Best mattress toppers for 2025: A dozen models tried, tested and recommended
Is your mattress failing to give the best night’s sleep? These toppers will provide a much-needed layer of comfort.

Unless you’ve used a mattress topper before, you may be wondering what all the fuss is about. Especially if you’re already sleeping on one of our best mattress picks. But trust us, they can make a marked difference to your sleep by providing an extra layer of comfort, warmth and protection tailored to your needs.
“They can also extend the life of your mattress by reducing wear and tear,” says Emily Atwood, founder of scooms. “And they are a more cost-effective solution for adjusting how firm or soft your bed is without buying a whole new mattress.”
So, like the best duvets, a mattress topper can provide extra levels of comfort on a mattress that’s no longer that comfortable to sleep on by providing cushioning that’s either softer or firmer. For example, you may have tired of your memory foam mattress, and want a chance to trial something softer; something a topper can offer with less commitment required than a new mattress. Or if the budget doesn’t allow for a replacement mattress at the moment.
They can also be handy if you have house guests. While some might love the support of your super-firm hybrid mattress, having a down mattress topper on hand can soften up their sleep experience if that’s what they prefer.
We’ve updated our best mattress toppers guide for 2025 to include the latest designs from big brands like Emma, Simba and Silentnight, which join our favourites from Tielle, Scooms and The White Company. We’ve slept on each one ourselves, to analyse factors such as comfort, support, ease of care and more.
At a glance - the best mattress toppers for 2025:
Best mattress topper overall: Tielle Loves Luxury Savoy Luxury Hotel Topper
Best hybrid mattress topper: Simba Hybrid Topper
Best memory foam mattress topper: Emma Sleep Flip Topper
Best goose down mattress topper: Soak & Sleep Goose Down Dual Chamber Topper
Best firm mattress topper: Emma Premium Mattress Topper
Best hypoallergenic mattress topper: The White Company Hypoallergenic Comfort Topper
Best premium mattress topper: Scooms Hungarian Goose Feather & Down Mattress Topper
Best affordable mattress topper: The Fine Bedding Company The Spundown Mattress Enhancer
Best warming mattress topper: Silentnight Heat Genie Mattress Topper
Best sustainable mattress topper: Panda Bamboo Mattress Topper
Best affordable cooling mattress topper: Slumberdown Airstream Memory Cool
Best mattress topper for guests: The Odd Company Feather & Down Mattress Topper
How we test

Our team of testers included:
Female, 40s, menopausal and sleeps both hot and cold
Male, 40s, suffers from intermittent back pain
Female, 30s, no specific sleep needs
Male, 30s, no specific sleep needs
Each topper was slept on for a minimum of two nights (mostly three to five nights), to get a true representation of how each option felt. The Emma, Simba, Odd Company, Soak & Sleep and Silentnight toppers were tested in September 2025, and the others in December 2024.
We’ve tested both king-size and double mattress toppers to match the size of the mattress that we slept on at the time. For each review, we have made it clear what size was tested. In each case, the bedding, duvet and pillows used were always the same, to ensure that any changes or issues noted were in fact due to the topper, rather than any other external factors.
During testing, we made a note of various different factors about the mattress toppers in order to properly evaluate their pros and cons.
Each topper was examined for five different factors:
First impression: Did the mattress topper look good, feel good to the touch, and did it have an odour after unboxing? How did it unfold onto the bed?
Sleep experience: Did it feel comfortable to sleep on top of? Did it elevate our sleep experience, or create extra aches and pains? Did it feel cool and comfortable, or too hot? We also looked at whether it improved the comfort of our six-year-old memory foam mattress.
Value for money: Did the topper feel worth its expense, or did it offer great value for money? And, how did it compare to the price point of other toppers on the market?
How well it fit to the mattress: Was the topper easy to put on to the mattress, and did it have any additional features to help fix it into place? Did it move around in the night?
Cleaning: How easy is it to care for each topper? Can they be machine washed if stains appear, or are they more high-maintenance?
Best mattress toppers 2025

Best mattress topper overall
Size tested: King
Sizes available: Single, Double, King, Super King
Materials: 70% feather and 30% down in a 100% cotton casing
Care instructions: Can be machine washed at up to 60C
Sleep trial? No - but returns with 14 days permitted if unopened
As soon as this topper came out of its box, it became clear that the product indeed lived up to the inclusion of the word luxury in its name. The Savoy Luxury Hotel Topper had a delightfully luxurious (there’s that word again), squishy feel. And given that it is made with a feather and down filling, you’d expect nothing less. As such, the topper immediately felt comfortable to the touch, so we were intrigued to see whether this feeling of comfort truly transferred to the sleep experience.
This Tielle Loves Luxury mattress topper lived up to expectations during testing. We enjoyed the crisp yet soft and plush feel of the mattress topper as soon as we got into bed, and it proved to be incredibly cosy and comfortable to sleep on, bolstering the comfort levels of our six-year-old memory foam mattress significantly. At 7cm deep, it also added a serious feeling of height and cushioning to the mattress, which felt fantastic. As such, it would also provide a huge benefit to those who feel that their much older mattress may be beginning to sag, or doesn’t provide as much support as before.
