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A mattress topper is an added layer of material that can be inserted or attached between your mattress and bed sheets (or mattress protector) to get the best out of your bed. If you’re not quite happy with your mattress but don’t want to shell out for a new one, a topper could achieve the desired effect at a far lower expense.
Toppers can improve mattresses in all sorts of ways. Some make beds cooler to sleep on, while others provide a hypo-allergenic layer between mattress and sleeper. If your mattress is a little too soft, hard or lumpy, there’s a mattress topper out there that will fix it.
What are mattress toppers made of?
How a topper affects a bed will be largely down to what it’s made of. Memory foam toppers are utterly different to wool ones, which differ greatly from toppers stuffed with duck feathers or cotton.
This can mean certain types of topper work best for certain uses: for example, those made with foam tend to offer the best support for those with muscular pain or who prefer a firmer feel, while toppers made with organic materials are ideal for people with allergies or aversions to synthetics. To give you a feel for the range of options on offer, we’ve reviewed toppers made with a wide variety of materials and specialisms.
Naturally, a topper’s design and build quality will also have a big impact. Some of the toppers we tested are clearly made to reshape your sleep, with clever features like octagonal springs and dual foam layers, others are simply intended to provide a layer of cushioning. We’ve kept this in mind and reviewed each mattress on its merits.
Much like mattresses, toppers require cleaning from time to time. Care instructions will vary according to the topper’s materials and manufacture, so please read your topper’s care label carefully before you start cleaning. Some have removable, washable covers, some are best cleaned with detergent spray, while some rare cases – toward the more luxurious end of the market – are dry-clean only.
We advise fitting a mattress protector over the top of both topper and mattress to minimise the need for cleaning – it’s a relatively minor outlay that you’ll thank yourself for later.
How we tested mattress toppers
Read more
10 best memory foam and hybrid mattresses
10 best pillows
10 best duvets
We identified the most noteworthy toppers on the market – a combination of best-seller, best-rated, bargain-price and new-to-market options – and spent a while lazing about and sleeping on them. We were looking for softness, supportiveness, and the finer details like finish and style that make certain products special.
All prices given below are for size UK double.
Expecting cold weather? In that case, Homescapes’ deep-quilted fleece topper could be handy to have around the house. While its faux-fleecy feel will be loved by some and disliked by others, its bed-warming capabilities are unquestionable.
This topper is suitable for adding warmth and a snuggly feel to a mattress, rather than adding support. With its function somewhere between a topper, a mattress protector and an (electricity-free) electric blanket, consider this item as a cosiness-enhancer, rather than an orthopaedic solution.
Silentnight Deep Sleep Mattress Topper
£19.00, Argos
Best for:Unbeatable affordability
Silentnight’s Deep Sleep topper is an easy and affordable way to add a bit of squishy comfort to an overly hard mattress.
The hollowfibre filling feels quite similar to certain fibre-filled mattresses, albeit a little more densely packed in a narrower layer. Whether that should be considered a good or bad thing is largely a question of personal taste. If you want your bed to feel more supportive, this won’t do you much good; but if you’d like it to be softer, it’ll do a nice job on a bargain budget.
Zig-zag stitching on the topper’s removable cover adds a bit of flair, too.
We’re big fans of this innovative topper from the Wayfair Basics range. Comprising of two polyester inserts and a polyester cover with mesh sides, it keeps air circulating throughout itself during the night – a godsend for those among us who spend their summer nights in searing discomfort.
In terms of feel, this topper isn’t especially substantial and, as such, we wouldn’t recommend it to anyone looking to utterly transform their bed. That said, it’s the ideal bargain-priced option for those who simply wish to add a luxurious layer of softness, while creating a cooler surface to sleep on.
Soak&Sleep Duck Feather Mattress Topper
£45.00, Soak & Sleep
Best for:Adding a soft edge to a hard mattress
Here’s a mattress topper so soft it could make a sacrificial altar feel comfortable. That’s a slight exaggeration, but this really is a great topper for taking the edge off a hard mattress. We tried it with a very firm pocket-sprung mattress and found that it added a luxurious comfort that was otherwise lacking.
