I used to dream of mini breaks and getaways because I love a fancy hotel bed. But after reviewing the Simba Hybrid Luxe mattress, I’d honestly rather stay at home - now, I sleep like I’m in a five-star suite every single night.

I’ve always spent most of my free time and spare cash planning my next holiday or weekend getaway. From sinking into the very best mattresses money can buy to slipping beneath premium bed sheets I'll never afford, I love everything about a minibreak. For me, nothing guarantees a better night's sleep than stretching out in an enormous hotel bed - and I’ve even picked up a few tips over the years on how to make my bed feel like a five-star suite.

But all that changed overnight when one of our Homes editors asked me to write this Simba Hybrid Luxe mattress review. After sleeping on it for six months, I now think twice about overnight trips, because no other bed is as luxuriously comfortable as mine. It seems this mattress hasn’t just vastly improved my sleep and eased my aching joints - it has also probably saved me a fortune in hotel fees.

Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress review

I used to think all mattresses were the same, until I slept on the Simba Hybrid Luxe. I now realise how wrong I was. But a quality mattress is a big investment, so it makes sense to do your research. To help you decide if it's the best mattress for you, here’s my honest review after six dreamy months of sleeping on it.

How we tested the Simba Hybrid Luxe mattress

I started taking HRT a couple of years ago, after a sudden onset of perimenopause symptoms - including night sweats - in my late forties. It helped, but earlier this year, I started waking up drenched all over again. So when our Homes Ecommerce editor, Laura Honey, asked if I’d like to test the Simba Hybrid Luxe mattress and review it for a buying guide on the best cooling mattresses, I jumped at the chance.

I took delivery of a King size model - supplied by Simba for testing purposes - and committed to sleeping on it with my husband for a minimum of six months. I noted all the key features of this mattress, like the zoned pocket springs and advanced cooling tech, and set out to discover whether they delivered on Simba’s promises.

While I was initially wowed by how comfortable it is to sleep on, I was interested to see whether the charm would wear off after a few weeks or if I'd still be gleefully looking forward to bedtime every evening, six months later. Read on to find out.

Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress review: Specifications

Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress: What's inside?

Simba is a UK brand known for using advanced sleep tech to design mattresses that adapt to your body and offer exceptional support. They specialise in layered engineering and use materials like breathable foam, springs, and cooling fabrics to create premium mattresses.

Simba is the most five-star rated mattress brand in the world, and uses the data from more than ten million sleepers to test and design their products.

The Simba Hybrid Luxe, as the name suggests, is a hybrid medium-firm mattress that combines multiple layers of memory foam with 5,700 pocket springs for targeted support, pressure relief and comfort. Simbatex® foam infused with graphite helps keep you cool, while a breathable wool and bamboo cover wicks away moisture and aids temperature regulation.

It comes with a 200-night trial and a 10-year warranty, making it a low-risk way to invest in better sleep.

Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress: Unboxing and first impressions

The firm delivering my mattress had to cross the Irish Sea to get it to me in Northern Ireland. They actually broke down on their way, so its arrival was delayed by 24 hours, but the two-man crew were nothing short of heroic. They gave us an hour's notice before they (eventually) arrived and made no complaints about navigating endless rural country lanes on a wet and windy winter's night.

The box was pretty battered (thanks to an emergency van swap), so the QR code for setup and support didn’t scan, but that was no big deal. We used our common sense and worked out that we needed to release the rolled-up mattress from its confines and leave it on our bed for up to 72 hours. During this time, the mattress gradually expanded to its full size and shape, which the whole family enjoyed watching. The rest period helps the materials settle properly and allows any packaging smells to fade.

Simba offers free weekday delivery to most UK postcodes (7am–7pm), with optional weekend delivery or a four-hour time slot for £10. For another £10, they’ll unpack, set up the mattress, and take away the packaging.

As a certified B Corp, Simba is committed to sustainability and to prevent mattresses ending up in landfill, they offer mattress removal and recycling for any mattress, not just a Simba one, with no purchase necessary. They'll even collect it from the room of your choice.

Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress: Comfort and support performance

From the moment I first lay on the Simba Hybrid Luxe, I was smitten. It's difficult to find words to describe just how luxuriously comfortable it is without resorting to cliches about sleeping on clouds - but imagine sinking into the bed of your dreams in a five-star hotel.

My husband and I slept incredibly well, and when we woke up, the first words we exchanged were about how remarkably comfortable the mattress is. My 10-year-old daughter joined us for a cuppa in bed that morning and was similarly wowed by the cloud-like experience.

Our Sprockapoo puppy, who ignores my 'no sleeping on the bed' rule, sneaks up to lie at our feet when it's time for lights out. Clearly she is a fan of the Hybrid Luxe too and has to be dragged off the bed each morning. (I used to worry that getting a dog would mean no more lie-ins and instead brutal early starts, but I think I have the mattress to thank for turning her into a sleep-loving pup who just doesn't do mornings.)

What about all the technical wizardry that goes into creating this mattress? It's well worth paying extra for. Morning aches and pains that I thought were par for the course as a 40-something have all but disappeared since I started sleeping on this mattress.

One of my biggest bugbears about sharing a bed is being shaken awake by the ripple-effect of my husband putting on his gym shoes while perched on the edge of the bed. That is a thing of the past - the motion isolation is outstanding and edge to edge support means I haven't once had to cling to the edge. Neither of us has been disturbed by the other's tossing and turning. In fact. I barely notice he’s there, and sometimes have to roll over to check if he's even in bed.

Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress: Cooling and temperature regulation

It's not realistic, in my opinion, to expect a mattress to reduce night sweats. As anyone who has experienced them will tell you, they're more like a furnace erupting from within, rather than any external sense of overheating.

So, the most I expected from the Simba Hybrid Luxe was that it might have better airflow than my existing mattress, and I might cool down more quickly after a night sweat.

I still get occasional night sweats, and while I can't say they're any less frequent, I do think I have a cooler sleep experience overall. I suffer much less from a general sense of overheating easily in bed. The moisture-wicking elements of this mattress seem to work too, as I wake vaguely aware that I've had a hot flush in the night, rather than drenched or - worse - shivering from the after-effects.

Keep in mind that the bedding you use will affect the cooling properties of a mattress. While this one is designed with breathable materials and cooling technology to help regulate temperature, heavy or non-breathable bedding will trap heat and reduce airflow. To get the best cooling effect from the mattress, it’s a good idea to pair it with lightweight, breathable bedding made from natural fabrics like cotton, linen, or bamboo. This helps your body heat escape more easily and keeps you feeling fresher throughout the night.

Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress review: How does it compare?

It's difficult to think of a reason not to buy the Simba Hybrid Luxe mattress if it's within your budget. It would be money very well spent. But if the price puts you off, then the Eve Sleep Premium Mattress is a slightly cheaper alternative. It's a memory foam mattress rather than a hybrid, so won't have the cooling properties of the Simba, but our tester found it cooler than most foam mattresses.

And if money's no object, I'd bet that the Simba Hybrid Ultra mattress, which boasts 11 layers of natural materials and is a step up from the one I tested, is worth pushing the boat out for.

Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress review: should you buy it?

I wouldn't typically spend £1,799 on a mattress, but that's only because it's beyond my budget. But if I had the cash, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy this one. If good sleep means as much to you as it does to me, and you’re willing to invest in a mattress that makes bedtime and lie-ins a joy (with a 10-year guarantee), this is well worth it. You won’t look back.

When you purchase a Simba Hybrid Luxe mattress, you’ll also get two pillows, a duvet, and a mattress protector included at no extra cost - premium extras worth more than £600. I didn’t test these myself, so I can’t speak for their quality, but it’s a bonus that adds real value.

But here's the ultimate test of whether you should buy it. I recently stayed in a posh hotel and realised the trip wasn’t really worth it since the Simba mattress is way comfier. After writing this review, I’ve turned down other trips. Because why travel for five stars when you’ve got nine layers of luxury in your own bedroom?

Find out more about how we test mattresses on our dedicated page.

Soak&Sleep's Cooling Mattress Topper offers the perfect balance of sink-in softness and support. It's an easy way to transform the way that you sleep, especially when you're having trouble.

If you've ever wondered what regret feels like, I can tell you. It’s lying on a mattress that's as firm as a block of concrete. I bought it for my back health, but I've been having some serious regrets, so I started looking into mattress toppers. When I discovered Soak & Sleep’s Cooling Mattress protector, naturally (and rather desperately) I was overjoyed.

The best mattress toppers are made up of all sorts of different materials, but a cooling foam one like this is perfect if you need some pressure relief and extra softness on your bed. What is it like to sleep on? Well, you’ll have to keep reading to find out.

Specifications

Unboxing

The beauty of a foam mattress topper is that it can be vacuum packed and squeezed into packages that seem impossibly small. The Soak&Sleep Cooling Mattress Topper arrived in what felt like an impossibly small and yet impressively dense package. I could easily carry it up the stairs and then, as soon as I sliced into the plastic, the topper began to grow.

Whilst I’m not a big fan of single-use plastic in packaging, this did do a wonderful job of keeping the topper clean as well as firmly in place. When you cut the protector out of its packaging, you’ll want to leave the foam to breathe and grow. It’ll have been compacted for a while, so most brands recommend waiting 1-3 hours before you commit to fitting this on your bed

Who would it suit?

Foam toppers like this are perfect if you’re suffering from joint pain or any niggles that require you to make your mattress a little softer for a while. As a regular runner, my knees are regularly in the wars and my hips and spine aren't far behind. Sleeping on the Soak&Sleep Cooling Mattress I definitely felt that my joints and aches were well supported, which is great if you want some pressure relief.

Hand-in-hand with the supportive foam, you've got the cooling technology and breathable structure that helps to keep you cool when you sleep. It's not going to make your night sweats disappear, but it will do a decent job of helping to manage and stay on top of night sweats in the context of foam toppers, which are naturally hot anyway.

To finish off the trifecta, the Soak&Sleep Cooling Mattress is also reasonably priced. Compared to other foam toppers, it's excellent value for money, especially because it feels like it's good quality too.

How does it fit on the bed?

Soak & Sleep has opted for the more modern grippy underside to keep the topper in place on the bed. It’s a very neat alternative to straps that often sounds better in theory than in practice, but this stuck in place like a limpet.

I move around a fair amount in the night which should have put the Soak&Sleep though its paces, but it stayed pristinely in place, spreading from corner to corner. It’s a great size fit and, without it moving around a lot, this is pretty perfect.

What is it like to sleep on?

My mattress was should win awards for how firm it is, so I was intrigued to see how much this could soften the bed. The 6cm layer of foam certainly added so softness to the feel — I would say that it took the bed from firm to medium firm, which is a decent transition. The foam feels a little harder than the OTTY, for example, but it’s still cushioning and gentle on aching joints.

Lying on my back, it neatly and effectively kept my shoulders, back, and hips aligned. It made lying my side a lot comfier too — it was not a comfortable affair without the topper.

One of the Soak&Sleep Cooling Topper’s biggest challenges is actually keeping you cool while you sleep. Foam naturally warms, softens, and hugs the body, which can be really insulating. As far as foam goes, this seemed to keep up a good, open structure that allowed the air to flow around my body. I still woke up not in the night, but in the context of foam toppers I was much cooler than I have been on the alternatives.

Cleaning

Soak&Sleep has a dedicated care guide for how to look after your mattress topper. They recommend having a protector on top of your topper and that you should shake out your topper every week to make sure it spreads across the bed fully and evenly.

Soak&Sleep also emphasise that you should rotate your topper so that it wears evenly and that you should wash it every season. For the Cooling Topper, you'll need to unzip the case and pop it in the wash, which works well.

How does it compare?

The OTTY Cooling Mattress Topper is crafted from a blend of bamboo foam. It’s another great cooling foam topper, although this is softer and thinner. That makes it great for enhancing the feel of beds that are already soft, but it would’ve be quite as useful for someone like me, sleeping on my hard mattress. It retails at a similar price and lots of people prefer the easy clean zip case around the OTTY as well as the eco-credentials. Me though? I need more thickness.

If you like the idea of a mattress topper that is soft and cooling, but you don’t think memory foam is a necessity, the world is your oyster. Woolroom’s Wool Mattress Topper is a miracle worker for adding light cushioning as well as some really effective cooling technology. It comes with a price jump and not as much thickness, but it’s the one that lots of our team sleep on.

If that’s out of your budget, the M&S Comfortably Cool Topper is brilliant for being cushioning, cooling, and inexpensive. It’s not as effective as the Woolroom, but it’s a reasonable alternative.

Should you buy it?

If you want an affordable, cushioning foam mattress topper, this is perfect. It’s cooling in comparison to your average foam topper. It took my super firm mattress down a notch, so I could sleep on my side and if that’s what you need, I can’t recommend this enough.

How we test

At woman&home, sleeping on the job is encouraged. In fact, it's a requirement when we're talking about mattress toppers. All the reviews that you read come from real-life experience from me or one of our experts as we put these toppers to the test to make sure that they live up to their claims.

I make sure to keep notes on everything from the packaging that the topper arrives in right through to what kind of maintenance and cleaning you'll need to do to keep your mattress topper in perfect condition. I like to think that we cover everything and, if you're keen to find out more, you can read all about it in our page for how we test mattress toppers.

The Floks Wool Mattress Topper is an all-natural solution for night sweats, sensitive skin, and uncomfortable mattresses. It's a dream to sleep on, but is it for you?

These days, more and more people are demanding good quality, wool bedding. Made in the UK with British wool and Egyptian cotton, there’s no denying that Floks offers some dreamy credentials for their Wool Mattress Topper, but is it one of the best mattress toppers of all time?

I switched out my favourite wool topper, made by Woolroom, to find out how well this could help me to regulate my temperature whilst also keeping me comfortable and well supported. The results are in.

This sample was kindly supplied by The Roost,

Floks Wool Mattress Topper Specifications

Unboxing Floks Wool Mattress Topper

True to their eco-conscious stance, Floks sends the Wool Mattress Topper in a big, reusable bag. It’s crafted from the same unbleached Egyptian cotton as the quilted outside and it comes with a handle too. I was instantly eyeing it up as a new travel bag. In fact, I think you could have convinced me to spend £100 just on the packaging itself.

Thanks to the Floks Wool Mattress Topper arriving rolled, I could spread it fully across my 38cm bed with it reaching all four corners. It does have a slightly earthy smell, but this isn’t even noticeable when you put your bed linen on. I have a sensitive nose, so if it was going to disrupt anyone, it would have been me.

Who would Floks Wool Mattress Topper suit?

Wool and Egyptian cotton are a match made in heaven, especially if you’re a hot sleeper or if you have sensitive skin. They’ll naturally offer gentle feel, moisture wicking, and temperature regulation all night long. All parts of the duvet are naturally hypoallergenic and asthma friendly. They haven’t been treated with dyes or chemicals, which I always think makes it a little easier to take a deep breath in bed. Nobody wants to be sleeping on chemicals.

What sets the Floks Wool Mattress Topper apart from the rest of the wool toppers is that it is crafted from the very finest materials: you’ve got traceable British wool (which wins on a sustainability front as well) and Egyptian cotton, which is widely accepted as the best cotton in the world thanks to its durability and absorbency. And what’s great is that you can really feel the quality. The Wool Mattress Topper is packed full, giving a lofty, cushioning layer that doesn’t compromise on being supportive too. The cotton exterior feels crisp and, in short, I felt that this was a splurge, but a very well spent splurge.

So, it’s gentle and it’s luxurious, but there’s one final touch that finesses the trifecta. It’s really sustainable. The bedding is made in the UK, with all biodegradable and sustainable materials. Floks is a B-Corp and with credentials like this, it’s easy to see why.

How does Floks Wool Mattress Topper fit on the bed?

The whole Floks Wool Mattress Topper spreads easily and generously over the bed. My mattress is 38cm deep, which Floks suggests is the maximum depth that it can handle, but I had no issues stretching the elastic straps around all four corners.

Mine looked a little creased at first, but it very quickly smoothed out and stayed perfectly in place throughout the night.

What is Floks Wool Mattress Topper like to sleep on?

Now, I’ve slept on my fair share of wool mattress toppers, but this is easily one of my favourites. As a back or side sleeper, I like some plushness, but I’m not a big fan of sink-in foam. This offered the perfect balance of cushioning and support. I could still feel my firm mattress underneath me, but the bony parts of my body no longer told me that I was sleeping on what feels like a slab of concrete at the best of times.

Over the month that I slept on this, I actually forgot it was there, which is proof that this was doing a stunning job. My perfect sleep setup was consistently good and I found a routine of restfulness that was blissful. The problems only arose when I took this off to send the sample back (we only loan these for testing). I was puzzled when I lay back in my mattress and all my old grievances came rushing back. Safe to say, I put one of these mattress toppers in my shopping basket that night.

Is Floks Wool Mattress Topper cooling?

As a generally hot sleeper, I found the Floks Wool Mattress Topper really helpful for regulating my body temperature. When I woke up, my skin didn’t feel clammy, and I found I was sleeping much more consistently. I actually wear a fitness tracker and it named me ‘an architect of sleep’ as a result of my consistent body temperature.

Whilst I do get hot in the night, I needed to loan this to someone with more serious sweats than myself, enter, my mum. She’s post-menopausal now, but still suffers from night sweats that will wake her up and keep her tossing and turning. She said that the Floks Wool Mattress Topper was really helpful. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m not the ice queen now,” she says, “but I was waking up maybe once in the night as opposed to what felt like torturingly high numbers before.” The real proof? She bought one of these toppers too. If only they had a discount for buying more than one.

Cleaning Floks Wool Mattress Topper

On the website, Floks has lots of helpful advice for how to clean your mattress topper. They recommend picking a sunny day to hang your topper outside maybe once a month. Floks says that “sunlight naturally revitalizes the wool, restoring its antimicrobial properties and keeping your topper fresh and breathable.”

If you want a deeper clean, they categorically say not to put this in the washing machine. To keep it comfy and well cushioned, you’ll need to take it to a specialist dry cleaner.

How does Floks Wool Mattress Topper compare?

I mentioned that I swapped out my Woolroom Deluxe Luxury Wool Mattress Topper for this, so I imagine that you have some questions about what it’s like to sleep on. From an anecdotal perspective, the two are almost identical. I felt cool, comfortable, and well-supported on both. From a numbers perspective, my sleep statistics are almost identical for body temperature and sleep time, so you really have to start nit picking to choose between the two. The Woolroom is more expensive, which goes against it, but it is washable. That’s the toss-up you’ll have to make. How much will it cost you to get your Floks dry cleaned every three months, if you’re good and you stick to the recommended schedule. And are you willing to look at the long term cost-saving benefits of the Woolroom topper?

My other alternative is The White Company’s Hypoallergenic Comfort Topper. This swaps out the wool for polyester and Egyptian cotton for normal cotton, which means that it’s a less luxurious buy. It doesn’t boast the same cooling properties, but it will put you in a good place price wise. This costs half as much as the Floks topper, so it’s a great budget buy if you still want to feel like you’re treating yourself. It’s a bit of a contradiction, I know.

Should you buy Floks Wool Mattress Topper?

If you need a cooling mattress topper and you have sensitive skin, this is an investment that you won’t regret. It’s a splurge, but we spend one third of our lives in bed, so I think it’s worth it.

How we test

At woman&home, we personally test every product we recommend, ensuring you bring a high-quality mattress topper into your home. I sleep on each topper for at least a month before sharing a review, assessing its comfort, support, and ability to regulate temperature. I’ll also highlight any maintenance requirements or unique features that might influence your decision. If you’d like to learn more, check out our guide on how we test mattress toppers —or feel free to reach out. My inbox is always open.

When it comes to sleep it's important to make sure we're well supported and in the best position to get good quality rest. So if you're starting to notice yourself waking up feeling less than refreshed, your mattress might be the reason.

It's no secret that a good-quality mattress equals a better night's sleep. But what we often forget is that mattresses don't last forever, and after time they begin to offer less comfort and support.

Many perhaps don't know how often you should change your mattress, but luckily bed and sleep experts share all the tell-tale signs that yours likely needs replacing.

5 signs you need to replace a mattress: advised by experts

Even when you invest in one of the best mattress toppers money can buy, your mattress underneath will still suffer from usual wear and tear. This means that over the years you'll start to notice it's not doing its job as well as it used to do when you first bought it.

Generally speaking, mattresses are built to last between seven to ten years, but sometimes they need replacing sooner – if they no longer suit your needs. "One of the clearest signs is visible wear and tear," says Ian Atkins, Mattress Technologist at Simba.

"Think sagging, lumps or dips that throw off your comfort. These uneven areas - and the inability to distribute weight evenly - can disrupt your sleep and leave you tossing and turning at night.

But what about the less obvious signs? Here are the five most common signs that your mattress is on its last legs and needs replacing – then you'll need expert advice on what you need to know before buying a new mattress.

1. You wake up feeling sore

When you prioritise sleep hygiene you should be waking up feeling well rested and energised. However, if you find yourself feeling worse than when you went to sleep, your mattress may no longer be doing its job of keeping you properly supported and comfortable.

Harry Honey, a sports sleep specialist explains, "When the springs, foam or natural fibres are repeatedly compressed they will lose their rebound capacity meaning the support of your body will become uneven. Spinal alignment is the priority for your body, hence it will compensate for the worn support by putting more pressure and tension in other parts of your body. This is why you wake up feeling sore."

2. You can feel and hear your partner moving

If you haven't yet opted for the Scandinavian sleep method then chances are you might share a bed with your partner. Whilst this might usually not be an issue, a sudden feeling of disruption from them could mean your mattress isn't supporting you both.

"Another sign is if you can hear your partner moving around much more than usual," says Rebecca Swain, the mattress expert at Winstons Beds. "Good quality mattresses absorb motion transfer so if it feels like you can hear your partner moving around more in the night, it’s not them being annoying, it could be a sign of poor mattress quality."

The mattress is also designed to absorb motion transfer so if you can feel your partner moving through the night more than usual then chances are your mattress isn't absorbing correctly anymore.

3. Your allergies have worsened

If you have bad allergies, you'll probably be on top of vacuuming your mattress and ensuring your room stays as dust-free as possible. And whilst mastering how to dust your bedroom will help, the age of your mattress can be to blame for worsening allergies.

"Keep an eye on your allergies and if they begin to worsen during the mornings or at nighttime when you’re in your bed. This could indicate a build-up of dust mites and other allergens in your mattress," says Rebecca.

Ian adds: "Older mattresses can also harbour dust mites and allergens, so if you’ve been waking up with sniffles or irritated skin, it might be time to replace your mattress."

4. Noisy springs

If you're trying to make your bedroom feel like a luxury hotel with a cloud-like bed, noisy springs are certainly not a part of that vision.

"You might begin to notice creaks or squeaks from the springs, which suggest the mattress is losing its structure," explains Ian Atkins.

According to Rebecca, in a quality mattress springs should never be noisy or creaky. She says, "If you find your mattress begins to make noises as you move on it then it’s likely that its internal structure is weakening."

5. Frequent headaches after sleeping

You might think that waking up with a groggy head and potentially even a headache might be down to your pillows, but it could actually be your mattress causing it. We do still recommend investing in some of the best pillows as they make a world of difference for your neck and back.

"If the spine is not well aligned due to the mattress not providing even support as a consequence of worn out springs, foam or natural fibres then the body tenses up increasing pressure on other parts of the body," says Harry.

He explains how this pressure can lead to a headache adding, "When a muscle contracts it tightens around the blood vessels that run through it. This restricted blood flow hinders oxygen and nutrient delivery to muscles in this area. When focused around the upper body this results in pain or headache. The tension can lead to a double whammy effect as the discomfort from the strain could manifest itself as a headache too."

FAQ

How do you know if your mattress is causing pain?

How do you know if your mattress is the cause of your discomfort? "If you’re waking up with aches, stiffness, or discomfort, then your mattress could be the culprit," says Ian Atkins. "Pain in your lower back, neck, or shoulders - especially if it improves as the day goes on - can be a sign your mattress isn’t giving you the right support."

"You might also feel sore at pressure points, such as your hips or shoulders if your mattress isn’t distributing your weight evenly. If you notice you feel less pain after sleeping on a different mattress then it’s a strong sign that yours needs replacing."

Never ignore the signs because as Ian explains, "A good mattress should help your body relax and keep you comfortable all night long, so you wake up feeling refreshed and pain-free."

Once you've replaced your lacklustre mattress why not participate in some of this year's bedroom trends? Statement headboards are extremely popular this year and it's a perfect time to pick one out when you're investing in a new mattress.

Grether & Wells is somewhat of a legacy brand in the world of mattresses. Since their founding in 1859 it’s quite likely that without realising you have already benefitted from their innovation in springs and tufting at some point in your life. This makes it unsurprising then, that the mattresses that they make themselves are the crème de la crème. The Regal is a shining example of what nearly 200 years of experience can produce. 

Nowadays it’s hard to know what a good mattress looks like. There are so many different types from pocket sprung, to natural fibre, to memory foam, or a hybrid of the lot. Brexit has further complicated matters as UK mattress manufacturers are no longer subject to the strict safety standards that were in place, for good reason, when part of the EU. In my ongoing search for the best mattresses out there, I will help clarify the haze for you. A stop at Sleep.8 on Kings Road, Chelsea is a good place to start, sleep, and end quite frankly. 

Sleep.8 are the UK distributors of Grether & Wells, they have other stores in Bluewater, High Wycombe, Spitalfields, Stratford and Thurrock. I find it odd that there is an increasing shift to buying a mattress online, without ever having tried it in person. Hence, I welcome, with open arms, the attempt to buck this trend by Sleep.8. Their stores allow customers to not be overly dependent on the 100 day sleep promises. More than 2,000 excellent reviews on Trustpilot cement my confidence in them and their products. For now. Let’s delve in deeper and sniff out whether the Regal is top tier or whether there are cracks beneath the surface.

Specifications

Opening Note

First and foremost, if this is your first time buying a mattress, you’re probably thinking “What happens if I pick the wrong one?”. Let me put your mind at ease. Virtually every company out there has a sleep promise. The majority of the time you have 100 days to make up your mind. Sleep.8 is no exception with the 100 days too. If you decide to return it, usually they get donated to charity, but in some cases will just end up in landfill. I mention the consequences of returning a mattress because the presence of the sleep promises can lead to a decision that isn’t fully thought out when you always have the fallback of a refund.

However, with Sleep.8 there are two key things I want to make you aware of. Firstly, you have to buy a mattress protector from them to qualify for the 100 night comfort guarantee. Easily done, slightly annoying if you already have a mattress protector. The second thing is that you can’t return the mattress for a refund under this policy. You would be making an exchange for a different mattress in their range, or vouchers for the store. Personally I think this is a good thing. It stops the system being abused. At least now you know too and you won’t get caught out. 

Comfort

If you read the specifications hopefully you already know that this mattress only comes in firm. If you didn’t, now you do. Why is this relevant? Well nearly 75% of sleepers opt for medium/firm. Personally, I think if you’re happy on a medium/firm, you’ll also be happy on this. I’ll get into that in a mo. I just want to briefly elaborate on why the majority go for medium. The main aim of a mattress is to give you good spinal alignment when you sleep - essentially translating into comfort for you. To achieve the right alignment, the support needs to be appropriately matched to the weight. If you’re lighter than average you may fall into the soft category, and if you’re heavier than average you might fall into the firm category. The best thing to do is to speak to the experts at Sleep.8, they will be able to guide you better than anyone on their products.

If you are certain that you will need something closer to the soft category then have a browse of the Sleep.8 selection. There are a number of other models from Grether & Wells for you to choose from at all stages of firmness. 

My verdict on the comfort, the Regal is complex. It’s like a fine wine where you get told to look for certain flavours that you would have never known were present if you hadn’t been tipped off. Personally, as long as there is a flavour of fermented grape I am satisfied. I make the comparison because the first thing I think anyone should do with the Regal, is just squish the top layer. It’s comparable to squishing a cloud. Ludicrously soft. Once you have experienced that you can go ahead and lie down, probably expecting to sink deep into the mattress like a memory foam. Oh no, not today. You are essentially cradled in heaven. Firm, but not too firm, nestled in a top layer of clouds. This is why I said I think it would still be worth considering for anyone who likes a medium/firm, the lines are very much blurred or redrawn here. I think the level of comfort I felt on the Regal may make the cut for my top 3 of all time. 

Support and type

The Regal is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both pocket springs and foam, whilst this does sound like a winning combination, if not done in the right way, can just end up in a mess. An example of this is where the edge of the mattress is foam and the centre is pocket springs. As you can imagine, the support from foam is not really comparable to that of springs, so it essentially melts away like butter when you lie on it. A lot, but not all, foam mattresses have reinforced sides, the Regal included.

I will say I was skeptical of the Regal at first. Another hybrid mattress, only 550 pocket springs, and weirdly lightweight. I thought it surely can’t possibly match up to mattresses that boast over 10,000 springs. I was wrong. The support is second to none. In fact I actually lay on my side on the very edge of the mattress and wouldn’t have known any difference to the support in the middle. It is just perfectly consistent. I imagine, but I don’t know for certain, that the reduced number of pocket springs is necessary for mattresses that are suitable for adjustable bed frames. All you need to know is that there is no lack of support at all. 

Now let’s talk about motion isolation. This is something that foam and natural fibres are better at doing generally. Springs on the other hand are good, but they have a limit. So here we have another place where a hybrid mattress can fill a gap. With the Regal, you can consider the gap filled. Excellent motion isolation. You literally cannot feel the other person on the bed. Perhaps you will have more unwelcome visits from your dogs as they creep aboard in the night without you knowing. It’s an acceptable trade off. 

Scent

If you’ve done your homework you probably know about off-gassing. Some mattresses release very strong smells when they first arrive. This could be down to a number of factors, one of the most common is the fire retardant chemicals used in the production process. The EU has very strict regulations that companies have to meet in this area. Whilst wool is naturally fire retardant many companies turn to cheap and nasty chemical alternatives (that somehow still pass the regulations). Clearly the brief to the regulatory body was “make sure they don’t catch fire” and not “make sure they don’t use carcinogens in the process”. It’s scary to learn what some companies use. More so now that the UK is not part of the EU allowing some companies to exploit the flimsy regulations that remain.

The Regal has some foam components which are also known for releasing smells of their own. But, thankfully, I have nothing negative to report. No smells whatsoever in fact. I would have liked to have seen more evidence on their website of a natural approach to both the foam and the fire retardance, especially with the price tag. You have more than paid for essentially an ‘organic’ mattress, but I couldn’t find any information on this front. You have to assume the worst otherwise it would no doubt be advertised. Maybe I’m wrong.

Delivery

I mentioned this briefly under the Support section - the Regal is bizarrely lightweight. Maybe it’s just me, but luxury and heavy are two things that go hand in hand in a lot of places, so I was caught off guard. As you already know the weight doesn’t impact the performance, for want of a better word, of the bed. I thought I’d say this straight off the bat, it’s easier than most to move around your house. 

Regarding the delivery, the team took mine to the fifth floor of a town house. They are pretty excellent and the mattress is well packaged for protection. Delivery is actually free to mainland UK, in other words, you have prepaid for it in the price of the product. I’m not sure whether this actually helps Sleep.8 because on the face of it the mattress is another £50 to £100 more expensive than competitors who add the shipping on later, as many do.

