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A mattress topper is a great way to both protect your mattress or keep it clean and add an extra layer of support or comfort to your mattress. There are as many things to pay attention to while buying a mattress topper as there is when buying a mattress. That is why in this article, we will be exploring a handpicked list of the best mattress toppers in New Zealand for people who need some options to begin with.
A Quick Preview
 | BEST OVERALL - EDITOR’S CHOICE Emma Mattress Topper | Check Current Price Read more about this mattress topper |
 | Best for Lower Back Pain Peacelily Mattress Topper | Check Current Price Read more about this mattress topper |
 | Best Value Emma Diamond Mattress Topper | Check Current Price Read more about this mattress topper |
Our Review of 3 Best Mattress Toppers in New Zealand (November 2023)
Best Overall — Editor’s Choice — Emma Mattress Topper
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Highlights
- Adjustable product design that allows a user to switch between firmness levels.
- Topper construction is optimized for breathability and temperature regulation.
- It has a zippered top cover for easier maintenance and cleaning.
The Emma mattress topper is at the top of our list of the best mattress toppers in New Zealand, as this topper is designed to satisfy your mattress firmness preference, no matter if you want it firmer or softer.
Designed from a combination of HRX and Airgocell foam, it can perform the function of making your mattress softer as well as harder. All that’s needed is flipping the mattress topper. According to my review, the Emma Flip had 1.5 points more firmness on its soft side and 2 points more firmness on its firm side than the Peace Lily topper. That means both sides have a different feel, and compared to the Peace Lily, it can quickly firm up a too-soft mattress. In addition, its open air pore structure and breathable cover are adept at temperature regulation, a feature essential to reducing night sweats.
Furthermore, the top cover elasticity helps minimise sinking effects that might come about as a result of too much cushioning. It had a 0.4-second bounce-back speed from compressions, which is only 0.1 seconds slower than the Peace Lily topper. That means that, despite being made of memory foam, the Emma Flip has a fast response time that will ensure you don’t feel ‘stuck.’ And to make things more interesting, the top cover is both removable and machine washable, effectively cutting off all allergen-causing irritants.
Based on Our Review
My favorite feature from reviewing this mattress topper was how I was able to interchange the topper’s layers to readjust the firmness level. And to make things further interesting, it wasn’t as expensive as the other mattress toppers on this list.
Pros:
- It offers incredible value for money, is cheap and is ideal for shoppers on a budget.
- The topper’s cover is machine-washable, ensuring the easy cleaning of mold, dust, mites, and other allergy-causing irritants.
- It has a slow-moving feel that helps with motion isolation; great for partnered sleepers.
Cons:
- There is some slight off-gassing during the product unboxing.
- It’s also prone to sliding off a mattress due to its lack of placeholder straps.
Best for Lower Back Pain — Peacelily Mattress Topper
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Highlights
- Made of non-toxic, chemical-free materials suitable for eco-conscious sleepers.
- The perforated latex and breathable cover encourage airflow, helping keep hot sleepers cool.
- The use of latex is soft yet responsive, increasing the durability of this topper so it lasts longer.
If you’re in the market for a responsive mattress topper to improve your mattress’s firmness level, then you might want to check out the Peacelily mattress topper. The Peacelily mattress cradling feel is suitable for pain relief as it massages the body’s lumbar region while being responsive enough to ensure you don’t sink and have a misaligned spine.
From my tests, the Peace Lily had a firmness that was 1.5 points softer than the Emma Flip on its soft side. The Peace Lily is incredibly soft, yet I found it buoyant. It has a recovery speed from compressions that is 0.1 seconds faster than the Emma Flip. That means I can move more freely in the Peace Lily topper, despite its softness, due to the natural bounce of its latex layer.
Peacelily is one of the most important brands in New Zealand that offer firm mattress toppers. They use natural latex as the core material, and have it covered using cotton. Latex is great for people who prefer firmness. Peacelily prides itself in using perfectly natural latex, as well. That is why they cannot go wrong with it.
