Mattress toppers do a lot to improve sleep comfort, adding extra softness, support, and even helping with temperature regulation. But because they sit directly on top of your mattress, they also tend to collect sweat, dust, and everyday build-up over time.
While they’re not always the easiest bedding item to clean, mattress toppers should still be refreshed regularly to keep them clean, comfortable, and in good condition – just like the rest of your bedding.
However, you want to do this without damaging their structure or reducing their comfort. As Barbara Stern, textile and bedding expert at Ottoman Textiles explains: “The materials used to make mattress toppers are so fragile that they cannot be cleaned as you would your bed sheets.”
Read on to find out the best way to clean your mattress topper – and how often you should be doing it.
Read more: Best mattress protectors to keep your bed like new
How often should you clean your mattress topper?
“The frequency you clean your topper will depend on your sleep setup and how you sleep,” explains Hannah Shore, head of sleep science at Mattress Online. “If you are using a good-quality mattress protector, you will not need to clean it as frequently. However, if you are someone who overheats and suffers from night sweats, this moisture is applied directly to the mattress, and you may have to clean more frequently.”
Hannah says that airing out your bed daily is one of the best ways to keep your mattress topper fresher for longer.
How should you clean your mattress topper?
Stern recommends vacuuming your mattress protector with a soft bristled brush around once a month. This helps to remove dust and skin cells that have built up, and helps eliminate particles which could otherwise become embedded into the topper and lead to mould growth.
Every two to three months, she recommends a deeper spot clean using a lightly dampened cloth with an enzyme free cleaner. “Doing this can help increase the longevity of your topper by many years due to decreased compression and odor formation,” she explains. But don’t forget to let it dry thoroughly in a ventilated area.
We’ve all been there – a slow Sunday morning, a coffee in bed, and then an accidental spill. But, if you do end up with a stain on your mattress topper, there’s no need to panic. “In the case of spills, I recommend cleaning using a small amount of moisture,” Stern explains. “Foam has a tendency to break apart under excess moisture and mildew will form inside the foam, causing odours.”
Why should you clean your mattress topper?
Over time, your mattress topper can naturally collect sweat, dust, dead skin cells, and other particles that can build up within the material. This can lead to unpleasant odours, reduced freshness, and even issues like mould or bacteria growth. Regular cleaning also helps preserve the structure and performance of the topper, so it saves you money in the long run, too.
Read more: 8 best pillows, tested by a sleep expert for support and comfort
Best mattress toppers for sleeping
Simba hybrid
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
Simba’s hybrid topper was selected as the best buy in our review of the best mattress toppers. “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,” wrote reviewer, Sarah Jones.
“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 impressed with its ability to keep you cool while you sleep, she writes, saying that the open-cell foam layer allows heat to dissipate, which she found gave “fantastic breathability.”
Read the full Simba hybrid mattress topper review
Buy now £299, Simbasleep.com
Panda bamboo topper
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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
If comfort to you means memory foam, then the Panda bamboo mattress topper is the perfect choice. When we reviewed it, it wowed for its ability to keep cool even during a heatwave. Reviewer Sarah Jones said: “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.”
She added: “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 the full Panda bamboo mattress topper review
Buy now £139.95, Pandalondon.com
Dusk supreme
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 front,” explained reviewer Sarah Jones. The Dusk supreme mattress topper was chosen as the best goose down mattress topper in her review, thanks to its plush, hefty weight.
“I was convinced it was going to be a hit before I even unfolded it and lugged it onto my mattress, which, might I 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),” she said.
The top contains 70 per cent fluffy goose down, and the second layer is packed with feathers to help provide gentle support. However, Sarah notes: “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 the full Dusk supreme goose down mattress topper review
Buy now £100, Dusk.com
Meet the experts
- Barbara Stern: Textile and bedding expert at Ottoman Textiles
- Hannah Shore: Head of sleep science at Mattress Online
Now find out how to find the right pillow for back, side, or front sleepers