A white glove delivery service is part of any large item you buy. This service includes the removal of your old mattress. Another £30 to £50 you can deduct from the price as other companies frequently charge for this too! It’s hard to know whether Sleep.8 are doing themselves any favours by including all of these services in the price. 

Temperature Regulation

On this topic I think it’s important to say that I am testing in November in the UK. Needless to say, it is cold. One of the main concerns with foam or hybrids is overheating, not something I am well-equipped to comment on outside of summer. That being said, British summers are becoming increasingly well, non-existent, so perhaps it will never become an issue. 

The Regal is well prepared for the unlikely return of warmth in the UK with multiple layers of wicking and airflow technology. Firm mattresses are generally the go to for a more substantial cooling effect. You might be wondering whether the ultra soft top layer contributes to a memory foam feel, but it doesn’t. It is soft, but far from sticky or suffocating.

In any case, the truth is, you should pick the mattress based on the comfort and support, if you find you are sleeping hot there are alternative solutions. Don’t pick a mattress that you find uncomfortable just so you are cool. That is why fans exist.

Guarantee and durability

The Regal comes with a 10 year guarantee on the mattresses. Normally I delve into the terms of the warranty as part of my research, I couldn’t find anything on it, anywhere. It must be something that is covered in more detail with a purchase, but important to ask about before going ahead. Sometimes companies make it a bit harder than it should be to make a warranty claim, I have no idea whether this is the case here, I’m just reminding you to think about worst case scenarios before they happen. Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.  

Eco-credentials

This is probably the only area I can say I am disappointed with. In this day and age everyone should be doing their bit to contribute to reducing waste, recycling where possible and using natural components instead of chemical ones. It’s hard to find anything on the Sleep.8 website that talks about what they are doing.

Yes they are picking up your old mattress, but it doesn’t mention anything at all about whether it is recycled. Sadly, the assumption is that it probably isn’t. The same goes for the process to make the mattress fire retardant, and the process for making the foam components. 

Clearly, Sleep.8 has the resources, and are charging the prices of a product that can and should be more environmentally conscious. If I’m wrong, and Sleep.8 is doing more, they need to talk about it. I would love to be able to re-write this section and give the Regal a perfect score. 

Value

The Regal in a Double is £2,399, with the 20% off it becomes £1,919. You can get 40% off if you buy a bed, and an extra £50 off if you sign up for the newsletter. There is a whole lot of money to be saved. Plus if you’re comparing it to others, remember to deduct the cost of postage and mattress collection for the sake of a fair fight. If you get all the reductions you are getting a truly incredible deal on a truly incredible mattress that more than deserves its place in my list.  

How we test

Why can I speak objectively about mattresses? You may be wondering. Well, as I write, I have 4 of them in my house that I am testing. This doesn’t include all the others I have tested before, and all that are to come next. When you start testing mattresses you realise that the words “I slept like a log” are not the result of chance, the calming podcast you listened to, or the cheese board you didn’t eat, but the bed you lay on.

Given that mattresses are neither seen nor heard (usually), you’ve probably never really broken down what separates a good mattress from a great mattress. Well I’m here to tell you the criteria and set you off on your journey as a newly qualified siesta scientist.

The top two most important factors I consider are comfort & support. These are closely followed by the type of mattress and the smell (yes you read correctly). Then we have delivery, temperature regulation, warranty/durability, earth friendliness and value. These last five don’t impact your sleep unless you really overpay and lie awake at night worrying. I also place lower significance on temperature regulation because in my opinion a duvet and your boiler system have a bigger part to play here. Of course a deep memory foam is going to be warmer than a firm pocket sprung, but you get my point.  

You can find out more on our dedicated page for how we test mattresses.

Since being one of the pioneers of the hybrid mattress in 2016, Otty has continued to pave the way for other mattress manufacturers by creating a winning combination of foam and springs. The latest Otty Pure Pro Hybrid Bamboo & Charcoal really does give the impression that sleep science is finally moving beyond the pocket sprung mattress created by James Marshall in 1899. Question is, is there substance to this ‘science’?

You might think that I am being a bit cynical with certain parts of what I’ve said so far. You would be right. But as the self proclaimed leader in the search for the best mattresses you can buy, I do get a little nauseated by the overuse of buzzwords such as bamboo and activated charcoal in modern products. They are thrown around in the same way that tech companies nowadays describe everything as having ‘AI’. Honestly my toaster was doing just fine with a timer, I really don’t need it to adjust the toastedness based on the weather tomorrow.

I suppose that makes it all the more impressive that I actually am quite a fan of Otty. The brand is enticing and modern, and as hybrid mattresses go, I will say this is the most comfortable that I have slept on. That’s a simple opinion based purely on my sleeping experience. I am not alone as Otty has garnered over 10,000 excellent reviews on Trustpilot and are showing no signs of slowing. All the same, I have quite a lot to say on the bigger picture. So tuck in as I brief you on everything I think you should know about the Otty Pure Pro Hybrid Bamboo & Charcoal before you click ‘buy’.

Specifications

Opening Note

Buying a mattress is not an everyday task. Everyone will have a first time buying one, and for all of you out there who this applies to, I want to put your mind at ease. Otty has a 100 night mattress trial. This means if, after all of your research (that should definitely include our tips for buying a mattress), you place all your hopes on the Pure Pro Hybrid Bamboo & Charcoal and the firmness is not quite right, you could send it back on day 99. Whilst you couldn’t use that trial on the next one you buy, it is hoped that you only need to make a minor adjustment to the firmness to achieve perfection. Fair enough in my book.  

One small detail I want to make you aware of. The trial is only available for one person per household. So if you are a family or share a house and order 3 at the same time, only one will be able to be returned. So I guess take inspiration from the Bucket family in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and all share the bed at the beginning.

Comfort

First and foremost, comfort. Speaking generally, if you’re in the market for a new mattress but unsure whether you should be looking at soft, medium or firm I’ll point you in the right direction. Nearly ¾ of sleepers opt for medium. This all links back to the tension in the springs, foam or fibres. A mattress is trying to give you the perfect level of support with the ultimate goal of good spinal alignment. That translates into comfort for you. If you’re slightly heavier or lighter than average you might fall into the soft or firm categories. Best case scenario speak to the Otty customer services. They will listen to what your needs are and be able to advise accordingly.

Otty has done things differently with regard to their product lineup. The Pure Pro Hybrid Bamboo & Charcoal only comes in one firmness, 7/10 which is around that medium firm region. You can get this in a variety of sizes but if you want a different firmness you’ll have to pick a different model - an unusual structure really. If I wanted a firmness at 5/10 on their in-house scale, then the Bamboo and Charcoal is not an option to me. When picking from the other models you do have a choice ranging from 5/10 up to 9/10 (extra firm). I guess a 10/10 firmness is just a slab of concrete so not offered.

As is commonplace these days, mattress toppers are very much encouraged by Otty. If you’ve read any of my other reviews you’ll know that I am anti-topper and think you should just buy the right mattress in the first place. However. I was sent the mattress topper to try, and I will say it is incredible (you can read more about it in Laura's full OTTY Bamboo Topper review over here). So if you don’t have the budget for a completely new mattress, look no further. Or, if you are in need of temporary softness as a consequence of aches and pains (not caused by your normal mattress) then this is also a great option.

As I said earlier, Otty is definitely more comfortable than its hybrid peers. I recruited backup for this test to really put it through its paces and can confirm it is more than suitable for side and back sleepers alike. I am 75kg and found the memory foam and pocket spring combination to be very nice. Whilst the initial impression is that it feels firm, when lying down it translates to a hugging but not suffocating feeling, like some memory foam can be. Well done Otty, so far so good.

Support and type

In my experience I have found that non-pocket sprung mattresses tend to struggle with edge to edge support. Memory foam doesn’t have the structural integrity to fight back, this has resulted in reinforced panels around the sides. Is this a good solution? I’m not so sure. I was very curious to try another hybrid for myself to see whether this particular issue had been addressed on the Otty Pure Pro Hybrid Bamboo & Charcoal.

I personally have no complaints. I found it supportive from edge to edge. I would have exposed a weakness if it was there. That said, I should mention that after scouring the Trustpilot reviews there are a few customers who did find it to be a bit of a problem. I can only assume that these people opted for a different mattress to me, maybe they had the softest version and were slightly heavy for it, I don’t know. In any case, if you are unable to test one before buying and it becomes a problem, send it back. Simple.

If, like me, you suffer from lower back pain you may be curious to know how the Otty feels. Typically a medium firm mattress is better for alleviating this. I was a little worried that the presence of the foam might cause excessive sinking and be too soft. Alas, I was wrong to worry, this was the best of all the memory foam and hybrids I’ve tried. The perfect balance.

The last small thing to comment on here is the motion isolation. This is referring to how much you can feel the movement of the person you are sharing your bed with. Again, top marks, I would have barely noticed there was anyone else with me.

Scent

My last few mattress reviews have been on natural, hand-made, pocket sprung mattresses. In these articles I am quick to raise the health concerns associated with memory foam. Otty do state that their foam is CertiPUR and Europur approved, meaning that both the quality and the toxicity of the foam have been tested time and time again and pass the highest standards set by the governing body - in their words.

They also state that the products are fully compliant with the UK fire regulations but don’t talk about natural methods to achieve this. At the end of the day, the process to create a foam mattress involves lots of chemicals, you probably already know this and are okay with it, I’m just reminding you.

More often than not memory foam mattresses have a strong chemical smell when new. The Otty Pure Pro Hybrid Bamboo & Charcoal was nearly odourless. This stayed true throughout all my testing. Perhaps times are changing as technology is advancing, the activated charcoal in the foam is said to be odour-eliminating. I once again can’t find fault with my personal experience here.

Delivery

Well I gave the game away in my introduction. The Otty Pure Pro Hybrid Bamboo & Charcoal is a mattress in a box. You can choose from a range of delivery options including free - to your door all the way up to £60 to your room of choice, unpacked and taking away your old mattress. After delivery the Otty has to decompress over 24 to 48 hours. This can be the case with pocket sprung mattresses too so nothing out of the ordinary.

At the time of writing Otty is stating a delivery time of around 2 weeks. This is probably helped by the third party delivery company. The speed is the only benefit in a situation like this as other customers have found out. High standards can easily slip resulting in mattresses being left by doors and services not feeling so personal as with other companies.

Each mattress comes with a nice mattress bag for you to transport it in the future. I love this as someone who has lost count of the number of mattresses I have gotten dirty when moving house or even rooms.

Temperature Regulation

On this topic I think it’s important to say that I am testing in November in the UK. Needless to say, it is cold. One of the main concerns with foam is overheating, not something I am well-equipped to comment on outside of summer. 

Luckily, however, some of our other expert testers have slept on this over the summer. Laura, used this with the OTTY Topper from June through to September and she is a self-proclaimed hot sleeper. "With any foam mattress, I expect to sleep a little hotter. When foam gets hot, it gets softer, so you end up sinking deeper into the foam, and get hotter. It's a vicious cycle," she says "whilst I did find the OTTY was hot to sleep on compared to other mattresses, it's one of the cooler foam mattresses. I wouldn't recommend it if you suffer from night sweats, but if you desperately need the pressure-relief of a foam mattress and you're a hot sleeper, this is probably your best bet.! 

Otty has taken the overheating into consideration with the Pure Pro Hybrid Bamboo & Charcoal. The natural bamboo is fully breathable, moisture-wicking wicking and temperature regulating. They have also incorporated holes in the edges for airflow and according to other customers who have used the mattress in Summer, this really works.

Guarantee and durability

The Otty Pure Pro Hybrid Bamboo & Charcoal comes with a 10 year guarantee on the mattresses, 1 year on the mattress covers and 1 year on the pillows and toppers. They actually also specify depths for sagging caused by standard use, 25mm in 12 months, 35mm in 12-24 months and so on. Worth a read if you’re hardcore.

Importantly you must rotate your mattress once a month for the first 12 months and then once every 3 months after that. If you don’t rotate it, apparently Otty can tell and your guarantee will not be valid. From reading the reviews I do get the impression that Otty mattresses are a little more sensitive than others, something to bear in mind.

Eco-credentials

Well I have one good thing to say here. The old mattress recycling is great. There aren’t too many details about it so I imagine a few end up in landfill in the event they aren’t made from natural materials. Other companies make it clear they can’t recycle memory foam so won’t take them from you, Otty doesn’t seem to account for this. If they are all recycled then it should be something they shout about since as far as the rest of the industry is concerned, it’s not a viable option. I should say that it may be possible for Otty to recycle their mattresses or at least parts of them including the pocket springs.

I don’t love the implication that bamboo foam means it’s okay. It’s not. The process of creating foam mattresses whether it’s from bamboo or rainbows and unicorns involves lots of chemicals and is not in any way good for the environment. If you are set on foam, then this is the best you will find for the planet. If you truly want to do better for the environment, then turn to pocket sprung non-hybrids.

Value

With the current deals at the time of writing, the price is good. You are getting a very comfortable mattress at a price that isn’t going to upset your bank manager. Otty seems to have lots of deals and offers so it is probably best to wait for one of those to come around before going ahead.

If I have to compare it to luxury pocket sprung mattresses I have reviewed in the past with price tags up to £2,000, it really does seem good value.

How we test

Why can I speak objectively about mattresses? You may be wondering. Well, as I write, I have 4 of them in my house that I am testing. This doesn’t include all the others I have tested before, and all that are to come next. When you start testing mattresses you realise that the words “I slept like a log” are not the result of chance, the calming podcast you listened to, or the cheese board you didn’t eat, but the bed you lay on.

Given that mattresses are neither seen nor heard (usually), you’ve probably never really broken down what separates a good mattress from a great mattress. Well I’m here to tell you the criteria and set you off on your journey as a newly qualified siesta scientist.

The top two most important factors I consider are comfort & support. These are closely followed by the type of mattress and the smell (yes you read correctly). Then we have delivery, temperature regulation, warranty/durability, earth friendliness and value. These last five don’t impact your sleep unless you really overpay and lie awake at night worrying. I also place lower significance on temperature regulation because in my opinion a duvet and your boiler system have a bigger part to play here. Of course a deep memory foam is going to be warmer than a firm pocket sprung, but you get my point.

You can find out more on our dedicated page for how we test mattresses.

The Southdown mattress by Button & Sprung has dotted the i’s and crossed the t’s when it comes to making a top quality sleeping surface. These guys go the extra mile and do more at every opportunity. This hand-made, natural, single sided mattress with its 10 year guarantee offers pure luxury, backed by everyone who’s tried it and bothered to write a review, me included.

There aren’t many things in your life you use on a daily basis for at least 10 years before replacing it. In fact I can’t think of anything other than a mattress (saying that I do have a tea towel I made in primary school that still hangs on my oven door to this day). That is why my ongoing hunt to find and test the best cooling mattresses the market has to offer is of vital importance. Button & Sprung you have my attention, I was doubtful at first, but please now consider me a believer. 

It’s fair to say that I am one of a growing army of people who recognise that Button & Sprung have hit the nail on the head with the Southdown. When you read the opinions of others and they say things like “it is HEAVEN” and “Like the best hotel bed you’ve ever slept on” you must be starting to get curious as to what the hype is all about. Well mute that Teams meeting you’re supposed to be in and read on as we dive into all things springs.

Button & Sprung Southdown Mattress review

It's not cheap, but the Button & Sprung Southdown is one of the best mattresses I've ever slept on. So much so, I actually bought this mattress off Button & Sprung to keep and sleep on.

The layers of springs and natural fibres offer a simple solution for hot sleepers who want something that'll help wick away moisture on their skin. It's also brilliant at minimising motion transfer (a godsend for couples) and feels beautiful to lie on. As someone who often gets joint pain, this is the first non-memory foam mattress to really offer me proper support.

I'll get deep into the details of exactly what this is like to sleep on, but know that this is the luxury-hotel experience down to the last spring. When I'll put my money on it, that's when you know it's genuinely good.

Specifications

Comfort levels

Kicking things off with the most important criteria: comfort. If you’re new to mattress hunting and unsure whether you should be looking at soft, medium or firm I’ll point you in the right direction. Nearly ¾ of sleepers opt for medium. Generally, it is suggested that you should only consider soft or firm if you are lighter or heavier than the typical. The end result being everyone ends up with a similar balance of sink to support. There is always the consideration of front vs back vs side sleeping positions. Surprise, surprise, the headline here from sleep experts is, once again, you’ll be in the medium territory regardless of what type of sleeper you are.

Based on all of this, it shouldn’t come as such a curve ball to learn that Button & Sprung only offer two levels of firmness - Regular which is medium and Firmer which is medium-firm. They have chosen to cater to the masses which I get, but I can’t help but think they have lost everyone who would have gone for a soft or firm. “Buy a mattress topper” I hear you say. The truth is, if I’m spending nearly £2,000 on a mattress I don’t really think I should have to buy one. In my opinion, a topper is to compensate for a gap between a Zip & Link system, remedy a lower quality mattress, or to give you some extra warmth in the Winter. 

As it happens I am a typical weight at a solid 75 kg, and was sent the Regular for my tests. Despite my grumble about the lack of choice of firmness, any negativity becomes a distant memory the moment you lie down. The Southdown really is the kind of mattress you would find in a top-quality luxury hotel. The kind of mattress that balances support and sink in the same way that Italians balance work and life, perfectly. I can say for certain that a mattress topper is not necessary. In this case, the Regular is medium firmness, not like those mediums that are too soft or too hard. 

Support and firmness

I imagine from the title you already know what type of mattress this is. I’ll remind you of the question I asked - “Are 13,750 springs too many in this luxury mattress?”. I followed up to answer my own question with, “No.” The Southdown leaves you in no doubt that it is pocket-sprung with 4 layers of internal springs made up of 750 Core pocket springs, two layers of 4,000 high-density micro pocket springs and then a layer of 5,000 high-density micro pocket springs. So if you’re wondering what happened to the slinky you had as a child, look no further than Button & Sprung’s mattress factory.

Needless to say the support is edge to edge. There is none of this sinking as you reach over to get your phone from the bedside table that you sometimes get on cheaper mattresses. Nor is there noticeable movement from anyone else you might have in your bed with you. The motion isolation is top-notch. This absolutely must be down to the number of springs. I currently have a feeble 4,000 in mine and the motion isolation is not as good as with the Southdown. 

Another useful tip for you: most people are side sleepers. I count myself among this group and therefore need the right level of support to avoid waking up feeling like my back is double my age. The Southdown delivers and leaves me with a back double my shoe size. The support is superb. I have had a lower back problem recently and know how much worse a bad mattress could make it. This one felt good. I, along with many other customers, am more than impressed. Redirect the money you're spending on a physio into a good mattress and treat the cause instead of the symptoms.

Scent

If this isn’t your first rodeo, or your first time buying a mattress, you’ll know all about off-gassing. A term I am not a fan of, but something you should be taking seriously. The UK has very strict fire safety standards that all mattresses have to live up to before being able to be sold to the public. The result of these high standards is a wave of mattresses coated in chemicals most of which are restricted or banned in other countries or on a list to state they may cause cancer. So whilst your mattress may not catch fire, it could pose some other very serious health risks. Truly bizarre when wool is naturally fire retardant. Sadly many consumers just want something cheap and avoid thinking about the trade-off. 

You’ll be pleased, and probably unsurprised, to learn that Button & Sprung don’t use foam, glue or fire retardant chemicals in their mattresses. In fact there was actually no smell at all. I have an air purifier in my bedroom that I have seen in the red zone when testing memory foam toppers, but nothing nasty to report here. 

Temperature regulation

Something I want to talk about here is Button & Sprung’s double sided mattresses. The Southdown is single sided, meaning you should not flip it, but rather, rotate it. You may notice on their website that there are other more expensive mattresses, making you think I’ve made a mistake when I say the Southbound is the flagship model. Well anything beyond the Southbound falls into the double sided category. To put it simply, you have a side for summer and a side for winter. This is a really nice touch if money is no object. You’re essentially buying two mattresses though. 

Truth be told, I don't think you need a side for each season. In my opinion, apart from deep memory foam mattresses, which I would avoid anyway, your duvet and room temperature have more to answer for here. I get hot when I sleep, probably more so than most people. But with the Regular I found no problems. As a side note I am testing in early October, it is still around 10 - 20 degrees. Maybe I would be suffering more if it was summer. 

The truth is, you should pick the mattress based on the comfort and support, if you find you are sleeping hot there are alternative solutions. Don’t pick a firm mattress that you find uncomfortable just so you are cool. That is why fans exist.

Guarentee and durability

So I know that a lot of memory foam mattresses get delivered vacuum packed as a roll these days. I did not, however, know that this was possible with pocket sprung mattresses. The Southdown arrived wrapped in polythene, with the entire mattress as a giant flat rectangle. All you have to do is pierce the packaging and boom, your mattress seemingly inflates in front of you. The days of squeezing the thing around the corner on your staircase are long gone. 

Button & Sprung use their own in house delivery team getting the mattress from factory to you within 4 to 6 weeks of ordering. You simply choose a 2 hour window to suit you, and they’ll be there. The delivery is free within a 65-mile radius of the London showroom, the rest of the UK ranges from £50 to £100. The team will literally set up the mattress on your bed of choice and take away all of the packaging. If you are doing a return or exchange, you will once again pay the delivery fee.

A really nice touch is Button & Sprung will take away your old mattress absolutely free. The only catch is it has to be pocket sprung. The nice thing about this service is that they will reuse 95% of what they take away. More on this later. 

The Southdown comes with a 10 year guarantee covering the materials, construction and workmanship. The only thing you wouldn’t be covered for is natural wear and tear or damage from unusual use. 

All mattresses will survive 10 years and beyond if properly cared for. And let’s be honest, a mattress isn’t exactly a house plant that dies whether you give it water or not. They’re pretty low maintenance. Rotate ‘em every 3 months and that’s it. After the 10 year mark it is recommended by Sleep Foundation that you change them anyway. 

Something I don’t see all the time, but is present on the Southdown is 2 handles on every side. This is just another example of Button & Sprung going the extra mile, doing something that isn’t necessary, but actually makes a difference, and makes sense. 

Environmental credentials

Let’s start with a scary fact. Over 7 million mattresses end up in landfill every year. In the UK alone. Most of these end up in landfill and take 1,000’s of years to biodegrade. The memory foam trend has a lot to answer for. 

Button & Sprung created Second Sleep as a project to recycle old pocket sprung mattresses 100% free. It doesn’t matter where it was bought, all that is important is there is a label identifying it as pocket sprung, it contains some natural fillings, and doesn’t contain memory foam. 

The end game is to create a fully circular economy within the next five years, which sounds ambitious to me, but admirable. They state at least 95% of each mattress will be repurposed with the natural fillings going through a sanitation process to ensure they are completely hygienic and perfectly safe for re-use. The springs are melted down to be made into new metal components.  

Something I am not so convinced by is the packaging. I scoured the website for any hint that the plastic that the mattress is delivered in is recycled or plant based, sadly I can’t find anything, so I fear the worst. With an in house delivery team it would be easy to use a similar system to Naturalmat who have reusable mattress bags and have saved tonnes of plastic waste. Do we really need them to be vacuum packed? It feels like a waste of energy, time, money and causes unnecessary damage to the environment through the materials required for this process. 

Value

With the Southdown you are paying top whack. But you are getting an incredibly luxury mattress with a ludicrous amount of springs. I don’t actually think it is bad value at all. It’s expensive without a doubt, but you can quickly account for a lot of the cost when you start tallying things up.

Is it worth £600 more than the most recent mattress I reviewed from Naturalmat? I’m not sure about that. But is it worth £700 more than my personal mattress from John Lewis? Yes. The moral of the story seems to be, pick a company that specialises in what they do. Button & Sprung are mattress pros, they care, and it shows. 

How we test

Why can I speak objectively about mattresses? You may be wondering. Well, as I write, I have 4 of them in my house that I am testing. This doesn’t include all the others I have tested before, and all that are to come next. When you start testing mattresses you realise that the words “I slept like a log” are not the result of chance, the calming podcast you listened to, or the cheese board you didn’t eat, but the bed you lay on.

Given that mattresses are neither seen nor heard (usually), you’ve probably never really broken down what separates a good mattress from a great mattress. Well I’m here to tell you the criteria and set you off on your journey as a newly qualified siesta scientist.

The top two most important factors I consider are comfort & support. These are closely followed by the type of mattress and the smell (yes you read correctly). Then we have delivery, temperature regulation, warranty/durability, earth friendliness and value. These last five don’t impact your sleep unless you really overpay and lie awake at night worrying. I also place lower significance on temperature regulation because in my opinion a duvet and your boiler system have a bigger part to play here. Of course a deep memory foam is going to be warmer than a firm pocket sprung, but you get my point.

You can find out more on our dedicated page for how we test mattresses.

With the colder weather upon us, it won't be long until electric blankets are a bedtime essential. But with our favourite mattress toppers in the way where do we place our beloved heated blankets for optimal warmth?

When you've got one of the best electric blankets on your side the last thing you want to do is minimise its warming power. So if you're trying to pair it alongside one of the best mattress toppers the layering process will need a little more thought.

You might already know you can use an electric blanket with a mattress topper, but should it go above or below? Here's what the experts recommend for acing the toastiest electric blanket and topper combination.

Should an electric blanket go under or over a mattress topper?

When acing your sleep hygiene, it's important to avoid the common electric blanket mistakes by placing your bedding components in the right order for the best night's sleep.

Chris Tattersall, Woolroom's Managing Director says, "My advice would be to always place an electric blanket (if required) under your topper or protector – no matter whether these are made from synthetic, memory foam or natural materials."

Being an expert on wool bedding Chris also points out that this placement is particularly important with a wool mattress topper or protector as the wool layer is there to regulate your temperature so you'll need to sleep on that instead of the blanket.

Does the placement of the blanket under the topper change its effectiveness?

Whilst you might be hesitant to layer your blanket underneath your topper, especially if you're a naturally cold sleeper, there are actually various benefits to it. And if you struggle with how to sleep in the heat all year round, this placement will also be better suited for you.

"A mattress topper serves as an insulating layer," says Hafiz Shariff, sleep expert and founder of mattress company Owl + Lark. "By placing the blanket beneath the topper, you reduce direct heat exposure to your body, minimising discomfort and overheating risks—vital factors since temperature significantly affects sleep patterns and overall brain function in relation to circadian rhythms."

He also points out that placing the blanket under the topper will protect it further and prolong its life so you get years more use out of it.

FAQs

Can electric blankets go on top of memory foam?

Some of the best cooling mattresses are made with memory foam layers as they are ideal for air flow and can also help sleepers who struggle with back or neck pain. However, how does this material hold up when it comes to electric blanket use?

"Exercise caution with memory foam. While putting an electric blanket over it is possible, it risks altering the foam’s supportive nature by making it too soft," advises Hafiz.

"Placing the heating element underneath is advisable, but ensure the blanket is suitable for this use to maintain its efficacy and safety, avoiding warranty issues or fire hazards."

Our favourite electric blankets

When considering placement remember the difference between electric blankets vs heated throws. Both offer warming properties but electric blankets are those that you place on the bed, heated blankets and throws are generally not as durable to handle sleeping on – these are best used as a layer to cover you to keep warm.

Once you've laid down your electric blanket ready to get you through the winter cold, why not make the most of the season and try out some autumn decor ideas?

The perfect mattress protector can do a lot more than save your bed from spills and stains. The OTTY Waterproof, for example, offers some extra cushioning, breathable technology, and temperature regulation too. I should know; I’ve been using it for the past few months.

On my hunt for the best mattress protectors, I’ve slept on a whole host of different bedding. from bamboo terry fabrics to synthetic plastics. The OTTY Waterproof strikes a nice balance of comfort and practicality.

Using microfibres, this absorbs spills (I’ve tested it), keeps you cool (I’ve tested it), and adds an extra layer of comfort (you’ve guessed right, I tested that too). If you’re interested to find out whether this is for you, keep scrolling. 

Specifications

Unboxing

Lots of mattress protectors come in packaging that feels like an afterthought, so it was nice to see that there was some TLC behind the OTTY Waterproof Mattress Protector. It was packaged in a sturdy cardboard box, enough to protect it in transit, but not so much that it consumed my recycling. 

I was surprised by the appearance of the protector itself. Normally, waterproof protectors are more like plastic sheets than something you could actually sleep on. That’s why they go under the base sheet. However, this super soft, quilted topper could have come straight out of a White Company photo shoot. It feels wonderful to touch. I was excited to get sleeping (and not just because I love my sleep). 

Who would it suit?

Waterproof mattress protectors are a great option for plenty of different people. If you often spill drinks in bed, have the kids in your bed, or even if you let your pets on the bed, I would strongly recommend investing in a mattress protector like this. It doesn’t let any accidents seep through past the protector, keeping your topper (if you have one) and mattress bone dry. 

This is a particularly special protector because it’s almost impossible to tell that it’s even waterproof. The soft, quilted fabric feels like a luxurious protector. I didn’t hear any crinkles in the night, so if you’re sensitive to changes in your sleep set-up and you don’t want your topper to disrupt that, again, this is a good buy. 

Aside from that, it’s easy to wash and dry, super lightweight, and breathable too. If you live in a big, busy home, convenience is at the very heart of this topper.

How does it fit on the bed?

This was wonderful to set up, if that's not too much of a stretch to say about making the bed. The elasticated corners reached effortlessly around the corners of my mattress, even though I have a relatively deep mattress and plush topper too. In total, it’s 35cm deep, but this didn’t struggle. I didn’t need to do any sort of mattress gymnastics to get this neatly in place, which I would say is a great success. It fitted tightly across, without any wrinkles or creases. All in all, this was brilliant.

What does it feel like to sleep on?

I already had a sneak preview of what this would feel like to lie on when I was testing it out after fitting it on the bed. However, I’ve since been sleeping on it (in rotation with the other protectors on test) for months. This adds a subtle, but definite, plushness to the bed. I was concerned that this might result in a hotter night of sleep, but this stayed breathable, ensuring that I woke up feeling fresh as a daisy. I wouldn’t say that the fabric is cooling, but the breathable qualities are enough for this to make a good choice for hot sleepers.

How waterproof is it really?

Having slept on the OTTY and not felt the signature crackle of a waterproof protector, I was intrigued to see whether this could deliver on its promises. Even though the topper is plush and quilted on one side, the underside does have  a waxy, rubberiness to it, so I had some hope that this would be good.

I poured 500ml of water over the OTTY and it sat on top of the quilting, as you can see in the picture above. I left it for five minutes and the water hadn't moved. It's incredible. Even wine, coffee, tea, and my other tests couldn't stain or get through the superhero that is OTTY's Waterproof Mattress Protector.

How do you clean the protector?

Keeping this clean is easy, thanks to the microfibre thread. You can pop it inthe washing machine with some laundry liquid (I recommend Ecover or Method because this will be softer on your fibres) and run it on your normal setting. The cooler ones are better if you want your topper to last, which is why I always put mine out to air dry too. The microfibre is incredibly quick to get dry, so it's easy to do a quick bedding refresh every couple of weeks.

How does it compare?

There are a fair few mattress protectors on the market that claim to be waterproof and cooling — some are more successful than others. In our buying guide for the best mattress protectors, there are plenty of similar models to the OTTY, just with slight differences.

If the appeal of a quilted, breathable, naturally cooling option appeals to you, it’s worth taking a look at The White Company’s mattress protectors. This is one of the plushest, comfiest options on the market. The organic cotton makes this more gentle on the skin, as well as more breathable. It is more expensive, but I think you get what you pay for this upgrade.

