Best Memory Foam Mattress Toppers UK: 6 Picks

Best memory foam mattress topper: our top six picks

A practical starting point is a 4–5cm memory foam mattress topper: REM-Fit recommends around 4cm for general use, while Expert Reviews rated the 5cm Silentnight Impress more highly than its 2.5cm version. This is an editorial recommendation for balancing a noticeable comfort change with manageable height, not a universal rule.

For a deeper change, the Emma Original Pro is 9cm thick. Lower-cost options include Argos’s 5cm DS Living Eco and 7.5cm DS Living Essentials toppers.

Prices and offers vary by size and retailer. Treat the figures above as the listed prices for the stated size or source, rather than as a universal price for every version.

Which memory foam mattress topper is best in the UK?

The REM-Fit guide recommends around 4cm of open-cell memory foam with a breathable cover as a general-purpose balance. For an independently compared option, Expert Reviews rated the 5cm Silentnight Impress more highly than its 2.5cm version.

• For a deeper, softer feel: Emma Original Pro at 9cm.
• For the lowest listed price here: Argos’s DS Living Eco 5cm in king size at £67.99.
• For a washable cover: Dunelm Comfortzone Dual Layer, with a machine-washable polyester cover.
• For a secure fit: Simba Cool Foam, with elastic straps and a slip-limiting base.
• For foam and springs: Simba Hybrid, which combines foam with Aerocoil microsprings.

Memory foam mattress topper double, single and super king sizes

Choose the same size as the mattress and measure the mattress before ordering. The Dunelm Comfortzone provides reference measurements: single is 90cm × 190cm, double is 135cm × 190cm, king-size is 150cm × 200cm and super king-size is 180cm × 200cm. Its listed prices are £180, £220, £250 and £280 respectively.

Argos lists the Emma Original Pro 9cm topper from £356 in its king-size category. Its single product page listed £228, while the super king product page lists £399. These examples show why the selected size matters for searches such as memory foam mattress topper double, single and super king.

Measure length, width and depth, then check whether the topper has elastic straps, a fitted edge or a non-slip base. This is particularly important for small double and super king beds.

What thickness memory foam mattress topper is best?

For a balanced change, start around 4–5cm. REM-Fit recommends approximately 4cm for general use, and Expert Reviews’ comparison favoured the 5cm Silentnight Impress over the 2.5cm version.

• 2.5cm: a smaller comfort adjustment; the thinner Silentnight version was rated below the 5cm model.
• 4cm: a general-purpose depth recommended by REM-Fit.
• 5cm: a more noticeable cushioning layer, without the height of a deep topper.
• 7.5cm: a deeper comfort layer, such as the DS Living Essentials model listed at £89.99 in king size.
• 9–10cm: a major change to the feel and height of the bed. Emma’s Original Pro is 9cm.

A thicker topper is not automatically better. It raises the sleeping surface and changes how the bed feels, so choose 7.5–10cm when you specifically want a deep cushioning layer rather than as a default.

Best mattress topper for back pain and pressure relief

Use a supportive topper to improve comfort on a mattress that is too firm but still structurally sound. Memory foam can mould around the body and reduce pressure at contact points such as the shoulders and hips. Do not claim that any topper treats or prevents back pain.

A supportive 4–6cm topper is a sensible starting point for comfort, but the result also depends on sleeping position, body shape and the existing mattress. REM-Fit states that a topper will not fix a sagging mattress. Check for visible dips before buying; where the mattress has lost structural support, replacement is more appropriate.

Cooling, washing and movement: what to check

Expert Reviews notes that memory foam can retain more heat than natural materials. Open-cell foam is designed to improve airflow, so this construction and a breathable cover may suit hot sleepers.

Washability depends on the product. Dunelm’s Comfortzone has a machine-washable polyester cover. Simba Cool Foam has a removable machine-washable cover, elastic straps and a slip-limiting base.

Simba says its toppers include a 200-night trial and a 10-year guarantee against manufacturing faults.

Emma, Simba, Dunelm and Argos mattress toppers compared

Emma’s UK range includes the reversible 6cm Original Topper, with two sides offering different firmness levels, and the 9cm Original Pro. Emma lists the Original Topper from £124 and the Original Pro from £183.75.

Simba’s range offers two constructions: the 6.5cm Cool Foam uses Simbatex foam, while the 6.5cm Hybrid adds Aerocoil microsprings. Both Simba models have removable, machine-washable covers.

Argos brings together lower-cost and premium choices, including the DS Living Eco at £67.99, the DS Living Essentials at £89.99 and the Emma Original Pro from £356 in the king-size category. Dunelm’s Comfortzone adds zoned support, open-cell foam and a washable cover.

How to choose a memory foam mattress topper

1. Inspect the mattress: use a topper to improve comfort only when the mattress still has adequate structural support.
2. Choose the depth: start around 4–5cm for a balanced change; choose 7.5–10cm for deeper cushioning.
3. Match the size: measure the mattress and check exact dimensions, especially for small double and super king beds.
4. Check heat and movement: consider open-cell foam, a breathable cover, straps or a slip-limiting base.
5. Check care terms: confirm whether the cover is removable and machine-washable, and compare trial or guarantee terms.

Frequently asked questions

Do memory foam mattress toppers really help?

They can make a firm but structurally sound mattress feel more comfortable and distribute pressure around the shoulders and hips. They will not correct a sagging mattress or restore missing underlying support.

Are memory foam mattress toppers any good?

They are useful when you want body-contouring comfort on a mattress that feels too firm. Their drawbacks include heat retention, possible movement and more difficult washing than a thin fibre topper. Open-cell foam, washable covers and non-slip bases can address some of these issues.

What type of mattress topper is best for sore backs?

A supportive 4–6cm topper is a reasonable comfort starting point on a sound mattress. It is not a treatment for back pain, and it should not be used as a solution for a visibly sagging or structurally unsound bed.