Best mattress toppers – tested for comfort, cushioning, and breathability

The best mattress toppers can help make a sleep surface that's too firm – whether that's a mattress or a sofa bed – more comfortable by offering an additional layer of cushioning.

Depending on your needs, a topper can help combat back pain by creating better spinal alignment and ease joint pain by cushioning hips and shoulders. Plus, if your existing mattress is causing you to overheat at night, a breathable mattress topper could improve temperature regulation and deliver a cooler night's sleep.

Even the best bed toppers can't replace investing in the best mattress for your sleep needs – not even the best topper we've tested, the Simba Hybrid Topper, can perform miracles on a mattress that's past its best – but a topper can be a useful way to tweak your bedtime comfort.

However, not all mattress enhancers are created equal. To find the best, myself and our tester, Rachael, have slept on multiple mattress toppers to assess the cushioning, comfort, and breathability of options from Simba, Emma, Woolroom, Silentnight, and many more. We also assessed each topper's value for money and researched third-party reviews to investigate durability and customer satisfaction.

Not all the toppers we tested made the grade, but those that offered the most comfortable sleep are rounded up into this shortlist.

The quick list

Short on time? This quick list is an overview of the best mattress toppers. You'll find more information on each mattress topper and why Rachael and I recommend it if you keep scrolling.

Best mattress toppers

Best mattress topper overall

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The Simba Hybrid Topper differs from most mattress toppers on the market because it combines springs with a memory foam top layer. Simba has essentially created a thinner three-layer version of its bestselling Simba Hybrid Original mattress, which results in one of the most robust and supportive toppers we've tested.

At 6.5cm in depth, this is a fairly thick topper, and our tester, Rachael, found it did a great job of masking a hard sleep surface underneath. She felt the upper memory foam layer offered good cushioning when she slept on her side or back, whilst the springs meant the sleep surface still felt responsive and she could change position easily.

As she says 'I mainly sleep on my side and found the memory foam upper layer and spring support did a really good job at providing extra support for my back, neck and shoulders in this position. I also move around a lot and found this topper to be super responsive, snapping back into shape instantly'.

Because Simba uses open-cell memory foam for that top layer – which offers more breathability than standard memory foam – and infuses it with graphite which helps to draw heat away from the body, Rachael also felt this topper delivered a cooler night's sleep than many other options she tested.

The combination of straps and an antislip base also meant it stayed firmly in place on our test bed. Plus, the straps are cleverly designed to allow you to roll this topper up when it's not in use. Ideal if you're using the topper on a sofa bed and need to store it away when guests go home. A generous 200-night manufacturer sleep trial is also a big bonus, leading to our awarding this topper the title of best overall.

Our Simba Hybrid Topper review has the full detail.

Best memory foam mattress topper

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Our top recommendation for the best memory foam mattress topper is Panda's The Topper. You can find out more about the pros and cons of a memory foam mattress topper in our buying advice section below, but the Panda Topper does a great job of delivering memory foam's benefits – such as its potential to ease back pain and cushion joints – whilst mitigating some of its usual downsides.

That's partly because at 5cm deep this topper isn't too thin or too thick, meaning it's a good option for both those who sleep on their backs and those who sleep on their sides, as well as combination sleepers who change position in the night.

As our tester, Rachael, commented, 'this topper softened up my firm mattress and offered excellent pressure relief and cushioning where I needed it the most. When I slept on my side I found it added extra cushioning around my neck, hips, and shoulders, and supported my lumbar region when I was laid on my back. Memory foam can sometimes leave me feeling like I'm sinking in too deep, but the Panda Mattress Topper didn’t feel like that. Because the topper is only 5cm deep there was still a little bit of bounce underneath which made moving around at night easy'.

Thanks to the use of gel-infused open-cell memory foam, Rachael – who finds she is often prone to overheating on standard memory foam – also found this topper a lot more breathable than many other memory foam options.

What's more, this memory foam topper is fairly lightweight and easy to manouevre, has adjustable straps and an anti-slip base that means it stays in place once it's on the bed, and comes in a wide range of size options make it a great choice for any non-standard sleep surfaces like a sofa bed or campervan or caravan sleeping area. It's also reasonably priced compared to many options out there, making it a great all-rounder that offers good value for money.

It's just a shame that the synthetics used in the topper aren't made from recycled materials, although, unlike many manufacturers, Panda does take responsibility for repurposing the non-biodegradable memory foam at the end of the topper's lifespan via its Circle of Life recycling scheme.

Find out more in our Panda Mattress Topper review.

