9 best mattress toppers for a comfortable night’s sleep

If your mattress has seen better days and investing in a new one is not an option, Simba’s hybrid topper is the next best thing. Essentially a mini mattress, the topper arrives compressed and rolled up (much like a bed-in-the-box) – simply free it from the plastic packaging, roll it on top of your existing mattress and wait for it to expand. After a few hours, I found that the topper had puffed up and taken shape – the big issue though was the noticeable off-gassing smell that lingered for a day or two.

It was easy to secure using the attached thick elastic straps on each corner and it comes with an anti-slip layer too, which helps keep it in place all night long – ideal if you’re a particularly restless sleeper.

Unlike most others I tried, the Simba hybrid topper offers support and cushioning as it’s made of both memory foam and pocketed micro spring layers. This construction provides a medium-firm tension that I found offers brilliant pressure relief, spinal support and just enough sink to cushion your pressure points. Plus, it has a firm yet springy feel. If you don’t like the distinctive deep sinking effect found in memory foam toppers, you’ll love this one.

It also gets bonus points for its ability to keep you cool while you sleep. The open-cell foam layer cleverly allows heat to dissipate, which I found offered fantastic breathability, keeping me at an optimal temperature.

While this is certainly a splurge, Simba’s topper is a worthy investment, especially if you aren’t in the position to replace your current mattress. It’s suitable for all sleep styles, cooling, cushioning and supportive.

Read more: Our best-rated mattress is Simba’s hybrid luxe model

A mattress topper can be a great way to add a little hotel-like luxury to your sleep set-up, and this extra-deep offering does just that – and at an incredible price. With a substantial depth of 10cm, it offers pressure-relieving comfort for joints while also delivering an extra layer of softness to snuggle into at night – it has a “sink-in” comfort that’s especially great for side sleepers.

However, hot sleepers should steer clear. This is great in the winter, but its thickness and polyester filling mean that it can make you a little warm at night. I also found that it flattened slightly over time, so you will need to commit to regular shaking to help redistribute the filling and restore it to maximum puffiness. That being said, this topper offers great value for money.

Much like Simba’s offering, the Panda topper comes rolled up in a box and, once opened, you’re advised to leave it for a few hours to unfurl. Made from a 5cm-deep chunk of memory foam, it’s infused with cooling gel, which worked well to keep me cool during a sudden heatwave, especially when compared to traditional, more dense memory foam. It also comes with a removable and washable cover that feels soft and luxurious to the touch. The topper is one of the few that’s designed with adjustable straps, which are useful if you have a particularly thin or deep mattress.

Testing the Panda topper on a firm mattress, I was surprised at just how much of a difference it made. The memory foam provides a soft yet supportive feel and comfort that cocooned me throughout the night. If you’re looking for a topper that’s ultra-cushiony and offers excellent pressure relief, this could be the one.

However, it’s worth noting that those who prefer a firmer sleep set-up may find it a little too soft. Don’t fall for the marketing, either. It’s listed as a “natural” bamboo cover, but it’s really just bamboo-derived rayon.

Read our full Panda mattress topper review

A woollen topper sounds counterintuitive. Most people think of wool and think of hot, itchy jumpers, not a cool night’s sleep. However, this is a total misconception. Woollen mattress toppers are soft and naturally cooling, and this option from Woolroom is the perfect example. I found it breathable and it kept me at the perfect temperature on hot and cold nights.

The topper looks and feels incredibly luxurious, with a sumptuous, pillow-like quality and generous 8cm depth. It’s squidgy yet firm and it made a noticeable difference to my sleep, providing wonderful cushioning and gentle support. The topper’s pocketed construction ensures each section of stuffing stays put with no need for regular shaking or re-fluffing.

Wool is naturally mould, mildew and dust mite resistant – and if that’s not enough, it’s certified by Allergy UK, meaning it’s a fantastic option for allergy sufferers who have a bigger budget (proof of which is my sniffle-free slumber).

If you’re looking for something luxuriously soft and insulating, this delivers on both fronts. Incredibly plush, it’s one of the heftiest toppers I tried. As such, I was convinced it was going to be a hit before I even unfolded it and lugged it onto my mattress, which, might we add, is no mean feat given its sheer weight. I was right – the sides fluff up around you, embracing you like a warm hug (something I especially welcomed on colder nights).

