You may be surprised to learn that a mattress by itself won’t always provide the finest possible sleep.
Many sleepers make their beds more comfortable and cushioned than their original mattresses by adding a mattress pad or cover.
One bed item may stand out if you wish to entirely alter the feel of your present bed: mattress toppers.
This article will explain the function and advantages of a mattress topper, from added support to cost-effective comfort.
From there, you may decide whether a mattress topper is a perfect choice for you.
What exactly is a mattress topper, then? To learn all you need to know about this cozy addition to your bed, keep reading.
Table of Contents
What Is a Mattress Topper?
A mattress topper is a layer of memory foam, latex, or other material that is applied on top of your mattress and ranges in thickness from two to four inches.
Adding a second layer of your choice, serves to enhance the feel of your bed.
You may choose a mattress topper that suits your sleeping preferences, whether you want a warmer, colder, firmer, or a softer feel in your bed.
The extra layer might also aid in shielding your mattress from stains and sagging.
Mattress Topper vs Mattress Pad
A mattress pad and a mattress topper vary significantly while having essentially identical sounds.
The meaning and purpose of each bed item are as follows:
- Mattress pad: A thin, one- to two-inch layer of fiber, latex, or feathers placed on top of your mattress to provide mild support and shield you from spills, stains, and allergies.
- Mattress topper: An extra thick, two to four-inch layer of memory foam, latex, wool, or feathers placed on top of your mattress to give medium support and shield it from stains and sagging.
For those on a tight budget who want a little more support and stain defense, mattress pads are fantastic.
Mattress toppers, on the other hand, are thicker and provide even more support, making them a great option for anyone wishing to splurge on a cozier night’s sleep.
7 Benefits of Mattress Toppers
Mattress toppers have several benefits, ranging from controlling temperature to easing discomfort.
Here are all the advantages of mattress toppers you need to be aware of:
#1. Modifies Mattress Firmness
A mattress topper may change the firmness or plushness of your present mattress to your preference.
A mattress topper may firm up a soft mattress or soften up a hard one.
Memory and latex foam mattress toppers provide more support for luxurious mattresses while feather and wool toppers bring additional softness to tough beds.
Using a mattress topper, you may give your bed the precise firmness you want for a restful night’s sleep.
#2. Can Control Bed Temperature
A cooling mattress topper allows heat to escape if you often sleep hot.
A wool mattress topper, on the other hand, traps heat to keep you warm and comfortable.
There is a mattress topper that might help you get your preferred sleeping temperature.
#3. Can Provide Year-Round Comfort
With a mattress topper, you may adjust the temperature of your bed to your preference, allowing you to sleep comfortably during all four seasons.
You may stay warm in the winter with either your normal mattress or a wool mattress topper.
When it becomes hot in the summer, you may swap to your cooling mattress topper.
You can always have the ideal sleeping temperature by adding a mattress topper.
#4. Can Lift A Sagging Mattress Is Benefit
Beds may develop dips over time as a result of regular use, but a mattress topper can effectively remedy a sagging mattress.
The thick layer of cushion included in a mattress topper helps support your mattress if you find that it is beginning to sink.
A mattress topper may be used to fix a sinking mattress, but it won’t work as a replacement for an old, worn-out bed.
Before purchasing a topper, be aware of warning indications that your mattress needs to be replaced.
No matter how old or fresh your bed is, rotate your mattress often to maintain lift.
#5. Helps Keep Your Mattress Clean
A mattress topper adds a thick layer to the top of your mattress, acting as a barrier between your mattress and any dirt, liquid spills, or urine stains.
Despite the fact that not all mattress toppers are stain-proof, they will aid in keeping your mattress tidy.
Some mattress toppers may shield your bed from stains as well as dust mites and other allergens.
You may prevent developing allergies in your bedroom thanks to this extra layer of defense against allergens that may gradually gather in your mattress.
#6. You Save Money
Did you realize that investing in a mattress topper might end up saving you money over time? A mattress topper increases the normal lifetime of a mattress by preventing stains and keeping it in excellent condition for longer.
Check how often you need to change your mattress type before purchasing a mattress topper.
It could be time to get a new mattress if you’ve owned your bed for more than seven years.
After that, you may add a mattress topper to make it even more durable.
#7. Might Aid with Pain Relief
For those with back problems, a mattress topper may be a wise purchase.
This is because too-firm bedding may make backaches worse.
A softer medium-firm mattress is preferable for reducing back pain, according to research.
A mattress topper might help you get the luxurious support you need if your present mattress doesn’t provide the best support for aches and pains.
Different Mattress Topper Types
Mattress toppers come in a variety of styles, each with a distinctive feel.
The benefits and drawbacks of different mattress topper materials are listed below to assist you in making your decision:
#1. Foam memory
Viscoelastic polyurethane foam, used to make memory foam mattress toppers, is intended to provide organized support.
A memory foam mattress topper might be a terrific alternative if you’re not ready to purchase a new memory foam mattress.
Pros:
- Bolsters your physique
- Neither squeaks nor bounces
- Endures for years
Cons:
- May be pricey
- It could be challenging to change roles.
- Might retain body heat
A memory foam mattress topper provides the structured comfort you want for people who like firmer support and don’t mind making a little investment.
#2. Artificial Latex Foam
Mattress toppers made of synthetic latex foam combine the cooling benefits of natural fibers with the stability of memory foam.
For sleepers who desire the best of both worlds, they provide the ideal compromise.
