Bedding

550 vs 1000 GSM Mattress Topper: Which Should You Choose?

By NOVASTILE Editorial Team··6 min read

Short answer

Choose a 1000 GSM mattress topper if your mattress is very firm or worn out and you want a deep, sink-in pillow top. Choose 550 GSM if your mattress is only a little too firm, you sleep warm, or you want softer comfort without sinking in.

Compare Both Toppers →

Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Choosing between our two queen bamboo toppers? The 550 GSM is the lighter, cooler-feeling pick for most sleepers. The 1000 GSM is the deeper, plusher cushion for firm mattresses and side sleepers. Both ship free in the U.S.

TopperPriceWas
Queen 550 GSM topper$36.00$48.00
Queen 1000 GSM topper$59.99$80.00

Both of ours are queen size (60×80 inches) with a bamboo viscose surface, down alternative fill and an elastic deep pocket skirt: the 550 GSM medium plush topper and the 1000 GSM ultra plush topper. The table below lines them up side by side.

550 GSM topper1000 GSM topper
Fill weight (GSM)550 GSM1000 GSM (about 2× the fill)
Thickness & feelMedium loft, medium plush — you stay on topHigh loft, ultra plush — you sink in
HeatSleeps cooler, less fill around the bodyWarmer, more insulation
Fits mattress depth8–20 inchesUp to 21 inches
Who it's forWarm sleepers, mattresses that are slightly too firmSide sleepers and very firm or worn mattresses
Price (queen)$36.00$59.99

What does GSM mean on a mattress topper?

GSM stands for grams per square meter. It measures how much fill is packed into each square meter of the topper. More grams means more loft and more cushion between you and the mattress. A 1000 GSM topper carries roughly twice the fill of a 550 GSM topper of the same size.

Which GSM suits your sleep position?

Side sleepers put most of their weight on the shoulder and hip, so they tend to get the most out of the thicker 1000 GSM layer. Back and stomach sleepers usually prefer 550 GSM: a thinner layer softens the surface without letting the hips sink lower than the rest of the body. If you share the bed and can't agree, 550 GSM is the middle ground most people find comfortable.

Choose 550 GSM if…

  • Your mattress feels a touch too firm, not rock hard
  • You sleep hot and do not want extra insulation
  • You like to feel supported rather than sink in
  • You want softer comfort that is easy to wash and dry

Choose 1000 GSM if…

  • Your mattress is very firm or has started to feel worn
  • You want a deep, hotel-style pillow-top feel
  • Your shoulders and hips need more cushioning when you sleep on your side
  • You do not sleep especially warm

For the full case for the thicker option, see our best 1000 GSM mattress topper guide.

What about heat?

Fill traps warmth, so the more of it there is, the warmer a topper sleeps. A bamboo viscose surface helps on both, because it breathes and moves moisture away from the skin. But if heat is your main concern, the lighter 550 GSM is the safer pick.

Do they fit deep mattresses?

Both use an elastic deep pocket skirt. The 550 GSM topper fits mattresses 8 to 20 inches deep, and the 1000 GSM topper fits mattresses up to 21 inches deep. If you only want to protect your mattress rather than change how it feels, a thin quilted mattress pad is the better choice. Mattress too hard? Our guide to a mattress topper for a firm mattress matches loft to how firm the bed is. Buying a topper and a pad together? The Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer takes 10% off when you buy two qualifying items through Dec 1.

More topper guides: how to wash a mattress topper, cooling mattress topper guide, how to stop a topper from sliding and bamboo vs memory foam vs down alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 1000 GSM mean on a mattress topper?
GSM is grams per square meter, a measure of how much fill is packed into the topper. 1000 GSM means about twice the fill of a 550 GSM topper, so it has more loft and a deeper, sink-in feel.
Is 1000 GSM too thick for a mattress topper?
Not if you want a plush, sink-in feel. 1000 GSM is a high-loft topper meant to transform a firm or tired mattress. If you only want a little extra softness, 550 GSM is the better fit.
Is 550 GSM a good mattress topper?
Yes. 550 GSM is a medium-plush loft that softens a mattress that feels slightly too firm while keeping you supported, and it sleeps cooler than a heavier topper.
Which GSM is best for hot sleepers?
The lower fill weight. A 550 GSM topper holds less heat around your body than a 1000 GSM topper, especially with a breathable bamboo viscose surface.
Can you wash a 550 or 1000 GSM topper at home?
Yes. Both are machine washable on a gentle cycle in cold water (max 30°C) and tumble dried on low or no heat. Shake the topper for a few minutes afterward and allow 24–48 hours for the fill to regain its full loft.
Do I need deep-pocket sheets with a topper?
Often, yes. A topper adds height to the bed, so measure your mattress plus topper and pick fitted sheets with pockets deep enough to cover both, especially with the thicker 1000 GSM topper.

Ready to Buy?

Shop the Products Mentioned in This Article

All NOVASTILE products ship free within the U.S. Pick your size and pack below.

  • NOVASTILE Cooling Bamboo Mattress Topper Queen, 550 GSM Medium Plush Pillow Top

    NOVASTILE Cooling Bamboo Mattress Topper Queen, 550 GSM Medium Plush Pillow Top

    Soft home essentials for bedding, bath, and daily care.

    From $36.00Buy Now
  • NOVASTILE Ultra Plush 4 Inch Bamboo Pillow Top Mattress Topper, 1000 GSM

    NOVASTILE Ultra Plush 4 Inch Bamboo Pillow Top Mattress Topper, 1000 GSM

    4-inch, 1000 GSM overfilled pillow-top topper for Queen beds with a cooling bamboo viscose cover and 21-inch deep pocket skirt.

    From $59.99Buy Now
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