The Complete Guide To Mattress Toppers

There are few things more indulgent than sinking into a bed that feels as though it was made just for you. A luxury mattress topper is the secret to elevating your sleep experience, adding an exquisite layer of comfort and support that can completely transform the way you rest. Whether you’re seeking sumptuous softness, tailored firmness, or simply an extra touch of refinement, the right topper enhances not only the feel of your mattress but also its longevity. In this complete guide, we explore everything you need to know about mattress toppers, from the types available to choosing the perfect one to suit your sleep style.

A luxury Vispring mattress topper laid out and secured to a white mattress on top of a mustard brown headboard and divan set

What is a Mattress Topper?

A mattress topper is a removable bedding accessory that sits on top of your existing mattress, adding an extra layer of comfort, support or both. A topper is a way to upgrade your sleep experience without replacing your entire mattress.

Why use a Mattress Topper?

Enhanced Comfort

The primary appeal of a mattress topper lies in its ability to transform your existing sleep surface. Whether your mattress feels too firm or you simply crave that luxurious hotel-like sleep experience, a quality topper can bridge that comfort gap.

The additional layer creates a sumptuous sleeping surface that cradles your body while maintaining essential support. This enhancement is particularly important when your mattress is structurally sound but no longer provides the comfort level you desire.

Minimise Pressure Points

One of the most significant advantages of using a mattress topper is its ability to minimise pressure points. Quality toppers create an even sleeping surface by cushioning your body and distributing weight more effectively across a larger area. This improved weight distribution reduces concentrated pressure on critical areas like your hips and shoulders, which can often restrict blood flow during sleep. The result is improved circulation, better oxygen delivery to your tissues and a more restful night's sleep with less tossing and turning.

Temperature Regulation

Many premium toppers are specifically designed to manage heat and moisture, addressing one of the most common sleep complaints. Natural materials like wool, cotton, cashmere, horse tail offer exceptional breathability, allowing air to circulate freely while wicking away moisture. This temperature regulation is crucial for maintaining the optimal sleep environment, preventing overheating that can disrupt your sleep cycles and leave you feeling unrested.

Extending Your Mattress

Beyond comfort, a mattress topper serves as a protective barrier that can significantly extend your mattress's lifespan. By absorbing the daily wear and tear that would otherwise affect your mattress directly, toppers help preserve your original investment while providing an easily replaceable comfort layer when needed.

What to consider when buying a Mattress Topper

“When buying a mattress topper, you want to look for one that offers comfort and support, allowing your spine to stay in a neutral alignment, while also maintaining a comfortable temperature during the night,” explains Dr. Browning, And So To Bed’s Sleep Expert. “Mattress toppers made of memory foam and latex may provide good distribution of body pressure points, which can reduce discomfort at points where the body presses into the mattress (such as at the hips or shoulders), but some of the older materials (e.g. traditional memory foam) can retain heat and lead to overheating. Feather or down toppers on the other hand, may compress quickly and not provide the level of support needed, however they often can allow good air flow helping to keep you cool during the night. Wool toppers are also excellent for regulating temperature, keeping someone warm in winter and cooler in the summer.”

Dr Lindsay continues, “washable and removable covers are very helpful for reducing allergens such as pollen, pet hair, dander and dust mites.”

“Heavier sleepers tend to require more mattress support (a firmer mattress), whereas lighter sleepers may need a softer mattress. A mattress topper cannot completely correct an unsuitable mattress, but it can help to soften a mattress that is too hard or add some firmness to a mattress that feels too soft.”

Quality Construction

Luxury toppers demonstrate several key characteristics that distinguish them from basic alternatives. High-quality natural materials should feel substantial and resilient, with consistent texture throughout. Proper construction involves multiple layers that work together harmoniously, rather than single-layer designs that may compromise performance over time. Secure attachment systems that don't restrict mattress care indicate thoughtful design, while comprehensive warranty coverage reflects manufacturer confidence in product durability.

Investment Value

A luxury mattress topper can be a significant investment in sleep quality. Vispring offers a comprehensive 5-year guarantee that reflects the superior handcrafted construction and materials for all its toppers. This warranty, combined with proper care and maintenance, ensures that your topper investment provides years of enhanced sleep comfort while potentially extending your mattress's life.

Topper vs. New Mattress

The decision between a mattress topper and investing in a mattress replacement depends on your current mattress's structural integrity and your comfort goals. Choose a topper when your mattress remains structurally sound but requires comfort adjustment, whether softening a firm surface or adding luxury to an adequate mattress. Consider complete mattress replacement when your current sleep surface shows signs of sagging, has lost structural support or no longer provides adequate foundation for quality sleep.

Topper Fillings & Benefits

Natural Materials

Toppers made from natural materials offer distinct advantages. Standing out as exceptional temperature regulators, naturally adapting to your body's needs throughout the night. Unlike synthetic materials that often trap heat and moisture, natural fibres actively respond to your body's temperature changes, creating a dynamic climate control system that keeps you comfortable year-round.

