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- Best mattress topper: At a glance
- The best mattress toppers you can buy in 2025
- 1. Best overall: Dorma Full Forever mattress topper
- 2. Best budget mattress topper: Silentnight Airmax Mattress Topper
- 3. Best memory foam topper: Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Mattress Topper
- 4. Best firm mattress topper: Piglet in Bed Merino Wool Mattress Topper
- 5. Best luxury topper: Scooms Hungarian Goose Feather & Down Mattress Topper
- 6. Best washable mattress topper: John Lewis Soft Touch Mattress Topper
- 7. Best wool mattress topper: The Wool Room Deluxe Wool Topper
- 8. Best mattress topper with a choice of firmness: Dormeo Octasmart Essentials
- 9. Best foam topper for keeping cool: REM-Fit Halo
- How to choose the best mattress topper for you
The best mattress toppers add a layer of comfort between you and your mattress. They can give a firm, lumpy or ageing bed a new lease of life – and usually at a much smaller cost than buying a brand new mattress.
One of our favourite mattress toppers is the Dorma Full Forever: a breathable and affordable microfibre mattress topper. Or, if you’re in the market for memory foam, consider the bamboo-infused Panda topper, also featured below.
Here at Expert Reviews, we’ve reviewed more than 20 mattress toppers – including polyester fibre, wool and memory foam options, to bring you an informed list of recommendations and buying advice backed up by expert testing. Below you’ll find a roundup of our favourite toppers, before a buying guide outlining the key factors you should consider before buying a mattress topper.
Best mattress topper: At a glance
| Best overall | Dorma Full Forever Mattress Topper | |
| Best memory foam topper | Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Mattress Topper | |
| Best firm mattress topper | Piglet in Bed Merino Wool Mattress Topper | |
| Best budget mattress topper | Silentnight Airmax Mattress Topper |
The best mattress toppers you can buy in 2025
1. Best overall: Dorma Full Forever mattress topper
Price when reviewed: £80 (double) | Check price at Dunelm
- Great for… Comfort, support and breathability
- Not so great for… Ease of cleaning
We found that the Dorma Full Forever mattress topper offered a supreme balance of comfort and support: it kept the lumbar region aligned, with enough cushioning and contouring around pressure points. Tested on top of a mattress that might be a little too firm for lightweight sleepers, it’s a fantastic addition that won’t break the bank at £80 for a double.
The Full Forever is available in a 3cm or 6cm depth (we reviewed the latter). It’s filled with a polyester “spiral fibre” and covered in a 230-thread count cotton cover, with a cassette construction that ensures that the filling is spread evenly throughout the topper across stitched pockets. The breathable cotton cover is also ideal for hotter sleepers who don’t get on with synthetic options such as memory foam.
Our reviewer had only a couple of minor complaints: the topper can only be spot cleaned and there’s no trial period included (a benefit, offered by many online mattress and bedding brands, that we’ve become accustomed to). But these didn’t stop her from bestowing the Dorma Full Forever with an Expert Reviews Best Buy award. If you’re after a fibre-filled topper, it’s a fine choice.
Read our full Dorma Full Forever mattress topper review
Key features – Filling: Polyester fibre; Machine washable? Spot clean only; Thickness: 3cm, 6cm; Sizes: Single to Emperor; Trial period: None
Also consider: Marks & Spencer Comfortably Cool Mattress Topper
While the name is a bit of a misnomer (the Comfortably Cool topper can get rather warm), this is another great-value cotton-covered and fibre-filled mattress topper. Like the Dorma topper above, it can’t be machine washed, but where the M&S Comfortably Cool topper succeeds is in offering cushioned softness without compromising on support. The elasticated straps do a good job of keeping it on the mattress and, at £79 for a king size, it’s an affordable option too.
