prevents that completely, and the straps were generously sized to fit most mattresses.

We think it’s worth noting, though, that this mattress topper has a shorter warranty period compared to the other options on our list. It's not a dealbreaker, in our opinion, given the durability of latex, but it’s worth keeping in mind before purchasing.

Material: Latex | Thickness: 1.5 inches | Available Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king | Trial Period: 180 nights | Warranty: 1-year limited

  • A hand holding the Saatva Natural Latex Mattress Topper on a bed

    This topper is on the thinner side at just 1.5 inches thick, but we found its dense construction still made a noticeable difference to the bed. PHOTO: The Spruce / Dena Ogden
  • A hand pressing on the Saatva Natural Latex Mattress Topper

    This topper has a medium-firm feel with a comfort level similar to memory foam, allowing us to sink in just the right amount. PHOTO: The Spruce / Dena Ogden
  • Two feet pressing on the Saatva Natural Latex Mattress Topper

    PHOTO: The Spruce / Dena Ogden
  • A person reading a book while laying on the Saatva Natural Latex Mattress Topper

    The Saatva Natural Latex Mattress Topper is made from latex, which is highly supportive and not overly plush. PHOTO: The Spruce / Dena Ogden

What We Like

  • Fluffy baffle-box construction

  • Great for too-firm mattresses

  • Cloud-like comfort

What We Don’t Like

  • Less support

  • Harder to clean

Add an extra layer of luxurious and pillowy comfort with the Parachute Down Alternative Mattress Topper. This option doesn’t look like or feel like your average memory foam or latex option—rather, we think it resembles a fluffy comforter. This is a great pick for those looking to add a bit of softness to their mattresses, and it’s by far the plushest topper on this list.

It’s the perfect addition to too-firm mattresses that aren’t lacking in support. This 3-inch topper is filled with plush microfiber and features a baffle-box design to ensure even loft and comfort. The topper's hypoallergenic down-alternative filling is wrapped in a smooth, soft cotton sateen shell.

We’re obsessed with the cloud-like comfort this topper provides. We found it comfortable in every sleeping position, and it drastically improved the feel of our bed. It hasn’t flattened despite nightly use over the course of six months, which has seriously impressed us.

Unlike the other options on this list, the Parachute Down Alternative Mattress Topper is not machine washable, nor does it have a machine washable cover. Like many of the best comforters out there, this topper is dry-clean only. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure you fluff this mattress topper monthly to keep it fluffy. 

Material: Cotton, microfiber | Thickness: 3 inches | Available Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Trial Period: 60 nights | Warranty: 3-year limited

Best Firm

Casper Comfy Mattress Topper

The Casper Comfy Mattress Topper on a bed

The Casper Comfy Mattress Topper is made of three-inch resilient foam. PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson

What We Like

  • Medium-firm feel with ample support

  • Temperature-regulating

  • Stays in place on the bed

What We Don’t Like

  • Not the most plush

If you're struggling with aches and pains from a soft mattress, a topper like the Casper Comfy can remedy this. This topper offers a firmer feel, providing excellent support. This was very comfortable in every position, but we’d especially recommend it for side sleepers, who need a supportive surface to prevent the shoulders, hips, and spine from excessive sinking.

The topper's two-layer foam design provides a medium firmness, but in testing we found it leaned noticeably more supportive for our backs than plush and body-cradling. The material is incredibly resilient, always bouncing back to its original shape after use. And while the topper’s main draw is its ample support, we also found it to be cushiony and comfortable as well. It’s 3 inches thick, and we found that it made a noticeable difference on the bed.

This is also one of the most temperature-regulating options on this list, and we found that the bed tends to feel cooler for longer with the topper on. It also stays nicely in place, without any shifting or sliding. 

After six months of at-home testing, we’re really impressed with how well it has held up. Our tester, who previously experienced soreness and aches in the morning, reports significant relief since using this topper. While this topper isn’t super plush, we think it’s a great option for anyone looking to add more support to their existing mattress or just prefer a firmer sleep surface.

