Moved into a new home? One that came with a bed? Great! No need to spend all of your hard-earned savings on a brand-new mattress. Unless the mattress you've been given is leaving you tossing and turning at night, not living up to your expectations at all... Yup, we've all been there, and we all know that a standard rental bed is usually far from boujie. The frustrating part is that usually, replacing it isn't an option; but that is where a topper comes in.
With an extra layer of cushy foam, cotton, or feathers you can transform your rental mattress from lumpy to lush. So whether yours is to add another layer onto a brand new mattress, or to make your current one work harder, a topper can offer the perfect solution to solving your sleep concerns, without burning a hole in your pocket.
Between myself and the Real Homes team, we've slept on a fair few mattress toppers in our time and we've given them thorough reviews so that you can see which ones stand out from the crowd. With good picks available from as little as £50, and from some of the best brands on the market like Simba, Otty, and Eve, now it's easier than ever to invest in great sleep.
The best mattress toppers you can buy
Why you can trust Real Homes Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
- The best mattress topper overall: Panda Hybrid mattress topper (opens in new tab)
- The best substitute mattress-mattress topper: Simba Hybrid mattress topper (opens in new tab)
- The best eco-friendly mattress topper: Otty Pure mattress topper (opens in new tab)
More about these amazing mattress toppers
At the top of our list for the best mattress topper is Panda's The Topper. The reason being? It ticks all the right boxes, for many different reasons. It’s comfortable, supportive, temperature regulating, and eco-friendly (and that’s just to name a few fave features). It may be a pricier option, but with all the added benefits considered, it’s a no-brainer.
PS: It's worth noting this is an updated version of the old Panda mattress topper model, which we gave 4.5 stars in the Panda mattress topper review. Why did this one trump with a full five-star rating? Well, the new version has adjustable elastic straps, which enable a much better fit than the previous one that slipped off the bed. The improvements Panda has made may be small, but they are worthwhile and, thankfully, Panda has not bumped up the price tag. It still represents the same great value for money.
The best part
It’s a gel-infused memory foam topper with a good 5 cm thickness. The added gel layer is designed to improve comfort levels whilst cooling your muscles from aches and pains. This makes it great for both side, back, and front sleepers alike, especially those who suffer from neck and back problems. The topper will mould to your body’s shape, relieving joint pressure for a comfortable, cool night's sleep.
Does it have the sleep factor?
And our tester agrees. She found it to be super supportive — the best support she's had in a while, in fact. But our reviewer was equally impressed with Panda’s impressive eco credentials. It’s one of the most sustainable bedding brands out there, and the topper comes with a removable and washable bamboo cover. Bamboo is a hypoallergenic and antibacterial material, so it’ll stay fresher for longer and is great for allergy sufferers.
If you daydream about sinking into a cosy bed at night, then this memory foam mattress topper from Eve is for you. It's a more expensive option compared to the budget memory foam alternative further down this list, but as far as quality is concerned, we think it’s worth it.
The best part
Whether you’re a lover or hater of memory foam, there’s no denying that it's one of the best materials for extra support. Be it for your firm mattress that needs a little softening up or a bad shoulder that needs a little extra cushioning, memory foam is great at lending a helping hand. Whether you’re a side, back, or front sleeper this mattress topper will mould to your sleep position for a personalised night’s rest. Plus, its thick 5 cm of foam will transform an unwelcoming mattress into a plush surface.
Does it have the sleep-factor?
Our reviewer is a hot sleeper and notes that this memory foam is great for regulating body temperature. Memory foam is usually associated with overheating at night, but this Eve topper has an open-cell structure that makes it breathable for sweat-free sleep. The only downside? Its cover is non-removable and made from two-way stretch polyester, so you can’t wash this in the machine. But don’t let this put you off. We popped one of the best mattress protectors on to keep it clean.
We’re big fans of Simba mattresses (you can read our Simba mattress review, too, if you want to know why), so we were eager to try out its mattress topper. We found the similarity between the topper and the hybrid mattress, and the difference in price, makes it a great substitute if you can’t afford the full mattress just yet.
