Mattress Topper Firmness
Like mattresses, mattress toppers come in a variety of different firmness levels to suit different sleeping styles and individual preferences. A mattress topper can change the feel of existing mattresses, either adding softness or a firmer feel.
Much like the different variations of mattress firmness, some mattress topper manufacturers assign a firmness rating to their topper. These include:
- Soft to medium
- Medium
- Firm
These ratings are only approximate and are not fixed. The way a topper feels can vary depending on factors such as its material and the type of mattress it’s placed on.
Can a mattress topper make my bed firmer or softer?
Yes, mattress toppers can change the firmness of your bed, making it feel softer or slightly firmer depending on the material, thickness and construction of the topper.
Firmness ratings are an important consideration as they can greatly affect overall sleeping experiences. There is currently no standardised firmness scale in the UK, but many manufacturers will describe toppers as either soft to medium, medium or firm to give you an idea of their overall feel. This means that one brand’s “medium” topper may feel quite different from another’s.
The effect of a topper also depends on the mattress underneath. It is possible to mix and match toppers with mattresses until an ideal firmness level is achieved. But note, if you choose a mattress topper of the same firmness as your current mattress, you may run the risk of making it too firm or soft for your liking. For example, you may love your firm mattress and want to choose a firm mattress topper to go with it. However, this may make your mattress now feel too firm to be comfortable.
It’s a good idea to double-check the product description to ensure a particular mattress topper will give you the desired effect when placed on your mattress.
Can you buy a firm mattress topper?
Yes, you can buy a firm mattress topper. Firmer toppers are typically made from latex, memory foam or different variations of supportive foam.
A firmer topper may be chosen for several reasons, such as providing additional back support, helping maintain spinal alignment, or complementing personal comfort preferences. Body weight can also influence whether a firmer surface feels more supportive or comfortable.
Can a mattress topper make a bed softer?
Yes, a mattress topper can make a bed softer. Mattress toppers with hollowfibre, down, or other natural fillings tend to offer more cushioning than support.
People may choose a softer topper for several reasons, such as preferring a more cushioned surface, wanting to add a layer of softness to a firmer mattress, or selecting natural materials for comfort or breathability. A softer topper can also help protect a new mattress while adjusting its overall feel.
Are firm mattress toppers good for back pain?
Firm mattress toppers can help to relieve pressure from joints, hips and backs. But the effectiveness of a topper for back pain can depend on several factors, including your body weight, sleeping position, and the condition of the mattress underneath.
In some cases, an orthopaedic or extra-firm mattress may provide more consistent support. This is because these mattresses have been specially designed to alleviate back pain and relieve pressure where needed. It is, however, possible to pair an extra firm or orthopaedic mattress with a firm mattress topper for a very firm feel. But if your mattress topper is not resting on a suitable mattress, you may not notice any difference at all, or it could even cancel out the benefits of the mattress.
Can a mattress topper fix a bad mattress?
No, a mattress topper cannot repair a mattress in bad condition.
In order to work effectively and provide the right amount of comfort and support, a topper must still have a good mattress as its base.
A common question buyers ask is ‘Can a mattress topper fix a sagging mattress?’ The answer is no. A mattress topper cannot fix the integrity of a worn out or sagging mattress.
It’s important to remember that a mattress topper won’t completely alter how your mattress feels. If your mattress is in bad condition or is nearing the end of its life, a mattress topper will not be able to help. In these cases, replacing the mattress itself is usually the only effective solution.
If you'd like to explore what firmness options are out there, browse our selection of mattress toppers.
Or, if you’d like to keep reading about mattress toppers, we have plenty more information to help:
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