a guide to the best mattress toppers
If you’re looking to give your bed a comfort boost, adding a mattress topper is an affordable and effective way to do so. A good-quality mattress topper gives you a more comfortable and restful night’s sleep while giving your mattress a new lease of life.
From soft and reactive memory foam to breathable Airmax toppers, we’ve outlined all the best mattress toppers to suit every sleeper type. Whether you love to sink into your bed or want to become more environmentally friendly, find the right mattress topper for you in our helpful guide.
the sleep summary: what is a mattress topper?
A mattress topper is a thick, padded top layer which sits above your mattress to provide extra support and cushioning.
The best mattress topper should enhance the comfort, support and pressure relief from your mattress, aiding you in getting quality sleep.
The ideal mattress topper should be right for your desired sleeping position, with back sleepers generally requiring a thicker 3-inch topper for optimal spinal alignment, and side and front sleepers requiring slimmer profiles.
Mattress toppers are often a worthy investment if you’re looking to add further support while you sleep without having to spend more on a new mattress.
what does a mattress topper do?
Mattress toppers are an additional layer on top of your existing mattress. Simply put, a mattress topper provides extra protection and cushioning to your mattress, while giving you extra relief and support by enhancing the construction of your mattress.
mattress topper vs mattress protector: what’s the difference?
You may be wondering if mattress toppers and mattress protectors do the same thing, but their functions are very different. So, what’s the difference between a mattress topper and a protector?
A mattress topper is much thicker than a protector and sits on top of your mattress, providing a few extra centimetres of material for a more comfortable sleep experience. Toppers can be made from a range of materials such as memory foam, feather/down or polyester fibres.
Mattress protectors shield your mattress from stains and can help to prevent damage. Essentially, they’re a removable protective layer that’s added onto your mattress in the same way as a fitted sheet. Many are waterproof and suitable for putting in the washing machine.
do you put a mattress protector over a mattress topper?
A mattress topper should be layered over the mattress, followed by the protector. The protector acts as a barrier between you and the topper, keeping it clean and fresh. Mattress protectors save frequent cleaning and help prolong the life of the mattress and topper.
do you put a fitted sheet over a mattress topper?
Yes, to maximise its lifespan and keep your mattress topper in tip-top condition, apply your mattress protector then position your fitted sheet on top.
do I need a mattress topper?
While a mattress alone is often enough for a comfortable night’s sleep, who doesn’t love a bit of added comfort? Here’s what you can gain from a topper.
the benefits of a mattress topper
So, why use a mattress topper? From enhanced comfort to increasing mattress longevity, there are many benefits to using a mattress topper:
Comfort and luxury: A mattress topper transforms your mattress by adding a padded layer that you can sink into, allowing you to drift off into a peaceful slumber and wake up feeling refreshed.
Mattress protection: Your mattress works hard to support you as you sleep, which over time, leads to wear and tear. Adding a mattress topper acts as an extra barrier between your body and the mattress, helping to prolong its lifespan.
Body Support: A mattress topper is an effective way to provide some relief from aches and pains. Through a pressure relief format, your body stays balanced and supported.
Clean and fresh: Perspiration, dead skin cells and bacteria get absorbed into every mattress. By adding a mattress topper to your bed, you’re giving it a protective layer to help your mattress stay clean and fresh.
Money saver: A mattress topper is a cost-effective way to make your bed more comfortable without having to buy a new mattress. Remember, a topper shouldn't be a replacement for a worn or damaged mattress as this can cause long-term health problems.
what are the different types of mattress toppers?
With many types of mattress toppers available, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. There are different types of fillings, each with their own benefits, and various finishes that can affect how a topper feels.
Eco Comfort Mattress Topper
Perfect for planet-savers and over-heaters, this recycling-focused mattress topper is filled with high-performance Eco Comfort fibres, which have been transformed from recycled plastics into a light, soft and fluffy filling that springs back to its original shape, providing superior comfort. The Eco Comfort fibres naturally evaporate moisture, giving you a sleeping environment that’s clean and healthy. What’s more, this mattress topper is chemical treatment-free and is fully recyclable.