Wool, cotton, cashmere, horsehair, feather and down mattress topper fillings close up

Wool serves as nature's perfect temperature regulator, with its unique structure trapping warm air when you're cool while releasing excess heat when your temperature rises.

Its natural hypoallergenic properties provide additional benefits, making it resistant to dust mites, bacteria and mould.

Cotton brings exceptional breathability and moisture-wicking capabilities, with its hollow fibre structure creating natural channels for airflow.

Cotton offers gentle softness that's particularly beneficial for sensitive skin, while its excellent washability supports optimal sleep hygiene.

Cashmere elevates the luxury comfort while providing functional benefits.

Cashmere's incredibly soft fibres offer superior temperature adaptation.

Horse Tail offers exceptional resilience and natural springiness that maintains its shape night after night.

Each strand acts like a tiny spring, providing responsive support while its hollow structure promotes excellent airflow and prevents heat buildup.

Feather and Down create that coveted cloud-like sleeping experience, with down providing extraordinary loft while remaining remarkably lightweight.

Key Benefits: Breathable, moisture-wicking, regulates body temperature year-round, hypoallergenic, resistant to dust mites.

Key Benefits: Highly breathable, moisture-absorbing, naturally soft and hypoallergenic.

Key Benefits: Naturally breathable and insulating, lightweight, and moisture-wicking.

Key Benefits: Naturally springy and breathable, excellent air circulation, moisture-resistant, highly durable.

Key Benefits: Exceptionally soft, naturally breathable and moisture-wicking, offers light support and luxury comfort.

Ideal For: Those who experience temperature fluctuations at night or seek year-round comfort and balanced support.

Ideal For: Warm sleepers

Ideal For: Those seeking ultimate softness with year-round temperature balance.

Ideal For: Those who want responsive support and a topper that maintains its loft and freshness for years.

Ideal For: Sleepers who love a soft, cocooning feel and prefer a topper with an airy, hotel-style finish.

A luxury mattress topper will feature layers of natural materials. Wool as the primary temperature-regulating layer, cotton for moisture management, horse tail for structural support and cashmere or down for surface luxury. This layering means you're not choosing between benefits. You're getting the combined advantages of multiple natural materials working together.

Natural materials also offer superior longevity compared to synthetic alternatives. Their inherent resilience and ability to recover from compression means they maintain their characteristics far longer than foam or synthetic fill materials. This durability, combined with their natural resistance to allergens makes them a long-term investment in restorative sleep.

Foam Options

Memory Foam toppers conform to your body's contours, providing targeted support where you need it most while relieving pressure from sensitive areas. The material's ability to distribute weight evenly makes it particularly beneficial for those suffering from joint pain or circulation issues. Memory foam also excels at motion isolation, making it an excellent choice for couples where one partner's movement might disturb the other's sleep.

Latex toppers offer a more responsive alternative to memory foam, providing what many describe as a "lively" feel that bounces back quickly when pressure is removed.

Choosing The Perfect Topper

Dr. Lindsay emphasises the importance of matching your topper to your specific needs, "As with mattresses themselves, you would want to buy a topper that matches the level of support you require. If you have a mattress that is too firm, you might want to go for a softer mattress topper to even out the overall comfort level. Heavier people may benefit from a high-density foam or latex topper as it may provide greater support, whereas lighter people may find softer materials such as feathers or down more comfortable.”

Topper Thickness

The thickness of your topper significantly influences its impact on your sleep experience. Toppers in the 5-7cm range provide subtle enhancement, perfect for fine-tuning an already comfortable mattress or adding a touch of luxury without dramatically altering the feel. Medium thickness toppers of 8-10cm create more noticeable comfort changes, ideal for addressing specific pressure points or moderating a mattress that's slightly too firm or soft. Thick toppers of 10cm or more can significantly transform your sleep surface, essentially creating an entirely new comfort experience.

Size and Fit Considerations

Sizing is crucial for both comfort and longevity. Your topper should match your mattress size dimensions exactly to prevent shifting, bunching or gaps that could compromise your sleep quality. Remember that adding a topper will increase your bed's overall height, so you'll need to account for this when selecting fitted sheets and may need to adjust your bed frame or consider headboard clearance.

Caring For Your Mattress Topper

Natural Settling

It's essential to understand that all toppers, particularly those filled with natural materials, will naturally settle and compress in the areas where you sleep. This settling process is not a defect but rather a natural characteristic that enhances your sleep experience by creating a personalised sleeping area moulded to your body's contours. A dip of around 2.5cm is completely normal and expected, representing the topper's adaptation to your specific sleep patterns and body shape.