The best part
The 5-cm-deep hybrid combination of latex, foam, and springs gives great support and more bounce than singular memory foam. That being said, motion transfer from a fidgety partner is kept at a minimum since the thickness is designed to hug the body.
Does it have the sleep-factor?
During testing, we were keen to see whether the breathability element lived up to the hype. The verdict? Yes and no. Two of us tested this topper: one of us (the sweaty sleeper) found we were just as hot as usual; the other (the non-sweaty sleeper) enjoyed its breathability. Just goes to show that sometimes even a breathable mattress isn't fully temperature regulating and can't help those who get hot at night (in which case, a cooling mattress pad is worth checking out). The cover doesn't come off, but Simba offers a protector that will prolong the life of your topper.
Get the best of both worlds with this great value for money memory foam topper from Otty. It’ll work to get you your best sleep ever whilst saving on having to replace your tired mattress.
The best part
This memory foam option is a great balance between providing support and comfort for the ultimate sleep setup, especially if you’re prone to tossing and turning in the night. By adding depth to your current mattress with a good 5 cm of charcoal and bamboo-infused foam, not only is this topper firm enough to keep side sleepers and back sleepers in position but the cover is breathable too. We wouldn't recommend it for front sleepers, but our tester actually changed their sleep style while testing it and became a side sleeper after a lifetime of sleeping on her front. In other words, you’re sure to get a great night's sleep, despite your sleep style.
Does it have the sleep-factor?
Our reviewer particularly appreciates the eco-friendly fabrics of this topper and the benefits that come with bamboo and charcoal fibres. The charcoal-infused layers make the topper hypoallergenic, which makes up for the fact it has no washable cover or zip for at-home cleaning. If you have a dog or pet that often joins you in bed, like our tester, the odour-eliminating properties of bamboo give peace of mind.
This sustainable mattress topper from Soak&Sleep is one of our top choices for comfort, especially if you want to add an extra bit of "squish" to your mattress in a natural way. Though note that this cosiness will need re-plumping every so often. It is more expensive than most, but that’s to be expected for high-quality materials.
The best part
This topper is made with 3 cm of sustainable wool. Yes, for the eco-conscious wool makes an ideal material for bedding as it can be traced back from manufacturing to the final product. Not only this but it offers a super soft sleeping surface that’s naturally hypoallergenic. Another added bonus is the whole topper can be easily washed in a large capacity machine and tumble dried thereafter.
Does it have the sleep-factor?
Our reviewer can vouch for wool’s natural temperature-regulating qualities. As a hot sleeper, they found they no longer woke up in the night having overheated, even despite testing it during the summer months. Given its impressive ability to cool, we have no doubt it’ll be the natural layer of warmth needed in the winter too.
If you suffer from an injury or chronic pain and are in need of a memory foam topper but don’t quite have the budget for it, the affordable Impress topper from Silentnight is a great budget buy.
The best part
For half of the price of other memory foam mattress toppers, you can still get all the upsides you’d expect: reactive body-moulding contouring, allergy-friendliness, and a lack of motion transfer from your partner's nightly shifting. What’s more, this 5-cm-thick memory foam mattress topper is doctor and chiropractor recommended. It’ll relieve pressure points in the spine and help prevent and reduce existing aches and pains.
Does it have the sleep-factor?
Upon hitting the hay, our tester could tell she was lying upon a decent layer of foam. It did all the things memory foam should, and overall she was impressed with the performance given its low price point. It did have slightly disturbing brown discolouration, which was perhaps an indication of its quality. Whilst it isn't made from the most sustainable materials, the removable knitted polyester cover can be machine washed at 40 degrees, which is better than the 30 degrees you get with others.
We’d all love to recreate the luxury sleep experience you enjoy on holiday. Think sinkable sheets, plush pillows, and a mattress you know costs more than you can bargain for. With this premium goose-down and feather-filled mattress topper from Dusk, you can sleep boutique for a fraction of the price of upgrading the whole of your sleep set-up.
