a guide to the best mattress toppers

written by Liz Tabron

updated 30.07.2025

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.

what is a mattress topper?

Put simply, a mattress topper is a removable layer that you add to your mattress, enhancing comfort levels and helping to prolong the life of your mattress by protecting it from wear and tear. You can use a mattress topper to revive your mattress, however, if your mattress is sagging and more than 8 years old, it’s probably time to buy a new one. <H2> mattress topper vs mattress protector: what’s the difference? </H2> 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.

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.

can a mattress topper help with back pain?

Yes, a mattress topper is great as an additional layer that enhances alignment and support while relieving any pressure on the body.

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. 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 back can reduce snoring and improve cases of sleep apnea, 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 to choose a mattress topper

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.

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.

how do you clean a mattress topper?

You should clean your mattress topper roughly every 3 months to ensure it stays fresh.

Always make sure to read the care label on your mattress topper to check if it’s machine washable. If not, 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.