Mattress topper vs new mattress – we asked sleep experts which one to choose

The mattress topper vs new mattress debate is perhaps familiar to you if you're someone who loves their sleep (and who isn’t?) but is finding their rest disturbed by an uncomfortable mattress.

After all, even if you invested in the best mattress money could buy a few years ago, a lot can change in the meantime. Which is why you might now be considering whether treating yourself to one of the best mattress toppers on the market could enhance your sleep comfort further. Or, would you be better biting the bullet and investing in a new mattress instead?

There are positives and negatives to both purchases, which is why we've asked various sleep experts to weigh in on the debate.

Mattress topper vs new mattress

Are our mattress and sleep experts 'team mattress topper' or 'team new mattress'? Their final verdict might surprise you.

What is a mattress topper?

Before we continue it's probably worth making sure we're all on the same page regarding what a mattress topper is.

'As its name might suggest, a mattress topper is a layer of cushioning that's designed to sit on top of your mattress', explains Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, Amy Lockwood. 'Usually somewhere between 5 and 10cm deep, a topper is generally designed to add comfort to a mattress, or a sleep surface like a sofa bed, that feels too firm'.

It's worth noting that a mattress topper is different to a mattress protector, which is a much thinner layer simply designed to protect a mattress (or even a mattress topper) from build-up of dirt or stains. (Our mattress topper vs protector explainer has more detail on the key differences if you want to learn more).

'Typically, people add a mattress topper to a bed in order to add cushioning', continues Amy, 'but a cooling mattress topper can also be used to add breathability to your bed if you're finding a mattress is causing you to overheat at night. This can be a particular problem with older memory foam mattresses'.

When is a mattress topper the right choice?

So now we know what a mattress topper is, when might you decide to invest in one?

Well, although a mattress topper isn't going to be able to fix a mattress that's well past its best, that extra comfort layer could prolong the lifespan of an over-the-hill mattress a little. 

'Not every mattress that’s been well-loved and slept on for a few years is beyond salvage,’ explains Victoria Cedeno, Sleep and Brand Specialist at mattress manufacturer Zinus. 'A good mattress topper could help you to get a few more years use from your mattress'. 

And, as Pam Johnson, Head of Buying at sleep retailer Bensons for Beds explains, it isn't just old mattresses that a mattress topper can improve, we could have a mattress that's still in great shape, but our sleep requirements have changed. 

'Our comfort requirements can change as we move through life' she says. 'Our body weight can reduce or increase, health issues can mean a new requirement for added pressure relief, for example, and a topper can be a great option in these instances where your mattress is not very old and still in very good condition – but just needs some comfort finessing to your new comfort and support requirements.'

All in all, a mattress topper can:

Add an extra layer of comfort: If you're finding your existing mattress too firm, a mattress topper can add a layer of cushioning without your needing to buy a new mattress.

Add breathability: Do you wake up covered in sweat? If you do, you’re not alone. Many people find themselves overheating at night, and it could be your mattress to blame – especially if it has a memory foam sleep surface which lacks breathability. If you choose the right mattress topper – in particular one made from natural materials such as wool – this can add a 'breaker layer' between your body and the mattress that allows air to circulate so your body can better regulate its temperature during the night.

Tackle back pain: If your mattress is causing you back pain, then a mattress topper may be able to help. Especially if you opt for a memory foam topper which moulds to your body to support good spinal alignment and ease aching joints.

Increase the lifespan of your mattress: As Rebecca Swain, mattress expert at Winstons Beds says, 'by adding a deep cushioning comfort layer to a mattress, a topper can improve the longevity of the mattress so that it isn’t worn down as quickly, allowing people to save money in the long run and get more use out of their mattress'.

When is a new mattress the right choice?

Mattress toppers generally range from around £30 to £300, whereas a new mattress can set you back anywhere from £300 to £2000. That's why it's wise to consider whether a mattress topper could solve your sleep problems before opting for a whole new mattress. 

However, that doesn’t necessarily mean a topper is the right choice for you and your bedroom.

In the mattress topper vs new mattress debate, you need to be realistic about the state of your current mattress. 

'If your mattress is simply feeling too firm or you're overheating at night, a mattress topper could definitely help' advises Ideal Home's Amy Lockwood. 'But, if your mattress is sagging, has lumps and bumps, or springs poking through the mattress cover then adding a topper likely won't mask the problems for long. In this case you're best biting the bullet and investing in a new mattress'.

After all, regularly rotating your mattress or flipping a mattress (depending on if you have a single or double-sided mattress) can help to prolong its lifespan, but, all good things still come to an end eventually. 

If you're wondering how often you should change a mattress then experts generally advise every seven to ten years. 'If you've hit this benchmark, and your mattress is around a decade old and has become uncomfortable, then you may be best choosing a new mattress rather than spending extra money on a mattress topper and then still needing to replace the mattress a year or so down the line', continues Amy.

The final verdict: mattress topper vs new mattress

Although we wish we could provide you with a one-size-fits all answer to the mattress topper vs new mattress debate, unfortunately it does all come down to your own personal situation. 

For some people – such as those finding a mattress too firm, too hot, or who have new sleep requirements such as a change in sleeping position or back or joint pain – a mattress topper could be the perfect solution an uncomfortable bed. 

However, for others, a new mattress is the best choice. As Victoria from Zinus explains, ‘Sometimes, there are issues that simply can’t be fixed by adding a mattress topper to your bed, meaning a new mattress is ultimately the right choice.’

‘If your mattress is seriously old or really misshapen, a mattress topper can’t deliver a magic fix as it’s essentially masking symptoms instead of correcting the root of the problem. Adding a topper to a poor quality mattress is often a waste of time and money, so you’re better off treating yourself to a new mattress instead.’

The good news is that there is a way to test the waters before you commit.

'If you're not sure whether a mattress topper could salvage your sleep situation then I'd recommend looking for a mattress topper that comes with a sleep trial', suggests Sleep Editor, Amy.

'Not all manufacturer's offer sleep trials, but when they do trials tend to range from between 30-200 nights. This could allow you to test out a topper to see whether it fixes your sleep issues before you commit, and if it doesn't work for you, then you know you need a new mattress instead'.

Best mattress toppers with a sleep trial

We've tried and tested each of these mattress toppers and all scored highly with our review team. Even better, if you buy direct from the manufacturer then they each come with a sleep trial so you can test it out in your own home.

FAQs

Remember, when considering whether to invest in a mattress topper versus a new mattress, it's best not to automatically default to the cheapest option, as you could end up paying for it further down the line.