The best part
The cushioning mattress topper is a great way to alter the surface of a mattress you just can’t get along with. This is especially true if you already know you love the feeling of natural bedding. Additionally, if you’re a cold sleeper we’d suggest this topper for added warmth. Feather and down are natural fillings and are known for being temperature-regulating. While they’ll work to keep you at a happy medium, we found goose-down to be on the hotter side, compared to memory foam.
Does it have the sleep-factor?
While it won’t offer much when it comes to supporting your body or fully substituting a needs-to-be-replaced mattress, it will give you the comfort of a cushioned sleep surface. Our tester, who owns a relatively new mattress anyway, appreciated the softness it gave to an otherwise firm bed. With this in mind, we’d recommend this one for the renters, or those who go away and stay in a bed you don't sleep well in. No more restless nights, that's for sure.
A sister model to the much-loved Hybrid mattress topper, this new essentials range from Simba offers just about everything you'd expect from the tech-obsessed mattress specialists — without the luxury price tag.
The best part?
Well, this comes to what's different. Aside from the topper being around £100 cheaper than Simba's more premium model, this one also comes with some extra practicalities. It's a little thinner than the other, which also means this mattress topper can be rolled up and stored away easily. Renters: we're talking to you. Fit with straps at either end, there's no waving goodbye to your current mattress when you move. Take it with you! And if you're lucky enough to have a spare room but don't want to spend too much on a good mattress for guests, then this is the perfect solution.
Does it have the sleep-factor?
Annie, who has a spare bedroom that is often used for hosting her family, is currently testing the Simba essential hybrid topper. She's had it on her own bed for a few weeks now (at the time of writing) and it's safe to say, so far, so good. In fact, she loves it. It's totally transformed her bed to the point where she's considering keeping it in her own room rather than moving it into her spare bedroom atop her sofa bed — after she's done testing of course.
We'll update you with her verdict in a few months' time to see whether it stays just as soft and just as supportive.
Real Homes review process
You can read more in our how we test guide about our in-depth review process. Otherwise, for a quick overview, we like to ensure the products we recommend for you are really the best on the market. For these mattress toppers, we selected and tested them firstly based on their best-seller status and high ratings online. Though factors such as quality and price factor in to ensure you're getting the best value for your money too.
We had members of the Real Homes team try these toppers by sleeping, washing, and sleeping on them again for consecutive nights under different conditions. You can read the individual reviews of each mattress topper on this list, and as for the last pick from Dunelm, we’ll be sure to add in our verdict once we’ve given it a go.
Meet our testers below.
As a previous front sleeper, Annie tested the Otty Pure+ Mattress (opens in new tab) and soon switched to being a side sleeper because of comfort, and because it's much better for your joints.
Annie tested the Otty Mattress Topper (opens in new tab) atop her Otty mattress and rated the combination highly. These two, when paired together, offer the ultimate luxury though it comes at a price tag. She also slept on this topper atop a more affordable mattress and even then it wowed her. She also used it atop her sofa bed and on her sofa for guests to sleep comfortably, and everyone who experienced it had only good things to say! Not to mention its eco credentials are great since it's made of bamboo.
That being said, she's now giving the new Simba hybrid essentials topper (opens in new tab) a good go. She's only slept on it for a few weeks now, but she's loving it so far. We'll update you on her verdict in a few months' time to give you the fairest review possible.
Louise is all about getting her beauty sleep, but with a new budget mattress that came with her furnished flat, she's not always able to get it. After moving in and switching from a softer mattress just a mere few months ago, she found her sleep surface to be too hard.
She tested the Dusk Supreme Goose-down topper (opens in new tab)and found it to be the perfect add-on to improve comfort levels. Filled will feathers, she was sceptical about her allergies, but it proved just fine and the puffy layer worked great for extra warmth. It comes with a higher price tag, but Louise thinks this would be a great investment buy that would help save on bills come winter.
