Best Memory Foam Topper

Best Memory Foam Mattress Toppers UK (2024)

Last updated: 02.11.2023 Reading time: 8 Min.

Sometimes a mattress just needs a little pick-me-up.

A memory foam mattress topper provides a soft cushioning layer to give you extra comfort during sleep. 🥰

But how do you decide between the hundreds of toppers available?

We’ve researched and discovered the best memory foam mattress topper UK.

Here’s what we found! 👇

two people relaxing on mattress topper

Best memory foam topper UK

Sleep Hero Favourite

Panda London Mattress Topper

The Panda Mattress Topper is a gel-infused memory foam topper with a breathable bamboo cover.
  • Gel-infused memory foam
  • 5 cm (2 inches)
  • Available in UK & EU sizes

Tell me more about the Panda Mattress Topper

The Panda mattress topper is one of our favourite budget-friendly toppers available in the UK.

It is made of a gel-infused memory foam (called Hydro-foam™), specifically designed with open-cell cooling technology and heat-sensitive capsules that react to your body temperature to keep you cooler than traditional memory foam.

The memory foam also allows for orthopaedic support and can help relieve neck, back, and hip pain.

The bamboo topper cover is soft and naturally breathable and is machine-washable up to 40℃. 

The topper features an anti-slip layer and elastic corner straps to keep it firmly in place. 

The Panda memory foam bamboo mattress topper comes with free delivery and returns, a 30-night risk-free trial period, and a 10-year guarantee. 

Reasons to buy

30-night trial period 

10-year guarantee

OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 & REACH certified

Reasons to avoid

It might be too soft for those in need of a firmer topper

It may initially have a chemical smell

Best Trial Period

Emma Flip Mattress Topper

The Emma mattress topper has a unique dual-sided design.
  • Airgocell memory foam & ZeroGravity cold foam
  • 5 cm (1.9 inches)
  • Machine-washable cover

Tell me more about the Emma Flip Topper

The Emma Flip Topper has a unique dual-sided design with two foam layers.

These are:

  • Comfort side: Airgocell foam
  • Support side: ZeroGravity foam

The comfort side is slightly softer, while the support side is a little firmer. 

This makes the Emma mattress topper a great option for sleepers who need a little more variety or are unsure whether they need more softness or firmness.

The topper also comes with a breathable, cooling cover that is fully machine-washable, which is great for hygienic reasons. 

Reasons to buy

100-night sleep trial 

10-year guarantee

Machine-washable cover

Reasons to avoid

It doesn't include straps to fix it to the mattress

Not available in a single or small double 

+ EXTRA 5% OFF EMMA SLEEP
SLEEPHEROUK5Click to copy code

BUY EMMA FLIP TOPPER

Best For Side Sleepers

Hypnia Ultimate Mattress Topper

The Hypnia Ultimate mattress topper comes with a 30-night trial period.
  • Soft memory foam
  • 8 cm (3.14")
  • Machine-washable cover

Tell me more about the Hypnia topper

The Hypnia Ultimate mattress topper provides a deep layer of comfort to your current mattress. 

Designed to relieve pressure, the memory foam technology works wonders in aligning the body and reducing tension in the lumbar region or neck.

The Hypnia topper has a soft and absorbing feel, gently hugging around the body like you're sinking into a marshmallow. 

It has a non-slip base designed to keep it secure on the mattress throughout the night.

However, the extra-deep topper sometimes slid off the bed during testing, so we would favour a design with straps for increased stability.

Its ultra-breathable cover promotes ventilation and is machine-washable, which is great for those that sweat during sleep. 

Reasons to buy

Significantly changes the feeling of the mattress

OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified

30-night sleep trial

Reasons to avoid

There are no straps to prevent it from sliding 

It is not easy to store away, so it's best for those looking for a permanent topper

+ EXTRA 5% OFF HYPNIA
HUNT5Click to copy code

25% OFF HYPNIA TOPPER

Great For Hot Sleepers

Otty Bamboo Mattress Topper With Charcoal

The Otty Mattress Topper is a memory foam topper infused with charcoal and bamboo to encourage a fresher sleep.

This hypoallergenic topper has antibacterial properties that eliminate odour whilst providing a more comfortable sleep. 

The Bamboo Mattress Topper with Charcoal is a responsive memory foam topper that adds a comfortable sleeping surface to your mattress. 

Otty Bamboo Mattress Topper With Charcoal

The antibacterial, anti-allergy topper wicks away moisture and eliminates odours during the night. 💧

The outer cover is also designed with breathable air holes to encourage natural ventilation. 

