As someone who treats sleep like a sacred ritual and struggles to function without a full eight hours, I take bedding seriously – which is exactly why I set out to find the best mattress toppers on the market. Over a few months, I’ve tested my way through piles of toppers, all in the name of helping you sleep better without shelling out for a brand-new mattress. Whether you’re trying to soften up a too-firm bed or boost support for a more restful slumber, a quality topper can be a game-changer – if you pick wisely.
As Tristine Hargreaves, executive director of Bed Advice UK and The National Bed Federation, told me: “A mattress topper changes the feel of your mattress and can add comfort or support. However, it’s not a quick fix for a mattress that’s past its prime… Aim for a mattress topper that’s at least 5cm deep, and make sure it fits snugly on your bed so it doesn’t slide around during the night.”
I tested toppers made from memory foam, wool, down and synthetic blends, sleeping on each for a minimum of a month to judge how they felt, how well they stayed in place, and whether I woke up rested or tossing off the covers in frustration.
After rigorous (and very cosy) testing, it was Simba’s hybrid topper that reigned supreme for comfort and quality. For those on a budget who don’t want to compromise on support, Feather & Black turned out to be a surprising hit. If you're serious about sleep – or want to make your bed the most inviting place in the house – there’s something here for you.
How I tested
I tested each mattress topper for a minimum of a month during sudden heatwaves and cold snaps. I considered comfort, support, breathability and temperature-regulation properties.
Since sleep is deeply personal – and what works for a side sleeper like me might not suit everyone – I also enlisted friends, family and colleagues with different sleep styles (back, side, or stomach) and body types to try them out so as to find something for everyone. Their feedback helped build a fuller picture of which toppers truly deliver across the board, and which ones fell flat. Here’s what I looked for while testing every mattress topper:
- Comfort: A key focus during testing, as it’s one of the main reasons people buy a mattress topper in the first place. I paid close attention to how each topper felt and tested a range of materials, from memory foam (great for contouring) to wool (naturally breathable) and down alternatives (soft) to find the ones that were best suited to different sleep setups.
- Support: Support was just as important as comfort, especially for finding the toppers that improved sleep rather than just adding softness. I looked for toppers that helped keep the spine aligned and prevented pressure build-up or sagging – crucial for back and stomach sleepers who need a firmer, more stable surface. Hybrid toppers, which combine foam with springs, stood out for offering extra support and structure, making them ideal for those who want a bit more lift and responsiveness. Memory foam also performed well for contouring and pressure relief, while softer options like down provide plush cushioning but little long-term support.
- Fit: A mattress topper must sit snugly on your mattress without hanging over the edges or being too small, which can cause it to bunch up or slip around. I looked for toppers with features like non-slip backing or elastic corner straps that help keep them securely in place through the night.
- Thickness: I tried a range of thicknesses to cover different needs and preferences, from thinner toppers that add a subtle layer of softness to thicker ones that offer more noticeable cushioning and support. While thinner toppers can gently even out the mattress surface, thicker options provide greater pressure relief and support.
- Care: I assessed how easy each topper was to clean – some can be chucked straight in the washing machine or come with removable covers, while others require spot cleaning or more delicate care. When washing them in the machine, I considered how well they came out. I also paid attention to how easy they were to store when not in use – toppers that could be rolled or folded up without losing shape definitely scored higher for convenience. Finding one that fits your lifestyle can make a big difference in the long run.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Sarah Jones is the assistant IndyBest editor and has years of experience in testing and researching sleep products (be that the best mattresses, best duvets and other sleep technology) within her home – the same environment that you will be using them. For mattress toppers, she’s tested more than 20 different options to determine which ones are the best. She knows the best, most comfortable fabrics and materials to look for in your bedding. But, above all, she’s a busy mum who values her sleep, so if any of these caused her to not get her much-needed shut-eye, it did not make the cut.
The best mattress toppers for 2025 are:
- Best overall – Simba hybrid topper: £349, Simbasleep.com
- Best memory foam topper – Panda bamboo mattress topper: £139.95, Pandalondon.com
- Best budget buy – Feather & Black soft as down deluxe topper: £64, Featherandblack.com
- Best woollen mattress topper – Woolroom organic wool mattress topper: £279.99, Thewoolroom.com
- Best goose down mattress topper – Dusk supreme goose down mattress topper: £80, Dusk.com
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Simba hybrid topper
Best: Mattress topper overall
Sizes: Single, small double, double, king, super king
Depth: 7cm
Fill material: Open cell foam, aerocoil springs, support base foam
Care: Cover is machine washable
Why we love it
- Breathes new life into your mattress
- Comfortable and supportive
- Washable cover
Take note
- Expensive
- Some initial off-gassing smell
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.
Buy now £349.00, Simbasleep.com
Feather & Black soft as down deluxe topper
Best: Budget mattress topper
Sizes: Single, double, king
Depth: 5cm
Fill material: Microfibre
Care: Machine washable and cool tumble dry
Why we love it
- Feels super soft and plush
- Elastics keep it securely in place
- Great value for money
Take note
- Lacks orthopaedic support
If you like the idea of down, but your budget doesn’t quite stretch to the real deal, consider this synthetic alternative from Feather & Black. The microfibre filling replicates the plump feel and softness of down feathers and is distributed evenly into fluffy pockets that provide cushioning. It made a noticeable difference to a firm mattress, especially when side sleeping. In fact, I think it’s even better than some real down toppers, such as Dusk’s below.