Material: Foam, memory foam | Thickness: 3 inches | Available Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Trial Period: 30 nights | Warranty: 5-year limited

  • A person touching the Casper Comfy Mattress Topper

    The Casper Comfy Mattress Topper has a nicely firm sleep surface. PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson
  • A woman smelling the Casper Comfy Mattress Topper

    The Casper Comfy Mattress Topper has a cover that was initially a tight fit, which curled the edges of the topper at first. PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson
  • A woman laying down on the Casper Comfy Mattress Topper

    The Casper Comfy Mattress Topper offers a supportive sleeping surface when sleeping in different positions. PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson

What We Like

  • Conforms to the body

  • Plush yet supportive feel

  • Provides pressure relief

What We Don’t Like

  • Shifts slightly on the bed

I think comfortable and supportive mattress toppers are a worthy investment considering the impact they've had on my own sleep health. While the Tempur-Pedic Tempur Adapt+ Mattress Topper is on the pricey end of the spectrum, it made a world of difference when added to my 14-year-old run-down mattress. 

My previous mattress was lumpy and uncomfortable, but the addition of the topper really transformed its feel. I'm a restless sleeper, and after weeks of testing this topper I noticed significant improvement in my sleep quality. I love how well it conforms nicely to the body, providing pressure relief to the neck, shoulders, and back.

While this topper definitely leans on the plusher side, I didn’t find it lacking support. While it offers a soft, sinking feel, it maintains its shape and never flattens. It feels great in every position, and I think it’s especially comfortable for back sleepers.

After seven months, I'm still a huge fan of this mattress topper. The 3-inch-thick topper never flattened or deflated despite consistent use. I did notice slight shifting and sliding over time, but this was easily mitigated with a small adjustment.

Material: Memory foam | Thickness: 3 inches | Available Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Trial Period: None | Warranty: 10-year limited

  • Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt + Cooling 3-Inch Queen Mattress Topper

    We slept on the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt + Cooling 3-Inch Queen Mattress Topper for months to see how it held up over time. PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson
  • A person touching the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt + Cooling 3-Inch Queen Mattress Topper

    The Tempur-Pedic Tempur Adapt+ Mattress Topper offers a sink-in feel that responds to your body. PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson
  • Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt + Cooling 3-Inch Queen Mattress Topper

    We did not notice a strong scent upon arrival with the Tempur-Pedic Tempur Adapt+ Mattress Topper. PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson
  • Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt + Cooling 3-Inch Queen Mattress Topper

    The Tempur-Pedic Tempur Adapt+ Mattress Topper is three inches thick and very flexible. PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson

What We Like

  • Effective cooling properties

  • Body-cradling comfort

  • Plush and supportive

  • Waterproof construction

What We Don’t Like

  • Off-gassing odor lingers

Struggle with overheating at night? The Ghostbed Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper is one of the only mattress toppers we’ve tried that delivers effective temperature regulation properties. This topper kept us cool and comfortable throughout the night, a rare find among the options we tested.

It’s also one of the most comfortable mattress toppers we’ve tried, as it molds to the body and provides a plush feel. Like a lot of our favorite options, this mattress topper is made from memory foam. It’s also infused with gel, which helps improve heat dispersion.

Its unique design sets it apart from the rest—this mattress topper offers zoned support for your head, shoulders, torso, legs, and feet. This is achieved through the topper’s contoured surface, which we suspect also encourages ample airflow.

We’ve tested this option in our homes for six months, and our hot sleeper tester is still a huge fan. In fact, we’ve found it helps reduce the amount of tossing and turning at night, and our sleep quality has improved while using it. Just note that this option has a strong scent upon arrival, which may require you to air it out for a bit before use.

Material: Gel memory foam | Thickness: 3 inches | Available Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Trial Period: 101 nights | Warranty: 5-year limited

Off-gassing Odors and Memory Foam Mattresses

Upon arrival, foam mattress toppers often emit a strong, chemical odor due to the manufacturing process. The odor can sometimes take several weeks to dissipate. If it’s particularly strong, we recommend airing it out for a few days before placing it on your bed. Not all toppers have this issue, but be prepared for a potential wait if you're sensitive to odors.

Best Hybrid

ViscoSoft Hybrid Lux Mattress Topper

The ViscoSoft 4 Inch Pillow Top Memory Foam Mattress Topper in a bedroom setting

The ViscoSoft Serene Hybrid Mattress Topper stayed securely in place, even with tossing and turning. . PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson

What We Like

  • Plush pillow top

  • Provides pressure point relief

  • Helps eliminate tossing and turning

What We Don’t Like

  • Retains heat

  • Sizing is a bit off

The ViscoSoft Serene Hybrid Mattress Topper, in our opinion, combines the best of both memory foam and pillowtop mattress toppers, and it’ll completely transform your mattress. Its hybrid design is the thickest option on this list, too, at a whopping 4 inches thick.

