Your questions about mattress toppers answered What is the best mattress topper?If your budget allows, Simba’s hybrid topper is an elite choice and by far the best option I tried. It’s fabulously comfortable, provides support in all the right places and delivers brilliant breathability and decent depth. Meanwhile, the Dusk supreme goose down mattress topper is a great option for anyone who loves the feel of natural fibres – it’s incredibly plush and, while it doesn’t offer the same orthopaedic support as Simba’s, it noticeably enhances the overall comfort of your sleep set-up.If you’re looking for something more affordable that you can sink into after a long day, the Snuggledown luxurious extra deep mattress topper also comes highly recommended. How I tested mattress toppersAs The Independent’s resident sleep expert (I authored the best mattress guide), I know what to look for when it comes to bedding. Here’s what I looked for while testing every mattress topper:Comfort: A key focus during testing, as it’s one of the main reasons people buy a mattress topper in the first place. I paid close attention to how each topper felt and tested a range of materials, from memory foam (great for contouring) to wool (naturally breathable) and down alternatives (soft) to find the ones that were best suited to different sleep setups. Support: Support was just as important as comfort, especially for finding the toppers that improved sleep rather than just adding softness. I looked for toppers that helped keep the spine aligned and prevented pressure build-up or sagging – crucial for back and stomach sleepers who need a firmer, more stable surface. Hybrid toppers, which combine foam with springs, stood out for offering extra support and structure, making them ideal for those who want a bit more lift and responsiveness. Memory foam also performed well for contouring and pressure relief, while softer options like down provide plush cushioning but little long-term support. Fit: A mattress topper must sit snugly on your mattress without hanging over the edges or being too small, which can cause it to bunch up or slip around. I looked for toppers with features like non-slip backing or elastic corner straps that help keep them securely in place through the night. Thickness: I tried a range of thicknesses to cover different needs and preferences, from thinner toppers that add a subtle layer of softness to thicker ones that offer more noticeable cushioning and support. While thinner toppers can gently even out the mattress surface, thicker options provide greater pressure relief and support. Care: I assessed how easy each topper was to clean – some can be chucked straight in the washing machine or come with removable covers, while others require spot cleaning or more delicate care. When washing them in the machine, I considered how well they came out. I also paid attention to how easy they were to store when not in use – toppers that could be rolled or folded up without losing shape definitely scored higher for convenience. Finding one that fits your lifestyle can make a big difference in the long run.What type of mattress topper is best?There are a wide range of mattress toppers available, each serving a different purpose. So, what is best for you will depend on what you’re looking for. The main types of mattress topper include:Memory foam provides support, so if you suffer from back pain, it can ease – but not cure or prevent – back pain. Memory foam toppers can absorb the motion of tossing and turning bed partners, too, but they can also be expensive. They should spring back to the same height each time you use them, so you don’t need to fluff them up to keep them looking and feeling as comfortable as possible – they tend to be on the warmer side, however. Feather and down toppers tend to be cheaper and don’t retain as much heat, so they can help cool you down on warm nights. However, they will compress over time, so you will need to fluff them up to keep them soft and your bed looking plush.Microfibre and hollowfibre are the most affordable types of mattress toppers, so if you’re shopping on a budget, these are your best bet. They add an additional layer of cosiness and can soften a firmer mattress, but they can become lumpy over time, therefore having a shorter lifespan than other options.Can you wash a mattress topper?Properly caring for your mattress topper is important to keep it fresh and lasting longer, but we all know accidents happen. Whether you can wash your topper depends on the specific product and its materials. Some toppers, like the one I tested from The White Company, can be popped straight into the washing machine for easy cleaning. Others, such as Simba’s hybrid topper, come with handy removable covers you can wash separately to keep things simple. However, there are those – like Next’s offering – which are spot clean only, since putting them in the washing machine could damage the materials or affect their performance. Always check the care instructions before cleaning to make sure you’re treating your topper properly.Are mattress toppers good for back pain? Whether caused by your sleeping environment or lifestyle factors (such as bad posture or an injury), no mattress topper will be able to fix back pain. Hannah Shore, head of sleep science at Mattress Online, told us that with pain caused by lifestyle, you need to go to the source of the problem to fix it, and if “you’re going to bed feeling ok and waking up with back pain, chances are your mattress isn’t delivering the support you need”. However, whenever you're dealing with back pain, you should always consult a doctor. What thickness of mattress topper should I get?If your mattress is fairly new, you won’t need much extra layering, so a topper around 5cm thick should be enough to add a touch of comfort and a more luxurious feel. For an older, more tired mattress that needs a bit of revival, it’s better to go for something thicker, like the options from Simba or The White Company included in this round-up.Why you can trust IndyBest reviewsSarah Jones is the assistant IndyBest editor and has years of experience in testing and researching sleep products (be that the best mattresses, best duvets and other sleep technology) within her home – the same environment that you will be using them. For mattress toppers, she’s tested more than 20 different options to determine which ones are the best. She knows the best, most comfortable fabrics and materials to look for in your bedding. But, above all, she’s a busy mum who values her sleep, so if any of these caused her to not get her much-needed shut-eye, it did not make the cut. The IndyBest team also reviewed a range of mattress topper brands, such as Panda, Eve and Dusk. When it comes to bedding, we’ve also reviewed everything from the best pillows and cooling mattress toppers to mattress protectors and electric blankets. Meet the expertTristine Hargreaves: Executive director of Bed Advice UK and The National Bed FederationNow you’ve got your mattress sorted, up the cosy factor with our edit of the best linen beddingIf your mattress is relatively new, you won’t need too much extra layering, so a topper of about 5cm should give it some extra comfort and a luxurious feel. For an older, tired mattress that needs reviving, we’d recommend opting for a thicker topper, such as the ones from Simba or The White Company featured in this round-up.