Mattress Toppers — Do You Actually Need One?

Mattress toppers are one of those products that genuinely help some people and do very little for others — it depends entirely on the situation you're starting from. This article is a candid guide to when a topper makes sense and when it doesn't, so you can make the right call before spending money on one.

What a mattress topper does

A mattress topper sits between your mattress and your fitted sheet, adding a new comfort layer to the surface of your existing sleep setup. It can change the feel of your bed — making a firm mattress softer, adding warmth in winter, or introducing a cooling layer if you sleep hot. It does not change the structural support of the mattress underneath.

That distinction matters.

When a topper is the right choice

A topper works well when:

• Your mattress is structurally sound — coils intact, no sagging, good edge support — but the comfort layer has softened or compressed over time and the bed feels harder than it used to.
• You've bought a mattress that's slightly too firm for your preference and want to soften it without returning it.
• You want to add a temperature regulation layer — a wool topper for warmth in winter or one of Mazon's cooling solutions for warmer months — without replacing the mattress.
• You're in a rental property or temporary accommodation where replacing the mattress isn't an option.

In these situations, a good topper makes a real, noticeable difference.

When a topper won't fix the problem

A topper will not fix a sagging mattress. If your mattress has a visible body impression, or if you roll toward the centre of the bed, or if you wake up with back pain that's linked to your sleeping surface, a topper will follow the same contours and provide the same poor support — just with a softer surface on top.

If the mattress is sagging, the honest answer is that a new mattress range is the right solution. A topper in this situation is a short-term fix that delays the inevitable and may mask the problem long enough for the mattress to deteriorate further.

Thickness and material

If you do need a topper, thickness and fill material are the two variables to focus on.

Thickness. A 50–75mm topper creates a meaningful change in feel. Toppers thinner than 50mm tend to have minimal impact and can shift around under the fitted sheet. Thicker options, 100mm+, can change the feel significantly but may affect how well the fitted sheet stays in place and how easily you get in and out of bed.

Wool toppers add warmth, moisture-wicking and natural temperature regulation. A good choice for winter or for those who sleep on the cooler side.

Cooling gel or phase-change toppers draw heat away from the body rather than retaining it. Suited to hot sleepers or warmer climates.

Memory foam conforms closely to body shape, providing pressure relief particularly for side sleepers. Tends to retain more heat than wool or cooling options.

Care tips

Most toppers are machine washable — check the care label for the correct temperature setting. Toppers last longer when they're paired with a mattress protector placed on top of the topper, protecting it from spills and body oils. Air your topper regularly, particularly in winter when moisture can accumulate.

Browse the mattress topper range to see current options, or visit us in-store if you'd like to feel the options before buying. If you're unsure whether a topper or a new mattress is the right answer, our in-store team can help you assess your current setup.