Can you use a mattress topper with a memory foam mattress?

A mattress topper is designed to make your mattress feel more comfortable. It can change the firmness of your bed, making it feel softer, or, in some cases, slightly firmer, depending on your needs.

A topper sits on top of your mattress and is held in place with either corner straps or an elasticated skirt. They come in a range of sizes and thicknesses and can be made from various materials.

You can use a mattress topper with almost any memory foam mattress, though they tend to work best with newer mattresses that feel a bit firmer or softer than expected. However, if your mattress is old or already sagging, a mattress topper may not make much of a difference. Therefore, it’s usually best to invest in a new mattress instead.

Reasons to use a mattress topper with a memory foam mattress

If you can’t afford to replace an old mattress or if you’ve recently purchased a new one that feels too firm or too soft, a topper is an affordable way to make it feel more comfortable. A topper can also protect your mattress from stains and spills while helping to keep the sleeping surface cooler.

Improve comfort

Memory foam conforms closely to the body, providing a gentle, hugging sensation. It can help alleviate aches, pains, and pressure points, and may also improve circulation. However, if your memory foam mattress feels uncomfortable or you simply want to make it feel more luxurious, a mattress topper may help.  

They provide extra cushioning and are available in different firmness levels. However, while a mattress topper can improve comfort, it has its limitations. It is unlikely to make much difference if your mattress is old or severely sagging.

It’s also worth noting that some discomfort is common when sleeping on a new memory foam mattress, and you may even experience some initial back pain. This is normal, especially if you’re switching from a sprung mattress. However, with regular use, your new mattress should gradually feel more comfortable and perform as expected. While this initial ‘breaking-in’ period can be frustrating, it’s best to persevere and allow at least a month before considering a mattress topper.

To provide extra support

Memory foam mattresses are ideal for those who prefer a mattress that gently cradles and cushions the body. However, some people may prefer a slightly firmer sleeping surface. A firmer mattress topper can provide extra support and prevent the mattress from feeling overly soft.

Cooler sleeping surface

Most memory foam mattresses retain heat due to their dense cell structure, which can make them feel uncomfortably warm during sleep. Some mattress toppers contain natural materials, such as wool, bamboo, and cotton, which are breathable and help wick away moisture, keeping you dry and comfortable throughout the night. Others incorporate cooling gels or have an open-cell structure to improve airflow and prevent overheating at night.

Mattress protection

A mattress topper provides some protection against stains and spills. It provides an additional barrier, which can help keep the sleeping surface clean and in good condition. However, a mattress topper is not as effective as a mattress protector, which is specifically designed to protect the mattress. Since memory foam easily absorbs liquids, it’s advisable to use a waterproof mattress protector to prevent the material from getting wet or damaged. 

A mattress topper can help extend your mattress’s life

A mattress topper can help extend the life of your mattress by protecting the surface from stains and spills. Each night, your mattress absorbs sweat, saliva, dead skin, body oils, or even crumbs and spills from food and drink. A mattress topper protects the sleeping surface and keeps the mattress in good condition. It also provides extra cushioning and can help reduce mattress wear by absorbing some of the impact from the sleeper’s weight.

Temporary fix for a sagging mattress

While a topper isn’t a permanent solution for a mattress that has lost its shape and support, it creates a more even sleeping surface. It may help to reduce the effects of sagging until you’re ready to replace your mattress.

If, on the other hand, your memory foam mattress is relatively new and you notice dips and indentations across the sleeping surface, it may simply need to be turned to even out the wear.

Considerations when choosing a mattress topper for a memory foam mattress

While most toppers are compatible with memory foam mattresses, some are more effective than others. When choosing a topper, consider factors like material quality, thickness, firmness, and your budget.

Materials

Mattress toppers are available in various materials, such as polyester, memory foam, latex, down and feather, and wool. Each material has distinct qualities and offers a different feel. Synthetic materials, such as polyester, are more affordable, while premium materials, like wool and latex, tend to cost more but are typically more durable and longer-lasting.

Because memory foam can sometimes feel warm, consider toppers made with breathable materials that wick away moisture, or models with cooling features such as gel infusions, ventilation holes or open-cell structures that improve airflow and help create a cooler sleeping surface.

Thickness

Mattress toppers are typically between 1 and 4 inches deep. Generally, a mattress topper should be at least 2 inches thick, as anything less is unlikely to make much difference. While a thicker topper provides extra cushioning, be mindful that memory foam is designed to closely conform to the body, so adding another layer can affect how the mattress feels.

A thicker topper also increases the bed’s overall height, which can make it more difficult to get in and out of bed or to find fitted sheets that fit properly. 

Firmness

Mattress toppers come in different firmness levels, ranging from soft to firm, to suit your needs and preferences. If your memory foam mattress feels too firm, a soft topper provides a cushioned surface that can help relieve aches, pains, and pressure points. In contrast, a firmer topper offers a more even, supportive surface and helps prevent excessive sinking.

While the ideal topper firmness will mainly depend on the feel of your bed, it also helps to consider other factors, such as your body weight and preferred sleeping position.

Generally, the heavier you are, the firmer the mattress you need. Memory foam is a temperature-sensitive material that gradually softens with use. It then slowly returns to its original shape once pressure is removed. For heavier people over 16 stone, this sinking sensation can be problematic, as they may sink too deeply into the mattress. This can create a ‘stuck’ feeling where it becomes harder to change sleeping positions during the night. A firmer mattress topper can help address these issues by providing more support while keeping the spine better aligned.

Lightweight people or side sleepers, on the other hand, may prefer a softer topper that offers extra cushioning, particularly around the shoulders and hips.

Budget

The condition of your mattress will influence your budget for a topper. If your mattress is relatively new, you may be more willing to invest in a topper, since you’ll likely keep your mattress for several years. If, on the other hand, your mattress is old or worn out, you may be less inclined to spend a lot on a topper without knowing how long your mattress will last.

The price of a mattress topper depends mainly on its fillings. Natural materials are typically more expensive, while synthetic materials are more affordable.

Final thoughts

A mattress topper can improve the feel of a memory foam mattress, making it feel more comfortable and supportive. However, how it feels and performs depends on the condition of your mattress. A topper can give a mattress in good condition a new lease of life. However, it won’t improve an old mattress with excessive sagging or structural defects.