Investing in one the market's best mattress toppers can really change your sleep quality for the better. At a glance, a mattress topper can ameliorate the comfort of your mattress, improve the airflow (hot sleepers will appreciate this as it prevents overheating) and offer a more luxurious feel to an old mattress. For those who haven't heard the term 'mattress topper' before, they are quilted duvet-like blankets that have elastic straps to fix over your mattress and under your fitted sheet. They provide an extra layer of breathable comfort that'll make you feel like you're sleeping on a brand new mattress. (In fact, a quick fix hack is to use an old duvet under your sheets. Though you won't get the same support as a properly made mattress topper and it'll probably need re-spreading out again every couple of days, it does a similar job in terms of comfort).
The best mattress topper at a glance
If you have not got time to read through our more detail guide to the best mattress topper to buy, we've compiled at a glance information:
- Best mattress topper: Simba Sleep's Hybrid Topper
- Best mattress topper for support: John Lewis's Synthetic Soft Touch Deep Mattress Topper
- Best memory foam mattress topper: Eve Sleep's Mattress Topper
- Best temperature regulating mattress topper: Duvalay's Freshtec Cooling Mattress Topper
- Best down mattress topper: The White Company's Classic Mattress Topper
Does a mattress topper really help?
A mattress topper can help with a range of sleep ailments, from back pain and neck ache to extending the longevity of your mattress. If you're suffering from the former, have a look at your current mattress and opt for the opposite style of mattress topper. For example, if you have a very firm mattress, a soft mattress topper can provide much needed cushioning. On the other hand, a firmer mattress topper will add support to a softer mattress–and more support should help with sleep-related back pain. A topper is also particularly good if you can't afford to replace your current mattress with a new, high quality one; it's a quick fix that offers a great night's sleep without too much hassle.
We also implore you not to underestimate how much difference a mattress topper can make to the comfort of your sofa bed. Trust that your guests will be thankful for the extra layer of padding on top of that click-clack mechanism. Finally, hot sleepers will rejoice, as there are many cooling mattress toppers out there that contain silk or gel-infused material to regulate your body temperature.
What's the difference between mattress toppers and protectors?
A mattress protector is simply a product of function not comfort. It's a cotton cover that sits on top of your mattress, lying between your fitted sheet and your mattress, protecting it from anything nasty like dust mites or bed bugs. Thanks to their handy corner straps, they are easy to whip on and off and pop in the washing machine–something you can't do with your actual mattress. On the other hand, a mattress topper is crafted for luxury and comfort, acting as the top layer on your mattress tower.
How do I choose a mattress topper?
There are four main things to look for when purchasing a new mattress topper. Roughly broken down they are: support, thickness, temperature regulation and whether it's easy to care for (i.e. is it machine washable). Read on to see our top picks for each category.
What is the best mattress topper in the UK?
Overall, we think Simba Sleep's Hybrid Topper is the best mattress topper you can buy. Made to accompany their best selling Hybrid Mattress (which you can read all about on our round up of best mattresses), this topper is the ultimate comfort boost for your bed. Don't fear, if you don't have their famed mattress, this topper works brilliantly on all mattresses as it has an anti-slip base and ‘wriggle-free’ straps that ensure this topper doesn't move an inch overnight. Those looking for temperature regulation will be really pleased as the open cell foam and specially designed springs that make up this topper will keep your body temperature just right all night.
If you are simply after an added layer of comfort on your bed, Dusk's Luxury Duck Feather and Down Mattress Topper is a great pick and it's on the more affordable end of the scale. Much like their bedding, the quality of this topper belies the price. This topper is made up of two layers, one contains lightweight duck feather and the other is filled with duck down, making this a super sumptuous and cosy layer. However, whilst it does feel cosy, you needn't worry about overheating, as this topper is breathable too.
Best budget mattress topper
Voted the best mattress topper time and time again by various review sites, M&S's ‘Comfortably Cool Mattress Topper' is one of the most plush and lovely toppers we've seen. At just £35, it's really affordable too.
The best mattress toppers for support
You need to ask yourself how much support you need when hunting for the best mattress topper. A supportive, medium firm topper will offer pressure relief for any aches and pains. The best for this would be Naturalmat's Terrific Topper which is designed to offer a balance of both support and comfort thanks to its 6cm depth and lambswool filling. What makes this one stand out from the crowd is that Naturalmat only use natural materials sourced from local farms in the southwest of England to be as environmentally friendly as possible.
For a similar style but for less than a third of the price, John Lewis's Synthetic Soft Touch Deep Mattress Topper would be a good alternative. Of course, the only downside here is that the material quality won't be quite up to the same standard as Naturalmat's. However, it offers a good level of support and is machine washable so we'd recommend it for a spare room.
The best memory foam mattress toppers
A memory foam topper will offer the best possible support, offering the ultimate relief from discomfort. The best part is that you receive all the benefits of a memory foam mattress, without the price tag. Our favourite is the Eve Sleep Mattress Topper, a foam topper that is designed to be breathable, comfortable and supportive: the trifecta of mattress toppers. As is typical for Eve Sleep products, this topper was made in the UK and comes with a two year warranty. Even better? Eve Sleep are offering a 30 night trial so you can see whether or not you love it.
Panda London are relatively new on our radar, yet their offering is rather timeless. We cannot recommend their Cloud Duvet more highly, so being sandwiched between these two layers is sure to induce the most wonderful sleep. You can read more about their Cloud Duvet in our guide to the best duvets. Thanks to The Topper's patented ‘hydro-foam’, this topper will support your back, neck and hips, by keeping them in perfect alignment. To top things off, Panda's product is eco-friendly, hypoallergenic and breathable as a result of its bamboo cover.
The best temperature regulating mattress toppers
An effective temperature regulating mattress topper will control your body heat throughout the night and there are a few ways a topper can achieve this. One is using a cooling gel, another is using open cell technology that improves air flow and the other is simply through the use of a breathable material like silk, which naturally cools the body. The aforementioned Hybrid Topper is a great example of ‘open cell’ technology and regulates temperature efficiently.
The other topper we recommend in this category is the Freshtec Cooling Mattress Topper from Duvalay. Their special foam base allows for air flow that is 30 times greater than traditional memory foam. It's specifically designed to combat night sweats, making it ideal for those going through the menopause. It promises to transform any old mattress into a comfortable and supportive bed base and we think it lives up to this big claim.
The best down mattress topper
Down mattress toppers are often the thickest type of mattress topper on the market. They offer a luxurious feel thanks to their puffy, cloud-like texture. There are a number of fantastic down toppers on the market and our top four are from The White Company, John Lewis, Soak & Sleep and Loaf. Each of these are well worth the money, providing comfort and support is huge measures.
The White Company's Classic Mattress Topper is exactly what you'd expect from the much loved furniture shop, blending quality and luxury seamlessly with having too extortionate a price point. Encased in 233 thread count cotton percale, this breathable mattress topper will provide a super soft layer on even the oldest of mattresses. Inside, you'll find a 100% duck feather layer and a top layer made of down and feathers.
On the other end of the price scale is Soak and Sleep's Soft as Down Mattress Topper, which replicates the feel of down without the allergens. Instead, this topper is made from hollowfibre, a breathable synthetic thread that feels luxuriously soft.
