Panda London Mattress Topper
This five-star rated mattress topper is eco-friendly, contains ethically sourced and pesticide-free organic bamboo, and is delivered in a recycled & recyclable box.
The Panda mattress topper is one of our favourite budget-friendly toppers available in the UK.
It is made of a gel-infused memory foam (called Hydro-foam™), specifically designed with open-cell cooling technology and heat-sensitive capsules that react to your body temperature to keep you cooler than traditional memory foam.
The memory foam also allows for orthopaedic support and can help relieve neck, back, and hip pain.
The bamboo topper cover is soft and naturally breathable, encouraging airflow. 💨
It is also:
- Naturally antibacterial
- Hypoallergenic
- Sustainable & kind to the environment
The cover is removable and machine-washable up to 40℃. 🛀
Panda is an environmentally friendly brand - individual materials are Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified, no harmful chemicals are used in dyes, and the topper is REACH-certified.
The topper features an anti-slip layer and elastic corner straps to keep it firmly in place.
The Panda memory foam bamboo mattress topper comes with free delivery and returns, a 30-night risk-free trial period, and a 10-year guarantee.
It is delivered rolled up in a recycled and recyclable box. ♻️
| Panda mattress topper | |
| Materials: | Gel-infused memory foam |
| Depth: | 5 cm (2 inches) |
| Trial period: | 30 days |
| Guarantee: | 10 years |
| Available sizes: | Standard single, small double, UK double, king, and super-king sizes; standard EU single, EU double, EU king, EU emperor |
Tempur Mattress topper
This luxurious topper has been designed to mould to the shape of your body, offering the ultimate orthopaedic support.
The Tempur memory foam mattress topper has been designed by the esteemed Tempur brand, using NASA-certified memory foam.
Memory foam adapts perfectly to your body shape, offering sufficient pressure relief and supporting your spine.
The foam retains more heat than other types of foam and will create a warm and cosy sleeping environment.
The dual-sided Tempur Topper 7 comes with a removable soft jersey cover that's machine-washable at 60°C.
This is great for people with hygiene concerns or allergy sufferers. 🤧
The Tempur memory foam topper is quite heavy, coming in at 9.8 kg (21.6 lbs) for the smallest size.
Delivery is free and usually takes place within 2 to 4 weeks. 🚛
The Tempur mattress topper is significantly more expensive than other toppers on the market.
It is a good option if you don't have budgetary constraints, but the other toppers we recommend also offer excellent quality at much better prices.
| Tempur Topper 7 | |
| Materials: | Memory foam |
| Depth: | 7 cm (2.7 inches) |
| Trial period: | 100 days |
| Guarantee: | 10 years |
| Available sizes: | Standard small single, single, double, king size, super king |
Simba Mattress Topper
All foams used in this topper are CertiPUR-certified, ensuring they're free from toxins, heavy metals, dyes, and harmful chemicals.
The Simba Hybrid mattress topper is one of the most unique toppers on the market.
Proudly designed by the British Simba Sleep, the Simba topper features three layers:
- Simba-Pure synthetic latex (2.5 cm / 1 inch)
- 2,500 Aerocoil 20 mm mini pocket springs, enclosed in 100% polyester pockets
- High-resilience Simba-Pure base foam (2 cm / 0.7 inches)
The Simba-Pure foam is CertiPUR-certified and guaranteed to be free from TCPP, phosphates, parabens, biocides and persistent organic pollutants. 🌱
This is a cooling mattress topper as the springs allow for maximum airflow.
The cover with 3D mesh fabric is also ultra-breathable, further enhancing airflow.
This helps with temperature regulation, ensuring you stay cool and fresh all night long. ❄️
Because of its hybrid composition, the Simba topper also feels much firmer than pure foam toppers.
This is great if you just want to add a touch of firmness. 🧱
The Simba topper has an anti-slip base and elasticated straps to keep it firmly in place on your mattress.
The Simba mattress topper comes with free delivery & returns, a 14-day returns policy, and a 1-year guarantee.
| Simba Hybrid Mattress Topper | |
| Materials: | Synthetic latex, mini pocket springs, Simba-Pure foam |
| Depth: | 7 cm (2.7 inches) |
| Trial period: | 14-day returns policy (you can try out the topper in these 14 days but this is subject to change) |
| Guarantee: | 1 year |
| Available sizes: | Single, small double, double, king, super king |
How we test products
Our mission is to take the guesswork out of finding the perfect sleep products.
We've dedicated hundreds of hours to testing mattresses and sleep accessories, and rely on a team of testers of differing weights, temperature preferences, and sleeping positions to evaluate each product.
Tested products are granted the Sleep Hero tested stamp of approval, a mark of our review's reliability.
If we haven't personally tested a product, please be assured that we invest significant time and energy into scouring the UK market and researching the best recommendations, and we work with a team of sleep experts who review our articles, ensuring that the insights we provide are not only relatable but also reliable.
