A mattress topper is an additional layer (they average about 5cm or 6cm) of bedding placed on your mattress to provide extra comfort, support, to add warmth or coolness, prolong the lifespan, or rejuvenate an old tired mattress.
A thick mattress topper is usually between about 6cm and 10cm and may provide that extra comfort you are looking for, especially if you are currently sleeping on a firm mattress with many springs. It may be especially beneficial for those whose current mattress is too firm and not providing sufficient pressure point relief or correct spinal alignment. Or if the mattress is not well-suited to your sleeping position.
When purchasing a thick topper, there are different things to consider, such as price, materials, quality, and of course, the thickness best suited to your needs.
(Important Facts, Studies, Advice, Considerations & FAQs In Conclusion)
| MATTRESS TOPPER | TYPE | THICKNESS | TRIAL & WARRANTY | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Living Microfibre Mattress Topper | Hollow Fibre | 10cm | NA Nights NA Years | £29.85 |
| Lancashire Bedding Slight Second Mattress Topper | Hollow Fibre | 10cm | NA Nights NA Years | £50.99 |
| Simba Hybrid Topper | Hybrid | 7cm | NA Nights 1 Year | £219 |
| Memory Foam Warehouse Essentials Topper | Memory Foam Mattress | 10cm | NA Nights 1 Year | £99.99 |
| Dormeo Octasmart Plus Mattress Topper | Memory Foam Mattress | 7cm | 60 Nights 8 Years | £359.99 |
| Silentnight Airmax 600 Mattress Topper | Hollow Fibre | 8cm | NA Nights 2 Years | £42 |
1. High Living Microfibre 10cm Thick Mattress Topper
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • 100% virgin hollow fibre • Baffle box-stitched • Machine-washable | • Individuals on a budget • Those who prefer a super-soft feel • People with allergies |
The High Living Microfibre mattress topper is made of 100% polyester virgin hollow fibre, which provides a plush and comfortable surface on top of your current mattress. It is designed to act as a thick layer to help revitalise your existing mattress and provide extra super-soft cushioning for the shoulders and hips.
This topper is 10cm thick and is baffle box-stitched, ensuring that an equal amount of filling remains within every square inch of the topper. Moreover, the elastic corner straps allow you to secure the topper to your current mattress to prevent any moving around.
In addition, the mattress topper is Oeko-Tex certified, which means the product has been tested to reduce harmful chemicals and ensure safety regulations. The topper is also hypoallergenic and machine-washable. The High Living Microfibre topper is budget-friendly and highly rated by customers, many commenting on how comfortable it is and some mention back pain relief.
2. Lancashire Bedding Hollowfibre 10cm Thick Mattress Topper
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • Covered in 100% cotton • 100% hollow fibre polyester • Elastic corner straps | • People seeking a mid-range buy • Those with allergies • Individuals who prefer to buy British |
The Lancashire Bedding Slight Seconds mattress topper is 10cm thick and a great potential option for those looking for a way to extend the life of their current mattress and add a layer of luxurious comfort and warmth.
This topper is filled with 100% hollow fibre polyester and covered in 100% cotton percale 200 thread count. Baffle-walled cassette construction ensures the filling remains even throughout. The addition of 4 corner straps makes sure the topper stays in place. The polyester is hypoallergenic, making it a good option for those with allergies.
Lancashire Bedding is made in the UK, and this topper falls into the middle of the range price-wise. Reviews are largely very complimentary, and customers generally seem very happy with their purchases.
3. Simba 7cm Thick Mattress Topper
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • Eco-friendly • Easy to roll and move • 1-year warranty | • Those with a more flexible budget • People who prefer a hybrid topper • Individuals seeking breathability |
The Simba Hybrid mattress topper is made of both springs and foam and could be a good choice for those who want a combination of materials facilitating optimal comfort, coolness, and support. This topper is 7cm thick and fitted with straps to prevent it from moving around.
This topper has a soft, breathable sleep surface followed by the open-cell Simbatex air-flow layer and 3D mesh fabric, facilitating a cool, comfortable sleep. This layer is followed by the 2,500 Aerocoil™ spring comfort layer. Conical-shaped springs are enclosed in a 100% polyester pocket, ensuring that you are supported from all angles and aids in motion isolation. Under this layer is the Simba-pure support providing further support.
This hybrid topper is made in the UK from 100% recyclable material and is highly rated by customers. Manufacturers also note that it is quick to roll and easy to move. Simba offers a 1-year warranty and is a good potential choice if you have a more flexible budget.
4. Essentials 10cm Thick Memory Foam Mattress Topper
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • Medium density memory foam • Made in the UK • 1-year warranty | • Individuals needing pressure relief • Those seeking a mid-range buy • People who do not sleep hot |
The Essentials Memory Foam Mattress Topper is 10cm thick and is a good potential solution for an old or tired mattress. This 40kg topper is made from medium density memory foam which moulds to the contours of your body and provides pressure relief for a deep and restful sleep.
