The ‘best mattress topper’ could mean a number of things, and it changes from person to person:
It's important to make sure you get the best mattress topper for you. We're here to help you decide.
Below we explain whether toppers are worth purchasing for your mattress, their benefits and the different types of mattress toppers available.
First of all, it’s worth keeping in mind that mattress toppers are not something that you need to purchase alongside a mattress in order to feel comfortable. Think of a topper as a means of providing an extra boost of comfort to your mattress.
Many people will purchase a mattress topper after they’ve had their mattress for a few years and it’s begun to feel a little worn. If you’ve just invested in a brand new mattress, you don’t necessarily have to start thinking about adding a topper to your mattress just yet, unless you are looking for that extra bit of comfort.
If you are looking for extra comfort or a means to slightly alter the firmness of your mattress, a topper is the perfect solution and well worth it.
You can feel the difference instantly with a mattress topper and you’ll be able to enjoy its benefits for years to come!
Don’t just take our word for it though, see what our customers have to say below about our best-selling mattress toppers:
‘Great product - transformed a nice but too firm bed into an amazingly comfortable and temperature perfect bed.’ - Duncan
‘Fantastic night sleep and saved us buying a new mattress.’ - Alex
‘Takes the harshness out of my extra hard mattress. Supports my hips even though it is soft.’ - Bob
‘Very comfortable to lie on... We decided to try the topper as we were finding it difficult to decide on the right firmness of mattress (they are expensive, so you don’t want to spend the money for it to be wrong for you).’ - James
‘Turns a disappointing mattress into a comfortable one.’ - Robert
‘Absolutely love it! Makes a huge difference. I feel I am sleeping on a cloud.’ - Claire
‘Excellent topper. I have been surprised by not only the quality but also the extra warmth it has provided.’ - Snookz
'Comfy and stays in place, great addition to my mattress.' - Susan
Investing in a mattress topper can make a huge difference if you have a mattress that is too soft or too firm. It can even change the temperature of your mattress!
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To choose the best mattress topper, you need to take into consideration the following factors:
If you’re not sure where to start when choosing a topper, don’t worry. In the following sections, we will walk you through:
Before we start explaining the differences between types of mattress toppers, you should know the actual benefits of having a topper.
This way, you can find out which benefits to prioritise when searching for the best mattress topper for your needs.
Below, we go into detail about how mattress toppers can have a positive impact on your sleep and your mattress.
Although mattress toppers don’t necessarily protect your mattress from accidents and spills like mattress protectors, they do take some of the strain off of your mattress each night as they take the majority of the wear and tear away from the surface of your mattress.
This will help your mattress stay in better condition for longer, as your mattress topper will take the majority of the wear and tear over the years.
If you do notice that after a few years, your topper is looking worse for wear, you can simply buy a new one rather than having to buy a brand new mattress.
The main job of a mattress topper is to add extra comfort to your mattress, helping you fall asleep that little bit easier - who wouldn’t love that?
Think of them as a thin mattress that you place on top of your existing one. They even come in different types, just like mattresses. For example:
So, no matter what mattress you have or how you like to sleep, we have the mattress topper for you.
As mattress toppers sit on top of your mattress, they can protect it from hair and dust mites that would usually become embedded in your mattress over time.
This means that you don’t have to worry about cleaning your mattress so often. And most mattress toppers come with a removable, washable cover for easy cleaning.
Some mattress toppers are even hypoallergenic, which means that if you are sensitive to irritation, you can enjoy a sneeze-free sleep!
If you’re looking for something that only protects your mattress against spills, stains and accidents, a mattress protector may be more beneficial for you.
After a few years, your mattress may start to feel a little bit less comfortable than it used to. Rather than investing in a brand new mattress, you can buy a topper to make your mattress feel good as new for a fraction of the price!
When you first buy a mattress, it can take a little while to adjust to how it feels. This process can take up to a few weeks. By using a mattress topper, you can enjoy a blissful night’s sleep from the very beginning!
Most mattress toppers are designed to provide either more support or cushioning comfort.
Memory foam and other foam toppers usually provide more firmness. Toppers with natural fillings such as wool provide cosier, sink-in comfort.
Before making a purchase, we recommend checking the product description of each topper as firmness can vary between manufacturers.
Some mattress toppers can change how warm or cool your mattress feels.
Gel foam mattress toppers can usually make your mattress feel slightly cooler. Thicker mattress toppers will make your mattress feel warmer.
Again, we recommend checking each product description, as these features can change between brands.
If you're looking to keep your bedroom cool and fresh in the summer and warm and cosy in the winter, check out our summer bedding and winter bedding collections.
Unlike mattresses, you can buy and easily store more than one mattress topper. This allows you to swap toppers depending on the seasons, making your bed cooler or warmer as you like.
