Panda London Mattress Topper
- Gel-infused memory foam
- 5 cm (2 inches)
- Available in UK & EU sizes
Tell me more about the Panda Mattress Topper
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 and is machine-washable up to 40℃.
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.
Reasons to buy
30-night trial period |
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10-year guarantee |
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OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 & REACH certified |
Reasons to avoid
It might be too soft for those in need of a firmer topper |
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It may initially have a chemical smell |
Simba Mattress Topper
- Synthetic latex, mini pocket springs & Simba-Pure foam
- 7 cm (2.7 inches)
- Available in standard UK sizes
Tell me more about the Simba Hybrid mattress topper
The Simba Hybrid mattress topper features three advanced layers, including synthetic latex, mini pocket springs, and Simba-Pure foam.
The Simba-Pure foam is CertiPUR-certified [1] 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 and helping with temperature regulation.
Because of its hybrid composition, the Simba topper also feels much firmer than pure foam toppers.
The Simba topper has an anti-slip base and elasticated straps to keep it firmly in place on your mattress.
Reasons to buy
CertiPUR-US certified |
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1-year guarantee |
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Free delivery & returns |
Reasons to avoid
The trial period is only 14 days |
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Quite expensive |
Hypnia Ultimate Mattress Topper
- Soft memory foam
- 8 cm (3.14")
- Machine-washable cover
Tell me more about the Hypnia topper
The Hypnia Ultimate mattress topper provides a deep layer of comfort to your current mattress.
Designed to relieve pressure, the memory foam technology works wonders in aligning the body and reducing tension in the lumbar region or neck.
The Hypnia topper has a soft and absorbing feel, gently hugging around the body like you're sinking into a marshmallow.
It has a non-slip base designed to keep it secure on the mattress throughout the night.
However, the extra-deep topper sometimes slid off the bed during testing, so we would favour a design with straps for increased stability.
Its ultra-breathable cover promotes ventilation and is machine-washable, which is great for those that sweat during sleep.
Reasons to buy
Significantly changes the feeling of the mattress |
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OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified |
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30-night sleep trial |
Reasons to avoid
There are no straps to prevent it from sliding |
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It is not easy to store away, so it's best for those looking for a permanent topper |
Emma Flip Mattress Topper
- Airgocell memory foam & ZeroGravity cold foam
- 5 cm (1.9 inches)
- Machine-washable cover
Tell me more about the Emma Flip Topper
The Emma Flip Topper has a unique dual-sided design with two foam layers.
These are:
- Comfort side: Airgocell foam
- Support side: ZeroGravity foam
The comfort side is slightly softer, while the support side is a little firmer.
This makes the Emma mattress topper a great option for sleepers who need a little more variety or are unsure whether they need more softness or firmness.
The topper also comes with a breathable, cooling cover that is fully machine-washable, which is great for hygienic reasons.
Reasons to buy
100-night sleep trial |
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10-year guarantee |
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Machine-washable cover |
Reasons to avoid
It doesn't include straps to fix it to the mattress |
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Not available in a single or small double |
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 [2].
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 Hypnia Ultimate topper is thick, soft and crafted from body-adaptive memory foam.
This adaptivity distributes your body weight evenly, reducing the likelihood of undue pressure on any specific part.
Excessive pressure [3] on certain body points, like shoulders, hips, and heels, can exacerbate pain and increase the risk of developing pressure sores.
A pure memory foam topper is a little softer and hugs your body, while a hybrid topper provides more support and stability.
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 [4] 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 change 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.
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, orthopaedic toppers tend to use durable materials, like Hypnia's Ultimate 15-year guaranteed memory foam.
This ensures they retain their shape over time and provide a long-term solution for your mattress.
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![Ultimate Mattress Topper]()
![Ultimate Mattress Topper]()
Hypnia![Hypnia]()
Ultimate Mattress TopperPrice from £ 179.99 £ (239.99 )The Hypnia Ultimate mattress topper comes with a 30-night trial period."Get 5% off with our exclusive 'SH5' discount code."The Hypnia Ultimate mattress topper comes with a 30-night trial period."Get 5% off with our exclusive 'SH5' discount code."Price from £ 179.99 (£ 239.99 )
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 sleepers
Firmer orthopaedic mattress toppers often provide targeted pressure-relieving support.
A firmer mattress topper is better suited to back sleepers as it keeps your spine aligned with your neck throughout the night.
If you’re a 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.
A softer topper provides more sinkage for your hips and shoulders, helping to keep your spine aligned.
The Panda topper is on the softer side and is well-suited to side sleepers with joint, hip and back 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. 🔥
Memory foam is probably too warm for hot sleepers, and you would be better suited to a cooling mattress instead.
However, if you run cold or live in a very cold environment, a memory foam orthopaedic topper, like the Hypnia Ultimate, 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. 💰
The most expensive toppers feature advanced technology, like those found in the Simba and Tempur toppers.
However, there are more affordable mattress toppers that don't use Tempur's NASA-approved memory foam or Simba's advanced pocket spring system.
For example, Silentnight offers numerous mattress toppers at an inexpensive rate, such as the Airmax 800 Mattress Topper.
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.
Front sleepers
Stomach sleepers need a firm and stable mattress to keep their spine aligned.
We recommend front sleepers avoid mattress toppers altogether, as you will likely experience some sinkage even with a firm topper.
Instead, you should invest in a high-quality firm mattress that supports your body throughout the night.
Those with an old sagging mattress
An orthopaedic mattress topper can only do so much.
Toppers are not a magic solution for an old, sagging mattress that needs to be replaced.
In this case, we recommend purchasing a new mattress instead of investing in a mattress topper.
Can you wash an orthopaedic mattress topper?
Most orthopaedic mattress toppers have a machine-washable removable cover, such as the toppers from Emma, Hypnia, Simba and Panda.
However, we recommend using a mattress protector nonetheless, especially for memory foam toppers.
Mattress protectors are much 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 Hypnia, 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.
Besides the Simba, Emma, 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
If you're seeking a complete solution, investing in an orthopaedic mattress might be more beneficial.
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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.
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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: 90 x 190 cm (3’0” x 6’3”)
- Small Double: 120 x 190 cm (4’0” x 6’3”)
- Double: 135 x 190 cm (4’6” x 6’3”)
- King-size: 150 x 200 cm (5’0” x 6’6”)
- Super king-size: 180 x 200 cm (6’0” x 6’6”)
The Panda Mattress Topper is also available in EU sizes.
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What does orthopaedic mean?
Orthopaedic mattresses and toppers are designed to support the body and alleviate back and neck issues.
While many are labelled orthopaedic due to their firmness, true orthopaedic products [5] are based on scientific research to ensure proper spinal alignment.
To distinguish genuine orthopaedic items from merely firm ones, look for medical endorsements or health certifications.
True orthopaedic designs often include targeted support zones or ergonomic features, which are not just about firmness.
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References
- 1 EUROPUR – European Association of Flexible Polyurethane Foam Blocks Manufacturers
- 2 Back Pain | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
- 3 https://jbmedical.com.au/how-does-a-pressure-relieving-mattress-help-back-pain/#:~:text=essentially%2c%20a%20pressure%20relieving%20mattress,while%20sleeping%20on%20your%20side
- 4 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc8631621/
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