MATTRESS toppers are the single best item to extend the life of a tired mattress or improve the quality of an uncomfortable one.
Investing in a quality mattress topper can truly transform your sleeping experience, offering enhanced comfort and support.
A topper is a game-changer for getting a good night’s sleep[/caption]
Whether you’re looking to rejuvenate an ageing mattress or add an extra layer of plushness, a mattress topper is a great cost-effective solution – especially as it’s cheaper than splashing out on a brand-new mattress.
Topper options are varied, ranging from memory foam and goose down-filled to synthetic or cooling designs that are ideal for sweaty sleepers.
There are a few considerations to make such as your budget and you will 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.
The endless choices can feel a little overwhelming when deciding which is the best mattress topper for your needs, and it can be hard to narrow down the right option, so we’ve put some to the test to determine which ones are worthy of your money – and which ones to hit ‘snooze’ on.
Best mattress topper at a glance
- Best overall: Simba Hybrid Essential Topper
- Best value: Otty Memory Foam Mattress Topper with Charcoal
- Best mid-range: Soak & Sleep 4.5cm Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- Best premium: Emma Premium Topper
- Best for back pain: The Mattress Topper Company Seriously Comfortable Cool Revolution Mattress Topper
- Best bamboo option: Panda London Bamboo Mattress Topper
- Best for thickness: Emma Flip Topper
Simba Hybrid Essential Topper
Simba Hybrid Essential Topper UK king size, £349
Pros: Significantly more breathable than other toppers I’ve used, comfort is game-changing, support was perfect for my preference, exceptionally comfortable, non-slip base with corner straps, cover is removable and washable, 200-night trial period and 10-year guarantee
Cons: Expensive, does still slide despite straps, king size is heavy if you’re moving by yourself
Rating: 5/5
After testing the Simba Hybrid Essential Topper for a month, I’m thoroughly impressed with its performance.
From the moment I first slept on it, the difference was clear. And if I’m honest, it made the previous topper I’d tried (Soak & Sleep, see below) feel a bit like quicksand, whereas the Simba still felt like sleeping on top of my mattress rather than sinking into it.
The topper’s cooling properties were a game-changer, especially during muggy nights, and the added airflow made a noticeable difference to my sleep.
The topper features four layers including a high-density foam base, Aerocoil springs and Simbatex foam, which collectively provide excellent support and breathability.
It also includes elastic straps and an anti-slip base to keep it in place –although I did notice it still slid down slightly after a few sleeps.
The king size is quite heavy, which makes it a bit cumbersome to move around, but it was easy to set up once on the bed.
At £349 for the king size, it’s certainly an investment. While I might hesitate to spend that much myself, if you’ve already invested in a high-quality mattress, this topper could be a cost-effective way to extend its life.
Overall, it’s revitalized my ageing mattress, making it much more comfortable and supportive – in fact, I’d say it’s completely transformed my sleep experience!
Review by Lucy Atkins.
Thickness: 7cm, Type: Simbatex® foam, Washable cover? Yes, Guarantee: 10 years
REM-Fit Halo Memory Foam Topper
REM-Fit Halo Memory Foam Topper, £219
Pros: Very comfortable, sink into it yet feel supported, perfect balance of squidginess and support, designed to enhance airflow, cheaper than Simba, elastic straps, pressure point relief
Cons: None
Rating: 5/5
REM-Fit’s mattresses are award-winning, so I was excited to try the brand’s recent launch, the Halo Mattress Topper, which I’m told is proving very popular on the site.
The topper arrived super vacuum-packed. I almost couldn’t believe it was going to roll out into a king size but lo and behold, it did – and it only took a few hours to settle.
The topper adds a decent bit of height to my mattress, although for reference – it’s not as thick as the Simba topper. The comfort level is impressive; you really sink into it, yet it provides solid support, striking a nice balance between plushness and firmness. It has that slightly ‘squidgy’ feel without being overly soft: the perfect combination for me, personally.
One of the best parts is its affordability – it’s £130 cheaper than the Simba topper, making it a great value for the quality it delivers.
It also features an anti-slip base and adjustable straps, to help keep it securely in place throughout the night, while the cover and mesh borders are designed to enhance airflow. I tried it when the weather had cooled down somewhat, but I can still be a hot sleeper so I was impressed with the breathable feel.
For the price, the REM-Fit Halo offered a significant improvement to my old mattress. It enhances comfort without breaking the bank, and the supportive yet cushy feel has made a noticeable difference. Overall, it’s a winning choice if you’re looking for a high-quality topper that doesn’t come with as hefty a price tag as others.
