A bed on top of your bed—what is a mattress topper? Do you need one for your bedroom? Will it help you achieve a good night's sleep? Read on to find out.
Aside from a high-quality mattress, a complete bedding setup includes another element, the mattress topper. The mattress topper is gaining popularity nowadays as it provides extra comfort and a personalised feel to your mattress. If you're in the market for a mattress topper, take the time to read this quick guide to help you choose your best mattress partner.
What is a Mattress Topper?
A mattress topper is an extra protective layer that is positioned on top of the mattress for additional protection and comfort. They are primarily useful for people who require additional comfort on top of their firm mattresses. Like mattresses themselves and other bedding materials, mattress toppers come in various sizes, thicknesses, and firmness ratings. Mattress toppers are also made from two to three inches of different materials that can affect their support. These materials include conforming memory foam, bouncy latex, cooling gel memory foam, natural feathers, and wool.
For extra protection from spills and stains, many users place an additional mattress protector on the mattress topper. This completes an excellent bedding combination.
What are the Types of Mattress Toppers?
Memory Foam Mattress Topper
The most popular type, a memory foam mattress topper or polyurethane foam, follows the natural shape of your body when lying down. This helps soothe pressure from your shoulder, back, and other target points that carry your weight when sleeping. Memory foam mattress toppers are excellent for partners with different sleeping styles sharing a mattress. They also do a great job adding comfort to firmer mattresses.
Latex Mattress Topper
Many homeowners also rely on latex mattress toppers for comfort and reliable support. Latex mattress toppers naturally come with anti-dust mite, anti-allergy, and anti-bacterial properties, perfect for worry-free sleep. Compared to memory foam mattress toppers, the latex variety is airier and bouncy. These properties make latex ideal for hot sleepers and those who prefer the "lying on top" feel. Latex mattress toppers can be both natural and synthetic. If looking for a more sustainable option, choose a natural latex variety.
Featherbed Mattress Topper
Like a pillow or a duvet, featherbed mattress toppers are cosy blanket-like surfaces filled with feathers. When talking about softness, featherbed toppers are great choices. However, no matter how comfy a feather bed topper is, there is always a risk of triggering allergies. When buying a mattress topper, it's good to note if any users have allergies.
Wool Mattress Toppers
You will surely love a wool mattress topper if you like a warmer feel during sleep. This topper is thermally regulating and is rare compared to other materials. Because of this, a wool mattress topper is more expensive.
Fibrefill Mattress Toppers
If looking for a cheaper mattress topper that can add comfort to your mattress, you may want to look into a fibrefill mattress topper. This consists of synthetic alternatives for feathers, ideal for people with allergies. Fibrefill mattress toppers are typically free from odours and work like extra padding for the mattress.
What are the Advantages of Using a Mattress Topper?
A Mattress Topper Can Prolong the Lifespan of Your Mattress
A mattress alone is susceptible to wearing, sagging, losing its shape, and acquiring dirt and dust mites. A mattress topper can help preserve the quality of your mattress for longer.
A Mattress Topper Keeps Your Mattress Clean
A mattress topper prevents all the dust, sweat, and oils from going directly to your mattress, preserving its quality. Many mattress toppers also come with washable covers. To maintain its quality, change your bedding regularly and vacuum your mattress where possible.
A Mattress Topper Provides Extra Comfort
Your mattress receives pressure and eventually loses its comfort with regular use. If your bed isn't giving you the same ease that it did at its prime quality and you don't have enough budget to get a new one, you can use a mattress topper as an alternative solution. However, it's good to know that a mattress topper is an additional support, not a permanent solution.
A Mattress Topper Can Improve the Feel of Your Mattress
Compared to an older mattress, a new mattress can feel really firm and uncomfortable for many users. When using a shared bed, the needs of one person can be compromised. A mattress topper can create a balance of firmness and comfort, so if you prefer a softer feel while giving your partner a firmer option, buying a mattress topper is an excellent solution.
A Mattress Topper Can Help Ease Your Back Pain
Because of the additional support it provides, a mattress topper can help target your pressure points to alleviate your body pain. It can also provide the right sinkage that follows the natural shape of your spine, giving you enough lumbar support throughout the night. If you're suffering from painful joints, a mattress topper can help. If you're looking for a more effective solution for your back pain, we recommend getting a medium-firm or hybrid mattress.
A Mattress Topper Can Make Your Mattress Cooler
Who doesn't feel uncomfortable sleeping on a hot surface during the summer? If you happen to buy a mattress that absorbs body heat a lot, adding a mattress topper can make your sleep surface cooler and more breathable. An open-cell mattress topper encourages healthy airflow to keep you more relaxed at night.
Is a Mattress Topper Worth It?
Despite all the benefits of a mattress topper, buying one depends on your needs. Are you not satisfied with your current mattress? Do you need extra comfort? Do you want to protect your mattress and prolong its life? Are you using a shared mattress? Is your current mattress too firm or too soft?
Can a mattress topper be used alone? A mattress topper is not a direct alternative to a full mattress, but it works as an extra element that upgrades a bed.
A good mattress is the number one requirement for a good night's rest. Adding a mattress topper can significantly elevate your experience. Of course, don't forget about a supportive bed frame and cosy bedding items.