The 6 best mattress toppers - tested for comfier, more supportive sleep

I've been sleeping on the best mattress toppers on the market — from Simba, Woolroom, Eight Sleep, Dreams, and more — to find models that can help with night sweats, back pain, and any other issues that keep you from your beauty sleep. These are my expert-selected, tried-and-tested favourites. 

In an ideal world, your sleep setup will include the best mattress for your sleep style, complimented by a specialised mattress topper, a plush mattress protector, a comfy duvet, and a supportive pillow (including the best pillows for neck pain). However, every time there is a change in your life, be it menopause or a slipped disc, your sleep needs will change. That's where mattress toppers come in.

Rather than spending thousands reviving your whole rest routine, a good mattress topper can be an inexpensive way meet your sleep needs and restore your rest to a regular routine. To find out which ones are worth buying, I've slept on memory foam, feather, gel-infused, bamboo, wool, and cotton toppers. Each topper is assessed on firmness, motion isolation, breathability, and edge support. 

From the classic Simba Hybrid topper, which is great for reviving an old mattress, right through to the super high-tech Eight Sleep Pod that runs cold water underneath you as you sleep, I've selected the best six mattress toppers for every sleep style and budget. Here they are.

The quick list

The best mattress toppers, for every kind of sleeper

After speaking with sleep medicine experts, sleep doctors and sleep practitioners, I came up with a list of six mattress toppers for a range of the twelve best mattress toppers on the market. Then, I spent months testing them all. During the day, I would do things like sit water on the bed, bounce around whilst dumbells were on them, and shuffle and shake the bed around. Then, in the night I would track my sleep, looking for quality, deep, undisturbed sleep. Only six made it through these tests and here they are: the best mattress toppers on the market, tested for every kind of sleeper.

Best mattress topper overall

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It's highly likely that you've already come across the name Simba. It sits in amongst Emma and Nectar as one of the new, disruptive sleep brands that have emerged over the last ten years. Of all these newbies, Simba makes some of the best mattresses and pillows, so I expected their topper to be cut from the same cloth.

After speaking with their experts, I decided to test the hybrid mattress topper. Not only is it the most popular, but it's specifically designed to suit all sleep styles. The layers offer support and comfort for back and side sleepers, ensuring night-long spinal alignment. Then, if you tend to run a little hot, the cooling structures spaced across the layers promise to stop you from overheating.

Over the months of testing I found Simba to be true to their word on the comfort and support promises. I sleep on all angles of my body, from front to side and back, all of which felt natural with the Simba Hybrid. The cooling technology, whilst refreshing was very very subtle in comparison to the Eight Sleep Pod, which actively cools using water. However, given that this is 5% of the price of that one, it's a good compromise for most sleepers.

You can find out more in Louise's full Simba Hybrid Mattress Topper review.

Most affordable mattress topper

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This isn't just any old mattress topper. This is an M&S mattress topper. Whilst there are plenty of big-name sleep specialists who could have taken the spot for the best budget mattress topper, for me, it had to be the M&S one. It's the perfect balance of price and performance. 

Having slept on mattress toppers that cost £30 (as well as some that cost £3,000) I think that the £70 price tag of this is the sweet spot. If you start skimping any more, you won't get the breathable cotton case that the M&S topper comes with. Instead, you'll get a synthetic material like polyester, which can irritate your skin and it'll make you more sweaty. 

Having slept on the M&S Comfortably Cool Mattress Topper, I can confirm that it's true to its name. I was both comfortable and cool in the night. This is a lot like lying on top of a duvet, so it doesn't feel like it's really supportive, but it's enough to take the edge off a firm mattress. 

Whilst the cotton felt soft to touch and certainly helped the breathability of my bedding, it didn't actively cool me. I would say that this was cool in comparison to the memory foam models, for example, and it was cooler than all the other cheap mattress toppers that I've tested, but this won't cure your night sweats.