The base is a gel-infused memory foam, and on top is a pillowtop filled with 380 GSM down-alternative filling. We tried this topper on a worn-down mattress and found that it helped reduce aches and pains from our previous mattress. The topper molded to our bodies, relieving pressure points and providing a comfortable sleep surface.

The pillowtop offers comfortable plushness, while the memory foam provides impressive support. It held up really well over the span of six months, and there have been no changes or signs of wear. Note that you will have to fluff the pillowtop every now and again, which is par for the course when it comes to toppers with down-alternative filling.

It’s always a good idea to check any mattress topper’s dimensions before buying, but we found it’s particularly important if you’re considering this one. We found the sizing a bit funky. This topper is slightly larger than our mattress at home, so it hung over the edge of the bed. Additionally, this topper may not be the best option if you’re looking for something particularly cooling, as the pillowtop can tend to retain heat a bit.

Material: Memory foam, down alternative | Thickness: 3, 4 inches | Available Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen short, queen, king, California king | Trial Period: 90 days | Warranty: 5-year limited

  • A person adjusting a bed that has the ViscoSoft 4 Inch Pillow Top Memory Foam Mattress Topper

    The ViscoSoft Serene Hybrid Mattress Topper is dense and quite heavy, so it's not the easiest to adjust. PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson
  • A person adjusting a bed that has the ViscoSoft 4 Inch Pillow Top Memory Foam Mattress Topper

    The ViscoSoft Serene Hybrid Mattress Topper offers thick, pillowy cushion that feels like a plush pillow top. PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson
  • A person laying down on a bed that has the ViscoSoft 4 Inch Pillow Top Memory Foam Mattress Topper

    The ViscoSoft Serene Hybrid Mattress Topper offers ample support to prevent you from sinking in too deeply. PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson

Final Verdict

Our overall best mattress topper is the Bear Pro Mattress Topper, which offers a plush and body-cradling feel that’s great for every sleep position. For something a bit firmer, we love the  Casper Comfy Mattress Topper. It offers ample support and also excels in temperature regulation.

How We Tested the Mattress Toppers

While we’ve been testing mattress pads and mattress toppers since 2021, our latest round of testing focused on how the products held up in real-world conditions. To get a wide range of perspectives, we sent top-rated mattress toppers to testers with diverse sleep preferences.

Our testers evaluated the comfort level of each mattress topper, assessing each based on details like:

  • Firmness, noting whether each topper was soft and plush, firm and supportive, or somewhere in between
  • How the mattress topper felt in different sleeping positions
  • The thickness, material, and construction of each topper
  • Support, particularly in areas like the shoulders, hips, and lower back
  • Any changes in sleep quality, and if any pain or discomfort occurred
  • Signs of wear and tear, such as flattening, loss of firmness, or lumpiness
  • How well the topper stayed in place on the bed

For mattress toppers advertised as cooling, we discerned whether or not the product helped keep us cool and comfortable as they slept, and if we overheated at night while using it. While most mattress toppers didn't noticeably cool our beds, a few stood out for their temperature-regulating properties or subtle cooling effects.

Additionally, we discovered one key pain point of mattress toppers during our testing period: Slipping, sliding, and movement on the mattress. We were frustrated by toppers that didn't stay in place, especially those that slid off the bed or at odd angles while we tossed and turned at night. Overall, we vastly preferred toppers that stayed snug against our mattress underneath a fitted sheet–they were less hassle and required less readjusting on a daily basis.

Who Can Benefit From a Mattress Topper?

If you're considering buying a mattress topper, odds are your current mattress isn't so great. It might be old and developing lumps, bumps, and permanent indentations from your favorite sleep positions. But refreshing an old mattress isn't the only reason to add a topper to your bed–there are other scenarios where these extra layers can offer top-tier comfort.

