Having a good-quality mattress will make sure you sleep well, but to make sure your night's rest is as comfortable as can be, you need the best mattress topper to ensure you're cosy and snug during your trip to the Land of Nod. A mattress topper will provide an extra layer of softness and cushioning between you and your mattress to make you feel more comfortable. Not only that, but some have temperature-regulating properties that can help you feel cooler at night and others are great for allergy sufferers as they can serve as a barrier against dust mites and other allergens.
Having a good night's sleep is extremely important for your health and well-being as it can affect aspects of your physical, mental and emotional health. Mattress toppers are a great way to add a little extra comfort to the base of your bed without breaking the bank and are a much cheaper option than replacing your whole mattress if it's starting to feel a little uncomfortable. Even an affordable mattress can cost hundreds of pounds, whereas a topper can revolutionise your sleep for a fraction of the price. And they're not just great for using on an older mattress, adding a topper from the minute you use a new mattress can also help to expand its lifespan as it will provide another protective layer between you and your mattress.
Best mattress topper UK at a glance:
Best overall: SIMBA Hybrid Essential Topper – view on Simba Sleep
Best luxury mattress topper: TEMPUR Mattress Topper – view on TEMPUR UK
Best budget mattress topper: Silentnight Airmax 800 Mattress Topper – view on Amazon UK
Using a topper as part of your sleep setup is a great temporary measure. For example, a mattress topper can help if you're feeling discomfort or have an injury in a particular area, or you’re in need of a firmer or softer mattress, you can get a mattress topper to suit your firmness needs at that particular time. Buying a mattress topper is also a lot less hassle than purchasing a brand new mattress, as nowadays many mattress toppers are neatly packed into a box and all you have to do is simply roll them out and strap them to your current mattress.
If it's not quite time to dispose of your current mattress but you need a little something to make it comfier, a mattress topper can make sure you have a restful night's kip. We've searched the web to help you choose the best mattress toppers available in the UK to suit a variety of budgets, as well as firmness preferences.
Best mattress topper UK
Best overall
Anything that will extend the life of a mattress we’re on board with. But what are the benefits of adding this SIMBA Hybrid Essential Topper to your bed? Great question. Well, for starters, the toppers from Simba are made using 100 per cent recyclable materials, but there are also other incredible qualities like temperature control and its anti-slip base. Plus it has up to 1,150 Aerocoil springs inside to keep you perfectly supported.
Our review: “The mattress topper arrived well packaged, but it was heavy, so I had to get my partner to help me carry it up the stairs. When I opened the box, it was clear why the topper was weighted – it was huge. It almost doubled the height of our bed. In terms of sleep quality, this topper was great off the bat. Sometimes with new mattresses or toppers, it can take some time for the body to adjust, but I didn’t experience this as I was sound asleep in minutes. After testing for a month, I’ve found that the mattress occasionally slips from its elastic straps. That said, it’s a quick two-minute job to fix and worth it for a good night’s sleep.”
Pros
- Anti-slip base and wriggle-free straps for a secure sleep
- Sustainable and made from 100 per cent recyclable materials
- Cooling Simbatex foam comfort layer, pocket springs and supersoft, breathable sleep surface
Cons
- If you like a firm mattress, this may not be ideal as it's supportive but also quite soft
Fill: | Foam and springs |
Cleaning and care: | Removable, washable cover |
Sizes: | Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King |
Best luxury mattress topper
uk.tempur.com
This luxurious feel TEMPUR Mattress Topper is 7cm in depth and promises to mould to the shape of your body to provide you with ultimate comfort and support throughout the night. And if you find it isn't for you, the 100-night trial means you can return it and get your money back. This deep extra layer is not only comfortable but also has the pressure-relieving properties that all TEMPUR products are famous for.
Customer review: "Love this mattress topper. Our current mattress was only two years old but too hard (making my backache, etc.) this is perfect, gives support where you need it."