Almost all the users seem to be absolutely happy with Peacelily’s services and mattress toppers. This is mainly because of the quality of their handmade mattress toppers. Their latex adds even more support to the mattress. However, if the mattress is too firm, this mattress topper will add a softer layer compared to the mattress, so that it will be both comfortable and supportive overall. The GOTS certificate explains their exceptional quality very well.
Based on Our Review
I think the Peacelily mattress topper would be a great option if you’re looking to make your mattress less cushioning and more responsive. I tested the product on a soft mattress and noticed that getting up was easier for me compared to when I wasn’t using the topper.
Pros:
- Its latex material is highly durable and can ensure longevity in use.
- It provides bounce to counter excessive mattress sinkage, ideal for sexually active users.
- The mattress topper’s blend increases its breathability and heat dissipation for cooler rest.
Cons:
- The mattress topper doesn’t have straps to secure it in place and is, therefore, prone to slipping.
- It is not machine-washable, limiting the cleaning and maintenance process.
Best Value — Emma Diamond Mattress Topper
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Highlights
- 3.1-inch thick foam layers cradle and cushion the body, helping reduce tension.
- The cover is easy to remove for hassle-free washing.
- The breathable cover and graphite help wick away heat for a cool sleep.
The Emma Diamond Topper is my best-value mattress topper in New Zealand, thanks to its excellent price point, pressure relief, and firm edges. To be of the best value, a topper must be reasonably priced while offering all the comfort and support your bed needs. The Emma Diamond Topper fits the bill in this regard. It is $200 cheaper than the Peace Lily Topper yet offers comparable pressure relief that is more contouring, unlike the more generalized curve of latex. It is also $170 more expensive than the Emma Flip Topper, mainly due to graphite's inclusion in the foam. I would recommend the Emma Diamond to hot sleepers and the Emma Flip to budget-conscious sleepers.
Pressure relief is necessary for a topper to function effectively as a cradling addition to a bed. The Emma Diamond Topper offers excellent pressure relief through its sinkage. Derived from my tests, the Emma Diamond Topper had a sinkage of 2.4 inches. I sank comfortably into its memory foam layers without feeling ‘stuck,’ and my weight was pleasantly redistributed so I felt like I was lying on a cloud.
The Emma Diamond Topper had more sinkage than the Peace Lily Topper by 0.15 inches. That makes the Emma Diamond Topper a softer and more pressure-relieving option if you prefer a modern, pressure-relieving memory foam feel. The Emma Diamond even had more sinkage than the Emma Flip Topper’s soft side by a factor of 0.2 inches.In addition, I found the Emma Diamond Topper has excellently firm edges to your bed. From my tests, its topper material firmed up the edges of my mattress by 0.4 inches. I was less prone to feeling like I might accidentally roll off while lying or sitting on my mattress’s edge.
The Emma Diamond Topper outperformed the Peace Lily Topper regarding edge support by a factor of 0.3 inches. That means the Emma Diamond Topper is better for sleepers who prefer firmer, more stable edges.
Based on Our Review
Based on first-hand experience, the Emma Diamond felt firm and pressure-relieving while lying down, allowing for a good amount of sinkage. In addition, I was well-cradled while having my hips lifted for good spinal support.
Pros:
- Easy-to-remove cover for effortless washing.
- Excellent spinal support for sleepers who prefer firm surfaces.
- Excellent motion isolation for restless couples.
Cons:
- Sleeps a bit warm for hot sleepers.
- Not supportive enough for heavier stomach sleepers over 230 pounds.
Why You Should Trust Me
There are many options for mattress toppers in New Zealand, so I didn’t just settle for anything. I tested various mattress toppers and looked out for their firmness, thickness, material, thermoregulation abilities, etc. and used my testing methodologies to rank them. As a result of my first-hand experience, I narrowed the list down to these 3 mattress toppers and shared them with you here in detail to help you make a better choice.
Advantages of Having Mattress Toppers
In case you are still thinking whether or not to get a mattress topper, here are some of the great things about a mattress topper that your mattress alone may not be enough for.
