Investing in one the market's best mattress toppers can really change your sleep quality for the better. They have the ability to ameliorate the comfort of your mattress through the extra cushioning, improve the airflow (hot sleepers will appreciate this as it prevents overheating) and offer a more luxurious feel to an old mattress. For those who haven't heard the term 'mattress topper' before, they are quilted duvet-like blankets that have elastic straps to fix over your mattress and under your fitted sheet. They provide an extra layer of breathable comfort that'll make you feel like you're sleeping on a brand new mattress. Take a look at our top picks below.
- The best mattress toppers at a glance
- Best mattress toppers in 2025
- The best memory foam mattress toppers
- The best down mattress toppers
- The best mattress toppers for support
- The best temperature regulating mattress toppers
- Frequently asked questions
- Does a mattress topper really help?
- What's the difference between mattress toppers and protectors?
- How do I choose a mattress topper?
- What is the best mattress topper in the UK?
The best mattress toppers at a glance:
If you haven't got time to read through our more detailed guide to the best mattress toppers to buy, we've compiled a handy list of our favourites, each chosen for their different benefits:
- Best mattress topper overall: Emma Premium Mattress Topper
- Best down mattress topper: The White Company Luxury White Down Topper
- Best mattress topper for support: Naturalmat Terrific Topper
- Best temperature regulating mattress topper: Simba Hybrid Topper
- Best budget mattress topper: Soak & Sleep Soft as Down Mattress Topper
MAY WE SUGGEST: Best mattress guide 2025
Best mattress toppers in 2025
A memory foam topper will offer the best possible support, offering the ultimate relief from discomfort. The best part is that you receive all the benefits of a memory foam mattress, without the price tag. Our favourite, and top pick for best all-rounder, is the Emma Premium Mattress Topper, a foam topper that is designed to be breathable, comfortable and supportive: the trifecta of mattress toppers. Our tester, Christabel, said of the topper 'whether, like me, you needed its specific temperature-controlling features, or if you are in desperate need of its firm-yet-pillowy levels of support, it is a quick and effective way to enhance any bed. The message is clear: the Emma Sleep Premium Mattress Topper is a failsafe way to have a luxurious bed without going the whole hog and buying a new mattress. Read our full review of the Emma topper here.
| Fact file | Premium Mattress Topper |
|---|---|
| Filling | Top layer: 76% polyester, 23% lyocell and 1% elastane. Bottom layer: 87% polyester and 13% polypropylene |
| Cover | 98% polyester and 2% elastane. |
| Country of manufacture | Ireland |
| Machine washable? | The top cover is removable and washable at a maximum of 40° C. |
| Sizes available | Single, small double, double, king, super king |
Panda London are relatively new on our radar, yet their offering is rather timeless. We cannot recommend their Cloud Duvet more highly, so being sandwiched between these two layers is sure to induce the most wonderful sleep. You can read more about their Cloud Duvet in our guide to the best duvets. Thanks to The Topper's patented ‘hydro-foam’, this topper will support your back, neck and hips, by keeping them in perfect alignment. To top things off, Panda's product is eco-friendly, hypoallergenic and breathable as a result of its bamboo cover.
Down mattress toppers are often the thickest type of mattress topper on the market. They offer a luxurious feel thanks to their puffy, cloud-like texture. There are a number of fantastic down toppers on the market and our top four are from The White Company, John Lewis, Soak & Sleep and Loaf. Each of these are well worth the money, providing comfort and support is huge measures.
The White Company's Luxury White Down Topper is exactly what you'd expect from the much loved furniture shop, blending quality and luxury seamlessly with having too extortionate a price point. Encased in 300 thread count cotton, this plump and cosy mattress topper will provide a super soft, cocooning layer to renew even the oldest of mattresses. Inside, you'll find a top layer of 80% white goose down and 20% white goose feather and a base layer made of 100% goose feather.
Our tester, commerce writer Tilly, said 'my bed has undoubtedly become a more comfortable and cosy place to sleep since it's been decked out with The White Company's topper, and it looks smarter and taller to boot. It's a simple way to level up your bed without shelling out hundreds more on a high-end new mattress. This is also ideal for renters in furnished accommodation. Its quality and sumptuous thickness feels worth the slightly higher expense, compared to if you spent less on a thin topper that is essentially a glorified mattress protector. I would recommend it for those who prefer a softer surface to sleep on.' Read the rest of her review here.
| Fact file | Luxury White Down Topper |
|---|---|
| Filling | Top layer: 80% white goose down, 20% white goose feather Base layer 100% goose feather |
| Cover | 300-thread-count 100% cotton |
| Machine washable? | Detachable top layer is washable at 60°C - machine wash and tumble dry, but for best results, professional laundering is recommended |
| Country of manufacture | China |
| Sizes available | Single, double, king, super king, emperor |
On the other end of the price scale is Soak and Sleep's Soft as Down Mattress Topper, which replicates the feel of down without the allergens. Instead, this topper is made from hollowfibre, a breathable synthetic thread that feels luxuriously soft.