Review by Lucy Atkins.
Thickness: 4cm, Type: Memory foam, Washable cover? Yes, Guarantee: 10 years
Emma Premium Topper
Emma Premium Topper UK king size, £515
Pros: Practically like a mattress, washable and flippable
Cons: Expensive, no straps
Rating: 4.5/5
At 9cm, Emma’s award-winning Premium Topper is the thickest of all the toppers tried here and upon unleashing it on my bed – it practically felt like a whole new mattress rather than just a topper.
It did surprise me by not having any straps to secure it in place, which is unusual but not a deal-breaker – especially as I found that it did stay in place.
The topper is much squishier compared to the REM-Fit model (another of my favourites), thanks to its substantial thickness.
I found it to be incredibly plush and sinkable, which created a luxurious, cloud-like feel. For those who prefer a firmer surface, this might not be ideal, as it does have a softer, more enveloping quality. But despite this, the comfort level is off the charts – it’s exceptionally cosy and makes bedtime a real treat.
Overall, the Emma Premium Topper is a great choice if you’re looking for a significant upgrade to your sleep experience and don’t mind a softer, more sinkable surface.
While it may not suit everyone’s preference for firmness (I tend to prefer a bit more rigidness), its exceptional comfort and thickness make it feel almost like a new mattress altogether.
Review by Lucy Atkins.
Thickness: 9cm, Type: Washable cover? Yes, Guarantee: 10 years
The Mattress Topper Company Seriously Comfortable Cool Revolution Mattress Topper
The Mattress Topper Company Seriously Comfortable Cool Revolution Mattress Topper, £219 (king size)
Pros: Two sides allow you and your partner to sleep on firm or soft side, adjustable straps, cooling and hypoallergenic
Cons: Trying out each side is a bit of a faff
Rating: 4/5
In the process of trying out several mattress toppers for this review, I discovered that my husband and I have slightly different ideas when it comes to comfort – so the fact that this topper allows a personalised experience for two people really intrigued me.
Essentially, the Revolution Mattress Topper is made up of two halves, with each one having a softer side and a firmer side.
The idea is that you try out both sides and can then sleep on your preferred one: genius!
Now, being completely honest, setting it up can be a bit of a chore, as it involves removing and flipping the topper to find your preferred side.
What lets this down is the fact that there isn’t a zip on both sides of the topper cover, which would make it way easier to flip each one in isolation rather than having to take both pieces out and struggle to wedge them both back in.
With all that effort, I’m not entirely convinced the payoff is worth it. The difference in sides wasn’t massively noticeable, so we ultimately both opted for the firmer side.
However, it was still really nice to have the option of being able to customise.
The gel-infused memory foam and breathable fabric work together to keep things cool and comfortable, avoiding that suffocating feeling often associated with dense foam.
Plus the adjustable straps are a thoughtful addition, particularly if you have a thinner mattress.
They keep the topper securely in place, preventing any shifting or bunching.
Overall – and despite the faff – the Cool Revolution Mattress Topper is up in there as one of my favourite toppers.
It’s ridiculously comfortable and supportive, and I like that it manages to maintain a bit of bounce and movement rather than being an overly dense wedge of foam.
Review by Lucy Atkins.
Thickness: 8cm, Type: Memory Foam, Washable cover? Yes, Guarantee: 100-night trial
Soak & Sleep 4.5cm Memory Foam King Size Mattress Topper
Soak & Sleep 4.5cm Memory Foam King Size Mattress Topper, £120 (was £155)
Pros: Super comfortable, supports joints, removable and washable cover
Cons: Not very cooling in warm weather, no straps to stop from sliding
Rating: 4/5
My mattress is generally on its last legs and in need of an upgrade, so putting Soak & Sleep’s mattress topper to the test couldn’t have come at a better time.
I hadn’t really considered trying a topper before investing in a whole new mattress.
But now that I’ve had a couple of weeks’ worth of sleeping on the brand’s 4.5cm memory foam topper, I don’t know why it never occurred to me.
The topper arrived vacuum-packed in a cardboard box and was easy to unroll and place on top of my mattress. It has that classic memory foam smell that can’t be avoided, but I’m sure in time it’ll fade.
The memory foam itself is 4.5cm deep and provides medium support that promises it “adapts to relieve pressure on joints.”
I noticed a difference immediately after the first night of sleeping on it: I had no niggling back pains and aches that I would normally have, and overall I felt incredibly supported by the foam.
The weather has been pretty muggy and humid lately, so the only downside for me is that with such dense foam, it can feel quite hot to sleep on.
