MATTRESS toppers are the single best thing you can use to extend the life of a tired mattress, or improve the quality of an uncomfortable one.
Toppers will make your mattress extra soft and comfortable to help you get a good night's sleep and can come in a large variety, with options including memory foam, goose down-filled, synthetic, cooling and many more.
However, it can feel a little overwhelming when choosing the best mattress topper for you. So, we've decided to help make it easier.
A topper is also a lot easier to clean than a mattress, and having that extra layer will keep the mattress much cleaner and more hygienic for longer.
However, if your mattress is uneven or has a dip in it, a mattress topper will not solve the problem – it’ll simply sink into the dips, and you’ll still have an uneven, uncomfortable mattress.
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It goes without saying that you need to buy the same size mattress topper as your mattress – there are specific sizes with elasticated corners or straps that keep them snugly in place and can’t be scaled up like duvets.
Not sure where to start? We've rounded up 15 of the best mattress toppers available to buy now - with a range of styles to suit every budget.
What is a mattress topper?
A mattress topper is a slim mattress pad designed to add an extra layer of comfort on top of your mattress.
As well as adding pressure relief and support, it's intended to help protect the mattress, shielding it from stains and other wear and tear.
How to choose a mattress topper?
We put this question to Theresa Schnorbach, a psychologist and sleep scientist, and she said: "I think the main factor to remember when choosing a mattress topper is that while the right topper may help you get a good night’s sleep, it won’t fix an old, tired-out mattress."
"My advice would be to look out for toppers with washable synthetic fills or naturally hypoallergenic fills. It’s also worth bearing in mind that memory foam and synthetic toppers are easy to keep clean and help keep bacteria away. Wool is also a great alternative as it's naturally hypoallergenic and washable."
"It’s also important to remember, that a topper can add anywhere from 1-4 inches to the height of your mattress. So it’s important to keep this in mind as you browse."
Best mattress topper at a glance
- Best overall mattress topper: Simba Hybrid Double Mattress Topper
- Best bamboo mattress topper: Panda London Bamboo Mattress Topper
- Best for double: Luxury White Down Topper
- Best for King: Silentnight Anti-Allergy King Mattress Topper
- Best memory foam topper: Otty Bamboo Double Mattress Topper with Charcoal
- Best for thickness: Emma Flip Topper
We tested: Simba Hybrid Double Mattress Topper
- Simba Hybrid Double Mattress Topper,
£499£349 at Simba - buy here
Pros: Super-comfortable, cooling, supportive
Cons: Expensive, requires deep-fitted sheets
Simba's mattress topper is an investment, but it completely transformed our reviewer's sleep. In fact, in our Simba mattress topper review, they said that it made almost every other mattress they slept on uncomfortable by comparison.
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Not only did it breathe new life into a tired rental mattress, but its cooling effects — provided by a breathable sleep surface and Simbatex air flow layer — meant that we slept soundly during the July and August heatwave in 2022.
It's also super supportive thanks to conical springs that can pivot and fit around your body, meaning you're comfortable no matter which position you sleep in.
Dimensions: W:135, L:190, D:7cm Type: Springs/foam Washable cover? Yes Guarantee: 10 years
We Tested: Panda London Bamboo Mattress Topper
- Panda London Topper, £139.95 (UK double) at Panda - buy here
Pros: Affordable considering its quality, super comfortable, easy to install, reviewers have reported that it helps with back, shoulder and hip pain, wide size range including EU sizes
Cons: Not as cooling as we hoped it would be
If you set aside budget models that cost less than £50, Panda London's Bamboo Topper is one of the cheapest models in this list; it's probably the most affordable premium model we tested.
We found installing it extremely easy, especially compared to something thicker like the Simba Hybrid Topper. When first installed, it's only a few centimetres thick; it then takes around 12 hours to expand to its full size of 5cm.
The topper is made of Hydro-foam™, which is gel-infused memory foam that is designed to hold your back, neck and hips in an aligned, comfortable position.
While our tester doesn't have much back, neck or hip pain, other customers have reported that this topper has helped them with theirs, with one reviewer writing: "I have struggled with dreadful hip and knee problems for the last year and in desperation thought I'd try a new mattress topper before going to the expense of a new mattress. Well, I don't need to bother now as the topper does it all."
