It’s important to bear in mind that a topper isn’t a fix-all solution. If a mattress is on its last legs and is starting to sag, a topper won’t do you any favours. Similarly if your mattress feels too soft, plonking a mattress topper down on it will likely only make it softer. What different fillings should I look out for? A mattress topper can be an affordable sleep solution in a number of instances. If your mattress is getting a bit old and worn, or it just feels too firm, a topper can provide a comfort layer to extend its life. It’s also a good way of protecting a new mattress from wear and tear, though we also recommend buying a mattress protector. Dormeo’s Octasmart range of toppers are unique in that they use a layer of foam “springs”, which are designed to maximise breathability. In the Octasmart Deluxe (the brand’s most expensive foam topper), this layer is sandwiched between two layers of memory foam. You don’t get Panda’s corner straps nor its machine-washable cover, but the Octasmart Essentials foam mattress topper is another great value choice. This generous depth provides ample cushioning but doesn’t ever make you feel like you’re sinking too far into the bed. What’s more, mesh walls around the sides of the topper help to improve airflow and ensure you remain cool, even if you happen to share your bed with a human radiator.

A memory foam mattress topper is (in most cases) much cheaper than buying a memory foam mattress. A topper can also help reluctant buyers decide whether memory foam is right for them before committing to a full-on memory foam mattress. Since mattress toppers are fitted as an extension on top of a mattress, rather than lying loose like a duvet or a blanket, they must match the mattress size. For reference, we’ve included the sizes below: Filling is the next most important thing to think about, and there are quite a few options out there to choose from:Although it’s made from 100% polyester, it’s actually made up of two layers – the top one being extra soft, while the core provides the firmness. So there’s no need to worry about the kind of sponginess that can leave you feeling suffocated and we found it’s particularly good if you’re prone to aches and pains. The elastic straps keep it secure on the bed and it’s nice and warm (a good job as you can’t use an electric blanket with it), although that can be a downside if you get clammy at night. By taking all of the above in consideration during testing, we’re able to confidently recommend the toppers featured in our roundup below – regardless of your sleeping style or personal preference. The best memory foam mattress toppers to buy 1. Panda Memory Foam Bamboo mattress topper: The best overall memory foam topper Regardless, if you’re looking for an affordable topper with a lengthy trial period and an eight-year guarantee, then the Dormeo Octasmart Essentials is a smart choice. A few other familiar benefits that come with the topper are a machine washable cover and a 100-night trial period that gives you plenty of time to try the topper out before you decide whether or not you want to commit to it. What’s more, thanks to Emma’s regular promotional sales, you will rarely have to pay full price for it.

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How we tested

The best mattress toppers to buy in 2023 1. Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Mattress Topper: The best-value memory foam topper It’s noticeably softer than some of the other foam toppers we tested, so don’t expect it to completely revive a worn out mattress. And if you’re after more support, we’d ultimately recommend paying that little bit extra for the Panda topper. That said, if you’re looking to pay as little as possible, it’s still one of the cheapest memory foam toppers you’ll come across.

Made from good-quality memory foam, the Tempur 7 offers superb levels of comfort and support. However, it does make your bed noticeably warmer so is perhaps not the best option for hotter summer nights, or for those prone to becoming too hot in bed. Memory foam provides comfort and support as well as pressure relief, by moulding to the contours of your body rather than pressing on them. As such, it’s a good choice of material for those who sleep on their side, suffer from painful joints, or are easily interrupted by a partner who moves around in bed a lot. However, if it’s a luxury mattress topper you’re after, the Tempur 7 certainly doesn’t disappoint. Measuring 7cm deep, it’s a hefty thing and one of the densest foam toppers we’ve tested. As such, it has that characteristic “Tempur” feel. Indeed you can feel it slowly moulding to your body as you lie on it. If you’re unsure, Tempur gives you plenty of time to make your decision, with a 100-night trial period.The topper’s cover, made from breathable and sustainable bamboo, can be removed and washed at temperatures of up to 40 degrees. The corner straps that secure the topper to your mattress are also a fantastic feature and one that we haven’t seen from many rivals. Though we’ve called this a “cooling mattress topper”, no topper will work to actively cool you down throughout the night. But as silk can help to regulate body temperature, it’s a better option than memory foam for those who get too hot during the night. We like the fact that this topper also has an added bottom chamber that’s filled with a generous layer of gently supportive microfibre – the upshot of which is that it’s much comfier than many of the thinner pure silk toppers available. The elastic straps keep it firmly in place, too. And as you are much less likely to perspire when sleeping on silk, the silk filling remains free from dust mites – great for allergy sufferers, who will also be pleased to learn that silk is naturally hypoallergenic. This aside, the Emma Flip Topper did add a good degree of comfort to a rather rigid and slightly bumpy mattress, so we have to give it credit for that. The only issue we had was that the topper we tested (a size double) didn’t quite cover the full surface area of our mattress. This doesn’t impact its comfort greatly, but it does slightly undermine the topper’s edge support. The selling point of this memory foam mattress topper from Emma is that it’s double-sided, offering a firmer side and a softer side. In truth, while this does allow for some versatility, there isn’t a great deal of difference between the two – and it’s particularly important to bear in mind that, as we said in our buying guide, putting any topper on your mattress is only going to make it feel softer.