A good night's sleep is fundamental, but an uncomfortable mattress can often stand in the way. Whether your bed has become too firm, lost its support or you're simply looking to add a layer of luxury without the expense of a full replacement, a mattress topper is a practical and effective solution.
Navigating the options can be confusing, with different materials, thicknesses and features to consider. As the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my role is to help you understand these differences so you can make an informed choice. This guide will walk you through key considerations and highlight some of our top recommendations to help you transform your existing mattress and improve your sleep quality.
How to Choose a Mattress Topper: A Quick Guide
Before diving into specific products, let's cover a few key factors to consider. Focusing on these will help you narrow down the ideal topper for your needs.
1. Material: Foam vs. Quilted Microfibre
The material of a topper dictates its feel and performance. The two most common types are foam and microfibre.
- A foam mattress topper is excellent for providing targeted support and pressure relief. Materials like memory foam or proprietary foam blends contour to your body shape, which can be beneficial for side sleepers or those with aches and pains. They tend to offer a firmer, more supportive feel.
- A quilted mattress topper, typically filled with hollowfibre or microfibre, provides a softer, plusher surface. It creates a cushioned, 'hotel-bed' feeling, adding a layer of pillowy comfort to a mattress that feels too hard. These are often a great choice for adding softness and breathability.
2. Thickness and Density
The thickness of a topper directly impacts how much it will alter the feel of your bed.
- Thinner toppers (under 5cm) offer a subtle change, adding a light layer of softness or protection.
- A thick mattress topper (5cm and above) will provide a more significant transformation. Thicker toppers are ideal for reviving an older mattress or making a very firm bed noticeably softer. Density, often measured in GSM (grams per square metre) for fibre-fills, also indicates plushness—a higher GSM means a denser, more luxurious feel.
3. Special Features: Cooling and Maintenance
Your personal sleep habits should also guide your choice.
- If you tend to sleep hot, look for a cooling mattress topper. Some foam toppers are engineered with open-cell structures or infused with gel to improve airflow, while breathable microfibre toppers naturally allow for better temperature regulation.
- Consider ease of care. A washable mattress topper makes it simple to maintain a fresh and hygienic sleep environment. Many quilted toppers are fully machine washable, whereas most foam toppers come with a removable, washable cover. It's also worth noting the difference between a topper and a protector; while some toppers offer light protection, a dedicated mattress protector topper is needed for full waterproofing.
Our Top Product Recommendations
Here are a few standout options that cater to different needs and preferences, selected for their features and user-perceivable benefits.
LeBonsoir Quilted Microfibre Mattress Topper
- Why It Stands Out: This topper combines comfort and practicality. The grid quilting ensures the soft microfibre filling stays evenly distributed, preventing lumps and bumps. Its deep, elasticated skirt fits snugly around mattresses up to 30cm, keeping it securely in place all night.
- Pros:
- Fully machine washable for easy care.
- Adds a noticeable layer of softness and breathability.
- Acts as a mattress protector topper against general wear and tear.
- Who is it for? Anyone seeking an affordable and straightforward way to add a layer of soft comfort to their mattress while also protecting it from daily use. It's an excellent choice for guest beds or for those who prioritise easy maintenance.
Emma Original Mattress Topper
- Why It Stands Out: The Emma topper offers customisable comfort with its reversible design. One side features a softer foam for plush contouring, while the other uses a firmer foam for more robust support. At 6cm thick, it provides a substantial upgrade. According to Emma, its foam structure is designed to be breathable, and the cover helps manage moisture.
- Pros:
- Two-in-one firmness lets you choose between soft and firm support.
- Removable and washable mattress topper cover.
- Substantial height adds significant comfort and support to an existing mattress.
- Who is it for? Sleepers who are unsure about their ideal firmness level or whose preferences change. It's also a strong candidate for those looking for a cooling mattress topper with the pressure-relieving benefits of foam.
NightComfort 800GSM Quilted Microfibre Topper
- Why It Stands Out: This is a seriously thick mattress topper. With a high-density 800GSM hollowfibre fill, it’s designed to deliver an exceptionally plush and lofty feel. The box-stitching keeps the generous filling in individual pockets, ensuring consistent, cloud-like softness across the entire bed.
- Pros:
- Extremely high GSM for maximum softness and cushioning.
- Box-stitch design provides even support and prevents filling from shifting.
- Machine washable for convenient cleaning.
- Who is it for? Those with a very firm or unforgiving mattress who want to achieve a dramatic increase in softness. If you dream of sinking into a plush, hotel-style bed, this topper is designed to provide that experience.
Looking for More Options?
The products featured here are just a starting point. If you're searching for a specific size, like a double mattress topper, or want to explore a wider variety of materials and thicknesses, we have more to see.
? Explore our full range of padded mattress toppers here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a mattress topper and a mattress protector?
A mattress topper is designed primarily for comfort—it adds a layer of cushioning or support to change the feel of your mattress. A mattress protector, on the other hand, is designed for protection. Its main job is to shield your mattress from spills, stains, allergens and wear. Some products, like the LeBonsoir topper, offer a hybrid function, but for full waterproof protection, a dedicated protector is recommended.
How thick should a mattress topper be?
This depends on your goal. A topper of 3-5cm offers a subtle enhancement of comfort. If you want to fundamentally change the feel of your mattress—for example, making a very firm mattress feel soft—you should look for a thick mattress topper of 5cm or more. The Emma (6cm) and NightComfort (800GSM) toppers are good examples of toppers that provide a significant change.
Can a mattress topper make a firm mattress softer?
Yes, absolutely. This is one of the most common reasons people buy a mattress topper. A plush, quilted mattress topper like the NightComfort 800GSM is specifically designed to add a deep layer of softness to a hard mattress. A foam topper can also add softness, but with a more contouring, pressure-relieving feel rather than a 'cloud-like' one.