After trying other toppers in this review, I’ve come to the conclusion that this one is probably not the best for me as it’s so intensely sinkable and squidgy because I prefer a firmer surface to sleep on.
If you like a really soft and pliable top layer, then this is for you.
Review by Lucy Atkins.
Thickness: 4.5cm, Type: Foam Washable cover? Yes Guarantee: 2 years
La Redoute SO’HOME Microfibre Mattress Topper
La Redoute SO’HOME Microfibre Mattress Topper Duvet & Pillowcase Set in size 150x200cm, £129
Pros: Handy for adding to guest beds, feels like down, light and fluffy, anti-allergy, has straps, stitching keeps the filling evenly placed to avoid lumpy areas
Cons: Won’t significantly change the feel of your mattress
Rating: 4/5
While it won’t drastically alter the firmness of your mattress, La Redoute’s SO’HOME mattress topper does add a wonderfully plush layer of comfort.
The topper has a luxuriously light and fluffy feel, and the microfibre filling truly does mimic down.
I forgot it wasn’t real down when I first put the topper on my bed and was totally fooled until I re-read the ‘just like down’ description.
The beauty of this is that it’s perfect for those who suffer from allergies but want all the cosiness of real down (which has no allergenic properties).
Elsewhere, one of the standout features I found with this topper is its practicality.
Unlike foam toppers which can be bulky and cumbersome, it’s relatively easy to fold away (although it’s admittedly a bit of a pain to squish down, what with all the air).
The handy carry bag makes it convenient to transport or store when not in use, so I can imagine using this topper as an extra layer of comfort on my sofa bed when guests come to stay.
Although the results weren’t as dramatically different as with other toppers, I still found that this one significantly improved the breathability of my memory foam mattress, providing a cooler and more comfortable sleeping experience.
Confusingly, the product name on the La Redoute website says it’s a ‘Mattress Topper Duvet & Pillowcase Set’ but it’s just the topper, so I think there’s an error with the title.
Overall, if you’re looking for a simple way to add a touch of luxury and comfort to your bed, it’s a solid choice.
The faux down filling is lovely and cosy – just in time for the colder months.
Review by Lucy Atkins.
Thickness: Type: Microfibre, Washable cover? ‘Recommended to professionally launder in large capacity machine’, Guarantee: No
Simba Hybrid Double Mattress Topper
Simba Hybrid Double Mattress Topper, £379
Pros: Super-comfortable, cooling, supportive
Cons: Expensive, requires deep-fitted sheets
Rating: 4.5/5
Simba’s mattress topper may come with a hefty price tag, but it completely transformed my sleep.
In my experience, it made almost every other mattress I’ve slept on feel inferior in comfort.
As well as rejuvenating my worn-out rental mattress, its cooling effects — thanks to a breathable sleep surface and Simbatex air flow layer — ensured I slept like a baby during the scorching July and August heatwave of 2022.
I found the topper to be incredibly supportive as well, with conical springs that pivot and conform to the body – which kept me really comfortable regardless of my sleeping position.
Review by Kieran Ahuja.
Thickness: 7cm Type: Springs/foam Washable cover? Yes Guarantee: 10 years
READ MORE:
- Best mattress deals and sales
- Emma mattress review
- Simba Original mattress review
- Simba Hybrid Pro mattress review
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Panda London Bamboo Mattress Topper
Panda London Topper, £139.95 (UK double)
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 hoped
Rating: 4/5
Setting aside budget models under £50, Panda London’s Bamboo Topper stands out as one of the most affordable premium options I’ve tested.
Installing it was a breeze, especially when compared to thicker alternatives like the Simba Hybrid Topper.
Initially just a few centimetres thick, it takes about 12 hours to expand to its full 5cm size.
This topper boasts Hydro-foam
: a gel-infused memory foam designed to keep your back, neck, and hips aligned and comfortable.
While I personally don’t suffer from much back, neck, or hip pain, other customers have praised this topper online for alleviating their discomfort.
One reviewer even shared: “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.”
I can definitely attest to its comfort. Despite being relatively thin, it significantly enhanced the comfort of my mattress and improved my sleep quality.
My only gripe is that its cooling properties were somewhat disappointing.
When I tested it in early summer, it made me feel hotter rather than cooler, which was unexpected given bamboo’s natural cooling properties. However, with a bit of adjustment, it was manageable.
Review by Rhys Melhado-Thompson.
