A good night’s rest starts with the right foundation, but a new mattress or bed frame can cost thousands of pounds. But improving your sleep doesn’t have to be expensive. Adding one of the best mattress toppers can make an old bed feel new.
A mattress topper is a layer of cushioning material that sits on top of your mattress, adding extra comfort and a supportive feel. They usually range in thickness (from one to four inches) and can be made from memory foam, wool, down or synthetic alternatives.
Whether you’re looking to revive an ageing mattress, add extra cushioning to a too-firm bed, or boost your sleep quality, there’s an option out there. If you want support, a hybrid or memory foam topper is probably your best bet. However, it’s worth noting that memory foam is generally less breathable, so hot sleepers should consider cool, hypoallergenic woollen toppers.
With so many mattress toppers on the market though, it can be hard to determine which is worth the money, and which are marketing gimmicks. That’s why we spent months testing the best mattress toppers to help you find the right one for you.
How we tested
We tested each mattress topper for a minimum of three weeks during sudden heatwaves and cold snaps. We considered comfort, how supportive they felt, breathability and temperature-regulation properties.
We also assessed how well the toppers fit our mattress, their thickness, if there were any off-gassing smells and how well they stayed in place during the night. Bonus points were given to those that could be easily cared for and washed. All prices listed reflect the cost of toppers in a standard UK double size.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
The Independent’s dedicated shopping section, IndyBest is committed to providing unbiased reviews and expert advice. Sarah Jones is the assistant IndyBest editor and has years of experience in testing and researching sleep products (be that the best mattresses, duvets or more) 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.
The best mattress toppers for 2025 are:
- Best mattress topper overall – Simba hybrid topper: £349, Simbasleep.com
- Best budget mattress topper – Feather & Black soft as down deluxe topper: £64, Featherandblack.com
- Best woollen mattress topper – Woolroom organic wool mattress topper: £279.99, Thewoolroom.com
- Best memory foam topper – Panda bamboo mattress topper: £143.96, Amazon.co.uk
- Best goose down mattress topper – Dusk supreme goose down mattress topper: £80, Dusk.com
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Simba hybrid topper
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, we 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 we 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 we 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 we found offered fantastic breathability, keeping us 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
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, we 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 we found we 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
Woolroom organic wool mattress topper
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 our 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 our tester’s sniffle-free slumber).
Buy now £279.99, Thewoolroom.com
Panda bamboo mattress topper
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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, we were surprised at just how much of a difference it made. The memory foam provides a soft yet supportive feel and comfort that cocooned us 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, Amazon.co.uk
Dusk supreme goose down mattress topper
If you’re looking for something luxuriously soft and insulating, this delivers on both fronts. Incredibly plush, it’s one of the heftiest toppers we tried. As such, we were convinced it was going to be a hit before we even unfolded it and lugged it onto our mattress, which, might we add, is no mean feat given its sheer weight. We were right – the sides fluff up around you, embracing you like a warm hug (something we 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
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 we 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 our 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. We were 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
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 we noticed better temperature regulation during the night – it did a good job at keeping us 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, we were 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
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. We 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
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 we found helped ensure the generous filling stayed plump and evenly distributed.
While it’s difficult to attribute any effects solely to this mattress topper, our tester, who has allergies and eczema, found that their sleep was undisturbed by allergy symptoms during testing. They also praised the breathability of the topper, which helped keep them cool and itch-free with minimal skin irritation.
Buy now £85.00, Thewhitecompany.com
Slumberdown memory fibre airstream memory cool mattress topper
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. We 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 we remained dry and fresh, making it a top pick for hot sleepers. We 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
Mattress topper FAQs
What type of mattress topper is best?
Can a mattress topper add support to your mattress?
Support comes from the mattress and not from a mattress topper, but a mattress topper can still feel supportive, and it can provide good pressure relief. Hannah Shore, head of sleep science at Mattress Online, told us that memory foam moulds to the contours of your body, and when you sink into the mattress, there are more touch points. This means you can feel a bit more secure, though this “isn’t necessarily going to support or change your spinal alignment”.
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. Shore 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.
The verdict: Mattress toppers
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, it’s incredible quality. 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.
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