These are the best memory foam mattress toppers the GHI has tested
If your old mattress needs a zhuzh but you don’t want to splash out on a replacement just yet, then look to a topper to give it a lift. And if you want to add serious support to your bed on a budget, opt for a memory foam design.
While the filling is relatively firm, the filling moulds to suit your body, making it a good choice if you suffer from back pain, or sleep on your side. The extra level of support means memory foam toppers are more of an investment than fibre ones, but ache-free nights are probably worth it – and it's still cheaper than a new mattress!
But we should probably address the elephant in the bedroom. Yes, memory foam can retain heat, but the technology has come on a long way since it first disrupted the mattress market. Now, it’s more breathable than ever, so even if you’re a hot sleeper, we wouldn’t rule it out – just look for a topper that comes with a trial in case you still wake up sweating.
If you’re ready to transform your nights, here’s a one-stop list of our best memory foam mattress toppers, all tried and tested at the Good Housekeeping Institute. Or keep scrolling for the full reviews.
How we test memory foam mattress toppers
To make sure we cover off everything you might look for, from whether the topper is actually comfortable to how well it stays in place, we test them in the GHI lab and at home with the help of our panel.
Our experts assess the fit of each mattress topper, whether it sits smoothly under a bed sheet, and if the filling – in this case, foam – is distributed evenly.
While this is happening, our at-home testers curl up on the mattress topper night after night. We ask them to trial the topper for up to three weeks before sharing their verdicts with us, including if it was comfortable, supportive and breathable.
Taking all this into account these are the memory foam toppers we recommend.
All prices are for a UK double.
Hybrid Essential Topper
Score: 93/100
This is made with Simba's uniquely developed foam and a layer of pocket springs, making it a breathable and supportive design. So, while it isn't technically a memory foam mattress, it performs a similar role.
It impressed both our experts and at-home testers. It fitted mattresses securely and provided notable comfort. Because of its thickness, you may struggle to fold it up without help, but it is doable if you’re buying the topper for a sofa bed. Otherwise, you probably won’t want this to leave your bed – one person told us it felt like they “had a whole new mattress”.
If you add in Simba’s B-Corp status, we think this is a worthy winner.
Hybrid Topper
Score: 91/100
Like our winner, this is packed with Simba’s foam and even more pocket springs for an airy, well-supported slumber. Again, this proved a panel-pleasing combination – testers loved bedding down on the firmer cushioning.
In the lab, our experts noted that its fit was less exact, coming up slightly oversized. While this explains the difference in scores, it’s not anything that would drastically impact your sleep – and indeed didn’t for our panel of testers.
You can wash the cover too, and it’s suitable for storage (even if its size may make this tricky). Another premium buy.
Bamboo Mattress Topper
Score: 89/100
While this five-centimetre topper is filled with memory foam, its washable cover is made with bamboo – a textile that’s naturally anti-bacterial, temperature-regulating and hypoallergenic. It’s more sustainable too as the bamboo plant is fast-growing, and Panda sources it from FSC-approved forests.
Our panel praised how quiet it was to lie on, and the way it responsively adjusted to their bodies. It fits well too, with adjustable straps to help keep it in place. It wasn’t that breathable though, so it will suit if you run cold, but less so if you’re a hot sleeper.
Premium Topper
Score: 88/100
If you want to be sure you won't feel a single spring through your topper, this one from Emma is a good bet as it’s nine centimetres deep – the highest on our list. There aren’t any straps, but a fitted sheet kept it in place on test.
Everyone raved about sleeping on it thanks to the cushioning and comfortable support. They all said they’d recommend it to others as well.
Flip Topper
Score: 87/100
Flip flopping is no bad thing with this mattress topper – you can alternate between different support levels on either side (one’s soft, one’s firm) until you decide which is just right.
Our panel also liked that you could remove foam if needed, making the design even more flexible. It impressed when it came to comfort, support and overall quality, too. It sits smoothly, but there aren’t any straps, so you’ll need a well-fitting sheet to keep it in place, especially if you’re a fidgeter.
TheraPur ActiGel Cool Mattress Topper
Score: 83/100
Designed to regulate your temperature thanks to cooling gel within the foam and a moisture-wicking (and machine-washable) cover, this is a good pick if you get hot at night. In fact, most testers found it nice and breathable.
It scored highly for comfort too, and its overall design ticked our boxes, lying smoothly. While it fitted well, it moved a little for some, and because it’s thick, it may be trickier to store. But everyone said it improved the quality of their sleep, which is the most important criteria, after all.
Memory Fibre Airstream Mattress Toper
Score: 83/100
A quick disclaimer: this isn't made with memory foam. Instead, it uses a polyester fibre filling that's designed to mimic memory foam's rebounding, supportive effect and keep you cool at the same time.
We've included it because it's notably cheaper than the rest of the products on our list, and our testers liked the product overall. While it was a smidge smaller than our double mattress, it's smooth to lie on and quiet at night. It lived up to its breathability claims too and all our testers said they'd recommend it.
Ultimately, it won't offer exactly the same cushioning as one of the genuine foam options above, but if you are on a budget, it's the next best thing.
Halo Memory Foam Topper
Score: 82/100
Boost your mattress with this spring-blocking and breathable design from REM-Fit. Our testers praised how quiet it was to lie on, how comfortable it was (for everyone!) and its overall quality design.
The fit was a bit mixed, so we’d suggest checking that the measurements match up to your existing mattress before you buy. And while it has sturdy elastic straps, it moved for some fidgety panellists. But generally, it was a hit – so much so that one tester said it was like having “a high-quality mattress on its own”. That’s great value for money, if you ask us.
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