You may wish to preserve your topper and only use it when you want to treat yourself to a more luxurious night’s sleep.
Mattress toppers can be used to tailor your bedroom environment to your specific sleep preferences - it’s completely up to your how you use them.
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Just like with mattresses, there are different types of mattress toppers for you to choose from. Each type comes with a different set of benefits.
The four types of mattress toppers we’ll be talking about are:
Gel mattress toppers are made with a layer of gel foam. This foam is designed to relieve pressure from your joints. These toppers are often cooler than other types of topper.
Gel mattress toppers are great for:
They can help relieve pressure from your lower back, but you will feel the most benefit if the topper is placed on a firm or orthopaedic mattress.
Memory foam mattress toppers are often more dense and heavy than other types of toppers. They are made up of either one or multiple layers of memory foam and mould to your body shape for unique support and comfort.
Memory foam mattress toppers offer:
Memory foam mattresses can help care for your back by providing pressure relief in the areas where you need it the most.
However, if your memory foam topper is not being supported by a suitable orthopaedic or firm mattress, you may not see any improvement in your comfort levels.
This varies between each product. In general, memory foam mattress toppers are now much better at not absorbing heat, but many customers find they do feel warmer than other types of toppers.
This is because memory foam uses your body heat to help mould itself around your shape to provide comfort and support.
If you’re looking for a cooler topper, why not check out our gel mattress toppers?
Wool mattress toppers - or any other toppers with natural fillings - are usually deeper and thicker than foam toppers. They have a more luxurious feel and provide that ‘sink-in’ comfort that you may be looking for.
Wool mattress toppers have:
This often depends on the season. Wool is a naturally breathable material and this can help to regulate your body temperature.
It means that wool can keep you cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Hollowfibre mattress toppers provide a plush and cosy addition to your mattress. They are often cheaper than other types of toppers and are a great budget-friendly option.
Hollowfibre mattress toppers are:
Now that you know all about the different types of toppers available for your mattress, why not take a look at your range?
Here’s a list of the different mattress topper brands we stock:
We stock only the best mattress toppers from these brands. So, no matter which brand you choose to buy from, you can rest assured that you’ll have an excellent new addition to your bedroom.
We stock a range of Silentnight mattress toppers to suit any budget. This includes both memory foam and hollowfibre mattress toppers.
These toppers range from around - , depending on whether or not they are in a sale. (Disclaimer: these prices are subject to change.)
Hypnos mattress toppers are made using wool fillings for a more comfortable and luxurious night’s sleep. These are some of our most high-end mattress toppers.
Our Hypnos toppers start around , depending on what sales we have on. (Disclaimer: these prices are subject to change.)
Like their mattresses, Emma toppers are made entirely of memory foam for a supportive night’s sleep. They are tailored to a higher-end budget.
These mattress toppers are around . (Disclaimer: prices subject to change)
Our TEMPUR mattress toppers are the highest priced here at Mattress Online. They are some of the most luxurious toppers you will find on the market and are made to the highest quality.
TEMPUR mattress toppers are around . (Disclaimer: these prices are subject to change.)
Luna toppers are made using gel and are one of the best mattress topper choices for a mid-range budget. They are high quality and provide just the right comfort and support.
Luna mattress toppers start at around . (Disclaimer: prices subject to change.)
Between all of these fantastic mattress topper brands, you’ll be sure to find the best mattress topper for your needs!
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The main difference between mattress toppers and protectors is that mattress toppers are designed for additional comfort, while protectors are designed to protect your mattress.
Below we’ve explained the main differences between the two:
Mattress toppers | Mattress protectors |
Feel quite cushioned or foamy | Protects against spills and accidents |
Can make your current mattress feel brand new | Will extend the lifespan of your mattress |
Can make your mattress more comfortable/supportive | Keeps your mattress clean and fresh |
Help to relieve pressure | Can protect you from allergies |
Will change the feel of your mattress | Helps to protect the mattress warranty |
You can swap them according to the seasons | - |
Can’t decide which is best for you? You can actually use both on your mattress at the same time!
If you do choose to use both, your topper should go underneath the protector.
Mattress toppers and pillow top mattresses are actually two very different products with a similar name.
Pillow top mattresses are mattresses that have a specialised layer built onto the top of the mattress for more luxurious support.
Mattress toppers are a product that you buy separately from your mattress. They are a layer that sits on top of your mattress to provide more comfort and support.
Now you know which mattress topper is best for you, why not head over to our mattress topper range? With Free Next Day Delivery on all of our toppers, you can enjoy a better night’s sleep as soon as tomorrow!
Still have questions about toppers? The following guides offer more information about mattress toppers:
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