The mattress topper has a unique anti-slip base to help keep it fixed on your mattress. 🙌

The Otty mattress topper comes with a 14-day trial, so you can try the mattress topper before you commit.

It also includes a year’s guarantee for full peace of mind. 

15% OFF OTTY TOPPER£ 109.99

  Otty Bamboo Mattress Topper With Charcoal
Composition: 3 cm of bamboo memory foam layer with charcoal and a thick knit bamboo & charcoal memory foam infused cover 
Depth: 5 cm (1.9 inches)
Trial period: 14 days
Guarantee: 1 year
Available sizes: Single, double, king, super king

How we test products

Our mission is to take the guesswork out of finding the perfect sleep products.

We've dedicated hundreds of hours to testing mattresses and sleep accessories, and rely on a team of testers of differing weights, temperature preferences, and sleeping positions to evaluate each product. 

Tested products are granted the Sleep Hero tested stamp of approval, a mark of our review's reliability.

To learn more about our testing process, check out our methodology page.

If we haven't personally tested a product, please be assured that we invest significant time and energy into scouring the UK market and researching the best recommendations, and we work with a team of sleep experts who review our articles, ensuring that the insights we provide are not only relatable but also reliable.

What is a mattress topper?

A mattress topper goes on top of the mattress, adding a layer of comfort and extra support.

people relaxing on mattress topper
A mattress topper is an extra comfort layer for your mattress.

It can improve and change the feel of your current mattress that doesn't feel comfortable.

A memory foam mattress topper can even soften the feel of a new mattress that is too firm. 🧸

Are memory foam toppers any good?

Memory foam is arguably the best material for a mattress topper. 👑

Perhaps we’re biased - but memory foam has a blissful, cloud-like feeling that no other material can replicate.

But how does it work?

Memory foam responds to the heat and pressure of the body. 🌡️

The images below show you how this works:

hand pressing on memory foam

hand released from memory foam

memory foam returning to shape

Memory foam is made of unique viscoelastic cells, which adapt to your body shape under heat and pressure.

This helps to alleviate stress on crucial pressure points such as the shoulders and hips, promoting healthier sleep patterns and reducing the likelihood of waking up with aches and pains.

Once you remove the pressure, like when you get up, the foam gradually returns to its original shape.

Do I need a mattress topper?

Let’s face it - it’s not easy finding the perfect mattress. 🤔

Check this list to see if any of the following apply:

  • Your current mattress is too firm or soft
  • You want a warmer or cooler sleep
  • You need extra pressure relief on your shoulders, hips, or knees
  • You want to increase the comfort of a temporary bed (i.e. sofa bed, fold-out bed, or even the floor!)
  • You want to improve the lifespan of your mattress
  • You want to add some extra depth to a thin mattress
  • You find an exercise mat or yoga mat too firm and are looking for a soft alternative.

If you said yes to any of these, a memory foam mattress topper could be an excellent investment.

Whatever your reasoning, a memory foam mattress topper may be able to provide some better comfort to your lifestyle.

We’ll go into more detail below. 👇

Which memory foam mattress topper is best for me?

Most memory foam mattress toppers will provide pressure relief, support and enhanced comfort to your sleep. 😍

But some memory foam toppers have specific features that make them suitable for different criteria.

So, which memory foam mattress topper can solve your sleep dilemma? 🧐

Can a memory foam mattress topper make my mattress softer?

A memory foam topper can certainly soften the feel of most mattresses.

Memory foam is soft and body-hugging, like sleeping on a cloud.

A memory foam topper moulds around sensitive areas and relieves pressure.

memory foam topper softness
A memory foam topper can soften the feel of a firm mattress.

This makes them ideal for side sleepers who need to sink more into their mattress.

The Hypnia Ultimate mattress topper is one of the softest and most luxurious memory foam toppers. ✨

+ EXTRA 5% OFF HYPNIA
HUNT5Click to copy code

25% OFF HYPNIA TOPPER

This thick memory foam topper helps provide pressure relief to the hips and shoulders.

Can a memory foam mattress topper make my mattress firmer?

Memory foam comes in various densities and reacts to the body differently. 👀

Some memory foam mattress toppers use firm-feeling foam, which can provide support to a soft mattress.

woman laying on firm topper
A memory foam topper can provide additional support for your sleep.

This helps to prevent the spine from bending and keep it in a neutral alignment.

Memory foam toppers tend to be soft, so if you're looking for a firm topper, consider alternatives.

The Simba Hybrid topper comprises Simba-Pure foam and pocket springs, giving it a medium-firm feel.

