Mattress topper vs new mattress: Which one do you need?

When your mattress can't provide the comfort or support you need, it's time to think of a replacement. But do you need to invest in a new mattress or will a mattress topper do?

The best mattresses we've tested provide targeted comfort for specific sleep needs and they can last for over a decade. A mattress is a long-term sleep investment, but the downside is this comes at a high cost.

Even the best mattress toppers are cheaper than their mattress equivalents, making them a budget friendly way to adjust the feel of your bed. However, a bed topper can't fix a broken mattress and a limited lifespan makes them a short-term choice.

In this guide we'll explore the pros and cons of a mattress topper vs a new mattress, and how to find the best sleep solution for you.

Mattress topper vs new mattress: Key differences

Mattress toppers and mattresses have significant differences, but if you're looking for a solution to an old bed, they're both good choices. Before we dive into which is right for you for you, let's explore the key differences.

Starting with the basics: design. Mattress toppers typically measure between one and four inches (although we recommend a minimum mattress topper thickness of two inches.)

Most mattress toppers consist of a single layer of material, but multiple-layered mattress toppers are also available.

This thin build allows a bed topper to alter the feel of your mattress without breaking the bank. However, a topper alone lacks the support and pressure relief of a mattress.

Mattresses, on the other hand, typically measure between eight and 14 inches (with options beyond that spectrum on either end.) For an adult, we suggest a mattress thickness of 10 inches or more.

You'll typically find multiple layers of materials within a mattress. The best hybrid mattresses pair springs with layers of cushioned support, while the best memory foam mattresses feature different types of foam.

These complex builds allow mattresses to deliver varying levels of support and comfort, meaning there's a mattress to suit every sleep need.

In turn, mattresses are significantly more expensive than a bed topper of the same quality.

However, they'll also last longer: we recommend replacing your mattress every six to 10 years, while typical bed topper longevity is around three years.

Mattress topper vs new mattress: Price

• Mattress toppers are cheaper overall than mattresses
• Mattresses often come with better benefits
• Queen topper costs roughly $300, a mattress around $800-$1,000

Depending on whether you want luxury or affordable, the price of a new queen mattress can span from less than $400 to over $9,000 (hello, Tempur-Pedic.)

Numerous factors influence mattress cost, including the quality of the materials used (which will also impact the longevity — higher quality mattresses should outlast their budget counterparts.)

Memory foam mattresses are often cheaper than hybrid equivalents, while latex beds and the best organic mattresses are among the most expensive types.

And if you opt for the cutting-edge sleep tech of the best smart beds and mattresses, you can expect to pay even more again.

We class a mid-range mattress as costing between $800 and $1,200 for a queen size. In this price bracket, a mattress should offer many years of sleep comfort.

Mattress toppers are normally much cheaper. A queen size mattress topper will typically set you back between $100 and $400. Cheaper options are available, but these are often mattress pads and have minimal impact on feel.

You can also pick up some pricey toppers, such as those from luxury brands Saatva and Tempur-Pedic. However, these are significantly cheaper than mattresses from the same brands.

We emphasize the importance of benefits when choosing a mattress; the industry standard is a 100-night trial and a 10-year warranty.

Mattress topper benefits are rarely this impressive. A three to five year warranty is considered good, while we recommend a trial length of at least 30 days. However, budget toppers will often come with no trial at all.

Mattress topper vs new mattress: Comfort & support

• Mattress toppers allow you to tweak the feel of your bed
• A topper alone has minimal support and relief
• Mattresses build comfort from the ground up

Mattress toppers are primarily used to adjust the feel of a bed. If your mattress is too firm, the best memory foam mattress topper can soften it up.

Specialist bed toppers can also target specific sleep needs. For example, a cooling mattress topper can aid temperature regulation, while a plush topper can increase cushioning to limit joint pain.

They can also be used to add support or relief to an old mattress. However, a mattress topper alone does not offer enough support or pressure relief to remain comfortable in the long-term.

Mattresses are bigger and more complex than toppers, so they deliver a higher degree of comfort and support. They're also highly versatile, which is why we always recommend choosing a mattress for your sleep style.

The best mattresses for side sleepers, for example, use thick comfort layers to cradle the body at the touch points. But if you pick the best mattresses for stomach sleepers, you can expect a firmer feel for added lumbar support.

If your mattress isn't comfortable, then a mattress topper can be used to adjust the feel and performance to suit your needs.

But if you're tired of your old bed and you want to transform your sleep set-up, it's better to buy a new mattress and focus on finding one that's right for your preferences. Our guide to choosing a mattress can help you get started.

With a huge choice of both products available now, it’s never been easier to tailor your bed to how you like to sleep.

