How to choose the perfect mattress topper
Mattress toppers
Mattress toppers protect your mattress and improve comfort on firm mattresses by making them feel a little softer. Our mattress toppers offer excellent value for money and are available in all standard mattress sizes.
What is a mattress topper?
A mattress topper is added to a mattress to prolong its lifespan. The mattress topper protects the mattress from sharp objects and saves it from friction between the mattress and bedsheet, which causes fabric bobbling.
Although mattress toppers are entirely optional, most mattress manufacturers recommend them, and some even require them to preserve the warranty.
While mattress toppers mainly serve to protect the mattress, they are also specified to improve comfort. Some mattress toppers are luxuriously thick and soft, improving the feel of firm mattresses and old mattresses that have seen better days.
The benefits of mattress toppers
Mattresses cost several hundred pounds (at least), while mattress toppers typically cost under £100. Thus, it makes economic sense to protect your mattress with a topper, especially if you have a high-end, luxury mattress.
Mattress toppers also protect your mattress from spills and stains, soaking up whatever is spilt on them. Spills and stains are notoriously difficult to clean, but with a mattress topper, all you need to do is throw it in a washing machine.
Mattress toppers can also significantly improve comfort levels on mattresses that are too firm. Many of us have partners who need a firm bed – mattress toppers will make it softer for you while maintaining support for your partner.
Lastly, you can get mattress toppers that are more luxurious than your mattress, improving not just comfort levels but the overall quality of your bed.
What are the different types of mattress toppers?
There are six main types of mattress topper:
- Waterproof mattress toppers – made from polypropylene
- Latex foam mattress toppers – high elasticity for anatomical comfort
- Hollowfibre mattress toppers – soft and affordable
- Memory foam mattress toppers – moulds to the shape of your body
- Cooling mattress toppers – gel-infused to dissipate body heat
- Wool mattress topper – high breathability and good comfort levels
How thick should a mattress topper be?
This depends on what you want to achieve. If you only intend to protect your mattress, anything over 1cm will do just fine. However, if you want to transform the comfort and feel of your mattress, you will need something more substantial.
For comfort, look for mattress toppers 3cm thick (1.18”) – you can also get mattress toppers up to 10cm thick (4”). The thicker your mattress topper, the bigger the transformation of your mattress.
Mattress topper size guide
Mattress toppers are sized as follows:
- Single 90cm x 190cm (35″ x 75″)
- Double 135cm x 190cm (53″ x 75″)
- King Size 150cm x 200cm (59″ x 79″)
- Small Double 120cm x 190cm (47″ x 75″)
All you need to do is match the mattress topper size to your mattress.
Some mattress toppers have elastic straps, while others have ties. Both attachments offer similar performance, although elastic straps are easier.
Is a mattress topper washable?
Most mattress toppers are machine-washable, but you should check with the manufacturer before trying. If you need to deep clean your mattress topper, you can use a bath or showerhead and scrub the detergent into the topper to clean it.
What is the difference between foam and memory foam?
Foam and memory foam mattress toppers are the most popular kinds. The difference is that memory foam is denser than foam and retains its shape under load, while standard foam springs back immediately.
What is a hypoallergenic mattress topper?
A hypoallergenic mattress topper is made from naturally hypoallergenic materials (not known to trigger allergies). Most mattress toppers are hypoallergenic, except products with latex since latex is a relatively common allergen.
What is an anti-allergy mattress topper?
Anti-allergy mattress toppers are hypoallergenic and made with too tightly woven fabrics for dust mites and dander to penetrate them. Some anti-allergy mattress toppers are also treated with anti-allergy spray at the factory.
Should I buy a mattress topper?
If you want to prolong the life of your mattress and eliminate the chance of spoiling it with spills, a mattress topper is a worthwhile investment.