One thing we can vouch for is its comfort; for a relatively thin topper, it made a remarkable difference to the comfort of our mattress and sleep.
Our only complaint is that for a bamboo topper, its cooling properties are a bit lacking; we tested it out in early summer and it exacerbated, rather than mitigated, how hot we were. This is a bit of a shame considering bamboo's natural cooling properties, but it only required a bit of adjusting to.
Dimensions: W:135, L:190, D:5cm Type: Memory Foam Washable cover? Yes Guarantee: 10 years
We tested: Otty Memory Foam Mattress Topper with Charcoal
- Otty Bamboo Double Mattress Topper with Charcoal,
£249.99£149.99 - buy here
Pros: More affordable than other options we tested, temperature regulating, comfortable, less likely than Simba to require deep-fitted sheets
Cons: Not much - some have said it slips around on the mattress, but we didn't experience that
The reviewer that tested this mattress topper suffers from back pain, so we were keen to find out whether Otty's topper, which at just £99.99 (on sale) is cheaper than both Emma and Simba's offerings, could make an ageing mattress comfy again.
What we discovered is that this is perhaps the best value-for-money topper that we tested. To find a downside to it, we had to go trawling through the almost entirely five-star Trustpilot reviews. All we found was that some customers had experienced a bit of slippage between their toppers and mattresses, but this isn't something we experienced.
At five inches thick, the Otty topper is the same thickness as the Emma topper reviewed below, and we didn't have any trouble fitting normal-sized sheets over it. We also found that it dramatically improved the quality of a deteriorating mattress and even helped regulate temperature thanks to the inclusion of bamboo and charcoal — we noticed the difference during the summer heat waves.
If you're looking for a great-quality topper without a three-figure price tag, grab this one while it's still on sale.
Dimensions: W:135, L:190, D:5cm Type: Bamboo/charcoal infused foam Guarantee: 1 year
READ MORE:
- Best mattress deals and sales
- Emma mattress review
- Simba Original mattress review
- Simba Hybrid Pro mattress review
- Simba Hybrid Luxe mattress review
- Brook and Wilde mattress review
- Nectar mattress review
We tested: Emma Flip Topper
- Emma Flip Topper,
£199 for a double at Emma Sleep - buy here
Pros: Very comfortable, supportive, adjustable firmness, suits all sleeping positions
Cons: May be warmer than your cooling mattress, might require deep-fitted sheets, pricey
The ever-popular Emma Sleep has brought out a flippable mattress topper, and we decided to put it to the test.
After unboxing, the first thing we noticed was how thick and plush it felt.
It added a few extra centimetres (5cm, to be exact) to the height of our mattress, which meant the sheets struggled to fit and kept pinging off at the corners.
This is worth bearing in mind if you have a deep mattress, as you might need to invest in some deep-fitted sheets.
The topper has a soft side and a firm side. We tried both and decided the soft side suited our sleeping styles better.
We found the topper comfortable no matter what position we were in and actually found it far more comfortable to sleep on our front with the topper than on the bare mattress.
However, we own a cooling mattress and did notice that the topper made it significantly warmer in bed. Though we're not sure we would have minded if we weren't in the middle of a heatwave during testing, we might even welcome it in the winter.
Plus, you can save an extra 6% with our exclusive code 'THESUN' at checkout.
Overall we found the topper to be really supportive, and it made the mattress far more comfortable.
We'd recommend it to those with an older or uncomfortable mattress, or those who are looking to prolong the life of their existing mattress.
Dimensions: W:135, L:190, D:5cm Type: Foam Washable cover? Yes Guarantee: 10 years
Dormeo Octasmart Plus Mattress Topper
- Dormeo Octasmart Plus Double Mattress Topper, £249 at Dormeo - buy here
Dormeo's Octasmart® mattress toppers are powered by the award-winning Octaspring® aerospace technology and memory foam.
A layer of Octasprings® makes the topper super comfortable and adaptable to your body - levelling out any lumps and bumps in the mattress underneath.
Also, the patented Octavent™ Air System makes the topper breathable and cooling - while three smart body zones create optimal support for your back, shoulders and hips.