Why buy an orthopaedic mattress topper?
Orthopaedic mattress toppers are designed to relieve joint and muscle pain. 💪
We explore exactly how they do this further down.
While an orthopaedic mattress topper can make you more comfortable, they are not a complete solution to aches and pains.
Multiple factors, including stress, the curvature of your spine and underlying muscle problems, can cause muscle and joint pain.
However, an orthopaedic mattress topper can help to reduce the pain and help you get a better night’s sleep.
What are the benefits of an orthopaedic mattress topper?
An orthopaedic mattress topper can help with back pain, sleep quality and the comfort level of your old mattress.
Reduced aches and pains
Orthopaedic mattress toppers are predominantly crafted from memory foam, known for its pressure-relieving properties.
At a microscopic level, memory foam consists of billions of viscoelastic cells.
When these cells come into contact with body heat, they become soft and mould around the body.
The Tempur mattress topper has highly advanced, NASA-approved memory foam that is highly sensitive to the shape of your body.
This adaptivity distributes your body weight evenly, reducing the likelihood of undue pressure on any specific part.
Excessive pressure on certain body points, like shoulders, hips, and heels, can exacerbate pain and increase the risk of developing pressure sores.
The Simba mattress topper takes a different approach with a combination of foam and pocket springs.
The pocket springs respond exactly where pressure is applied to provide a gentle bounce back with a weightless effect.
The pocket springs also provide better air circulation in the gaps between each spring.
This is ideal for hot sleepers who want the benefits of an orthopaedic mattress topper without the heat-retaining properties of memory foam. 🌡️
The hybrid topper provides more support and stability, while a pure memory foam topper is a little softer and hugs your body.
Both have excellent pressure-relieving qualities for those struggling with a bad back.
Better sleep quality
Orthopaedic mattress toppers can also help to improve your sleep quality by adjusting the firmness of your mattress for optimal spine alignment.
Poor sleep posture can disrupt the sleep cycle and lead to symptoms like neck pain, stiffness and spinal issues.
If your mattress is too soft or firm, your spine can be misaligned like this:
An orthopaedic memory foam topper can adjust the firmness of your mattress so your spine is neutral when you sleep.
As discussed earlier, memory foam adapts to your body’s curves so only your heavier areas sink, like your hips and shoulders.
This relieves stress on your spine so you don’t wake up in the middle of the night with aches and pains.
If you have a softer mattress, we recommend the Simba mattress topper to add a firmer layer.
On the other hand, if your mattress feels too firm, we recommend the Panda mattress topper for a softer touch.
Enhanced comfort
The comfort level of a mattress plays a pivotal role in sleep quality.
An orthopaedic mattress topper provides additional cushioning and support to help revitalise an older mattress and make it more comfortable. 🎊
Moreover, the durability of materials used in orthopaedic toppers, like Tempur’s NASA-approved memory foam, ensures they retain their shape over time.
This means that the consistent level of support and comfort provided by the topper won't diminish quickly and offers a long-term solution for your mattress.
Who is an orthopaedic mattress topper suitable for?
Orthopaedic mattress toppers are versatile and can help many people, including:
Those with back, neck or shoulder pain
An orthopaedic mattress topper can help you get a better night's sleep if you suffer from back, neck or shoulder pain.
We dive into how this type of topper alleviates aches and pains above. ☝️
Back and front sleepers
There are firmer orthopaedic mattress toppers on the market, such as the Simba Hybrid Topper, which provides targeted pressure-relieving support.
A firmer mattress topper is better suited to front and back sleepers as it keeps your spine aligned with your neck throughout the night.
If you’re a front or back sleeper and your mattress is too soft, we recommend adding the Simba mattress topper to make it firmer. 🧱
This topper has a combination of foam and pocket springs, which are characteristically firmer than pure memory foam toppers.
Side sleepers
Many orthopaedic toppers are on the softer side and better suited to side sleepers.
The Panda orthopaedic memory foam mattress topper is ideal for side sleepers needing more sinkage for optimal spine alignment.
The topper is actually made from orthopaedic-approved memory foam, so even though it’s on the softer side, it still provides excellent support. 🎉
The Panda topper is well-suited to side sleepers with back, joint or hip pain.
Cold sleepers
As we’ve discussed, most orthopaedic mattress toppers contain memory foam.
Memory foam retains heat, making your sleeping surface feel warmer than a traditional mattress. 🔥
For hot sleepers, memory foam is probably too hot and uncomfortable, even with a breathable cover.
However, if you run cold or live in a very cold environment, a memory foam orthopaedic topper, like the Tempur one, could support your spine and keep you warm.
Who is an orthopaedic mattress topper not suitable for?
High-quality orthopaedic mattress toppers are more expensive than standard toppers and may not be suitable for those on a budget.