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While it doesn’t offer the same support as some others on this list (Simba reigns supreme here), it’s a great option for those who don’t like the hugging sensation of memory foam as I found I could still move around freely.
The topper was easy to secure – the sizing was perfect, and the corner straps are sturdy and impressively deep, making it a good choice for those with an already deep mattress. This is a fantastic bargain for such a high-quality topper.
Buy now £64.00, Featherandblack.com
Panda bamboo mattress topper
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Best: Memory foam mattress topper
Sizes: Single, small double, double, king, super king, EU single, EU double, EU king, EU emperor
Depth: 5cm
Fill material: Hydro foam
Care: Cover is machine washable
Why we love it
- Soft yet supportive
- Keeps you cool
- Great range of sizes
- Stays in place
Take note
- May feel too soft for some
- Some initial off-gassing smell
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
Buy now £143.96, Pandalondon.com
Woolroom organic wool mattress topper
Best: Woollen mattress topper
Sizes: Single, single XL, double, king, super king, emperor
Depth: 6-8cm
Fill material: Wool
Care: Dry clean only
Why we love it
- Sustainably made in the UK
- Feels incredibly plush
- Naturally cooling and hypoallergenic
Take note
- Expensive
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.
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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).
Buy now £279.99, Thewoolroom.com
Dusk supreme goose down mattress topper
Best: Goose down mattress topper
Sizes: Single, double, king, super king
Depth: 5cm
Fill material: Ethically sourced feathers and goose down
Care: Dry clean only
Why we love it
- Offers ultimate comfort and cosiness
- Insulating
- Comes with a storage bag
Take note
- Requires professional laundering
- Heavy
- Needs regular fluffing up
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).
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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
Buy now £80.00, Dusk.com
Next white sleep in comfort mattress topper
Best: Mattress topper for easy storage
Sizes: Single, double, king, super king
Depth: 3cm
Fill material: Polyester
Care: Sponge clean only
Why we love it
- Plush and comfortable
- Easy to store away when not in use
- Good temperature control
Take note
- Thinner than most toppers
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.
Buy now £65.00, Next.co.uk
Rise & Fall luxury British wool mattress topper
Best: Mattress topper for all seasons
Sizes: Single, double, king, super king, emperor
Depth: 3-5cm
Fill material: Wool
Care: Dry clean only
Why we love it
- Good cushioning
- Made from traceable British wool
- Naturally hypoallergenic
Take note
- Doesn’t offer as much support as others
- Expensive
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.
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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.
Buy now £225.00, Riseandfall.co
Snuggledown luxurious extra deep mattress topper
Best: Deep mattress topper
Sizes: Single, double, king, super king
Depth: 10cm
Fill material: Polyester
Care: Machine washable
Why we love it
- Extra deep
- Wonderfully soft
- Helps ease pressure points
- Doesn’t break the bank
Take note
- Requires regular re-plumping
- May be too warm for hot sleepers
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. 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.
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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 get it back to maximum puffiness. That being said, this topper offers great value for money.
Buy now £65.00, Snuggledown.co.uk
The White Company hypoallergenic topper
Best: Mattress topper allergy sufferers
Sizes: Single, double, king, super king
Depth: 4cm
Fill material: Polyester
Care: Machine washable and tumble drier-friendly, but professional laundering for best results
Why we love it
- Made using allergy-friendly materials
- Decent depth
- Breathable
Take note
- Lacks support
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.
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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.
Buy now £85.00, Thewhitecompany.com
Slumberdown memory fibre airstream memory cool mattress topper
Best: Mattress topper for hot sleepers
Sizes: Single, double, king
Depth: 4cm
Fill material: Polyester
Care: Cover is machine washable and tumble drier-friendly
Why we love it
- Keeps you cool and fresh throughout the night
- Wicks away sweat
- Great for year-round use
Take note
- Doesn’t feel as luxurious as other toppers
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.
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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.
Buy now £64.99, Amazon.co.uk
Your questions on the best mattress toppers answered
What is the best mattress topper?
If your budget allows, Simba’s hybrid topper is an elite choice and by far the best option we tried. It’s fabulously comfortable, provides support in all the right places and delivers brilliant breathability and decent depth.
However, if you’re looking for something more affordable that you can sink into after a long day, Feather & Black’s soft as down deluxe topper is a worthy alternative. Despite being our budget pick, the quality is impressive. While it lacks the same orthopaedic support as Simba’s, it will make a real difference to the overall comfort of your sleep set-up.
What type of mattress topper is best?
Can you wash a mattress topper?
Properly caring for your mattress topper is important to keep it fresh and lasting longer, but we all know accidents happen. Whether you can wash your topper depends on the specific product and its materials. Some toppers, like the one I tested from The White Company, can be popped straight into the washing machine for easy cleaning. Others, such as Simba’s hybrid topper, come with handy removable covers you can wash separately to keep things simple. However, there are those – like Next’s offering – which are spot clean only, since putting them in the washing machine could damage the materials or affect their performance. Always check the care instructions before cleaning to make sure you’re treating your topper properly.
Are mattress toppers good for back pain?
Whether caused by your sleeping environment or lifestyle factors (such as bad posture or an injury), no mattress topper will be able to fix back pain. Hannah Shore, head of sleep science at Mattress Online, told us that with pain caused by lifestyle, you need to go to the source of the problem to fix it, and if “you’re going to bed feeling ok and waking up with back pain, chances are your mattress isn’t delivering the support you need”. However, whenever you're dealing with back pain, you should always consult a doctor.
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.
Now you’ve got your mattress sorted, up the cosy factor with our edit of the best linen bedding