There’s a lot to applaud about this one, too – especially the super-soft duck-feather stuffing and 233 thread count cotton cover. The only potential downside is that there’s a tiny bit more upkeep to do than with other toppers we’ve tried. As with any feather-filled bedding, this topper needs shaking and rotating on a regular basis to keep its fill evenly distributed. We reckon it’s well-worth the effort though.
Argos Home Memory Foam Mattress Topper
£45.00, Argos
Best for:Superb support on a tight budget
£45 for a (UK double) mattress topper is an almost too-good-to-be-true price to pay for a 5cm-deep memory foam layer, but Argos Home’s bargain option checks out. It’s sufficiently supportive to transform the feel of your bed, for less than the price of a night’s stay at a budget hotel.
Such remarkable economy does mean doing away with some of the niceties of other toppers. For instance, it’s easy to see the foam inside its cover, and the whole topper feels decidedly less luxe than the others we’ve tested. At that price, though, we’ll take it.
Happy Beds Soft Feel 2500 Orthopaedic Mattress Topper
£69.99, Happy Beds
Best for:Tweaking a bed that’s almost perfect
With its hypoallergenic cover and 2.5cm memory foam layer, the Soft Feel 2500 is ideal for fine-tuning the support or sensation of a mattress. It tangibly adds a bit of comfort, without changing the feel of the bed beyond recognition. This could make it the perfect compromise buy for couples where one partner is happy with their bed and the other is not quite satisfied.
Another fine facet of this topper is its beautifully pure-feeling cover, which is hypoallergenic and dust mite preventative. If you seem to be reacting badly to the cover of your mattress, this topper could provide a more sympathetic surface to place just under the sheets.
John Lewis & Partners Specialist 5-Zone Support Memory Foam Topper
£100.00, John Lewis & Partners
Best for:Extra lumbar support
Need some extra support around the lower back or hips? This John Lewis topper can give you it, with extra memory foam density in the middle section. Its support goes down to medium around where your upper back and legs will be, and light on the head and feet. This has the pleasant effect of making the topper feel simultaneously gentle and supportive.
We’re also big fans of this topper’s polyester cover, which is delightfully soft and pleasant to touch, thanks to its diamond pattern.
Soak&Sleep Classic Memory Foam Topper
£82.50, Soak & Sleep
Best for:Support
The first thing to say about this topper is that our tester nodded off on it unintentionally during testing – always a promising sign when testing bedding. The second is how surprisingly heavy it is. That’s down to the dense 45D memory foam inside the topper, which is the secret to its soporific comfort.
Soak&Sleep has dubbed this its “classic” memory foam topper, and it feels exactly that. From its lovely, detachable polyester casing to the non-slip material on the underside, everything about it feels perfectly calibrated for the sleeper’s comfort. Beautifully supportive and hard to get up off, in the best possible way, this is one of our favourite toppers on the market.
The Soft Feel 7500 is comfortable, cosy and aptly named. We tested it with a slightly lumpy mattress and found it created a perfectly smooth surface to sleep on.
With an impressive 67mm of memory foam, this rather fetching topper is technically one of the most supportive of the bunch, and that certainly tallies with our testing. We rated it the best suited topper for easing aches and pains – no mean feat considering its reasonable price.
Those of you who take enjoyment in surveying your mattress topper while making the bed will be glad to hear this topper is also very nice to look at, with a pleasant leafy pattern on the cover.
Panda The Topper
£139.95, Panda
Best for:An organic upgrade to your sleep surface
The Topper from Panda is perhaps one of the most wholesome mattress toppers out there, with Oeko-Tex and Reach certification to vouch for its chemical-free materials and suitability for sleepers with sensitive skin.
It feels lovely, both in the touch of its bamboo fabric cover and the support provided by its gloriously squishy, 5cm-thick memory foam layer.
To top it all off, Panda’s topper is beautifully branded, with a cute logo in the top-left corner to remind you you’re sleeping on something special.
Eve The Mattress Topper
£179.00, Amazon
Best for:A reliable brand
Everything about Eve’s topper feels fresh and friendly, especially the jazzy yellow sides, the tag that quite literally says “Hello!”, and the label on the inside that reveals the topper rolled off the assembly line just seven days ago.
Eve’s topper is sometimes marketed as a taster of the comfort on offer in the Eve mattress, and based on our testing we can foresee ourselves quite quickly ordering the main course. Comfortingly firm and supportive, this topper practically hugs your back as you lie on it – that’s the Evecomfort memory foam at the core of the topper doing its fine work.