Pros:
- Bolsters your physique
- Gives a hard yet cushioned feeling.
- Enables the escape of heat
- Limits that creak and bounce
- Endures for years
Cons:
- Higher price compared to comparable mattress toppers
- Chilly throughout the winter
#3. Wool
Wool mattress toppers provide a velvety texture that provides long-lasting, antibacterial softness.
Their natural wool material’s cushy texture traps heat to keep you toasty all night.
Pros:
- A soft, lightweight cushion
- Bacterial resistance and hypoallergenic
- Can keep mites and bed bugs at bay
- Offers comforting warmth
- Endures for years
Cons:
- Expensive
- Minimal variety
- Very little body support
- Sometimes has a woodsy odor
Choose a wool mattress topper if you like a warmer sleep without as much support.
#4. Down or Feather
The silky underbelly feathers of ducks and geese are used to fill feather or down mattress toppers, giving them a delightfully velvety feel.
Pros:
- Very soft
- Less expensive
- Aids in facilitating airflow
Cons:
- Very little body support
- Feathers are able to pierce.
- May be easily damaged or wrinkled
- Perhaps causing allergies
A feather or down mattress topper can be the best option for you if you want an ultra-plush feel that is inexpensive and doesn’t require much support.
Using a Mattress Topper
It’s crucial to be aware of the kind of maintenance required when purchasing a mattress topper.
Learn how to wash a mattress topper and how to place a mattress topper on your bed by reading on.
Installing a Mattress Topper
Adding a mattress topper to your routine just requires one more step.
Using a mattress topper, make your bed as follows:
- Put a bed skirt under the mattress.
- Mattress added
- Mattress topper that is mobile
- Place the mattress pad or protector, if necessary.
- Install a fitted sheet.
- Embrace the flat sheet
- Set the duvet or comforter down.
- Position pillows.
Be careful to line the four corners of your mattress with the mattress topper when you roll it onto your bed.
Use non-slip pads below your mattress topper if it doesn’t have a non-slip, viscoelastic bottom to prevent slipping.
Keeping a Mattress Topper Clean
You must thoroughly clean your mattress topper to prevent it from accumulating dust and filth.
In order to prevent accumulation, it is advisable to wash or spot-clean your mattress topper four times a year.
Most memory and latex foam mattress toppers shouldn’t be washed in machines, despite the fact that many wool and down mattress toppers can.
You should use the following machine-free methods to clean a foam mattress topper since the washer and dryer might cause the foam topper to shrink.
Follow the directions on the package of your mattress topper to determine whether machine or hand cleaning is recommended.
Are Mattress Toppers Necessary?
Are you still debating if a mattress topper is necessary? Here are a few more indicators that you may want to buy a bed topper:
- You want a mattress that is warmer or colder.
- You want a softer or firmer mattress.
- Your bed has sagged.
- You’re not ready to make a mattress purchase yet.
FAQs
We can assist you if you still have questions regarding mattress toppers.
See the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding this bed accessory:
Are mattress toppers effective?
Yes, a lot of people have had success using mattress toppers.
A mattress topper may help you modify the temperature and make your bed more firm or plush if your present mattress isn’t the ideal firmness or temperature for you.
Additionally, mattress toppers may extend the life of your mattresses, saving you money over time.
What is the purpose of a mattress topper?
Use a mattress topper to alter the way your bed feels.
You may buy a mattress topper that alters the temperature of your bed to suit your tastes, making it warmer, softer, or colder.
Whatever option you choose, a mattress topper helps keep your bed clean and extends its life.
Do mattress toppers merit the price?
A mattress topper might undoubtedly be worthwhile if you don’t like the way your present mattress feels.
Your bed will be more durable and stain-resistant while still allowing you to customize the firmness and temperature.
Can a mattress topper be placed on top of a mattress pad?
A mattress topper does, in fact, go under a mattress pad or mattress cover.
Your mattress topper will have an additional layer of defense against perspiration and spills in this manner.
Can a mattress topper be washed?
Memory and latex foam mattress toppers should be spot cleaned to prevent shrinking, however many wool or down mattress toppers may be washed in the washing machine.
A foam mattress topper may be cleaned by dabbing stains with a towel, spritzing spots with a vinegar solution made in a spray bottle, sprinkling baking soda over the topper, and waiting for eight hours before drying it with a handheld vacuum.
To find out the precise cleaning recommendations, please read the label on your mattress topper.
Do I need a new mattress or a mattress topper?
An older, sagging mattress may benefit from a mattress topper as a simple, affordable fix.
A mattress topper can only do so much, however, if you’ve owned your present bed for longer than a mattress should endure (on average, seven to ten years).
If so, you may want to think about buying a new mattress to ensure you’re receiving a decent night’s rest.
What distinguishes a mattress topper from a pad?
A mattress pad and mattress topper vary from one another in terms of thickness and purpose.
A mattress pad is a one- to two-inch thin covering that offers some cushioning while shielding your bed from spills and allergies.
A mattress topper, on the other hand, is a thick, two to four-inch layer of memory foam, latex, wool, or feathers that add even more support and security to your bed.
A mattress pad is ideal for those who already like the feel of their mattress but want an extra layer of comfort and security that won’t break the bank.
A mattress topper, on the other hand, is preferable for those who wish to completely change how their mattress feels.
Before making a purchase, it’s vital to have a clear grasp of what a mattress topper is and what it can accomplish for you since there are many different bed accessories available.
You could just get the restful sleep of your dreams if you choose to spend money on a mattress topper.