If the quilting doesn’t matter to you, but waterproof features do, the Panda London mattress protector is another competitive option. It’s similar price-wise but made with moisture-wicking, breathable, naturally waterproof bamboo. This kept my mattress just as dry, even with the wine and coffee test, so you get the benefits of an eco-conscious mattress on top with this one. 

Should you buy it?

If you want a plush, breathable, reasonably-priced mattress topper, this is a perfect option. It’s in the middle of almost everything, so there are more eco-conscious, plush options out there, but really, you couldn’t make a better investment than this. 

If you're wondering how we choose the best, you'll want to peek behind the scenes at how we test mattress toppers. Here's an insight into our reviewing process.

When you start to research the science of sleep, you’ll find that a deep, undisturbed night of sleep isn’t something that you stumble upon by chance. It takes a suitable mattress, one of the best mattress toppers, comfortable mattress protectors, and the perfect sheets for your sleep. There are, of course, plenty of biological factors too, but I’m here to focus on the ones that I can test out for you. 

With all that in mind, how we test mattress toppers becomes increasingly important. Not only will it help you to revive your old bed, but it’ll also support you when aches and pains pop up; keep you cool if you’re getting night sweats; and help to protect your skin from allergens.

Those are all big and bold claims to make in and of themselves, so I think it’s important to check them out in a very practical sense. Any topper that I see which might suit you and your sleep style, I test. I sleep on it for weeks and months, making notes of comfort, motion transfer, support, smell, maintenance, and more. You end up with a list of reviews, written by me and our experts. And if you’re curious to know about all the cogs that whirr in the background of those reviews, as well as whether you need a mattress topper at all, you’re in the perfect place. Influenced by our wider policy on how we test products at woman&home, we've developed this strict process for mattress toppers.

Unboxing and delivery

This is the first section you’ll come across in all my reviews, which makes chronological sense. It might seem like a tiny part of the whole testing and sleeping process, but it’s a first impression — and you know what people say about those.

The best mattress toppers will be packaged carefully. Whether that’s with eco-conscious wraps and storage bags, or vacuum packed to help with transport. Whatever the brand chooses, I like to make a note of it so that you know what to expect when one lands on your doorstep. Some, especially the vacuum-packed models, can be quite heavy and if you need to take it up a few flights of stairs. It’s good to know when to prepare your strong, lifting arms. 

How does it fit on the bed?

Once it’s out of the packaging, you’ll want to fit your mattress topper on the bed. Some need time to breathe and expand, which is well worth knowing in advance. Others can go straight on. 

I’ve tested a whole range of different toppers and each one fits on the bed differently. You'll see that most mattress toppers have elasticated corner straps, normally these loop around the corner, but others could have long straps that go right over the end of the bed. Other toppers will have grippy undersides or an elasticated skirt to hold it in place. There isn't really a best but I like the elasticated straps, because these feel the most secure.

The way that the mattress topper is held onto the bed gets put to the test later on in the review, but it’s nice to flag early on. I also look at how well it reaches the corners of the bed. Ideally, it’ll fit like a glove, but each bed is made differently. I like to give a general idea of whether it comes up small, big, long, or wide since this will have both an impact on the aesthetic and comfort of your bed set-up. 

What is it like to sleep on?

Next, like any sleep enthusiast, I throw myself onto the bed to get an initial impression of how it feels. Although, of course, the only way to get a true sense of the supportiveness is by sleeping in it night after night. Each night and morning, I make notes on how I’ve slept as well as what the topper has been like to sleep on. I'll also get data feedback on how well I've slept on the topper because I track my sleep, so that's always a good indication of easy the mattress topper is to sleep on.

I also get knee and backache, so I’m very sensitive to support and pressure relief. I’ll talk about firmness, the feel, and whether it’s better suited to a side, back, or front sleeper. We all have different needs and a topper can help to enhance the way that your mattress meets yours.

Next, I’ll look at motion transfer. You’ll often see a glass of water or some dumbbells in our pictures since this is a good visual test of a) the softness of the mattress topper, but also b) how much the topper moves around. A lot of this is determined by the mattress underneath it, but it can help and hinder you, so it’s good to know about it. Obviously, the best tests are the ones that we can do overnight, so my partner and I will always make notes about the motion transfer that we experience on each topper.

Next, we think about the temperature regulation of a topper. When you sleep, ideally you want to be surrounded by breathable fabrics because these will let your skin naturally breathe. If you suffer from night sweats, you might even want a little more from your topper. There are gel-infused, open structures that can make a difference to the temperature of your bed, although this won’t be as dramatic as a cooling mattress. My one exception is the Eight Sleep Pod, which actively runs cool water underneath you as you sleep. That makes a significant difference.

Cleaning and maintenance

After that, I take a look at the care and cleaning instructions. Lots of people still ask me, "can you wash a mattress topper?" and my answer is, absolutely, As you sleep, you sweat, shed dead skin cells, and more, so it’s really important that your mattress topper gets washed every few months. Some come with covers that you can unzip and put in the washing machine, others might need to be dry cleaned or — God forbid — hand washed. I’ll always let you know about this, because it can have a big impact on whether you buy a topper or not. If it’s incredible to sleep on, but you’ll never wash it, you’re better off not buying one. 

How do they compare?

Given that I’ve tested all the best mattress toppers on the market, it only makes sense that I share that information with you. I naturally make comparisons between them as I’m testing, so I’ll pick out the ones that seem most similar, but either they cost a little less or a little more, or offer a little less or more. I’ll give you a breakdown of who each topper is best suited to so that you can get the sense of having shopped around without needing to actually do so. You’re welcome.

I'll also explain the differences between models, so if you're not sure of the differences between mattress protectors and mattress toppers, this is where you'll get all the details.

Should you buy it?

Lastly, I’ll come to a conclusion on whether I think you should buy the mattress topper or not. I’ll talk about which sleepers it suits, whether it’s good value for money, and will scatter in any other advice that I think you really should know before buying a topper. At this point, you’ll know everything that you could possibly want to. If you still have specific questions, please email me. I’m happy to answer anything that might keep you up at night. 

Crafted to feel super soft (even though it is polyester) the John Lewis Soft Touch Washable Quilted Mattress Protector offers a plush layer to pop over your normal bed. It's super cheap, but should we be cheerful about that?

When it comes to sleep, I always preach to invest in your rest, but sometimes you don’t have to. In my search for the best cooling mattresses protectors, I’ve slept on some pretty expensive options (one even cost £4,500). 

Whilst I won't try to argue that this £24 option is better than all the smart mattress protectors out there, I do think it's pretty good, especially for the price. I’ve been using it for weeks, spilling coffee, wine, and water over it and the results are in. This is a bedroom essential.

Specifications

Unboxing

As you can imagine, John Lewis has kept packaging to a minimum with their mattress protector. It’s easy to get this out of the plastic sleeve and then there are elasticated corners for fitting this on however you choose. There's a cardboard sheet that gives you all the information that you'll need, from the composition through to cleaning instructions and that's completely recyclable once you're finished. 

You can recycle the soft plastic at bigger supermarkets, which makes life easy. In an ideal world, John Lewis would have either turned their packaging into a storage bag like some other brands do, or, alternatively, they would  have made it all completely recyclable, but you get what you pay for with cheaper products. 

Who would it suit?

As a budget option, the John Lewis Mattress Protector is a great option. Even if you need something simple that'll do the job of keeping your mattress safe, this will be money well spent. It feels a lot softer and more plush than you might expect from synthetics, which I think is down to the microfibre filling.

Another reason the John Lewis makes for a great layer is how low maintenance it is. Experts recommend washing your mattress protector every two months. Naturally, the polyester washes, dries, and refreshes really quickly. This makes it easy for you to get your bedding back in top condition.

The downsides of using polyester are that it isn't as breathable and it also doesn't create a waterproof layer. Whilst some people won't need that, it's worth noting nonetheless. 

How does it fit on the bed?

The John Lewis comes with elasticated corners that stretch generously around the mattress. It’s easy to fit on, even over my 34cm deep mattress and topper, which is a great start. The maximum depth that this can cover is 35cm, which is about as deep as most mattresses and toppers would get, so I think you'd be safe investing in this.

The John Lewis topper looked nice and even, completely crease-free. That's one of the many beauties of polyester: it doesn't really need to be ironed or tumble-dried, because it takes care of itself. Given that we were off to a great start, I thought I would put this through some of our tests.

What does it feel like to sleep on?

For the next few weeks, with a sheet on top, I hardly noticed that the mattress protector was on the bed. It didn’t crackle or crease like some do, especially if they're waterproof, which was a nice change. The quilting of the topper is filled with polyester and then the case itself is soft microfibre. When it's brand new, this feels lovely to sleep on. It adds subtle cushioning to any mattress without going overboard. If you have a hard mattress and you don't want to change it, this is a great topper option.

I wouldn't say that this made much difference to the heat transfer in my bed. I thought that the polyester might get quite hot and sweaty since it's not as breathable as my normal cotton topper. It might have made my bed a little warmer, but not in any obvious way.

How waterproof is it really?

The John Lewis protector doesn’t claim to be waterproof, but I wanted to see what would happen if you had an accidental spill. I poured a glass of water directly into the protector and let it sit. For a few seconds, that’s exactly what happened. The water just sat on top and then I could see it start to sink deeper into the protector. After two minutes, I used a towel to mop up the leftover water and I turned the protector over. I could see that the water had soaked through, but it hadn’t yet reached my next sheet, which is great news. The John Lewis did its job, absorbing all the water so that the mattress wouldn’t.

How do you clean the protector?

This is easy to clean and quick to dry, so it's easy to refresh your bedding. You just have to pop it in the washing machine at 40 °C. I would recommend using a gentle laundry liquid, such as Ecover or Method because this will be softer on your fibres. The John Lewis Mattress Protector is also safe to tumble dry on a cold setting, so you don't need this hanging around all day. However, if you want to extend its life, the best thing to do is leave it to air dry.

How does it compare?

I've praised the John Lewis Mattress Protector for its price, but you do make some compromises by opting for a cheaper option. If you've got another £20 to spend, you can get your hands on a much more sustainable, breathable mattress topper: Panda London Waterproof Mattress Protector.

All of Panda London's bedding is crafted from bamboo, which is not just sustainably sourced, it's also much more breathable than polyester, which is what the John Lewis protector is made of. The Panda Mattress Protector is also much more waterproof and protective than the John Lewis one. Even though the John Lewis protector kept my mattress clean, if you were to spill more water or leave it for longer, it would eventually seep through. The Panda one will keep all liquids off your mattress without any trouble. The one aspect missing from the Panda is the quilted feel of the John Lewis protector. The Panda has a looped, terry top, which doesn't feel as plush as the quilting on the John Lewis. It does also have quite a distinctly 'waterproof' feel for the first week. It's a little bit like sleeping on thin plastic.

Price-wise, you won't do better than the John Lewis Soft Touch Washable Quilted Mattress Protector. However, if you can make some room in your budget, you'll really benefit from it.

Should you buy it?

If you just want a simple mattress topper, this does the job. It's the best budget option that I've slept on. I wouldn't feel like I'd been cheated of my £18 (to £38) if I bought this for my bed. However, for just another £10, you can pick up a bamboo, waterproof, breathable option. It's worth a little extra, I think.

Given that you’ll spend at least one third of your life asleep, it’s important that you invest in sleep products that you can trust. That’s why how we test mattress protectors is such an important part of the review process.

Influenced by our wider policy on how we test products at woman&home, I have developed a standardised set of rigorous tests that I put every mattress protector through. That way, I know that when I write up reviews and collate a buying guide for the best mattress protectors, I’m really giving you a selection of the very best covers on the market.

Along the way, these tests help me to answer all your burning questions for mattress toppers, from whether you should put an electric blanket underneath one, whether cooling mattress protectors really work, and the difference between a mattress protector and a mattress topper. Sleep can get very scientific, specific, and complex, which is why I make it my job to keep things simple.

How we research what we write about

I’m a self-confessed, rest-obsessed sleep nerd, which means that I spend a lot of time deep-diving into the science of sleep as well as looking at the latest, most impressive, innovative sleep aids on the market. These days, I like to think that woman&home has reviewed any mattress protector worth buying. If we haven’t, I make it my business to dedicate hours of research into the claims that a brand makes, scour through reviews, and then call in and test any mattress protector that you might be thinking about buying.

Why we talk about unboxing

Once a mattress protector arrives in my (or one of our other experts') homes, I start making notes. Even though unboxing sounds like a small part of the process, it’ll be part of what shapes your first impression of the mattress protector. Over the years, I’ve seen a strong correlation between the amount of thought that a brand puts into their packaging with how much care they’ve put into designing the topper as well as their customer service.

Part of my notes on unboxing will also, inevitably, cover the sustainability of the packaging. In this day and age, there’s really no excuse for a brand not to have completely sustainable, recyclable packaging. It’s important for both convenience (it’s easy to dispose of) as well as from an environmental perspective.

Once I’ve got the protector out of its packaging and I’ve let you know my first impressions of it, the time will come to get testing.

The testing process

This is arguably the most important part of the process and it can be broken down into lots of micro-categories. I talk about how the mattress protector fits on the bed, whether it comes with elasticated straps or a grippy underside. I’ll also let you know how easy it is to fit, especially if you have a mattress topper or an electric blanket on top of your mattress.

Protectors make up a very thin layer of your bedding, but it can affect how your bed feels to sleep on. The best mattress protectors tend to be quilted or a little plush, since they add some extra comfort to your bed.

The main claims that protectors make are that they are waterproof or cooling, or both, so I like to test both of these. For the waterproof tests, I pour 500ml of water, 500ml of coffee, and 500ml of wine onto the protector and check that it can completely protect the mattress underneath. I'll also wash these to see whether I can get the protector back to its original colour after being stained.

The trouble with some waterproof protectors is that they feel like plastic to sleep on. I can hear them crackle underneath me and I can feel it too. They're not that breathable and lots aren't very comfy. Luckily, I have come across some really good waterproof toppers (Panda London's Bamboo Mattress Topper is my favourite), but that meant sleeping on lots of bad ones first.

For the cooling test, I'll use my sleep tracker and general senses to work out whether I'm feeling cooler whilst I sleep. I get hot in the night, so it takes some serious technology for me to feel really cool. And, sadly, for the most part, there's very little that a protector can do to actively cool me in the night. However, there's a lot of damage that a non-cooling, polyester one can do. I'll look at the composition. Latex, wool, bamboo, and cotton are all the best materials that your mattress topper can be made of because they're naturally breathable. Having slept on them, I often find that I wake up feeling fresher. So, even if I didn't notice that I was cooler in the night, I didn't feel sweaty or sticky in the morning.

Why I talk about maintenance and cleaning

People are often surprised by how often you should wash your mattress protector. Experts recommend giving it a wash every two months, because it absorbs a lot of sweat, dead skin, and any other spills that you might have. It's really important for your health that you sleep on clean bedding.

Testing how a mattress protector should be washed is simple. I make sure that they're machine washable and then will follow any guidelines. Normally, the brand recommends using a gentle cycle at 40 degrees and then they'll need to air dry. Some protectors need to be hand washed, others can be tumble dried. This can affect how convenient yours is to use, since if it's high maintenance, you might want another option.

Comparing the protector to other models

I think it's important for you to feel like you've shopped around before you buy a protector, but that can take time and effort. Luckily, I've tested all of the best mattress protectors on the market (as well as the ones that aren't quite so good), which means that I naturally, automatically draw comparisons between the models as I'm testing them. I'll often look at mattress protectors that make similar claims, or ones that sit around the same price point, so you get a good sense of whether the mattress protector is good value for money. If there's a cheaper one that's just as good, I'll let you know. Equally, if you can get some really special extras for not much money, that's also worth knowing about. By the end of this section, you'll have a couple of good comparisons to toy with.

Coming to a conclusion on whether you should buy it

Finally, I'll bring together all of my experience to give you a summary. Here, I'll talk about who the protector suits, why, and where other people might want to look if this specific model doesn't suit them. I never sell something that I don't believe in, because we are independent reviewers. That means, we don't get any money from brands for our reviews, so there's no incentive to write anything that isn't completely true. If you have any more questions on how we test mattress protectors or more specific sleep or shopping queries, my emails are always open!

When it comes to the colder months of the year, I don't have to be told twice to get cosy. With the help of the Zanussi Double Electric Mattress Protector, I'm actually quite excited for chilly evenings.

You probably know Zanussi better for making large appliances, I know I did. So, when I was researching the best electric blankets on the market and their name kept coming up, I was intrigued. The brand offers a slightly different take on electric blankets and I really like it.

The Zanussi Double comes with two zones of heating, so each sleeper can have their part of the bed at a different temperature. This is a luxury, but it's not uncommon to see in electric blankets. Zanussi took it one step further though. They've created different zones, for your feet and your main body, offering even more precise temperature control. After sleeping on it, I can confirm, it's a treat.

Specifications

Unboxing the Zanussi Double Electric Mattress Protector

Some electric  blankets will come in dust bags, for storage over the summer, but the Zanussi Double Electric Mattress Protector comes in a big carboard box. Once you've got the protector out of the box, you're unlikely to be able to get it back in, so just pop it in the recycling and you can forget about it.

Once it's out and spread over the bed, you'll see that the Zanussi is vast. It reached all four corners of my kingsized bed wonderfully. The blanket itself feels pretty basic (it's designed to go under your main sheet). There's an elasticated skirt that will wrap around the corners of your mattress like any good protector. It's plush, quilted, and wonderfully soft, which is a nice surprise, because lots of electric blankets can feel wiry and stiff.

Who would the Zanussi Double Electric Mattress Protector suit?

The Zanussi Double Electric Mattress Protector is perfect for couples with very specific heating needs. I've never tested an electric blanket that offers four zones of heat, especially around this price point. It's also, rather usefully, a mattress protector as well as an electric blanket, so, if you wanted, you could keep this on all year round, another way in which this is unlike any other models on the market.

If you're not bothered by more elaborate features on an electric blanket and you just want a model warms up quickly without breaking the bank, this is still a good option. It's one of the cheaper models that I've tested (a kingsize currently retails under £60) and it costs pennies to run.

The only people I wouldn't recommend this for are people who don't want fuss. If you want a (pardon the pun) blanket temperature across the whole bed, you will need a model with one controller and basic settings. Who would have thought that there's such a thing as too much luxury?

What is the Zanussi Double Electric Mattress Protector like to use?

The Zanussi Double Electric Mattress Protector comes ready to go. As I mentioned earlier, this is a mattress protector and an electric blanket in one, so you can just loop the skirt around the corners of your mattress, peel the protective label over each controller and plug it in on both sides.

Each remote comes with a shut-off timer (that you can let run for up to 9 hours) as well as temperature settings that can work across all of the bed, just the foot of the bed, or just the body of the bed. There's a helpful outline of a person to show you what you're setting on the screen of each remote.

I started testing the versatility across both sides of the bed, leaving one half on full strength and the other half on nothing. After five minutes, I could feel a little warmth on the side of the bed that I asked to be hot, but I would have liked it to be warmer. I kept checking at five minute intervals and between fifteen and twenty minutes, I noticed the bed getting properly hot. Cool sleepers will be pleased to know that the other half of the bed remained unaffected, but the hot half kept getting hotter.

I also experimented with a low heat on the feet of the cool side. I didn't notice any mentionable heat until about half an hour of the feet heaters being on, but once the heat was there, it was a consistent burner. None of the bed felt patchy or inconsistent, so it's a neat feature to have.

How do you clean the Zanussi Double Electric Mattress Protector?

You can pop the Zanussi Double Electric Mattress Protector in the washing machine and the tumble dryer, which is good news, since this is supposed to be a mattress protector too. Experts generally recommend cleaning these every couple of months and I'd also add that it's a good idea to wash them with Ecover's Laundry Detergent. If you need help, we've got plenty of advice on how to clean an electric blanket over here.  

How does the Zanussi Double Electric Mattress Protector compare?

I've mentioned already that the Zanussi Double Electric Mattress Protector is one of the most versatile electric blankets that I've tested. If you like the idea of dual zones, this is the cheapest model on the market that will still deliver good results. If you're not bothered about having different zones for your feet and body, there are more premium options that you could choose. For example, the Dreamland Snowed In Electric Blanket doubles up as an electric blanket and mattress protector, it also offers dual zones of heat transfer too. The reason that it's more expensive is that the Dreamland is crafted from 200-thread-count organic cotton, so you know that you're giving your skin a wonderfully breathable fabric to sleep on, rather than polyester, which can be a little stifling for your skin.

If you're not fussed about having a mattress-protector-cum-electric-blanket, you could opt for the Dunelm Teddy Electric Blanket. This still offers dual controls, but rather than sitting under your sheets, it sits on top of it. The naturally plush material keeps you cosy, even when it's not running, and it warms up just as quickly as the Zanussi. It's also one of the only blankets that I've found which can rival the Zanussi on price.

Should you buy the Zanussi Double Electric Mattress Protector?

As far as budget electric blankets go, this is one of the best out there. The features, speed, and efficiency of the Zanussi Double Electric Mattress Protector are almost unbelievable. Except, I've slept on all of them, so I know they're true.

How we test

I'm our dedicated expert for testing electric blankets, which means that I'm always on top of the latest releases and trends. They're really useful for lots of reasons: you can use them to stay warm; they don't cost much to run; and they're an easy way to make your house feel cosy.

 I’m always on the lookout for new products that seem cozy, innovative, or functional, and once I find one, I bring it in for a hands-on test. I use each blanket for several weeks, sometimes months, to evaluate it across different aspects.

I begin by looking at the packaging. In an ideal world, all of the product and its packaging will be made from eco-friendly, recyclable materials that keep the blanket compact during shipping. Ideally, the product should be ready to use right out of the box, but if it requires any assembly or setup, I make note of that.

The next step is testing the heat settings, which I usually assess in intervals of five or two and a half minutes. If the product is wearable, like a heated throw or poncho, I’ll wear it throughout the test. For a heated mattress pad, I’ll stay in bed to properly evaluate its performance. It’s tough work, but someone’s got to do it!

I then focus on checking how evenly the heat is distributed, whether there are any cool spots, if it has areas designed for cooler pillow placement, and how energy-efficient it is. If the blanket features dual controls or separate heating zones, I ensure they work as intended, often with the help of another person.

After I’ve gotten a feel for how the blanket performs, I’ll test how easy it is to clean. Some blankets require hand-washing, others can be machine-washed, and a few can even be tumble dried. It’s important to understand the cleaning process before purchasing, especially if it could be a hassle.

Throughout my testing, I compare the blanket to others I’ve reviewed, considering its performance, cost, feel, energy efficiency, and overall versatility. I’ll also highlight similar models and do the research for you. In the end, I offer my honest opinion on who the blanket would be best for and whether it’s worth buying. My reviews are completely unbiased, so when I recommend a product, you can trust it’s based on my personal experience.

There hasn’t been an immense amount of innovation in the world of electric blankets — until Dreamland came along. With Dreamland's Snowed In Organic Cotton Warming Mattress Protector, you can have it all: dual zones of heat, organic cotton fabric; and a waterproof protector over your bed. 

You'll probably recognise the name Dreamland, since they're credited with making the best electric blankets and heated throws on the market. They have every kind of heated layer for every kind of sleeper with some models to lie under your sheets, as well as over your duvet, under the duvet, as well as ones for evenings snuggled on the sofa. All of them are a great way to save money and stay warm over the winter.

Naturally, the Dreamland Snowed In Organic Cotton Warming Mattress Protector is one of their most luxurious models on the market. None of Dreamland's competitors offer anything close to this, which begs the question, what's everyone else doing? And an organic cotton, warming mattress protector gimmick or genuinely good?

Specifications

Unboxing the Dreamland Snowed In Organic Cotton Warming Mattress Protector

The Dreamland Snowed In Organic Cotton Warming Mattress Protector packaging is minimal, sustainable, and reusable too. Essentially, Dreamland will send your electric blanket in a zip-up storage bag, perfect for when you want to pack this away in the summer. It's certainly bigger than most other offerings out there, but the generously sized bag makes storing the blanket easy.

Unlike the felt texture of many other blankets, the Dreamland offers a sumptuous, cotton, quilted cover. If I didn't know better, I'd think it was an ordinary, but premium, plain mattress protector. 

The big giveaway that this is something special is the fact that Dreamland sends two remote controls with the Snowed In. These click into place on either side of the bed and you can use them to set the temperature on your half of the bed. Even the 38 cm deep elasticated sides tuck neatly around the mattress, keeping all aspects covered too.

Who would the Dreamland Snowed In Organic Cotton Warming Mattress Protector suit?

The Dreamland Snowed In Organic Cotton Warming Mattress Protector has plenty of appeal to a range of sleepers. First, the fact that it is a thin protector that goes under your sheets makes it a much more subtle (both from an aesthetic and tactile perspective) option. I've always liked this style of electric blanket, because you could leave it under your mattress all year round if you wanted to. This will still have a use in the summer, because it's designed to be a normal mattress protector as well as an electric blanket. So, if you spill tea or - God forbid - wine on the sheets, your mattress will stay safe from stains. The fact that it's also organic cotton means that this is one of the most breathable option. So, if you don't like getting sweaty, or you're sensitive to chemicals and tougher textures, this is perfect.

The dual-zones have an obvious appeal for couples. These can create really distinctive temperature differences across the bed, so if your partner doesn't want any heat and you want the Snowed In running at full pelt, you can have the best of both worlds.

Whilst all of the features on Dreamland's Snowed In Warming Mattress Protector sound appealing, there are places where you could be saving money. For example, if you already have a mattress protector, you could pick up a simple electric blanket for a tenth of the price. Similarly, not everybody needs two zones of heat. I survived for long enough without them. So, whilst this is a lovely purchase, for some, it might be too lavish.

What is the Dreamland Snowed In Organic Cotton Warming Mattress Protector like to use?

The Dreamland Snowed In Organic Cotton Warming Mattress Protector is super simple to use. The controls help you to navigate between six different temperature settings. You can also choose between a 1, 3 or 9-hour auto shut-off timer so that the blanket doesn't keep running if you just happen to drift off in the warm cocoon of your cosy sheets. I'm speaking purely from experience here.

Dreamland claims that the Snowed In can get the bed warm in five minutes, which is astounding for a mattress warmer. It's great if you come in late and want to go straight to bed, because the average warm-up time is more like half an hour. To put this to the test, I set one side of the bed to maximum heat (6) and the other to minimum (1 — although you could have 0 if you wanted). After five minutes, I slid my hand between the sheet and my duvet to find that it was actually warm. It wasn't boiling hot, but it was certainly cosy. The other side had some gentle heat in it, but nothing compared to the other side. I would say that it had just taken the edge off any coolness on setting 1 and setting 6 was as cosy as being wrapped up in a blanket.

I tested plenty of other combinations over the following weeks, matching both sides to the same temperature and splitting them up too. I really liked the setting 4, because it was cosy enough to keep on for an hour, but I didn't need it for any longer than that. My partner preferred a gentle setting 2, which was warm for him without making his side of the bed as sweaty as it would be if I had my way on a full 4 across both sides.

There were other nice subtleties too. For example, the top pillow section doesn't get hot, which is a very conscious design feature from Dreamland. You'd have pillows here, so sending heat up there is a pointless task. Also, the cotton felt really nice and breathable. Lots of electric blankets get quite hot and cloying, mostly because they're made from polyester, so I really felt the shift across to cotton. It was a very welcome change.

How do you clean the Dreamland Snowed In Organic Cotton Warming Mattress Protector?

The Dreamland Snowed In Organic Cotton Warming Mattress Protector is completely machine washable and tumble dryer safe. I'd recommend washing it at 40 degrees with a gentle Ecover Laundry Detergent (or the brand's laundry capsules). Then, if you want to look after the fabric, it's worth letting this air dry. You can use one of the best heated clothes airers to speed up the process if you want to, both methods will be much more gentle on your fabric than a tumble dryer. If you need help, we've got plenty of advice on how to clean an electric blanket over here.  

How does the Dreamland Snowed In Organic Cotton Warming Mattress Protector compare?

The Dreamland Snowed In Organic Cotton Warming Mattress Protector isn't the only offering from Dreamland that I'm besotted with. They have a very similar model to this one and it's probably one that you'll come across in more buying guides. Dreamland's Hunker Down Mattress Warmer has the same dual-zone technology, premium design, and neat features, but instead of putting it under your base sheet, it sits on top and you lie directly on the sherpa-fleece material. It's instantly warming and offers a much more intense heat. If you're a cold person, this is wonderful news, but if you're a hot or sweaty sleeper, you might want to stick with the organic cotton.

If you like the idea of an electric blanket and you want one to slip under your sheets, you could save money by investing in the Slumberdown Sleepy Nights Electric Blanket. This retails around £30, which is a fraction of the price of Dreamland's Snowed In. The big difference is that this only has one zone and it takes about 45 minutes to warm up. It's a much more basic option, but it's worth considering if you want to be super savvy.

Should you buy the Dreamland Snowed In Organic Cotton Warming Mattress Protector?

If you want a breathable, premium electric blanket, the Dreamland Snowed In Organic Cotton Warming Mattress Protector is the one for you. It's subtle, powerful, and will save you from having to turn up the heating at home. There are cheaper options on the market, but you'll have to sacrifice on the material quality, dual-zone features, heating speed, and other subtle touches too.

How we test

I'm our dedicated expert for testing electric blankets, which means that I'm always on top of the latest releases and trends. They're really useful for lots of reasons: you can use them to stay warm; they don't cost much to run; and they're an easy way to make your house feel cosy.

 I’m always on the lookout for new products that seem cozy, innovative, or functional, and once I find one, I bring it in for a hands-on test. I use each blanket for several weeks, sometimes months, to evaluate it across different aspects.

I begin by looking at the packaging. In an ideal world, all of the product and its packaging will be made from eco-friendly, recyclable materials that keep the blanket compact during shipping. Ideally, the product should be ready to use right out of the box, but if it requires any assembly or setup, I make note of that.

The next step is testing the heat settings, which I usually assess in intervals of five or two and a half minutes. If the product is wearable, like a heated throw or poncho, I’ll wear it throughout the test. For a heated mattress pad, I’ll stay in bed to properly evaluate its performance. It’s tough work, but someone’s got to do it!

I then focus on checking how evenly the heat is distributed, whether there are any cool spots, if it has areas designed for cooler pillow placement, and how energy-efficient it is. If the blanket features dual controls or separate heating zones, I ensure they work as intended, often with the help of another person.

After I’ve gotten a feel for how the blanket performs, I’ll test how easy it is to clean. Some blankets require hand-washing, others can be machine-washed, and a few can even be tumble dried. It’s important to understand the cleaning process before purchasing, especially if it could be a hassle.

Throughout my testing, I compare the blanket to others I’ve reviewed, considering its performance, cost, feel, energy efficiency, and overall versatility. I’ll also highlight similar models and do the research for you. In the end, I offer my honest opinion on who the blanket would be best for and whether it’s worth buying. My reviews are completely unbiased, so when I recommend a product, you can trust it’s based on my personal experience.

Nothing feels quite as cosy as getting into a warmed bed, plumped to your liking with your favourite mattress topper. But is the pairing of an electric blanket and topper a good idea or rather something we should be avoiding?

