When your mattress starts to feel less comfortable, it’s not always obvious whether the problem can be fixed with a mattress topper or a brand-new mattress. If you just need a little more comfort, a mattress topper can give you an extra layer of softness and support. Not to mention, improving your sleep quality at a fraction of the cost of a new mattress.
But there comes a point where no topper can fully compensate for a mattress that’s worn out or no longer supportive.
Deciding which to purchase comes down to knowing what’s affecting your sleep and whether a simple upgrade is enough, or if it’s time to replace the whole thing. It’s no easy task, so I spoke to an expert to find out when a topper will do the job, and when it’s time to invest in a new mattress altogether.
Read more: Best mattresses, reviewed by experts for better sleep
What is a mattress topper?
“A mattress topper is essentially an extra layer of comfort on your mattress,” Hannah Shore, head of sleep science at MattressOnline explains. They’re designed to sit on top of your existing bed and enhance its feel, without needing to replace the mattress itself.
It can be used to soften a bed that feels too firm, add support to one that’s too soft, or improve temperature regulation for a more comfortable night’s sleep. While it won’t fix a worn-out mattress, it can make a noticeable difference to comfort and help extend the lifespan of your current setup.
Read more: Best mattress toppers for a comfortable night’s sleep, tried and tested
Is a mattress topper worthwhile?
A mattress topper is a great option if you need to give your mattress a new lease of life. According to Hannah Shore, head of sleep science at MattressOnline, a topper can even extend the life of your mattress, especially if you notice any sagging or settlement where you’ve been sleeping. “If you are suffering from any aches and pains in your limbs, this can be an indication that you may need an additional layer of pressure relief, which a topper can offer,” she adds.
When should you buy a new mattress?
A mattress topper won’t solve every problem. “If you are finding that you have morning stiffness or back aches and pains, which dissipate throughout the day, this could be an indication that your mattress has lost its supportive qualities and a new mattress is required,” Shore explains.
She adds that these changes can happen slowly over time, and you may not notice them at first, but “a good way of seeing if you need a new mattress is if you sleep better in a bed that is not yours; chances are you need to invest in a mattress”.
Visual appearance is also a pretty good sign that you need a new mattress. If you’ve had it for over eight years, and it’s looking a bit tired, chances are you could do with an upgrade.
Read more: How to choose the right mattress for you
Simba hybrid luxe mattress
If you’ve exhausted all options and think you need a new mattress, the Simba hybrid luxe was found to be the best mattress overall in our review. According to our sleep tester Helen Wilson-Beevers it “delivers excellent full-body support and consistently comfortable sleep”.
It should suit all sleepers, but it’s particularly good for hot sleepers. “I’ve slept on it in all four seasons, and the surface remains fresh even during the summer months when I didn’t overheat. Although the surface isn’t cool to the touch, it doesn’t retain body heat and cools down quickly,” noted Helen.
It has a medium-firm mattress that aids spinal alignment. “Before I tested the hybrid luxe, I’d wake up feeling achy, but I’ve found the Simba hybrid luxe mattress offers full-body support. Despite having a firm feel, it still provides enough cushioning to be comfortable rather than rigid,” she added.
The bottom line is: “after several years, I still look forward to getting into bed every night, which is why it’s taken the top spot”.
Read the full Simba hybrid luxe mattress review
Buy now £1799, Simbasleep.com
Dusk memory foam 2000 pocket sprung hybrid mattress
If you don’t want to fork out £1,799 for a mattress, the Dusk hybrid was found to be the best budget-friendly option.
“Dusk’s hybrid mattress pleasantly surprised me,” noted our reviewer Lucy Smith. “After two years of testing, it remains consistently comfortable and has retained shape with no sagging (I measured, and it is still 25cm deep, which is the same as when it arrived). It’s truly the best budget mattress I’ve tried.”
It should work for all sleepers in all positions. “And it’s the perfect pick for anyone looking for an affordable mattress, whether that’s for a new home or a guest bedroom.”
Read the full Dusk memory foam 2000 pocket sprung hybrid mattress review
Buy now £319, Dusk.com
Mattress topper recommendations
Simba hybrid
If you don’t need to invest in a brand-new mattress, the best mattress topper in our test is Simba’s hybrid topper.
Reviewed by sleep expert Sarah Jones, it “offers support and cushioning as it’s made of both memory foam and pocketed micro spring layers”. The medium-firm tension “offers brilliant pressure relief, spinal support and just enough sink to cushion your pressure points”.
It has a “firm yet springy feel”, so it’s one we’d recommend if you don’t like the distinctive deep sinking-in effect.
Read the full Simba hybrid mattress topper review
Buy now £349, Simbasleep.com
Snuggledown luxurious extra deep
If you’re looking for an affordable mattress topper, the Snuggledown luxurious extra deep is our favourite budget option. At less than £50, you’re getting an “extra-deep offering”, with a “substantial depth of 10cm,” reviewer Sarah Jones writes.
“It offers pressure-relieving comfort for joints while also delivering an extra layer of softness to snuggle into at night – it has a “sink-in” comfort that’s especially great for side sleepers.”
However if you run hot, this might not be the best pick for you: “This is great in the winter, but its thickness and polyester filling mean that it can make you a little warm at night,” says Sarah.
Read the full Snuggledown luxurious extra deep review.
Buy now £39.45, Amazon.co.uk
Meet the expert
- Hannah Shore: Head of sleep science at Mattress Online
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