Did we mention that the topper is also currently on sale? So you can save yourself £180 - if that doesn't sweeten the deal enough for you, then they're also throwing in a free pillow.
It's got over 850 5-star reviews at the time of writing, with happy customers saying it made their bed "feel like it's brand new, but better", gave a "sheer sense of snuggle", and described it as "excellent value for money".
Dimensions: W:135, L:190, D:5cm Type: Springs/Memory Foam Washable cover? Yes Guarantee: 8 years
The White Company's Luxury White Down Topper
- Luxury White Down Topper, from £230 for a double at The White Company – buy here
If comfort is what you crave and you can think of nothing better than sinking into a cloud-like bed, do yourself a favour and buy a feather and down mattress topper.
This luxurious topper from The White Company has a 100% goose feather base layer and an 80/20% goose down/feather top layer for ultimate softness.
Then, to really ramp up the comfort factor, the whole thing is wrapped up in a 300-thread-count cotton casing.
It's received nothing but five-star reviews, which have declared it "luxurious", "indulgent", and "worth every penny".
Dimensions: W:140, L:190, D:5cm Type: Goose feather/down Washable cover? Yes (top layer) Guarantee: 10 years
Dunelm's Dorma blend memory foam mattress topper
- Dorma Tencel Blend Memory Foam Mattress Topper, £175 (double) at Dunelm - buy here
Crafted with a luxurious Tencel blend cover for ultimate softness and moisture management, this quality Dorma mattress topper is filled with premium, supportive memory foam.
Moulding specifically to your body, you'll fall straight asleep.
It's available in a choice of sizes with a ten-year guarantee.
This mattress topper has over 1900 5-star reviews, with customers describing it as "like sleeping on air", a "wonderful addition to weary bones", and stating it "has transformed our sleep quality".
Dimensions: W:135, L:190, D:5cm Type: Memory Foam Washable cover? No Guarantee: 10 years
Soak and Sleep Soft As Down with Silk Mattress Topper
- Soft As Down with Silk Mattress Topper,
£198£140 at Soak & Sleep - buy here
This well-priced but luxurious topper is filled with springy soft hollow fibre and covered in cooling mulberry silk.
Super soft and supportive - the silky outer layer is also really cooling, so you won't overheat.
Microfibre is also a great choice for allergy sufferers who need to keep bedding extra clean - plus, you can wash this topper at 30 degrees.
Satisfied customers have described it as "excellent quality", said it made their mattress feel "much cooler", and one said it even said it saved them "from having to buy a new mattress".
Dimensions: W:135, L:190, D:7cm Type: Hollowfibre Washable cover? No Guarantee: 3 years
John Lewis Synthetic Soft Touch Washable Dual Layer
- John Lewis Synthetic Soft Touch Washable Dual Layer, £85-£130 at John Lewis - buy here
This John Lewis mattress topper has a quilted top layer that creates a soft, cushioning surface without compromising on the overall feel of your mattress.
It has a wool layer to help regulate your temperature and a Solotex layer that's soft and breathable - plus, its viscose cover wicks away moisture.
The quilted surface makes it extra squishy and comfortable, but make sure you get a base sheet that can fit over it.
It's been described as "Worth every penny" and "very comfy and soft" by those who've tried it.
Dimensions: W:135, L:190, D:5cm Type: Wool Guarantee: 5 years
Tempur Mattress Topper 7
- Tempur Mattress Topper 7,
£949£799 at Tempur - buy here
Tempur mattresses are known to be premium, with a premium price tag to match.
Luckily, for anyone looking at purchasing one of these premium mattresses, they are currently on sale.
But Tempur mattress fans continue to rave about the pressure-relieving synthetic foam that makes Tempur mattresses so comfortable and supportive.
The Tempur mattress topper uses the same material and technology to add a layer of Tempur comfort to any mattress.
The Topper 7 also has a removable cover and is washable at 60°C.
Reviews have stated that "the difference was astounding", "it's worth every penny", and that "I no longer need to take painkillers before bed".
Dimensions: W:135, L:190, D:7cm Type: Memory Foam Washable cover? Yes Guarantee: 10 years
Argos Home Anti-Allergy Mattress Topper
- Argos Home Anti Allergy Mattress Topper (double), £33 at Argos - buy here
If you suffer from allergies, this anti-allergy mattress topper can help to protect against bacteria and dust mites.
