Why you can trust us
Zoe Phillimore is a freelance journalist and editor who has been a regular contributor to IndyBest since 2021. She has written extensively about mattresses and bedding, covering everything from buying guides and round-ups to standalone reviews and direct comparisons. Some of her areas of expertise include kids’ mattresses, mattress toppers and sheets. Since she started testing mattresses in 2021, Zoe has reviewed memory foam, hybrid and pocket-sprung models made with wool, cotton, bamboo and silk, from a number of popular brands, such as Simba, Emma and Dormeo, as well as lesser-known names. She is an expert in testing weight, breathability, quality and support, as well as assessing sustainability claims.
Mattress topper FAQs
How to buy a mattress topper
Choosing the right mattress topper to sleep on depends on your body and budget. There are four main types of mattress toppers: memory foam, feather and down, microfibre, and hollowfibre. Each has its strengths and weaknesses – it’s all about finding the mattress topper that best meets your needs. So, before purchasing, make sure you know what it is you’re looking for in your topper.
What type of mattress topper is best?
Memory foam provides ample amounts of support, so, if you suffer from back pain, it can ease discomfort. Memory foam toppers can absorb the motion of tossing and turning bed partners, too, but they can also be expensive. They should spring back to the same height each time you use them, so you don’t need to fluff them up to keep them looking and feeling as comfortable as possible – they do tend to be on the warmer side, however.
Feather and down toppers tend to be cheaper and don’t retain as much heat, so they can help cool you down on warm nights. They will also compress over time, so you will need to fluff them up to keep them soft and your bed looking plush.
Microfibre and hollowfibre are the most affordable type of mattress toppers, so, if you’re shopping on a budget, these are your best bet. They add an additional layer of cosiness and can soften a firmer mattress, but they can become lumpy over time, therefore having a shorter lifespan than other options.
What’s the difference between mattress pads, toppers and protectors?
Mattress pads provide a thin, extra layer to your bed, whereas mattress toppers are much thicker and plusher, designed to maximise your comfort, with some made from fabrics that are cooling – ideal if you find yourself often too hot to sleep.
Meanwhile, mattress protectors are thin coverings that keep your mattress clean, protecting them from stains, dirt, moisture, irritants and allergens. Many are waterproof and can often be easily cleaned in a washing machine.
What thickness of mattress topper should I get?
If your mattress is relatively new, you won’t need too much extra layering, so, a topper of about 5cm should give it some extra comfort and a luxurious feel. For an older, tired mattress that needs reviving, we’d recommend opting for a thicker topper, such as the ones from Simba or The White Company featured in this round-up.
Can you wash a mattress topper?
Before washing your mattress topper, be careful to read the label to see if it’s safe to put in the washing machine. If it’s not, you will need to hand wash it to remove any stains.
Sprinkle baking soda onto the topper and leave for 30 minutes before vacuuming it to get rid of odours, dust and grime. Then, if there are more persistent stains, take a damp cloth and stain remover to gently lift the stain.
The verdict: Mattress toppers
We loved M&S’s comfortably cool mattress topper, and, although our testing took place during a particularly hot week, it wasn’t simply this topper’s breathability that bagged it the top spot – it was fabulously comfortable, with a depth that provided support in all the right places. We can confirm it definitely kept us cool, too.
We also love the Dormeo octasmart plus mattress topper, which is worth every penny of its slightly higher price point. We’ve yet to come across a mattress topper that feels this supportive, and we love how this aspect didn’t compromise its breathability.
Now you’ve got your mattress sorted, up the cosy factor with our edit of the best linen bedding
