Best Mattress Topper for Student Accommodation in the UK

Best Mattress Topper for Student Accommodation in the UK

In most instances, student housing in the UK is more efficient than it is comfortable. This is particularly true regarding mattress conditions, as you will probably experience hard, worn-out, or “student” style mattresses, whether you are occupying halls of residence or renting an apartment with others. To make the situation even worse, being able to purchase a new mattress is not something most students can afford; therefore, a mattress topper would be a great upgrade and would dramatically change your ability to sleep.

A quality mattress topper can provide you with the same support and comfort as buying a new mattress; however, you will save money by only purchasing a topper. For larger shared beds or spacious student apartments, choosing a super king mattress topper for maximum comfort and coverage can make a significant difference in sleep quality.

In this article, we will go into detail about the best types of mattress toppers available for students in the UK. It explains what you should be looking for when deciding which mattress topper is best for you.

What Makes a Mattress Topper Necessary for Students

Many student dormitory mattresses are standard-sized and geared for long-term use and durability, instead of comfort.  Many students find their dormitory bed is too firm, has too many lumps, or is just too thin.

A mattress topper, however, adds a layer of comfort and support to the mattress and offers the following benefits:

• Provides a more comfortable sleeping surface than a hard or worn-out mattress
• Reduces pressure on the spine and joints
• Helps to regulate your body temperature to improve sleep
• Extends the amount of time the student can keep the old mattress

For a student to save money, a mattress topper is an alternative way to improve the sleep they receive without having to replace their old bed.

Different Types of Mattress Toppers Suitable for Students

Selecting the appropriate type of material for your mattress is essential. All materials have varied advantages depending on how you sleep, as well as your sleeping environment and conditions.

Memory Foam

The most common type of mattress topper among students is memory foam. Memory foam tends to mould around the contours of your body, providing pressure relief and adequate support. High-quality brands such as the Panda bamboo memory foam mattress topper combine comfort with support and overall cooling aspects (gel-infused) that control and regulate your body temperature and cooling so that you don’t get hot while you sleep.

Who this is recommended for:

• Back and side sleepers.
• Students with joint and/or back issues.
• Providing better firmness to your mattress.

Soft/Light Weight/Pillow Top Toppers

Soft, lightweight, and generally provide a more gentle feeling to sleep on as compared to memory foam, but unless you spend additional money on a quality pillow such as the Kelly Burke pillow topper, a soft, lightweight topper will provide plush comfort without firm support.

Who this is recommended for:

• Those with tight budgets.
• Those who just want to add softness to their mattress without support.
• When used for short periods of time.

Bamboo/Cooling Toppers

In a shared accommodation environment, students will find that their student room is generally very warm; the use of a cooling bamboo or cooling mattress topper will be a good alternative. Bamboo and/or cooling mattress toppers are generally “breathable” and “moisture-wicking”. Many bamboo mattress toppers are also hypoallergenic and machine washable, and therefore will be good options for shared living environments.

Who this is for:

• For students who sleep very hot, they need a cooler sleep surface than their mattress.
• For students who have small (or under-ventilated) bedrooms.
• For students who are conscious of hygiene.

Hybrid Toppers

Hybrid toppers tend to be a combination of foam and springs or foam and other advanced materials. Hybrid toppers provide students with a more supportive sleep surface than do full foam mattress toppers.

Who this is for:

• Longer-lasting sleep solution for students looking to invest in better sleep quality

Best Mattress Toppers for UK Students

Here are the best mattress toppers available to students in the UK.

Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Mattress Topper

This product is one of the best in the UK, as it’s an affordable option due to its quality. The foam is 5cm thick with gel-infused memory foam, and it is covered with a breathable bamboo cover.

• It’s comfortable, supportive, hypoallergenic and machine washable.
• It also has a trial period and a guarantee.

Various people have recommended this mattress topper for both its comfort and affordability. Prices start at around £100.

Silentnight Impress Memory Foam Topper

An ideal budget option for students; it only costs about 70.00, and adds a soft layer on top of firm mattresses; lightweight; easy to manoeuvre.

Although it may not give you much depth of support, it is a good entry-level option to improve your basic bed.

Emma Original Mattress Topper

It has a two-sided option allowing the consumer to choose between either the softer or firmer side.

• Customizable options
• Top Quality Materials
• Accommodates different sleep preferences.
• Perfect for students who want to use one topper without having to purchase several toppers.

Cooling mattress toppers (Aircool or Coolmax)

They are made for regulating body temperatures, have breathable and moisture-wicking capabilities, are a perfect solution for warm rooms, and are generally hypoallergenic and washable.

• Best mattress toppers for shared residences where airflow may be restricted.

Things to Consider When Purchasing a Mattress Topper for Student Housing

• Thickness — Thickness options range from 5 to 7cm. Thicker mattresses offer more cushioning but may also require a higher price range.
• Portability — Because of frequent changes in living arrangements, students should select a lighter mattress topper that can easily be rolled up or folded for transportation.
• Washing Machine Safe Covers — Shared living spaces require cleanliness; you will want to select a removable and machine-washable cover.
• Cost — You will have to balance price against how long each topper should last. An initial higher price may yield a longer-lasting product.
• Rubberised Corner Straps — Mattress toppers may need additional support, especially when placed on an average university dormitory mattress, by using rubberised corner straps to assist in keeping the topper securely in place.

Selecting the Ideal Mattress Topper

• If your mattress is hard, use a hybrid or foam (memory) topper.
• If your mattress has excessive heat retention, choose gel or bamboo-based toppers as they can help expel body heat from the bed.
• If you will be staying in your new apartment temporarily, then select an inexpensive microfibre type of topper.
• If you have a back injury or severe pain, consider using an orthopaedic type of foam (memory) topper to assist in distributing your weight evenly across your body (as well as relieving pressure points).

It is important to remember that toppers can greatly improve a bed’s comfort; however, a topper will not correct the problems caused by an exceptionally lousy quality mattress. Many consumers claimed that a topper provides improved comfort over an excellent bed.

Final Thoughts

One of the best purchases students in the UK can make is buying a mattress topper. Mattress toppers are an affordable and portable way to help improve the quality of sleep that any student will need for success in school and to improve their overall health.

You should buy a mattress topper that suits you as a sleeper and the student accommodation that you are staying in, whether you want an inexpensive microfibre topper or an expensive memory foam topper. Most students end up benefiting the most from a memory foam mattress topper that features a removable washable cover for comfort, hygiene and value. With this type of topper, many basic student beds will be transformed into a supportive sleep area.

Guest Article.