Plus, the cover is machine washable and can go in the tumble dryer.
This Argos anti-allergy topper is also super soft and squishy - and can be held securely in place with corner straps - to give you a comfortable and peaceful night's rest.
The bonus? It's a total steal at just £33 for a double.
It's been described by shoppers as "thick and soft", "reasonably priced", and that it "makes a big difference to [their] comfort".
Dimensions: W:135, L:190, D:3cm Type: Microfibre Washable cover? Yes
Silentnight's deep sleep mattress topper
- Silentnight Deep Sleep Mattress Topper, from £32 for a double at Argos – buy here
We get it; building your perfect bed soon adds up – once you've factored in bed linen, pillows and duvets, not to mention the mattress and the bed itself, you’ve spent a lot of money.
A decent mattress topper needn’t cost the earth - you can always expect good quality from Silentnight.
Try this synthetic topper with a hollow fibre design that has spiral fibres for depth, support and gentle comfort.
Reviews describe it as "soft and comfortable", and "lovely quality" and say the "price is excellent for its quality".
Dimensions: W:135, L:190, D:5cm Type: Polyester microfibre Washable cover? Yes
Ikea Tustna Mattress Topper
- Ikea Tustna Mattress Topper, £179 (double) at Ikea - buy here
The latex and wool in this Ikea mattress pad make it super soft and easy to sink into as you drift off to sleep.
As well as being super soft and comfortable, you'll be protecting your mattress and helping it last longer.
Ikea claims the stretchy fabric on the top of the mattress pad also moves with you to maximise your comfort.
Those who've tested it have said it's "extremely comfortable", "an affordable choice", and that it "transformed the mattress".
Dimensions: W:135, L:190, D:7cm Type: Polyester / Wool Washable cover? No
Duvalay Freshtec Cooling Mattress Topper
- Freshtec Cooling Mattress Topper from Duvalay, £264.95 (double) - buy here
If you're looking for a mattress topper to keep you cool at night, the extra breathable Freshtec cooling mattress topper could be the one for you.
Duvalay has said the topper can even combat night sweats with increased airflow, which channels heat away from the body.
This topper is also extremely supportive, with all the pressure relief and comfort benefits you'd expect from a memory foam topper.
all reviews left are a perfect 5-star and state that it's "amazing quality", "super soft and so comfy", and one said they've "really noticed a difference in my body temperature and quality of sleep".
Dimensions: W:135, L:190, D:5cm Type: Foam Washable cover? Yes
Silentnight Anti-Allergy King Mattress Topper
- Silentnight Anti-Allergy Double Mattress Topper,
£29.99£28 from Amazon - buy here
Allergies affecting your sleep are never considered pleasant, and there isn't always a one-shoe-fits-all when it comes to mattress toppers, so we found another alternative for anyone who wants to shop around a little before deciding.
This Silentnight anti-allergy topper doesn't just focus on helping you sleep better at night when your allergies might act up. It's filled with both anti-bacterial and anti-allergy fibres that aim to protect you against dust mites and bacteria, so you always wake up feeling fresh and clean.
Being fitted with both anti-bacterial technology means that if your partner is an allergy sufferer, you'll still be benefitting from the topper.
If you're an asthma sufferer, you'll be pleased to know that it's approved by the British Allergy Foundation, the ultimate seal of approval in regard to allergy-assisting items.
Some of the previous mattress toppers can be a bit fiddly when trying to get them on your bed. However, this topper comes with easy-fit straps to give a secure fit in an extremely simple fashion.
It should come as no surprise that this topper has maintained a 4.3-star rating, with purchasers calling it a 'lovely topper' and that it 'adds peace of mind for allergy sufferers.'
Dimensions: 190 x 135 x 30 cm type: microfibre machine washable: yes
How much do mattress toppers cost?
As with mattresses - in fact, possibly more so - there's a wide range of prices for mattress toppers.
If you're on a budget, head to Argos, where you can find the reasonably priced Silentnight range or own-brand Argos mattress toppers for as little as £22.
At the other end of the scale, you can get a Simba mattress topper for £349 or a Dormeo for £399 - or go all out with a Tempur mattress cover, which will set you back £995 without any sales.