A mattress topper can change the support, cushioning, and overall feel in any of the following scenarios:

  • You're waking up with general aches, pains, or soreness
  • Your mattress is too firm
  • Your mattress is too soft
  • Your memory foam mattress is holding heat and warming you up
  • Your foam mattress is no longer responsive or able to reduce motion transfer
  • You're sleeping on a thin sleeper sofa mattress or futon
  • You'd like a thicker mattress

Whether you plan to use your mattress for the long-term or short-term, these cushy additions can help you fine-tune your existing sleep setup to achieve just the right balance of what you need in firmness or plushness.

How to Choose a Mattress Topper

Look for Comfortable and Support-Enhancing Materials

When selecting a mattress topper, consider the specific areas where your mattress falls short and choose a topper that addresses those needs.

Most of the mattress toppers on this list are constructed with memory foam, which “will provide more cushioning and feel softer and has very little motion transfer” compared to other materials, according to Karena Wu, PT, a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy and owner of ActiveCare Physical Therapy in NYC and India. 

With this in mind, a memory foam topper is a great way to add softness to your overly firm mattress. In our experience, we especially love memory foam for its body-conforming feel and pressure relief. Our overall best pick, the Bear Pro Mattress Topper, offers an impressive balance of comfort and support.

For an even plusher feel, we like down-alternative memory foam toppers like the Parachute Down Alternative Mattress Topper. Typically, these options feel similar to a down-alternative comforter, and they’re filled with synthetic fibers to create a fluffy, cloud-like feel. That said, down-alternative toppers don’t provide as much additional support compared to memory foam.

On the other hand, if your too-soft mattress lacks support, you might want to consider a latex mattress topper like the Saatva Natural Latex Mattress Topper. According to Wu, latex “provides more support and is very durable.” In our testing, we found the material to be responsive and slightly firmer than memory foam.

Hybrid options like the ViscoSoft Serene Hybrid Mattress Topper can give your mattress a complete renewal, offering the best qualities of multiple materials. This can be great for especially worn-down mattresses.

We tested the thickness and density of each mattress topper by placing various objects underneath to see if they were noticeable.

The Spruce

Choose a Thickness to Suit Your Sleep Needs

The thickness of a mattress topper, which typically ranges anywhere from one to four inches, should reflect the amount of rehab your mattress needs.

For mattresses with mild but noticeable wear, a 1 to 2-inch thickness should suffice. In our testing, we really enjoyed the 1.5-inch Saatva Natural Latex Mattress Topper, which added medium-firm comfort to the mattress.

If your mattress is in need of a little more TLC, you may want to opt for a thicker, more heavy-duty topper. “Thicker toppers will provide more cushioning and support,” providing a more drastic change to the bed, according to Wu.

The ViscoSoft Serene Hybrid Mattress Topper is 4 inches thick, which is hefty enough to completely revitalize an old, uncomfortable mattress.

While this topper is just two inches thick, we were impressed by how much of a difference it made to our existing mattress.

The Spruce

One More Thing

Even if the topper size matches your mattress, it's a good idea to double-check the dimensions to ensure a proper fit. Purchasing a mattress topper that is too small can lead to shifting and sliding or, even worse, gaps around the edge of your mattress where the topper can't reach. If you're someone who tosses, turns, or snuggles up to the edge while you sleep, this can create discomfort if you roll onto those topper-free spots.

If the topper is too large for your mattress, it can hang over the side of the bed, which was the case with the ViscoSoft Serene Hybrid Mattress Topper (our best hybrid option). When we tried to make the bed with this too-large topper, we struggled to get the fitted sheet on without lumps and bumps. Even an extra inch or two can affect the way your topper lays on your mattress, which shapes both your comfort and how your sheets fit on top.

We've tested over 75 mattress toppers in The Lab and in our homes.

The Spruce

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Bianca Pineda, a shopping writer at The Spruce covering all things sleep-related since 2022. She has plenty of experience with mattress toppers—not only does she use the Tempur-Pedic Tempur Adapt+ Mattress Topper in her childhood bedroom, but she’s also used mattress toppers for all four years of college at Syracuse University. 

Pineda loves her beauty sleep and (unfortunately) understands the pain of sleeping on an old and lumpy mattress for far too long. She loves foam mattress toppers that offer body-cradling yet supportive comfort and considered her own experience when writing this article.

Our Experts:

  • Karena Wu, PT, DPT, OCS, COMT, CSCS, CKTP, CPI, FAAOMPT, a board-certified clinical specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy and owner of ActiveCare Physical Therapy in NYC and India.