London-based brand Eve is deservedly one of the trendiest bedding brands around, and this topper’s the most affordable way to get their bright yellow fabric between your sheets. It’s comfy, supportive and bound to make your bed feel like a special place.
Woolroom Luxury Alpaca Organic Topper
£224.99, Woolroom
Best for:All-natural bedding bliss
Buy now
The even mix of sheep and alpaca wool in Woolroom’s luxury topper is fit to make already-comfy mattresses utterly divine. Testing it on top of a memory foam mattress, we found it added a soft, snug feel without detracting from the responsiveness of the mattress underneath.
This topper is rightly celebrated for its woolly interior, but we reckon its organic cotton cover warrants a mention too. It feels gloriously fresh, clean and luxurious: the ideal package for an immaculate topper.
You might also be interested to hear that this topper has been endorsed with the Allergy UK Seal of Approval for resistance to house dust mites and mould. We’re glad to say we had no problems with either during testing.
Dormeo Octasmart Plus Mattress Topper
£399.99, Dormeo
Best for:Mix of comfort and support
Buy now
Dormeo released this one-of-a-kind topper back in November 2018, and we think it’s really on to something. Using a layer of octagonal memory foam springs, instead of the continuous memory foam layer used in most foam toppers, the Octasmart Plus creates a standout combination of responsive support and coolness to the touch.
We thought it felt a little like a cross between a pocket sprung mattress and a foam one – a fabulous feel that we haven’t encountered in any other topper. It has, in mattress parlance, a long delay. That means the foam takes quite a long time to return to its original position once you’ve taken your weight off it, so do be patient with it while you’re settling down for the night. But if you love it, you’ll really love it, as there’s nothing quite like it.
FAQs
What is rated the best mattress topper? ›
- #1 Sleep Innovations 4-Inch Dual Layer Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper.
- #2 Tuft & Needle Mattress Topper.
- #3 Lucid 3-Inch Zone Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper.
- #3 Lucid 3-Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper.
- #5 Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper.
- #6 Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Topper Supreme.
- #6 Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper.
Heavier side and back sleepers will want to look for a 3″ topper, because this will create the most pressure relief. If you're a lightweight back or side sleeper, a 2″ topper could work well. Stomach sleepers may only need a 1″ topper, because these often feel firmer.
What mattress topper lasts the longest? ›A high-quality mattress topper should last from 3 to 10 years, depending on the quality and type of mattress topper. Latex and memory foam mattress toppers have the longest lifespan while natural down mattress toppers have the shortest.
What is better down or memory foam mattress topper? ›If you want to feel like you're sleeping on a fluffy cloud, then definitely go down the feather route... However, if you want more support, then consider choosing a memory foam product.
Do mattress toppers make bed more comfortable? ›A mattress topper is an additional layer of material, usually 1 to 4 inches thick, that rests on top of your mattress. This bedding accessory can help modify the firmness level of your sleep surface. Soft mattress toppers offer an extra layer of comfort to soften your current mattress.
What's the thickest mattress topper? ›The thickest mattress toppers, up to 7.5cm, are best for rejuvenating tired, old mattresses. Toppers of up to 5cm thick offer a good level of comfort and support. If your mattress is relatively new, a thinner topper of under 5 inches can give it a more luxurious feel.
What mattress topper Do chiropractors recommend? ›Memory foam and latex are ideal for pressure relief because they conform to the body's curves without sagging. Look for high-quality materials, like American Talalay latex and open-cell foam.
Why do I wake up with lower back pain every morning? ›Waking up with back pain is often the result of sleeping habits or overstraining the body during physical activity. However, morning back pain can also be a symptom of certain medical conditions, such as fibromyalgia and DDD.
What is the best mattress for lower back and hip pain? ›If you sleep on your side or on your back, a medium-firm memory foam mattress may provide enough support to keep your spine straight through the night and help relieve hip pain. But if you sleep on your stomach, a pillow top mattress or hybrid with an innerspring might fit your needs better.
What is the best mattress topper for a firm bed? ›- Best Overall. Silk & Snow Organic Mattress Topper. ...
- Best Value. Puffy Mattress Topper - Firm. ...
- Most Comfortable. Saatva Mattress Topper. ...