Pros
- Comes with 10-year guarantee and 100-night sleep trial
- Visco-elastic cells that actively mould and adapt to your body
- Pressure relieving properties
Cons
- May be too thick for some
Fill: | Visco-elastic cells |
Cleaning and care: | Removable, washable cover |
Sizes: | Small Single, Single, Double, King, Super King |
Best budget mattress topper
For affordability and comfort, you can't go wrong with the Silentnight Airmax 800 Mattress Topper. It's a great budget option for transforming your tired mattress. Designed to increase airflow, the topper has a dual construction, which allows air to move freely in between the laters. The air mesh side also helps to move air around your body, which ensures a cool night's sleep - even in hot weather.
Customer review: "Been using the topper for a few days now. I was expecting it to flatten quite a bit, but surprisingly it's still soft, plush, and comfortable. I had bought it as a topper for a mattress that springs were poking me and left me with a stiff back after nights of tossing and turning. The topper has been a sensible, cost-effective solution to revive a mattress past its half-life. I can no longer feel any pokes, and even the creaking sounds have become muffled. The size matches a double bed perfectly. It's about 190 cm in length and 132 cm in breadth. The elastic straps fit around the mattress corners securely. Overall, it is a good buy. I am planning to order a second one, is pleased with the first one. However, its durability will require some more time to test and evaluate."
Pros
- Comes with two-year guarantee
- Mesh sides increase airflow to stop you from overheating
- Elasticated straps to fit over mattress to keep it secure
- Machine washable to keep your mattress fresh
Cons
- Can become flat quite quickly
Fill: | Hollow fibre |
Cleaning and care: | Fully machine washable |
Sizes: | Single, Double, King, Super King |
Best sustainable mattress topper
Made with gel infusion to help keep you cool, this Panda Bamboo Mattress Topper is a great option if you tend to get hot at night. The biggest benefit to this mattress topper is that it's made using natural materials, which makes it sustainable as well as hypoallergenic. This along with the breathable bamboo cover ensures it's kind and gentle on your skin. The Hydo-foam filling supports your back, neck and hips for perfect alignment.
Customer review: "I am 37 and have suffered for years from a bad back, every morning I wake up in pain. I ordered the king-size Panda topper, and it arrived quickly. I’ve slept on it last night for the first time and have woken up with no back pain this morning for the first time in ages. It has made such a difference. I am really pleased and would definitely recommend it. Excellent product."
Pros
- Good for relieving hip, neck and back pain
- Orthopedically approved Hydro-foam™ for support and comfort
- Open cell cooling technology helps to control body temperature, for a cool night's sleep
- Comes with a soft removable bamboo cover - great for the skin and sustainable
Cons
- Doesn't come with a choice of firmness, so some may find it too soft
Fill: | Hydro-foam |
Cleaning and care: | Machine washable bamboo cover |
Sizes: | Single, Small Double, UK Double, King, Super King, EU Single, EU Double, EU King, EU Emperor |
Best quality mattress topper
www.dunelm.com
Easy to fit with deep elastic straps, the Dorma Full Forever Mattress Topper is sure to stay on all night without slipping. Made using crisp 100 per cent cotton for the cover and a premium 230 thread count, it uses good quality materials to fit mattresses up to 30cm deep. Its cassette construction ensures the spiral fibre filling is distributed evenly throughout the mattress topper to give you support all over.
Customer review: "From the first night after putting it in the bed slept like a log, the first time for ages. Would highly recommend this 'Topper'."
Pros
- Deep elastic straps to fit over the mattress securely
- Made with a 100% cotton cover with a 230 thread count
- Filled with 100% spiral for a plush feel
Cons
- Some found it a little thin
Fill: | Spiral fibre |
Cleaning and care: | Machine washable, tumble dry on a low heat setting |
Sizes: | Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King |
Best mattress topper for allergy sufferers
This Woolroom Mattress Topper is full of traceable British wool to offer you a comfy night's sleep. The wool content makes the topper naturally hypoallergenic, which is ideal if you suffer from allergies, and it also means that's naturally antibacterial and is mould, mildew and dust mite resistant too. It has thick, sturdy elastic straps to help you easily secure it into the right position on top of your bed.