Whilst having one of the best mattress toppers is an all-year-round luxury we often don't bring out our electric blankets until the temperature plummets. Whether you already own a beloved electric blanket or are thinking about getting one, there is the matter of whether it should join your sleep set-up come autumn.

Although you might have only thought about how much an electric blanket is going to cost you, the question of using it with your mattress topper may also leave you wondering.

With this in mind, we spoke to a leading sleep and bedding expert to find out if it is safe and effective to use the blanket along with a mattress topper.

Expert Advice: Can you use an electric blanket with a mattress topper?

Aside from knowing how to wash your electric blanket, there are very few care steps you have to take to get the most out of its warming effects without damaging it. And while its use alongside a mattress topper may seem potentially problematic, it's actually safe and can make for a better night's sleep.

"Yes, you can use an electric blanket with a mattress topper, and particularly in the colder months many people find the combination of added warmth and cushioning helpful for creating a cosy sleep environment," explains Chris Tattersall, Managing Director of bedding company Woolroom.

It's worth mentioning at this point that there's a distinct difference between a mattress topper vs mattress protector, so ensure you are not getting the two confused.

How should you use an electric blanket with a mattress topper?

Now you know it's safe to use with your mattress topper, what's the best way to use your electric blanket for optimum warmth and comfort?

Chris says, "When using an electric blanket with a mattress topper, I would always recommend placing the electric blanket underneath your mattress topper and switching it on to a low setting whilst you're getting ready for bed."

He adds that even if you're using a mattress topper that's made from naturally fire-retardant and temperature-regulating material like wool, you should always turn the electric blanket off before you fall asleep. Chris says this will minimise any hazards and reduce the chance of your sleep being disrupted by being too hot.

Being smart with how long you keep your blanket on and how close to bedtime will stop you from overheating in your sleep, because that is not conducive for better sleep.

FAQs

What type of mattress topper can be used with an electric blanket?

Once you know why you need a mattress topper in your life you probably went on the hunt to find the right one for your sleep type. With such a variety of models and materials on the market, it begs the question of which ones are appropriate to use with an electric blanket.

"I would recommend making sure the mattress topper you pair with an electric blanket is made from natural, breathable materials like cotton or wool," advises Chris. "If your mattress topper, or other bedding, is made from synthetic materials, all of that excess heat from the electric blanket will be trapped and likely have you waking up in the night feeling sweaty and overheated."

Our homes team have trialled some of the very best mattress protectors and the Woolroom Deluxe Mattress topper comes very highly recommended.

The measures used to help keep a mattress topper from sliding can also be beneficial to also ensure the electric blanket stays in place on the bed.

Pulling your electric blanket out of summer hibernation is one of the best rituals to reset your home for autumn. Similar to why we love incorporating autumn home decor ideas, little luxuries like an electric blanket get you excited for the season ahead no matter what weather it might bring.

I slept on the Dreamland Hunker Down Mattress Warmer for weeks, checking the comfort and coziness levels. Here's everything you need to know about the brand's best-selling electric blanket.

Historically, electric blankets haven't been very exciting. When I dug deep and invested in one, it was a thin felt layer with a wire running through it, leaving my bed warm, with cold patches. Thankfully, Dreamland have breezed in and changed the game, making some of the best electric blankets on the market.

The Dreamland Hunker Down Mattress Warmer promises a lot. The sherpa layer is warming, without any electricity. Once it's plugged in, you can split the blanket into two separate heating sections, leaving one unheated and one on full blast. It claims to warm up the bed in five minutes, keeping you warm, while still saving money on your bills. On paper, it seems like there's nothing the Dreamland Hunker Down Mattress Warmer can't do. Let's see whether it's as good in practice.

Specifications

Unboxing the Dreamland Hunker Down Mattress Warmer

Dreamland keeps their packaging simple, but effective. The Dreamland Hunker Down Mattress Warmer came in a bag, with some neat handles for carrying. The bag is one worth keeping because it's obviously designed to be reused for storage over the summer. It's spacious enough that you won't struggle to pack the Hunker Down back into the bag, whilst still being compact enough to keep. It's neat.

I ordered this in a king size, which I thought would make the blanket heavy to lug around. In actual fact, it was easy. The sherpa top feels warm to touch, even when the topper isn't on. In short, it's a dream to unbox. I was really excited to get this on the bed.

Who would the Dreamland Hunker Down Mattress Warmer suit?

The Dreamland Hunker Down Mattress Warmer comes with all the trappings of a luxury electric blanket. It has dual controls, a plush top layer, a durable design, and it's easy to use. Yes, it's about £50 more expensive than other models on the market, but it warrants the extra splurge, every time.

If you're a particularly cold person, this is set up to keep you warm. Dreamland claims that this can get the bed hot in just five minutes and in my tests that proved to be true. I'll talk more about that later. That means that you can jump into a bed that's not just warm because of the electric components, but also because of the fluffy sherpa layer. It takes cosiness and makes it ten times more cosy.

The other people this is perfectly set up for are couples. Nobody has the same temperature needs, so it's likely that your partner won't want the bed the same temperature that you do. The Dreamland Hunker Down Mattress Warmer is one of the few electric blankets that I've tested that actually manages to keep both sides of the bed at completely different temperatures. It's really impressive.

The only people this wouldn't suit, are those who want to sleep on a sheet. You lose the effect of the sherpa, so you're better off buying Dreamland's Warming Mattress Protector. That'll keep you hot whilst protecting your mattress. Also, some people don't like sleeping on sherpa, they'd rather have that texture in a throw that goes over them Rest assured, there are plenty of those out there, but they're not this. This is designed to be slept on.

What is the Dreamland Hunker Down Mattress Warmer like to use?

The Dreamland Hunker Down Mattress Warmer is a delight to use. It fits generously over the bed, easily stretching to all four corners of my mattress. Then, the remotes clip on to either side, offering each half of the bed a different amount of warmth, if that's what they want. These remotes Dreamland Hunker Down Mattress Warmer

I tested the Dreamland on the extremes. I set one side of the bed to maximum heat (10) and the other on a lower heat (3). Given that this claims to warm the bed in five minutes, I checked on the Dreamland's progress after just that.

On the cooler side, the edge had been taken off my mattress' temperature, but it wasn't hot yet. On the other side, the warmer was cosy, but not yet hot. After another five minutes, the cooler side was gently warm. The edge had certainly been taken off the sheets and it would be comfortable to climb into. On the other side, the bed was hot. I mean, strip down because you'll be sweating kind of hot, which is great. It's the kind of feature I'd make use of if I came home late and forgot to set the electric blanket running. This could get the bed warm before you've even brushed your teeth.

I've been playing around with the different temperature settings ever since. I've settled on 6 as my favourite. I'm a pretty cold person. In the winter, I sleep in joggers, with the duvet, and then a couple of blankets on top. On six, I think I could go back to cotton pyjamas and just a normal duvet. It's warm and cosy, possibly even too hot to keep on overnight.

A nice extra touch is the pillow section of the blanket. This doesn't get hot at all, which makes sense. There's no point warming where your pillow would sit. It only enhances how money and energy-efficient this is. Well done, Dreamland.

Aside from a range of temperature settings, the Dreamland Hunker Down Mattress Warmer comes with timers. You can set the blanket to run for one hour, three hours, or nine hours. This is perfect, because you'll never accidentally leave the blanket running, even if you fall asleep. You can even plan to have it running whilst you're asleep. And, again, the two sides can stay on independent timers too. These thoughtful features really put the dream in Dreamland.

How do you clean the Dreamland Hunker Down Mattress Warmer?

Dreamland has cleverly designed the Hunker Down Mattress Warmer to be machine washable. Don't ask me how, but it is. This means that you can unclip the controls on either side of warmer separating them from the blanket and then you can bung the main blanket into the washing machine. Dreamland recommends running this on a cooler wash and I'd also throw in a suggestion to use Ecover Laundry Detergent I love their laundry capsules), since this is much more gentle on the fibres of your warmer. They'll stay softer for longer.

How does the Dreamland Hunker Down Mattress Warmer compare?

I've made my way through all of the best electric blankets, heated throws, and heated ponchos out there and the Dreamland Hunker Down Mattress Warmer is the front-runner for me. It's really no surprise, because, this does everything and, it doesn't charge for it.

The closest competitors for the esteem that the Dreamland Hunker Down Mattress Warmer are Dunelm's Teddy Mattress Warmer and Dreamland's Organic Cotton Warming Mattress Protector.

I'll start with Dunelm's. This is just £40, nearly a third of the price of the Dreamland, but the fur doesn't feel cheap. In fact, it's plush and soft enough to feel underneath the sheets, if you choose to tuck yours away like that. It also has dual controls and nine different temperature settings. I really really liked this, especially the price tag. However, it's much slower at warming up the bed. Even on the hottest setting, the Dunelm layer took 15 minutes to get my bed warm and, even then, it only took the edge of the chill. By that time, the Dreamland Hunker Down Mattress Warmer could have had my bed steaming, if it wanted to.

On to the other alternative, Dreamland's Organic Cotton Warming Mattress Protector. Now, this offers something slightly different. You still get some plushness, but instead, it's quilted, rather than fluffy. It's much more practical, but you still get the joys of dual controls and speedy heating. If anything, the dual controls are more pronounced in their differences in comparison to the Dreamland Hunker Down Mattress Warmer. The thing that really wins credit with me is that this is organic cotton. The Dunelm model is recycled polyester, which is nice, but not very breathable. Organic cotton is gentle on your skin, moisture-wicking, and breathable to sleep on. So, you can get hot, but not sweaty. That's the sweet spot.

Should you buy the Dreamland Hunker Down Mattress Warmer?

If you're a cold person who's looking for ways to make their home cosier, this scores double points. The sherpa layer feels warm just to touch and then the dual-controls can heat the bed up in just five minutes. Of all the electric blankets that I've tested, this is the best. No questions asked.

How we test

I've been running all the tests of electric blankets at woman&home, so I am effectively the control across all of our reviews. Before I even touch an electric blanket, I do my research. In fact, my days look like a lot of Googling around the best electric blankets, looking for the latest and greatest releases on the market.

Once I have found one that I think you'll like, I test it in my own home. I make notes on what it's like to unbox, what it feels like, how it fits on the bed. Then, most importantly, what it's like at keeping the bed warm. I test all the features and settings over weeks, so that I can give you real life feedback on what they're like.

Then, given that I've tested them all, it only seems natural that I make some comparisons. It's also a great time to talk about value and whether there are better models out there. I'll come to a conclusion about who it suits and whether you should buy it.

If your mattress is a bit tired, a little hard or too hot, the TheraPur ActiGel Cool Mattress Topper promises to breathe some life back into it. With an extra 4.4cm of hypoallergenic gel foam, you'll think you're dreaming.

As a hot sleeper, I've been testing the best cooling mattress toppers on the market. I've slept on water beds, gels, foams, and all sorts, looking for any kind of cooling solutions for hot sleepers. And today, I have some good news. I've found one that I love.

The TheraPur ActiGel Cool Mattress Topper might sound like a mouthful, but, really, it's simple. The thick, hypoallergenic layer, adds foam and support to any mattress. It supports side sleepers, whilst wicking away sweat and moisture in the night. It'll take your from sweaty summers all the way through the winter. Even if you don't think that you need a cooling mattress topper, you'll be glad you bought one of these.

Specifications

Our sample was kindly supplied by Dreams. You can buy the TheraPur ActiGel Cool Mattress Topper from them here.

Unboxing the TheraPur ActiGel Cool Mattress Topper

Given the size of the TheraPur ActiGel Cool Mattress Topper, it's actually very well packaged. The whole topper comes in a sleeping bag-style roll. You unzip it, open it out, and the vacuum-packed topper slides out. Once cut out of the plastic, the TheraPur ActiGel Cool Mattress Topper will slowly breathe and expand to cover the whole of the bed.

This whole process won't take you more than a few minutes. Whilst the memory foam is soft and plush, it's not too heavy, making the topper easy to carry up and down stairs (before it's unboxed). It also doesn't demand the same rest time that other toppers do, so you could fall asleep on it straight away. To be honest, after lying down for a quick 'squish test' I was tempted to stay cushioned by the topper. It's gloriously soft.

Who would the TheraPur ActiGel Cool Mattress Topper suit?

The TheraPur ActiGel Cool Mattress Topper has a huge appeal. Memory foam toppers are generally a good bet for back and side sleepers. They let you sink into the foam, shaping around your hips, back, and knees, and then offer support for whichever position you choose to sleep in. I'm a side sleeper with some back and knee pain and I found this a real delight to sleep on.

The downside of some memory foams is that they can get quite hot, but the TheraPur ActiGel Cool Mattress Topper stays relatively cool. In fact, I'd go as far as to say that this is the most breathable, cooling memory foam that I've slept on. Whilst it wasn't quite as cooling as having a fan running in the night, it did offer freshness where other toppers have not, even in the warmer months.

How does the TheraPur ActiGel Cool Mattress Topper fit on the bed?

The TheraPur ActiGel Cool Mattress Topper fitted neatly on top of the bed. It comes with wide straps to hook around the corners of the bed as well as a grippy underside that holds this in place. I was once sceptical about how well these would stick and not slip, but the TheraPur ActiGel Cool Mattress Topper has proven itself. I've tried to make it slip, but it stays firmly in place, especially when I've got protectors and sheets on top.

I chose the king-size option for my (you guessed it) king-size bed and it stretched right to the corners. I've had other toppers fold and crease in the middle of the bed, but this flattened out really nicely, leaving no crumples and creases under the sheets.

What does the TheraPur ActiGel Cool Mattress Topper feel like to sleep on?

From the side, I could see that the TheraPur ActiGel Cool Mattress Topper delivers on its promise of another 4.4cm depth to your bed. In fact, by my tape measure, it looked like it was adding another 5cm, which I certainly wouldn't complain about.

The case of the cover is a lovely, blanket-like cotton, that feels both soft and breathable just to touch. However, the real test is sleeping on the topper. I have had weeks sleeping on this and I have to say, it's really lovely. I get the immediate benefits of joint pain relief and side support when I sleep on my side without any cloying or hot features. It doesn't have any issues with motion transfer. In fact, it's pretty perfect.

I actually had the TheraPur ActiGel Cool Mattress Topper and OTTY Mattress Topper spare when some guests came to stay, so I popped it on their beds to see what they thought after a night of sleep. The TheraPur ActiGel Cool Mattress Topper won top marks. In fact, the couple who slept on it said that they haven't had a better night's sleep than when they lay on this. I have a feeling it's going onto their Christmas lists and I really wouldn't be surprised if it ends up under the tree, if they can wait that long to sleep on it again.

How cooling is the TheraPur ActiGel Cool Mattress Topper really?

Mattress toppers that are made from cooling materials and with breathable structures are great. The lightness of the TheraPur ActiGel Cool Mattress Topper means that you won't necessarily wake up sweaty, with your skin suffocated by the materials. However, it won't work to actively cool you like some other models. What I'm trying to say is that this is the most breathable memory foam that you'll sleep on. It's a great passive cooler, but it also won't tackle any serious overheating issues head on.

How do you clean the TheraPur ActiGel Cool Mattress Topper?

Depending on how much you use it, you should wash your topper around every three months. Luckily, the TheraPur ActiGel Cool Mattress Topper is easy to clean. The cover zips off and can be machine washed at 30°C. I always recommend using a gentle laundry detergent, such as Ecover or Method, because these will be much kinder to the fibres and fabric, extending their lifespan.

Dreams doesn't mention anything about tumble drying, so it's best to let the cover air dry or you could hang it on a heated airer, if you need more speedy drying.

How does the TheraPur ActiGel Cool Mattress Topper compare?

I've already mentioned that I think the TheraPur ActiGel Cool Mattress Topper is the most cooling memory foam topper that I've slept on. So, how do you beat that? Well, you can't in terms of cooling properties, but there are another couple that I recommend taking a look at.

The Panda Bamboo Mattress Topper is a more sustainable memory foam topper that also comes with naturally cooling properties. It's made from bamboo, so you get to sleep easy, knowing that you've got an all-natural base underneath you.

Breathability-wise, the TheraPur ActiGel Cool Mattress Topper might just clinch it, but the Panda Bamboo is still a delight to sleep on. Plus, the Panda is actually cheaper, which you might not expect from a more sustainable topper.

Should you buy the TheraPur ActiGel Cool Mattress Topper?

The TheraPur ActiGel Cool Mattress Topper is easily one of the best mattress toppers on the market. It offers sink-in softness as well as support and breathability. It's more expensive than some comparable options, but for the quality and neat features (such as the lack of straps) I think it's worth stretching the budget a little.

Our sample was kindly supplied by Dreams. You can buy the TheraPur ActiGel Cool Mattress Topper from them here.

How we test

At woman&home we have a set process for how we test mattress toppers. It all starts with research. I spend my days searching for the best mattress toppers on the market. I've tested the most popular ones now, so as soon as a new one appears on the market, I make sure to cover it.

When I'm testing out a mattress topper, I always look at the same things: how it fits on the bed, what it's like to sleep on, motion transfer, and how cooling it is. These are the main factors that will play into giving you a good night of sleep, so it's important to make sure that the topper is faultless across them all.

After sleeping on the topper for weeks, if not months, I'll write up a review like this. I'll compare the topper to ones of similar value and make. Then, I'll give a judgement on who I think it would suit and whether it's worth buying. None of these reviews are sponsored, so you know that you're getting my unfiltered opinion, always.

The Soak & Sleep Anti-Bed Bug Mattress Encasement covers all bases: spills, stains, bed bugs, hot flashes. If you want to buy something that will keep your mattress in pristine condition, this is the one to shop.

All mattresses need to be protected from sweat, spills, and dead skin. Some need protection for worse (bed bugs, dust mites, and other mishaps) and, in those instances, only the best mattress protectors do.

I had been looking for cooling mattress protectors when I stumbled across the Soak & Sleep Anti-Bed Bug Mattress Encasement. Not only is it a great way to get rid of bed bugs, but it will also keep you cool. I put it through some of our tough tests to find out whether it really is a good way to get a cooler night of sleep.

Specifications

Unboxing the Soak & Sleep Anti-Bed Bug Mattress Encasement

The Soak & Sleep Anti-Bed Bug Mattress Encasement comes in some very simple packaging. It's wrapped in a soft plastic bag, which isn't recyclable with your normal bins, but some supermarkets will take these in their plastic bag recycling bins.

Once this was out of the packaging, I was impressed by a number of features. Firstly, the texture of the encasement feels a lot less like the traditional, plastic-y, waterproof that I'm used to. It was soft and flexible. In fact, you wouldn't even guess that it is waterproof. It's also a lovely, crisp white colour. The sheets did have a few creases on, but these stretched out once this was on the bed.

Who would the Soak & Sleep Anti-Bed Bug Mattress Protector suit?

The Soak & Sleep Anti-Bed Bug Mattress Encasement is naturally designed to tackle flea and bed bug issues in your home because it zips around the whole mattress, top and bottom. If you know that's likely to be your home, because of geography or some fluffy friends, this will be a life-saver.

This is also a great bet for those who want to give their mattress maximum protection. I threw everything at the Soak & Sleep Anti-Bed Bug Mattress Encasement: wine, coffee, water, and this didn't seep or stain anything underneath. It's a low-maintenance way to preserve your mattress.

My only reservations are for hot sleepers. Whilst this is cooler than any other mattress encasement, it's not as breathable as the Tempur Cooling Tencel or Panda London Bamboo Protector. Those come with their own drawbacks, but if you're looking for a cooling, breathable, refreshing option, this is the one you want.

How does the Soak & Sleep Anti-Bed Bug Mattress Encasement fit on the bed?

I had a 5cm mattress topper on my bed, so it was 32 cm deep. That's very thick for the average mattress, but I think it's important to test our mattress protectors on beds with toppers on, since people who care about protecting their mattress, probably also care about mattress and sleep health, hence the topper.

The Soak & Sleep Anti-Bed Bug Mattress Encasement neatly hooks around all the corners of the bed and then you will need to zip the underneath on. There is a hinge of material connecting the two, so you can't fully unzip one from the other. Without the elasticated corners, getting this to stay in place whilst zipping the underside on can work up quite a sweat. You'll need to lift the mattress up, whilst tucking the encasement underneath. It's not particularly hard work, but it does warrant more sweat than the average mattress protector.

What does the Soak & Sleep Anti-Bed Bug Mattress Encasement feel like to sleep on?

I hardly noticed the Soak & Sleep Anti-Bed Bug Mattress Encasement on the mattress as I slept. It's main job is protecting from spills and stains, so that's not the sort of thing you feel when you sleep. However, as I've mentioned earlier, waterproof mattress toppers can feel very waxy and plasticy. This was wonderfully flexible and soft to sleep on. In fact, it was just like any other protector.

I've put this down as the best cooling mattress encasement, because it was refreshing to touch. Soak & Sleep has designed this to feel breathable and refreshing. Whilst I didn't feel that it actively cooled me, it certainly helped to keep my bed fresh, especially since it's waterproof, which isn't particularly well known for breathability.

How waterproof is the Soak & Sleep Anti-Bed Bug Mattress Encasement really?

The Soak & Sleep Anti-Bed Bug Mattress Encasement promises to protect your mattress from any spills and stains, even if you don't intend to make them. In my tests for this, I poured 500 ml of coffee, 500 ml of red wine, and 500 ml of water onto the Soak & Sleep Anti-Bed Bug Mattress Encasement. I left it for a few minutes - the kind of time it would take to curse, jump out of bed, run down to the kitchen, search for paper towels, run back upstairs, and soak up the stain.

In that time, the topper's material absorbed some of the moisture, but most of it sat on top. Whilst that bodes well for keeping the topper clean, it did mean that the water, in particular, started to form a channel that quickly made its way towards the carpet. It never actually made it off the bed, but if there's such a thing as being too waterproof, I think this is it.

How do you clean the Soak & Sleep Anti-Bed Bug Mattress Encasement?

You'll want to clean your mattress topper every 3-4 weeks, or sooner if you end up making a mess on it. Luckily, in the case of the Soak & Sleep Anti-Bed Bug Mattress Encasement, this is easy. Its washing instructions recommend running a normal 30° cycle to clean the topper. I'd also add that it's a good idea to use Ecover or Method, since these are gentle laundry detergents that won't be too harsh on the fibres of your clothes.

Soak & Sleep also says that you can tumble dry this on a low setting, but I would air dry or use one of the best heated clothes airers wherever possible. Again, this will be much more gentle on the fibres, keeping your encasement in better condition for longer.

How does the Soak & Sleep Anti-Bed Bug Mattress Encasement compare?

The Soak & Sleep Anti-Bed Bug Mattress Encasement is really one of a kind. It's the best mattress encasement that I've tested in terms of what it feels like and how effective it is at protecting the mattress. However, what it lacks is breathability.

If you're not concerned about bed bugs and you don't need your mattress fully zipped up, I'd recommend taking a look at the Panda London Waterproof Mattress Protector. This is impressively waterproof, plush to sleep on, and it's crafted from bamboo. It's breathable, cool to touch, and reasonably priced.

Should you buy the Soak & Sleep Anti-Bed Bug Mattress Encasement?

Soak & Sleep Anti-Bed Bug Mattress Encasement is one of the best cooling mattress protectors if you need to protect the entirety of your bed. It'll stop any pests, big spills, and stains from damaging your mattress. However, if you wanted a more breathable, sustainable protector, Panda London's option is worth looking into.

How we test

At woman&home we take our testing process seriously. Sleep is incredibly personal, so we always try to cover a range of different sleep styles and needs in our reviews.

We research the best cooling mattress protectors on the market, looking for the latest and greatest releases. As soon as we find one that we think you'll love, our team of experts will call it in to test in our own home.

I've tested all the best cooling mattress protectors because I'm a hot sleeper. I'll sleep on them in the hot weather, I spill water, wine, and coffee on them, and then check the mattress underneath. I'll also talk about how it fits on the bed, what it feels like, and then what it's like to clean.

After that, I'll compare the protector to other models on the market, letting you know whether you're getting good value for money as well as where there are opportunities to have a little too. I'll also come to a conclusion on whether you should buy it and who it suits. That way, you have a comprehensive idea of what's out there.

The OTTY Bamboo Mattress Topper with Charcoal delivers on luxuriousness and sumptuousness whilst being able to boast some sustainable credentials. It's one of the most cooling memory foam toppers that I've slept on — and I've tried them all.

Whether you're a naturally hot sleeper or suffering from hot flushes, the weather, or a combination of everything, you'll find yourself searching for any kind of cooling solutions for hot sleepers. A great place to start with your cooling sleep essentials is cooling mattress toppers.

If you're wondering how you know whether you need a cooling mattress topper, you probably do. They're a great way to enhance your sleep routine or improve your comfort levels without having to buy a whole new mattress. And, I think OTTY's is one of the best.

We already have OTTY in our buying guide for the best cooling mattresses, so it seemed only natural that we would give their bamboo and charcoal topper a go too. I've been sleeping on it for weeks and here's what I've found.

Specifications

Unboxing the OTTY Bamboo Mattress Topper

There's no fuss with the OTTY Bamboo Mattress Topper and I like that. It comes vacuum packed into a plastic bag, meaning that, when this arrived at my house, it was very compact and also very dense. I cradled the parcel in my hands and carried it upstairs (which felt like my workout for the day done, especially compared to other toppers) and then I set it down on the bed.

Through the plastic packaging, OTTY gives you all the instructions you need. There's a piece of paper that will tell you how to care for your topper as well as how to set it up. This means that you very quickly find out that this needs to be lain to 'rest' or 'breathe' before going to bed on it. I'm not surprised, it's been vacuum packed within an inch of its life. I chose to do this on top of my normal bed, so that it would be in the perfect position.

Who would the OTTY Bamboo Mattress Topper suit?

Memory foam mattresses and memory foam mattress toppers suit very specific sleepers. If you are a side or a back sleeper, these are great additions to your bed, especially if yours isn't a memory foam option. This cradles your hip, spine, and knees, keeping your whole body nicely aligned. That's why it feels so nice to sleep on. It's also why lots of osteopaths recommend memory foam for people suffering with joint pain.

If that sounds like you, that's wonderful news, but there's another aspect of memory foam toppers that you need to know about: because these sit so close to your body, they often end up becoming insulators. Already hot sleepers might find that they get even more sweaty at night, which isn't ideal. The OTTY is actually one of the most cooling memory foam toppers that I've slept on. Whilst I didn't find that I was much cooler than normal in the night, when I compared the OTTY to other memory foam toppers, it made a big difference. So, if you need memory foam and you don't want to overheat, this is one of your best bets.

The OTTY Bamboo Mattress Topper is also a great option if you're all about sustainable credentials. It's crafted with bamboo and charcoal, both of which are naturally cooling. Most memory foams come with a lot of chemicals and nasties, but this is free from all of them. It's a nice breath of fresh air.

How does the OTTY Bamboo Mattress Topper fit on the bed?

As I've mentioned, this needs to be left for a few hours, so that it can grow back to its normal, aerated self. Once the time is up on that, you can fit it onto your mattress. Most mattress toppers come with straps, even memory foam ones, but OTTY have chosen to instead develop a grippy underlayer to their topper. I was apprehensive about whether this would work for keeping the topper on the bed, but it did. The grippiness held the topper in place and it reached all four corners of my mattress, not falling short or overflowing. What more could I ask for?

I actually think the thickness and breathability of the topper benefits from the lack of straps, because it's not being pulled in any direction. This means you get maximum sink-in softness as well as a nice open structure that will help the topper to remain breathable and cooling.

What does the OTTY Bamboo Mattress Topper feel like to sleep on?

I've already dropped a few hints that I enjoyed sleeping on the OTTY Bamboo Mattress Topper. As soon as I lay down on the surface of it, I felt a wonderful amount of cushioning around my body. Then, throughout the night, as I switched between side sleeping and back sleeping, I felt that I was getting plenty of support and cushioning. It actually transformed the comfort levels of my, already hard bed.

Whilst I didn't feel much cooler during the night, I certainly felt fresher, less sweaty, and less cloyed up by the topper. I think the cooling properties were balanced out by the memory foam.

Whilst a large amount of motion transfer will be determined by the kind of mattress you have, a topper can make a big difference. I sit dumbbells or a glass of water and then move around, to see how the topper handles movement. Then, after sleeping on it with my partner, I get a good idea of whether this enhances motion transfer or dims it. My mattress is already pretty good at minimising motion transfer and this did an equally good job. Neither my partner nor I disturbed each other when we woke up in the night. 

I'll let you in on a little secret. I had more people to stay at my house than I had beds for, so we had to do some improvising. Some people slept on camp beds and then, when we were out of them, we lay mattress toppers on the floor. We had guests like this for a few nights and the people who got the best sleep out of everyone were the ones who slept on the OTTY. If it can make the floor give you a good night of sleep, I think the OTTY can do pretty much anything.

How cooling is the OTTY Bamboo Mattress Topper really?

I like to think of cooling mattress toppers on a spectrum. On one end, you have the Eight Sleep Pod, which actively cools you by running water through the topper. At the other end of the spectrum is a synthetic memory foam mattress that will keep even cold sleepers warm. I’d place the OTTY at the cooler end of the scale, but it won’t actively cool you when you sleep. 

It’s naturally breathable, thanks to the charcoal and bamboo. So, if you're a hot sleeper that wants to enjoy some memory foam, this is your best chance for waking up feeling fresh. Plus, the outer casing feels breathable and light, even when it's wrapping around you.

How do you clean the OTTY Bamboo Mattress Topper?

Experts recommend washing your topper every three months. This can be a hassle if you need to take it to the dry cleaners. However, OTTY have been smart with their design. Whilst the memory foam inner can’t be washed, the outside case can be completely unzipped and put into the washing machine. I wouldn’t recommend anything hotter than a 60°C wash and it’s always good to use a gentle laundry detergent, such as Ecover or Method. 

OTTY says that the protective case can be tumble dried on a low setting, but I would recommend hanging it on a clothes line or an airer. You’ll get a longer life out of it. 

How does it compare?

I’ve been sleeping on a number of cooling memory foam toppers and the OTTY is easily one of my favourites. I love the strapless design that still stays in place. It means that the OTTY keeps the most depth of any other models on the market. 

It’s also nice that this is made with natural, sustainable materials, as not many memory foams are. That brings me on to OTTY's closest rival: the Panda Bamboo Mattress Topper. This thick, memory foam layer adds 5cm to your bed, the same as the OTTY. It's held on my straps, which does draw the corners a little taught, but it holds the topper in perfect place. It's made from bamboo, which is similarly eco-conscious and breathable. As a side and back sleeper, who often overheats, I had relatively similar experiences on both topper. I felt that I sunk into the Panda Bamboo topper more, so if you really like to be cushioned, this might be your better bet. It's also cheaper.

However, when it comes to washing and maintenance, the OTTY takes the edge. It feels like a more authentic memory foam topper, rather than the Panda, which is so squishy that it's almost a relative of memory foam.

Should you buy the OTTY Bamboo Mattress Topper?

The OTTY is easily one of the best mattress protectors that I have slept on. It balances the cloying heat of a memory foam mattress with the breathable, open bamboo and charcoal structure.  So, whilst you might not feel actively cooled, you'll feel cooler than you would have with another memory foam topper. If you have particular problems with joint pain, or, if your mattress is too hard for you to sleep on, this will be game-changing.