Topper Maintenance

Regular maintenance is crucial for preserving your topper's performance and extending its lifespan. The simple practice of turning your topper each time you change your bed linens helps ensure even settling and prevents excessive compression in specific areas. This rotation, combined with occasional gentle shaking and light beating with your hand, helps redistribute the natural fillings and maintain optimal loft.

How To Clean Your Topper

Keeping your topper fresh prolongs its life and ensures consistently comfortable sleep. Natural fillings benefit from gentle but regular care.

Step 1 - Regular Vacuuming
Every three months, lightly vacuum the topper using your upholstery attachment. Focus on seams and tufted areas where dust and debris can settle. Always begin on the lowest suction setting to protect delicate fibres, increasing only if necessary. Avoid using rotary brushes, which may damage natural fabrics.

Step 2 – Cleaning Spills and Stains
Act quickly to prevent staining.

Blot (never rub) any spill immediately with a clean, colourfast cloth or kitchen towel to absorb as much liquid as possible.
For biological stains (such as sweat or body oils), apply a small amount of enzyme cleaner to a clean cloth and gently blot the area.
For food or drink stains, a paste of baking soda and cold water can help lift marks without saturating the fibres.
Always use minimal moisture, never soak the topper, and allow it to air dry completely before remaking the bed.

Step 3 - Refresh and Air
Periodically, remove all bedding and air your topper in a well-ventilated room. This helps to release trapped moisture and refresh natural fibres.

Step 4 - Rotation and Fluffing
Turn and rotate your topper every time you change your bed linens to encourage even wear. A gentle shake or patting with your hands helps redistribute fillings and maintain loft.

Step 5 - Protection
Use a breathable mattress protector to safeguard against spills, dust, and allergens without compromising airflow. Having a spare allows for regular washing and quick replacement.

By following these steps, you’ll preserve the integrity of your topper and enjoy the same luxurious comfort night after night.

Attaching A Topper To A Mattress

Vispring's Button Handle System

The signature Vispring attachment method features handmade fabric bands that loop around your mattress handles, providing secure positioning without restricting your ability to turn or rotate your mattress. This thoughtful design ensures your topper remains properly positioned while maintaining the flexibility essential for proper mattress care.

Alternative Attachment Methods

Elasticated corner straps, like those found on mattress protectors, work particularly well with lighter toppers, providing secure attachment without complex installation. For heavier toppers constructed with substantial natural materials, the weight itself often provides sufficient stability, eliminating the need for additional attachment systems once sheets and protectors are in place.

Getting Used To A Topper

“Sometimes, it can take a few weeks to get used to a new mattress or topper as it may slightly change the way that you sleep,” explains Dr. Lindsay. “For example, one study (Jacobson, Boolani & Smith, 2009) found that It can take up to 4 weeks to fully adjust to a new bedding surface, with some improvement noted within the first week.”

How Often Should You Replace A Topper

Dr Lindsay guides that ‘A topper cannot make up for a mattress that is worn out. It cannot disguise a mattress that is sagging or lumpy, in which case you may need to purchase a replacement. A mattress topper should be replaced once it loses shape or no longer provides support or comfort.”

Mattress Toppers Highlights

Mattress Topper Bestsellers

Some of our favourites:

Vispring Heaven Mattress Topper

The Vispring Heaven Mattress Topper is where British craftsmanship and comfort meet. At 5cm thick, this beautifully constructed topper features three layers of pure British fleece wool, with softer outer layers encasing a supportive, soft-needled wool core. The result is a naturally breathable, gently cushioned surface that enhances comfort while maintaining subtle support, ideal for those who find their mattress a touch too firm.

Why it’s a bestseller: The Heaven Topper is cherished for its pure natural fillings and handmade British quality.

Best for: Sleepers seeking natural materials, temperature regulation and lasting quality.

Vispring Pillow Top Mattress Topper

The Vispring Pillow Top Mattress Topper represents innovation within tradition. Crafted with layers of cotton, wool, cashmere, and silk, it delivers the ideal combination of softness, breathability, and gentle support. Each fibre contributes distinct benefits: cotton enhances freshness, wool regulates temperature, cashmere adds sumptuous softness, and silk lends a cool, smooth feel.

Its removable and turnable design ensures even wear, making it both luxurious and practical.

Why it’s a bestseller: It’s Vispring’s most versatile topper - easy to care for, naturally breathable, and crafted with the world’s finest natural materials.

Best for: Those who appreciate convenience without compromise, and who want year-round luxury with a truly bespoke finish.

Vispring Opulence Mattress Topper

The 8cm deep Opulence Mattress Topper is filled with layers of British wool, silk, and a wool-cotton blend, bringing a balanced combination of comfort, breathability, and gentle support. The silk layers add smoothness and a cooling touch, while the wool–cotton blend enhances durability and temperature regulation.

Why it’s a bestseller: A perfect harmony of softness, breathability and natural materials.

Best for: Those seeking a mid-depth, luxuriously soft topper that refreshes their mattress and enhances comfort without overwhelming firmness.