They typically start at £100 and can go up to £1000 depending on the materials and technology used. 💰
There are more affordable mattress toppers available without the advanced technology, such as the Tempur NASA-approved memory foam or the pocket spring technology in the Simba topper.
For example, Silentnight offers numerous mattress toppers at an inexpensive rate, such as the Airmax 800 Mattress Topper.
There is even a Silentnight orthopaedic mattress topper at a fantastic price, but unfortunately, many Wayfair customers found the quality and sizing weren’t up to scratch.
If you need the pressure-relieving qualities of an orthopaedic mattress topper, we recommend investing in a premium product that delivers the desired results, such as the toppers we recommended.
Can you wash an orthopaedic mattress topper?
Most orthopaedic mattress toppers have a machine-washable removable cover, such as the toppers from Tempur, Simba and Panda.
However, you will probably have a bedsheet and a quilted mattress protector on top of the topper that are easier to remove and wash.
But if you spill your morning coffee or experience night sweats, you may need to wash everything on your bed.
In that case, it’s easy to unzip the cover on your mattress topper and pop it in your washing machine on a low heat.
Just bear in mind, it can be quite difficult to get the cover back on the topper after you have washed it, so we don’t recommend washing it all the time. 🧼
Is an orthopaedic mattress topper worth it?
An orthopaedic mattress topper for back pain can help you get a great night’s sleep.
These toppers often incorporate memory foam or a blend of foam and pocket springs, both renowned for their pressure-relieving qualities.
The best orthopaedic mattress toppers, like the ones from Tempur, Simba and Panda, have advanced technology, great customer reviews and typically come at a much higher price point.
There are orthopaedic mattress toppers on the market for a fraction of the price, but they don’t come with the same advanced technology and rave reviews.
If you’re going to invest in an orthopaedic topper, we recommend going for a high-end design that has the technology to help your aches and pains.
Table of Contents
Our best orthopaedic mattress topper recommendations
Why buy an orthopaedic mattress topper?
What are the benefits of an orthopaedic mattress topper?
Who is an orthopaedic mattress topper suitable for?
Who is an orthopaedic mattress topper not suitable for?
Can you wash an orthopaedic mattress topper?
Frequently asked questions
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Should I buy an orthopaedic mattress instead?
Orthopaedic mattresses are designed to support the contours of the body and provide relief to pressure points, resulting in a comfortable and restful sleep.
While an orthopaedic mattress topper aims to provide added comfort and support, a new mattress typically offers a more comprehensive solution.
This is due to its greater thickness, intricate design, and advanced technology built directly into the core structure of the best mattresses.
In contrast, a topper merely adds an additional layer to your existing mattress.
If you're seeking a complete solution, investing in an orthopaedic mattress might be more beneficial.
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Do orthopaedic mattresses eliminate back pain?
While orthopaedic mattresses are crafted to provide enhanced support and alignment to the spine, it's essential to understand that back pain can arise from many causes.
Stress, diet, posture, underlying medical conditions, and lifestyle factors can all contribute to back discomfort.
An orthopaedic mattress can certainly assist in alleviating some types of back pain, especially those stemming from poor sleep posture or unsupportive mattresses.
However, it's not a guaranteed cure-all, and addressing the root cause of back pain often requires a multifaceted approach.
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What is the difference between memory foam and orthopaedic mattress toppers?
Many orthopaedic mattress toppers are indeed made from memory foam due to its contouring and pressure-relieving properties.
The primary distinction between an orthopaedic memory foam topper and a traditional memory foam topper lies in their design intent.
Orthopaedic toppers are specifically designed to provide optimal support to the body, addressing pressure points and promoting spinal alignment.
In contrast, traditional memory foam toppers mainly focus on comfort by conforming to the body's shape.
Both offer benefits, but the orthopaedic version targets individuals seeking relief from discomfort or pain.
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Is it good to sleep on an orthopaedic mattress topper?
Sleeping on an orthopaedic comfort mattress topper can benefit many individuals, especially those experiencing discomfort, pain, or inadequate support from their current mattress.
Its design emphasises proper spinal alignment and pressure relief, which can lead to improved sleep quality.
However, individual preferences and needs vary, and what works best for one person might not be suitable for another.
When you’re looking to find the right mattress topper, it's a good idea to test one out or ensure a return policy to determine if it fits your comfort needs.
Besides the Simba, Tempur and Panda toppers, the following products are also popular:
- Slumberdown Orthopaedic Mattress Topper (also known as the Super Support Mattress Topper)
- Soft feel 7500 Memory Foam Orthopaedic Mattress Topper
- Soft feel 2500 Memory Foam Orthopaedic Mattress Topper
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What sizes are orthopaedic mattress toppers available in?
Orthopaedic mattress toppers come in many different sizes to suit your bed.
Our recommended toppers are all available in the following UK sizes:
- Single
- Small Double
- Double
- King-size
- Super king-size
The Panda Mattress Topper is also available in EU sizes.
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References
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