Dusk's Luxury Duck Feather and Down Mattress Topper is also a great pick and again, it's on the more affordable end of the scale. Much like their bedding, the quality of this topper belies the price. This topper is made up of two layers, one contains lightweight duck feather and the other is filled with duck down, making this a super sumptuous and cosy layer. However, whilst it does feel cosy, you needn't worry about overheating, as this topper is breathable too.
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You need to ask yourself how much support you need when hunting for the best mattress topper. A supportive, medium firm topper will offer pressure relief for any aches and pains. The best for this would be Naturalmat's Terrific Topper which is designed to offer a balance of both support and comfort thanks to its 6cm depth and lambswool filling. What makes this one stand out from the crowd is that Naturalmat only use natural materials sourced from local farms in the southwest of England to be as environmentally friendly as possible.
For a similar style but for less than a third of the price, John Lewis's Synthetic Soft Touch Deep Mattress Topper would be a good alternative. Of course, the only downside here is that the material quality won't be quite up to the same standard as Naturalmat's. However, it offers a good level of support and is machine washable so we'd recommend it for a spare room.
Memory foam toppers are a reliable choice for sleepers who struggle with pressure points, as they contour to the body to provide tailored support and weight distribution. The REM-Fit Halo Memory Foam Topper is one of the standout options, combining high-density memory foam with cooling technology to prevent overheating while you sleep.
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At 7.5cm deep, it adds a substantial layer of comfort to any mattress, instantly softening overly firm beds or refreshing older ones. The adaptive foam relieves pressure on the shoulders, hips and back, making it particularly suitable for side sleepers or those managing aches and pains. Its breathable, removable cover is both hypoallergenic and machine washable, helping to keep your sleep environment fresh and hygienic.
An effective temperature regulating mattress topper will control your body heat throughout the night and there are a few ways a topper can achieve this. One is using a cooling gel, another is using open cell technology that improves air flow and the other is simply through the use of a breathable material like silk, which naturally cools the body. The Simba Hybrid Topper is a great example of ‘open cell’ technology and regulates temperature efficiently.
Made to accompany their best selling Hybrid Mattress (which you can read all about on our round up of best mattresses), this topper is the ultimate comfort boost for your bed. Don't fear, if you don't have their famed mattress, this topper works brilliantly on all mattresses as it has an anti-slip base and ‘wriggle-free’ straps that ensure this topper doesn't move an inch overnight. Those looking for temperature regulation will be really pleased as the open cell foam and specially designed springs that make up this topper will keep your body temperature just right all night.
The other topper we recommend in this category is the Freshtec Cooling Mattress Topper from Duvalay. Their special foam base allows for air flow that is 30 times greater than traditional memory foam. It's specifically designed to combat night sweats, making it ideal for those going through the menopause. It promises to transform any old mattress into a comfortable and supportive bed base and we think it lives up to this big claim.
Frequently asked questions
A mattress topper can help with a range of sleep ailments, from back pain and neck ache to extending the longevity of your mattress. If you're suffering in silence, have a look at your current mattress and opt for the opposite style of mattress topper. For example, if you have a very firm mattress, a soft mattress topper can provide much needed cushioning. On the other hand, a firmer mattress topper will add support to a softer mattress–and more support should help with sleep-related back pain. A topper is also particularly good if you can't afford to replace your current mattress with a new, high quality one; it's a quick fix that offers a great night's sleep without too much hassle.
We also implore you not to underestimate how much difference a mattress topper can make to the comfort of your sofa bed. Trust that your guests will be thankful for the extra layer of padding on top of that click-clack mechanism. Finally, hot sleepers will rejoice, as there are many cooling mattress toppers out there that contain silk or gel-infused material to regulate your body temperature.
A mattress protector is simply a product of function not comfort. It's a thinner covering that sits on top of your mattress, lying between your fitted sheet and your mattress, keeping it clean and protecting it from anything nasty like dust mites and prolonging its life. They are easy to whip on and off and pop in the washing machine – something you can't do with your actual mattress. On the other hand, a mattress topper is crafted for luxury and comfort, acting as the top layer on your mattress tower. They are much thicker, padded and more substantial than protectors. The topper sits below your fitted sheet, but on top of your mattress and protector.
There are four main things to look for when purchasing a new mattress topper. Roughly broken down they are: support, thickness, temperature regulation and whether it's easy to care for (i.e. is it machine washable). Thickness of the topper is important as it can affect how your fitted sheets fit over the mattress and topper.
Emma's Premium Mattress topper is one of the best mattress toppers you can buy. This foam topper is better for firm support. If you prefer a down-filled, softer topper, then The White Company's Luxury White Down Topper is ideal for those looking for a sinking, comfortable sleeping surface.
Looking for more mattress content? Take a look at our selection of the best mattresses available to buy in the UK, our round up of the best memory foam mattresses, or our top tips for how to clean a mattress. If you're looking to save some pennies, find out what we think is the best cheap mattress in our dedicated guide. Finally, if a buying a mattress that's mindful of the environment and your health is important to you, head over to our best organic mattress round up.