- Best Pressure Relief. ViscoSoft Select High Density Mattress Topper. ...
- Best Firmness Options. ...
- Best Extra-Firm. ...
- Best for Back Pain. ...
- Best for Side Sleepers.
How do I know if my mattress topper is too soft? ›
- Sign #1: You wake up with a stiff and sore lower back. ...
- Sign #2: You have a hard time getting comfortable. ...
- Sign #3: You sleep on your stomach, and often wake with neck or shoulder pain.
Investing in a mattress topper is the most popular and immediate solution to make your firm mattress softer. Toppers sit on the surface of your mattress and can provide extra comfort for your mattress. A topper with a softer firmness rating will instantly make your mattress feel more comfortable.
What can I use instead of a mattress topper? ›If you don't need a whole mattress topper to make your bad one more comfortable, a mattress pad is a good alternative. It's thin and fits onto your bed like a top-sheet. The quilted pad is breathable, machine-washable, and can be dried in the dryer.
Do you put a fitted sheet over a mattress topper? ›Placing a fitted sheet over your mattress topper ensures it will be less likely to clump up in the middle of the night. On top of that, a sheet will typically be made of much more comfortable material than a mattress topper.
Do egg crate mattress toppers work? ›Egg crate mattress toppers do an exceptional job with airy pressure relief. However, not all egg crate foams are durable. Due to the grooves in the foam build, they tend to suffer durability and flattening faster than other types of foams.
How long do mattress toppers last? ›According to Sleep Foundation, the lifespan of a typical mattress topper is three to five years.
Do you need both a mattress pad and topper? ›While mattress toppers can help prevent wear and tear on your mattress, they're still susceptible to spills and stains. Using a mattress pad that covers both your mattress and topper can help extend the life of both products.
Why does my mattress not feel like it did in the store? ›Most mattresses will take about 1-2 weeks to adjust to your body and soften up to the “showroom feel.” Tip #3. If you can't wait or want to speed up this process, try walking back and forth on the mattress.
Do mattress toppers make a difference? ›Mattress toppers create a notable difference in the way a mattress feels. Toppers can make a bed softer or firmer, depending on the style and materials used. Toppers can improve the performance of an older mattress or protect a newer one from premature wear.
Is a memory foam mattress topper good for your back? ›It will provide you with even support along your back— relieving back pain— and other areas of your body while relieving pain in your hips. Just like Saatva mattress topper, this memory foam mattress topper is made of gel memory foam.
Can I put a topper on a memory foam mattress? ›
The short answer is yes. You can put a mattress topper on top of a memory foam mattress to adjust your sleeping environment to your liking.
What is the best mattress for joint and back pain? ›- Best Overall. WinkBed. ...
- Best Value. DreamCloud Mattress. ...
- Most Comfortable. Helix Midnight Luxe. ...
- Best Luxury. Saatva Classic. ...
- Best Temperature-Regulating. Nectar Premier. ...
- Best for Side Sleepers. Layla Mattress. ...
- Best for Back Pain. Bear Hybrid. ...
- Best Pressure Relief. Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe.
When in Doubt, Go 'Medium-Firm' Research is limited, but in one study, researchers assigned new mattresses to more than 300 people with low back pain. They used either "medium-firm" or "firm" mattresses for 90 days. Those in the medium group reported the least amount of discomfort.
Can a mattress topper help relieve back pain? ›Toppers can be particularly useful for people with older, sagging mattresses who experience back pain or pressure buildup while they sleep. These layers can help to evenly distribute weight and remove strain from sensitive areas along the spine like the shoulders, lumbar region, and hips.
What sleeping position is best for back pain? ›The ideal sleep position: On your back
The best position to avoid back pain is lying flat on your back. Even so, many people find it the hardest way to enjoy deep sleep. For optimal spine alignment, place one pillow underneath your head or neck and another underneath your knees.
The best sleeping position for lower back pain is on your side with a partial bend in the knees7. Keeping the knees bent helps balance the body and reduces pressure on the lumbar spine. Many people find it helpful to put a small pillow between their knees to make this position more comfortable.
Why do my hips hurt when I sleep on my side? ›One of the biggest causes of nighttime hip pain is sleeping on your side — a position most Americans prefer. Sleeping on an injured or arthritic hip puts pressure on the joint, so it's really no surprise that your symptoms are worse. But hip pain can worsen even if you sleep on your opposite side.
