Updated on 1st February 2022
This comparison is certified 100% impartial and follows our selection process.
Emma Reversible (160 x 200 cm)
Its reversible design suits most buyers as it is both firm and soft. Its cover is also warm but will need to be washed to remove its chemical smell when unpacked.
This Oeko-Tex certified (Standard 100) model is 6 cm thick and is made up of several layers of foam. Thanks to its reversibility, you are free to choose whether you prefer the firm side (the grey part) or the softer side (the blue part). Although we did not notice a huge difference between the two sides when we tested it, we found it comfortable in all sleeping positions. It fits your body shape without leaving any gaps. The cover is comfortable, breathable, removable and washable for easy care. Despite the lack of elastic straps, it does not slip on the mattress and is compatible with all mattress thicknesses. Our only complaint is the strong chemical smell when unpacked.
A mattress topper is a thin mattress to be placed on top of the one that is already on your bed.
Using a mattress topper helps you make your main mattress last longer.
Mattress toppers usually fit the standard dimensions of mattresses.
The ideal thickness of a mattress topper is between 4 and 8 cm.
Mattress toppers usually have a system to keep them in place on the mattress.
ViscoSoft Mémo (180 x 200 cm)
Hygienic and suitable for sensitive skin, it provides good support and is soft and comfortable. It adapts to your position and its soft and breathable texture is appreciated.
This 5 cm thick, shape memory, foam mattress topper fits your sleeping position and your body shape. So you can sink into it quite a bit. When we tested it, we found it comfortable and soft, especially for sleepers who do not move as much. However, depending on the position, it does not always stay taut and creates a small depression. Moreover, when unpacked, it is difficult for it to spread out and return to its original shape. Its bamboo viscose cover can be washed in the washing machine, is hypoallergenic, soft and breathable, yet comfortable and warm. The non-slip bottom and the 4 elastic straps guarantee a perfect fit on each mattress. Note that the seams between the cover and the straps are slightly weak on thicker mattresses.
Simba Hybrid (150 x 200 cm)
Its main advantages are its far superior comfort, its pleasant texture, its high breathability and its ease of cleaning. Its straps also ensure a perfect fit on the mattress.
£ 399.00 on Simba
Made from recycled materials and CertiPUR certified foam, this 7 cm thick mattress topper includes graphite-infused open-cell foam and 1500 patented titanium micro-springs that allow air to circulate and maintain good sleeping independence. When we tested it, we did not feel the other person move and we even found it very comfortable on all our mattresses. The material is also pleasant to the touch and it gives a cool feeling on hot nights. It also stays in place on the mattress thanks to the 4 elastic straps and the non-slip base. Despite its heavier weight (17 kg), we appreciate its overall good quality and its top cover, which is machine-washable.
Hypnia Ultimate (150 x 200 cm)
Voted Product of the Year in 2019, it is soft, cool and airy, and its healthy and hygienic composition is ideal for sensitive skin. Moreover, it is soft and comfortable for most people.
£ 239.99 on Hypnia
Although it looks slightly thinner, this mattress topper is 8 cm thick and made of high density shape memory foam. It means that it is soft and fits your body shape and sleeping position. The sleeping independence is overall respected, but when unpacked, it struggled to fully extend the first few nights. The bamboo fibre coutil is breathable and we found it very cool to the touch during our test. The cover is hypoallergenic, certified free of harmful substances, and is removable and machine-washable. The lack of straps makes it compatible with all thicknesses of mattress and although the support is thus slightly poorer, this is well compensated for by its non-slip base, meaning that it still holds in place.
Tediber L'incroyable (160 x 200 cm)
Made from natural and recycled materials, this handmade model is enveloping, airy, and ideal for sensitive skin. Its strong straps are suitable for the thickest mattresses.
£ 290.00 on Tediber
This 6 cm thick model is made entirely of naturally non-allergenic and thermo-regulating French wool for a soft and enveloping feeling. When we tested it, it proved to be soft and comfortable, and even more so on a spring mattress. Compared to other models tested, it bends less and stays fairly taut. The organic cotton and recycled polyester cover are hypoallergenic and we found it very breathable. The support straps are large and strong enough to prevent slipping on thick mattresses (up to 28 cm thick). However, these elastic bands are a bit large for thinner mattresses. Despite its bad smell when unpacked, we liked the fact that it was handmade with the date and the name of the manufacturer indicated.