2. Best budget mattress topper: Silentnight Airmax Mattress Topper
Price when reviewed: £23 (double) | Check price at Amazon
- Great for… adding an extra layer of comfort to an already-good mattress
- Not so great for… upgrading a lumpy or sagging mattress
If you want to soften a hard mattress and make your bed more comfortable without breaking the bank, the Silentnight AirMax Mattress Topper is just the ticket. Its dual-layer design sees a healthy helping of polyester filling sandwiched between two individual microfibre toppers, with an overall thickness of 50mm.
In our testing, we found that the Airmax provided a nice amount of cushioning. If you’re concerned that 5cm is not enough depth though, you may consider Silentnight’s 8cm equivalent. The mesh walling along the sides of the mattress topper promotes air flow and helps hot sleepers to stay comfortable. The only caveat we’d add is that, if you’re looking for a topper that adds more support, you might be better off opting for something with a bit more substance, such as memory foam topper.
As well as being a delight to sleep on, the AirMax is machine washable at 40˚C, easy to fit thanks to the elasticated straps on its four corners and can be used with an electric blanket without adversely affecting your comfort. With a super king available for under £70, the AirMax offers unbeatable value for money.
Real our full Silentnight Airmax mattress topper review
Key features – Filling: Polyester; Thickness: 5cm; Machine washable? Yes; Sizes: Single through to super king; Trial period: None
3. Best memory foam topper: Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Mattress Topper
Price when reviewed: £140 (double) | Check price at Panda
- Great for… adding a cool supportive layer to a pocket-sprung mattress
- Not so great for… adding immediate softness to a hard mattress
Panda’s memory foam topper is shockingly good value. At £100 for a single and £160 for a king size, this 50mm thick topper – made from what Panda calls “temperature-regulating hydro foam” – is cooler and a touch firmer than cheaper rivals we’ve tested.
We found that the Panda topper added a healthy dose of comfort without compromising on support in any meaningful way. It comes with a washable hypoallergenic bamboo cover and has handy elastic straps and an anti-slip layer to ensure the topper stays securely in place.
It’s worth noting that, like most foam toppers, the Panda topper can soften up as it gets warmer, so don’t expect it to cure a dip in your mattress. If you buy from Panda (including via Amazon) the topper comes with a 30-night money-back guarantee and the company will come and collect it for free if you don’t like it.
Read our full Panda mattress topper review
Key features – Filling: Memory foam with polyester cover; Machine washable? Cover only; Thickness: 5cm; Sizes: Single through to super king; Trial period: 30 nights
4. Best firm mattress topper: Piglet in Bed Merino Wool Mattress Topper
Price when reviewed: £199 (double) | Check price at Piglet in Bed
- Great for… a thinner design with more support
- Not so great for… a sinkable plush feel
This Piglet in Bed mattress topper uses merino wool to impressive effect. Merino wool is both breathable and insulating, making it a reliable choice for moderating your temperature during hot and cold nights, and I found that the Piglet in Bed topper did exactly that – more so, in fact, than other toppers I’d tested that claimed to be designed specifically for temperature regulation.
The main draw, however, is this topper’s firmness. If you prefer to feel like you’re sleeping on top of your mattress, rather than sinking into it, the Piglet in Bed fits the bill – it won’t completely transform a saggy mattress, but it is definitely firmer than others I’ve tested.
It didn’t move around during testing either, thanks to elasticated straps keeping the topper in place easily: good news if you’re a restless sleeper. Side sleepers may prefer a thicker mattress topper, but I’d argue it’s a good choice for back sleepers who are looking for a topper they won’t necessarily sink into. It’s certainly not cheap, but it’s well worth the outlay.
Read our full Piglet in Bed Merino Wool mattress topper review
Key features – Filling: Merino wool; Machine washable? No – recommended to air dry; Thickness: 2-3cm; Sizes: Double through to Super king; Trial period: None
5. Best luxury topper: Scooms Hungarian Goose Feather & Down Mattress Topper
Price when reviewed: £260 (double) | Check price at Scooms
- Great for… a quality, high-end option
- Not so great for… those on a budget, or vegans
Sound the klaxon, we’ve found a premium topper that ticks pretty much every box. Scooms’ Hungarian Goose Feather & Down Mattress Topper is one of the most luxurious designs we’ve found. Yes, it comes at a cost, but sometimes you get what you pay for. Deep enough to make a difference to even the most lumpy, bumpy mattress, it’s ideal for side and back sleepers alike.