Why does my back and hips hurt when I wake up? ›Sleep Position
A mattress that's too soft or too hard could trigger pressure points, which may lead to a sore hip. Sleep posture can also cause pain. Try sleeping on your back or, if you're a side sleeper, sleep on the side that doesn't hurt and put a pillow between your knees to keep your hips aligned.
Why is sleep painful? Normal joint pain, especially in your hips, knees and shoulders, frequently worsens at night, notes Dr. Dapul. Your sleep position and the alignment of your body are responsible for most of the pain, but some comes from being so still at night.
Do mattress toppers make a difference? ›Mattress toppers create a notable difference in the way a mattress feels. Toppers can make a bed softer or firmer, depending on the style and materials used. Toppers can improve the performance of an older mattress or protect a newer one from premature wear.
What is the best mattress topper for a firm bed? ›
- Best Overall. Silk & Snow Organic Mattress Topper. ...
- Best Value. Puffy Mattress Topper - Firm. ...
- Most Comfortable. Saatva Mattress Topper. ...
- Best Pressure Relief. ViscoSoft Select High Density Mattress Topper. ...
- Best Firmness Options. ...
- Best Extra-Firm. ...
- Best for Back Pain. ...
- Best for Side Sleepers.
Placing a fitted sheet over your mattress topper ensures it will be less likely to clump up in the middle of the night. On top of that, a sheet will typically be made of much more comfortable material than a mattress topper.
How can I make my bed more comfortable? ›- Replace your bed frame. A bed frame goes a long way in providing support and affecting the overall feel of your bed. ...
- Keep your bedroom warm. ...
- Turn or rotate the mattress. ...
- Try a mattress topper. ...
- Use a headboard. ...
- Change your pillow. ...
- Upgrade your bed linen.
If you don't need a whole mattress topper to make your bad one more comfortable, a mattress pad is a good alternative. It's thin and fits onto your bed like a top-sheet. The quilted pad is breathable, machine-washable, and can be dried in the dryer.
How long do mattress toppers last? ›According to Sleep Foundation, the lifespan of a typical mattress topper is three to five years.
Do mattress toppers make bed firmer? ›While a mattress topper won't make the mattress itself firmer, it will help you feel that the bed as a whole is more firm. Using the right mattress topper is a great way to get your bed to the comfort level you desire.
What mattress topper Do chiropractors recommend? ›Memory foam and latex are ideal for pressure relief because they conform to the body's curves without sagging. Look for high-quality materials, like American Talalay latex and open-cell foam.
Can you put two mattress toppers on a bed? ›Stacking two or more memory foam mattresses on top of each other and sleeping in them isn't recommended because this could cause you back pain, damage the mattress, void the warranty, increase the chance of you overheating, and even trigger allergies.
Do you put a mattress pad over memory foam topper? ›Even though the topper offers an additional layer of protection, it is always good to place the mattress protector above it. This prevents any moisture and bacteria from getting absorbed in your mattress. After that, you can cover the bed using bed sheets and duvets and place pillows on them.
Do egg crate mattress toppers work? ›Egg crate mattress toppers do an exceptional job with airy pressure relief. However, not all egg crate foams are durable. Due to the grooves in the foam build, they tend to suffer durability and flattening faster than other types of foams.
Does a mattress topper go under or over the mattress pad? ›
A mattress pad goes over a mattress topper since it is thinner. To make the bed with a mattress topper and a mattress pad, first secure a deep-pocket fitted sheet over the mattress, topper, and pad and tuck it into the sides.
How do you make your bed with a mattress topper? ›If your mattress topper doesn't have a non-slip viscoelastic bottom, add non-slip pads to the top of your mattress to keep the topper in place. Roll the mattress topper out on top of your mattress, making sure it's aligned with the four corners of your mattress. Add the rest of your bedding as usual.
How do hotels make their beds so comfortable? ›Hotels beds are incredibly comfortable thanks to their use of mattress toppers. These can significantly adjust mattress firmness and the quality of your rest. A mattress topper is simply an added layer of cushioning that rests on top of your old mattress and provides support and extra levels of comfort.
How can I make my bed softer like a hotel? ›How to House: How to Make a Bed Like a Hotel | HGTV - YouTube