To begin with, this topper felt a little hot, and left us both feeling warm when we woke up in the morning. However, after three nights of sleeping on it, this warmness reduced significantly, which was a relief. Interestingly, we both found ourselves waking up without the aches and pains we often experience from our old memory foam mattress, too. Not only that, but the Tielle Loves Luxury topper always felt very secure to the mattress too, with minimal to zero movement experience, likely thanks to its elasticated straps, which make the topper as easy to pop on as a fitted sheet.
There’s no denying that this is an expensive, luxury topper, coming in at £310 for the king-size option (a single is £182), so it’s certainly an investment, which is a little bit of a downside. However, we would have no hesitation in recommending this option to someone who needs a big improvement in both comfort and support with their current mattress, is okay with a little extra warmth as they sleep, and can afford to spend more on a topper.
Incredibly comfy and luxurious feel
Crisp and clean feel of the casing
Waking up comfortable
Very generous filling
Very pricey
Can feel hot at first
Incredibly comfy and luxurious feel
Crisp and clean feel of the casing
Waking up comfortable
Very generous filling
Very pricey
Can feel hot at first

Best memory foam mattress topper
Size tested: Double
Sizes available: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King
Materials: Memory foam and Aerocoil microsprings
Care instructions: Removable cover can be machine washed at up to 40C on a reduced spin cycle
Sleep trial? 200-night sleep trial
The Simba hybrid mattress topper arrived in an impressively large and sturdy branded box — well above my waist — and definitely required two people to carry it upstairs. It was vacuum-packed and neatly rolled, with handy carry handles on the box for grip. Once unwrapped, the topper quickly unfurled and began to expand. Initially, there was a noticeable chemical smell and a visible crease down the middle where it had been folded, but the mattress settled after a couple of hours. The smell lingered for a few days.
The Simba topper felt indulgently soft on the first try — almost “squidgy” thanks to its memory foam — yet still very supportive due to the layer of springs beneath. It provided noticeable lumbar support, which kept things comfortable over multiple nights. The mattress we used when testing all the double-sized toppers (also made by Simba) has deep buttons, and this hybrid topper evened them out beautifully, creating a smoother, more level surface. However, we did find that, on our double bed, we tended to roll slightly toward the middle, which made it feel less stable for two people sharing.
The topper itself feels thick, robust, and premium-quality. It’s one of the deeper toppers we’ve tried (around 7cm), so deep fitted sheets are a must. The elasticated straps were strong and easy to attach, keeping the topper in place well. Overall, it transformed our mattress into something plush and supportive — ideal for those who love a soft, enveloping feel but still want decent back support.
Thick, high-quality construction
Excellent lumbar support
Easy to attach with strong elastic straps
Evens out uneven or dimpled mattresses
Noticeable chemical smell on arrival
Tendency to make sleepers roll into the middle
Requires deep-fitted sheets
Quite heavy and awkward to move alone
Thick, high-quality construction
Excellent lumbar support
Easy to attach with strong elastic straps
Evens out uneven or dimpled mattresses
Noticeable chemical smell on arrival
Tendency to make sleepers roll into the middle
Requires deep-fitted sheets
Quite heavy and awkward to move alone

Best memory foam mattress topper
Size tested: King
Sizes available: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King
Materials: Emma Sleep foam and a removable polyester cover
Care instructions: The cover can be machine washed
Sleep trial? Yes - Emma Sleep offer a 100-night trial to allow you to test the topper, and offer a 10-year warranty
Upon unboxing the Emma Sleep Flip Topper, we experienced some fairly significant smells of off-gassing – which, while not unusual for memory foam products – arguably isn’t all that pleasant if you aren’t expecting it. Unfortunately, this lingered for a few days after first unboxing the mattress and laying it out on the bed. But we’re happy to report that by the final night of testing the smell had pretty much dissipated, so it’s not a long term issue – just something to be aware of.
A huge plus is that this Emma topper is incredibly easy to unpack and repack, folding out and back up super easily. As such, it would be very easy to move around when it first gets delivered, and if for whatever reason it needs to be packed up and shifted to another bedroom.
The topper did take some time to settle after unboxing, with some noticeable ridges and unevenness on top, which felt slightly uncomfortable on the first night. However, this completely flattened out after a few days, so this again shouldn’t be a problem in the long run.
When it comes to comfort and support levels, the Emma topper didn’t have the same plush feel of the Tielle Loves Luxury topper – but the comparison is slightly unfair given their differing filling types. Positively, it did feel very firm, and would be a fantastic option for those looking for better support from their mattress; we experienced minimal aches and pains after waking.
But where this topper really comes into its own is the fact that it can be flipped to the other side for a softer feel, having two different, specially designed foams on each side to cater to those who regularly want the choice between a softer or firmer sleep experience. This is ideal if your sleep needs change regularly depending on your daily activities, or if you share the bed with someone else. We did massively prefer the firm side for its superior support, and we left concluding that if you really want a soft topper, you might actually be better off opting for one with a different filling.