It’s made from natural materials and is neither too firm nor too soft; the oodles of feather filling create a cushioned effect that keeps you cosy on the coldest of nights. Want a five-star hotel stay feel? Then this is your topper.
Read our full Scooms Hungarian Goose Down Mattress Topper review
Key features – Filling: Hungarian goose down and feather; Machine washable: Spot clean only; Thickness: 7cm; Sizes: Single through to Super king; Trial period: None
6. Best washable mattress topper: John Lewis Soft Touch Mattress Topper
Price when reviewed: £105 (double) | Check price at John Lewis
- Great for… side sleepers who find their mattress to hard for comfort
- Not so great for… helping you stay cool on warmer nights
Here’s another thick topper that offers the kind of comfort you get in five-star hotels, yet won’t break the bank and isn’t prone to sagging. We also liked that we could throw it into the washing machine at 60˚C (and even the tumble dryer on low heat), multiple times, and it came out as good as new.
Although it’s made from 100% polyester, John Lewis’s topper is actually made up of two layers. We found the top layer lovely and soft, while the core layer provides a good level of support. So there’s no need to worry about the kind of sponginess that can leave you feeling suffocated and we found it’s particularly good if you’re prone to aches and pains. The elastic straps keep it secure on the bed and it’s nice and warm (a good job, as you can’t use an electric blanket with it), which can be considered a downside if you get clammy at night.
Key features – Filling: 100% polyester; Thickness: 6cm; Machine washable? Yes; Sizes: Single, double; Trial period: None
7. Best wool mattress topper: The Wool Room Deluxe Wool Topper
Price when reviewed: £255 (double) | Check price at The Wool Room
- Great for… anyone who gets too hot at night or wakes up sneezing
- Not so great for… adding firm support to soothe a bad back
A great one for sufferers of allergies, asthma or eczema, this 30mm-deep all-natural topper is resistant to house dust mites and fungus and even carries the Allergy UK’s Seal of Approval – no mean feat.
We found the topper to be noticeably cool, and very effective at regulating your temperature at night. This makes it a godsend for women of a certain age or anyone who’s prone to getting hot and sweaty when they enter the land of nod.
As for comfort levels, the 100% top-notch British wool means it feels sumptuous without being overly soft, and we liked the wide elastic straps that fit snugly onto our mattress. It washes in the machine like a dream and travels well too, fitting in a small bag, which means you can take it on holiday if you wish. The Wool Room makes a great selection of pillows and duvets too.
Key features – Thickness: 3-4cm; Filling: 100% platinum-certified, washable British wool; Machine washable? Yes; Sizes: Available in single through to super king (plus bespoke sizes upon request); Trial period: 30 nights
8. Best mattress topper with a choice of firmness: Dormeo Octasmart Essentials
Price when reviewed: £169 (double) l Check price at Dormeo
- Great for… anyone who’s not sure how firm they want their topper to be
- Not so great for… fidgety sleepers who need their topper to stay put
The first of two Dormeo Octasmart toppers in our top nine is the Essentials, a relatively affordable option that comes with a 60-night trial period, eight-year guarantee, free delivery and a choice of firmness: firm (with an Aerocell foam filling) or “plush” (with memory foam).
We found the hypoallergenic Dormeo Octasmart Essentials to be a comfortable, breathable topper that’s well worth its price. The firm side is particularly good for adding a level of support that can help soothe aches and pains. We would have liked some corner straps to keep it secured to our mattress, and it isn’t machine washable, either. But at this price point, it’s a smart choice.
