Is a mattress topper a good solution for a sagging mattress?

A mattress topper can temporarily improve comfort on a mattress that is still structurally sound but too firm. However, if your mattress is sagging or past its lifespan, a topper won't fix deep structural problems and a new mattress may be a better long-term solution.

Which mattress topper material sleeps cooler: memory foam or latex?

Latex is naturally more breathable, especially when perforated, so it generally sleeps cooler for most people. Traditional memory foam can trap heat, but modern toppers with gel, graphite, charcoal, or open-cell designs help reduce warmth. If you sleep hot, ventilated latex or a gel-infused memory foam topper is a good option.

What thickness of mattress topper should I choose?

A thickness of 3-5 cm is most common and adds noticeable softness or support depending on the material and density. A 1-2 cm topper gives only a minor surface change, while 6 cm or more offers a significant change in feel but adds weight and may affect bed height or sheet fit.

Which mattress topper is better for side sleepers?

Memory foam toppers are excellent for side sleepers because they provide strong pressure relief around the shoulders and hips. Latex toppers offer pressure relief too but feel more supportive and less hugging, making them better suited for back or stomach sleepers.

Memory foam vs latex mattress topper: which one suits your sleep?

Compare memory foam and latex mattress toppers: feel, cooling, durability and price. Practical buying tips and South African price estimates.

Published:May 18, 2026

Updated:September 8, 2026

5 min read

Photo by Stephen Andrews on Pexels

Main feel difference

Memory foam hugs for pressure relief; latex feels springy and more responsive.

Why a mattress topper can be the right fix

A mattress topper is an affordable way to change how your bed feels without buying a whole new mattress. Toppers can add pressure relief, make a mattress feel firmer or softer, and sometimes help with temperature regulation. We’ll compare memory foam and latex so you can match material to sleep style and budget.

Quick material overview

Memory foam is a viscoelastic foam that conforms closely to your body, giving a hugging feel and strong pressure relief. Latex is a springier, more responsive foam (natural or synthetic) that tends to sit more on top of the body and breathe more easily. Both types come in different densities, thicknesses and constructions, which affects feel and durability.

How they feel and who they suit

Memory foam: excellent for side sleepers or anyone needing strong pressure relief around shoulders and hips; also good for light sleepers who share a bed because of strong motion isolation.
Latex: better for people who want more bounce and easier repositioning, and for stomach or back sleepers who need more surface support. Natural latex is often chosen for durability and a more ‘lifted’ feel.

Temperature and ventilation

Traditional memory foam can trap heat because it’s dense, though many modern toppers use gel, graphite, charcoal or open-cell designs to reduce warmth. Latex is naturally more breathable-especially when perforated-so it generally sleeps cooler for most people. If you live in a warm room or sleep hot, that difference matters.

Where a topper fits in your shopping journey

If your mattress is still structurally sound but too firm, a softer memory foam or latex topper can add comfort. If the mattress is sagging or past its life, a topper is a short-term fix but won’t solve deep structural problems. For options and sizes, we often start people on the Beds, Mattresses & Headboards section to compare practical choices and local pricing. Beds, Mattresses & Headboards.

Practical trade-offs to consider

Below are the main differences to weigh when choosing a topper in South Africa: feel, heat, durability, maintenance and price. We use these points to match a topper to the way you sleep and live.

Pressure relief and motion isolation

Memory foam contours closely and reduces pressure spots; it also isolates movement very well. Latex gives pressure relief too but disperses weight over a larger area, so it feels more supportive and less hugging. If a partner moves a lot, memory foam usually reduces transfer better.

Durability and care

Latex toppers tend to hold their shape longer than many memory foams-particularly natural latex with GOLS certification. Memory foam quality varies widely: higher-density foam lasts longer, but cheaper foams can sag after months. Follow manufacturer care instructions and use a good cover to reduce wear.

Estimated price ranges (South African context)

Prices depend on thickness, brand and whether the material is natural. As a rough guide: memory foam toppers commonly range from about R500 to R3 000; latex toppers often start higher, from roughly R1 200 to R5 000 or more for certified natural latex. These are estimates-shop options and seasonal sales will affect final prices.

Add as a preferred source on Google

Choosing by sleep style: simple rules

Use the following quick checks to narrow choices: if you sleep on your side and want pressure relief, try a memory foam topper; if you sleep on your back or stomach or prefer a springier feel, try a latex topper. If you run hot at night, prioritise ventilated latex or gel-infused/open-cell memory foam. These practical rules come from comparative testing and reviews.

How thick and how firm should a topper be?

1-2 cm: minor surface change, little pressure relief.
3-5 cm: most common-adds noticeable softness or support depending on material and density.
6 cm or more: for a significant change in feel, but heavier and more likely to alter the bed height or sheet fit.

Practical buying tips

Try to test feel where possible, check return policies and look for trial periods. If you’re sensitive to smells, choose low-VOC or certified products and allow the topper to air for 24-72 hours before sleep. For local context, check product pages and sizing on Bed & Linen and related articles to match South African mattress sizes and covers. Bed & Linen and Bed & Bath articles.