Thickness: 5cm Type: Memory Foam Washable cover? Yes Guarantee: 10 years
Otty Memory Foam Mattress Topper with Charcoal
Otty Bamboo Double Mattress Topper with Charcoal, £149.99 (was £179.99)
Pros: More affordable than other options 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 I didn’t experience that
Rating: 5/5
As someone who deals with back pain, I was eager to see if Otty’s topper, priced at just £149.99 (on sale), could rejuvenate my ageing mattress and offer relief.
It’s more affordable than both Emma and Simba’s options, so I was curious about its effectiveness – and I have to say, I found this to be the best value-for-money topper I’ve tried.
Scanning through nearly all five-star Trustpilot reviews, the only slight negative I noticed was that some customers mentioned minor slippage between the topper and the mattress, but luckily I didn’t encounter this issue.
At five inches thick, the Otty topper matches the thickness of the Emma topper (see below), and I had no problems using standard-sized sheets with it.
It significantly improved the comfort of my worn-out mattress and helped regulate temperature, thanks to the bamboo and charcoal infusion.
This feature was particularly beneficial during the summer heat waves.
For anyone seeking a high-quality topper without breaking the bank, I highly recommend grabbing this one while it’s still on sale.
Review by Rhys Melhado-Thompson.
Thickness: 5cm Type: Bamboo/charcoal infused foam Guarantee: 1 year
Emma Flip Topper
Emma Flip Topper UK double, £174.30 (was £249)
Pros: Very comfortable, supportive, adjustable firmness, suits all sleeping positions
Cons: May be warmer than your cooling mattress, might require deep-fitted sheets, pricey
Rating: 4/5
With a firm and soft side, the new flippable mattress topper from the ever-popular Emma Sleep offers the best of both worlds, so I was keen to test it out.
Upon unboxing, my first impression was how thick and plush it felt.
It added a noticeable 5cm to the height of my mattress, which caused the sheets to struggle to stay on, constantly pinging off at the corners.
So if you have a deep mattress, you might need to invest in some deep-fitted sheets.
After trying both sides of the topper, I found the soft side suited my sleeping style better. No matter what position I slept in, the topper was comfortable, and it made sleeping on my front much more pleasant than on the bare mattress.
However, as I have a cooling mattress, I found that the topper made it significantly warmer in bed. While this was a bit of a drawback during a heatwave, I imagine it would be a welcome feature in the winter.
Overall, I found the topper to be very supportive, and it significantly improved the comfort of my mattress. I’d recommend it to anyone with an older or uncomfortable mattress, or to those looking to extend the life of their current mattress.
You can also save an extra 6% with the exclusive code ‘THESUN’ at checkout.
Review by Rhys Melhado-Thompson.
Thickness: 5cm Type: Foam Washable cover? Yes Guarantee: 10 years
How we tested these products
All mattress toppers were tested personally by our reviewers, who tried them out on their own beds at home to get a true feel of how each product performs.
As well as overall comfort and improvement to each reviewer’s mattress, other factors were taken into consideration including pressure relief, support and general sleep quality.
Durability was tested by checking for wear and tear after a few weeks.
Additionally, we measured factors like breathability and temperature regulation by monitoring how each topper performed in warmer weather.
ASK THE EXPERT: Mattress topper buying guide
We put some of the most important questions to consider when buying a mattress topper to an expert: Theresa Schnorbach, a psychologist and sleep scientist…
How to choose a mattress topper?
Schnorbach 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.”
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.”
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.
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 a high-street retailer like 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 from £349, or really splash out on a luxury Tempur mattress cover, which will set you back upwards of £995 at full price.
It’s always important to consider your budget and the quality of the brand you are buying.
It’s worth shopping around in the sales, especially during Black Friday when many great quality mattress toppers are massively discounted.
Where to buy mattress toppers in the UK?
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.
Shopping around for a topper is always a must as we all have very different needs when it comes to our sleep
Whether you struggle with overheating or allergies, it’s always important to do thorough research before parting with your cash.
The is a huge selection of brands and retailers that sell mattress toppers, from premium options from Simba and Emma Sleep to high street options available from Argos and John Lewis.
Savvy shoppers are also advised to compare prices online and check retailers like Amazon before purchasing to ensure they are getting the cheapest deal on their coveted item.
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 the best quality, comfort and cooling properties.
Both premium brands provide great options that can help update your mattress set-up without paying out for a completely new one.
We rate both the Simba Hybrid Topper and the Emma Flip Topper which have been featured in our guide, and suggest waiting until the brands are on offer to bite the bullet if you are unsure about the full price cost.
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 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.
It acts 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.
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