Ability to Adjust the Firmness Level
No matter how soft or firm your own bed is, your mattress topper can provide a whole other layer for adjusting how firm you want to feel underneath. This means that the mattress topper can apply a new layer to the mattress with a whole different firmness level to adjust everything furthermore. Another usage for them is that you don’t have to buy a new mattress if you want to change the firmness level of your mattress. Getting a mattress topper can easily fix that.
Preserving the Mattress
Merely using a sheet over your mattress cannot increase its lifespan. A mattress topper adds a thicker layer that protects the mattress or at least the surface layer of it from dust and moulds.
Aiding the Mattress in Air Circulation
Some mattresses might not be great at regulating the airflow. That is when mattress toppers come to help because they can have better material for breathing, such as latex with small holes in it. This helps prevent heat and pressure buildup and makes the overall sleep experience more comfortable. Again, getting a mattress topper can save you from buying a whole new mattress with better air circulation.
Help Improve Motion Isolation
If the surface of your mattress is bouncy and too responsive, then a mattress topper with great motion isolation can save you from buying a new mattress. This is common in innerspring mattresses, but with the help of a latex mattress topper, you will never wake up from a partner moving on the bed. After latex, a memory foam or a polyfoam mattress topper is also great at motion isolation.
Things to Consider while Buying a Mattress Topper Made in New Zealand
All the items on our list are great. However, there are several things to pay attention to while choosing the mattress topper that suits you.
Firmness Level
Firmness level of the mattress topper that you choose depends on your sleep position and your weight. It can also depend on special medical conditions. Generally, people who weigh less than 130 pounds tend to feel more comfortable on softer mattress toppers, between 130 and 230 pounds on medium firmness, and more than 230 pounds on the firmest mattress toppers.
Thickness
A common thickness for mattress toppers is 5-7 cm. Since this thickness will be added to the height of the mattress, it is important for you to check out whether it will be hard to move on and off the bed with this addition. If the bed is already tall, then the mattress topper shouldn’t be too thick.
Materials
Different materials bring different properties to a mattress topper. For example, memory foam, latex and wool can each mean different things to how comfortable you will feel. These materials can each have a different level of cooling, as well. For example latex and gel-infused memory foams are great for cooling and prevent heat and pressure build-up. On the other hand, a latex mattress topper is better for cooling and a memory foam mattress topper is a firmer choice. [1]
Sleep Position
Different sleep positions require different levels of plush or firmness. For example, side sleepers need to get their spine in a straight line, that’s why they need mattress toppers that provide contouring for shoulders and hips to align the spine. Back sleepers need firmer mattress toppers to make them feel balanced, and stomach sleepers need mattress toppers that don’t make them sink inside.
Temperature Control
The material that makes the mattress topper has a huge impact on how the temperature is controlled. For example, memory foam and polyfoam are not good for cooling down the body. This is while latex, wool, or feathers can enhance airflow, hence decreasing the temperature when the pressure points get too hot. This will also prevent the body from being overheated due to sinking inside the mattress.
Support
If your mattress doesn’t provide necessary support for your body, then a mattress topper is the second way to keep the body supported without having it sink inside the mattress. This is specially the case with firmer mattress toppers made in New Zealand, such as memory foam and latex mattress toppers. This support depends on the weight and sleep position, as well. So, for example, for a lighter person, maybe a woolen one would provide enough support.
I think, sometimes, it might be better to change your whole mattress rather than buy a mattress topper. If the extent of damage is far gone on the mattress, a mattress topper might not be very effective.
Removable Cover
One of the most important things about a mattress topper is that it protects the mattress. However, the mattress topper itself is not immune from becoming dirty. One thing that can help keep the mattress topper hygienic is the ability to remove the cover and wash it in the washing machine. Some of the items on our list had removable covers. The woolen mattress toppers can be easily washed, as well. If the cover is not removable, then consider the fact that the only way to clean the mattress topper is to dry clean it. So, put that among your criteria.
Removable covers are a great addition for mattress toppers; however, you might sometimes need professional handling for its cleaning and maintenance. I recommend spot or dry cleaning for mattress topper models without removable covers.
