What is a mattress topper?

Think your mattress is past its prime? Before you splash out on a new replacement, a mattress topper might be the dream fix! A removable comfort layer that sits between your mattress and sheets, it adds extra cushioning and support that fine-tunes the feel of what's underneath. A bed topper can soften a mattress that's too firm, ease pressure on hips and shoulders, improve spinal alignment and deliver that cloud-like, hotel bed feel. It can even breathe new life into an older mattress that's starting to feel its age.

What's the best material for a mattress topper?

Waking up with a sore back, with the sweats or disturbing your partner every time you move? The material inside a mattress topper can make or break your night's sleep. Find your fill: – Memory Foam Mattress Toppers: Moulding to your shape for pressure relief and support, it's a firm favourite for side sleepers or minimising partner disturbance for those who share a bed. – Gel Mattress Toppers: Designed for hot sleepers, these gel-infused cooling mattress toppers absorb and disperse body heat to help keep you cool throughout the night. – Bamboo Mattress Toppers: Lightweight, breathable and naturally comfortable, bamboo toppers suit allergy-prone sleepers or those who run hot all year round. From plush to practical, Harvey Norman's mattress topper range covers every sleep style and budget so finding your dream fit has never been easier.

How thick should a mattress topper be?

Whether you're after a subtle comfort boost or a hotel-style sleep upgrade, mattress topper thickness is the difference between a tweak and a transformation. How deep do you want to go? – 3–5cm: This slim profile smooths out firmness and takes the edge off pressure points, keeping the underlying support intact. – 5–8cm: A comfortable middle ground, adding noticeable cushioning without sacrificing support. – 8cm+: High-loft that puts you in 5-star hotel territory – plush, indulgent and hard to get out of bed for. Whatever thickness you choose, always match the topper to your mattress size – whether that's single, king single, double, queen or king – for a snug, slip-free fit and uninterrupted sleep.

Can a mattress topper fix a bad mattress?

Not sleeping as well as you used to? A mattress topper can work wonders for a mattress that's too firm, has lost its bounce after years of use, or just needs a comfort refresh. From easing pressure on aching hips and shoulders to smoothing out minor surface unevenness, it can extend the life of your mattress without the cost of a full replacement. But even the best bed topper won't work miracles. If your mattress is sagging in the middle, has deep body impressions from years of sleeping in the same spot, or the internal support has given way, that's usually a sign that the problem runs deeper and it might be time to invest in a new mattress altogether!

Can you put mattress toppers in the washing machine?

You can, but care varies by material, so always check the care label first before you throw it in the machine. Fibre-filled bamboo and plush mattress toppers are often machine washable on a gentle cycle, while firm mattress toppers made from foam and gel are better off with careful spot cleaning to protect their structure. As a general rule, washing every six months keeps things fresh as a daisy, and you can add a mattress protector to safeguard your mattress from spills and sweat. No matter how you wash it, make sure it's completely dry before you put it back on your bed – that's one way to dampen your sleep score!