Customer review: "I’m very pleased with my wool mattress topper for my new bed, I was concerned that it might not be thick enough or that it would flatten out too much with use from reviews I read not the case at all. It’s really comfortable, I can fluff it up when I change my bed if needed over time. I wanted wool for its natural properties of keeping you warm and cosy in winter and cool in summer. I specifically wanted to avoid man-made mattress toppers my new mattress is very firm which I like again avoiding man-made products the two are perfect for me. Highly recommended. A very satisfied customer. Thank you!"
Pros
- Handcrafted mattress filled with traceable British wool from Chatsworth Estate
- Temperature regulating and moisture-wicking to keep you cool when it's warm
- Naturally hypoallergenic - mildew, mould and dust mite resistant
Cons
- Cannot be machine wash - dry clean only
Fill: | Traceable British wool |
Cleaning and care: | Dry clean only |
Sizes: | Double, King, Super King |
Best duck feather mattress topper
www.soakandsleep.com
With a thick 5cm medium support, the Soak & Sleep Duck Feather Mattress Topper offers stability while still feeling plush to lie on. Full of hundreds of small, soft duck feathers and covered in a pure cotton case, it'll add a little bit of luxury to your bed and make sure you have a comfortable night's sleep. It's equipped with elastic straps at the edges that fit tightly and securely over your mattress, ensuring it doesn't move.
Customer review: "I'm always very impressed with the quality and cost of products from Soak and Sleep. This time we needed to replace our bed topper and we're so pleased with it- it fits the bed perfectly and is lovely and thick, adding extra comfiness to our sleep."
Pros
- Filled with hundreds of small duck feathers to give a plush and springy feel
- 5cm thick to give medium support
- Elasticated straps to keep topper securely fitted to the mattress
Cons
- It can be washed at home but needs to be tumble dried to ensure it's totally dry before fitting back onto your bed
Fill: | Duck feathers |
Cleaning and care: | Machine washable, must be tumble dried |
Sizes: | Small Double, Double, King Size, Super King |
Best mattress topper for washing
If you’re after a mattress topper that will keep you cosy while also being easy to look after, we’d recommend this Dual Layer Mattress Topper from The Fine Bedding Company as the dual layers combine both practicality and comfort. This topper has two layers of supportive fibres enclosed in a soft-touch overlay, which makes it easy to wash. The zip cover can be removable without any fuss so you can wash the layers separately inside your washing machine.
Customer review: "Absolutely love this topper It was on a hotel bed that we stayed at and it was so comfy I checked the label and ordered one Jumping into bed had never felt comfy Would highly recommend"
Pros
- Top layer comes with a zipper, so make it easy to wash
- Two layers for extra support and comfort
- Elastic straps to keep it securely in place
Cons
- Extra layer may be too warm if you're a hot sleeper
Fill: | Super soft microfibre |
Cleaning and care: | Machine washable in an 8 to 9kg washing machine |
Sizes: | Single, Double, King, Super King |
Best mattress topper UK FAQs
What should you look for when buying a mattress topper?
Thickness: Try to find a topper that's at least two inches in depth.
Temperature regulation: If you tend to get hot at night, choose a topper that helps regulate your body temperature.
Care: Opt for a mattress topper that can be washed or one that has a removable layer that can be washed.
Support: If you suffer from any back or joint issues, it's a good idea to check how supportive and firm a topper is. You can get mattress toppers for back pain that are made with providing extra support in mind.
Fit: If you have a fairly deep mattress, make sure the topper fits well around the base of your mattress.
How can you extend the life of your mattress?
While a mattress topper is great for adding an extra layer of comfort, there are ways you can protect your expensive mattress from extending its life.
Mattress protectors: These are a thin cover used to protect your mattress from stains, bedbugs, and dust mites. It won't add any extra comfort to your mattress but will help protect it in the long run.
Mattress pads: If a mattress topper sounds a little pricey but you want to add a thin layer of comfort to your mattress, mattress pads are an affordable alternative. They're very similar to a fitted sheet; they're just thicker for extra comfort.
Rosie Floyd is a Pets, Homes and Garden Product Writer for Yours, specialising in home appliances, décor and furnishings, as well as all things dogs. After completing her Journalism & Media degree from Coventry University back in 2015, she started her career writing about must-visit holiday destinations, moving on to creating content around outdoor living and garden buildings, before joining the team at Bauer.