When it comes to cooling sleep, every extra that you put on your bed should be working hard. That’s why we tested the Tempur Tencel Cooling Mattress Protector. It claims to keep you cool and your mattress clean. Credit to it, this is a great product.

Tempur are well known for their comfort-first approach to sleep, so I wasn’t surprised that they make one of the best cooling mattresses protectors on the market. I heard great things, but I wanted to put its technology to the test. After all, how cooling can a mattress protector really be?

With micro capsules and naturally breathable materials, I think the Tempur Cooling Tencel Mattress Protector gives the best shot at a cool night of sleep (it's worth trying all the tricks for a cooler night of sleep with it though). Even better, it can be used as a fitted sheet too. Busy homeowners, eat your heart out.

Specifications

For this review, Dreams kindly supplied the Tempur Cooling Tencel Mattress Protector.

Unboxing the Tempur Cooling Tencel Mattress Protector

The Tempur Cooling Tencel Mattress Protector doesn’t come with a lot of clutter. It comes in a clear plastic bag, which some special recycling points will accept for recycling, but it might take a little bit of work. Either way, it’s extremely minimalistic, so you don’t have to struggle through anything to get this onto your bed. 

Given that this doubles up as a fitted sheet too, you'll see that it looks a little different to other models. Mine arrived a little creased, which is unsurprising, but it quickly smoothed itself out on the bed. Whilst, for the purposes of testing, I treated this like a protector and a fitted sheet, in reality, I think I'd be tempted to keep it as just a protector and then I'd add a cooling sheet (such as the Panda London Bamboo Sheets) on top, It's easier to wash a sheet in a big load than to wash your mattress protector every two weeks.

Who would the Tempur Cooling Tencel Mattress Protector suit?

Given that the Tempur Cooling Tencel Protector is designed to be cooling, it’s an obvious choice for hot sleepers. What makes this stand out from other mattress protectors is just how easy it is to live with. It’s machine washable, a protector and a fitted sheet on one, and it has a soft texture too. If you’re lazy about home chores or you often find yourself too busy to do anything thoroughly, this is a great investment to make. It’ll halve your cleaning jobs and improve the quality of your bed set up immensely. 

This is mostly made of lyocell, which is semi-synthetic. It's breathable, soft, and a favourite of iconic brands, such as The White Company. It forms an anti-dust mite layer, which is great if you suffer from allergies. However, for those who like to sleep in completely natural sheets, again, it might be worth reassessing your options.

How does the Tempur Cooling Tencel Mattress Protector fit on the bed?

I have a king-sized bed with a topper on it too, so to say that my bed is thick is an understatement. I ordered the King size protector and it neatly tucked around every corner. The edges are elasticated, so they’re easy to loop around the bed. Plus, you can see a difference between the plusher, soft parts of the topper and where it should sit on your bed as well as the mesh sides that slip around the edge of the mattress.. 

What does the Tempur Cooling Tencel Mattress Protector feel like to sleep on?

I loved sleeping on the Tempur Cooling Tencel Mattress Protector, because I didn't really know it was there, in the best way possible. Some protectors, especially waterproof models, will crinkle and crackle under you all night long. It feels like sleeping on plastic sheets, but, actually, this didn't make a sound. It also didn't slide and stretched into place perfectly too. I've had protectors with a tighter fit and this did have a few creases in the middle of the bed, but these are easy to tighten into place. I'd rather have a generously sized protector than one which is impossible to stretch into place. I can't really ask for more.

It’s hard to say whether a mattress protector is cooling, because protectors are so thin. However, what I can say is that this was cool to touch and it stayed breathable throughout the whole night. Where some materials can get a bit cloying, this is wasn’t. I’m a hot sleeper and I still woke up feeling fresh (not sweaty) the morning. 

How waterproof is the Tempur Cooling Tencel Mattress Protector really?

Whilst I would never recommend spilling coffee, wine, or water over your bedding, if you’re anything like me, it’s almost inevitable. For that reason, I pour 500ml of each liquid onto the protector, whether it’s waterproof or not. The Tempur Cooling Tencel Mattress Protector is actually waterproof, so I expected it to do a good job of protecting my mattress topper underneath and, spoiler alert, it did.

Each liquid sat on top of the protector for a little bit and then was gradually absorbed into the top material. I was worries that this would stain or mark the topper in some way, but when I turned the protector over, you wouldn't know that there had been any spills on top, if you looked at the underside.

How do you clean the Tempur Cooling Tencel Mattress Protector?

Keeping the Tempur Cooling Tencel Mattress Protector clean is easy. It’s safe to wash at 60°C, but I would recommend using a gentle laundry liquid, such as Ecover or Method, if you want to give your protector the longest life possible. This is also safe to tumble dry on low settings, but again, if you want it to last a long time, the best thing you can do is let it air dry.

Experts generally recommend that you wash your mattress protector every two months, but because this is a fitted sheet for some people, I'd recommend making it a fortnightly job, if not weekly. Your body puts out a lot of sweat, dirt, and dead skin in the night, so you don't want to leave your topper for a long time.

How does the Tempur Cooling Tencel Mattress Protector compare?

There are a lot of mattress protectors on the market that claim to be cooling. All of the products in our buying guide are cool to touch and breathable, making them nice to sleep on, so the real differences come down to price, value, and composition.

I think the biggest competition for the Tempur Cooling Tencel Mattress Protector is the Panda London Waterproof Mattress Protector. It's breathable, easy to fit on the bed, and made from sustainable materials. Whilst you can't use it as a fitted sheet (like you can the Tempur model), it does come with a nice looped top, which feels a little like a towel. It's cushioning to sleep on and — this is the best part — it's half the price. If there's ever a time to save some money, it's now.

Should you buy the Tempur Cooling Tencel Mattress Protector?

I've been testing all the best cooling mattress protectors on the market and this is certainly one of a kind. Whilst there are more natural options on the market (I like Panda London's option), there aren't any that double-up as a fitted sheet. It's a great, cooling option that doesn't leave anything to chance. You're safe from spills and sweats, and, even better, you get a 3-year guarantee too.

Dreams kindly supplied us with the Tempur Cooling Tencel Mattress Protector for this review.

The Woolroom Deluxe Washable Mattress Protector is a must-have for anyone looking for a recommended cooling sleep solution. It's not cheap, but trust me when I say that it is worth investing in to transform your night's sleep.

The best mattress protectors provide an extra layer on top of your mattress, safeguarding it from sweat and spills. But that's not just what they're useful for. If you buy a good-quality wool one, it can come close to making any mattress feel like one of the best cooling mattresses on the market.

How, I hear you ask? Surely wool only keeps you warm? Wrong, it is also the perfect material to help you stay cool. I was lucky enough to meet Chris Tattersall, the MD of Woolroom, who recommended that I use a wool mattress protector on my hybrid memory foam mattress to help stop me from overheating at night.

"Memory foam mattresses tend to trap heat, which is why a wool mattress protector can be an effective tool for managing temperature. It naturally wicks away moisture, allowing for better air circulation and a cooler and more comfortable sleeping environment." Having heard it first-hand from the expert himself, I was super keen to give a wool mattress protector a try, and that was 2 years ago – I wouldn't dream of sleeping on anything else.

Specifications

Unboxing the Woolroom Deluxe Washable Mattress Protector

With the eco-conscious credentials of the product, as you'd expect, the packaging it arrives in is recyclable. The mattress protector arrives in a zip-up natural cotton bag that doubles as a handy storage bag while your mattress protector is in use. The bag even has a tag with a QR Code you can scan to discover more about the farmers who supply the wool – a thoughtful and well-considered touch to help buyers understand the product more.

There's no denying that you immediately notice the 'discoloured' appearance on first impressions. Of course, it's not discoloured, but when it's next to crisp white bedding (as seen above), you can really tell that the cotton isn't bleached white. This thought soon passes as you realise that it'll be covered with sheets, so it doesn't really matter.

My quality white sheets cover the cream appearance with no problem, so it bears no judgment on the overall impression of how good this product is.

Who would the Woolroom Deluxe Washable Mattress Protector suit?

This washable mattress protector would suit those who like the assurance of being able to wash their bedding at home if need be. There's nothing quite as frustrating as dry-clean-only bedding that warrants a trip to the local launderette.

Because of the cooling properties of wool, I would say this mattress protector is most suited to those prone to hot sleeping, who might also be those who would appreciate being able to wash it at home.

As someone who had been suffering from frequent night sweats, I was more than happy to test this mattress protector after beginning to research if cooling mattresses work at tempering night sweats. It's safe to say I have not been disappointed, so much so that I believe it's the reason I have managed to keep my night sweats at bay for two years now.

As anyone who suffers from night sweats will know, you usually wake between 3 and 4 am drenched in sweat (incredibly unpleasant). In the last year or so, as my midlife hormones have started to stir, I have on occasion woken up at the dreaded time as it used to happen, but the difference I merely feel a little hot, but zero sweat. The results speak for themselves. This change in regulating my body temperature to such a severe degree has improved my sleep quality immensely.

What's the composition of the Woolroom Deluxe Washable Mattress Protector?

The composition of the Woolroom Deluxe Washable Mattress protector could fill a whole review in and of itself, but I'll try to condense down the main bits that you should know about.

First, the wool. In the padded mattress protector, the wool is 100% traceable from the Chatsworth Estate, meaning it's born-and-bred British. Not only is that good for the environment, but wool is one of the best fibres for keeping you cool. Actually, according to Woolroom, it's 67% better at moisture-wicking than down/feathers and 48% better than polyester. Those are stats I won't argue with.

The outer casing is 200 thread count, organic, unbleached cotton, which is why it's not the pure bright white that most protectors are. Again, cotton is naturally breathable and this organic variety is free from nasty chemicals and dyes, making it even better for you, your skin, and the environment.

Both of those materials are certified as naturally hypoallergenic and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, Class 1, which means that they're safe for sensitive skin.

Having now slept on and washed this mattress protector for the past two years, I can confirm it still feels and looks as good as new.

How does the Woolroom Deluxe Washable Mattress Protector fit on the bed?

The mattress protector is generous enough in size that it fits over the mattress comfortably without having to stretch it and partake in a tug-of-war battle to place it from end to end. It glides over effortlessly but still holds tight when in place, thanks to the well-elasticated edges.

This mattress protector comes with a generous 35cm deep organic cotton skirt to fit under almost any mattress. Despite my Eve Hybrid Mattress measuring only 25cm in depth, the premium elasticated band helps to hold it securely in place night after night.

I don't have a mattress topper, but the forgiving elasticated sides easily fit over a comforting topper. We know this from our Woolroom Deluxe Wool Mattress Topper review, because we were able to cover the 5cm deep cushioned topper seamlessly with this mattress protector.

I can confirm that after nearly two years of washing, this product has not shrunk or become any more difficult to pull over the mattress. Also, at the other end of the scale, the elastic is still as good as new.

What does the Woolroom Deluxe Washable Mattress Protector feel like to sleep on?

The mattress protector is thicker than most other alternative protectors I've slept on, undoubtedly thanks to the pockets of wool that make it feel cushioned. It is by no means thick, but it does feel heavier in weight than other mattress protectors without wool contents.

There's a significant difference between mattress toppers vs mattress protectors; however, I would say this is why I don't feel the need for a topper (that and the fact my mattress is relatively new) but it feels like a subtle layer of cushioning to bolster your mattress.

Unlike trying to stop a mattress topper from sliding, there's no need to seek such ideas for this mattress protector as the edges are deep and therefore hold it firmly in place while on the bed. The organic cotton and wool materials do not rustle or make any trace noise as you roll into your preferred sleep position.

How cooling is the Woolroom Deluxe Washable Mattress Protector really?

It's hard to measure, but what I can say with absolute confidence is I have not suffered a single night of overheating since I've been sleeping on the Woolroom Deluxe Washable Mattress Protector.

As someone prone to night sweats in recent years, I hugely sympathise with those who sleep hot and look for ways to keep cool even outside the highs of summer conditions. Chris explained to me first-hand how the properties of wool bedding keep you cool, assuring me that this protector would improve my hot sleep issues.

Originally, when this review was published, it had been over six months of sleeping on this wool mattress protector and I haven't had a night sweat since.

I can happily say it has now been two years and I still haven't experienced a single night sweat since sleeping on this wool mattress protector. The only thing I've changed is my bedding, not my lifestyle or diet. I'm so impressed by the results that I'm happy to put it in writing that I firmly believe this Woolroom Deluxe Washable Mattress Protector offers exceptional cooling qualities and has changed my life as a result.

Is the Woolroom Deluxe Washable Mattress Protector waterproof?

Technically, the Woolroom Deluxe Mattress Protector isn't waterproof, but that doesn't mean that we skipped our test for spills and stains. Regardless of whether you buy a waterproof mattress, you might still spill a cup of water in bed, or, even worse, a cup of coffee.

I poured 500ml of water directly onto the protector (you would have a sheet over yours too) and left it for two minutes. After the two minutes were up, I soaked up the water that had been sitting on the protector and checked the underside.

You can see in the image below that some of the water seemed to seep through the seams of the quilting. However, my towel and sheets underneath didn't get wet. The protector did its job: it protected the mattress from my water. I don't recommend that you purposefully put yours to the test, but it's nice to know, in case of any accidents.

How do you clean the Woolroom Deluxe Washable Mattress Protector?

A major plus factor for this premium mattress protector is the ability to pop it in your washing machine. To date, it's the first of its kind, a 'truly machine washable' wool bedding range.

Unlike the Woolroom Deluxe Mattress Topper ( which the brand recommends you dry clean using a non-toxic service – explicitly saying that it cannot be machine washed or tumble dried) the protector is easy when it comes to maintenance.

Firstly, it's important to say that it fits into a standard washing machine with ease. There's a worry that bulking bedding items might not be practical to machine wash at home, but as you can see from the photo above, even the king-sized mattress protector is easy to wash.

The care label is clear in stating that the wool mattress protector should be washed on a 'wool cycle' and using a gentle 'wool detergent' both of which are to preserve the 100% wool content inside. It also clearly says no tumble-drying, which means allowing enough time for it to completely dry out on a line or over a drying rack.

Similar to when you wash pillows, due to the wool content, it's imperative to let it dry thoroughly to help keep it in tip-top condition. I've found that it is dry to the touch after a few hours, but I leave it for a full day to ensure it's sufficiently dry.

After two years of quarterly washing, I am pleased to say that this mattress protector is still as good as new. The composition hasn't changed, and thanks to it being clean, it remains in pristine condition.

Should you buy the Woolroom Deluxe Washable Mattress Protector?

Yes, in essence, I say you should. It is on the expensive side of the mattress protector offering, but having experienced first-hand just how credible the cooling elements are, I would happily advise anyone who struggles to control their body temperature to buy this Woolroom Deluxe Washable Mattress Protector without hesitation.

Made using only the finest materials, this is a product that is built to last, which makes it a better value. In my eyes, you can't really put a price on getting a better night's sleep, which this mattress protector has proved invaluable at doing for me over the two years of sleeping on it. That longevity makes the investment worthwhile.

This cooling mattress topper is plush. It's comfy, it's crafted from 100% cotton, it's vegan-friendly, and naturally moisture wicking. This isn't just a mattress topper, this is the M&S Comfortably Cool Mattress Topper.

It's well-established that M&S makes products that are a cut above the rest. Whilst they might be your go-to for fancy biscuits and a nice bottle of elderflower cordial, they might not be the people who you think of as the experts for cooling sleep. I'm here to tell you that they should be.

I've been sleeping on the M&S Comfortably Cool mattress topper for over a week now. It's designed with a cotton cover that naturally wicks moisture from your body. Of all the models we've tested, this might just be one of the best cooling mattress toppers on the market.

Specifications

Unboxing the M&S Cooling Mattress Topper

Mattress toppers come in all shapes, sizes, and packages. M&S kept it smart and simple, with their carry bag. You can loop your hand through the handle in the shop, or when you're carting this upstairs, and it's easy to swing onto the bed. It's not heavy or a lot to handle. It's simple.

The zip around the bag covers two sides, so it's easy to slip your topper out and onto the bed. I was instantly strucka by how plush it felt. In fact, I think if I was blindfolded, I would have thought this was a summer duvet. It's comfortable and protective, without being too stuffy. 

If you look into the details of the M&S Comfortably Cool Mattress Topper, you'll see that it has all been made in the UK, in an eco-factory. This means that it has lower carbon emissions than one that has been carted around the continent before it landed at your door. 

It's fitted with an elastic skirt, the outside is pure cotton, and the filling is polyester. Whilst cotton is brilliant for naturally cooling your skin, I always bristle at the idea of polyester being included in any product that claims to be 'luxurious' like this. Whilst this does the job of cooling your skin, plenty of experts will tell you that polyester actually traps heat and it's not that breathable either - a surprising option for a cooling topper.

Who would the M&S Cooling Mattress Topper suit?

If you like the idea of luxurious products and quality that you can trust in, the M&S Comfortably Cool Mattress Topper is perfect for you. The brand has made use of cotton's naturally cooling properties, smothering your mattress in plush, thick cotton.

There are plenty of different fillings that you can opt for when choosing a topper and this is one of the thinnest. If you already have a mattress that offers the support you need, the M&S Comfortably Cool Mattress Topper is an ideal option. It feels like lying a thin duvet over the top of your mattress. It doesn't interfere too much in your sleep set-up, but it adds a little comfort and some cooling sleep aids. However, if you're looking for some joint relief or extra support, you might need materials that are a little more robust than the fine, polyester fill of the M&S Comfortably Cool Mattress Topper.

Price wise, this is surprisingly reasonable. The topper is true to size, so if you have a UK double, this'll be just £79. Dunelm's cooling topper is £64, so only marginally cheaper, and this feels like it'll last a lot longer.

How does the M&S Cooling Mattress Topper fit on the bed?

I tested this on a Kingsize bed and was pleased to find that this is perfectly true to size. The elastic bands over the corners of the topper slipped neatly around all the sides of my bed. I didn't have any overhang, just as this didn't come up short on any corners. It was perfect.

My mattress measures 23cm depth. With the topper sitting naturally, I would say that my mattress measured 31cm. As soon as I lay on top of it, a lot of the air that added height got pushed out, which is a relief, as I'm not sure my mattress protector would be able to stretch over another 8cm of bed.

What does the M&S Cooling Mattress Topper feel like to sleep on?

Given that this is called the Comfortably Cool Mattress topper, I was looking at two key areas: is it comfortable? and is it cool?

First, let's talk about comfort levels. As I've mentioned, the fill and structure of the topper makes this airy, so when you lie down, you get that 'it's been a long day and I've just flopped onto the duvet' feeling'. It nice, light, and the cotton feels cool to touch. The air does gradually seep out of it, so the M&S Comfortably Cool Mattress Topper won't be able to revive an old and tired mattress, but it will be able to enhance the plushness of your mattress.

The other factor I mentioned was, is this cool? As a hot sleeper, I would say that this has some subtle, but useful cooling features. Cotton is naturally cooling and moisture-wicking, so that does a gentle job of helping you to stay cool in comparison to a polyester sheet, for example. However, much of this cooling is pretty passive and, once your hot, sweaty, and sticky, this is pretty passive. You'll need to get the fan and ice out to feel proper relief. 

That's not a downfall of the M&S Comfortable Cool Mattress Topper - although I'm not sure how helpful the polyester fill is. This doesn't claim to actively cool you. It does its best with the materials that it has, but it's not going to work miracles. 

You may have also wondered what the glass of water is doing on the topper. It's our test for motion transfer. If you share the bed, you'll know that it's easy to disturb your sleeping partner if you rustle around a lot, especially if you're hot. We sit a glass of water on the bed and watch how stable it is as we move around on the surface. 

A lot of the motion transfer is determined by the mattress, something mine is really good at limiting, but the M&S Comfortably Cool Mattress Topper did a great job of enhancing this. The water didn't slosh or slop around, no matter how much I moved.

How do you clean the M&S Cooling Mattress Topper?

Experts generally recommend washing your mattress topper every three months. You actually shouldn't so it too often, because this will reduce the lifespan of it, but, if three months is up, or it's looking a little worse for wear, you'll need to give it a clean.

Not every topper is suitable for the washing machine, but this is fine to bung in on a 40°C cycle. I'd recommend using a gentle detergent, such as Ecover, but all the guidance M&S gives is not to bleach. Once it's been through the wash, I let mine air dry. However, M&S says you could actually tumble dry this on a low temperature, which is unusual for toppers (and useful if your home has high humidity.

The two things you categorically cannot do to the M&S Comfortably Cool Mattress Topper are ironing it and dry cleaning it. 

How does it compare to other cooling toppers?

I've been testing and researching the best cooling toppers for months, so I've slept on my fair share of options. If you loved the idea of a cooling mattress topper and found yourself a little disappointed at M&S's natural approach, there's an option that'll light up your eyes. The Eight Sleep Pod 3 will pump cold water underneath you as you sleep, actively cooling you down. It's a lot more expensive than the M&S Comfortably Cool Topper (it's nearly £3,000), but it comes with lots of smart sleep tech that just about justifies the price tag.

If you want to keep to a budget and you're wondering what else is out there, the xxx is a team favourite. Like the M&S Comfortably Cool Topper, this uses the natural properties of its materials to transfer heat and moisture away from your body. What's great about the Panda Bamboo is that it's also hypoallergenic, anti-microbial, and it's great for pressure relief. Whilst all of the materials are 100% natural, this feels like memory foam, which is a lot more supportive and cushioning, ideal for side sleepers.

Should you buy the M&S Cooling Mattress Topper?

If you love your mattress but want a thin, extra layer to add some plushness and a little cooling technology, the M&S Comfortably Cool Mattress Topper is a good investment. It feels wonderful to touch and nice to lie on, but it isn't going to revolutionize your bedding. It's a nice flourish to a bed set up and certainly a luxury for hot sleepers. I like it as a little extra, but don't rely on it to keep you cool if you seriously suffer from night sweats.

How many mattress protectors can claim to be cooling, biodegradable, recyclable, antibacterial, hypoallergenic, silent, super soft, waterproof, aerosol-free, ultra-thin, and non-toxic? 

I’ll answer for you, only a handful. And Panda London’s is the only mattress protector in that category that I can honestly recommend. If you haven’t guessed from the whole panda-bamboo connection, Panda London specialises in bamboo sleep essentials. The idea is, it’s naturally cooling, good for you, and good for the planet.

I slept on the Panda London Waterproof mattress to find out whether I would trust it to protect my mattress, whatever the weather, spill, or stain. And, without wanting to give too much away, here’s everything you need to know about my new favourite sustainable mattress topper. 

Panda London Waterproof Mattress Protector review

The Panda London Waterproof Mattress protector is discreet, comfortable, and sustainable. It's god a lot going for it: breathable bamboo is great for helping with hot flushes and night sweats, but it's also naturally hypoallergenic and bacteria-resistant.

Underneath the bamboo is a neat Nano TPU layer that keeps the protector working as a waterproof protector, without feeling crinkly in that very traditional 'waterproof' sense. It's also OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, so you can see why this protector gets points for covering all bases.

Unboxing the Panda London Mattress Protector

Panda has thought about all the small touches. The topper arrives, rolled up, in what looks like plastic packaging. I’ll admit, I was surprised to see plastic around the bamboo until I read that it was 100% recycled and recyclable, of course.

The protector itself comes in a neat, white bamboo bag. Whilst you’re unlikely to need this again (you won’t want to take the protector off your bed), but it’s a touch that makes this feel really premium. And, if you ever do need to store this away, it offers a compact and neat storage option if you ever do decide to switch protectors or pack this away.

You’ll notice, as soon as you feel the protector, that it’s super soft. There’s a waterproof aspect to it, that you can definitely feel, but it doesn’t have that noise and crinkling that lots of waterproof products come with. 

Who would the Panda London Mattress Protector suit?

The Panda London Mattress Protector’s impressive set of credentials makes this suitable to a whole host of people. The naturally cooling properties of bamboo, paired with the waterproof layer, mean that this is perfect for night sweats. Whilst it won’t cool you like a fan, there’s a subtle difference in temperature (if you look for it) and, every little helps.

The other great thing about the Panda London Mattress Protector is that it's hypoallergenic and antimicrobial. So, if you have sensitive skin and put sleep hygiene at the apex of all your sleep essentials, you can't do better.

The waterproof properties make this useful for people who drink coffee and tea in bed too. I’m a notoriously clumsy drinker, but I still persist with my morning coffee in bed. We ran the Panda London through a series of tests and I managed to keep all stains (fake tan, coffee, and wine, off the mattress itself). For a £30 mattress protector, that's impressive. 

Finally, another big appeal of the Panda London Mattress Protector is its eco credentials. Knowing that your topper won’t spend 10,000 years in a landfill when you no longer need it feels as nice as the topper itself (gorgeous). Plus, even though it’s biodegradable and recyclable, it’s also really durable. You get a year warranty as well as a washing machine approval for any cleaning that you need to do. If you're still not quite sure, you have a 30-day free trial to test this and send it back. There's just no losing.

How does the Panda London Mattress Protector fit on the bed?

As with almost all mattress toppers, this is elasticated, making it easy to stretch around the sides of your bed. I ordered mine to fit my UK double bed and didn't have any trouble fitting it into place. 

In fact, the Panda London Mattress Protector claims online to be able to fit around beds as deep as 32 cm (which is extreme, even for me). I had a plush, memory foam topper on my bed, which meant that mine measured at about 25cm. There was room for me to bring the sides further around - they tucked neatly under the mattress - but the whole of the top of my mattress was covered with the waterproof material, which is the important part. 

I was surprised that the sides are polyester. I can't help but think that this is to enhance how stretchy the sides are. It's a shame because I always think polyester cheapens a product, but the rest of the composition is top-spec. 

What does the Panda London Mattress Protector feel like to sleep on?

Given that you’ll be putting a fitted sheet onto your mattress protector, you won't have skin-on-skin contact with your protector. However, it's still important that it's comfortable because you can feel it through the sheets.

Before I put this on the bed, I wanted to have a proper look at the TPU waterproof layer. Normally, waterproof mattresses have a rubbery, waxy layer that's made from plastic, or TPU, so I'll admit that I was surprised that Panda London had opted to use this. However, my perplexion was quickly silenced by a quick investigation into what Panda London's TPU is. They've got a trademarked formula that's thin, aerosol-free, non-toxic, biodegradable, recyclable, and still waterproof. I don't know what their secret it, but it's impressive.

After sleeping on the protector, I was really pleased at how quiet the Panda London TPU later was. It didn't crinkle or rustle, no matter how much I moved. I would put a large part of the success down to the teddy bamboo-cotton texture on top. The website says it is hypoallergenic and moisture-wicking, which is nice and hygienic. You don't feel that though. In reality, it's like sleeping on a thin, fresh towel. It’s nice to lie on, but not too insulating. Bamboo is well established as one of the best materials for hot sleepers since it dissipates heat away from your body really efficiently.

I was testing this during a (rare) heatwave in the UK and I think it did help, especially in comparison to plusher, quilted mattress toppers. I did pair this with Panda London’s bamboo sheets to try and maximise the coolness of my bed and it helped. It’s not going to cure your night sweats and I still threw my duvet off me in the night, but the fact that I even started by sleeping under a duvet speaks to the cooling qualities of the Panda London Mattress Protector in the first place.

How waterproof is the Panda London Mattress Protector really?

When a mattress protector claims to be waterproof, this is normally in the context of night sweats, coffee spills, and wine incidents. These aren’t quite as extreme as our tests, but we like to know exactly how much a mattress topper can handle before we tell you that it really is water resistant.

I have a series of three different liquids that I spill 500 ml of onto the topper: water, wine, and coffee. Not only did the Panda London Mattress Protector keep my mattress bone dry, it was also easy to wash and clean up after too (more on that later). 

It felt strange emptying a Pyrex jug of liquid onto my topper, but it worked effectively. Some of the top material absorbed the water, making it damp, but I actually think that's quite important. Before it started absorbing the water, it was running (dangerously quickly) towards my carpet. I gave each liquid a few minutes to soak into the material, waiting to see if it leaked through and it didn't.

Now, I’m not recommending that you pour red wine over your sheets, but if you do, you won’t need to panic about your mattress underneath. It’ll be clean and dry. 

How do you clean the Panda London Mattress Protector?

Even though this is antimicrobial, for the sake of your sleep sanitation and health, you should wash it every two months. After pouring coffee, wine, and water all over mine, it needed to be washed a lot sooner. 

Panda gives you some simple care instructions for when you do clean your topper: wash it at 50 degrees, using a natural detergent if possible. I use Ecover and it cleans as well as any other brand. Try to avoid bleach, since the fibres are delicate. This does mean that tougher stains, such as my red wine, didn't lift out very easily. However, you can be grateful that it doesn't seep through onto your mattress topper or mattress itself.

It's nice to know that you won't need any fabric softener. It might sound a bit cheesy, but in the case of bamboo, nature is your fabric softer. This only gets more and more delightful every time you wash it, trust me. 

Should you buy the Panda London Mattress Protector?

If you put sustainability at the top of your credentials, the Panda London Mattress Protector is a must have. Given that it’s free from just about every nasty you can think of and packed with environmental pros, it’s the mattress topper I would buy if I had the pick of the lot.

If you’re on a budget or looking for something a little more plush, there are plenty of other options though. You can find all our tried and tested favourites in our buying guide to the best mattress protectors. 

With all the different layers of bedding, it can be all too easy to chuck the whole lot in the wash and call it a day. However, cleaning your mattress topper will differ from your regular washing routine.

Unlike your sheets and mattress protector, tackling one of the best mattress toppers is a completely different story because a mattress protector va mattress topper is characteristically thicker and will have more absorbent materials such as foam or wool contents. 

Plus, similar to washing a duvet, most are typically too large for the average washing machine. Even if it fits in the washer can you simply throw it in or is more consideration needed? 

We asked cleaning experts for their opinion on the best way to clean a mattress topper and here's what they said. 

Can you wash a mattress topper?

The good news is that yes, you can indeed wash your mattress topper. There are however some conditions you'll have to know before doing so and of course, the type of cleaning will depend on how you can clean it. 

"Mattress toppers should have a care label attached, and it’s essential to follow these instructions. Generally, some smaller, thinner toppers made of materials like cotton, polyester, or memory foam may be machine-washable," says cleaning expert Claire Helen, who partnered with Get Laid Beds. 

If you've got a feather mattress topper you can also wash this with cold water. Claire does warn, "However, larger or thicker toppers may not fit well in a standard home washing machine and could require professional cleaning.” The Woolroom deluxe mattress topper review is a fine example of this bedding staple that is dry-clean only.

So even if you're looking for ways to clean your room fast, always make sure you check the cleaning instructions first.  

Which detergent should you use to wash mattress toppers? 

When it comes to the type of detergent you should use, you may not want to use the same type as you would to clean your best sheets. 

Olivia Young, cleaning expert at Astonish, says, "Use a mild, non-bleach detergent which is specifically designed to clean and disinfect without damaging the fabric. Avoid harsh chemicals and bleach, as these can degrade the materials over time." The same principles to cleaning a mattress,

Similar also to how you should avoid harsh cleaning products when it comes to how to clean a fabric headboard, once you've damaged the materials it can significantly affect the overall quality. 

How to clean a mattress topper in the washing machine

If you're looking for expert cleaning tips, here is the recommended method for cleaning your mattress topper in the washing machine. 