Positively, both testers slept like babies with this topper. The memory foam topper, tied with our memory foam mattress, meant minimal motion transfer, so we barely detected one another getting out of bed in the night and in the morning. Despite the fact that this topper doesn’t have elasticated straps (something we were initially wary of), it didn’t move at all and felt incredibly secure when placed on top of our mattress.
We also love how easy care this topper is, along with how easy it is to install and move. Not only is it easy to spot clean, but you can also pop the cover in the washing machine to keep it hygienic. And one of the biggest bonuses of this mattress topper is the fact that Emma Sleep allow you 100 days to test it out at home to see if it’s right for you; something none of the other brands on this list allow. It’s also a little more affordable than some of the other mattress toppers on this list, which is something to be aware of.
Firm and supportive
Easy to clean
Minimal motion transfer
Easy to move and pack away
Sleep trial available
Off-gassing smell
Took a while to settle flat
Firm and supportive
Easy to clean
Minimal motion transfer
Easy to move and pack away
Sleep trial available
Off-gassing smell
Took a while to settle flat

Best goose down/luxury mattress topper
Size tested: Double
Sizes available: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King, Emperor
Materials: Top consists of 70% Goose Down, 30% Goose Feather; Bottom is 100% Goose Feather; 233 thread count percale cotton case
Care instructions: Machine washable at up to 40C; tumble dry on low; do not iron or dry clean
Sleep trial? No, but a 5-year guarantee
The Soak & Sleep mattress topper arrived in a simple brown box, but inside was a reusable storage bag with see-through panels so you can see what’s inside. Wrestling it out and squeezing it back into the bag was a bit of an effort, but the bag itself feels high-quality and practical.
The topper, filled with premium goose down, immediately gave the sensation of lying on a thick, plump duvet – it was extremely luxurious and thick. We measured it to be around 2.5 inches or 6cm.
This topper offers a beautifully soft and cosy experience — ideal for those who want to soften a firm mattress rather than change its feel completely. It’s full of plush down filling, so you gently sink into it, but we could still feel the supportive structure of our mattress beneath. The sewn pockets – or cassettes, as Soak & Sleep calls them – keep the filling evenly distributed, preventing lumps and dips, and making it consistently comfortable across the bed’s surface. However, it may be a little on the soft side if you prefer a sleep surface that’s very firm and flat.
The Soak & Sleep topper has elasticated straps for securing it to your mattress, which worked well to keep it in place. If you sleep warm and want something cooling like our 40-something male tester, you won’t find it too smothering, either. It’s also machine washable and goes in the tumble dryer, albeit you’ll need a decent-sized drum to do it in, even with a single or double-sized topper.
The down and feathers are RDS certified, meaning you can be sure no harmful practices were used in sourcing them. And it’s certified as ‘superclean’ for allergy sufferers, so you shouldn’t get the sniffles when lying on top of this topper.
Overall, the Soak & Sleep topper adds a layer of cloud-like comfort and warmth — perfect for those who want to make their bed feel cosier and more indulgent.
Luxurious, soft goose down feel
Even filling distribution thanks to pocketed stitching
Comes with a reusable storage bag
Great for softening firmer mattresses
Warm and cosy for cooler months
Slightly tricky to fit back into its storage bag
Not ideal if you prefer a firm or very cool sleeping surface
May require occasional fluffing to stay even
Luxurious, soft goose down feel
Even filling distribution thanks to pocketed stitching
Comes with a reusable storage bag
Great for softening firmer mattresses
Warm and cosy for cooler months
Slightly tricky to fit back into its storage bag
Not ideal if you prefer a firm or very cool sleeping surface
May require occasional fluffing to stay even

Best hypoallergenic mattress topper
Size tested: King
Sizes available: Single, Double, King, Super King
Materials: Filled with soft polyester encased in cotton percale
Care instructions: Machine washing and tumble drying acceptable, but professional laundering advised
Sleep trial? No - but returns allowed if topper is unopened
We’ve all come to expect luxury from The White Company, and that was certainly the case when we unboxed the Hypoallergenic Topper from the brand. It comes delivered in a helpful carry case with a handle, which means that the topper is easy to unbox, and also simple to pack away again and store if necessary.
Out of the bag, the topper feels brilliantly soft and squishy (though not as much as the Tielle Loves Luxury option, due to its different filling type), and quite luxurious despite not being all that expensive. It certainly doesn’t have the loft height of other toppers though, which may or may not be preferable to you. But this fact also – again – makes it very easy to fold up and pop away, given it manageable size.
The elastic straps made popping the topper on top of our mattress very simple, and it stayed secure in the exact same spot even after tossing and turning on it for three nights. Despite not having the same thickness as the other toppers, this The White Company product felt very comfortable to sleep on, providing a solid layer of cushioning. However, given that it isn’t as thick as other toppers, it may not be as solid an option for those who are really struggling with the support and comfort of their current mattress as other toppers.
