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.
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. 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'd 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 an instant upgrade and that wonderful sink-in feeling.
Not convinced? Let me tell you all the ways the best mattress topper can improve your sleep set-up – and where to shop them.
What is a mattress topper?
A topper is an extra layer of padding that's placed on top of your mattress to add a 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. If that's what you're after, head to our roundup of the best mattress protectors.
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 help improve your sleep 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 is temperature regulating).
I have a fairly inexpensive mattress that came with my bed frame, so a quality mattress topper has made 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 favourite is The White Company’s Classic Mattress Topper, which I picked up in the sale (always worth keeping an eye out for). 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. The White Company says its down is “sourced from cruelty-free suppliers as a by-product of the food industry”, but if you're not a down fan, there are also wool and hypoallergenic options.
The expert verdict
To add weight to my personal recommendation, our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have tested over 150 toppers to date 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.
Our panel awarded 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 at night. 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 every night.
Score: 93/100
This topper uses Simba's patented mattress tech, which combines a layer of supportive springs and a layer of foam for cushioned comfort. One of our panel said it felt like they had “a whole new mattress” and praised the comfort offered by our joint winning topper.
Score: 92/100
For affordability and performance, this is our top pick. It fitted our mattress well and stayed in place thanks to the strong elastic straps. It's soft to the touch and air mesh panels reduce overheating at night. You can also pop it in the washing machine. It does compress when laid on but all our panellists said they'd recommend it.
Score: 91/100
This is another hybrid topper that offered an extra layer of firm support to our mattress. Our panel praised the comfortable, firm design. We also approve of its more sustainable credentials – it's made in the UK from 100% recyclable materials.
Silentnight Self Heating Double Mattress Topper
Score: 89/100
Another affordable buy, 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 to hold all that cosy warmth in. It's also hypoallergenic.
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 with no sliding around at night.
Score: 89/100
This Dusk topper is another design 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.
Emma Premium Topper
Score: 88/100
This premium topper is 9cm thick, so should revive any 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 roundup of the best mattress toppers.
Still tired?
Here are some more of our GHI Approved sleep essentials and tips.
- If you need to drown out a snorer, check out our experts' best earplugs for sleeping. Our winner costs just £20...
- How often should you replace your mattress? We've got the answer – 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 our best mattress guide for everything you need to know before you shop.
Alison is head of content for the Good Housekeeping Institute, responsible for product reviews across homes, beauty, wellness, family and food & drink. She lives by the William Morris quote that you should “have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”
Alison has over 15 years' experience as a lifestyle editor and has written features on everything from misophonia to how to dress like Claudia on The Traitors. She has also interviewed everyone from Dame Joanna Lumley to the Kardashians.
In her spare time, you'll find her hanging out with Monty the cocker spaniel and refreshing the Sezane website every five seconds.