So, if you want a light layer that comes with some nice eco-credentials (including the fact that it's made in the UK), this is an inexpensive mattress topper. It'll do more than a good job, but there are other models in the list that offer a bit more

You can find out more in my full M&S Comfortably Cool Mattress Topper review.

Best natural mattress topper

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This is easily one of the most luxurious, natural mattress toppers that I've ever tested. It felt wonderful to sleep on, both for the quality of my sleep, but also for all of the work that goes in to making one of these mattress toppers. They feel really, truly special.

If you've not researched it before, wool is one of the best options for hot sleepers. Surprisingly, it's really breathable and, therefore, naturally cooling. And this isn't just any wool. All of it is sourced from the Chatsworth estate in England. If you want to, you can trace the sustainable manufacturing process for yourself.Once collected, the wool is encased in an unbleached organic cotton case. This does mean it's not quite bright white, but I actually liked the off-stone colour. 

As if that wasn't enough, this is certified by the Allergy UK Seal of Approval, meaning it has been tested for dust mites, allergen, bacteria and fungus. So, whether you have sensitive skin, or you just want to avoid adhesives and chemicals, this is a gentle option, especially if you pair it with the coordinating Woolroom Deluxe Mattress Protector.

The best way to describe sleeping on the Woolroom Mattress Topper is by comparing it to sleeping on a duvet —  but a really, super thick one. It's a wonderfully cushioning layer, but is not the most supportive, so you'll want a firm mattress underneath you to keep good spinal alignment. Also, make sure to re-plump this, otherwise it'll become very flat.

You can find out more in Emily's full Woolroom Washable Mattress Topper review. I also have this on my bed at the moment, which speaks for itself, I think.

Best mattress topper for back pain

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No mattress topper can claim to alleviate back pain. You'll need an osteopath or spine specialist for that. However, if you suffer from generic joint pain and pressure issues when you lie on your normal mattress, a memory foam model is a great option for you. This one in particular.

I'm a very keen runner, which means that my knees, hips, and spine are falling apart. The weeks that I slept on this were some of the best that I've had in years. The sink-in softness of the memory foam felt instantly soothing and I had lots of deep spine clicks as I was lying down. Unlike other memory foam options that I tested, this was relatively refreshing too. Normally, the spongy texture can feel cloying and warming. Whilst I would say that 'cooling' is a bit of a stretch, I certainly didn't wake up feeling hot or sweaty. Then, when I put some bamboo sheets on the topper, it really was cooling. I even had to switch them out in September because I was getting too cold.

That's not the end of it either. One of my favourite things about the Panda mattress topper is its eco-credentials. This comes in a bamboo case that is removable and washable. Then, the memory foam is also crafted from bamboo, so you know that it's not packed with nasty chemicals. Even the adjustable elastic straps are crafted with responsible materials — and these are really effective at keeping this still and secure on the bed, without misshaping the topper.

There are thicker memory foam mattresses out there, so if you have a really hard mattress, you might want to assess some other options (including Dreams' Tempur's). However, for most people, this cushioned, eco-conscious option will be a dream come true.

You can find out more in my Panda London Bamboo Mattress Topper review.

Best cooling mattress topper

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I looked at a lot of cooling mattress protectors for hot sleepers when I was researching, because, when you're going through the menopause, finding ways to sleep in the heat or methods for cool down your bed can seem like an impossible challenge. Whilst there are plenty of breathable options on the market, the Eight Sleep Pod 3 is in a league of its own.

I need a whole article to write about exactly what this does (luckily, I have a full review over here), but the Eight Sleep Pod works on a few levels. First, it tracks your bio-markers, including your heartrate, body temperature, and VO2 max. Then, based on this, as well as your own personal goals, the mattress topper will run cold or hot water underneath you to keep your body at a stable temperature that's optimal for sleep. You can manually adjust this, or let it interfere. I eventually let the topper do this itself, since it staged 'interventions', cooling itself to keep me in deep sleep over the night.