However, the quilted style of the topper means that the filling stays firmly in place, and it looked as put-together when taking off the bed sheets three days later as it did when we put it on.
But the real highlight of this topper is its hypoallergenic qualities. Our usually stuffy male sleeper woke up with a clear nose, which was a real win considering we tested these toppers at the height of pollen season. We also love that, to continue to keep things as hygienic as possible, this topper is machine washable and can be tumble dried. However, The White Company do advise professional laundering if at all possible, which makes care slightly trickier.
Overall, while this wasn’t absolutely transformative for sleep during the testing period, we believe this topper would make for a very pleasant addition to most beds, and could do a lot to improve sleep – as long as your current mattress isn’t at its worst!
Soft and comfortable
Maintains shape very well
On the more affordable side
Great for allergy sufferers
Easy to pack away
Doesn’t have the same cosy plushness of some toppers
Not ground-breaking in its results
Soft and comfortable
Maintains shape very well
On the more affordable side
Great for allergy sufferers
Easy to pack away
Doesn’t have the same cosy plushness of some toppers
Not ground-breaking in its results

Best premium mattress topper
Size tested: King
Sizes available: Single, Double, King, Superking
Materials: 15% white Hungarian goose down & 85% selected white Hungarian goose feather, washed in thermal spring water, in a 100% cotton cover
Care instructions: Spot cleaning only, and must be aired and shaken regularly to maintain filling. Professional laundering required every six months
Sleep trial? No - but free 30 day returns if unused, unwashed and in original packaging. 1 year guarantee
If you’re after a topper that oozes luxury (almost) from the moment you unbox it, then look no further than Scooms’ latest release, their Hungarian Goose Feather and Down topper – made with 15% white goose down, and 85% selected white goose feather.
The topper arrives in a slightly unusual green bag, which doesn’t exactly scream ‘premium’ to us, despite its high price tag. However, we appreciated the fact that the bag is definitely large enough to contain the incredibly plump topper should it need to be packaged up again and moved.
The next thing we noticed immediately was how plush the topper felt. With a significant loft height of 7cm, it almost felt like another (smaller) mattress on top of our existing one, and it made diving into bed incredibly cosy and comfortable. In fact, we slept like a baby on this mattress, and it elevated the experience of sleeping on our six-year-old mattress to something akin to a hotel sleeping experience. It felt quite supportive too, despite its plusher material. However, we did note that we felt a little hotter on this topper to begin with, but as with the Tielle Loves Luxury topper, this subsided after a few nights of testing.
The topper covered the entirety of our king size mattress and easily stayed in place, thanks to elasticated straps at each of the four corners. There’s also a green label to make sure you know where the end of the topper is supposed to go, which came in handy, and saves time when making the bed!
A commonly reported problem with some feather and down bedding products, is that the materials can sometimes move around the topper as you sleep. But this isn’t a problem with this Scooms topper, as it has been created with a ‘baffle box design’, to ensure that the filling is evenly distributed and stays that way even as you toss and turn in your sleep. And the proof is in the pudding - while it did look a little more crumpled and slightly flatter on top after three nights of testing, the filling of the topper stayed completely even.
That said, care of this topper is a little tedious because of its filling. It must be shaken and fluffed on a weekly basis, and professionally laundered every six months, on Scooms’ advice. But aside from this, we have almost no downsides to report for this topper.
Of course, a topper with this filling and at this quality does come with a rather high price tag, which is something to bear in mind for the more budget-conscious. However, if you can make it work, it’ll be well worth it for endless nights of luxury, comfortable sleep.
Incredibly comfortable
Hotel-like feel
Maintained an even spread
Can leave you a little hot
High-maintenance care
More expensive
Incredibly comfortable
Hotel-like feel
Maintained an even spread
Can leave you a little hot
High-maintenance care
More expensive

Best affordable mattress topper
Size tested: King
Sizes available: Single, Double, King, Super King
Materials: The Fine Bedding Company’s special microfibre filling
Care instructions: Can be machine washed at 60C, spot cleaned as necessary
Sleep trial? No - but free 30 day returns if unused and in original packaging.
Coming in a chic, handy carry bag similar to toppers double its price, this mattress topper from The Fine Bedding Company is easy to unpack and even easier to pack away again, especially given its manageable size and reduced thickness compared to other toppers.
That said, for a King size topper it is very generous in size when it comes to its width, and during testing we found that it even sloped slightly down over the edges of our king size mattress, which makes it feel that bit more comfortable – especially if you happen to stick a limb hanging out of the bed during the night! But of course, the elastic straps also come in handy to tie it securely to your mattress.
This topper is made of a microfibre infill that The Fine Bedding Company call Smartfil®, their own blend of fibre fillings for their bedding – which they say is shape-retaining and washable. This makes this topper very easy to care for. If you get any stains on it, it’s safe to be washed at 60C, meaning you can pop it in your washing machine with the rest of your bedding. This does mean that, as mentioned, the topper isn’t as thick as some of the others, hence the lower price point. But when it comes to the sleep experience, it does a great job at adding some extra padding to the mattress, so would work well on a mattress that had become a little more uncomfortable.
