5cm vs 10cm Mattress Topper: Which One Should You Choose?

A mattress topper is one of the easiest ways to make your bed feel softer, fuller and more comfortable without replacing the whole mattress. But when you start shopping, one of the first questions is simple: should you choose a 5cm mattress topper or a 10cm mattress topper? Both options can improve the feel of your bed, but they are not designed for exactly the same type of sleeper. A 5cm topper gives a lighter comfort layer, while a 10cm topper adds a deeper, more plush feel. The best choice depends on your mattress, your room, your comfort preference and how much extra height you want to add to your bed. In this guide, we explain the main differences between 5cm and 10cm mattress toppers so you can choose the right option for your bedroom.

What Does a Mattress Topper Do?

A mattress topper sits directly on top of your existing mattress. It adds an extra comfort layer between your mattress and fitted sheet, helping change the feel of your bed without needing to buy a new mattress. A good mattress topper can make a firm bed feel softer, refresh an older mattress, add a more cushioned surface and create a smoother sleeping area. It is also useful for guest rooms, children’s rooms and spare beds where you want to improve comfort without replacing the whole bed. At Stoftly, our mattress toppers are available in 5cm and 10cm thickness options, with sizes including single, small double, double, king size and super king. You can explore the full range on our Mattress Toppers collection.

5cm vs 10cm Mattress Topper: The Quick Difference

The main difference is the depth of comfort. A 5cm mattress topper adds a softer top layer without changing the height of your bed too much. It is lighter, easier to manage and a good choice if your mattress already feels supportive but needs a smoother finish. A 10cm mattress topper adds a deeper, fuller and more cushioned layer. It is better if you want a more noticeable comfort upgrade, especially if your mattress feels firm, tired or less comfortable than before. In simple terms:

• Choose 5cm if you want light comfort and less added height.
• Choose 10cm if you want deeper, plusher and more cushioned comfort.
  

When Should You Choose a 5cm Mattress Topper?

A 5cm mattress topper is best when you want a gentle comfort boost rather than a very thick layer. It works well if your mattress is still in good condition but feels slightly too firm or flat on top. The 5cm option is also useful in warmer months because it adds less depth to the bed. If you do not want your sleeping surface to feel too high or too padded, 5cm is a practical everyday choice.

Best for Lighter Everyday Comfort

A 5cm topper is ideal for people who want a softer bed without making it feel dramatically different. It adds a comfortable quilted layer while keeping the original feel of your mattress underneath.

Good for Guest Beds and Spare Rooms

For guest rooms, a 5cm topper can be a smart choice. It improves the comfort of the bed without making the setup too bulky or difficult to maintain.

Useful for Children’s Beds and Smaller Beds

If you are choosing a topper for a single bed or small double bed, 5cm can be easier to handle and fit. It is lighter, simpler to move and still adds useful comfort. For smaller rooms or compact beds, you may want to look at our Single Mattress Topper or Small Double Mattress Topper.

When Should You Choose a 10cm Mattress Topper?

A 10cm mattress topper is the better option if you want a more noticeable comfort upgrade. It adds a deeper, thicker layer over your mattress and gives the bed a fuller, more plush feel. This is the main choice for customers who want extra cushioning, especially if their current mattress feels too firm, tired or uncomfortable on the surface.

Best for Deeper Plush Comfort

The 10cm option gives your bed a more cushioned feel. It creates a thicker comfort layer, which can make your mattress feel softer and more inviting.

Good for Firm or Older Mattresses

If your mattress still has basic support but feels hard or less comfortable on top, a 10cm topper can help refresh the sleeping surface. It is not a replacement for a damaged mattress, but it can improve the feel of a firm or tired bed.

Better for Main Bedrooms

For everyday sleeping, especially in a main bedroom, many customers prefer the 10cm option because it feels more substantial. It gives a stronger comfort upgrade than 5cm and works well on double, king and super king beds. For larger beds, view our Double Mattress Topper, King Size Mattress Topper and Super King Mattress Topper.

Which Mattress Topper Is Better for a Firm Mattress?

If your mattress feels too firm, a 10cm mattress topper is usually the better choice. The extra depth gives more cushioning between your body and the mattress surface, helping the bed feel softer. A 5cm topper can still help, but the difference will be lighter. It is better for mattresses that only need a small comfort improvement. If your mattress is extremely old, sagging or damaged, a topper may not fully fix the problem. A mattress topper works best when the mattress underneath is still reasonably supportive.