"After you have ensured that your mattress topper can be machine washed, pre-treat any stains with a bleach-free stain remover. Next, place it in your machine on a gentle cycle at a low temperature (30°C or below) with the appropriate detergent," explains Smol's cleaning expert, Catherine Green. 

Then, she says try to include two to three tennis or laundry balls to maintain the shape of the topper. Once the cycle is done make sure the detergent has been rinsed out. Leave to air-dry completely before putting it back onto your bed. 

FAQs

How often should you wash a mattress topper?

Similar to how often you wash your mattress protector, cleaning your mattress topper isn't a weekly task. But it is important to keep on top of it, especially through the sweaty summer months when you're looking for ways to keep your bed cool. 

"It depends on usage and personal preference, but a good rule of thumb is to wash your mattress topper every 3-6 months. More frequent washing may be necessary if you have allergies or if the topper is used on a guest bed," says Claire.

There are some more conditions you'll need to consider explains Catherine, she points out, "Those with allergies or respiratory issues may need to clean it monthly to get rid of any debris that could exacerbate existing problems. In case of spills or stains, I recommend cleaning the topper immediately to prevent permanent damage or odours." 

Should your topper come out of the first cycle still soapy then Olivia recommends rinsing the topper with cold water. This should quickly remove all the detergent residue and allow you to get on with drying. 

Always allow your topper to dry thoroughly before placing it back on the mattress. Speaking of which, master how to keep your mattress topper from sliding to ensure your bed is fresh and ready to be slept in. 

Trying to upgrade your sleep setup but not sure where to start? Whilst mattress toppers and protectors might seem the same, the two offer completely different things for both you and your mattress. 

It's no secret that having one of the best mattress toppers can completely change your sleep experience, but should you also be buying one of the best mattress protectors to match? What seems like a similar product actually delivers different things. 

But do you really need both for your bed or can one substitute another? We spoke with bed experts to find out what you should be sleeping on and what the differences are between the two. 

What’s the difference between a mattress topper and a mattress protector? 

When it comes to the differences between the two, it's not just a visual difference but a functional one too. Unlike how to know if you need a mattress topper, deciding if you should have a protector is a little more straightforward. 

"A mattress topper is designed to add an extra layer to your mattress, giving deeper cushioning, whilst a mattress protector is a much thinner layer, simply designed to protect your mattress from spills, or help with allergies," explains Laura Burnett, the expert buyer at luxury furniture and bedding company Feather & Black. 

For this reason, there is more flexibility as to what you can get out of a topper compared to a protector and why more thought can go into the purchase. 

What does a mattress topper do? 

A mattress topper can have various uses and depending on your sleep preferences they can improve several problems you might suffer from when sleeping or lying in bed. They can even be a great way to make a bedroom feel like a luxury hotel and can save you money on replacing an uncomfortable mattress.

Models like the Woolroom deluxe mattress topper can offer a cooling effect for when you sleep, or if you struggle with back pain then the Panda bamboo mattress topper could aid you. It really does depend on what support you need during the night as to which topper would be the best fit. 

Emma Beck, the buying and merchandising manager at Bensons for Beds, says, "The benefits of using a mattress topper are vast. They can rejuvenate an older mattress by adding extra cushioning and support, improve sleep quality by enhancing comfort, and alleviate pressure points, reducing the risk of waking up with aches and pains."

She goes on to explain that whilst toppers aren't necessarily essential they are highly recommended for those who want to optimise their sleeping expert whilst also prolonging the lifespan of their mattress. 

What does a mattress protector do?

Unlike mattress toppers, protectors have a little less flexibility when it comes to the functions and advantages to your sleep they can provide. There is a question as to how often should you wash your mattress protector, whereas toppers require a little less maintenance. 

"A mattress protector is a thin cover that is placed on top of your mattress, which protects it from stains, spills and other potential damage," explains Theresa Schnorbach, the sleep expert at Emma. "Mattress protectors, similar to mattress toppers, can prolong the lifespan of your mattress. They are usually made from impermeable or water-resistant materials."

Having a good quality mattress protector can mean a world of difference when figuring out how to clean your mattress properly. 

FAQ

Do I need both a mattress protector and mattress topper?

Should you be particularly concerned with how long your mattress will last, then investing in a good quality topper and protector might be just the thing to give you peace of mind. 

Theresa explains that it depends on what you require for your bed preferences as to whether you should buy both items or not. She says, "If you are just looking to shield your mattress, a protector should suffice. However, if you’re looking for an additional layer of support as well as protection, a topper is a great option." 

Whilst a topper is less helpful when it comes to stains and protecting your mattress, it can act as a barrier between you and the mattress should any spills occur. If you're wanting to invest in only one but still want that protection, definitely look for a topper that can be easily machine-washed as it will make stain removal that much easier. 

What is a mattress encasement?

Now you know what the difference between a protector and a topper is, what's a mattress encasement and do you need one of those too? 

"Rather than the usual blanket-style mattress topper or protector, a mattress encasement is a protective cover that completely surrounds a mattress on all sides, typically including the top, bottom, and all four edges," explains Alison Jones, a sleep expert for Sealy UK. 

This is perfect for anyone who is sick of figuring out how to keep a mattress topper from sliding around, and even more so if you're trying to get as much life as possible out of your mattress. Alison says that encasements are designed to protect against a variety of elements that might interfere with your sleep and the longevity of your mattress, whether that's spills and stains or bed bugs and allergens. 

If you're now looking to purchase a mattress topper and protector but aren't quite sure what order to place them on your mattress then Rhiannon Johns from Piglet in Bed has the answers. 

She says, "When using both a mattress topper and protector, you should put your mattress topper on top of your mattress, followed by your mattress protector. This ensures that not only your mattress is protected, but your topper is too, keeping dust mites and bacteria at bay." 

I have a confession, when it comes to mattress toppers I've never really put much investment into it, I've always opted for the cheapest option and more often than not regretted it. But once I moved into my rented property and found the mattress to be particularly thin my back soon paid the price. So when I was given the opportunity to review one of the best mattress toppers, the Woolroom's Deluxe Wool Mattress Topper, I was more than ready to try it out. 

The Woolroom's aim is to create products with all-natural materials, that are temperature-regulating, long-lasting and naturally hypoallergenic. All of which they achieve by using wool in their products, a material which most of us wouldn't associate with bed products but more so jumpers or scarfs. However, this wonder fabric is what makes this particular mattress topper not only extremely comfortable but also breathable and cooling. 

I have been using this topper on my old, rather worn mattress for over a month with the hope it would help with my lower back problems and aching muscles which I usually wake up with. I can confidently say it has made a huge difference to my usual aches and pains but also made sleeping that much cooler. Because despite following all the recommended steps to good sleep hygiene I frequently find myself overheating while sleeping.

Woolroom Deluxe Mattress Topper: Product specs

• Type: Wool 
• Material: Outer fabric: 100% unbleached 200 thread organic cotton / Fill: 100% traceable British wool 
• Firmness: Soft 
• Thickness: 4-5 cm
• Sizes: Single, Single XL, Small double, Double, King, Superking, Emperor, EU double, EU king, Large Emperor 
• RRP: £69.99-£329.99
• Care: Dry clean using a non-toxic service 

Woolroom Deluxe mattress topper: First impressions

Upon receiving the topper I was delighted to see the eco-friendly packaging, a cardboard box (not pictured) and a linen reusable zip-up bag. The bag was the first indicator of the high-quality materials and luxurious branding that the Woolroom prioritises and it made me more excited to put the topper on my bed. 

The next thing I noticed when first opening the topper was its weight. Weighing around 4.2 kg, the topper is made of a thick layer of traceable British wool with an outer fabric of organic cotton. Aside from the weight, the topper came in perfect condition with no strange colouring or smells, from the outset, it was clear this was a product of high standards. 

Woolroom Deluxe Mattress Topper: User experience

Comfort and support

The comfort of the topper was something I had high expectations for, with my mattress being so unsupportive and worn I was asking a lot from the Woolroom's deluxe topper. 

Luckily I felt an immediate difference, it added an impressive extra amount of bounce to my mattress and thanks to its heavy wool lining there was a medium level of support to it as well. It's nothing like a memory foam mattress topper, there's no squishy bounce-back feeling which I find a lot more comfortable however if you looking for a firmer level of support this may not be enough for you. 

Breathability and cooling

One of the biggest issues I have when sleeping is overheating, I've always struggled to keep cool in bed no matter what tog of duvet I've had. So when I immediately noticed a difference after sleeping with this topper on, it was a huge relief not to have to contemplate buying one of the best cooling mattresses. 

With wool being the main component of the topper I was very sceptical of this cooling effect, wool is usually something I would argue warms you up, not cool you down. And yet, it was clear my body temperature was more consistent through the night as I didn't find myself waking up as frequently. I would argue that this was aided by the cooling properties of one of the best duvets from Simba, the Hybrid duvet.  

On their site, the Woolroom claims that "Woolroom toppers will deliver 25% better sleep than polyester, down and feather through superior moisture management and heat regulation." The same goes for the breathability of the topper, the natural fibres of the wool allow for a great level of aeration and add to the cooling effect you experience from using it. 

Motion isolation

Unlike a memory foam topper, this wool model doesn't really offer much when it comes to motion isolation. Even with the weight somewhat equally dispersed on the mattress, there's always a fairly detectable motion from the other side of the bed.

I think should my mattress have been of better quality then the topper may have offered better isolation, however, with such a low-quality mattress there was not much change. So if you're sharing the bed with a fidgeter you might want to opt for a thicker mattress topper that will provide stability to your mattress. 

Additional features

As with the rest of the experience, I appreciated the quality of the elasticated straps to keep the mattress topper from sliding. With other, cheaper mattress toppers I've had in the past, the elastic bands on each corner have offered little to no help when it comes to keeping the topper secured in place. However, with the Woolroom Deluxe mattress topper, I found it difficult to remove from the mattress which was a pleasantly surprising change. 

How does the Woolroom mattress topper compare?

One of the most obvious differences between this Woolroom topper and others I've tried is the high-quality materials used. The wool filling is a unique characteristic and delivers on its heat regulation promises, so much so that I don't think I could go back to synthetic-filled toppers in the future. 

As mentioned above, this topper certainly isn't the most supportive or thick which may be an issue for those looking for help with persistent pains and aches. In that case, it would definitely be best to look into mattress toppers designed to transform your mattress completely. 

Should you buy the Woolroom Deluxe mattress topper?

If you're someone, like myself, who struggles with overheating whilst sleeping and has minimal discomfort when you sleep this is a brilliant mattress topper to invest in. It's made of the highest quality materials, has a truly effective heat regulation and will make a notable difference to the comfortability of your mattress so proves a worthwhile investment if you know you need a mattress topper. 

What it won't do is completely transform your sleep experience in terms of support, and if that's your priority then it's definitely a good idea to invest in a different type of topper. And if wool isn't your bag, for eco reasons or otherwise, then try out a more eco-conscious option like the Panda Bamboo mattress topper.

If you're all about high-quality, locally sourced materials which deliver on their promises then this is the topper for you. And you can certainly trust that it won't disappoint in providing you with a better night's sleep. 

About this review, and the reviewer 

Mattress toppers are a super luxurious addition to the bed for many people. However, one of the downfalls of even the best mattress toppers is that sleepers sometimes experience them sliding down or off the bed, or moving around during the night. If this feels familiar to you, this is how to keep a mattress topper from sliding.

Toppers for your mattress can be a great way to add an extra layer of cushioning to your bed, improve your sleep hygiene, and even totally reinvigorate a mattress that has lost support.

But their effectiveness is seriously reduced if yours spends half the night sliding around. And if you have decided you need a mattress topper to create a better sleep environment the last thing you want is to be irritated and disturbed by it moving or sliding around.

But there's no need to return yours; happily, there are several simple ways to help secure a mattress topper to your bed if yours isn't staying put. Best of all, lots of these methods are affordable and easy to achieve too, requiring little to no effort or DIY.

How to keep a mattress topper from sliding

Whether you have a cooling mattress, a microfibre mattress, a pocket-sprung mattress or any other type of mattress, a sliding mattress topper is something you might experience at some stage. 

It doesn't necessarily mean there is anything wrong with your topper or the mattress (though some lower-quality toppers are guilty of sliding more than others); some mattress toppers simply don't have elastic straps to enable you to secure them properly. 

Even the toppers with elastic straps can come loose sometimes – so it's important to know how to secure your topper to the bed if it ever moves around your bed.

1. Use a fitted sheet that is the right size

If your mattress topper doesn't feel secure, Amanda Castle, a sleep expert at Hypnos Beds explains that the first place you should turn to address the issue and help you sleep better is your fitted sheet.

"There are many reasons why your mattress topper might be slipping and sliding, including improper size, tossing and turning in the night, or more simply the topper is of poor quality," Amanda says. "Luckily, there is a quick fix to keep this problem from disrupting your sleep - using an appropriately sized fitted sheet. This is often all that is required to keep your mattress topper from moving.

For example, if you’re still using the best sheets you used before buying your mattress topper, they could be too small now. 

Theresa Schnorbach, Sleep Expert at Emma explains, "It’s important to keep in mind that a topper can add anywhere from 1-4 inches to the height of your mattress so, depending on the bedding you already have, you may need to invest in a tightly fitted sheet to ensure your topper doesn’t slide."

And the reverse can also be true, Amanda says. "If your fitted sheet is too big or has lost its elasticity at the corners, it may become untucked during sleep."

"The sheet should fit tightly over the mattress and topper, helping to hold everything in place and add extra grip, so look for bed sheets with a deep pocket! We’d also always recommend that you refer to the instructions from the manufacturer to prevent your topper from sliding."

2. Buy a fitted sheet with straps – or create your own

If you’re struggling to get your mattress topper to stop sliding even with a tighter fitted sheet with deep pockets, an alternative is purchasing a sheet with elastic straps on each of the four corners. These straps are invaluable in securing your bedding.

Jessica Hanley, founder of Piglet in Bed, says. "If your mattress topper tends to slip and slide around the bed, secure your topper with stretchable sheet strappers. These are great because you can hook them onto each corner of the mattress topper and slide the band under the mattress. This method is not only a gentle way to secure your topper, but it also effectively prevents it from bunching."

There’s also usually less risk of sheets with straps popping off during the night than when using a regular fitted sheet without straps. 

However, if you don’t want to invest in new sheets, Olivia Walton, manager at Bedz4U explains that there is a way to achieve this trick on a budget. "Try sewing some fabric straps of elastic bands on each corner for a DIY approach," she suggests.

3. Use a mattress encasement

For a slightly more unconventional option, purchasing a mattress encasement can be a brilliant way to secure your mattress topper and prevent it from sliding around your bed.

A mattress encasement is a large sheet that goes around the entirety of your bed - from under your mattress up to your pillows. It's essentially like wrapping all of your bedding (mattress, mattress topper, mattress protector) up in one giant present, to keep everything secure. Most of them zip up and are fastened into place with velcro clips, keeping everything neatly in place.

"A mattress encasement can be useful for keeping a topper in place. Just ensure that the dimensions of the encase will allow enough room for both the topper and the mattress to fit comfortably," Olivia says.

And if you're wondering how long mattresses last, a mattress encasement can also help to prolong the life by protecting it from damp, dust and any other spills or stains. This can also reduce the amount you may need to deep clean your mattress.

4. Install a non-slip pad

One very simple way to prevent your mattress topper from moving as you sleep is to add a subtle extra layer to your bedding in the form of a non-slip pad, which should secure the topper nicely.

Emma Beck, buying and merchandising manager for Bensons for Beds explains, "You can opt for a topper with a non-slip underside, or invest in a mattress gripper or anti-slip mat, and then place this between the topper and the mattress." You can usually get a mattress gripper or non-slip pad to cover your entire bed. Similar to this JC-Houser Durable Non-Slip Mattress Gripper Pad at Amazon.

5. Secure it with velcro strips

If you’re after another super affordable solution for how to keep a mattress topper from sliding try a DIY velcro option. We suggest securing it into place with velcro strips works well if you feel comfortable.

You can buy heavy-duty, industrial-strength velcro strips at Amazon cheap. If you don't want to purchase anything new, you can often repurpose old scraps of velcro to perform the same job. Olivia says, "Velcro strips are another great way to combat friction and prevent the topper from shifting."

Tielle Love Luxury’s co-founder, Robert Lancaster-Gaye agrees that this is a brilliant method for securing your topper – but explains that readjusting your mattress topper regularly is also key for keeping it in great condition.

“I have tried tacking Velcro to the top edges of my topper and my mattress, and this definitely helps secure your mattress topper to your bed. But, an important fact is that to stay at its best, a topper should be shaken and aired on the bed regularly, to keep it fluffy and perspiration-free, so don’t forget to regularly adjust and air it if it’s tightly secured to your bed in this way."

FAQ

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

It's one thing knowing how to keep a mattress topper from sliding, but if you have multiple items on top of your bed – such as a mattress topper and a mattress protector – it's important to ensure that everything is laid in the right order, to ensure the items can do their job properly to keep you comfy and protect your mattress.

To understand where a topper should go in relation to your mattress protector, it’s actually key to understand the different functions of each one. Put simply, mattress toppers are mostly used for comfort and support, while mattress protectors are (as the name suggests) there to protect your mattress and maintain its quality.

"Designed to sit on top of your mattress, mattress toppers help to cushion the body and act as an additional comfort layer for the sleeper," Amanda explains. "Meanwhile, a mattress protector is used to protect your mattress from spills and dirt, helping to keep it fresh and, as a result, prolong its lifespan."

However, Emma suggests that there's no harm in doing it the other way around
if that's your preference. "Whether a mattress topper should go under or over a mattress protector depends on personal preference and specific needs. "This allows the protector to form a barrier for the topper too, helping to protect against bacteria and dust mites."

"Yes, placing the topper under the protector allows for direct contact with the mattress surface, maximising its cushioning effect. However, placing the mattress topper over the protector also provides an additional barrier against spills and stains, extending the lifespan of both the topper and the mattress."

You should also be washing both your mattress protector and mattress topper regularly, to ensure that both items are still doing their jobs as best they can, and are as hygienic as possible.

Mattress toppers can be an invaluable accessory to buy for your bed, but given that they’re not something everyone has (you may not have ever had one yourself), it can be difficult to know whether buying one is actually essential for your sleep and health. So how do you know if you need one of the best mattress toppers?

A mattress topper, unlike one of the best mattress protectors, is essentially a thick layer of additional bedding materials – it tends to be between 2 and 4 inches – that sits (you guessed it) on top of your best mattress, providing an extra layer of cushioning as you sleep. 

Mattress toppers provide an extra layer of support, and come in almost any typical bedding material, from memory foam to wool, and more.

So how do you know if you need a mattress topper? Are they really an essential addition to the bedroom, or are they just a nice way to plump up your mattress, and not necessary for most people? To find out, we spoke to sleep experts to gain their professional insight.

Do you really need a mattress topper?

It can be tricky to deduce whether a mattress topper is something that could be truly beneficial for your sleep, or whether it's simply something that might make your bed slightly comfier. 

So how do you know if you need a mattress topper for bed? Most experts tend to agree that no, mattress toppers are not essential in the same way one of the best pillows or duvet is – but most also agree that a mattress topper can be a fantastic addition to your bedspread in many ways.

Danielle Mason, head of product development at The Fine Bedding Company explains, "While mattress toppers are not a necessity, they provide several benefits which mean they are worth investing in and adding to your everyday bedding."

Some of the benefits include:

• A greater level of comfort as you sleep
• Increased support if needed
• Better temperature regulation
• An extra layer of support for an older mattress, to prolong its lifespan

Theresa Schnorbach, sleep expert at Emma, explains that toppers can solve problems you thought could only be fixed by buying an entirely new mattress.

"Mattress toppers are a great option for providing a layer of support for mattresses that may have lost some of their comfort," she says. "For example, a good quality topper can noticeably change a mattress' feel and provide extra pressure relief. They can also help to increase the longevity of your mattress by acting as a layer of protection."

Do mattress toppers really make a difference?

Yes; it's largely agreed that mattress toppers can make a real difference to your sleeping experience, especially if you battle with certain issues with your current mattress that you’re unsure how to fix. 

As mentioned, a mattress topper can make an impact in all sorts of different ways - from your overall comfort, to your temperature as you sleep (even if you already have one of the best cooling mattresses). Buying one can even help you to save money in the long run.

But to really explore the way in which they can impact your sleeping experience, how exactly do mattress toppers make a difference?

1. A mattress topper can make a difference to your comfort

If you bought your mattress a little while ago and feel like it doesn’t feel as comfortable as it once did – or perhaps you’ve grown to prefer a different type of mattress filling – a mattress topper could make a huge difference to how comfortable and cosy you feel whilst sleeping. 

Danielle explains for example, "For firmer mattresses, a topper helps to make your bed feel softer if you prefer that 'sunk in' feeling – whereas for a thinner mattress, it can significantly boost the comfort for the sleeper."

Amanda Castle, marketing manager at Hypnos Beds agrees that most mattress toppers are a luxurious addition that can seriously elevate your night’s sleep. 

"Mattress toppers are not essential; however, they can help you achieve a more restful sleep by providing a sumptuous layer of pillow-like comfort that cushions the body. They are typically designed to contour the shape of the body and distribute weight to reduce any discomfort."

So if your current mattress feels a little less plush than you prefer, a mattress topper could enhance your sleep without needing to pay hundreds of pounds for a new mattress.

2. A mattress topper helps prolong the life of your mattress

How long does a mattress last? Most experts agree that they should be replaced every eight years, but a mattress topper can provide a barrier between you and your mattress which can slow down the degradation of said mattress, prolonging its life.

"A topper helps to protect and prolong the life of your mattress by keeping it free of the sweat, spills and allergens which can cause your mattress to age faster," Danielle says. "This means that having a mattress topper is also a more sustainable option, as your need to replace your mattress will therefore be less."

If you’re keen to maintain the hygiene of your mattress, it's important to consider using a certain type of mattress topper, Theresa suggests. “My advice would be to look out for toppers with washable synthetic fills or naturally hypoallergenic fills.

"It’s also worth bearing in mind that memory foam and synthetic toppers are easy to keep clean and help keep bacteria away. Wool is also a great alternative, as it's naturally hypoallergenic and washable." Take note of how often you should wash a mattress protector to ensure it stays hygienic. 

3. Toppers can improve the support of your mattress

If you've had your mattress for a fair few years, it has likely lost some of its support over that time through natural wear and tear. Or perhaps you’ve even changed your mind about the firmness level you prefer since buying it.

This is where a mattress topper can come into its own, to help you sleep better without buying a completely new mattress. Olivia Walton, Manager at Bedz4U explains, "A mattress topper can add extra comfort to a mattress that doesn’t provide as much support as you’d like. For example, a topper can add a couple of extra years to the life of an old mattress by covering any signs of sagging or uneven surfaces."

Mattress toppers can even be beneficial for those who suffer from pain whilst sleeping, be it in your back, neck or shoulders – because it can prove tricky to master how to sleep with back pain. 

Emma Beck, Buying and merchandising manager for Benson for Beds, says, "Mattress toppers can alleviate pressure points, reducing the risk of waking up with aches and pains. So while not necessarily essential, they are highly recommended for those seeking to optimise their sleeping experience."

Adam Black, co-founder of Button & Sprung, explains that a topper can even provide the ideal combination for those who need support, but like a super cushioned bed. "A topper can help you get the best of both worlds when it comes to tensions – we find that they are a great solution for side or front sleepers who like, or need, to sleep with a firmer support but desire the soft top to sink into first," he says.

4. A topper can help with temperature control

If your current mattress leaves you feeling too hot and stuffy (or even too cold), a mattress topper can help with managing your temperature as you sleep – once again mitigating the need for an entirely new mattress. Similar to asking if cooling mattresses work, some mattress toppers can help to reduce your body's core temperature while you sleep.

"When made from the right material, mattress toppers can help to improve your sleep by keeping you fresh and cool throughout the night, by providing another breathable layer on top of your mattress which aids in regulating your body’s temperature," Theresa explains.

"This is especially helpful if your mattress retains heat,” Olivia adds.

But to ensure that your mattress topper helps to control your temperature, it’s vital to choose one made from the right materials. Amanda explains, "Natural materials, particularly those that offer better breathability, such as wool, are more desirable, as they not only provide enhanced comfort, but they also regulate your body temperature and wick away moisture. 

"This is especially beneficial in winter and summer, as it ensures you don’t get too cold or too warm." It's also worth addressing your sleep hygiene to ensure you have the optimum environment conducive to better sleep.

Explaining that the wrong mattress topper will only make matters worse when it comes to temperature control, Adam says, "For most people there won’t be a physical downside to a mattress topper, but it will have an adverse effect on body temperature if it is made from memory foam or synthetic materials which aren’t breathable. These materials are a sure way to overheat in bed."

When would you use a mattress topper?

You can clearly use a mattress topper to solve just about any sleeping problem, such as an overly hot mattress or a mattress that doesn’t feel quite as comfortable as it used to.

Using a mattress topper on a brand new bed or mattress is a brilliant idea, as it’ll provide an extra layer of comfort and support instantaneously, as well as protect your mattress from any wear and tear from the get-go. 

You can also use a topper to revive a slightly older mattress, as mentioned, providing a bolstered level of support, especially for those who might experience pain after sleeping. But you'll need to exercise some caution when it comes to using a topper on an older mattress.

In fact, you probably shouldn’t use a mattress topper if your mattress is experiencing significant sagging, or needs almost imminent replacement. Because while a topper can prolong the life of a mattress, it isn’t an adequate replacement for one that’s on the brink of needing to be thrown out.

Adam explains, "Frequently, toppers are used as a way to extend the life of an old mattress or disguise an uncomfortable mattress, and there is a place for this. But it’s not a lasting solution. Quite simply if your mattress is bad, you should invest in a new mattress.

Theresa agreed, saying, "The main thing to remember is that a topper won’t fix your mattress. If you have a worn-out old mattress that is sagging a lot or showing signs of erosion, then you should consider replacing this first."

A mattress topper also shouldn’t be used in place of a mattress protector. "It’s worth noting that a topper shouldn’t be confused with a mattress protector – a protector is mostly about function, protecting the lifespan of your mattress and keeping your bed protected from spills and stains,” Adam points out.

When it comes to the best time of year to use a mattress topper, Theresa reassures you that it's something that can be used to your benefit year-round. "As well as comfort, some toppers also offer better thermoregulation. Emma’s flip toppers, for instance, are designed with a breathable layer of Airgocell which can be particularly helpful in keeping you fresh during the heat of summer and warm on a cold winter’s night, so can be used year-round to help aid quality rest."

We all know how much an uncomfortable, old, sunken mattress can affect your sleep, especially as we get older. Whether it’s tossing and turning at 3am or waking up with stiff joints, an unsupportive bed can leave you feeling far from refreshed.

But replacing your entire mattress can be a serious expense, and not always one you’re ready to make. That’s where the Simba Hybrid Mattress Topper comes in. Its' one of the best mattress toppers I've tried. Designed to add support, softness, and breathability to your existing bed, it promises a better night’s sleep, without the big price tag.

Simba already creates some top-rated cooling mattresses, the best pillows, and other bedding products on the market. So I put its mattress topper to the test to see if it was as good as the rest.

Simba Hybrid Mattress Topper review

Made from specially developed Simbatex foam that's cooler than traditional memory foam, and Areocoil micro springs, it provides a supportive, breathable sleep surface suitable for all sleep styles.

It's thicker than most mattress toppers, which allows for the feel of a new bed, but also means you will need deep fitted sheets. I tested this mattress topper on a firm hybrid mattress. Compared to other mattress toppers I've tested, I couldn't believe how little you could feel my mattress underneath it. 

Simba Hybrid Mattress Topper Specifications

• Type: Hybrid
• Material: Cover: 100% cotton / Fill: Areocoil springs and Simbatex foam
• Firmness: Medium-firm
• Thickness: 6cm
• Sizes: Single, small double, double, king, super-king
• RRP: £219-£399
• Care: Washable cover + spot clean

Unboxing the Simba Hybrid Mattress Topper

This Simba Hybrid mattress topper was much larger and heavier than other mattress toppers I've tested. It was very comparable to a whole mattress. I'm not the strongest, so I did struggle maneuvering it into my bedroom. It came wrapped in quite a bit of plastic, but the box itself was recyclable. 

I unwrapped and unrolled the mattress topper on top of the mattress, which was more of a workout than I care to admit. It expanded quickly to a thick 6.5cm height and I was pleasantly surprised at the lack of off-gassing, meaning these was less odour than you'll find with many mattress toppers. 

It has an anti-slip base and straps to keep it tightly secure to the mattress. I attempted to shift it and struggled, which is a great indication of how it would stay put throughout the night. Its top layer felt cool and smooth to the touch. Without even sleeping on the topper I could tell it is just as complex as one of Simba's full mattresses. 

What is the Simba Hybrid Mattress Topper like to sleep on?

Comfort and support 

From the first night sleeping on the Simba mattress topper to the last, the topper felt remarkably improved on the bed beneath it. It boasts an impressive four layers. At the bottom lies a layer of foam, which supports a spring layer above to prevent any sagging. Then there is a layer of Simba's own-brand cooling foam. It features open cells to allow for airflow and graphite particles that whip away heat. This is then topper with another layer of foam. 

The combination of springs and foam noticeably provided a lot more support than just foam toppers. As a side sleeper, I need a bed that is supportive enough to keep my spine aligned, but soft enough to not be too harsh on my pressure points. If a mattress is too soft my hips could dip, causing my knees to overlap and twist. If too firm, my joints could begin to ache. 

The Simba hybrid mattress topper suits all sleep styles since it doesn't sink too much, nor is too harsh on the points of your joints. If you have a bed that's too firm for your liking, or too soft, this mattress topper will balance out the surface for a comfortable night's sleep. It's like placing a very thin mattress on top of your existing one. 

Breathability and cooling

An impressive quality of the Simba hybrid mattress topper is its ability to keep you cool as you sleep. Typically mattress toppers are made of foam, and can easily trap heat, causing you to overheat at night. The addition of a breathable open-cell foam layer and springs allows for heat to dissipate.

As a hot sleeper, I have always noticed mattress toppers adding some amount of heat. However, with the Simba hybrid mattress topper, I slept well and stayed at optimal temperature all night. It is worth considering I tested this during the colder months of February, but I'll circle back to see how it performs in the summertime when the struggle to sleep is a larger issue. 

Motion isolation

The Simba hybrid mattress topper has a medium-firm firmness rating. Because of this there is little sink or bounce. In fact, for the first few nights, it can feel more on the firm-extra firm side. This also means there is little room for any movement. The motion isolation is the best I've tested when it comes to toppers. Thick foam-density mattresses and toppers can cause you to move as your fidgety partners do during the night. 

Thin mattress toppers won't do much either if your mattress isn't great in the motion isolation department. Since the Simba mattress topper performs just like a brand new mattress, you won't be slipping off the sides or being bounced about by your partner during the night, even if the bed beneath it is bad.

How does the Simba Hybrid Mattress Topper compare?

The Simba hybrid mattress topper is by far the best mattress topper I have tested. It performs just as good as a brand new mattress. Most mattress toppers, like the Panda bamboo mattress topper for example, will alter the firmness of the current mattress you have. They won't do wonders for a bed that has sunk or has springs that you can feel when you're sleeping. It's true, mattress toppers are not designed to be a long-term replacement for buying a new mattress when you need one. But the Simba hybrid mattress topper will do a good job. 