The filling blend used in this topper also means that it is hypoallergenic, so it’s a great affordable option for allergy sufferers. Neither testers woke up with the sniffles during our three-night testing period, which (again), is a fantastic result given that testing took part during the height of pollen season.
The one downside to this topper is that it didn’t have the biggest impact on our comfort and support levels as we slept. While we felt comfortable and cosy as we slept, we didn’t notice a huge transformation in our sleep, so it may not be the best option for those with a seriously old mattress.
But that said, if you’re simply looking for an extra layer of comfort on your bed but don’t want to spend much to achieve this, the very reasonably-priced Spundown Mattress ‘Enhancer’ from The Fine Bedding Company could be an excellent accompaniment to your sleep. In fact, one of this topper’s biggest plusses is that it offers luxury comfort at such an affordable price.
Hypoallergenic
Very affordable
Comfortable
Generous size width-wise
Isn’t as thick and plush as you might like
Not as transformative for the sleep experience as some other toppers
Hypoallergenic
Very affordable
Comfortable
Generous size width-wise
Isn’t as thick and plush as you might like
Not as transformative for the sleep experience as some other toppers

Best firm mattress topper
Size tested: Double
Sizes available: Single; Small Double; Double; King; Super King
Materials: Premium ThermoSync foam layer (76% polyester, 23% lyocell and 1% elastane) and adaptable HRX comfort foam (87% polyester and 13% polypropylene); 98% polyester and 2% elastane cover
Care instructions: Removable cover washable at a maximum of 40° C; Do not tumble dry, bleach, or iron
Sleep trial? 100-night sleep trial
The Emma mattress topper arrived neatly boxed and vacuum-packed, much like the Simba. Once unrolled and left to decompress, it expanded quickly to around 2.5 inches thick. From the first night, it felt firm and supportive and gave the sensation of sleeping on a completely new mattress. It’s great for adding structure and firmness to a bed that’s too soft or sagging slightly.
That said, this topper isn’t particularly breathable. It retains warmth and can feel quite hot during sleep, which might be uncomfortable in warmer weather. It also lacks elastic straps — a frustrating omission — meaning it tends to shift during the night, especially when one person moves more than the other. When our tester’s partner went away for a few days with work, our tester saw it noticeably migrate toward one side of the bed, which became irritating.
However, the Emma Premium topper’s firmness and support are excellent, and the removable, washable cover is a welcome practical touch. Overall, this topper is best suited for those who want to firm up a mattress rather than soften it, and don’t mind a bit of repositioning now and again.
Provides excellent firmness and support
Feels like a whole new mattress
Easy to clean with a removable, washable cover
Expands quickly after unpacking
No elastic straps — prone to sliding
Retains heat and can feel stuffy
Slightly heavy and awkward to reposition
Needs deep sheets due to thickness
Provides excellent firmness and support
Feels like a whole new mattress
Easy to clean with a removable, washable cover
Expands quickly after unpacking
No elastic straps — prone to sliding
Retains heat and can feel stuffy
Slightly heavy and awkward to reposition
Needs deep sheets due to thickness

Best warming mattress topper
Size tested: Double
Sizes available: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Small Super King, Super King, Emperor
Materials: 100% polyester facing; 100% polypropylene reverse with aluminium foil lamination
Care instructions: Machine washable at up to 40C; tumble dry on low; do not iron or dry clean
Sleep trial? No, but a 2-year guarantee
I’ll admit, I wasn’t expecting much from the Silentnight Heat Genie, as in my experience, Silentnight products have been more misses than hits — but the Heat Genie topper was truly impressive. It’s the thinnest topper we tested, at less than half an inch thick, but it’s designed more as a thermal layer than a plush comfort topper. It features a clever aluminium foil underside that captures and re-radiates your body heat, creating a warming effect that’s surprisingly noticeable.
Despite its simplicity, the Heat Genie works remarkably well. Within minutes of lying down, we could feel the warmth building up, making it an excellent choice for cold sleepers on chilly nights. It doesn’t alter the firmness or feel of your existing mattress, but it does make the bed instantly cosier without the need for an electric blanket. Its lightweight and compact design also makes it easy to put on and remove as the seasons change.
It’s washable, comes in a simple plastic storage bag, and is incredibly easy to handle — perfect for those wanting quick comfort on a budget. And of all the toppers we tested, we found its slim elastic straps the easiest to manoeuvre around our mattress. If you have allergies, this topper is hypoallergenic, and it’s machine washable for easy care.
In summary, while it doesn’t add much cushioning, it’s a fantastic low-cost solution for retaining heat and improving winter comfort.