BUY SIMBA TOPPER£ 219

We tested this mattress topper ourselves and found it made our mattress feel much firmer and more stable. 🧱

Our guide on the best firm mattress toppers has even more recommendations.

Can a memory foam mattress topper make me feel warmer?

Memory foam retains heat during the night.

temperature regulation scale graphic
Memory foam is one of the warmest materials.

Therefore, it’s an excellent material for those looking for a warmer sleep. 🔥

Memory foam stores heat up from the body, warming up any surrounding material.

Most memory foam mattress toppers will help to keep you warm and cosy during colder months. ☃️

Can a memory foam mattress topper make me feel cooler?

Some memory foam toppers come with cooling technology. ❄️

panda mattress topper breathability
Some memory foam toppers have unique cooling abilities.

A cool mattress topper can help to encourage better temperature regulation in your sleep.

The Panda mattress topper uses gel-infused cooling technology and a natural moisture-wicking bamboo cover.

This combination provides a breathable layer of comfort for a cooler sleep. 🌬️

10% OFF PANDA MATTRESS TOPPER

However, if you’re typically a hot sleeper, you should probably avoid memory foam altogether. 👎

Instead, consider natural toppers made with latex, cotton or wool.

Our favourite cool mattress toppers:

How thick are memory foam mattress toppers?

Memory foam mattress toppers come in a variety of thicknesses. 📏

Typically, a thicker memory foam mattress topper will be more expensive as this uses more material.

We’ve saved you the hard work and created a table so you can compare the depths of each memory foam topper. 👇

Here is a guide on some of our favourite mattress toppers and their various depths:

Topper Depth
Panda mattress topper 5 cm memory foam mattress topper
Emma Flip topper 6 cm memory foam mattress topper
Hypnia Ultimate topper 8 cm memory foam mattress topper
Otty mattress topper 5 cm memory foam mattress topper

Read our review on the best thick mattress toppers for more advice on choosing the correct depth for your needs.

Memory foam mattress topper sizes

Memory foam mattress toppers come in standard UK bed sizes.

UK mattress sizes

These include:

  • Memory foam mattress topper single - 90 x 190 cm (3’ x 6’3")
  • Small double memory foam mattress topper - 120 x 190 cm (4’ x 6’3")
  • Memory foam mattress topper double - 135 x 190 cm (4’6" x 6’3")
  • King size memory foam mattress topper - 150 x 200 cm (5’ x 6’6”)
  • Memory foam mattress topper super king size - 180 x 200 cm (6’ x 6’6”)

For a double bed, a double mattress topper should fit right up to the edge of the mattress. 👌

You should check the size of your mattress before making a purchase.

How much do memory foam mattress toppers cost?

Prices for memory foam mattress toppers vary from budget to high-end. 💰

man sitting on pile of coins graphic
Memory foam mattress toppers can be cheap or expensive.

Cheap memory foam mattress toppers are typically thinner and less effective in providing enhanced comfort to your sleep.

We recommend spending that little extra on a high-quality product that is great value for money.

The Panda mattress topper is fantastic quality yet affordable. 🙌

How do I attach a memory foam mattress topper?

A mattress topper sits on top of your mattress - but how does it stay there?

This may be a concern if you’re a particularly fidgety sleeper. 🤸‍♂️

Luckily, most mattress toppers come with straps on each corner or an anti-slip base on each corner.

Simba Hybrid mattress topper strap

Simba Hybrid topper strap on mattress

This helps the mattress stay in place to avoid disrupting your sleep.

Your mattress protector and fitted sheets will also help keep the topper fixed in place.

We recommend a mattress protector made from natural fibres for memory foam toppers, which will encourage temperature regulation.

Our favourite mattress protectors:

How to clean a memory foam mattress topper

Unfortunately, memory foam material is not safe for the washing machine. 👎

washing machine and laundry graphic
Washing a memory foam mattress topper can damage the material.

If you spill something on or stain your mattress topper, you should spot-clean it with a safe solution. 🧼

Check out our article on the best mattress cleaners to see which products are safe to use.

Check the care instructions from the manufacturer before applying any liquid to your mattress topper.

You should use a mattress protector to protect your mattress topper and mattress against accidents. ☔

The Nectar mattress protector is one of our favourite waterproof options:

BUY NECTAR PROTECTOR£ 40

Can you wash a memory foam mattress topper cover?

Even though you can’t wash the topper, some memory foam mattress topper covers are removable and machine-washable. 🧺

person putting mattress topper cover in washing machine
Some toppers come with washable outer covers.

A washable cover helps to protect the topper from stains, bacteria build-up and dust mites.

