A topper is a thin mattress laid on top of the main mattress or of a sofa. It changes how the surface feels: makes it softer or firmer, and smooths the joins between sofa cushions. What a topper cannot do is put right a mattress that has sagged.
What a topper is and what it consists of
In build a topper is like a springless mattress, only thinner. Inside is one layer of filling or two, and outside a cover. Veneto toppers are from 40 to 70 mm high. A sheet goes over it, as over an ordinary mattress.
A topper differs from a mattress protector in its purpose. A protector keeps the mattress clean and does not affect firmness. A topper, on the contrary, is there precisely to change how sleeping feels. We have a separate article on mattress protectors.
When a topper really helps
- The mattress is good overall, but too firm or too soft. This is the main case. A topper changes the top layer, while the support still comes from the mattress.
- You sleep on a sofa. A topper smooths the joins between the cushions and differences in height.
- Two people need a level surface. One topper over two single mattresses covers the join between them.
- Rented accommodation. You cannot change someone else's mattress, but your own topper makes a clean layer that you then take with you.
- A guest bed. A topper on a sofa bed or a folding armchair makes a night noticeably more comfortable.
When what you need is not a topper but a new mattress
A topper follows the shape of whatever it lies on. So it will not help if:
- the mattress has a hollow, a worn-in spot or a noticeable hump;
- springs can be felt or the mattress creaks;
- the base of the bed is broken or has sagged.
In such cases a topper will hide the problem for a while, but the body will still lie unevenly. It is more honest to look at mattresses or to repair the base. If you are buying a topper because of back pain, consult a doctor first.
How to choose the height
The thicker the topper, the more noticeably it changes the surface.
- About 40 mm — light softening. Suitable when the mattress nearly suits you.
- 60–70 mm — a marked change. Such a topper hides the joins of a sofa and the differences between cushions better.
Bear the practical details in mind too: with a topper the sleeping place becomes higher, so the fitted sheet and the mattress protector have to allow for the combined height.
How to choose the filling
| Model | Height | Firmness | Filling | Cover | Load |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veneto Aero Topper | 40 mm | soft | Memoryfoam memory foam | removable | up to 130 kg |
| Veneto TOP Memory Topper | 60 mm | a medium side and a soft one | Memoryfoam and Aero Latex latexed foam | removable | up to 140 kg |
| Veneto TOP Cloud Topper | 70 mm | medium | Aero Latex latexed foam | non-removable | up to 120 kg |
| Veneto Breeze Topper | 60 mm | a firm side and a medium one | natural latex Latex Care and Aero Latex | removable | up to 130 kg |
| Veneto TOP Light Topper | 60 mm | a firm side and a medium one | Ecofoam foam and coir Cocos Shield | removable | up to 120 kg |
| Veneto TOP Normal Topper | 60 mm | a firm side and a medium one | Ecofoam foam and ReFiberMix thermal felt | non-removable | up to 120 kg |
How to read this:
- You want it softer — look at memory foam. It slowly takes the shape of the body and gives a feeling of “sinking in”. Some people like that, and some find it harder to turn over in.
- You want it springier, without “sinking in” — latexed foam or natural latex: the surface returns to shape at once.
- You want it firmer — toppers with coir. In double-sided models one side is firm and the other medium, and you can choose at home simply by turning the topper over.
Double-sided firmness is useful if you are not sure of your choice or are taking the topper for a guest bed.
A topper for a sofa
A sofa for everyday sleep is the most common reason to buy a topper. Before buying, measure the sleeping place when unfolded. Veneto toppers are made in twelve sizes — from 800 × 1900 to 1800 × 2000 mm — and a sofa does not always match them.
The Deni Sofa, for example, has a sleeping place of 1400 × 2000 mm — a standard size. The Chester New Sofa has 1610 × 2040 mm, so a 1600 × 2000 mm topper will be slightly smaller than the surface.
Two more things worth thinking about in advance:
- Where the topper will be during the day. It has to be taken off before the sofa is folded. Check whether it will fit into the bedding box or a wardrobe.
- Whether it will slip. Ask a consultant about how the particular model you are taking is held in place.
If you are only just choosing a sofa, look at the models in the sofas category: you may not need a topper at all.
Care
A topper with a removable cover is easier day to day: the cover can be taken off and cleaned as the label says. If the cover is non-removable, put a mattress protector over it. Rotate and air the topper as needed and according to the recommendations for the particular model.
All the models are in the toppers category. You can compare them by touch in Veneto stores.
In short
- A topper changes how the surface feels, but does not put right a mattress that has sagged.
- A thinner topper softens lightly; a thicker one changes the surface more and hides the joins of a sofa better.
- Memory foam is softer, latex springier, coir firmer.
- For a sofa, measure the unfolded sleeping place first.
- A removable cover makes care simpler.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sleep on a topper without a mattress, straight on the floor?
As a temporary measure for a night or two, yes. For permanent sleep a topper is too thin, and it needs a ventilated base.
Will a topper help if the mattress has sagged?
No. The topper will settle into the same hollow. In that case a new mattress is needed.
How does a topper differ from a mattress protector?
A topper changes the firmness and feel of the surface; a protector only keeps the mattress clean.
Can a topper be put on a new mattress?
It can, if you want a different firmness. But do not rush to change the feel of a new mattress after the very first night: judge it over a period of time first.
