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A mattress that's a bit too firm, or one that's simply lost its comfort over the years, doesn't always need replacing. In many cases a good topper will do the job, and at a fraction of the cost. The catch is that toppers vary quite a lot, and memory foam alone comes in several different forms. Below, we look at the main types of memory foam toppers, how they compare with other foam options, and the details worth checking before you buy.
What Does a Mattress Topper Do?
Put simply, a mattress topper is a removable comfort layer (usually somewhere between 5 and 10 cm thick) that sits on top of your existing mattress. It changes how the bed feels. That might mean softening a surface that's too firm, or easing pressure through the shoulders, hips and lower back.
There are other benefits too. A topper reduces motion transfer, which partners tend to appreciate, and it takes some of the everyday wear that would otherwise go straight into the mattress. Over time, that helps a mattress stay comfortable for longer.
It is worth being clear about the limits, though. A topper won't fix a mattress with deep sagging or broken springs. If there's a dip in the middle of the bed, the topper will sink into that same dip.
Types of Memory Foam Toppers
Memory foam, known technically as viscoelastic foam, responds to body heat and pressure. It moulds slowly to your shape and then returns to its original form once you move. By adjusting the formula, manufacturers have developed several variations, each with its own feel.
1. Traditional Memory Foam
This is the original version, and the one most people picture: a slow sink and a close, body hugging feel. Pressure relief is excellent, as is motion isolation, which is why side sleepers and couples often favour it. Its main drawback is heat. The dense structure holds warmth, and some people notice this more than others.
2. Gel Infused Memory Foam
In gel infused foam, small gel beads or swirls are mixed through the material to draw heat away from the body. The contouring stays much the same as traditional foam, but the surface feels slightly cooler. During a humid Australian summer, that can make a real difference. That said, cooling claims vary between products, so it's best to see this as a helpful extra and not a guarantee.
3. Open Cell Memory Foam
Open cell foam is made with more interconnected air pockets inside. Air moves through it more freely, so it breathes better, and it also tends to recover its shape a touch faster.
4. Copper and Graphite Infused Memory Foam
Copper and graphite are both conductive, and they're added to help carry heat away from the sleeper. Expect these toppers to sit at the higher end of the price range.
5. Convoluted (Egg Crate) Foam
You'll recognise this one by its peak and valley surface, which improves airflow and gives a soft feel at a lower price point. Strictly speaking, most egg crate toppers are made from standard polyfoam, not true memory foam. Support is lighter as a result, and they don't tend to last as long.
Other Types of Foam Mattress Toppers
Memory foam isn't the only choice. Among the other types of foam mattress toppers, polyurethane foam (often shortened to polyfoam) is lighter, springier and generally cheaper, although it contours less closely. Latex foam feels buoyant, stays naturally cooler and lasts very well, but it's heavier and costs more. There are also dual layer toppers, which pair a supportive base foam with a softer memory foam layer on top, giving you a bit of both.
What Are the Best Types of Mattress Toppers?
No single topper is best for everyone. Matching the type to your needs, however, narrows things down quickly.
Your sleep needBest topper typeSide sleeping, or pressure at the shoulders and hipsTraditional memory foam, 7.5 to 10 cmSleeping hotGel infused, open cell or latexBack or stomach sleepingThinner, firmer foam (around 5 cm) or latexSharing the bedMemory foam, for low motion transferWorking to a tight budgetConvoluted foam or polyfoamWanting easier movement and more bouncePlant based foam or latex
How to Choose a Memory Foam Topper
Start with density. Measured in kg/m³, it tells you how much foam is packed into each cubic metre. As a general rule, foam of around 50 kg/m³ or more gives better support and holds up longer, while lower density foam feels lighter but softens sooner.
Thickness comes next. A 5 cm topper adds a subtle layer of softness. Most people are comfortable with 7.5 cm. If your mattress is very firm, or you're a heavier sleeper, 10 cm will make a much more noticeable change.
Then there's sleep position and body weight, which go hand in hand. Side sleepers need enough give for the shoulders and hips to sink in slightly. Back and stomach sleepers, on the other hand, need firmer support so the hips don't drop out of line with the spine.
If you tend to wake up warm, temperature matters as well. Gel infused, open cell and plant based foams are the better options here, ideally paired with breathable cotton sheets.
Finally, check the size and cover. Measure your mattress before ordering. This is especially important for caravans, campers and other non standard beds, where custom cut mattress toppers usually give the best fit. A removable, washable cover makes cleaning far easier. One last point: new foam can have a mild smell at first, so allow a day or two for it to air out.
What Type of Mattress Is Best?
The best mattress is the one that keeps your spine in a neutral position and still feels comfortable to you. Beyond that, it largely comes down to preference.
Memory foam mattresses are strong on pressure relief and motion isolation. Innerspring mattresses feel bouncier and more breathable, and latex is responsive and long lasting. Hybrids combine coils with foam comfort layers. For firm, even support, high density foam mattresses are a dependable option and can be made to custom sizes. If you're unsure where to begin, a medium firm feel suits a wide range of sleepers.
How Long Do Mattresses Last?
Most mattresses last somewhere between 7 and 10 years, though the type makes a difference. Innerspring mattresses tend to last around 5 to 7 years. Memory foam and hybrid mattresses usually reach 7 to 10, and a quality latex mattress can go 12 years or more. Memory foam toppers have a shorter life, typically 3 to 5 years.
Visible sagging, lumps, or waking up stiff and sore are all signs a replacement may be due. To get the most out of your mattress, rotate it every three to six months, use a mattress protector and make sure it sits on a solid, supportive base.