Quick answer: Yes, for the right problem. A mattress
topper can genuinely relieve back, hip and shoulder pain caused by
pressure points on an otherwise decent mattress that’s just gone
slightly firm or lost some plushness. But a topper can’t fix a mattress
that’s sagging, worn out, or was never supportive in the first place —
in that case, you’re cushioning a problem rather than solving it.
Knowing which situation you’re in is the difference between a topper
being a great investment or a waste of money.
We’ve been fitting Perth customers with mattress toppers and
back-friendly bedding for 20 years, and this is genuinely one of the
most common questions we get asked in-store. Here’s the honest
answer.
When a Mattress Topper
Actually Helps
A mattress topper is a 5–7.5cm layer of latex, memory foam or
high-density foam added on top of your existing mattress. It works by
adding a fresh layer of contouring and pressure relief without changing
the support structure underneath. It genuinely helps when:
- Your mattress is still structurally sound — no
sagging, dipping or lumps — but has firmed up or lost some of its
original plushness over time - You’re getting pressure point pain at the hips or
shoulders (common for side sleepers) from a mattress that’s a touch too
firm - You’ve bought a new mattress and want to fine-tune
the feel — softening a firm mattress or adding a plusher top layer - You’re dealing with a hard caravan, boat, or guest bed
mattress that’s otherwise fine structurally but simply
uncomfortable - You want better temperature regulation — a topper
can add breathability in warmer months
In these cases, a topper genuinely improves comfort, circulation and
spinal alignment, because it’s solving a surface feel problem,
not a support problem.
When a Topper Won’t Fix It
A topper adds cushioning — it does not restore support. If your
mattress is the underlying problem, a topper is a temporary patch that
will eventually stop working. Signs a topper won’t be enough:
- Visible sagging or a body-shaped dip in the
mattress - The mattress is more than 8–10 years old and
support has clearly declined - You wake up sore even after adjusting sleep position, pillow and
mattress topper trials - The mattress creaks, has lost its bounce, or you
can feel the base/springs through it
If any of these sound familiar, a topper will make a worn-out
mattress feel softer for a little while, but the lack of underlying
support — which is usually the actual cause of back pain — will still be
there. In this situation, it’s more cost-effective long-term to replace
the mattress than to keep layering toppers on top of a mattress
that’s reached the end of its life.
Latex vs Memory Foam Toppers
| Natural Latex Topper | Memory Foam Topper | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | “Push-back” — compresses and springs back immediately | “Sink-in” — moulds slowly to your body |
| Best for | Softening a hard mattress while keeping bounce and support | Adding deep cushioning and pressure relief |
| Temperature | Naturally breathable, sleeps cooler | Can run warmer (unless 3rd-generation/gel foam) |
| Durability | Very durable, holds shape for years | Good, but softens gradually over time |
We stock both, from Getha and MLILY, in 5cm and 7.5cm depths
depending on how much extra plushness you need.
The Other Benefits of a
Mattress Topper
Beyond back pain specifically, a good topper:
- Reduces tossing and turning, supporting deeper, more restful
sleep - Extends the usable life of your mattress
- Refreshes an older mattress with a cleaner sleeping surface
- Improves circulation and blood flow by relieving pressure on
joints - Supports the spine’s natural curve
How to Decide: Topper, or
New Mattress?
Ask yourself two questions:
- Is the mattress still flat and even, with no
sagging? If yes, a topper is worth trying. - Has the pain started recently, or has it been building for
years on the same mattress? Recent discomfort on an otherwise
good mattress → topper. Years of gradually worsening sleep on an ageing
mattress → the mattress itself is likely the problem.
If you’re not sure which camp you’re in, that’s exactly what our
mattress specialists are for — call 1300 349 771 or
visit our Booragoon showroom and we’ll give you a straight answer, even
if that answer is “you don’t need to spend money on a topper, you need a
new mattress.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a mattress
topper fix a sagging mattress?
Not really — a topper can disguise a mild dip by adding a cushioning
layer on top, but it won’t restore the underlying support. If your
mattress has visible sagging or a body-shaped indent, the support
structure has broken down, and a topper is a short-term cushion rather
than a fix. At that point, replacing the mattress is the better
long-term investment.
How thick
should a mattress topper be for back pain?
Most mattress toppers for back pain relief are 5cm to 7.5cm thick. A
5cm topper is generally enough to soften a slightly firm mattress or add
pressure relief, while a 7.5cm topper provides a more noticeable change
in feel — useful if your mattress has firmed up significantly or you
want a substantially plusher surface.
Is
a mattress topper worth it, or should I just buy a new mattress?
It depends on the condition of your current mattress. If it’s
structurally sound (no sagging, still relatively new) and you just want
a comfort or firmness adjustment, a topper is a cost-effective solution.
If your mattress is old, sagging, or has lost its supportive core, a
topper will only mask the problem temporarily — a new mattress will
serve you better long-term.
Do mattress
toppers help with hip and shoulder pain?
Yes, particularly for side sleepers. A topper adds an extra layer of
contouring that cushions pressure points at the hips and shoulders,
which is often where side sleepers feel discomfort on a mattress that’s
slightly too firm. If the pain is from a worn-out, sagging mattress
rather than firmness, a new mattress is the better fix.
How long does a mattress
topper last?
A quality latex topper can last several years and holds its shape
well over time, while memory foam toppers typically perform well for
around 2–3 years before gradually softening. Signs it’s time to replace
one include visible compression, lumps, or reduced pressure relief
compared to when it was new.
Shop our range of latex
and memory foam mattress toppers, or if you think it’s time for a
new mattress, see our guide to choosing the best mattress
for back pain. Call our Perth team on 1300 349 771
for a straight answer on which one you actually need.