The cocoon-like design is largely down to the topper’s filling. Made from two layers, the top contains 70 per cent fluffy goose down (an optimal temperature regulator known for holding its shape without flattening), which is evenly distributed thanks to a baffle-wall construction that helps to keep the filling fluffy and in place. The second layer is packed with feathers to help provide gentle support. That being said, you shouldn’t invest in this topper expecting much in the way of support. It’s certainly made for comfort over all else and won’t help with back pains or joint aches. But if you have an overly firm mattress and want a softer sleeping surface, this topper is an ideal extra layer of softness to snuggle into at night.

Read our full Dusk supreme goose down mattress topper review

This Next topper is plush and comfortable, smoothing out your mattress without drastically changing its look and feel. Measuring 3cm deep, it’s thinner than most other toppers I tried, which might put some people off. However, if your mattress is generally in good shape but just slightly too firm, this is a great pick that will provide that extra cushioning you need. The fact it’s less bulky made it pretty much as easy to put on the bed as a sheet – it comes with long, elasticated bands that keep it securely in place, and it had no trouble fitting over my 32cm thick mattress. Similarly, the thinner nature makes it easier to store and ideal for occasional use, such as in a guest room or on a sofa bed.

It features a polyester fill in a wave quilting construction, which helps to distribute the stuffing evenly. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it added a decent layer of extra cosiness and had impressive temperature control. Despite being spot-clean only, it’s generally much easier to air out, which is handy for those with allergies. Bear in mind though that this won’t fix a bad mattress; it only adds a little softness to firm beds.

Another woolly wonder, this luxury mattress topper certainly lives up to its name. Made from British wool, the filling is evenly distributed and encased in a crisp, high-thread-count cotton cover, that will hold neatly over your mattress by elasticated straps. It’s slightly on the thinner side (around 3cm deep), but we found it added a soft, cushiony layer to our mattress without making it overly plush or too high.

One of the main benefits of wool is that it’s naturally thermoregulating, and I noticed better temperature regulation during the night – it did a good job at keeping me cool when it was warm, and cosy when the room got chilly. Wool is also naturally hypoallergenic, so it’s a particularly great option for anyone who suffers from allergies or sensitive skin. While it’s not ideal if you need strong orthopaedic support (it's more about comfort and breathability than firmness), this topper will provide optimal cushioning and keep you wonderfully cool on a muggy night. Best of all, I was pleased to note that the topper showed no signs of the earthy, farmyard scent you can sometimes find with woollen products.

Allergy sufferers will know that it can be hard to create a clean and fresh sleep set-up that won’t trigger a reaction. While natural materials – like wool – are hypoallergenic, they come at an extra cost, so if you’re on the hunt for a more affordable alternative, we’d urge you to consider The White Company’s topper. Filled with soft polyester and encased in breathable cotton, it doesn’t contain any materials that are likely to cause allergies, helping you avoid symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy skin or watery eyes.

Plus, at 4cm deep, it provides a decent layer of protection between you and your mattress, reducing exposure to allergens such as dust mites and pet dander. The topper is designed with diamond quilted stitches, which I found helped ensure the generous filling stayed plump and evenly distributed.

While it’s difficult to attribute any effects solely to this mattress topper, as someone who has allergies and eczema, I found that my sleep was undisturbed by allergy symptoms during the testing period. It’s also nice and breathability, which helped keep me cool and itch-free with minimal skin irritation.

Despite what the name suggests, this topper isn’t actually made from memory foam. Instead, it uses a polyester fibre filling that's designed to mimic the traditional bouncy yet supportive feeling of memory foam all while keeping you cool. I found that it lives up to its cooling claims, with the breathable and soft cover remaining cold to the touch all night.

On particularly humid nights, it efficiently wicked away moisture, ensuring I remained dry and fresh, making it a top pick for hot sleepers. I found that it provided decent enough cushioning and enhanced comfort, but it’s worth noting that it’s not the thickest of toppers. Despite measuring 4cm, it flattens a little, so don’t expect it to significantly alter the feel of your mattress underneath. That being said, if you’re after a topper that’s breathable, comfortable and pocket-friendly, it’s a great option that will suit a wide range of sleepers.