Key features – Filling: Memory foam (Plush) or Aerocell foam (Firm); Machine washable? No; Thickness: 5cm; Sizes: Single through to super king; Trial period: 200 nights
9. Best foam topper for keeping cool: REM-Fit Halo
Price when reviewed: £189 (double) | Check price at REM-Fit
- Great for… keeping sleepers cool, staying in place on a mattress
- Not so great for… lightweight side sleepers
Although on paper, memory foam is much more prone to absorbing heat than natural materials, the REM-Fit Halo does a remarkably job of keeping you cool. The visco memory foam has an open cell construction to keep air flowing and prevent heat from being trapped. The washable top cover is also breathable and a mesh border around the side helps to disperse heat further.
The topper provides some nice contouring around pressure points for side sleepers. However, we found it firmer than some other foam toppers we’ve tested, so it might not be the best for lightweight side sleepers. Motion isolation is excellent and the elastic straps keep the topper firmly in place, however much you move about as you sleep.
There’s also a 30-night trial and ten-year full replacement guarantee for added security, but this is still not one of the cheapest toppers out there. That said, if you want a memory foam topper that will keep you cooler than most of its rivals, it could be worth the investment.
Read our full length REM-Fit Halo Mattress Topper review
Key features – Filling: Memory foam; Machine washable? Cover only; Thickness: 4cm; Sizes: Single through to super king, plus EU sizes; Trial period: 30 nights
How to choose the best mattress topper for you
What can a mattress topper do for me?
A mattress topper is an affordable fix for a less than perfect mattress. For example if your new mattress feels too firm, a topper can add a layer of softness while your main mattress takes its time softening and adapting to your body.
If your mattress is getting a bit old and worn, or it just feels too firm, a topper can provide a comfort layer to extend its life. A topper is also a good way of protecting a new mattress from wear and tear, though we also recommend buying a mattress protector.
However, a mattress topper isn’t a fix-all solution. If a mattress is on its last legs and is starting to sag, the topper will sag, too. If your mattress is too soft for your liking, the right topper can add a certain degree of support but it won’t make your bed feel firm, because the essential foundation – the mattress – is soft. Plonking an extra layer of material on top will only make the whole thing feel softer.
What fillings should I look for in a mattress topper?
The filling a mattress topper contains is the key to how soft, supportive, breathable and durable it feels. Here are a few of the most popular mattress topper fillings:
Memory foam: Memory foam toppers mould to the body and provide pressure relief, making them great for side sleepers or people who suffer from joint pain. Foam also helps to reduce motion transfer, which is ideal if you’re ever kept awake at night by your partner’s tossing and turning. The main downside of foam is that it retains heat, so isn’t the coolest material to sleep on in summer.
Wool: Wool is renowned for being hypoallergenic and antibacterial. Its insulating properties make it warm in the winter, but its breathable properties help ensure you won’t overheat in the summer. Wool toppers can be expensive, though, and tricky to clean.
Down: Down feather fillings, often from duck or goose, are a luxuriously soft and plush option. However, like wool, down can be expensive and is not vegan-friendly.
Silk: Another luxury option, silk is super smooth, soft and hypoallergenic. It’s a delicate material though, so it will require care when it comes to washing.
Synthetic: For the most part, synthetic is a popular budget option: microfibre and hollowfibre toppers can be a comfortable, affordable and vegan-friendly alternative to wool and down. They’re also relatively easy to wash and dry.
What else should I consider?
A mattress topper should fit your bed, so make sure you buy the right size. Also take the depth of the topper into consideration: this can vary between around 20mm and 70mm. Thicker toppers, as well as being more expensive, offer more padding so will often feel more luxurious.
We’re big fans of corner straps on mattress toppers. These straps secure the topper to your mattress and prevent it sliding around while you sleep.
Whether you’re using a mattress protector or not, you may need to clean your topper from time to time. Most of the toppers in our roundup come with machine washable covers, while some of the thinner, non-foam toppers can be put straight in the washing machine. In any case, check the manufacturer’s specifications for washing instructions.
Finally, some mattress toppers (usually the ones from bed-in-a-box brands such as Emma) come with trial periods that will allow you to try out the topper in the comfort of your own home, with the option of returning it for a refund if you’re not happy.