Our selection
Our choice, best mid-range Best budget Best high-end Mid-range alternative High-end alternative Emma Reversible (160 x 200 cm) ViscoSoft Mémo (180 x 200 cm) Simba Hybrid (150 x 200 cm) Hypnia Ultimate (150 x 200 cm) Tediber L'incroyable (160 x 200 cm) Its reversible design suits most buyers as it is both firm and soft. Its cover is also warm but will need to be washed to remove its chemical smell when unpacked. Hygienic and suitable for sensitive skin, it provides good support and is soft and comfortable. It adapts to your position and its soft and breathable texture is appreciated. Its main advantages are its far superior comfort, its pleasant texture, its high breathability and its ease of cleaning. Its straps also ensure a perfect fit on the mattress. Voted Product of the Year in 2019, it is soft, cool and airy, and its healthy and hygienic composition is ideal for sensitive skin. Moreover, it is soft and comfortable for most people. Made from natural and recycled materials, this handmade model is enveloping, airy, and ideal for sensitive skin. Its strong straps are suitable for the thickest mattresses. See the price on Amazon See the price on Amazon £ 399.00 on Simba £ 239.99 on Hypnia £ 290.00 on Tediber
Selectos compares and tests hundreds of products to help you buy better. We sometimes receive a commission when you buy through our links, which helps fund our work. Learn moreWhy trust us ?
How did we do the testing?
To begin with, we used each model on 3 mattresses with different thicknesses and firmness levels. For better objectivity, we were 4 testers with different body shapes and sleeping habits. To test the density, firmness, comfort and support, we relied on our feelings of general well-being by trying all possible sleeping positions (back, stomach, side).
We also focused on sleeping independence by placing ourselves next to a partner to see how much we could feel each other’s movements. Then we looked at the breathability of the surface and the support on the mattress (non-slip base, presence of elastic straps, etc.).
How to choose your mattress topper?
Ideal for easy care and greater comfort, a mattress topper is a thin mattress to be placed on top of the one that is already on your bed. As the price, materials, practicality and use of these may vary from one brand to another, we have gathered together some tips to consider before you check out.
Concretely, the two main functions of mattress toppers are:
- Protecting the mattress: using a mattress topper helps you make your main mattress last longer. It is easy to clean, so it is less likely to get dirty, stained or soaked with perspiration, hair or dead skin. You can simply put it in the washing machine or remove the cover to wash it individually. This hygienic advantage explains why they are so often used in hotels.
- Adjusting firmness/comfort: adding a mattress topper on an uncomfortable mattress is an easy and economical solution. A new mattress, for example, may be too firm at first: a soft mattress topper is ideal to help you make the transition. Most models offer the right balance between optimal support and comfortable softness. They are particularly popular for extra beds.
Although some people also use them to avoid having to change a defective mattress immediately, this solution is however not recommended by specialists and must therefore be temporary, because the mattress topper may adopt the defects of the mattress underneath, such as a depression.
Having taken these few considerations into account, you will then need to look at other criteria that are essential for purchasing the ideal model:
- Dimensions: mattress toppers generally fit the usual dimensions of mattresses. Here we have chosen to include models with dimensions of 160×200 cm, corresponding to the very common Queen Size mattresses. However, the majority of models are available in various sizes.
- Thickness: the models available on the market vary in thickness from about 2 to 10 cm. Ideally, you should choose one that is between 4 and 8 cm thick. If it is thinner, the mattress topper may not provide the comfort you expect. And if it is thicker, it will probably be too soft and you may sink into it too much. Also note that the more affordable models often look like thick duvets rather than thin mattresses.
- Materials: the ideal is to opt for hypoallergenic and anti-dust mite materials, which are also certified by Oeko-tex, and which guarantees that they are free of toxic substances. The padding is more commonly made of synthetic fibres – which often have the advantage of being machine-washable – or foam, or even shape memory foam (for personalised comfort). So choose according to your preferences!
- Stability: for better adaptability and optimum comfort, mattress toppers usually have a system to keep them in place on the mattress. This often involves elastic bands to be passed under the mattress, or sometimes anti-slip surfaces, or both. Mattress toppers are also held to the mattress by the fitted sheet, which should therefore be of a size appropriate to the double thickness.
Note: If you are looking for the best bedding products, then our comparative article of the best mattresses should also interest you.
Other mattress toppers we tested
Abeil Acaristop (£54.99 when published): Although it is light and machine-washable, this flexible model is too thin and looks more like a large duvet than a mattress topper. It also moves a little on thinner mattresses.
Dodo Surconfort Thermolite Reflex (£69.44 when published): It is much thinner than advertised (6 cm). Even if it is soft and comfortable, it also looks more like a duvet. It is also a little too short on thicker mattresses.
Translated by Laura Wautier
