A mattress topper changes how the surface of your bed feels. It does not change how the mattress underneath supports you. If your mattress is simply too firm, a topper is usually enough. If it sags, dips or has springs you can feel, a topper will only hide the problem for a while, and a new mattress is the fix.
Below: what a memory foam topper actually does, how to tell which situation you're in, and what to look for when you buy one.
What is a memory foam mattress topper?
A memory foam mattress topper is a removable layer of foam, usually a few centimetres thick, that sits on top of your mattress under the fitted sheet. It adds a softer layer between you and the mattress.
Memory foam responds slowly to pressure and shapes itself around you as you settle, which is why a memory foam topper makes a firm bed feel noticeably softer. Some toppers, including ours, use gel-infused memory foam, where gel is mixed through the foam.
A topper is not the same as a mattress protector. A protector is a thin fabric layer that guards the mattress against spills and sweat. A topper is there to change how the bed feels. Many people use both, with the protector over the topper.
When is a mattress topper enough?
A topper is enough when the mattress underneath is still flat, even and supportive, and you just want it to feel softer.
That covers most of the common reasons people buy one:
- The mattress is too firm. You bought firm and it's more than you wanted, or your preference has changed.
- A firm spare-room or kids' mattress. A topper makes a basic mattress more comfortable for guests without replacing it.
- Renting or short-term. You're stuck with a mattress that came with the place and want it to feel more like your own.
- Your partner wants softer and you don't. A topper on a firmer mattress is one way to soften the whole bed. (It softens both sides, so it isn't a true split.)
When do you need a new mattress instead?
You need a new mattress when the problem is support, not softness. A topper sits on top of whatever is underneath, so it follows the shape of the mattress. It can't fill a dip or level out a sag.
Signs a topper won't solve it:
| What you notice | Topper or new mattress? |
|---|---|
| Mattress feels too hard, but it's flat and even | Topper |
| You want a softer surface on a spare bed | Topper |
| A visible dip or body impression where you sleep | New mattress |
| You roll towards the middle or towards your partner | New mattress |
| You can feel individual springs or lumps | New mattress |
| The mattress is noisy when you move | New mattress |
| The mattress is soft and you want it firmer | New mattress, since a topper only adds softness |
If you're not sure how old your mattress is or whether it's worn out, our guide to how long a mattress lasts goes through the signs.
How thick should a mattress topper be?
The thicker the topper, the more it changes the feel of the bed. A thin topper takes the edge off a firm mattress. A thicker one changes the surface more noticeably.
Two practical things to check before you pick a thickness:
- Your fitted sheets. A topper adds height to the bed. Measure your mattress depth, add the topper, and make sure your fitted sheets are deep enough to go over both.
- What you're fixing. If the mattress is only slightly too firm, you don't need the thickest option.
What to look for in a mattress topper
- The right size. Buy the same Australian size as your mattress. A Queen topper for a Queen mattress.
- It stays put. A topper that slides around or bunches up during the night is the most common complaint. Look for one designed to stay in place.
- The foam. Memory foam gives a slow, sinking feel. If you want to know what's in the foam, look for CertiPUR-US® certification, a US program that tests foam for certain harmful substances.
- The warranty. Toppers usually carry a shorter warranty than mattresses. Check the term before you buy.
- Delivery. Foam toppers are usually rolled and boxed, so they're easy to carry in and set up yourself.
The Naptime 6cm Topper at a glance
| The 6cm Topper | |
|---|---|
| Material | Cool gel memory foam |
| Thickness | 6 cm |
| Sizes | Single, King Single, Double, Queen, King |
| Price (Queen) | $299 |
| Warranty | 12 months |
| Delivery | Rolled and boxed. The Queen box is 24 × 24 × 83 cm and weighs 13 kg |
Sizes (W × L × H):
| Size | Dimensions | Box | Box weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | 92 × 188 × 6 cm | 24 × 24 × 52 cm | 8 kg |
| King Single | 107 × 203 × 6 cm | 24 × 24 × 60 cm | 9 kg |
| Double | 138 × 188 × 6 cm | 24 × 24 × 75 cm | 11 kg |
| Queen | 153 × 203 × 6 cm | 24 × 24 × 83 cm | 13 kg |
| King | 183 × 203 × 6 cm | 24 × 24 × 98 cm | 15 kg |
Frequently asked questions
Does a mattress topper make a bed softer?
Yes. That's what a topper is for. It adds a softer layer on top of the mattress.
Can a mattress topper make a bed firmer?
Not really. A topper adds cushioning, so it makes a bed feel softer, not firmer. If your mattress is too soft, the fix is a firmer mattress.
Will a topper fix a sagging mattress?
No. A topper follows the shape of the mattress underneath, so a dip in the mattress becomes a dip in the topper. It may make it less noticeable for a while, but it doesn't fix it.
Is a mattress topper the same as a mattress protector?
No. A topper changes how the bed feels. A protector is a thin layer that protects the mattress from spills, sweat and accidents. You can use both, with the protector on top.
Do I still need a mattress protector with a topper?
A protector is a good idea. It keeps both the topper and the mattress cleaner, and it's easier to wash a protector than to clean a foam topper.
What size mattress topper do I need?
The same size as your mattress. Australian sizes are Single, King Single, Double, Queen and King.
How thick is the Naptime Topper?
The Naptime 6cm Topper is 6 cm thick in every size.
Is the topper covered by the Goodnight Guarantee?
No. The Goodnight Guarantee applies to eligible mattresses only. The 6cm Topper carries a 12-month warranty.
Shop the 6cm Topper · Shop The Protector · Browse all mattresses
Naptime is an Australian-owned family business selling factory-direct, so you get the bed without the retail mark-up. We take care of the rest.