Grips
Mattress toppers sliding off from one side is a common problem. When buying the one you have chosen, pay attention to see whether they have elastic grips to keep them in place on the mattress or not. If they don’t, they have to be made stable using a sheet that gets fit from underneath the mattress.
Different Types of Mattress Toppers
Depending on the type of mattress topper, it might be ideal for different people. Here are the different types of mattress toppers.
Memory Foam Mattress Toppers
Memory foam mattress toppers are great for preventing people from sinking inside the mattress. They help spread the weight and pressure around and keep the pressure points at ease. It also helps align the spine. Another great quality of these mattress toppers is that they are great at motion isolation, and therefore, perfect for couples. However, even the best memory foam mattress toppers in New Zealand cannot against other material in air circulation. Unless the memory foam is infused with gel, it will trap heat. However, a gel-infused memory foam is one of the best materials ever for cooling down the hot spots of the body.
Polyfoam Mattress Toppers
Even though polyfoam isn’t as great as memory foam in contouring, it is more responsive. Meaning that it is pretty bouncy, while providing contouring for the hips, shoulders, and the back. That is why if the mattress you are using is very firm, you can add a polyfoam mattress topper to it and make it more responsive and bouncy. Perfect balance of comfort.
Latex Mattress Toppers
Latex is 100% natural, and it makes it very hygienic and breathable. Latex mattress toppers also have holes in them that enhance airflow. They also contour the pressure points and keep them aligned. Latex is definitely much more breathable than memory foam or polyfoam, and isolates motion in a great way, as well. 100% organic or natural latex is marked and often passes a certificate. That is why they are very trustworthy.
Other
Other things that mattress toppers can be made of include polyester, wool, or feathers. Polyester is very lightweight but at the same time strong. It is one of the most durable materials put inside a mattress topper. It provides a firmer topper that does not slip off the side of the bed easily.
Woolen mattress toppers are known to be very soft and breathable. Since they are natural, they are great for people with allergies and asthma. Their structure is in a way that cools you down in summer and warms you up in winter. If your mattress is firm, then a plush woolen mattress topper is the greatest combination.
Mattress toppers do not have edge support because they aren’t thick enough for it. I feel the best you can do to reinforce your mattress’s edges is to either get an extra-firm mattress topper that’ll be extra-supportive or get a traditional bed frame to shore up the edges.
F.A.Q.
How thick should a mattress topper be?
A mattress topper should be at least 5-7 cm in thickness to provide necessary support. It should not be too thick to make it hard to get on or off the bed, though.
Does a mattress topper ever slip off the sides?
Yes, they do. It is actually a common problem. However, some mattresses have great motion isolation and resistance towards moving sideways. The best thing you can do to prevent that is to use a sheet on the top of the mattress topper that is fit to the mattress to keep it in place.
Can you wash mattress toppers?
Even though you cannot wash the whole mattress topper, you can wash the ones that have a removable cover. The cover can be easily removed and machine-washed. For the ones without a removable cover, the best way is dry cleaning them.
Conclusion
Choosing from our list of the best mattress toppers in New Zealand might be a bit difficult as the toppers all have their areas of speciality. However, if I were to make a decision, I would go with the Emma Mattress topper. This is because it can work to harden or soften your mattress while ensuring your body stays cool with its sweat-wicking cover, great for almost all sleeper types.
Thank you for reading this article, and hope it has provided you with useful information to make a choice. Feel free to share your thoughts and experience with us in the comments.
References:
- Latex vs. Memory Foam: Which is Better? (July 21, 2020). Retrieved from https://casper.com/blog/latex-vs-memory-foam/
Allana Wass is the Co-Founder and Editor-in-chief at Comfybeddy. She was trained at the Spencer Institute to become a Certified Sleep Science Coach and has been featured in VeryWellMind, U.S. News, and Bustle. She has tested over 50 sleep products, which include mattresses, mattress toppers, and pillows. She has spent countless hours researching the mattress industry and learning about its cutting-edge technology for over four years, helping you improve your sleep. With her wealth of experience, she thoroughly reviews mattresses and other sleep products to give the best recommendations for each kind of sleeper.
Our research
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Mattress Toppers Considered
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