The best mattress toppers – our top recommendations for cushioning, support, and breathability

The best mattress toppers can help to 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 individual needs, a topper could also 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.

Whilst even the best bed toppers can't replace investing in the best mattress for your sleep needs – not even our top pick the Simba Hybrid Topper can perform miracles on a mattress that's past its best – a topper can be a useful way to tweak your bedtime comfort.

In order to bring you our top recommended mattress toppers, our review team slept on each option included in this guide for multiple nights to assess its cushioning, comfort, and breathability. We also took value for money, sustainability, and third-party reviews from happy (or not-so-happy) owners into consideration when compiling our top recommendations.

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 our testers recommend it if you keep on 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 as well as a memory foam upper 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 testers found it did a great job of masking a hard sleep surface underneath. The upper memory foam layer offered good cushioning for our testers who usually sleep on their sides or back, whilst the spring base means the sleep surface still feels responsive and changing position is easy.

As one tester 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 in to 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, our testers also found this topper to deliver a cool night's sleep.

The combination of straps and an antislip base also meant it stayed firmly in place on the 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 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 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 says, 'The Panda 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 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, our tester – who is often prone to overheating – also found this topper a lot more breathable than many 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 mean 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 responsibilty 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 experience, 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 becomes trapped by bedding or nightwear and is 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. That's particularly good news if you're menopausal and prone to night sweats, or simply a hot sleeper. In fact, this Woolroom option impressed all of our warm-blooded testers by delivering a deeper night's sleep without any hot and sticky 3am wake-ups. 

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 one tester 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 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 mattress topper for side sleepers

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The Emma Premium Mattress Topper is one of our top choices for the best mattress topper for side sleepers. 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 its too soft and squashy for some – especially front or back sleepers – but, its comfort levels impressed several of our side sleeping testers who prefer a softer sleep surface.

Despite initial worries that they might overheat on the synthetic foam, our testers were also impressed by the topper's temperature regulation, with one tester 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 our tester noted a strong off-gassing smell on unboxing, 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 reponsibility 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 well 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 does mean 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 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 we 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. 

Our tester also found she had to shake it 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 feather and down mattress topper

This is the only mattress topper in our round-up that we haven't yet put through the Ideal Home testing process, but we have tested a wide range of M&S's feather and down bedding and have always found it good value, combining quality with reasonable price points compared to shopping elsewhere. This topper's 5 star customer reviews seem to back up our own experiences.

Feather bedding is popular because of its lofty feel that gives a real sense of luxury when you climb into bed, so if you're simply after a mattress topper to make your bed feel a bit more hotel-worthy, a feather and down topper could be for you. 

The downsides to a feather mattress topper – beyond the fact that this fill isn't suitable for vegans – is that the fill won't add that much support or cushioning to the bed. So if you're a side sleeper who is struggling on a firm mattress, this topper is unlikely to add enough cushioning around the hips or shoulders. Instead, this is more of a comfort layer, akin to adding a duvet between your sheet and the mattress. 

But, that does make a feather and down topper a good option for front sleepers, as it will soften up a firm mattress without adding so much cushioning that hips dip too low when laying on your front. It's also a good choice for back sleepers who just want to add an extra layer of comfort and cosiness to a bed.

It's also worth bearing in mind that in our tests with feather bedding we've found it is prone to trapping heat and can lead to hot sleepers overheating. A feather fill will also require regular shaking to keep the contents plumped up, so it's a little higher maintenance than other options.

How to choose the best mattress topper

Finding the best mattress topper for your needs generally comes down to thinking about your usual sleep position and opting for a topper that will complement this sleep style. We breakdown which option is likely to suit best below.

Best mattress topper for side sleepers

If you tend to sleep on your side then a mattress that is too firm can be especially uncomfortable. That's because side sleepers tend to need a softer sleep surface that allows the hips and shoulders to sink into the mattress surface whilst still supporting the waist. Extra cushioning can help the spine to stay well aligned, and prevents excess pressure on the hip and shoulder joints. 

A thicker mattress topper of just under 10cm is a great option for most side sleepers. 

It's also well worth looking for a topper made of foam or memory foam. In particular, memory foam is a dense material that's very malleable and reacts to body pressure and body heat to mould around your body shape. That means it can offer good cushioning around the hips and shoulders if you sleep on your side, and support the lumbar region if you lay on your back.

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 love the feel of memory foam but are prone to overheating, it's definitely worth paying a little more for a memory foam topper that's made with open cell memory foam for added breathability, or one that uses graphite or gel infusions to help regulate temperature. We think the best memory foam topper is Panda's The Topper which offers both of these features, although if you want a thicker option then the 9cm deep foam Emma Premium Topper also impressed our side sleeping reviewers.

Best mattress topper 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. 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.

Best mattress topper for front sleepers

Sleeping on your front is generally the sleep position frowned upon by osteopaths as it can put extra pressure on the spine and neck. However, if you can't get comfty 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, feather and down or polyester topper can add enough comfort to soften up a firm mattress.

Breathability

As mentioned, memory foam can be a great material for a mattress topper if extra comfort is your key aim. However, breathability is also important to a good night's sleep, as overheating can lead to sleep disturbance. 

If your mattress gets too warm at night and you're looking for a cooling mattress topper, then you're far better off opting for a mattress topper made of natural, breathable materials such as wool.

As Chris Tattersall, Sleep Expert and MD of wool bedding specialists Woolroom, says, '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'.

FAQs

Do I need a mattress topper or a new mattress?

If you're wondering how often you should change your mattress then experts suggest it should be every seven years or so. Beyond this, the support offered by even the best materials will start to decline. A mattress topper can help to prolong your mattress's lifespan by adding a top layer that can cushion joints and hold your body in a more comfortable position.

If your mattress is just a little past its best, or you're planning on getting a replacement in the next couple of years, then a mattress topper is an affordable way to improve your sleep without the full commitment and expense of a new mattress. But, if the mattress below is long overdue for a replacement, there's only so much a topper can do.

Do I need a mattress topper or a protector?

If you're not sure on the differences between a topper and 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 preference and the condition of the sleep surface you'll be placing the topper on.

However, in general, we think five centimetres makes for a good depth. Danielle Mason, Head of Product Development at bedding manufacturer The Fine Bedding Company, agrees saying, 'Ideally, a mattress topper should be at least 5cm deep, two-sided and fully turnable'.

How we test

You'll find full details of the Ideal Home review process on our How We Test page.

Our review team has tested out some of the bestselling mattress toppers on the market to find out if they live up to their claims. We tested each topper for comfort and cushioning, as well as breathability, by sleeping on each one for at least a week to see how it performed.

We also took value for money, sustainability, and third-party reviews from happy (or not-so-happy) owners into consideration when compiling our top recommendations.

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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.