Best cooling mattress topper

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Several mattress toppers in this round-up are included in our guide to the best cooling mattress toppers, and that's because each caters to a slightly different mix of needs.

However, if a cooler night's sleep is the sole factor in your purchase then you need a mattress topper that can deliver both breathability, temperature regulation and moisture management – and, in our tests, we found that means a topper made from wool, just like the Woolroom Deluxe Wool Mattress Topper.

Night-time overheating tends to occur when the heat and humidity that our bodies all release become trapped by bedding or nightwear and are unable to dissipate. This can be a particular problem on synthetic mattresses or toppers which lack breathability as they reflect that warmth and moisture back towards the sleeper.

In contrast, wool is highly breathable and allows air to circulate so humidity can escape through the fibres and the body can regulate its temperature better, at least that's what Rachael and her partner found when they tested it. That breathability is particularly good news if you're menopausal and prone to night sweats, or simply a hot sleeper.

Whilst it doesn't offer the same support as the first two toppers in our round-up, the 4-5cm deep padding does offer plenty of cushioning. As Rachael said, 'I sometimes wake up with pins and needles because of the firmness of my mattress, and whilst using this topper, I didn’t once. Unlike a memory foam mattress topper, I also didn’t sink into it so I could still move around freely but our bed felt a lot cosier and a more indulgent place to lie down'.

Thanks to its wool fill and organic cotton outer – both renewable natural materials that at the end of the product's lifespan will eventually biodegrade without environmental damage – this is also a far more sustainable and eco-friendly topper to invest in than most.

Find out more in our full Woolroom Deluxe Wool Mattress Topper review.

Best firm mattress topper

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The first thing I realised when we began testing mattress toppers is that most toppers are designed to add cushioning and soften up a firm bed. If you're looking for the reverse – to add some extra firmness to a mattress that's too soft – this can prove a trickier search.

That's why I was so pleasantly surprised when I added the IKEA NISSEHOLM mattress topper to my bed. This is a much firmer mattress topper than most that I've tested.

IKEA recommends the NISSEHOLM for 'active' sleepers, meaning those of us – like me – who regularly change sleeping positions throughout the night. Unlike a memory foam topper which moulds around you to cradle and cushion you as you sleep, the NISSEHOLM is made from high-resilience foam. This meant that I felt like I was lying 'on top' of the NISSEHOLM rather than sinking 'into it' like with the memory foam Panda Topper or the softer Emma Premium Topper.

As someone who's predominantly a back or stomach sleeper, this firmer sleep surface suited me a lot better than a topper that's more cushioned. It may be too firm for a side sleeper, as although there is some give in the NISSEHOLM (it doesn't feel hard, just very flat and firm) there isn't enough give to allow the shoulders and hips to sink into the topper very far. However, I was still comfortable when I did sleep on my side for short periods.

Even better, as a hot sleeper, I didn't find myself overheating on this foam layer. The bed did feel marginally warmer than when I slept on my wool-filled mattress without it, but I certainly didn't overheat in the same way I have on memory foam toppers.

The fact you can remove the topper's cover and machine wash it at 60°c is another bonus, especially for those with allergies. The only bugbear I encountered was the fact the topper doesn't have elasticated straps to attach it to the mattress, although its anti-slip cover did stay in place well under my fitted sheet. Had I been using a flat sheet, however, I do wonder if it might move about more.

Best mattress topper for side sleepers

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If you sleep on your side on a mattress that's too firm, this can lead to your waist being unsupported which can cause back pain, and it can put extra pressure on your hip and shoulder joints leading to soreness. A mattress topper with good cushioning can help solve that problem.

If you're a side sleeper with wider shoulders then that can mean you need deeper cushioning than our two top recommendations – the Simba Hybrid Topper and Panda Mattress Topper – deliver, which is exactly where the Emma Premium Mattress Topper comes up trumps. In fact, with a depth of 9cm, this is one of the deepest mattress toppers we've tested.

This topper is constructed from two layers of foam, the first of which is infused with graphite to help with temperature regulation. Its structure and depth could mean it's too soft and squashy for some – especially front or back sleepers – but, its comfort levels impressed our side sleeping tester who prefers a softer sleep surface.

Despite initial worries that she might overheat on the synthetic foam, our tester, Rachael, was also impressed by the topper's temperature regulation, saying 'the graphite-infused foam seemed to do the trick and I found I stayed a comfortable temperature all night long'. As of writing, a long 100-night sleep trial is another bonus.

The downsides are its price – this is the most expensive topper in our round-up – along with the fact that Rachael noted a strong off-gassing smell when she first unboxed this topper to put it onto her bed, and the fact that its squashiness leads to a lack of edge support which could make getting out of bed harder for some.

