Our guide to the mattress toppers to match your sleeping needs
Whether your needs have changed, or you're trying to find the perfect mattress to match up with what you and your partner find comfortable, selecting the right mattress can be fraught. Mattress toppers are a small addition that can change the way you feel about your mattress, either softening or firming up the surface to improve your levels of comfort.
Toppers usually range from two to 10 centimetres high and sit atop the mattress. They can sit on top, or work similarly to a fitted sheet, making them more difficult to shift if you're a restless sleeper. Unlike a mattress protector, they act as an extension of your mattress to change or enhance its overall feel.
Why do you need a mattress topper?
Not much is worth forfeiting a decent night's sleep, so if you're finding discomfort is keeping you awake, you might be in need of a mattress topper.
Mattress toppers can be soft or firm depending on their materials and construction and can vary in thickness and size. They can also help with heat distribution if you run hot at night, or struggle to sleep in the warmer months.
We've picked the best ones according to need, and therefore material – so keep scrolling for the best one for you.
The best affordable woollen topper
Woolstar Double Easywash Wool Mattress Topper
What makes it the best: While wool mattress toppers can be expensive, this one comes in under $100.
Woollen toppers are used less for comfort and more for warmth. While they're not as supportive as some other mattress topper materials, they work to absorb moisture in the warmer months and also insulate in winter, ensuring greater warmth and comfort. These are recommended for temperature-sensitive sleepers who need a pinch more comfort, too.
While they can be quite expensive, this one from Woolstar is now 14 per cent off, bringing the price down to $98.65. It's also allergen-free and has a fully fitted skirt to secure it in place.
The best luxe woollen topper
Luxton Premium Wool Mattress Topper
What makes it the best: Both a wool and cotton side, so you can flip it over to best suit your temperature needs.
More expensive than the Woolstar option, this one from Luxton is made from 100 per cent wool pile fleece. You can buy this topper in all sizes, from single to king. Prices range from $299 to $429.
The best topper for heat regulation
Emma Diamond Topper
What makes it the best: Specifically designed to absorb body heat and dissipate it, this is a topper that can keep you cool.
The Emma Diamond Topper from Emma Sleep is made of their 'Diamond Degree' foam, which absorbs heat and dissipates it from the mattress. This gives you a more restful sleep and makes drifting into deeper sleep a lot quicker and easier. Its layers also absorb moisture, which prevents your mattress from sagging and ageing quickly. With all sizes available, you can buy this one from $399.
The most affordable memory foam topper
Zinus 4cm Copper-Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper
What makes it the best: This mattress topper is highly affordable, with the double size costing $69.
Memory foam can be polarising – some love it, some find it odd and uncomfortable. This affordable memory foam topper gives you the chance to try it without too much investment. Memory foam toppers are recommended for couples with one restless sleeper, as they can help alleviate movement that leads to constant waking. Sinking into memory foam can also feel deeply comforting.
The best-rated memory foam topper
Swirl High-Density Memory Foam Mattress Topper
What makes it the best: The waterproof outer cover protects the mattress from spills, and charcoal infusion helps with natural odour control.
If you're confident that memory foam is for you, this three-inch topper is slightly more expensive but comes highly rated. Made of high-density foam, it's suitable for a range of different heights and weights.
Best reversible topper
Emma Flip Topper
What makes it the best: With a firmer and softer side, you can choose which side suits you.
Offering 5cm of extra comfort and support, the Emma Flip Topper has a soft and firm side to give you the choice. With a layer of Airgocell foam to drive excess heat away from the body, you'll also find drifting off becomes a quicker process with this topper beneath you. Grab it in all sizes with prices starting at $269.
The best latex topper
Mona Bedding Pure Natural Latex Mattress Topper
What makes it the best: Innovative design gives it seven zones of firm and soft support to help relieve pressure points in the body.
Latex toppers are perfect for those who need something firm but dislike memory foam. While it adapts to the pressure of your body, it doesn't sink in the same way, keeping you from that 'stuck' feeling as you sleep. This option from Mona Bedding is five centimetres in height, giving you just enough extra support, and comes in all sizes from single through to king.
The best affordable feather topper
Royal Comfort Memory Foam Mattress Topper
What makes it the best: While down toppers are usually expensive, this one comes in under $100
If your mattress is too hard, you might need a feather topper to take it to that Goldilocks level of comfort. Feather toppers can insulate in cold weather, but don't hold heat in the warmer months, making them ideal for those who run hot. They're also a lightweight material, so the topper won't feel particularly heavy and noticeable beneath you. Our pick is made of 95 per cent white duck feathers and five per cent white duck down, making up 1000GSM (grams per square metre) of total filling. It's encased in 100 per cent cotton, keeping that lightweight feeling.
The best durable topper
7cm Polyester Bed Mattress Topper
What makes it the best: While polyester often isn't as long-lasting as other topper materials, the thickness of this mattress topper makes it extra durable.
Out of all the topper materials, polyester tends to be one of the more durable. They're affordable, usually machine-washable, and quick-drying. This polyester option from Amazon is designed similarly to memory foam but doesn't use the same high-density materials that allow for proper sinkage. Instead, its seven centimetres of extra height allows for extra sturdiness. Prices begin at $114.99.
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