‘I swear by this mattress topper for a great night's sleep (and it's back in stock!)’
As head of content for the Good Housekeeping Institute, I spend a lot of time writing about products, talking about how we test products, and being quizzed by friends and family about what products are really worth spending your money on (especially when it comes to Christmas gifting).
I'm not someone who’s easily won over. I still haven’t committed to an air fryer despite my colleagues waxing lyrical about their speedy, energy-saving virtues. (The Our Place Wonder Oven is testing my resolve though.) I don't use a fitness tracker because I think I have data-fatigue. But there is one product I could eulogise about for hours (apologies to anyone who’s ever got stuck with me at parties). That is the humble mattress topper.
I never really knew of their existence until about 10 years ago when my friend couldn't stop talking about an incredible night's sleep she'd had at a fancy, five-star hotel. The next morning, she headed to reception and demanded to know the secret to their dreamy set-up. It wasn’t, as she had expected, an exorbitantly expensive mattress that had made the difference – it was…a mattress topper.
So, I bought a topper for the first time and it was a game-changer, transforming the quality of my sleep. It was like drifting off on an actual cloud. Like fresh sheets day but 10 times better. It added a delicious layer of padding on top of my (not very expensive mattress), delivering that wonderful sink-in feeling.
Not convinced? Let me tell you all the ways a topper can improve your sleep set-up – and where to shop the best ones.
What is a mattress topper?
A topper is an extra layer of padding that's placed on top of your mattress to add an extra layer of support and comfort. It can be made of different materials including gels, feathers and down, memory foam and microfibre. Think of it as an extension to your mattress.
A topper is different to a mattress protector, which is there to keep your mattress safe from spills, dust mites and soiling.
What are the benefits of a mattress topper?
A new mattress is an expensive purchase, so if you’re not ready to shell out hundreds (or even thousands) just yet and want to extend the lifespan of your current one, a mattress topper is an affordable alternative. It will give you the upgrade you’re looking for, for less.
A topper can also support your sleep better by adding extra benefits to your mattress, whether that's making it more supportive (try memory foam), protecting against allergens (opt for microfibre), or adding a cooling layer (look for options featuring cooling gel or wool, which are temperature regulating).
I have a fairly inexpensive mattress that came with my bed frame, so a quality mattress topper makes all the difference.
Where is the best place to buy a mattress topper?
As someone who has now done extensive real-life testing in this area, for me, the go-to brand for quality mattress toppers has to be The White Company. It was where the aforementioned fancy hotel got theirs from, it was where I bought my very first one from, and – except for an unfulfilling year-long dalliance with another brand – it’s where I keep going back to.
My current topper is The White Company’s Classic Mattress Topper, which I picked up in the sale. It has added a layer of luxurious quilting and softness to my fairly inexpensive mattress and you can really feel the difference when you lie down at night. A bottom layer of feathers and a super soft down top layer create a lovely sink-in softness. However, if down isn’t your preference, there are also wool and hypoallergenic polyester options.
Classic Mattress Topper – Double
The expert verdict
To add weight to my personal recommendation, our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute tested 150 toppers as part of our inaugural Sleep Awards this year and The White Company’s Luxury White Down Topper (a more luxe version of mine) came joint first, scoring an impressive 93/100.
The topper was trialled by our panel at home for a minimum of four weeks. They then reported back on its comfort, support, breathability and overall design. In the lab, we assessed the fit and quality, as well as how easy it was to clean and store.
Luxury White Down Topper - Double
Our panel scored it full marks for comfort, praising the “luxurious feel”. It was also easy to fit to their mattress, thanks to the elasticated straps at the corner, and it stayed in place even when they moved around. Overall, they found it significantly enhanced their sleep and all said they’d continue using it after the trial.
The Good Housekeeping Institute's top-rated mattress toppers
Other brands of mattress topper are, of course, available and some come with more affordable price tags. If you want to shop around, we’ve rounded up some of our testers’ other top-rated toppers below.
So you too can see what it’s like to sleep on an actual cloud.
Hybrid Essential Topper
Score: 93/100
This topper uses Simba's patented mattress tech, which combines a layer of supportive springs and a layer of foam. One of our panel said it felt like they had “a whole new mattress” and praised the comfort offered by our joint winning topper.
Hybrid Mattress Topper
Score: 91/100
This is another hybrid topper that offered an extra layer of support to our mattress. Our panel praised the comfortable, firm design. We also approved of its sustainable credentials – it's made in the UK from 100% recyclable materials.
Self Heating Double Mattress Topper
Score: 89/100
This is one for those who like a really cosy sleep set-up, thanks to its self-heating capabilities – it uses heat-reflecting foil and has a thermal lining. It's also hypoallergenic and a lot more affordable than many on our list.
The Topper Mattress Topper
Score: 89/100
This memory foam topper is made from sustainably-sourced bamboo, and it moulded nicely to our testers' bodies for a comfy night's sleep. It was also quiet at night and the adjustable straps mean it's a good fit and doesn't move around.
Supreme Goose Down Mattress Topper
Score: 89/100
This Dusk topper is another that nails the 'sleeping on a cloud' brief thanks to its two-tiered approach. There's a layer of goose down on top and fluffy feathers on the bottom, for sink-in softness. It was a hit with our panel.
Premium Topper
Score: 88/100
This premium topper is 9cm thick, so should revive a tired mattress. It doesn't have straps but you should be able to hold it in place with a fitted sheet. Our panel loved the supportive, sink-in design and said it helped them sleep better.
Shop our experts' full round-up of Tried and Tested toppers.
Still tired?
Here are some more of our GHI Approved sleep essentials and tips.
If you need to drown out a snorer this Christmas, check out our experts' top tried and tested sleep earplugs and headbands. Our winner costs just £20...
How often should you replace your mattress? Read our expert's advice – plus tips on how to make it last longer.
If your mattress is due an upgrade (and not even a topper can save it), check out the GHI's mattress buying guide for everything you need to know before you shop.
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