7 things to look for when buying a mattress topper

If your mattress has been feeling a little lacklustre lately, you may have been considering investing in one of the best mattress toppers. 

A mattress topper can elevate your sleep set-up by providing extra comfort and support, and even help to regulate your sleep temperature if you opt for one of the best cooling mattress toppers.

But how do you decide which mattress topper is best for you? We've asked the experts what to look for when buying a mattress topper so that you can make sure you're spending your money wisely.

7 things to look for when buying a mattress topper

Firstly, what is a mattress topper, and is one right for your needs? Well, a mattress topper is a cushioning layer that can be added to the top of a mattress or used to make a sofa bed more comfortable. Basically a topper can soften up any sleep surface that's too firm, and, as investing in one of the best mattresses or best sofa beds certainly doesn't come cheap, a topper can be a useful way of improving your sleep set-up without too much additional expense. 

However, as Thomas Høegh Reisenhus, Sleep Specialist and Sleep Counsellor at mattress manufacturer TEMPUR® reminds us, a topper is still a purchase worth getting right. 'Taking the time to select the right mattress topper will allow you to enjoy restful sleep and wake feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day', he says.

Sounds good to us, so without further ado, here are the seven things to look for when buying a mattress topper.

1. Material

The first thing to consider when buying a mattress topper is the material. The main materials to choose from are memory foam, a synthetic fill like hollowfibre or microfibre, or a natural fill such as feather and down or wool.

'Memory foam toppers mould around your body shape and relieve the pressure on your joints. These are a great choice if you suffer from joint or muscular pain,' says Martin Gill, Managing Director, And So To Bed. 

Whereas he says 'a feather or wool filling is soft and durable with a cloud-like comfort, and these toppers provide natural warmth and insulation, perfect for when it starts to get cooler.'

'Finally, synthetic-filled mattress toppers are usually either hollow fibre or microfibre, and they are a popular choice for allergy sufferers due to the hypoallergenic properties of these materials. Microfibre toppers have a soft feel, but hollowfibre usually offers more support.'

We've rounded up the top three mattresses toppers Ideal Home has tested in each of these categories below.

2. Depth

'Another important factor to consider when selecting a mattress topper is its thickness, as this will determine how much support you are looking to acquire', says Rhiannon Johns, Interior Designer and Head of Brand, Piglet in Bed. 'Standard toppers range from 2 to 4 inches to provide the necessary support.'

Experts recommend thicker mattress toppers for people who suffer with joint pain, as the depth allows shoulders and hips to sink further in for increased support.

'If you are just looking to boost the comfort/softness of your mattress, then a mattress topper from 5cm and up to 10cm will certainly help you achieve the luxurious feeling you are aiming for,' says Martin. 

3. Size

Size is another crucial consideration when choosing the right mattress topper. This one is a little obvious, but you need to get a mattress topper that fits correctly over your mattress to be able to use it.

You probably know what size bed you sleep in - whether that's a single, double, king, or super-king - but it helps to also know the exact measurements of your mattress, so you can double check this against the dimensions of mattress toppers you're shopping, as different manufacturers may vary their sizes.

4. Body support

Consider the ergonomics of the mattress topper so that you can get one that supports your body and promotes healthy sleep. Ideally, you want to find the 'Goldilocks' of mattress toppers - not too hard, not too soft, though what feels 'just right' for you will come down to personal preference.

'Your mattress topper should adapt to you, distribute your weight evenly, keep your spine straight, and absorb pressure to aid comfort and relieve pain,' says Thomas, TEMPUR®. 'A mattress topper that is too soft will cause your back or hips to slouch and your spine to fall out of alignment, whist one that is too firm will put too much pressure on your joints, potentially causing discomfort or pain.'

5. Price

Your mattress topper budget will inevitably play a big role in determining which one you go for. Mattress toppers can cost as little as £20 for thinner polyester hollowfibre toppers, or over £200 for a good quality memory foam or down-type. 

The price you pay will depend on which filling you opt for, and obviously, it's important to spend whatever you feel comfortable with, but experts do warn that there might be a slight trade-off in quality if you go for a topper at the cheaper end of the scale.

6. Care

How to clean a mattress topper depends on the materials used in its construction. Memory foam toppers for example can't usually be washed, but they may have a removable top cover that can be popped in the washing maching to freshen things up. 

Whereas others are fully machine washable, so if this is an important factor in your purchase it's well worth examining the care instructions before you part with your cash.

7. Temperature

Lastly, consider whether you want your mattress topper to have a temperature regulating design. The best cooling mattress toppers will help you sleep better all year round, and you'll thank yourself for investing in one when the next heatwave comes around. 

Breathable materials such a bamboo, charcoal and graphite are added to cooling mattress toppers, as these will effectively dissipate heat and stop you from getting too hot in bed. They may be a little more expensive than regular mattress toppers, but it's definitely something to consider if you require a cooler temperature to sleep well.

What is the ideal mattress topper thickness?

Mattress toppers tend to range in thickness from 2 to 10 cm. The ideal depth for you will depend on how much support you want from the topper.

'For those who want a little extra comfort but nothing too drastic, mattress toppers with a thickness of 2 inches provide a subtle but noticeable level of comfort,' says Rhiannon, Piglet in Bed. 'Whereas 3 inches is ideal for beginners who aren't sure what they prefer but want the best of both comfort and support and is the firmer choice of the two.'

She adds, 'if you are someone who sleeps on their side, 4 inches is for you, as this will provide the maximum level of support and reduce joint pressure while sleeping on one side for a comfortable night's sleep.'

What makes a good topper?

According to Martin Gill of And So To Bed, a good mattress topper will serve two very important purposes.

'The first is comfort. A high-quality mattress topper will add a new level of comfort to your mattress, particularly if your mattress has lost some of its plumpness or your mattress is too firm', says Martin. 'This can help reduce aches and pains, providing you with the extra support you need.'

'The second purpose is to help extend the life of your mattress by acting as another layer of protection.' Good mattress toppers will therefore have the longevity factor, and will be durable enough to last a number of years without decreasing in comfort.

If you refer back to the seven factors outlined in this guide, we're sure you'll land on a mattress topper that feels as soft as fluffy clouds, and gives you the perfect night's sleep you deserve.