How to choose the right top mattress: The ultimate guide

Choosing the right top mattress can help you improve the comfort of your bed and create a sleeping setup that suits your needs. In this guide, you'll learn what a top mattress does, how to choose the right material, size, and thickness, and what to consider when finding the best top mattress for you.

A top mattress is an additional layer placed on top of your regular mattress to adjust the comfort of your bed and protect the mattress underneath. Available in different materials, thicknesses, and sizes, top mattresses can change how your bed feels, helping you create a sleeping setup that better suits your preferences.

A top mattress is different from a mattress pad, although the two can be used together. While a top mattress primarily adds comfort, a mattress pad mainly helps protect your bed against moisture, sweat, and dirt. Read more about the differences and how the two products work together in our guide to the differences between top mattresses and mattress pads. 

A top mattress can improve your sleeping experience in several ways, from adjusting the feel of your bed to helping protect the mattress underneath. The benefits depend on the materials and construction of the top mattress you choose.

• Adjusting comfort: A top mattress can change how your bed feels, making the sleeping surface feel slightly softer or firmer depending on its materials and construction. Some materials, such as memory foam, can also help relieve pressure on the body
• Protecting the underlying mattress: A top mattress adds a layer between you and your mattress, which can help protect it from everyday wear and extend its lifespan.
• Adding specific features: Some top mattresses offer features such as improved breathability or cooling properties, which may help you feel more comfortable while sleeping.
• Refreshing your bed: If your bed no longer feels quite right, a top mattress can help adjust its comfort without replacing your underlying mattress, provided the underlying mattress is still in good condition.

The best top mattress for you depends on how you want your bed to feel, your budget, the material and thickness of the top mattress, and your personal comfort preferences. You should also consider the size of your bed and whether you tend to feel too warm while sleeping. By comparing these factors, you can find a top mattress that suits your needs and complements your existing mattress.

Which top mattress material is best for you?

The material is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a top mattress, as it influences how the sleeping surface feels and which features the top mattress offers. Some materials, such as memory foam, shape themselves to your body to help relieve pressure, while others offer a more responsive surface or features designed to help regulate temperature.

The right choice depends on your preferences and the properties of the individual product. If you want to understand the differences between memory foam, latex, gel foam, and other materials in more detail, read our guide to choosing the right top mattress material.

Some top mattresses also have cooling features designed to help you feel cooler while sleeping. These features may be particularly useful if you often feel too warm in bed, especially during warmer months. Learn more in our guide to cooling top mattresses.

What size should a top mattress be?

A top mattress should match the width and length of your underlying mattress to provide a comfortable, even sleeping surface. Before buying one, measure your mattress to ensure you choose the correct dimensions.

The right fit can also help prevent your top mattress from moving around during the night. If your top mattress keeps sliding, read our guide on how to stop your top mattress from sliding for practical advice.

How thick should a top mattress be?

Top mattresses are available in different thicknesses, and the right choice depends on how much you want to change the feel of your bed. A thicker top mattress may have a more noticeable effect on comfort, but thickness alone does not determine how a top mattress feels. The material and construction also play an important role.

At JYSK, top mattresses typically range from approximately 2.5 to 10 cm in thickness, with many models measuring around 4-8 cm. Consider how your existing mattress feels and what you want to change before choosing a thickness.

Does your sleeping position matter for a top mattress?

Your preferred sleeping position can influence which top mattress feels most comfortable, as different positions place pressure on different parts of your body. However, your underlying mattress also matters, and there is no single top mattress that suits every side, back, or stomach sleeper.

For example, if you sleep on your side, a top mattress that gives way around your shoulders may feel more comfortable. To find the right option for you, compare the materials and features listed in JYSK's product descriptions and learn how they can affect the feel of your bed.

Regular care can help keep your top mattress in good condition, but cleaning it thoroughly can be difficult. Top mattresses generally cannot be machine washed, unlike many mattress pads, so it's important to follow the care instructions for your specific product.

If your top mattress is severely worn or remains dirty despite appropriate cleaning, replacing it may be the best option. Learn more about the signs to look for in our guide to when you should replace your top mattress.

You can also help protect your top mattress by using a mattress pad. Mattress pads help shield the sleeping surface from sweat, moisture, and dirt, and many can be machine-washed for easier cleaning.

Find the right top mattress at JYSK

Whether you want to adjust the comfort of your bed, explore different materials, or find a top mattress with specific features, our range offers options to suit different preferences. Discover our full range of top mattresses at JYSK to compare materials, sizes, and features and find a top mattress that suits you.