The mattress topper vs new mattress debate is perhaps familiar to you if you're someone who loves their sleep (who isn’t?) but is finding their sleep disturbed by an uncomfortable mattress.
There are positives and negatives to both options… but which one is the best investment overall?
If you’ve recently bought yourself the best mattress, then you’re probably not going to ask this question for the next few years. But there comes a time in every mattress's life when you start to wonder whether it’s time for a change - and that’s when people start to think that they can bypass the hassle of buying a new mattress by using the best mattress topper instead.
Mattress topper vs new mattress
In theory, using a mattress topper in lieu of a brand-new mattress sounds like it could work, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the right choice for you and your bedroom. That’s why we decided to ask mattress and sleep experts alike whether they’re team mattress toppers or team new mattresses. Their final verdict might surprise you.
What is a mattress topper?
As you can probably tell by the name, a mattress topper is designed to sit atop your mattress. And while it won’t affect the mattress itself, the thin layer of cushioning does serve as an extension to the mattress.
‘Whether looking for a softer or firmer mattress, toppers can be used to enhance the comfort layers of a new or existing mattress for the intended outcome,’ explains Rebecca Swain, mattress expert at Winstons Beds.
Typically, people place mattress toppers on top of their mattress when they want extra comfort for a better night’s sleep or when their mattress is getting too old for their liking. In fact, a mattress topper can extend the life of a mattress - often offering a cheaper alternative to buying a brand new mattress.
But that's not all. Pam Johnson, Head of Buying from Bensons for Beds says, 'Our comfort requirements can change as we move through life. Our body weight can reduce or increase, health issues can mean a new requirement for added pressure relief, for example, and a topper can be a great option in these instances where your mattress is not very old and still in very good condition - but just needs some comfort finessing to your new comfort and support requirements.'
Because of this, there are many things to look out for when buying a mattress topper - including the material and the thickness. These things can all affect user experience and affect how comfortable you find your sleeping spot.
Yes, just as you can buy memory foam mattresses and memory foam pillows, you can also buy memory foam mattress toppers. But that’s not the only option. You can also buy mattress toppers made from synthetic materials such as hollow fibre or microfibre, as well as toppers made from wool or feather and down.
Finding the right mattress topper for your own needs is essential, though, which is why it’s always a good idea to understand the specifications of each product, read reviews, and opt for brands that offer sleep trials.
Of course, it may be that a mattress topper isn’t the right option for you at all. And that’s why we’ve written this guide.
How can a mattress topper improve a mattress?
‘Traditionally, if you wanted to improve your comfort levels in bed, you’d simply start afresh and invest in a brand new mattress. But today, not every mattress that’s been well-loved and slept on for a few years is beyond salvage,’ explains Victoria Cedeno, Sleep and Brand Specialist at Zinus.
In fact, a mattress topper can give your mattress a whole new lease of life and even re-ignite the spark your mattress has lost over the years. This is how:
It can add an extra layer of comfort: Everyone has their own personal preference when it comes to the firmness of their bed, but after a while, old mattresses can become lumpy, misshapen and hard. And if you find that your mattress has become too firm, a mattress topper can add an extra layer of comfort that will breathe new life into your old mattress.
It can cool you down: Do you wake up covered in sweat? If you do, you’re not alone. So many people run hot during the night, and it could be that your mattress is making that worse. The best cooling mattress toppers are specifically designed to cool you down during the night while also adding that extra layer of comfort your old mattress is lacking.
It can tackle back pain: While the best mattress for back pain can certainly help to alleviate any aches or pains you have, a mattress topper can also do the same. If you find that you wake up with a bad back, investing in a memory foam mattress topper could be the pain relief you really need. That’s because the memory foam material will offer your spine much-needed support (even if you’re prone to tossing and turning) while also moulding to the natural curvature of your body.
It can increase the lifespan of your mattress: According to Rebecca, ‘By adding a deep cushioning comfort layer to a mattress, the topper will also improve the longevity of the mattress so that it isn’t worn down as quickly, allowing people to save money in the long run and get more use out of it.’
When should you buy a new mattress?
In the mattress topper vs new mattress debate, you also need to focus on the mattress that you already have. After all, knowing how often you should change a mattress is just as important as knowing how to get rid of a mattress.