If you share a bed with someone who sleeps hot, a hybrid approach (a ventilated latex topper or a cooling memory foam with a breathable cover) often gives the best balance of pressure relief and temperature control.

When a topper is not the right fix

A topper can’t fix deep mattress sag, edge collapse or an old mattress with lost support. If you’re seeing permanent indentations or waking with body aches that a topper doesn’t change after a few weeks, it’s time to consider a mattress replacement.

Final checklist before you buy

Match material to sleep position and temperature needs.
Check thickness and density for the change you want.
Verify return/trial policy and warranty.
Look for certifications (GOLS for organic latex, low-VOC labelling) if sustainability or smell is important.

We hope this helps you choose with confidence. If you want to explore local options, start in our Beds, Mattresses & Headboards section or browse Bed & Linen products and articles for sizing and covers that work with your chosen topper. Beds, Mattresses & Headboards • Bed & Linen.

Sources

Last updated: September 8, 2026

Good morning all Bash you are truly the best unfortunately I had to return one of the pants nothing wrong with it just changed my mind nothing much Le...

With online shopping bash is the best . When you are not sure about the size when you're ordering a clothing item always look at the size chart it i...

The FIX Men's Black No Limit Motosport Graphic Top is a stylish, highquality shirt with a bold motosport graphic that stands out. The black fabric fee...

The dress is not made well, firstly the seams are not ligned up as if it was not pressed/ironed well/ there wasnt enough fabric. The whole dress kept ...

The items arriving seperately is a bit nerve wracking especially when you need it to arrive by a certain date. Once the courier delivers it, there is ...

Everything from ordering to receiving my parcel was simple and easy up until I turned on my earpods after charging. I was disappointed to learn that t...

Everything is so easy no hassles I actually love going instore great customer services you have , but online makes it easier sometimes when I know I w...

Bash online shopping was simple and easy to use, I did have a problem with the return. I could not return the shoes to the store where I collected the...

The perfume smells amazing and i love the scent it not annoying to smell it not loud it just calm.. The bag i love the detailing in it it so pretty an...

I am happy with the product a lot. The trainers are very comfortable. The delivery was fast but I wasnt happy with the courier company because they di...

The delivery don't take long,they deliver on time and shopping experience its super dope I just love bash.Oh my adidas black sweatshirt I'm in love w...

I love using Bash, I have been shopping with Bash for years, I love their app, makes shopping, payments, and delivery services an easy and efficient p...

The delivery was quicker than expected, payment so easy. Would like to compliment the Bash driver, my place is not easy to find, and he went above his...

Absolutley love the product! The linen is excellent quality and we absolutely love the design. I have used Bash before and have always found the proce...

The whole experience was pleasant and seamless. I love the fact that there were so many options to choose from so that one can settle on the style tha...

I like the shirt the problem is the size. Normal I wear large and I have order Extra large still small. I wanted to exchange for 2XL but the process i...

Easy & secured online shopping. Talk about delivery? Top notch service! Because what do you mean I purchased my thing Friday midnight and I got it ear...

Thank you Bash, your service is excellent. Im happy the sales person who assisted me was amazing, the product is exactly what I ordered I'm really sat...

The products are good quality and I love that I dont wait long for an order. Its safe to order in the week that u are traveling too, that's how effici...

It's my 4th time shopping on bash and ii must say really I aint do shopping otherwise no more from shopping at bash and their fast delivery i love it ...

True to material as it looks transparent on the app and even on arrival, but does not fit perfectly and i would like to return it and get a better siz...

Delivery was fast and accurate Shopping at their store was friendly manner with a friend sales person Payment was easy and fast.The seller was too f...

Well, Bash makes things simple, honestly. Its easy to pay, and they are good at fast delivery and swift communication. Ive experienced great service s...

The staff who assist me were friendly in the shop, they were so nice good to help me, found what I want, I'm so happy of the product and the fast deli...

Memory foam vs latex mattress topper: which one suits your sleep?

Main feel difference

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Temperature & durability

How to choose

Why a mattress topper can be the right fix

Quick material overview

How they feel and who they suit

Temperature and ventilation

Where a topper fits in your shopping journey

Practical trade-offs to consider

Pressure relief and motion isolation

Durability and care

Estimated price ranges (South African context)

Choosing by sleep style: simple rules

How thick and how firm should a topper be?

Practical buying tips

When a topper is not the right fix

Final checklist before you buy

Sources

Mmaphefo

Ukhona

Sambesiwe

Kamo

"Micayla"

Sabelo

Meagan

Bat

Anotha

Tshepiso

Elisa

Nqobile

Nicky

Melaney

Thina

Gwayimane

Phumelelo

Fenkie

Roxanne

Charlize

Refilwe

Dimane

Seth

Neil

Kirsti

Fatima

Nicolette

Ronel

Inge

Valerie

Adri

Chadley

Makhosonke

Mabel

Simo

Sharon

Nobuhle

Angelique Davis

Thabile

Arlene

Kgomotso

Kgosi

Steven

Kago

Reitumetse

Anina

Azwihangwisi

Marlene

Nkensane

Moreblessings

Palesa

Nonkasazana

Talifhani