It's also a shame that there's no mention that any of the synthetic materials used in this topper come from recycled sources or any mention that Emma will take responsibility for recycling the non-biodegradable materials within the topper at the end of its lifespan.

Our Emma Premium Mattress Topper review has more detail.

Best budget buy

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Just like mattresses, mattress toppers can be expensive, with some of the premium options in our round-up coming in firmly over £200. If you're after a more affordable mattress topper, then the Silentnight Airmax Mattress Topper is one of our most budget-friendly recommendations.

However, its lower price tag means we found that it doesn't offer as much support or cushioning as other options in our round-up. The Airmax is 5cm deep, which is comparable in depth to the Panda Mattress Topper, but because the Airmax is filled with hollowfibre (that's polyester fibres) it isn't as dense as the Panda Topper's memory foam, so it offers a lot less cushioning.

As our tester Rachael says, 'this topper is really lightweight and looks and feels more like an extra duvet on the bed, but if you’re just looking for a bit of extra comfort or an additional snug and cosy layer, it did soften up my firm mattress'.

During testing she also found it offered some breathability when on the bed – especially if layered over a standard memory foam mattress where it acted as a bit of a breaker layer to prevent overheating – but it didn't compare to the toppers higher up in this list in that regard.

Rachael also found she had to shake this topper regularly to keep the fibres loose, saying 'After sleeping on the topper for a couple of nights, I noticed it wasn’t as fluffy anymore, so I removed it from the bed and gave it a shake. I doubt it would have quite have the same cooling effect if you didn’t do that every couple of nights as the fibres of the filling did start to compress which will limit airflow'.

It's a shame that Silentnight make no mention of the polyester fibres used in its construction coming from recycled sources, and don't offer any means of helping to recycle the topper at the end of its lifespan as Panda does. But, on the plus side, this topper is very lightweight and easy to manouevre onto the bed, and it's also one of the few toppers to be fully machine washable which will be a big bonus for some.

Our Silentnight Airmax Mattress Topper has the full lowdown.

Best warming mattress topper

If you're looking for an affordable way to make your bed a little warmer on cold nights, then Silentnight's Heat Genie Self-Heating mattress topper could well fit the bill.

Self-heating though... how does that work?! Well, this mattress topper is designed to reflect the sleeper's own body heat back towards them, with a 3-layer construction that includes heat-reflecting foil, a thermal lining, and a quilted top.

We have to admit, our first thoughts were that this sounded like it was going to end in one big sweaty mess come bedtime, but our brave reviewer put the Heat Genie to the test (admittedly in a very cold bedroom) and had only positive things to say about its performance, noticing a definite difference in overnight warmth. Thankfully there was also far less rustling than that heat-reflecting foil led us to envisage.

Based on wider customer reviews, we'd say it's likely that this topper's success or failure is largely determined by how much body heat each individual emits – with self-proclaimed 'cold people' finding it less successful than those who assigned themselves as 'average' body warmth. And, at 3cm deep, there isn't a lot of cushioning to this microfibre mattress topper, but then that isn't its main selling point.

Overall, if you want to add some extra warmth to the bed without the additional energy use and complication of cables that even the best electric blankets can't completely eliminate, then we think this mattress topper is well worth a try, especially considering its affordable price tag.

Also tested

Our reviewer, Rachael, and I tested a whole host of mattress toppers in order to find the best and create this guide. Below are some of the runners up which didn't quite make the grade but might still be suitable depending on your requirements.

How we tested

You'll find full details of the wider Ideal Home review process on our how we test page. But in the case of mattress toppers, we think there's no better way to test them out than sleeping on them on our own beds, at home.

Between myself and our reviewer Rachael, we've tested all the mattress toppers in this guide, assessing how easy they are to attach to the bed, how comfortable and cushioning they felt to lay on, and how breathable and temperature-regulating they were to sleep on.

As well as performance, we also considered price points and value for money, any sleep trials available, environmental impact, and long-term durability – evidenced by researching third-party customer reviews – before scoring each topper out of 5 and compiling this shortlist of our top recommendations.

If there are any products that we haven't managed to test in person, or the product didn't achieve over 4 out of 5 stars, then they won't have an Ideal Home Approved badge. However, you can rest assured that we've done thorough research on the product's technical specifications and read multiple happy – and not-so-happy – customer reviews to narrow down our suggestions to only the best-in-class.

