Choosing Mattress Toppers
Mattress toppers sit on top of your mattress, adding a layer of cushioning that changes how your bed feels. They're part of your bedding setup, sitting under your bed sheets but over your mattress surface.
What Mattress Toppers Actually Do
A topper adds cushioning to your mattress. If your mattress feels too firm, a topper creates a softer sleeping surface without replacing the entire mattress. The extra layer moulds around your body differently than sleeping directly on the mattress itself.
Toppers can refresh an older mattress that's lost some comfort over time. They won't fix structural problems - if your mattress is sagging badly or has broken springs, you need a new mattress, not a topper. But for mattresses that are just firmer than you'd like, a topper makes a noticeable difference.
Most toppers sit under your mattress protector which then sits under your sheets. The order goes: mattress first, then topper on top, then protector over that, then your sheets last. This layering keeps everything in place and protects both your mattress and topper.
Memory Foam Toppers
Memory foam toppers mould to your body shape. OMF stocks 8cm and 10cm memory foam options - the thickness affects how much cushioning you get. An 8cm topper adds moderate softness, while a 10cm topper provides more substantial cushioning and changes the mattress feel more noticeably.
Memory foam responds to body heat and pressure, creating that contouring effect people associate with memory foam mattresses. It takes a moment to spring back when you get up - that's normal for this material.
These toppers are solid foam pieces that sit on your mattress. They don't compress down as much as filled toppers, so they create consistent cushioning across the entire surface.
Bamboo-Blend and Filled Toppers
Bamboo-blend toppers combine bamboo fibres with filling materials. OMF's bamboo options come in various thicknesses measured by GSM (grams per square metre) - 1000GSM and 1200GSM options available. Higher GSM generally means more filling and more cushioning.
Feather & down toppers use duck feather and down filling. The 1800GSM option at OMF provides soft, plush cushioning that compresses around your body. These feel different from memory foam - they're more cloud-like and shift around slightly rather than holding a firm shape.
Goose filled toppers work similarly, using goose filling instead of duck. The filling distributes across the topper to create soft cushioning. Over time, you might need to shake or fluff these toppers to redistribute the filling evenly.
Sizes and Practical Considerations
Mattress toppers match standard Australian mattress sizes. OMF stocks toppers across single, king single, double, queen, king and super king sizes, though not every topper type comes in every size. Check individual product details for size availability.
Match your topper size to your mattress size - a queen mattress needs a queen topper. The topper should cover the mattress surface without hanging over the edges or sitting too small.
Toppers add height to your bed. If you use a topper, your fitted sheets need to accommodate the extra depth - check that your sheets fit mattresses with toppers (typically up to 45cm total depth including topper).
Most toppers have covers that you can remove and wash - check care labels for specific washing instructions. Some memory foam toppers can't be washed and need spot cleaning instead. Protectors over toppers help keep them clean longer.
Visit any of our 50+ stores where our cOMFy experts can show you different topper materials and explain how each one feels. You can touch and compare foam, bamboo, and filled options to understand which type suits your preferences.
FAQs
What's the difference between a mattress topper and a mattress protector?
A mattress topper adds cushioning and changes how your mattress feels - it makes it softer or adds extra comfort. A mattress protector is a thin, waterproof cover that protects against spills and stains without changing how the mattress feels. You'd use both together - topper on the mattress, protector over the topper, then your sheets on top.
How thick should a mattress topper be?
It depends on how much you want to change your mattress feel. OMF's 8cm memory foam topper adds moderate cushioning - enough to make a difference but not drastically change the bed. The 10cm option provides more substantial cushioning and changes the feel more noticeably. For filled toppers, look at GSM ratings - higher numbers (like 1800GSM) mean more filling and more cushioning than lower numbers (like 1000GSM).
Can a topper fix an old, worn-out mattress?
Not really. Toppers add cushioning to the surface, but they won't fix structural problems like sagging, broken springs, or a mattress that's lost all its support. If your mattress is genuinely worn out, you need a new mattress, not a topper. Toppers work best on mattresses that are structurally sound but just firmer than you'd like or have lost a bit of surface comfort over time.
Do I need special sheets for a mattress with a topper?
Your existing fitted sheets might work if they're deep enough. Toppers add height to your mattress - typically 8-10cm for foam toppers. Check that your fitted sheets accommodate the total depth (mattress + topper). Most sheets that fit mattresses up to 40-45cm deep will work with a topper, but extra-deep fitted sheets are available if you need them.