Topper vs mattress: For small budgets

• Mattress toppers are more affordable
• But a mattress has better longevity
• A topper might tide you over until you can afford a new mattress

When comparing the cost of mattresses and mattress toppers, it's important not to focus solely on the price tag, but to consider the performance level you're getting for your money.

Mattress toppers are cheaper and good for short-term use. Mattresses are more expensive but they're also a long-term investment in your sleep health.

If you have a relatively new mattress and you're unhappy with the feel or performance, a mattress topper is a budget-friendly investment that can increase comfort.

A mattress topper can also be used to extend the lifespan of your bed as you save for a new mattress.

However, if your budget is small and your old mattress is causing serious discomfort, the best cheap mattresses can often offer more bang for your buck.

And if you plan on replacing your mattress soon anyway, you might want to hold back on the topper so you can save your money and invest in a mattress you'll truly love.

Topper vs mattress: Your current bed is sagging

• Sagging starts as your mattress ages
• Sagging impacts support and pressure relief
• When your mattress is sagging, it needs to be replaced

If your mattress is sagging, ripped or has an unpleasant smell, then it’s time to replace it.

Mattresses tend to sag as they age. You might notice you leave an impression in the bed when you get up in the morning and it's still there when you go to sleep at night.

These indentations cause the spine to sag into the mattress, which can result in back pain. In contrast, the best mattresses for back pain tend to have a firmer feel with minimal sink.

While covering these dips with a topper might seem like a smart solution, the topper will simply slip into the sags, taking your body with it.

Putting a topper on an unstable, sagging mattress means it will have no solid base to rest upon and you won’t get proper support.

Similarly, if you've noticed a bad smell coming from your bed, you might have a problem with mattress mold. A moldy mattress can lead to health issues and the moisture will cause the materials to deteriorate.

A mattress topper will simply cover the problem and this extra layer of padding can limit air flow, resulting in more trapped moisture — and more mold.

Topper vs mattress: For changing sleep needs

• A mattress topper can make a mattress softer or firmer
• It can also be used to improve temperature regulation
• However, a mattress will provide a new feel for the long-term

Our sleep needs change throughout our life and it can be hard for a mattress to keep up.

A mattress topper allows you to tweak the feel of the bed. If, for example, you used to sleep on your back but you've recently moved to your side, a soft topper can introduce welcome cushioning.

On a similar note, if you used to love sinking into the 'hug' of a soft bed but now you prefer to lie on top of the mattress, a firm latex topper can enhance support.

However, these are only adjustments, while a new mattress will provide comfort from the ground-up.

New aches and pains, whether from injury or aging, will often require the superior support of a mattress that's been designed to target your sleep needs. Placing a topper on an unsupportive bed will provide limited relief.

And if you've started to wake up uncomfortably warm, a cooling mattress topper can enhance temperature regulation — but the best cooling mattresses better target night sweats and hot flashes.

If you've only recently purchased your mattress, there might be another solution: the sleep trial.

A sleep trial is an opportunity to test the mattress at home without the financial commitment. If you're within your trial period and unhappy with your mattress, you can return it and find a new bed that works for you.

Topper vs mattress: For guest rooms

• Spare beds don't have the same support requirements
• A bed topper will add comfort without breaking the bank
• But eventually, you'll need a new mattress to keep your guests happy

Mattresses in guest rooms rarely experience regular use but if your spare bed is starting to look tired, you might be considering a replacement.

A mattress topper is a budget-friendly way to bring some comfort to your guest room. It can also extend the life of the mattress, getting you through a few more holiday seasons before you need to consider a total replacement.

However, if your guests wake up grumpy after a bad night struggling to get comfortable on a creaking innerspring, it might be time to face the music and buy a new mattress.

Mattress topper vs new mattress: which should you buy

Buy a mattress topper if...

✅ Your mattress is good quality, but feels wrong: Bed toppers are best used when you want to tweak the feel of your mattress. Bed too soft or firm? Add a topper.

✅ Your sleep needs are going through changes: Weight fluctuations, injuries and aging can all impact how we sleep. A mattress topper can improve sleep comfort while you figure out what you need from your mattress.

✅ You want to upgrade your spare bed: Give your guests better sleep and save money by opting for a mattress topper.

Buy a new mattress if...

✅ You need more support than your bed provides: While a topper can improve comfort, a mattress provides support from the ground up to keep your body in the right position all night long.

✅ Your current mattress is sagging: Once your bed has started showing indentations, a topper can't help. You need a new mattress to prevent your spine from sinking and causing back pain.

✅ You want to invest in your long-term sleep health: A mattress might be costly, but increased longevity means that in the long-run you get more of your money.