Where to buy a mattress topper

£
Amazon: budget-friendly mattress toppers
Argos: low-price Silentnight toppers
Dunelm: affordable own-brand mattress toppers

££
IKEA: mid-range mattress toppers
John Lewis: mid-range mattress toppers
M&S: mid-range mattress toppers
Panda: good value memory foam toppers
Soak & Sleep: a wide range of toppers

£££
Emma: the deepest foam mattress topper
scooms: Hungarian feather and down toppers
Simba: the bestselling Simba Hybrid Topper
The White Company: luxury mattress enhancers
Woolroom: eco-friendly wool mattress toppers

How to choose the best mattress topper

As we've explained, a mattress topper can be a great way of softening up a sleep surface that's too firm. Why is this important? Well, we probably all know that being uncomfortable isn't much fun, but as Dave Gibson, registered osteopath, sleep expert, and founder of The Sleep Site explains, a mattress that's too firm can also be bad for your back.

'A mattress that is either too hard or too soft can exacerbate back pain or neck pain', he says. 'If the mattress doesn't allow your body to be gently supported in a firm yet subtle contour, the spine and muscles may struggle to relax, and pressure points on your joints can become more sensitive'.

Dan Fabian, Sleep Health Expert & Founder of Ten PM agrees, saying, 'a mattress that is too firm can place excessive pressure on certain points of the body, like the hips and shoulders, causing misalignment and discomfort'.

If your mattress isn't the right tension for you, a topper can help, but it's important to choose the right one for your needs. That comes down to considering two main factors, your usual sleep position and if you're prone to overheating. I explain more below.

Best for side sleepers

If you tend to sleep on your side, a mattress that's too firm can be especially uncomfortable. That's because side sleepers need a cushioned sleep surface that allows the hips and shoulders to sink into the mattress surface whilst supporting the waist for good spinal alignment.

A thick mattress topper between 5-10cm is a great option for most side sleepers as it should have enough depth to cradle the shoulder and hips well. The wider your shoulders, the deeper the mattress topper you may need.

Foam or memory foam toppers are particularly good options for side sleepers because they tend to come in these deeper depths and offer good cradling for pressure points. The downside is that a thick layer of memory foam can make changing position in the night more challenging, and its dense structure can lack breathability and cause overheating.

If you're a side sleeper who tends to sleep warm, look for a foam topper that's infused with temperature-regulating graphite, like the 9cm deep Emma Premium Topper, or a memory foam topper that features more breathable open-cell memory foam such as the Panda Topper.

Best for back sleepers

If you prefer to sleep on your back then you'll generally be best opting for a mid-depth mattress topper of between 4-7cm, like the Simba Hybrid Topper, Panda Topper, or the Woolroom Deluxe Wool Mattress Topper. This will allow enough cushioning for additional comfort, without adding so much padding that hips dip too low in the bed which can put pressure on the spine.

Again, a thinner memory foam topper can be a good option here as it moulds to the spine to offer support. But wool, feather and down, or polyester topper can also be a great option as these tend to have slightly less depth.

The good news is that back sleeping is also one of the healthiest sleep positions, as osteopath Dave Gibson explains, 'Doctors often recommend sleeping on your back as the best position, as it allows your spine to rest in a neutral, relaxed posture'.

Best for front sleepers

Sleeping on your front tends to be frowned upon by those in the know as it can put extra pressure on the spine and neck. 'Sleeping face down is generally advised against, as it significantly increases the likelihood of straining your neck muscles and irritating your lower back' confirms osteopath Dave Gibson. 'In this position, it's challenging to maintain a neutral alignment of the spine and neck. The neck is often forced to rotate to one side, leading to stiffness and strain, while the lower back is pushed into extension, aggravating the joints'.

However, if you can't get comfy any other way then it's important to try and keep the hips in line with the spine, so you don't want a topper that's too soft and squashy or they're likely to dip down out of alignment.

A thinner wool topper, like the Woolroom Deluxe Wool Mattress Topper, a feather and down topper, like the M&S Duck Feather & Down Mattress Topper, or a thin polyester topper such as the 5cm deep Silentnight Airmax Topper can add enough comfort to soften up a firm mattress.

Breathability and temperature regulation

Why does the breathability and temperature regulation of a mattress topper matter? Because as Dan Fabian, Sleep Health Expert & Founder of Ten PM, explains, temperature regulation is key to a more restful night's sleep. 'Temperature plays a critical role in both falling asleep and staying asleep due to its influence on the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle' he says.

'As bedtime approaches, your core body temperature naturally begins to drop. This cooling process is a signal to your body that it’s time to prepare for sleep. The decrease in core body temperature is associated with the release of the sleep hormone melatonin, which helps you feel sleepy. If your environment is too warm, it can interfere with this cooling process, making it harder to fall asleep'.