According to the experts, a good-quality mattress has a lifespan of around seven years. But you may start to notice signs of general wear and tear after just a couple of years. It may be that your mattress starts to become lumpy, starts to sag, or you start to feel the springs through the upper material.
These are all signs that your mattress needs some TLC. After all, you need a mattress that supports you and gives you the best night’s sleep possible.
When you start to suffer from pain or sleepless nights, it’s time to consider whether it’s time to buy a brand new mattress or whether a mattress topper will suffice.
What is the price difference?
When comparing the price of a new mattress topper vs a new mattress, it’s easy to see that there’s a clear winner. You can buy a mattress topper for as little as £20 - although, obviously, you’ll pay more for a higher-quality product.
In comparison, a new mattress easily set you back between £500 and £1000. It’s this price difference that leads many people to lean more towards a mattress topper than a mattress.
But which one is better, really?
The final verdict: Which one do you need?
Although we wish we could provide you with a quick and easy answer to this question, the answer is completely dependent on your own personal situation.
For some people, a mattress topper could be the perfect solution to sleepless nights and an uncomfortable bed. For others, however, it might not be worth it.
As Victoria explains, ‘Sometimes, there are issues that simply can’t be fixed by adding a mattress topper to your bed, meaning a new mattress is ultimately the right choice.’
‘If your mattress is seriously old or really misshapen, we’re afraid that a mattress topper can’t deliver a magic fix. As it’s essentially masking symptoms instead of correcting the root of the problem, adding a topper to a poor-quality mattress is often a waste of time and money, so you’re better off biting the bullet and treating yourself to a new mattress instead.’
Of course, that’s not to say that a mattress topper wouldn’t work for you. If you have a relatively new mattress (between 3-4 years old), then we’d suggest trying out a mattress topper first before investing in a brand new mattress. But if your mattress is older than that and reaching the end of its life cycle (around 5-7 years old), it’s probably best to invest in a new mattress.
Which mattress to buy
A crowd pleaser that impressed lots of our testers, the Simba Hybrid Original mattress is a hybrid mattress that combines a cushioning memory foam top with a supportive pocket spring base.
Our full Simba Hybrid Original mattress review has more detail.
This bestselling memory foam mattress comes in three different firmness options and moulds to the body to cushion joints. It's also brilliant at motion isolation if you sleep with a partner.
Our Tempur Sensation mattress review has the full lowdown.
Made predominantly from natural materials with no synthetic foam in sight, this mattress is far more eco-friendly than most, and one of the most breathable and temperature regulating we've tested.
Discover more in our Hypnos Pillow Top Classic mattress review.
Which mattress topper to buy
A mix of graphite-infused open-cell memory foam that delivers a cushioned yet cooler sleep and pocketed micro springs mean that this topper is the most capable of transforming an uncomfortable sleep surface.
Our Simba Hybrid Mattress Topper review tested it out.
This is the best memory foam cooling mattress topper we've come across thanks to its reasonable price point, gel-infused open-cell structure that increases breathability, and wide range of size options.
Find out why it impressed in our Panda Mattress Topper review.
Made from organic cotton and British wool, this topper is far more environmentally friendly than most, and does a great job of adding cushioning and breathability to the bed.
There's more detail in our Woolroom Deluxe Wool Mattress Topper review.
FAQs
Can you use a mattress topper instead of a new mattress?
Yes, you can, but it’s important to remember that the mattress topper vs new mattress debate isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation.
Although a mattress topper can make a bed more comfortable, more breathable, and even less painful, it won’t work for everyone.
It’s generally suggested that if your mattress is less than four years old, you should opt for a mattress topper before buying a new mattress. If your mattress is older than that and nearing the end of its natural lifespan, however, it’s probably not worth buying a mattress topper.
Instead, it’s best to bite the bullet and buy a new mattress - as most mattresses only last around seven years, anyway.
Can a mattress topper make a mattress better?
A mattress topper won’t fix the problems you have with your mattress, but it can certainly provide a comfier base on which to sleep. Mattress toppers are particularly beneficial for those who struggle with back pain or overheating at night, as you can buy mattress toppers specifically designed to support your spine and cool you down.
Ultimately, though, nothing will change the makeup of your mattress. If you’re having real problems with your old mattress and you’re noticing that it’s become lumpy and started to sag, it’s generally a sign that your mattress is coming to the end of its life.
Remember not to automatically default to the cheapest option, as you could end up paying for it further down the line.