There is no cover on this topper and it is available in 5 different sizes. It is made in Yorkshire and delivered rolled so you can easily move it into your bedroom. Orders are normally shipped on the same day as purchase (orders before 1pm) and delivered within 1-3 working days. Manufacturers offer a 1-year guarantee on this product, and price-wise this topper falls in the middle of the range.
5. Octasmart Plus 7cm Deep Mattress Topper
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • Open cell memory foam • Octasprings® zonal support • 8-year warranty | • Those with a higher budget • Hot sleepers • Eco-conscious individuals |
Dormeo refers to their Octasmart Plus mattress topper as the “smartest” topper they’ve ever created. This 7cm thick mattress topper offers 3 different zones providing customised support, allowing your spine to be correctly aligned, and could be a good potential option for those seeking extra cushioning and support.
The top layer consists of a high-quality open cell memory foam providing body contouring and comfort. Hundreds of 4cm Octasprings® make up the middle section of this topper which work together and adapt to support and cushion your body, providing the zonal support which alleviates pressure from the back, hips and shoulders. The bottom layer consists of Ecocell® foam, with a 3-dimensional permanent cell structure, which offers a supportive base.
In addition, this topper uses Dormeo’s patented Octavent™ Air system, which allows cool air to circulate in the topper and hot air to escape making the topper more breathable. Hundreds of comfort pockets are built into the cover, which manufacturers claim "makes you feel like you're sleeping on a cloud". It is also hypoallergenic, removable, washable, recyclable, and free from harmful chemicals and emissions (OEKO-TEX Certified).
This mattress topper can be used on your guest best, sofa bed, futon or even directly on the floor if you wish. Manufacturers offer free delivery, a free pillow (check availability), a 60-night trial, and an 8-year warranty. This topper is on the upper side of the price scale; however, customers overall seem very happy with their purchase.
6. Silentnight Airmax 600 6cm Deep Mattress Topper
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • Machine-washable • Elastic corner straps • 2-year guarantee | • Hot sleepers • Those with allergies • Individuals who prefer to buy British |
The Silentnight Airmax 600 mattress topper is a 8cm deep filled hypoallergenic topper that can be added on top of your existing mattress for a cooler nights sleep. It has a dual-layer construction and air mesh walls to increase the breathability of your sleep surface, making it a good potential choice for hot sleepers looking for that extra plush surface.
Easy to fit elastic straps on each corner keep this topper in place on your bed and prevent any movement. The Silentnight Airmax 600 topper is made in the UK, available in various sizes, and is machine-washable. The manufacturers include a 2-year guarantee, and it's on the lower end of the price scale, so it's a good option for those on a tight budget.
Thick Mattress Toppers: Considerations
There are a variety of thick mattress toppers on the market, and one could get overwhelmed with the overload of information and appealing advertising. It is, however, always advisable to choose bedding that is best suited to individual needs and preferences. As a basic rule, the thicker the topper, the more potential softness and cushioning it can provide. However, it is important to note that the thickest plushest topper may not be best suited to your needs. The following points are worth considering when choosing the best thick mattress topper for you.
- Firmness: Generally, the thicker the topper, the softer the feel.
- Sleeping position: A thicker, soft mattress topper may be a good option for side or back sleepers. The added cushioning provides pressure point relief for the shoulders and hips and optimal spinal alignment. Stomach sleepers should instead consider a thinner, firm mattress topper as the hips tend to sink too much into a soft surface, causing incorrect spinal alignment.
- Couples: If you sleep next to a partner with different sleep surface requirements or preferences, it may be a good idea to invest in a single topper specific to either yours or their needs.
- Materials: Certain features such as temperature regulation and hypoallergenic characteristics are dependent on the materials used. If you are a hot sleeper, have allergies or sensitive skin, you should choose accordingly.
- Eco-friendly: The materials and chemicals used as well as construction methods will determine how planet-friendly the topper is. Additionally, check for certification labels like CertiPur® on foam toppers if you are concerned about the use of harmful chemicals in the materials or manufacturing process.
Good to know!
Responsible Down Standard (RDS) is a certification that products that contain feathers and down come from certified farms compliant with the principles and criteria of animal welfare.
- Trial period: This could be important as it gives you peace of mind when buying the topper that it can be returned/swopped if you are not happy with it.
- Care: Many thick mattress toppers aren’t washable. Some have removable covers. If this matters to you, make sure you purchase a machine-washable topper/topper with a removable, washable cover.
- Your weight: As the thicker toppers tend to be the softest, be sure to keep your weight in mind. Heavy people often sink further down, which may eventually cause the topper to sag or cause discomfort to the sleeper.
- Durability: The type and quality of materials used and construction method will often determine how long your mattress topper will last.
- Price: As with most bedding, the price is often a reflection of the quality of materials used. As a rough guide, the more expensive toppers may have a longer lifespan than the cheaper mattress toppers.