Opting for a mattress topper made of natural materials rather than synthetics can be the easiest way to ensure a more breathable sleep – and cotton or wool-filled topper can even 'fix' a mattress that's causing you to overheat by providing a 'breaker layer' with increased airflow between your body and the bed.

As Chris Tattersall, Sleep Expert and MD of wool bedding specialists Woolroom, explains, 'if you are naturally a hot sleeper, toppers made with feather and down or memory foam will trap in heat, likely causing you to wake up in the night. Wool has natural temperature-regulating properties, helping you to stay cool when it’s hot and warm when it’s cold. Wool also has better moisture management capabilities, transporting moisture away from the body as opposed to feather/down and synthetic alternatives'.

In our tests, we definitely found this to be the case, with our tester praising the breathability and temperature regulation of the Woolroom Deluxe Wool Mattress Topper.

FAQs

Can a mattress topper help with back pain?

According to registered Osteopath Dave Gibson, 'yes, a mattress topper can help with back pain. If your mattress feels too firm, a softer topper can provide relief. Conversely, if your mattress is too soft or worn and causing lower back pain, a firmer topper will reduce sinkage and offer better support'.

Can a topper make a soft bed feel firmer?

Yes, a mattress topper can help a soft mattress feel firmer if you opt for the right one. As Osteopath Dave Gibson explains, 'If you’re aiming to make your mattress firmer, the topper's material matters more than its thickness; firmer materials like latex or high-density foam will offer better support regardless of thickness'.

I can confirm this is the case with the best firm mattress topper we've tested. IKEA's NISSEHOLM mattress topper is only 5cm deep, but as it's made from high-resilience foam (otherwise known as high-density foam) it offers a much firmer feel than most other toppers we've tested.

Do I need a mattress topper or a new mattress?

If you're pondering the mattress topper vs new mattress debate, then the right choice may come down to how old your mattress is. Experts suggest you should change your mattress every seven years to then years. Beyond this timeframe, the support offered by any mattress will start to decline.

So, if your mattress is nearing the end of its lifespan anyway, it may be best to plump for a new one, as a mattress topper isn't going to disguise any issues for long. However, if your mattress is almost new but isn't fulfilling your needs, a topper could help, especially if the issues you're struggling with are a mattress tension that's too firm or a mattress that's causing you to overheat.

On the flip side, if your mattress is too soft a topper is unlikely to help, as most can only offer cushioning rather than reinforced support. Again, in this case, a new mattress is likely your best bet for a more comfortable sleep. Our round-up of the best mattress deals can help you save money if this is the route you need to take.

Do I need a mattress topper or a protector?

If you're not sure on the differences between a mattress topper vs a protector then our guide to what is a mattress topper can help. However, the main difference between a mattress topper and a mattress protector is its thickness. Some of the best mattress protectors may have a bit of padding, but at most, they're usually only one or two centimetres deep and are not intended to add the levels of comfort you can get from a topper.

If you want to shield your mattress from spills and keep it fresh, a protector is for you. If it is the added comfort you need, choose a topper. Need both? Get a mattress protector that is deep enough to cover your mattress with a topper on top.

How thick should a mattress topper be?

The average mattress topper tends to be around five centimetres deep, although they can range from between two to ten centimetres. The best thickness for you will depend on your preferred sleeping position and how much cushioning you're looking for.

Based on our tests, those toppers under 5cm can add a little extra softening and snuggle-factor, but they're unlikely to change to feel of your sleep surface in the same way as a topper of 5cm or over.

Do you put a fitted sheet over a mattress topper?

Yes, I would always add a fitted sheet or a flat sheet over a mattress topper. In fact, unless your topper comes with a removable and machine-washable cover, I would suggest adding both a mattress protector and a sheet over your topper to keep your bed clean and fresh.

After all, a sheet and a mattress protector are far easier to stick in the washing machine than a thick topper, and whilst you can spot clean a mattress topper, it's simpler to avoid it if you can.

A sheet and mattress protector will form a barrier between your skin and the topper that can absorb sweat, oils, and dead skin cells (yuck!).

Can I use a duvet as a mattress topper?

If you can't afford a mattress topper right now, then yes, you could use a duvet as a replacement. This will help if your mattress is too firm and you want to add an extra layer of comfort, but it won't work quite as well as a dedicated topper at delivering cushioning or support.

A duvet may also become bunched up under your sheets, whereas a topper generally has elasticated straps to hold it in place on your mattress. But, it's certainly worth giving a duvet a try first as it's usually a cheaper option than a dedicated topper.