Clever self-heating reflective design
Affordable and excellent value
Lightweight and great elastic straps for easy fitting
Washable for convenience
Perfect for cold sleepers
Very thin — offers little extra cushioning
Feels more like a mattress protector than a topper
Limited year-round use (best for winter)
Clever self-heating reflective design
Affordable and excellent value
Lightweight and great elastic straps for easy fitting
Washable for convenience
Perfect for cold sleepers
Very thin — offers little extra cushioning
Feels more like a mattress protector than a topper
Limited year-round use (best for winter)

Best affordable cooling mattress topper
Size tested: King
Sizes available: Single, Double, King
Materials: Made with COOLMAX foam filling and a polyester knit cover
Care instructions: The cover can be washed at 40C and dried in a tumble dryer. Topper should also be flipped monthly
Sleep trial? No
The Slumberdown Airstream Memory Cool topper may not present the same premium experience as some other toppers on this round-up of the best mattress toppers, but during testing, we really enjoyed the fact that it kept us cool all night, and provided us with some decent support, with such an affordable price tag.
The topper comes in a relatively thin carry bag, so it doesn’t ooze luxury. But that isn’t the selling point here, and we like the simple fact that the bag is reusable, and means you can fold the topper up and move it if you need to.
Unlike many foam sleep products, this mattress topper doesn’t have an off-gassing smell out of the box, which is a great bonus. That said, the first impressions aren’t entirely pleasing. The foam inside the topper doesn’t appear to be attached to the cover in any way, meaning that at first glance, it does feel a little cheap and less carefully made, which is a shame. However, when the topper is installed on the bed, everything feels much more secure thanks to the elastic straps that the topper comes with, which is a big tick in the box, as this feature isn’t guaranteed with all of the more affordable toppers on the market.
The topper looked great on the bed – though we did note that it had a little ridge in the middle, which took a day or two to go down. Slumberdown notes that this is very normal.
But despite these initial niggles, the sleep experience with this topper was fantastic, which is why it has made its way onto our guide of the best mattress toppers for 2024. After three nights of testing, the topper left both testers feeling comfortable, supported and most importantly, cool.
The cooling technology proved itself excellently, and left both testers (naturally hot sleepers) feeling markedly cooler overnight, both throughout the night and upon waking up, despite having the windows closed during the testing period. The brand notes that this topper is made with their soft knit COOLMAX topper, a material they explained is designed to be cool to the touch, and designed to wick away moisture. After a few days of testing, it appeared to work very well, and certainly felt cool to lay on.
We enjoyed the firmness levels of the topper too, which appeared to tow the line perfectly between supportive and comfortable. For the affordable price (a King size will set you back just £81.50, at the time of publishing), we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this topper, especially if you struggle with feeling too warm in the night with your current mattress, and want a topper with a cover that can be machine washed.
Cooling
No off-gassing smell
Great price pint
Comfortable and supportive
Ridges in the middle of the topper which took some time to go down
Looks and feels less premium - less well made
Cooling
No off-gassing smell
Great price pint
Comfortable and supportive
Ridges in the middle of the topper which took some time to go down
Looks and feels less premium - less well made

Best sustainable mattress topper
Size tested: King
Sizes available: Single, Small Double, King, Super King, EU Single, EU Double, EU King, EU Emperor
Materials: Memory foam grade 50D while the cover is made from a 70% bamboo fibre outer layer and 30% polyester support
Care instructions: Cover can be machine washed up to 40C, the memory foam is wipe clean only
Sleep trial? Yes - Panda offers a 30-night sleep trial on its mattress topper
With an impressive array of features, it’s hard to decide which aspect of this topper deserves the most praise. However, the use of bamboo in this topper is a game-changer. Bamboo is not just one of the most sustainable resources on the planet; it also comes with a host of benefits. Its natural antibacterial properties help fend off bacteria and dust mites, ensuring a cleaner sleeping environment.
Plus, bamboo excels at wicking away moisture, which keeps you dry and comfortable throughout the night. With all these natural advantages, it’s clear that this topper is as kind to the planet as it is to your health.
Upon unwrapping, I was pleasantly surprised by the lack of off-gassing or any strong chemical smell—something I often encounter with new bedding products. This immediate freshness made it easy to dive right in without having to air it out for days.
As for comfort, I recently purchased a new Panda mattress (see full mattress review here), which, while great, was slightly firmer than I had been used to, so this soft and spongy topper was a welcome treat. The memory foam is orthopedic-grade, designed to contour naturally to your sleeping position, which helped me maintain healthy alignment for my joints and muscles.
Infused with heat-sensitive micro gel capsules, this mattress topper adapts to your body temperature, keeping you cool and enhancing airflow for a refreshing sleep experience. Additionally, the silicone base pattern minimizes movement and prevents slipping, while adjustable corner straps ensure a snug fit over my mattress, allowing me to sleep soundly without constant readjustment.
The removable bamboo cover is another plus. It zips off easily for washing, allowing me to maintain a fresh and hygienic sleeping environment with minimal effort.