Aside from this, it will either vibrate or heat you awake instead of using an aggressive alarm and generally coach you towards better sleep health. It's comfortable and has optimised my sleep more than anything else in this guide. However, that comes with a cost. The first is that no bed is as comfy as mine. It's even ruined luxury hotel beds for me. The second cost is exactly that: the price tag. This is ten, even twenty, times the price of the other models in this guide, so it's a very serious investment. If you want full access to the controls, you'll have to pay a subscription fee too, which feels a bit cheeky. In spite of this, I wouldn't change a thing about my investment. This is the best mattress topper that I've slept on. It's just a shame that it's so expensive.

You can find out more in my full Eight Sleep Pod 3 review.

Best mattress topper for side sleepers

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The TheraPur ActiGel Cool Mattress Topper has all the buzzwords that make me excited for a night of sleep: gel, cooling, thera(py). Just based on that, I was intrigued. Essentially, what the name translates into is a cooling, memory foam mattress topper, perfectly designed for side sleepers.

I can often choose what position I sleep in —  I know, lucky me —  so I made sure to sleep on my side the whole time that I used this. Now, because I do a lot of running, sleeping on my side would normally give me hip, back, and shoulder pain, especially because my mattress is firm. However, with this thick layer of super soft foam, I felt supported and cushioned all night long.

Memory foam can be quite hot and cloying and, whilst I wouldn't say that I woke up sweaty, I also wasn't cold. Instead, I would say that my body temperature didn't change and I woke up feeling fresh, which is cooling for a memory foam mattress topper, I suppose. The trouble is, I'm comparing it to the cooling technology of the EIght Sleep Pod 3.

This was easy to fit on the bed and I didn't need to give it any rest time like other toppers. It kept motion transfer low and held its position, firmly on my bed all night long. If this had better sustainable credentials, it would be higher up in this buying guide. However, for now, position six is still a good claim.

You can read more in my full TheraPur ActiGel Cool Mattress Topper review.

How we test mattress toppers

At woman&home it's really important that all the reviews and recommendations that you read are based on our authentic, in-person experiences and reviews. Louise, Emily, and I have been working hard, testing mattress toppers from a range of brands for years upon years to create this list. Here's how.

As a sleep obsessed writer, I make it my business to know what the latest news is in the world of sleep. So, if there's chatter around an old-but-gold or new and disruptive mattress topper on the market, I make it my business to know everything that there is to know about it. 

Once I've done my research, I, or one of the team, will test the topper, sleeping on it for weeks, if not months, so that we can give you a full review of what it's like. The reviews will cover unboxing and setting up. Some of these need to be left to rest and breathe, others come in vacuum-packed rolls, and others come with sustainable wraps or storage bags. However it arrives, a heads-up is always nice. 

Once it's on the bed, I have a few things to make notes on. First, how it fits on: does it use straps, elastics, or a grippy underside. I'll keep an eye on how well these fixtures keep the mattress in place overnight, because you don't want your topper to slide.

Then, I'll test motion transfer with a glass of water or a dumbbell. Normally, how much your bed moves is down to the mattress, but the topper can make a difference too. After these formal tests, I'll get sleeping. I track my sleep, so I always like to look at my graph of sleep compared to how well I sleep on the bed without the topper over the course of a month. Each night, I sleep in a different position (thankfully, I'm someone who can do that), thinking about whether my body is supportive, comfortable, and kept at a nice temperature. If there are other features that make the topper special, I'll note these down to test and comment on. There's no stone left unturned.

After all that, I'll think about how the topper that I'm testing compares to the best mattress toppers out there. After all, you only want to know about the good ones. I'll write down a comparison between the topper and one claiming to offer similar features. I often look around a similar price bracket, so you can get a sense of value for money. 

I'll conclude by answering who it suits and whether you should buy it. This will be a different answer depending on what position you sleep in, whether you're a hot sleeper, and your budget. I always give alternatives for people who the topper doesn't quite suit.