I am yet to test any other hybrid options. However, there aren't that many already on the market. This mattress topper is more expensive than most, but I do believe it is a worthy investment if you can't afford to pay double for a whole bed, but are in need of some satisfactory slumber. 

What is the Simba Hybrid Mattress Topper like on sustainability?

There are lots of layers of foam, spring coils and other materials. And, there is no doubt that mattresses, toppers and other bedding products cannot be totally eco-friendly. That being said, the Simba hybrid mattress topper is eco-conscious, at least. All the foam used in Simba's designs is Centipur, which is certified free from CFC's and other toxic substances. The toppers are made in the UK from 100% recyclable materials. Simba also claims it is working towards zero-waste.

Investing in a mattress topper can also be considered as a sustainable shopping choice. Better than throwing out your current bed, which is likely non-bio-degradable or recyclable, you can help your mattress live longer. 

Should you buy the Simba hybrid mattress topper?

Simba is known for some of the best mattresses and pillows amongst other bedding buys. If you know and love the brand already, you'll have some idea as to why their hybrid is our top recommended mattress topper. It's made from high-quality materials, specially developed for ultimate sleep. 

If you have a mattress that's out of shape and has seen better days. Or worse, is causing you discomfort, this topper will perform as a substitute bed while you're saving your pennies for a new one. Its hybrid model makes it suitable for all sleep styles. Back, front and side sleepers will benefit from its supportive, yet cushioning design that keeps your spine aligned all night long. With added cooling technology you're unlikely to overheat either. 

If you're on a tight budget and don't need to totally revamp your sleep set-up, it might be worth considering a cheaper option, like the Slumberdown anti-allergy mattress topper. If you also just want to soften a bed that's too firm, an all-foam model might be better. 

How we tested the Simba Hybrid Mattress Topper

At woman&home, we have a meticulous process for how we test mattress toppers. All of our experts go through a detailed set of assessments with the topper. We look at everything from delivery and sustainability through to comfort and cooling capacity.

We test all mattress toppers that we review for at least one month before we write a review. Louise has been sleeping on the Simba Hybrid since April 2024, so its had more than its fair share of tests. We update the review with any retrospective insights from her, so that you get a long-term idea of what the mattress topper is like.

If you want to find out more, you can visit our dedicated page for how we test mattress toppers.

About this review, and the reviewer 

If your sleep hasn’t been quite what it used to be, thanks to night sweats, aches and pains, or that restless feeling of tossing and turning, you’re not alone. As our bodies change, so do our sleep needs, and sometimes even the best mattress can start to feel a little less supportive than it once did. That’s where a good mattress topper comes in, offering an instant comfort boost without the expense of replacing your whole bed.

In an ideal sleep setup, you’d have the best mattress for your body, topped with a supportive mattress topper, dressed in the best sheets to keep things fresh. But life happens, hormonal changes, injuries, or simply the passing of time can throw things off, and that’s when a mattress topper can be a total sleep saviour. These clever layers can add extra cushioning, support, or even cooling technology to bring comfort back to your nights.

I’ve tested some of the best mattress toppers on the market, from trusted brands like Simba, Woolroom, Eight Sleep, and Dreams, to find out which ones really help when your sleep needs shift. Whether you’re going through menopause, trying to soften a too-firm bed, or simply looking to breathe new life into your existing setup, these are my expert-approved favourites for every sleep style and season of life.

The quick list

• Back to the top ⤴

The best mattress toppers, for every kind of sleeper

Quick summary: For reliable comfort and support across all sleep styles, with subtle cooling that feels fair for the price.

It’s highly likely you’ve already come across Simba, one of the disruptive sleep brands that emerged alongside Emma and Nectar Sleep over the past decade. Given the brand’s reputation for some of the best mattresses and pillows in the category, I expected its topper to follow suit.

After speaking with the brand’s experts, I tested the Hybrid Mattress Topper, their most popular option, designed to suit all sleep styles with layered support that keeps back and side sleepers aligned through the night.

Over several months of testing, it lived up to those comfort and support promises: I rotate between front, side, and back sleeping, and each position felt natural on the Simba Hybrid. The cooling features were noticeably subtler than the active water-cooling in the Eight Sleep Pod, but considering this topper costs around 5% of the price, it’s a very reasonable compromise for most sleepers.

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

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Most affordable mattress topper

Quick summary: Great value and reliably breathable, this delivers cool, cotton comfort without the premium price tag.

This isn't just any old mattress topper. This is an M&S mattress topper and for me it strikes the ideal balance between price and performance. While plenty of specialist sleep brands compete for the best budget spot, the roughly £70 price tag here hits a real sweet spot.

Having tested toppers ranging from £30 to £3,000, I’ve found that going much cheaper usually means sacrificing breathable materials for synthetics like polyester, which can trap heat and irritate skin. After sleeping on the M&S Comfortably Cool Mattress Topper, I found it lived up to its name: the cotton cover felt soft and breathable, keeping me comfortable overnight.

It’s like adding a light duvet layer than a structured support system, so it won’t dramatically change a mattress, but it does take the edge off firmer beds. While it doesn’t actively cool (and won’t cure night sweats), it feels noticeably fresher than memory foam and cheaper toppers I’ve tested. If you want a simple, breathable layer with good eco-credentials, including UK manufacturing, this is an affordable option that performs well, even if some pricier toppers offer more advanced support.

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

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Best cooling mattress topper

Quick Summary: Luxurious, breathable, and beautifully natural, this is a dream buy for hot sleepers who want chemical-free comfort.

This is easily one of the most luxurious natural mattress toppers I’ve ever tested, both in how it feels to sleep on and in the craftsmanship behind it. The wool filling, sourced entirely from the Chatsworth Estate in England, is naturally breathable, making it an excellent option for hot sleepers, and you can even trace the sustainable production process. Once collected, the wool is wrapped in an unbleached organic cotton cover, which gives the topper a soft off-stone colour rather than a bright white finish (something I actually liked).

It’s also certified by the Allergy UK Seal of Approval, meaning it’s been tested for dust mites, allergens, bacteria, and fungus, ideal if you have sensitive skin or want to avoid adhesives and chemicals. Sleeping on the topper feels like lying on a very thick duvet: beautifully cushioning and cosy, though not the most structured, so it works best paired with a firmer mattress to maintain spinal alignment. You’ll also want to re-plump it regularly to keep the loft. I currently have this topper on my own bed, which says plenty.

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.

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Best mattress topper for back pain

Quick Summary: Cushioning, pressure-relieving, and surprisingly fresh, this is a brilliant choice for easing everyday aches without overheating.

No mattress topper can claim to cure back pain, that’s a job for a specialist, but if your mattress leaves you with sore joints or pressure points, memory foam can make a big difference. The Panda Memory Foam Mattress Topper stood out during testing for exactly that reason.

As a keen runner, my knees, hips, and spine often feel the strain, but the sink-in softness here was instantly soothing and delivered some of the best sleep I’ve had in years. Unlike many memory foam toppers, which can feel overly warm and clingy, this one stayed relatively fresh overnight. I wouldn’t call it actively “cooling”, but I never woke up hot and paired with bamboo sheets it actually felt chilly enough that I swapped them out in September.

Sustainability is another highlight: the topper comes with a removable, washable bamboo cover and the foam itself is bamboo-infused, helping reduce reliance on harsher chemicals. Even the elastic corner straps are thoughtfully made and do a great job of keeping the topper secure without distorting its shape. Thicker memory foam toppers exist, including options from brands like Tempur sold at Dreams, so if your mattress is extremely firm you might want more depth, but for most sleepers this eco-minded, pressure-relieving layer is a fantastic upgrade.

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

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Best cooling mattress topper

Quick Summary: High-tech and seriously effective, this actively cools (or warms) your bed to optimise sleep, but it comes with a luxury price tag.

When researching cooling mattress toppers for hot sleepers, particularly those dealing with menopause, I found plenty of breathable options, but nothing quite like the Eight Sleep Pod 5 from Eight Sleep. It’s in a completely different league. The system tracks key biometrics including heart rate, body temperature, and VO2 max, then automatically adjusts the temperature of water circulating through the topper to keep you at an optimal sleep temperature.

You can control the settings manually, but I eventually let the system take over, and it would subtly intervene overnight, cooling the bed to help keep me in deeper sleep stages. Beyond temperature control, it can gently wake you using vibration or warmth instead of a harsh alarm and generally nudges you towards healthier sleep habits. In testing, it improved my sleep more than anything else in this guide, to the point that it’s spoiled other beds, even in luxury hotels.

The downside, of course, is the price: it costs ten or even twenty times more than most toppers here, and full access to the features requires a subscription. Still, despite the steep investment, it’s easily the best mattress topper I’ve ever slept on.

You can find out more in my full Eight Sleep Pod 5 review.

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Best mattress topper for side sleepers

Quick Summary: Plush, pressure-relieving, and quietly temperature-stable, this is a great pick for side sleepers who want memory foam without the usual heat build-up.

The TheraPur ActiGel Cool Mattress Topper from TheraPur ticks plenty of appealing boxes: gel, cooling, and therapeutic comfort. In practice, that translates to a thick, gel-infused memory foam topper designed to cushion pressure points, particularly for side sleepers.

Since I can usually control the position I sleep in, I committed to side sleeping throughout testing. Normally, that would leave me with hip, shoulder, and back pain (especially on my firm mattress and with all the running I do), but the deep, soft foam here created a supportive cushion that kept me comfortable all night.

Memory foam can often feel overly warm, but this topper stayed fairly temperature neutral: I didn’t wake up sweaty, yet I wasn’t actively cooled either, my body temperature simply stayed stable, which is impressive for memory foam, even if it can’t compete with the active cooling of the Eight Sleep Pod 3. It was also easy to fit, didn’t require time to expand like some toppers, and stayed securely in place with minimal motion transfer overnight. If it had stronger sustainability credentials it would rank higher, but even so, it’s still a solid contender in the guide.

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

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Best natural mattress topper

Quick Summary: luxurious, naturally temperature-regulating, and beautifully plush, this is an investment in your sleep. It's worth it if you want to avoid the chemicals and stay cool.

You spend one third of your life asleep and I've always lived (and slept) by the principle that you should keep chemicals as far away from you as possible. That's why the Floks Wool Mattress Topper is one of my favourites from a cooling, comfort, and eco-conscious perspective.

Crafted from traceable British wool and unbleached Egyptian cotton, the Floks Mattress Topper certainly ticks a lot of boxes for sustainability. The B Corp brand has managed to create an ultra-natural mattress that smells a little 'earthy' at first, but that enhances its credibility. I have been sleeping on this for months and it's brilliant.

To add to the Floks many, many impressive credentials, the combination of wool and cotton is really effective at naturally keeping you cool at night. I am a hot sleeper and I found myself getting longer, deeper nights of sleep when I put this on my bed. I even had someone going through menopausal night sweats test it out and she gave it a thumbs up saying "my skin felt fresher and clearer when I woke up. I didn't think a topper could make that much difference for me."

You can find out more in my full review of the Floks Luxury Wool Mattress Topper and the sample was supplied by The Roost.

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Best hypoallergenic mattress topper

Quick Summary: If you have sensitive skin and you a topper that's gentle, low maintenance, and super soft. It's not natural, but ticks a lot of boxes.

If I told you that The White Company's Mattress Topper is one of the most comfortable models on the market, you won't be surprised. You also wouldn't be surprised to know that it's one of the best quality toppers too. What you might find surprising is that it's also affordable too.

With fistfuls of sleep credentials, this had to have a place in our buying guide. It's 6cm deep, adding a gorgeous layer of plushness to your bed. It's soft and comfortable to sink into, perfect if you've ended up sleeping on a mattress that's a little too firm for your liking. Where this really shines is that it's certified as hypoallergenic and really easy to keep clean, so if you have sensitive skin, you can run this through as many washes as you need to.

As one of The White Company's more affordable offering, the Hypoallergenic Comfort Topper comes with a few compromises. It's filled with polyester, which isn't as helpful for temperature regulation as wool. However, the luxurious cotton casing helps to balance this out, offering a breathable layer under your skin.

You can find out more in my full review of The White Company's Hypoallergenic Comfort Mattress Topper.

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Best mattress topper on Amazon

Quick Summary: Perfect for aches and pains, this keeps you comfortable and cooler than many other mattress toppers.

Amazon isn't usually the place people look for cooling sleep, but it's really convenient if you can pick something to sort out your sleep from the retailer giant. Soak & Sleep sell from their own shop, but we were pleasantly surprised to spot this one on Amazon too. It's worth watching for sale prices too.

The memory foam is super soft and brilliant for relieving pressure on joints and shoulders. My mattress was actually too firm until I started testing this: now I can sleep on my side without any major back or shoulder pain.

Memory foam can often have a bad reputation for being hot and cloying and, whilst this isn't the most effective at keeping cool compared to the Eight Sleep Pod 5, it is cooling for a memory foam topper. So, if you need the support and cushioning of a memory foam topper but you can't handle the heat, this is perfect for you.

You can find out more in our full Soak&Sleep Cooling Memory Foam Mattress Topper review.

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How we test mattress toppers

At woman&home, every review you read is based on real, in-person testing. Louise, Emily and I have spent years testing mattress toppers from a wide range of brands to create this list. Here’s how we do it.

As a sleep-obsessed writer, I keep a close eye on what’s happening in the world of sleep. If a mattress topper is being talked about, whether it’s a long-standing favourite or a new disruptor, I research it thoroughly before testing begins.

Once shortlisted, one of us sleeps on the topper for 4 weeks (sometimes months). We assess everything from unboxing and setup, including vacuum-packed designs, breathable foams, or sustainable packaging, to how easy it is to get on the bed.

Fit matters, so I note whether it uses straps, elasticated corners, or a grippy underside, and whether it stays put overnight. I also test motion transfer using a glass of water or a weight to see how much movement the topper adds or absorbs.

Then comes the real test: sleeping. I track my sleep over a month, comparing nights with and without the topper. I rotate sleep positions and pay close attention to comfort, support, temperature, and any standout features. Nothing goes untested.

Finally, I compare the topper with similar options on the market, often at a similar price, to assess value for money. I finish by explaining who it suits best, who it doesn’t, and suggesting alternatives where needed, so you can choose with confidence.

You can visit our dedicated page for how we test mattress toppers if you want to find out more.

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 topper help to revive an old bed?

Experts recommend changing your mattress every ten years, so if yours is past its expiry date, you'll need to invest in a new mattress. However, Mark Temlett, Founder of Naturalmat, says, "if you are struggling to achieve a comfortable night's sleep, consider investing in a high-quality mattress topper. This addition to your mattress will provide extra comfort and support precisely where it's needed. At a fraction of the cost of a new mattress, a high-quality topper can make a remarkable difference, especially when made from natural and organic materials. Allowing you to experience ultimate comfort, breathability and temperature control with every night's sleep."

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.

Put simply, we only recommend mattress toppers we’d genuinely sleep on ourselves. Whether you’re looking to soften a firm mattress, add extra support, or stay cooler at night, this guide is designed to help you find the right fit for your sleep, backed by real testing, expert insight, and honest advice.

Memory foam and cooling don't tend to come hand-in-hand, nor does memory foam and sustainability, but the Panda London Bamboo Mattress Topper manages it. I had to put it to the test to believe it for real. 

As a side sleeper who suffers from joint pain, I've needed something soft and supportive to keep my hips, knees, and shoulders cushioned for a while. The Panda Bamboo Mattress Topper, luckily, seems to tick all the boxes when it comes to comfort and eco-friendly credentials. 

Panda's mission is to create luxury bedding products, including some of the best cooling mattresses and pillows that feel incredible without costing the earth. Their mattress topper is my latest favourite from their offering. Made from a hydro-foam filling and 100% bamboo cover, it offers the sink-in feeling of foam with extra cooling technology and is silky soft to the touch. It's only 5cm thick, so thinner than most mattress toppers. 

I tested this mattress topper on a relatively new hybrid mattress that is a little too firm for my joints. It did alleviate some joint pain, but what impressed me even more was its eco-friendly credentials. 

Panda Bamboo mattress topper: Product specs

Unboxing and first impressions

Upon first impressions, I knew this mattress topper would be thinner than most. It arrived in a box that was around half the size, and much lighter to lift than other mattress toppers I've tested. That being said, never underestimate how much a mattress topper can expand. 

Other than its size, its packaging proved to be as eco-friendly as its claims. Its outer packaging is 100% recyclable, and there were minimal plastics wrapped around the actual product itself. Another aspect that's usually typical of foam bedding buys is off-gassing. While the Panda mattress topper isn't made of traditional memory foam, it does use a 3rd generation gel-infused memory foam. I did expect a slight smell, however, this mattress topper did not give off any chemical scents at all. 

Who would it suit?

The Panda mattress topper is perfect if you have a firm bed you want to soften. Side sleepers with joint pain may particularly benefit from a soft mattress topper on top of a hard mattress that doesn't cushion your knees and hips. 

It will suit both back and front sleepers too, as it isn't overly deep and squishy to throw your spine out of alignment. However, since this topper is only 5cm thick, it would not work to transform a bed that's extremely firm, way too soft, or somewhat broken and old. It adds a simple layer of softness that will help with sore joints and other aches and pains. 

Panda Bamboo Mattress Topper: fitting it on the bed

My favourite thing about this mattress topper is its adjustable straps. Other mattress toppers I've tested do not have straps and rely on a mattress protector to keep them in place. The straps can be tightened to the thickness of your mattress to secure it as you sleep. I've found them effective; the mattress topper has not slipped or shifted during the night, even during restless nights.

What is the Panda Bamboo Mattress Topper like to sleep on?

Memory foam is known for sleeping hot. Due to the layers of foam, it can trap heat as you sleep. Panda's bamboo mattress topper uses an 'open-cell' cooling technology, where heat-sensitive capsules react to your body temperature and expand when the foam warms. This allows for space for heat to be released, so you can stay cool all evening. 

Paired with a 100% bamboo cover, it's the coolest mattress topper I've tried yet. Top tip: bamboo is naturally cooling to the touch. If you're a hot sleeper, getting some sheets made of natural fibres could help to solve all your sweaty-sleep problems. 

Sometimes, mattress toppers made from foam can be bad when it comes to motion isolation. Thick foams with deep densities can alter how well your mattress keeps you in place during the night. If you sleep on your back or front, they can cause your spine to dip with the surface. And if you sleep with a fidgety partner, memory foam sleep beds can cause you to move, as they do. 

The good thing about a thinner mattress topper is that it doesn't change the motion isolation of your current bed much. If you already have a firm bed, without any bounce, the good motion isolation will remain. If your mattress is already poor in terms of motion isolation, it might be worth considering a firmer, thicker mattress topper that will add some stability to its surface. 

How does the Panda mattress topper compare?

The most notable difference between the Panda Bamboo Mattress Topper and other competitors on the market is its thickness. Some mattress toppers on the market will perform as substitute mattresses until you have the funds, space, or convenience of buying a brand-new mattress. 

It's very similar to Tempur's Cooling Mattress Topper, which one of our other experts is currently testing. The advantages of the Panda Bamboo Mattress Topper are it's eco-credentials. Neither are the most cooling mattress toper that you'll ever sleep on, but they're both cool for memory foam. They're both at similar price points too, so the only real difference, aside from composition, is that the Tempur is a little thicker. Have a think about what's more important to you: sustainability or plushness, and you'll get your answer.

Panda Bamboo Mattress Topper: Eco friendly features

The Panda bamboo mattress topper is the most eco-friendly topper I've tested. Its bamboo cover is sustainably made, organically grown, and kind to the environment. It's also naturally antibacterial and inhospitable to micro-organisms and parasites such as dust mites and beg bugs. 

You can remove this cover and wash it too, which you're unlikely to find on other mattress toppers. Essentially this means you'll probably need to wash it less, and it'll probably last longer.

Should you buy the Panda bamboo mattress topper?

If you're experiencing joint pain or are simply uncomfortable from a sleeping on a bed that's too firm for your liking, the Panda mattress topper is the sleep solution for you. It won't transform or fix a bed that's broken or old, but it will soften a sleep surface. Ideal for kids' beds since it's available in single sizes too, it's a great topper to use when breaking in a new mattress. 

If you're eco-conscious and want to invest in a mattress topper that will look after the earth as much as it will you, you should buy the Panda bamboo mattress topper. Most mattress toppers don't tick the box when it comes to eco credentials. This one you can trust in.  

About this review, and the reviewer 

Emma's Big Bank Holiday Sale is right on time for finally sorting out that bedroom refresh that you promised yourself back in January. The brand is offering 40% off across the site for the long weekend and our experts have found even bigger discounts of up to 50% off at other retailers. They're the kind of discounts we dream of.

Since they dived onto the bedding scene in 2013, Emma has been making some of the best mattresses on the market. Their iconic, memory foam bed-in-a-box design is a saviour for side sleepers. They balance comfort, support, and reasonable price tags. In the sale, they're a steal.

In the past, Emma sales were relatively regular. However, in the last year the brand has adjusted their sticker price and now they offer fewer, more select, exclusive sale events. This is one of them.

Our team of experts have been sleeping with one eye open, making sure that you can snap up a good saving. We've looked at places such as John Lewis, who's having a mini sale event too, so that we can bring you everything you need to know to buy one of the best Emma deals of the year.

Where to shop the best Emma mattress deals

If you want to scroll the sale for yourself, the natural place to start is on Emma's website. They've got up to 40% off, but don't be afraid to check out discounts at John Lewis, Land of Beds, and other third-party retailers, because I've seen some deep discounts over there too.

• Emma: Their Bank Holiday sale is now live
• John Lewis: 20% off their iconic mattresses until 30th April
• Land of Beds: Save up to 40% on Emma's bestselling mattresses 
• Mattress Online: We've spotted Emma mattresses and duvets with up to 50% off
• My Next Mattress: Discounts on Emma's best mattresses and bundles

The best Emma mattress deals available now

Best mattress deals

All the prices and savings below cover standard UK double beds. The deals apply to a range of sizes though.

Emma Bundle Deals

Without any sales, we know bundles are the best places to save some money by making just a few clicks. In the Big Bank Holiday Sale, Emma has some serious discounts across the bedding bundles, so you can have a complete bedroom reset for less.

Which Emma mattress should you choose?

In the UK, the Emma range consists of three different mattresses: the Emma Original, the Emma Premium and the Emma Cooling. Within each mattress range, there are Premium, Luxe, and NextGen variants. These have different specialisms, which we dive deep in to further down the article.

• The Emma Original mattress uses the brand's HRX material, also known as elastic foam layers. The top layer draws away heat to keep sleepers cool and sweat-free throughout the night. The main layer serves as a hardwearing base that promotes spinal alignment and relieves pressure. Similarly, the second layer adapts to your body, no matter the sleeping position, and minimizes the impact of any movement. 
• The Emma NextGen Premium mattress has five supportive layers and keeps the hips, shoulders, and spine aligned. It's made with double foam, which evaporates moisture and thereby helps sleepers stay cool. What's more, it's supported by bouncy, extra-tall springs that allow for air circulation. Ultimately, this combination isolates movement, causing fewer sleep disturbances between partners.
• The Emma Cooling Mattress is designed to keep you cool and comfortable all night long. Their clever ThermoSync technology uses graphite-infused foam to absorb and redistribute heat across your mattress, creating optimal conditions for deep sleep. Couples will also love the seven, different zones of support, which offer maximum pressure relief and minimal motion transfer.

How important is a good quality mattress?

Our homes editor, Tamara Kelly, tells us: "I can't stress enough the importance of a good mattress to provide the literal foundations of a good night's sleep. Having the best mattress offers support, comfort and proper alignment to ensure your sleep is restorative. No mattress is cheap but when you consider the lifespan and the cost per use a dependable mattress is an investment worth making."

"Emma Sleep is at the more affordable end of the mattress price scale, but with no less expertise when it comes to knowing about good sleep", she adds. "Emma Sleep is one of our most trusted bedding brands here at w&h, one we have personally tried and tested for our best mattress guides. Debunking the theory that memory foam mattresses can't compete with the popular pocket-sprung designs once traditionally favoured."

How often do Emma mattresses go on sale?

Emma has established a reputation for constant sales. However, in the last year they've had an overhaul. They've dropped their RRP and made their sales more modest and less dramatic. You can still almost always snag a saving, but you have to look a bit harder if you want to bag the best bedding or mattress deal on offer.

Black Friday and Boxing Day sales are reliable times to find serious savings on Emma mattresses. However, Emma's Big Bank Holiday Sale has some of the best discounts that we'll see all year. It's rare that discounts ever get bigger than 50%.

For off-peak discounts and sales, the best place to look is their site. These are where the most reliable discounts are rolled out the most regularly. However, if there's any chance of you getting a better deal elsewhere, we'll let you know. We're always checking third-party retailers as well as Emma's site, so we can keep you up to date on the very best discounts. 

What is this Big Bank Holiday Sale event?

Until the end of the Bank Holiday weekend, Emma has a sale across their mattresses, beds, bedding, and bundles. The brand promises up to 40% off some of their best sellers and they've more than delivered. We've seen some brilliant discounts on their site, but there's over 50% off some of their mattresses on other sites. We've done all the price comparisons for you, so that you know you're finding the best deal possible here.

When will the next Emma mattress sale be?

I'm no soothsayer, but Emma has sales seasonally, so expect deals to roll around again at the end of summer. If you're on the fence, now is a good time to buy a mattress, especially with summer around the corner. There's nothing worse than struggling with your sleep in the summer heat and Emma's cooling mattresses can provide you with some sweet relief.

How long do Emma mattresses last?

All Emma mattresses come with a ten year guarantee, which starts as soon as you begin using your mattress. We've seen plenty of reviews where people have had theirs for years and say that it feels as good as new, but you should really be replacing your mattress every seven years anyway. Obviously, there's no one-size-fits-all rule, but a ten year guarantee is really generous. Plus, if you don't get on with yours, you can return it, for free within the first 200 days of using it.

Emma says that if you encounter any problems with your product within the ten year guarantee, Emma makes it easy for you to return your mattress. Reviewers say they sent a photo of their mattress and got a brand-new model sent straight away, no quibbles. Emma includes cracks, dents, and damages to the mattress in their guarantee, alongside general wear-and-tear. 

Although, we haven't read many reviews where the Emma mattress has't withstood the test of time, it's always good to keep in mind that Emma is a relatively new mattress company. I've been buoyed up by companies promising big guarantees only to watch them sink and disappear. Emma is still going strong over ten years into the industry, but be ready to exercise some caution.

More about Emma's different mattresses

More about Emma's different mattresses

Backed by memory foam layers, the Emma Original is a medium-firm mattress that promotes spinal alignment and relieves muscle tension. It also adapts to your body's pressure and takes the impact of any movement so that partners don't disturb each other's sleep. Another memory foam layer balances the body and adapts to its shape. The mattress's breathable top layer is climate-regulating, to stop any hot and sweaty nights.

If you opt for the Plus, you'll get the comfort cover, rather than the standard cover. It's easier to clean, thicker, and sumptuously soft to touch.

The Emma Premium Mattress supports and comforts snoozers, so they don't have to worry about getting back to sleep in the middle of the night. It's backed by five foam layers, which help keep the hips, shoulders, and spine aligned. It also features extra-long springs that promote greater airflow and keep sleepers cool in effect.

You can opt for the NextGen Premium or the NextGen Premium Plus. The only difference is that the Plus comes with one of Emma's expert cooling covers. If you're a hot sleeper, this is well worth the investment/

Emma's clever cooling mattress uses graphite-infused foam and ThermoSync technology to help redistribute excess heat across your mattress in the night. It's the perfect choice for hot sleepers, because the cooling properties optimise conditions for you to reach deep, sweat free sleep all night long.

The NextGen and Luxe cooling mattresses differ slightly. Both offer six layers of combined pocket springs and memory foam, as well as different support zones. However, the NextGen has seven zones of body support, compared to the Luxe's five. This can be useful if you have specific problem areas, especially because the NextGen is a little deeper, with longer springs in the base zone. The Luxe's slightly thinner design specialises in counter-pressure. In fact, the whole of the base foam is lined with HRX (High Resiliency Extra) which offers counter-pressure, helping spinal alignment.

Other Emma deals

Nectar Mattress sales are a rarity that we normally enjoy just twice a year. Except, this May, they've launched an extra Sale event where you can save hundreds of pounds on one of their iconic mattresses. There's not long left to snag a saving, so here's everything you need to know. 

Ahead of the Summer, we've been seeing all the best mattresses on the market drop into mini-sales periods. Emma, Simba, and Nectar all have sales on right now, so, as you can imagine, we're sleeping with one eye throughout this special May sale. 

Nectar stands out from the crowd for their reasonably-priced memory foam mattresses. Crafted with layers upon layers of springs, cooling gels, and pressure-relieving foams, their products are amongst some of the best cooling mattresses on the market. They are designed to minimize motion transfer (perfect for couples) at the optimal balance of firmness and coolness, delivering complete, unparalleled comfort.

Tucked alongside their mattress expertise, Nectar offers some blissful bedding, technical mattress toppers, and some of the best thin pillows we've ever slept on. So, if you're overdue a bedroom refresh, Nectar's bundles will sweep you off your feet. Plus, they all come with a 'forever guarantee', meaning they'll last a lifetime and you get a whole year to test them out, with no commitments.

Where to shop the best Nectar mattress deals

If you're looking to save some money on one of the best mattresses of all time and you want to scroll the sales for yourself, here are the places to look. We've hand-picked our favorite deals and given you more detail further down the page.

• Mattress Man: Save £488 on the Nectar Hybrid Lite Mattress
• Nectar: Save hundreds of pounds in the brand's big sale

The best Nectar mattress deals available now

Bundle deals

Outside of the sales periods, bundle sales are the best ways to make a saving. When these sets end up in the sale, you're getting discounts on top of discounts. If that's not a sure-fire way to sleep soundly at night, we don't know what is.

Which Nectar mattress should I choose?

The Nectar range comprises of memory foam and hybrid mattresses, with the main difference between the two being that the former is only made from memory foam, while the latter includes a combination of foam and springs, for added support and comfort (Editor's note: The Nectar Lush has been discontinued.) 

Though they all feature foam construction, each mattress differs in price, function, and performance.

The Nectar Memory Foam mattress skews on the affordable end compared to similar options by rival brands. Right now is a hot time to scoop up a mattress; late winter/early spring is when brands are eager to make room for newer models before summertime.

For optimal comfort and support, the mattress incorporates five layers with a quilted memory foam mattress cover on top. Underneath lies the gel memory foam layer, which evenly distributes weight and helps you stay cool. This is followed by an intuitive hi-core memory foam for added support, so you won't "sink" into the mattress. Whereas its base layer balances each layer above, its bottom mattress cover minimizes slippage on the bed frame and won't wear over time.

The Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress is the middle option in terms of price. We've seen the steepest discounts before and during shopping holidays, upwards of £500. Still, bargains on this Nectar mattress are sporadic and sell out fast.

With cooling properties, the Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress draws heat away from the body. On top, you'll find a quilted cool cover made of a heat-wicking, breathable poly blend. Then, there's the 3-inch smart layer with ActiveCool HD, which adjusts to your temperature as you sleep. Gel-infused, of course. Lastly, there are two layers for support and stability, both of which adapt to the body's natural contours. 