Memory Foam Mattress Topper
A great choice for sink-in snoozers, under-heaters and restless sleepers, memory foam mattress toppers provide luxurious comfort that gives you better quality sleep. Memory foam mattress toppers mould to your unique body shape by reacting to heat and softening - this provides excellent pressure relief. This type of topper also absorbs the motion of a partner moving during the night for uninterrupted sleep.
Airmax Mattress Topper
Ideal for over-heaters, the dual-layer Airmax mattress topper uses air pockets and is filled with hollow fibre to provide breathable and cushioned comfort. Using Airmax technology, these mattress toppers feature mesh sides for optimum airflow, meaning you won’t overheat, and instead, gain a comfortable and refreshing sleep.
Feather & Down Mattress Topper
An excellent option for luxury-seekers, this type of mattress topper is deeply filled with responsibly sourced feathers and down which provides an extra layer of soft and breathable comfort. A feather and down mattress topper is naturally breathable and temperature regulating, meaning you keep cool during summer and warm in the winter.
what is the best mattress topper for me?
Finding the right mattress topper for you is all about understanding your sleep behaviours and habits. Here are a few common sleeping positions and the best suited mattress topper for each.
the best mattress topper for side sleepers
Thickness: You’ll want a thick topper of at least 2 inches to give your hips and shoulders extra support while you side sleep. This will help your spine stay aligned while enhancing your overall comfort.
Pressure Relief: You’ll want to opt for a topper that features pressure relief, such as a medium soft one that can help you avoid sinking into your bed too much.
Material: If you’re a side sleeper, you’ll want to stick to a memory foam variation. These stay durable while supporting your body and have been known to assist pelvic rotation as it forms around your shape, naturally straightening the spine.
the best mattress topper for back sleepers
Thickness: We recommend that you don’t exceed 2-3 inches of thickness as this can cause you to sink in too deep, diminishing the support of your back and likely leading to aches and pains.
Pressure Relief: Sleeping on your back is the best position for spine health. You won’t need a pressure-relieving mattress topper but if you suffer from lower back pain, you can realign by placing a pillow underneath your knees.
Material: Memory foam or our Eco Comfort mattress topper will help you to get the best slumber as a back sleeper. Depending on whether you prioritise breathability or body contouring, these will offer the right support and comfort.
the best mattress topper for front sleepers
Thickness: You’ll want some support but still some softness. Why not opt for a medium-firm surface that’s no thicker than 2-2.5 inches for the best of both worlds. This will still ensure you stay comfy while also supporting your lower back.
Pressure Relief: While sleeping on your front can reduce snoring and improve cases of sleep apnoea, it can strain your neck and back. Choosing a mattress with a decent level of pressure relief can help counteract the effects.
Material: We recommend a feather and down option that provides comfort and softness.
how often should you change your topper?
Usually, a mattress topper will last anywhere between 3 to 5 years if it's taken care of and washed regularly. After this period, your topper may begin to sag and lose its shape, especially if it's memory foam, offering less support and comfort. Synthetic-filled variations might only last up to 2 years.
can you wash a mattress topper?
Yes, you can usually wash a mattress topper to keep it looking, and feeling, its freshest. However, memory foam mattress toppers typically cannot be machine washed. You should also check the label for the manufacturer’s instructions when it comes to washing your mattress topper.
how to wash your mattress topper
How you wash your mattress topper will depend on the type of topper you have.
If you have a mattress topper which can safely be machine washed (e.g. certain down or synthetic mattress toppers), you can do so on a cool, delicate cycle and then allow it to air dry before placing back on your mattress.
If your mattress topper is memory foam or made from a similar material and cannot be machine washed, you can spot wash to remove any stains and freshen it up.
A simple yet effective way to clean your mattress topper is to sprinkle on some baking soda and leave for 30 minutes, then vacuum it to remove dust, grime and odours. For more stubborn stains, take a damp cloth and stain remover to gently clean away.