How to choose the best mattress topper

• Sleep style and firmness: The position you sleep in is the biggest thing to consider when choosing a mattress topper. For example, if you sleep on your side, you'll need a mattress topper that has a cushioned pillow-top so that the hard points of your joints can sink into the surface. Front and back sleepers however will need a firmer surface so your spine does not sag out of shape.
• Material: The material you choose depends on whether you'd prefer a soft or firm bed. If you want something cushioning for joints (side sleepers - we're talking to you), a memory foam mattress topper will be better. If you'd prefer a firmer bed, hybrid and latex mattress toppers are best.
  You should also consider any additional sleep needs like whether you have allergies or tend to sleep hot. Wool and synthetic mattress toppers are more breathable and better for those with allergies. Look for gel or charcoal infused foam toppers and those with cooling bamboo or cotton casing if you suffer from night sweats.
• Size: Selecting the right size for your bed is essential to its performance. If you're unsure about what size your mattress is, it's worth measuring to see make sure your topper will fit correctly and cover all surface area.
• Price: Dr Deborah Lee partner of Get Laid Beds explains that a good mattress topper should 'strike a balance between quality and affordability. While it's crucial to invest in a mattress topper that meets your comfort needs, it's sensible to explore options within your budget to find the best value.' You should also consider the state of your current mattress. Are you looking to buy a topper to prolong it's life, or simply add some extra cushioning as your wear your new one-in? Compare how much money you'll save with a topper vs how much it would be to purchase a brand new mattress. 

FAQs

Why use a mattress topper? 

Mattress toppers up comfort-levels on any bed to help you sleep better. Whether the bed you sleep on each night simply isn't as comfortable as you like, you have a spare room, with an old mattress that needs sprucing up for when guests come to stay, or you're going on holiday and can't sleep without your 'creature comforts'. They can alter firmness, offer support to alleviate joint pain and give an old, uncomfortable bed a new lease on life.

Mattresses themselves are built to last a long time, which often explains their high price point. But your sleep-preferences may change sooner than you're due an upgrade. Mattress toppers are a cost-effective way to tailor your bed to what you need now, without having to pay for a brand new bed.

Maybe you're wanting to try out the feel of foam, or wool, or feather. Buying a new mattress is a big investment, and you'll pay the price if you get it wrong - literally. Getting a mattress topper is a great way to try out whether a change in mattress material would work for you. 

Should your mattress topper go under or over a mattress protector? 

As Rhiannon Johns, interior designer and head of brand at Piglet in Bed explains, 'when using both a mattress topper and protector, you should put your mattress topper on top of your mattress, followed by the mattress protector. This ensures that not only your mattress is protected, but the topper too, keeping dust mites and bacteria at bay.'

How deep should my mattress protector be?

There isn't a one-number-fits-all recommendation for how thick your topper should be, because every sleep style requires different depths. Most experts will recommend starting with 3-inch mattress toppers and then adjusting depending on how you find it. If your mattress is older, less supportive, and more uncomfortable to sleep on, a thicker topper will be more helpful. A thinner topper will make smaller changes to your mattress, such as temperature regulation. Depending on what you need, your topper will deliver different results.

Can a mattress protector actually help with joint or back pain?

Whilst you should always see a medical professional for back and joint pain, our experts speak from experience when we all say that, yes, toppers can really help. Memory foam can help to provide comfort and cushioning around joints, whilst latex mattresses can help with spinal alignment for back ache. I personally get a lot of joint pain and find that my bamboo topper makes a huge difference.

Are mattress toppers any good for side sleepers?

Mattress toppers can be invaluable for side sleepers. When you don't lie flat, you can create poor spinal alignment, adding unnecessary pressure to your hip, back, and shoulders. Chosen correctly, a topper can help to restore your alignment, redistributing weight more evenly across your body.