Soft and luxurious feel
Sleep trial available
Hypoallergenic
Sustainable materials
Adjustable elastic straps helped to secure the topper to my mattress
Took a little while for ridge to flatten out in the memory foam
Soft and luxurious feel
Sleep trial available
Hypoallergenic
Sustainable materials
Adjustable elastic straps helped to secure the topper to my mattress
Took a little while for ridge to flatten out in the memory foam

Best mattress topper for guest rooms
Size tested: Double
Sizes available: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Small Super King, Super King, Emperor
Materials: 85% European new white duck feather and 15% new white duck down; 233 thread count, 100% pure cotton case
Care instructions: Sponge clean only with warm soapy water; air dry
Sleep trial? No
The Odd Company feather and down topper initially came wrapped in a rather plain grey plastic cover, but inside was the brand’s signature cotton storage bag — cream with burgundy and navy stripes — which was both stylish and practical. It was easy to pack and unpack, making this topper one of the more user-friendly options when it came to setup and storage.
This topper felt slightly firmer and thinner than the Soak & Sleep version, with a depth of about 1.5 to 2 inches. You can still feel your mattress beneath, but it adds just enough softness to make the bed more inviting. It has that same duvet-like sensation of down, but feels a touch more structured. The elastic straps are long and thin, making it one of the easiest toppers to attach securely — particularly useful if you have a deeper or bulkier mattress.
While not quite as thick or plush as the Soak & Sleep topper, it’s practical and well-made. Plus points include one of the widest choices of sizes (seven), and NOMITE certification, which means it’s suitable for allergy sufferers. It’s also made in Scotland, so you’re eliminating carbon-intensive journeys and supporting British industry by buying it. On the downside, it’s not machine washable, which you may find impractical.
Overall, this is a great all-rounder topper, offering gentle cushioning without dramatically changing the feel of your mattress. Because it’s so easy to whip out of the bag and attach to the duvet, as well as being quite lightweight for one to manage, it’s ideal for guest rooms where you might want to quickly add softness to a firmer mattress, then take it away for other guests with different sleep needs.
Attractive and reusable storage bag
Easy to attach with long, flexible straps
Soft, natural feather and down filling
Great for occasional or guest use
Made in the UK
Lots of size options
On the expensive side
Not machine washable
Requires regular fluffing to maintain loft
Attractive and reusable storage bag
Easy to attach with long, flexible straps
Soft, natural feather and down filling
Great for occasional or guest use
Made in the UK
Lots of size options
On the expensive side
Not machine washable
Requires regular fluffing to maintain loft
How to buy a mattress topper
Buying a mattress topper can feel slightly confusing, especially as they aren’t something that many of us buy all the time. And in fact, you may never have bought one before. So before you do make the purchase, it’s important to consider how a topper could prove beneficial to you, and which sort of topper you should ideally choose, to ensure you get the maximum benefit.
The most important thing to consider is whether or not a topper is truly the right choice for your bed. Toppers generally shouldn’t be used if your mattress is sagging significantly, or is decades old and in need of imminent replacement. In this case, a new mattress is always the better option.
But if you find your mattress isn’t that old, but just feels a little bit uncomfortable now, gives you some aches and pains, or you feel you simply no longer want to sleep on that sort of material, a mattress topper can certainly elevate your sleep experience. If you’ve decided you do need a topper, these are the main features to look at:
Filling
It’s vital to first consider what sort of filling you want your topper to contain. Do you want a soft, plush, luxury topper that makes your bed feel as cosy, warm and comfortable as possible? If so, some of the toppers with natural fillings above will likely be suitable. However, if you’re after something more supportive, or even something with cooling technology, the foam options are likely to be better for you.
Care
Think about how convenient you need your topper to be too. Elasticated straps help to keep the topper in place – and while some can be cleaned in the washing machine, others need more considered care. So it’s important to think about what sort of care you are happy to commit to with your topper, especially considering that it is an additional item to your existing pillows, mattress protector and duvet!
Price point
And finally, one of the most essential considerations is your budget. As you can see, the price point for toppers can vary widely, with some selling for hundreds of pounds, while others are far more affordable.
Usually, those with natural fillings, such as feather and down, are on the pricier side, so it’s important to think about a) whether this filling works for you, and b) whether this kind of topper fits within your budget – or if you realistically need to consider something more affordable, as great compromises like Feather & Black’s offering above do exist on the market
Mattress toppers FAQs
What should I look for in a mattress topper?
‘‘A mattress topper can make a big difference to how well you sleep, whether you’re refreshing an older mattress or adding an extra layer of comfort to a newer one,” says Jon Moore, Marketing & Ecommerce Director at Simba Sleep. “The most important things to consider are support, comfort, and breathability. A good topper should improve pressure relief for your shoulders, hips, and spine, while also making your bed feel more comfortable overall.”
Materials are key here, too. “Foam toppers can add softness but sometimes trap heat, while toppers with spring technology usually offer more bounce and better airflow,” says Moore.