We recommend a mattress topper with a washable cover, particularly if you suffer from allergies. 🤧

These bestsellers all come with washable covers:

How long does a memory foam mattress topper last?

The lifespan of your memory foam mattress topper can vary depending on the quality of the foam.

Some memory foam is high-quality and designed to last, while cheap foams can sag and become indented quickly. ⏳

However, you should rotate your mattress topper regularly to encourage the material to keep its shape.

Memory foam mattress toppers come with warranties anywhere between 1 - 10 years.

mattress topper guarantee
Most mattress toppers include a guarantee.

A mattress topper guarantee protects you from material defects such as dipping.

Many memory foam mattress toppers also include a sleep trial for some extra peace of mind when making a purchase.

This means you can test out the topper and return it for a full refund if you don’t get on with it. 💰

Should I buy a memory foam mattress topper?

A memory foam mattress topper is a great buy for anybody looking to breathe new life into their mattress. 🌬️

If your mattress is uncomfortable, a topper can add a layer of sumptuous comfort to your sleep.

However, a mattress topper can’t perform miracles. 🤔

If your mattress is completely worn, you might consider replacing it instead.

Our best mattress article has all the top UK recommendations.

The best memory foam mattress toppers UK:

Frequently asked questions

  • Can you put an electric blanket under a memory foam mattress topper?


    Using an electric blanket with most memory foam mattress toppers is safe. 

    Typically, an electric blanket will go over the top of your mattress or mattress topper.  

    However, your topper will feel much softer as memory foam reacts to heat

    We recommend checking the care instructions for your mattress topper before using an electric blanket.

  • Are memory foam mattress toppers good for your back?


    A memory foam mattress topper may help with back pain caused by an uncomfortable mattress.

    Back pain caused by an unsuitable mattress is usually due to an unnatural bend in the spine or neck. 

    A mattress topper can provide additional support and encourage optimal spinal alignment

    The Tempur mattress topper was one of the best memory foam mattress toppers for back pain. 

    Tempur Material has been used in healthcare for years due to its ability to support the body’s natural shape and provide relief on sensitive pressure points.

    However, a mattress topper will not be able to cure any medical problems. 

    For health-related issues, you should seek advice from a trained medical professional.

  • What is the best memory foam mattress topper to buy?


    The best memory foam mattress toppers depend on what kind of support you need for your sleep. 

    Mattress toppers can provide a softer, firmer, warmer, or even cooler sleeping experience. 

    A memory foam topper can provide a softer sleep while offering pressure relief on the joints.

    But mattress toppers are made from a range of different materials with many benefits. 

    Read our guide on the best mattress toppers in the UK.

  • Where can I buy a memory foam mattress topper?


    Memory foam mattress toppers are available at various brands and retailers.

    You can find mattress toppers at the following: 

    • Memory foam mattress topper Dreams
    • Memory foam mattress topper Amazon
    • Memory foam mattress topper Argos
    • Memory foam mattress topper B&M
    • Memory foam mattress topper Dunelm
    • Memory foam mattress topper Asda
    • Memory foam mattress topper IKEA
    • Memory foam mattress topper eBay

    Found a mattress topper to add to your wishlist?

    Check our discounts page for exclusive codes before you hit checkout.

Holly

Holly Matthews

Senior Content Writer

Holly has been a content writer at Sleep Hero UK since 2021. With an MA degree in literature and previous experience working at a leading UK bed retailer, she is committed to using her skills to guide others towards making better sleep choices.

Was this article helpful?
Please fill out
Yes
No

Great! Do you have any questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you.

What would have made it better?

Why trust us?

We understand the importance of trust and reliability when it comes to product reviews - but why trust us?

  • Dedicated testing facility: We've tested over 180 products globally and now operate our own testing facility equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to analyse product performance.
  • Approved by sleep experts: We collaborate with international sleep experts who train our team, review our articles, and provide invaluable insights on sleep health.
  • Industry connections: We maintain close relationships with manufacturers and brands, giving us a head start in the latest trends, upcoming products, and the technology that drives them.
  • European market leader: We are proud to be the #1 review site in Europe, part of an expansive network that continues to grow across the globe.

With millions of visitors each year, our global reach isn't just about numbers - it's about making better choices more accessible to everyone.

>180 products tested

>19,836 hours of research

>6 million people trust us

7 experts

#1 on the European market

Our favourite discounts:
You may also be interested in:

    Yes, please!
    No, thank you. Take me to the UK site.

    We have an affiliate relationship with some manufacturers, where we receive a commission on sales if you click over from our site. This does not affect the purchasing price. In contrast: By using our discount codes, you'll get the best deal possible.