The Eve mattress topper (opens in new tab) may be an expensive buy, but for Jen, it was an ideal substitute for the new mattress she needed that saved her some pennies.
If you're wondering about Jen's testing credentials, then there's no need to worry. She was our large appliance editor, meaning she's had her hands on pretty much every investment purchase for your home. Trust us, she knows a worthwhile buy when she sees one.
Linda is one of our reviewers, testing all the best bedding products you can buy, from mattresses to toppers to pillows.
She tested two of the toppers on this list including our top mattress topper from Panda (opens in new tab)(and its previous model) and the Silentnight Impress (opens in new tab), all of which were memory foam options that she could equally compare on quality, price and comfort. She loved both, rating the Panda five stars and Silentnight four stars. She argues one is a more affordable option than the other. So if you're wanting a memory foam topper, you can choose based on your budget.
Already fallen in love with a Simba mattress or pillow? Lucy has too. She, as well as many of the Real Homes team, loves Simba as a brand, so there's no surprise she rated the Simba mattress topper (opens in new tab) 4.5 stars.
What's best about this product is you don't have to splash out on a full mattress to get the Simba sleep experience. Lucy found it transformed her old mattress into one that feels like a Simba mattress. A great buy if you haven't got enough cash to invest.
Like many of us, Hebe often struggles to sleep when it gets too hot. So when she got the chance to test out the Soak&Sleep wool mattress topper (opens in new tab), she was surprised at its temperature-regulating properties.
How to choose the best mattress topper
When choosing the best mattress topper for you, there are a few factors to consider, including what kind of sleeper you are, before diving into bed with your new purchase. Including type, thickness, support, size, price, and care instructions, everyone will have their preference when it comes to getting a great night's sleep.
Which type of topper is best?
Mattress toppers are available in a range of types to help with various sleep problems. For example, a memory foam topper is often great for combatting back pain and offering relief that a firmer mattress may place on pressure points.
Similarly, a hybrid mattress topper, typically a combination of latex, foam, and pocket springs, will offer the same benefits but with added softness. Those with cooling layers will, yes you guessed it, work to regulate body temperature and help those who suffer from night sweats.
Then there are synthetic and natural filled toppers like Dusk’s supreme goose-down option, Soak and Sleep's wool, and Dunelm's mattress topper. These solve the issue of an uncomfortable sleep surface with a soft layer of cushioning that's allergy-friendly and usually entirely machine washable.
Are thicker mattress toppers better?
Hand in hand with the type of topper, knowing how much depth your mattress topper will add to your mattress is worth a second thought. If you already own a deep mattress, putting an additional 5cm on top may give your bed a princess and the pea feel and look. If this isn't what you’re after, then a flatter alternative would work better. In some cases, brands offer toppers in thickness variations. If you sleep on your side, the deeper the topper, the better, as it will cope well with pressure points, such as hips and shoulders to relieve any spine tension you may feel during the night.
Can a mattress topper be cleaned?
Some (but not all) toppers are washable with covers that act as a protector. Doubling up means you won’t need to buy a mattress protector as well to shield from dust mites, spills, and stains. You'll want to consider whether you can bang it in the drum or not. For those times you spill a drink or when you're spring cleaning the house, having a mattress topper you can easily take care of is a bonus. You can find out more about how to clean a mattress (or topper) in our guide.
Are mattress toppers worth having?
A mattress topper adds another layer to your sleep surface, which transforms an uncomfortable mattress into one worthy of staying on your bed a little longer. They're much cheaper than splurging on a super expensive mattress with some as little as £50. No matter your budget, buying a mattress topper as a substitute for replacing your old mattress is a great way to save money.
Big brands such as Simba Sleep and Otty essentially make their mattress toppers smaller versions of their best-selling mattresses. By buying one of these, you’re guaranteed to sleep better without having to invest a whole lot of money in an entirely new mattress. To answer the question, mattress toppers are a great way to refresh your bed without upgrading your entire sleep setup. Worth it? We think so.