Meanwhile, down and feather toppers are more duvet-like in consistency. They’re likely to offer less firm support, but can enhance a too-hard or lumpy mattress. You may also find them more breathable than foam. Finally, affordable polyester toppers might be too thin to make a dramatic difference to your mattress comfort levels, but they might have features you’d not thought of, like the Silentnight Heat Genie’s ability to make your bed warmer as you sleep.
Durability also matters. A high-quality topper should keep its shape and support over time, so it’s worth choosing one designed with robust, tested materials rather than a cheaper option that may flatten quickly.
How do I know if a topper is right for me?
‘‘Think about what you want to change about your current mattress. If you find it too firm, a topper can add softness and relieve pressure,” says Jon Moore. “If your mattress feels too soft, a firmer topper can help with alignment. Simba’s Hybrid® Topper, for instance, has a nine-zone foam base that mirrors your body’s natural shape and offers targeted support where you need it most.”
Your sleep environment also plays a role. Hot sleepers may benefit from breathable designs, while restless sleepers might look for toppers with motion isolation. For the latter, mouldable memory foam and down toppers often perform best.
“One last point is practicality. A removable, washable cover makes it easier to keep clean, and secure straps stop the topper from sliding about during the night,” says Moore. “And unlike replacing your whole mattress, a topper is a quicker, more affordable way to upgrade your sleep.’’
What’s the difference between a mattress topper and a mattress protector?
“A mattress protector acts as a shield for your mattress, effectively safeguarding it against spills, stains, and everyday wear and tear,” explains Alison Jones, Sleep Expert at leading mattress brand, Sealy UK. “By fitting snugly over your mattress, it forms a protective barrier, ensuring that it remains fresh and hygienic for longer.”
“A mattress topper, however, serves a different purpose; it’s designed to enhance the comfort of your bed by adding an extra layer of support,” Jones adds. “Placed atop your mattress, it provides a luxurious cushioning effect, transforming your sleep experience.”
Do I need both a mattress topper and a protector?
Fitting both a protector and a topper to your mattress may seem overkill. After all, surely the topper will essentially fulfil the role of protector? Yet ask most experts, and they will likely say yes to both, with the protector placed over the topper. “To prolong its life and avoid regular cleaning sessions, it’s worth adding both a topper and protector to your mattress,” says Jones. “The combination of additional support and protection against sweat and odours will ensure that your mattress remains in an optimal condition, providing you with a restful and hygienic sleep environment, night after night.”
There is also a rarer ‘third way’ that you might not have thought of – a mattress encasement. “Rather than the usual blanket-style mattress topper or protector, a mattress encasement is a protective cover that surrounds a mattress, typically including the top, bottom, and all four edges,” says Jones. “It’s designed to protect against a variety of elements that may interfere with both your sleep and the longevity of your mattress, including bed bugs, allergens, spills, stains, and moisture.”
What is the best type of topper for a mattress?
The best mattress topper for you depends on your sleep preferences, support needs, and any specific requirements like temperature control or allergy concerns.
Memory foam toppers: These adapt to your body’s contours, providing excellent pressure relief and support, which is particularly beneficial for side sleepers or those with joint pain. However, they can retain heat, so they might not suit those who tend to sleep warm.
Feather and down toppers: If you’re after a plush, cloud-like feel, feather and down toppers are ideal. They add a soft, luxurious layer to your mattress but require regular fluffing to maintain their shape.
Synthetic toppers: Options like microfibre or hollow fibre are lightweight, affordable, and often hypoallergenic, making them great for those with sensitivities. While they’re easy to care for, they may lack the durability or support of other materials.
Wool toppers: Wool offers natural temperature regulation, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter. It’s a fantastic eco-friendly choice, providing medium support with a touch of softness.
Do mattress toppers make a big difference?
Mattress toppers can significantly enhance your sleep quality by transforming the feel of your mattress. They provide an extra layer of comfort and support, helping to address specific issues like firmness, pressure points, or temperature regulation. They can make a great difference to the below:
Improve comfort: A topper can soften a mattress that feels too firm or add support to one that’s too soft, ensuring a more tailored sleeping surface.
Extend mattress life: Acting as a protective barrier, toppers reduce wear and tear on your mattress, potentially extending its lifespan.
Adjust temperature: Materials like wool or gel-infused memory foam can help regulate your sleeping temperature, keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Relieve pressure: Toppers such as memory foam or latex conform to your body, alleviating pressure on joints and promoting better spinal alignment.
How many inches of mattress topper is best?
Choosing the right thickness for a mattress topper depends on what you need for a comfortable night’s sleep. If your mattress feels almost perfect but could use a slight tweak, a one to two-inch topper might be enough to add a bit of softness or firmness.
A three-inch topper offers a more significant adjustment, providing enhanced comfort and support for a wider range of needs. For those looking to transform the feel of a firm or aging mattress entirely, a four-inch topper can make a dramatic difference, adding plushness and support where it’s needed most.
Factors like your sleeping position, weight, and personal preference should help guide your decision to ensure the topper complements your mattress and enhances your rest.
More from The English Home