Consider your budget and the quality of the brand - and shop around during the sales - many great quality mattress toppers are often discounted by up to 50%.
Where to buy mattress toppers in the UK?
Shopping around is always a must, especially when it comes to sleep; since some of us struggle with overheating or allergies, it's always important to get the one that best suits your needs.
As always, we're here to help, so we've brought together a few places that you might want to check out.
- Simba
- The White Company
- Dormeo
- Duvalay
- Amazon
What is the best mattress topper to buy in the UK?
There are many well-reviewed mattress toppers, based on different criteria that would determine the best.
We would recommend Simba and Emma for quality, comfort and cooling properties - a great way to update your mattress without paying the full whack for a mattress from one of these brands.
Also, both the Simba Hybrid Topper and the Emma Flip Topper are currently on offer, making them more affordable.
Mattress Topper Types
Feather & Down
This is a great choice if you’re after a good mix of softness and support.
Feathers add bulk and support as they are bigger and denser than down (found on the breast of the goose or duck), while it’s the down that provides the softness. Therefore, the more feathers, the firmer the topper.
To prevent the spiky ends of the feathers from poking through the topper, down and feather examples are often made in two sections: the bottom chamber is filled with chunky feathers and the top with fluffy down. Some have a removable top layer for easy cleaning.
If you’re an allergy sufferer, feather and down toppers are probably not for you.
Wool & Silk
Although not as thick and fluffy as a feather and down toppers, wool and silk are a better option if you prefer a firmer base to lay on.
Wool is naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, making it perfect for allergy sufferers. It’s also breathable and adapts to keep you cool in summer and warm in winter.
Silk toppers have a super-smooth surface and give a high comfort level and luxurious feel.
Synthetic
These toppers are available in a wide range of firmness and support levels, depending on the thickness of the fibres inside.
Hollowfibre toppers contain less material but are sturdier than microfibre ones, so give the best support of the two; microfibre mattress toppers pack in more fibres and are better if softness and comfort are top of your list.
Good-quality microfibre toppers feel sumptuous, are hypoallergenic, breathable and aren’t as expensive as a feather, down or wool toppers.
Memory Foam
If you don’t currently have a memory foam mattress but are thinking about investing in one next time around, try a foam mattress topper out for size to gauge if it will suit you.
Memory foam toppers soften and mould to your body shape to provide excellent support – great news if you suffer from bad back or joint pain.
They act like a cocoon, so you’re more likely to stay in one place throughout the night and benefit from better, less disturbed sleep.
However, a memory foam mattress will keep you quite warm, so if you tend to get hot in bed, consider lowering the tog value of your duvet to balance your temperature.
Can you wash a mattress topper?
"The simple answer is yes", says Theresa Schnorbach. "If the mattress cover is removable, you can remove it and wash it in your washing machine. I would suggest warm or cold water on the gentle cycle with mild detergent."
How to stop a mattress topper from sliding
There's a simple hack to keep your mattress topper from sliding — a tightly fitted sheet. "Look for a sheet that is deep enough to include both the mattress and topper," explains Theresa. "You can then tuck in the sheet beneath the bed which will help hold the mattress and topper together."
Can you use an electric blanket with a mattress topper?
Yes, if you're getting chilly, you can use an electric blanket alongside your mattress topper. In fact, Theresa has a great tip on how to make the best of the combination.
"I would recommend actually placing the electric blanket between your topper and your fitted sheet," she says, "which will create a warm environment that is comfortable, without the irritation the blanket can sometimes cause on your skin."
However, it's important to take the right precautions. Most newer heated blankets are very safe as they have to adhere to strict safety standards, but old or damaged models could pose a safety risk.
Will a mattress topper help a sagging mattress?
"I find that mattress toppers are a popular option for individuals who are not yet ready to purchase a new mattress but want to improve the comfort of their existing bed," Theresa says. "In other words, a mattress topper won't fix a sagging mattress, but it's an affordable temporary measure to improve your comfort."
"I would suggest that If the mattress is more than 8 years old and shows signs of wear, sagging and erosions, then it could be time to replace it," she continues. "If the mattress is still intact but its firmness and comfort don’t suit your preferences, then I would suggest this might be a case when a mattress topper could be something to consider."
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