Are Nectar Mattresses worth it?

Compared to its competitors, Nectar offers fantastic perks, like free shipping and returns, financing options, a 365-night risk-free trial, and a forever warranty, with no stipulations. Should you decide the mattress isn't a good fit, you'll get your money back, and the company will even pick it up at no added cost. 

In terms of value, Nectar mattresses are comfortable, supportive, and enduring—at historically cheaper prices compared to options from brands like Casper, Purple, Simba, and Emma (unless there are Emma mattress sales on). Plus, it's easy to clean the mattress.

How often do Nectar mattresses go on sale?

Nectar celebrates two big, blissful sale events each year: their summer sale, which normally falls around July-time, and their Black Friday sale. These are the best opportunities to nab deep discounts and they’re the most reliable, consistent times to plan for if you want to reinvigorate your bedding set-up. 

We were somewhat surprised by the bank holiday sale, but it is always welcome. Whilst the discounts aren't as huge as the other two sale events, they're still decent and nothing to sniff at. If you need a new mattress and you can save a few hundred pounds in the process of choosing one, you'll be the envy of all your friends. If you’re caught between sales and really can’t wait, there’s always some sort of deal on offer.

Not every deal is a good one though, which is why we have a team of experts who handpick the best deals on offer. Our same team has tested a range of products from these sleep specialists and can vouch for Nectar mattress' comfort and performance. 

The most sought-after savings are often on bedding bundles, which are the treats you didn’t realise you needed. Nothing spells sweet dreams quite like a new, plush duvet. However, we’ll almost always have some sort of mattress offer available too. They are, after all the bedrock (sorry) of a sublime sleep set-up.

The Simba sale is officially here, which means now is the time snap up a saving on cooling, award-winning mattresses. Rumour has it there's nearly £1,000 discounts up for grabs, but where can you find the best Simba mattress deals on the market? And are they always at Simba?

Simba sales aren't as frequent as they used to be, which is why any time we can find a sensational saving on these mattresses, our ears perk up. As staunch Simba sleepers, the woman&home team has been all over the Simba Summer Sale. We've found the biggest deals (both on their site and on other retailers), but our experts are also here to offer advice on our favourite Simba mattress of all time: the best cooling mattress if you're struggling in the heat, with night sweats, and with finding relief.

We've been scouring through MattressNextDay, Argos, and Mattress Online all of whom have dropped the price of their Simba mattresses by at least 30% (and sometimes up to 70%). We've been busy curating the biggest Simba mattress deals you can find on their very best mattresses. If you're on a tight budget, you can check out their refurbished mattresses which are as good as brand-new and technically up to the top specs of their very best mattresses. So, let's get shopping for your next snoozing upgrade.

Quick links: Simba mattress deals

Simba has launched their Summer sale, which means that if you're after a mattress, for a very limited time only, you can find savings of up to £1,000. However, Simba isn't the only place to shop. There are other places that'll offer competitive prices too.

• Simba: Save up to 25% off in their Summer sale
• Argos: 20% off in their sale with code RED20
• Amazon: Amazon Prime Day Sales are live
• Benson's For Beds: Save up to 20%
• Mattress Next Day: Save up to £600
• Mattress Online: Up to 20% off best-sellers

Best Simba mattress deals

Across the retailers that I've listed above, there are deals a-plenty, but I've put the best mattress deals, across their various ranges, on here. I've prioritised Simba's best and most famous models and deals further up the page.

All the prices in this article reflect the cost of a standard UK double unless stated otherwise.

The Simba Earth Collection Mattress deals

If you thought Simba sales were rare, discounts on Simba's Earth collection are even harder to come by. They're more expensive than the average Simba mattress because they're crafted with luxury, natural materials, including flax, hemp, and British wool. Every mattress is crafted in Yorkshire, 100% recyclable, and made without glue or foam, so you're doing a lot of good for the planet, whilst also keeping your body away from unnecessary chemicals and adhesives.

Which Simba mattress should I buy?

Choosing the right mattress can be the most challenging part of the shopping process, so let me simplify things by breaking down Simba's offerings for you. There are two lines, the Hybrid and the Foam. The Hybrid is the most popular, ever-expanding line, which balances springs, micro-springs, and memory foam for a scientifically optimized sleep set-up.

If you’re on a budget, Simba’s foam mattresses are designed to cultivate that sink-in feeling. They use open-cell technology, which makes them better at cooling than all other memory foam mattresses. The thing they lack is supportive springs. However, if that’s not an essential part of your sleep routine, you can save money whilst sleeping on the very best affordable mattresses we've tested.

If the Hybrids sound like a good fit, here’s everything you need to know about how they cater to different sleepers. I’ll also cover the foam mattress details - read on.

• The Hybrid Essential is one brand's latest models in its Hybrid series. It's 20cm deep, with four layers: one supportive foam base layer, one Aerocoil spring layer for comfort, a patented Simbatex layer for controlling temperature, and a hypoallergenic breathable sleep surface. It features up to 1,500 pocket springs in its spring layer, which help towards even weight distribution and keep the surface from imprinting too heavily.
• The Simba Hybrid Original is the brand's bestselling mattress. It's 25cm deep, with five layers: two supportive base layers, two layers for comfort, a patented titanium Aerocoil spring layer, and a breathable sleep surface. It features up to 2,500 pocket springs in its spring layer. This is one that is designed to suit you, no matter what your sleeping position, which perhaps explains why it's the brand's bestseller.
• The Simba Hybrid Pro comes with more comfort and support at 28cm deep with seven layers and up to 5,000 pocket springs. Its breathable surface is softer than that on the Original and it comes with not one but two titanium Aerocoil spring layers for extra comfort and bounce and a natural wool layer that helps regulate temperature and promote a cooler night's sleep.

• The Simba Hybrid Luxe is the brand's most advanced mattress model, at 31cm deep with 10 layers and up to 6,000 springs. It comes with the same layers as the Pro and a carbon steel spring layer for extra comfort, a cashmere-soft bamboo wool layer, and the softest, most breathable sleep surface available in the brand's mattresses with open-cell casing too.
• The Simba Hybrid Ultra is an exciting addition to the brand's repertoire. It boasts a tremendous thirteen layers of natural materials (kapok, wool, and bamboo), their signature FusionCool heat technology, and 8,500 springs (including 4,000 titanium micro springs, 3,500 high-carbon springs, supportive micro springs, and 1,000 barrel springs for edge-to-edge support). The top layer is the brand's lightest, most breathable fabric tech yet, perfect for hot sleepers, who still want fresh, springy, supportive layers
• The Simba Earth is the brand's latest range. They're a sustainable collection for those seeking a more eco-friendly sleep set-up. There are three different models in the range, all of which are foam and glue-free (so 100% recyclable). If you look into the materials, they're all-natural: cashmere, mohair, and silk. There's even Yorkshire-grown hemp and flax and UK-sourced wool. The entry-level option is their Source, with six layers of comfortable, durable materials. Then the Earth offers more comfort zones, another, breathable layer, and enhanced pressure relief. Finally, the Apex is crafted from 8 layers, including silk, cashmere, and mohair.

Simba's more affordable foam mattresses don't compromise on quality. There are two foam mattresses in Simba's current line and both are CetriPur certified. This means they're verified as free from CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances as well as free from added phthalates and harmful metals such as mercury or lead, and include safe, non-toxic levels of fire retardants.

• The SimbaTex Essential is the brand’s affordable, open-cell foam mattress. It’s actually one of the most supportive and elastic foam mattresses on the market, according to customer reviews. It boasts three layers, engineered to maximise comfort. These are a breathable (Oeko-tex-100 standard) knitted layer, which is tucked on top of a cooling, SimbaTex (patented cooling) layer. This is cleverly designed with open-cell technology and graphite to diffuse body heat when you sleep. The final layer is a high-density zoned base, offering maximal sink-in support.
• The SimbaTex Mattress is a cooler, fresher option, perfect for hot sleepers who don't want their deep sleep needs to break the bank. This has all the layers of the Essential, although the knitted cover is removable, plus there's an extra layer too which offers crenelated, zone support which minimises motion transfer and help with problem pain areas.

Is Simba worth investing in?

We asked our homes editor, Tamara Kelly, if she thinks Simba mattresses are worth the investment. "Simba is one the original memory foam mattress producers, pioneers who sought modern technology to explore how memory foam could enhance springs with a hybrid mattress design", she said.

"I remember them being the first to change my mind about memory foam: once a disbeliever, Simba had the job of convincing me that I could sleep as well on memory foam as the original pocket spring mattress designs. But the results of trying the original Simba mattress spoke for themselves. Can't imagine life without a hybrid mattress now."

How often do Simba mattresses go on sale?

The last big Simba sale was in the New Years Sales, and before that it was your classic dates: Black Friday, July, Boxing Day. Occasionally, instead of a traditional sale, Simba gave away freebies with every full-priced mattress sale. So, as you can see, a genuinely good deal doesn't come around often.

When Simba started out, they had almost constant sales. So much so, you could as good as disregard the retail price. However, in the last year brands such as Emma and Simba have had an overhaul, reducing the sticker price, so you can get a more affordable mattress even at full price.

Simultaneously, they've unfortunately reduced the scale and frequency of their sales, but that doesn't mean that they’ve disappeared altogether. We can almost always find some sort of deal on Simba's products, whether it’s a bundle package or a saving in their Boxing Day, summer, Black Friday sales.

If you’ve spotted a model you like and the sale prices aren't cutting it, it’s worth having a look at Simba’s refurbished models. These are the ones which people tested but sent back because they didn’t quite suit their specific sleeping style. Simba’s expert team completely refresh the mattress, checking all the metrics, so that it completely matches their brand-new model. The only sacrifice you’ll have is that your trial period drops from 200 days to just 30 and your warranty will only be for one year. However, if you think you can make up your mind in a month, you have nothing to lose.

How long do Simba mattresses last?

A good mattress should last you 10 years maximum and Simba does just that. After that, it will need changing, from both a hygiene and support perspective.

I think you also need to know is that Simba offers you a 200-day trial with your mattress. If it’s not suiting how you sleep, they’ll collect it and take it away from you, for free. I’ve read through customer reviews and they unanimously agree that Simba makes this easy for you. There are no quibbles and a whole lot of trust is put into you and your honesty.

If you and your Simba are a match-ress made in heaven (sorry) and you choose to keep it, Simba offers you a ten-year guarantee. The company was only founded in 2015, so we have yet to test the longevity and capabilities of the mattress outside of its warranty. However, even if we could, we wouldn’t recommend holding onto even the most premium mattress for longer than seven to ten years.

Over the years, your mattress soaks up sweat, dead skin, and other dust and dirt (sorry for the unglamorous details). The seven to ten-year period is the cut-off point, where trying to get value for money results in cheating yourself out of optimal sleep hygiene. Furthermore, the springs and memory foam will have a lot less bounce, cushion, and air, so your joint and spinal health will suffer whilst you sleep too.

The good news is that Simba mattresses are 100% recyclable, so yours won’t be joining the 8.5 million which end up on UK rubbish heaps each year. Even better, when you buy a Simba mattress, they’ll collect and dispose of your old one. They couldn’t make the process any easier.

Other mattress deals

While Simba are experts in all things sleep, they’re not the only option worth considering. We’ve highlighted a few other brands you might want to explore before investing in a new mattress.

• Best mattress deals: we round up all the best brands and the biggest savings in one place
• Nectar mattress savings: our team has curated their best deals across all memory foam models
• Emma mattress sales: the brand has a sale on at the moment, with up to 50% off their bed-in-a-box mattress range

How to choose a mattress

Choosing a mattress and knowing what you need can feel overwhelming, which is why I've spoken with experts, listened to all the sleep podcasts, read the sleep books, and done some deep dives into sleep research papers. It turns out. there's even more science to the way we sleep than you might think.

You'll obviously want to think about budget, bed size, and allergens, but the fundamental type of mattress you opt for needs to be calculated by assessing how you sleep. Here are the key sleep factors you need to consider:

Sleep position

There are lots of factors which go into choosing your mattress and the position you sleep in is one of the most significant. If you sleep on your back, you'll probably need a firm or hybrid mattress to give you enough support to keep your spine aligned as you sleep. If you're a side sleeper, your shoulders and hips will have more pressure put on them. A memory foam or pillow top mattress should offer the perfect balance of sink-in softness and support. Stomach sleepers are generally advised away from this position because it can put significant stress on your spine. However, if this is the only way you can sleep. try choosing a mattress for maximum support, normally a hybrid mattress will do the trick. If you're a combination sleeper, try a medium-firm mattress to blend comfort and support. Memory foam will be a waste of money since the body contouring isn't fixed. However, latex and other foams could work instead.

Comfort levels

Whilst it might be tempting to dive straight into sink-in bedding, there's so much more you'll need to consider. A memory foam bed might feel good at first, but if you regularly suffer from lower back or neck pain, you need a much firmer mattress which offers enough support to keep your spine neutral. Mattresses cannot cure back pain. You should always see a doctor, but they can help with some symptoms.

Body type

Every body is different, which means you'll be loading your spine and joints differently when you try to drift off. If you have a lower body weight, you'll probably want a softer mattress, because medium-firm mattresses end up feeling firm. People who are heavier might want a hybrid mattress to give them more support, whilst offering some softness. If you have a larger frame or you're more than 6 feet tall, you might also want to look at longer mattresses.

Price

How much your mattress costs will likely depend on where it was made; the type of mattress that you're buying; the brand; and the material quality. If your mattress offers temperature regulation, customization zones, motion isolation, pain relief features, or a pillow top, you might be paying more too.

Size

This seems pretty obvious, but you need to make sure your mattress fits the size of your bed. Check your frame dimensions against the manufacturer's.

Every bed should have a protector on top. Not only will it keep your mattress fresher and more hygienic, protected from sweat and spills, it can offer benefits for comfort, cooling, and feel.

I'm a firm believer that mattress protectors are the unsung heroes of a dreamy sleep setup. You might already have the best bed sheets or a gorgeously plush mattress topper, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve scoped out the best cooling mattress to stay fresh on warm summer nights. But without a mattress protector, you’re missing a key layer of defence, not just from spills, sweat, and wear and tear, but from allergens, heat retention, and that sinking feeling when your mattress doesn’t feel quite right anymore.

Alongside a team of experts, I've been testing the 20 best mattress protectors for over four years (and unofficially for much longer). We’ve tried cooling ones, quilted ones, silent waterproof options, and breathable organic picks, all in the name of science (and better sleep). Whether you want to feel cooler, comfier, fresher, or just better protected, this guide is your shortcut to waking up happier.

As temperatures climb, your mattress works harder than you might think. Warm nights mean more sweat, humidity, and the occasional breakfast-in-bed mishap, all of which can shorten the life of your mattress if it's left unprotected. A good mattress protector creates an invisible barrier against moisture, spills, and everyday wear, helping to keep your bed feeling fresher for longer without changing the feel of your mattress.

I'm a firm believer that mattress protectors are the unsung heroes of a comfortable sleep setup. Up against plush mattress toppers and silky bed sheets, they're often thought of as purely practical, the best designs can make a noticeable difference to how your bed feels. Some add an extra layer of cushioning, others are designed to wick away moisture or regulate temperature on hot summer nights, and many help reduce allergens too. Whether you're looking to sleep cooler, extend the life of your mattress, or simply make your bed feel that little bit fresher, choosing the right protector is well worth it.

Alongside a team of sleep experts, I've spent the last four years testing the best mattress protectors on the market, from cooling and breathable designs to quilted comfort layers, silent waterproof options, and organic cotton covers. Every recommendation in this guide has been slept on, washed, and scrutinised, so you can shop knowing these are the mattress protectors that deliver on more than just an extra layer.

Quick links

The 6 best mattress protectors, tested for cooler, more comfortable sleep

Natural, breathable, and waterproof, this covers all bases.

Made from 70% sustainable bamboo and 30% cotton, Panda London's take on this bedroom must-have is a great choice for anyone who is trying to live more sustainably. Even its packaging creates minimal waste: it arrives tightly rolled up inside a bamboo drawstring pouch, and I love the on-brand panda-patterned ribbon. Cute and eco-conscious.

Far from being 'just' the material it's made from, the bamboo is a key selling point that influences every detail of this mattress protector. Bamboo is a natural repellent to irritants such as bed bugs and dust mites, and it also boasts hypoallergenic properties, meaning it's a great option for those with sensitive skin. Bamboo is also a natural temperature regulator, meaning the mattress protector will keep your bed at a 'just right' temperature that even Goldilocks would be impressed by.

I tested it on a King-size bed and it generously reached right around my 35cm deep mattress and topper. The first thing I wanted to explore was Panda London's claim that the mattress protector was totally silent (it was; there wasn't a single rustle to be heard), while the second was its waterproof credentials. The protector is designed with a layer of Panda London's very own Nano TPU™ technology, which keeps the product waterproof, which is a claim that stood up even when I poured a glass of water onto it.

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

Best natural mattress protector

If you want to keep chemicals out of the bedroom, this naturally breathable protector is a dream come true - and it's cooling too.

I'm a firm believer that when you invest in your rest, it should be natural. You're spending one-third of your life on your mattress and so you won't want a protector that's throwing out chemicals and irritants into the air. That's why the Woolroom Protector claimed this spot. It's the antidote to all cheap, suffocating mattress protectors out there. This is beautiful, from the inside out.

Woolroom deliver every part of the luxury experience with their protector. It arrives in a robust bag, crafted from unbleached organic cotton. You can use this for storage of the topper if it's not in use, or for anything else that needs packing away. The generous dimensions hugged my kingsize bed perfectly and I could actually feel the plush quilting, even through my sheet. It's rare that a protector offers some extra comfort, but this actually does.

The secrets behind the hypoallergenic, comfortable, cooling properties lie in the craft of this protector. The outer casing feels cool and soft to the touch, thanks to the organic, unbleached cotton then, the protector is stuffed with 250 gsm of traceable, machine-washable wool that's sourced from the Chatsworth Estate. Not only does this mean that you get an ultra-organic-looking mattress protector, you also get to benefit from all the naturally cooling, hypoallergenic properties that wool and cotton boast. Yes, wool is one of the best ways to stay cool when you sleep. For the first time ever, when I reviewed this mattress protector, I had to add another section to do justice to this kind of composition.

All three of the writers on our Homes and Lifestyle team sleep on this protector, which says a lot about how good we think it is. My only wish, if I was granted one, would be to reduce the price of this. I'm not surprised that it's expensive, but I that's the only reason that I couldn't give this the top spot. Not everyone is willing to splurge £150 when they could spend £20.

You can find out more in my full Woolroom Deluxe Washable Wool Mattress Protector review.

Best waterproof mattress protector

If you're prone to spills and worried about getting your mattress wet, this encasement covers the whole bed.

This mattress protector sells itself as an anti-bed bug encasement, promising to protect your sleep essentials from your worst nightmares. This thin protector wraps around all sides of your mattress and can be closed with a zip, so you'll be able to keep your mattress from dust mites, mould, pollen, bed bugs and any accidental spills.

I've tested the waterproof capacity of this with coffee, red wine, and water. I poured 500ml of each onto the bed and they stayed sitting on the jersey-and-TPU composition as if it wasn't even a bed. It's brilliant.

I'm also that person who worries about every eventuality: moths in my wardrobe, bed bugs in my bed. You know the drill. These aren't indicative of poor hygiene. For example, bed bugs are often found in mattresses that have been used by multiple people and their rash-inducing bites are grim. If you never want to experience this, the Soak & Sleep encasement can protect against it.

The only downside of covering all bases is that this rustles a little at night, which is common amongst most waterproof protectors (no others on this list though). It's also not quite as breathable and cooling as other options, but that's the price you might be willing to pay to keep those pesky bugs at bay.

You can find out more in my full Soak & Sleep Anti Bed Bug Mattress Encasement review.

Best hypoallergenic mattress protector

Sensitive sleepers and those with allergies will get brilliant use from this (and it's waterproof too)

If you're lucky enough to own one of Tempur's mattresses, you'll already be familiar with the brand's bedding quality. While they're designed to best fit Tempur mattresses, they can be used on non-Tempur mattresses, too.

Designed to keep both spillages and dust mites at bay, this deceptively thin mattress protector is more than capable of keeping your bed in tip-top condition. I tested it by pouring a glass of water directly onto it and were impressed to discover that the mattress underneath remained bone dry.

Thanks to its 'intelligent membrane' design, it claims to be one of the thinnest mattress protectors available to buy today. On the downside, that means for the price you're paying, it doesn't quite compete with that quilted comfort that other mattress protectors can offer; however, on the upside, I didn't even feel like I was lying on anything, which can only be a good thing. This is a big boon if you want a waterproof mattress without any of the cracking and noise at night.

It can be washed an estimated 100 times, and it can also be tumble-dried, too. I have only washed it once, admittedly, but found the mattress protector retained its stretch, dried quickly, and came back refreshed with zero negative impact.

You can find out more in my full Tempur Tencel Mattress Protector review.

Best mattress protector for night sweats

A breathable, moisture-wicking layer for anyone who needs to stay cool at night

If you suffer from night sweats, there won't be a better combination than a mattress protector that is both cooling and waterproof. Whilst plenty of the options on this list can boast one, the other, or both, this is the most deserving of the spot. Here's why.

The super soft quilting promises an extra layer of cooling, and protective cover over your mattress. It's crafted from bamboo microfibre technology that is designed to improve the airflow around your skin, rather than synthetic materials, which tend to insulate. The best part about bamboo like this is that it's also really durable and naturally hypoallergenic too.

I tested the waterproof technology, once on purpose (I poured a glass of water on the topper) and once by accident (I spilt my coffee in bed). Both times, the OTTY proved itself to be an incredible topper. Given how effortlessly this repelled water, I was also keen to see how it would handle me, a hot sleeper. Sure enough, the fabric made for a perfect recipe for ridding (or lessening) the intensity of night sweats and hot flushes. It isn't going to rid you of them, but it's extremely rare for that to happen. The only time that I've felt actively cooled was on the Eight Sleep Pod 3, which runs cool water underneath you in the night.

Even though it feels plush, this is still thin and lightweight. I found it easy to clean after my coffee disaster. Even on regular washes, it's quick to freshen up and dry. All in all, it's an excellent buy.

You can find out more in my full OTTY Waterproof Mattress Protector review.

Best basic mattress protector

Shopping on a budget shouldn't come with compromise, which is why we swear by this affordable, beautiful topper

Whilst most of the toppers on this list won't cost you more than £50 (save for the Woolroom), none of them come at a price that's as competitive as £37.50 for a single and £45 for a super king size. That's unbelievably cheap, but when it's part of M&S cooling range, you don't need to lose sleep. They're a reliable place to go for budget-friendly basics.

I was surprisingly pleased with just how soft this felt both to touch and to sleep on. The quilting is plush, without overkill, and it's enough to have an impact on the overall feel of the bed. The corners reached nicely around the edges of my mattress, so getting it on and off is an easy job too.

The most controversial aspect of this protector is the fact that it's made from polyester. On the one hand, that makes this incredibly easy to clean and really quick to dry. If you need a speedy bedding refresh, this is the one. However, it's not as breathable as the cotton and bamboo alternatives on this list. They've counter-balanced this with some cooling technology woven into the thread, but I wouldn't say that makes it as cooling as the Woolroom, or OTTY topper, for example.

So, if you want a low-maintenance option to use all year round, this is great. Just note that it's not the most technically skilled option out there.

You can find out more in my full M&S Fresh and Cool Mattress Protector.

The ones we're testing right now

At woman&home we like to keep an eye on all the hottest (and coolest) mattress protectors on the market. These are the ones that are experts are sleeping on right now. We'll be updating you with more of our thoughts at soon as we're finished.

How we test the best mattress protectors

At woman&home, we follow a rigorous process in order to find the best mattress protectors on the market. We don't just unbox the protector and give it a squeeze, we spend months researching, doing geeky deep dives into sleep science, and then sleeping on these protectors. In fact, we keep sleeping on all the protectors in this guide, so that we can keep you up to date on all the latest updates and long-term information that it's good to know about.

When we look at and test mattress toppers, we are essentially assessing the below factors. If there's anything else that we feel is relevant, of course, we will let you know about that too. However, these are the main points we always cover.

• Material: Mattress protectors come in a variety of different materials such as wool, cotton, bamboo and polyester. When testing mattress protectors, we consider the materials used and what they feel like to sleep atop - is the cotton soft and breathable? Is the mattress protector hypoallergenic?
• Sounds: Again, different materials are going to cause different outcomes here and you don't want bedding that makes noises as you move around. Waterproof mattress protectors are usually made from polyester, which is more likely to have a louder, 'rustling' sound than, say, wool or cotton.
• Waterproof: Not every mattress protector claims to be waterproof, but it's still important that yours can protect your mattress from spills. We pour 500ml of water over every topper we test and then check on it for five minutes (about the time you'd need to mop up) to find out whether it seeps through to the mattress. Sometimes, if it is waterproof, we'll get a little daring and try wine or coffee spills
• Care: The majority of mattress protectors will be easy to clean and dry, but certain materials will need a higher level of care - a wool mattress protector may need to be washed on a particular setting in the washing machine, whereas other materials can easily be washed with the rest of a load and can usually be tumble dried, too.
• RRP: Purchasing a mattress can often be a sizable investment, even before you get to buy the accompanying bedding, pillows, duvets, mattress toppers and/or protectors. The protectors we tested had to provide good value for money and be a worthwhile investment when it comes to the features offered.

If you want to find out more, you can visit our dedicated page for how we test mattress protectors.

How to choose the best mattress protector for you

There are a range of different factors to consider when investing in a mattress protector. Some questions you should consider when shopping are:

• Is it waterproof? Of course, the best mattress protector is the one that will defend your mattress against leaks and spillages—but depending on your needs, it might be more important for you that the protector is made from a soft, breathable material. This brings us to our next point...
• Is it breathable? Mattress protectors should be breathable, helping to regulate body temperatures and ensure a restful night's sleep, without sweating or overheating being too much of an issue.
• Is it easy to clean? If your mattress protector gets dirty, you're going to want to clean it. Knowing that it can be popped in the washing machine (and in some cases, the tumble dryer, if you have one) will make things a lot easier.
• What is it made from? Another important thing to consider is the fabric used. We'd recommend natural, breathable fibers such as cotton, as this will allow air to move freely through the mattress, preventing moisture from building up over time.
• How 'deep' it is? Always check that the mattress protector will be deep enough for your mattress. Some mattresses are now over 30cm deep, and the average depth is now 24cm, some 3cm deeper than the average from only a few short years ago.

Which material should my mattress topper be?

Material makes a big difference when it comes to mattress protectors and they'll help your decision making really easily. Synthetic or natural materials - synthetics are cheaper, lower maintenance, and often waterproof, but they aren't always very breathable. Those who suffer from night sweats or allergen sensitivities will be better off opting for a natural fibre like bamboo or cotton.

You'll also want to think about the price and texture. Quilted mattress protectors are plusher and more luxurious, but if you've already invested in one of the best mattress toppers, you won't need any extra padding. Waterproof toppers can be useful if your pets or children have accidents at night, but some can crackle and feel like plastic.

There'll be other nuances, but you've got a big bulk of the deciding factors out of the way if you've settled on what's important for you out of all those.

FAQs

What are the different types of mattress protectors?

There is a wide range of mattress protectors available to buy, with options to suit almost every type of requirement and lifestyle. These can include:

• Sustainable mattress protectors, made from materials like bamboo or ethically-sourced cotton.
• Anti-allergy or hypoallergenic mattress protectors, which can defend against dust mites and bacteria.
• Temperature-regulating mattress protectors, which are ideal for warmer sleepers.

Though mattress protectors generally all work towards the same goal, there are different types of protector that are better suited to various needs. Theresa Schnorbach, Sleep Expert at Emma, tells us that "while cooling protectors can help to stop overheating at night, fleece or high-pile mattress protectors offer comfort and warmth. If it's comfort you're looking for, you could consider a mattress topper instead. Like a protector, a topper can be easily removed and washed to help prolong your mattress's life - however they usually do not offer the same level of waterproofing".

Is it worth getting a mattress protector?

A mattress protector can help regulate temperatures, defend against allergies, protect your mattress (and topper, if you have one) from spills, and also enable your mattress to last longer. Doug Ralph, owner of Your Sleep Better Store, says: "While it is possible to use a mattress without a protector, using one can help protect your mattress from wear and tear, spills, and stains". If you're wondering how to clean a mattress and worried about any stains that could compromise the warranty of your mattress, a protector could help put your mind at ease.

He adds, "If you have allergies or sensitivities to dust mites, a hypoallergenic mattress protector can help reduce your exposure to these allergens. This means less waking up with itchy or red skin and eyes, and less disrupted sleep. I also recommend mattress protectors for people who struggle to sleep, as some models are designed to help keep you and your mattress cool, or add an extra layer of cushioning that can support the body".

What material is best for a waterproof mattress protector?

A waterproof mattress protector will safeguard your bed from spills and moisture. It's especially useful for a child's bed, along with adults who tend to overheat or struggle with incontinence.

Schnorbach explains that "to protect against liquids you need a waterproof layer - this usually comes in the form of a plastic-based membrane on fabric such as polyester, with a polyurethane backing. This material needs to be thin enough to be breathable and avoid making a rustling sound that might disturb you in your sleep".

It's not enough for a mattress protector to call itself waterproof – for that kind of protection, you'll want to make sure it's constructed from any of the following materials:

• Polyurethane: This thin plastic often serves as a barrier between moisture and the mattress. It's also considered a safer alternative to vinyl (or polyvinyl chloride, also known as PVC), which has been linked to health problems. On its own, polyurethane is not comfortable to sleep on, so it's often layered beneath a softer material.
• Cotton: Cotton is soft, breathable, and very absorbent. It's an ideal choice for hot sleepers as cotton's moisture-wicking capabilities mean they're less likely to wake up in a sweat.
• Bamboo: Bamboo is another breathable, highly-absorbent natural fiber. It's also hypoallergenic, so it's a great option for anyone with allergies.
• Tencel (or Lyocell): Tencel is made of cellulose fibers. It's extremely soft and cooling, so it's recommended if you overheat at night.
• Polyester: This synthetic material is cheaper than natural fabrics and easier to clean, too. However, to enhance the feel and absorbency of polyester, it's often blended with cotton or another natural material.

How often should I wash my mattress protector?

In an ideal world, you'll wash your mattress protector fortnightly, but there are always terms and conditions, such as what else you have on top of it; how many people are sleeping on it; and what the care instructions are. We've done a deep dive with the experts into how often you should wash your mattress protector as well as how to do it.

Do I need a mattress protector or a mattress topper?

I've been testing the best mattress protectors alongside the best mattress toppers and, personally, I'd say that you need both. Mattress toppers are designed to enhance the comfort, feel, and support of your main mattress. Protectors are supposed to keep your topper and main mattress clean and healthy whilst offering a light, breathable layer too. If you want to find out more, you can visit our mattress topper vs mattress protector deep dive.

Mattress protectors are often overlooked when it comes to curating the perfect set-up for your bed, but they can make a big difference when it comes to temperature regulation, comfort, and protection. You don't have to spend a lot of money to get it right. Whether you're getting a whole sleep reset or looking for a little tweak, a mattress protector could be the mini upgrade that makes the difference to how well you sleep.