Which Mattress Topper Is Better for Warmer Weather?

A 5cm mattress topper is often the better choice for warmer weather because it adds less depth and bulk to the bed. It still gives comfort but feels lighter. A 10cm topper can feel cosier and more padded, which many people prefer in colder months or in bedrooms where they want a softer, snug feel. For year-round use, the right choice depends on how you like your bed to feel. If you prefer a lighter sleep surface, choose 5cm. If you prefer a deeper, softer bed, choose 10cm.

Does a 10cm Mattress Topper Make the Bed Too High?

A 10cm topper will add more height to your bed than a 5cm topper. For many people, this is part of the appeal because it gives the bed a fuller, more hotel-style appearance. However, you should consider your fitted sheets. A thicker topper may require deeper fitted sheets, especially if your mattress is already deep. If you do not want to increase bed height too much, 5cm may be the safer option.

Is 5cm or 10cm Easier to Care For?

A 5cm topper is usually lighter and easier to handle because it has less filling and depth. It can be easier to remove, shake out and refit. A 10cm topper is thicker and more cushioned, so it may feel more substantial to handle. However, it gives a stronger comfort upgrade, which is why many customers choose it for their main bed. Whichever option you choose, always follow the care label instructions. Stoftly mattress toppers are designed for easy home care and regular freshness.

What Sizes Are Available?

Stoftly mattress toppers are available in all popular UK bed sizes:

• Single: approximately 90 x 190 cm
• Small Double / 4ft: approximately 122 x 190 cm
• Double: approximately 135 x 190 cm
• King Size: approximately 150 x 200 cm
• Super King: approximately 180 x 200 cm

The easiest way to choose is to match your topper size to your mattress size. For example, choose a double mattress topper for a double bed and a king size mattress topper for a king size bed. You can also shop all sizes from our main Mattress Topper product page.

5cm vs 10cm Mattress Topper: Which One Should You Buy?

Choose a 5cm mattress topper if you want a lighter comfort layer, less added height and an easy everyday option for warmer weather, guest rooms or children’s beds. Choose a 10cm mattress topper if you want a deeper, softer and more cushioned feel. It is the better choice for customers who want a bigger comfort upgrade, especially on firm, tired or older mattresses. For most customers looking for maximum comfort, the 10cm option is the stronger choice. For lighter comfort and easier handling, 5cm is a practical option.

Final Recommendation

If your main goal is to make your bed feel noticeably softer and more comfortable, choose the 10cm mattress topper. It gives a deeper plush feel and works well for everyday bedrooms. If you want a simple comfort layer without adding too much height, choose the 5cm mattress topper. It is ideal for guest rooms, warmer weather and beds that already feel supportive. Explore all sizes and colours in our Mattress Toppers collection or choose directly from our all-size Mattress Topper page.

FAQs

Is a 5cm or 10cm mattress topper better?

A 10cm mattress topper is better if you want deeper, plusher comfort. A 5cm mattress topper is better if you want a lighter comfort layer with less added height.

Is a 10cm mattress topper too thick?

A 10cm topper is not too thick if you want a fuller and more cushioned bed feel. However, it will add more height to your mattress, so deeper fitted sheets may be helpful.

Is a 5cm mattress topper enough?

A 5cm topper is enough if your mattress already feels supportive and you only want a softer top layer. If your mattress feels very firm or tired, 10cm may be a better option.

Which topper is best for a firm mattress?

A 10cm mattress topper is usually better for a firm mattress because it adds a deeper layer of cushioning and makes the bed feel softer.

Which topper is better for guest beds?

A 5cm topper works well for guest beds because it adds comfort without too much extra height. For a more premium guest room feel, a 10cm topper is also a good choice.

Do mattress toppers stay in place?

Stoftly mattress toppers include elasticated corner straps to help keep the topper secure on the mattress and reduce movement during the night.

What sizes are available?

Stoftly mattress toppers are available in single, small double, double, king size and super king sizes.

Can I machine wash a mattress topper?

Yes, Stoftly mattress toppers are machine washable for easy care. Always follow the care label instructions and allow the topper to dry fully before using it again.