Thick Mattress Topper Materials
Adding a topper to your existing mattress may significantly change the feel, so it’s good to know what to expect. Different materials offer different benefits, and it is useful to know the advantages and disadvantages of each so that you are able to make the most well-informed decision.
Memory Foam
Memory foam is body-contouring, low rebound, flexible, cushioning and comfortable. It can provide a good balance of pressure relief and support, as well as promote motion isolation. However, it’s worth noting that memory foam mattress toppers may not be ideal for hot sleepers as they tend to retain heat (some have special features for cooling such as gel and graphite infusions), and for some, changing position can be a bit difficult.
Latex
Natural latex mattress toppers could be a good option for those keen to use more natural products as the material is derived from the sap from rubber trees. Latex is high rebound, comfortable, self-ventilating, durable, pressure-relieving, and breathable; however, it tends to be on the pricier side and too firm for some.
Wool
Wool is known for having a very soft and cushioning feel, as well as being durable, thermoregulatory, hypoallergenic, antibacterial, supportive and pressure relieving. In addition, wool mattress toppers are often renewable and biodegradable, and are therefore ideal for those who are more environmentally conscious.
Hollow Fibre
This material is commonly used in thick mattress toppers and is made using fine, hollow strands of polyester. These hollow fibres trap air inside them, and this material is therefore known to be lofty, lightweight, soft and breathable. Additionally, hollow fibre tends to be cheaper than other materials, such as foam or latex.
Thick Mattress Toppers For Back Pain
As mentioned, the thickness and firmness of mattress toppers go hand in hand, and much literature is dedicated to the study of which sleep surface is optimal for those with back pain. As a result, manufacturers in the bedding industry have designed specific models to cater for this, naming them specifically “orthopaedic mattresses”, “orthopaedic mattress toppers”, or “mattress toppers for back pain”.
Whether sleeping on a firmer or softer surface is better for back pain is one of the most common questions patients ask doctors, as well as one of the most-asked questions regarding back pain online. In the past, doctors recommended a firmer surface, and many mattresses and mattress toppers advertised as best-suited for those with bad backs are on the firmer side. However, some research✓ shows that the use of medium-firm mattresses for adults with and without back pain improved sleep quality, pain reduction, and spinal alignment. Literature✓ , however, remains, for the most part, inconsistent on this.
Ultimately there is no “one size fits all” solution. In general, the best thick mattress topper choice will be firm enough, offering the necessary support where needed, and soft enough so that there is cushioning and pressure relief in critical areas, but not so soft that you sink in and battle to move.
Who Should Use A Thick Mattress Topper
Some people may gain more benefits than others from using a thick mattress topper. If you fit some or all of the categories below, a thick mattress topper may be a great potential option for you. If not, choosing a brand that offers a trial period to try it out might be a good option.
- Comfort Seekers: If plush padding is your thing, a thick topper is a good choice because it can provide that extra cushioned feeling.
- Lighter individuals: Those on the lighter side may find that a thick, soft topper provides the perfect balance between comfort and support - plenty of cushioning compared to a firm surface and no uncomfortable sinkage.
- Pain sufferers: A thick topper can provide comfort and extra cushioning for those with injuries or musculoskeletal pain.
- Side and back sleepers: People who sleep in these positions tend to need more pressure point relief in their shoulders and hips. A thick topper may provide sufficient cushioning in these areas as well as keep the spine correctly aligned.
Who Should Avoid A Thick Mattress Topper
Some people are more likely to find thick mattress toppers uncomfortable, or that they cause pain. If you fit some or all of the categories below, it may be wise to consider alternatives to a thick mattress topper.
- Support seekers: Sleepers who prefer a more supportive sleep surface may not enjoy the sinking cushioning feel of a thick mattress topper - a firm mattress topper may be a better choice.
- Heavy individuals: Thick toppers may not be ideal for heavy people as they tend to experience too much sinking. The use of soft materials may also result in the topper sagging over time and a shortened lifespan.
- Infants: Thick, soft toppers should be avoided in infants and young children. Soft bedding has, in fact, been shown✓ to be a risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome✓ (SIDs) due to the possibility of covered airways.
- Stomach sleepers: Stomach sleepers tend to be better suited to thinner or a firm/medium-firm topper so that the hip area is sufficiently supported and sleepers don't end up with a sore back.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep is a thick mattress topper?
Thick mattress toppers generally range between 2 to 4 inches (5cm - 10cm).
Are thick mattress toppers bad for your back?
A thick mattress topper could be too soft for some, resulting in sinking and back pain. A thick topper for others may provide just the right amount of cushioning for pressure points avoiding back pain entirely. This will ultimately come down to individual needs and preferences.
How deep should a thick mattress topper be?
The best depth of mattress topper will be dependent on a person's individual needs and preferences. Factors such as weight, sleeping position, temperature control and budget should be taken into consideration.
