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Last Updated October 17, 2024
A mattress topper is a layer of material—could be anything from latex to memory foam—that is placed on top of your mattress to improve its qualities. It's usually 1-4 inches thick and can be used to better the support on an old mattress or increase the comfort on a new mattress.
Ok, now that you know what a mattress topper is, we're sure you just went, "That's interesting, but I still have more questions about this mattress topper thingy." Fret not. All your burning questions will be answered right here, in this very article. So stay tuned!
Key Takeaways:
So, in the intro, we mentioned that mattress toppers are a "layer of material used to improve your mattress's qualities". This is pretty much all there is to a topper. It's a 1-4 inch piece of foam or layer of filling materials designed to enhance the cushioning, firmness, and/or temperature regulation of a mattress. Toppers can be used for both a new and existing mattress, and many buy them to increase the mattress's lifespan by a few more years.
These extra layers can be made from a plethora of materials, such as latex, memory foam, gel memory foam, polyfoam, wool, and even cotton. Beneficial in many ways, they are capable of doing things like providing pain relief, pressure relief, contouring, motion isolation, edge support, and much more. Basically, it's an affordable upgrade to your mattress without you having to splurge big on a new one!
Mattress toppers are not entirely perfect. They do have their set of disadvantages as they do their benefits. We'll discuss them all in this section.
Cost-effective alternative to buying a new mattress - Mattress toppers are generally much cheaper than replacing an entire mattress. They offer a budget-friendly way to revamp your sleep surface, especially if your mattress is still in decent condition but lacks comfort or support.
Enhances comfort by adding extra cushioning - Toppers can significantly improve the comfort level of your bed by adding a layer of cushioning. This can be especially beneficial if your mattress feels too firm or has lost some of its original plushness.
Prolongs mattress lifespan by reducing wear - By acting as a buffer between you and your mattress, a topper can help reduce the wear and tear on your mattress, potentially extending its lifespan. This is particularly useful if your mattress is still supportive but starting to show signs of aging.
Decreases motion transfer between sleep partners - Options like memory foam mattress toppers and latex mattress toppers are great at absorbing movement. This means that if one partner moves or gets up during the night, the other is less likely to be disturbed by the motion.
Allows temperature regulation (cooling or warming options) - There are toppers designed with specific temperature-regulating materials, such as cooling gel-infused foam or wool, which can help manage your sleep temperature. These options can provide a cooler or warmer sleeping surface depending on your needs.
Provides mattress protection - A topper can also act as a protective layer against spills, stains, and allergens, keeping your mattress cleaner and in better condition over time. This is particularly valuable if you have pets, kids, or often enjoy food and drinks in bed.
Portable solution for temporary living situations - Toppers are relatively easy to transport, making them a great solution for temporary living arrangements like dorms, rentals, or guest rooms. They can enhance comfort on less-than-ideal mattresses without a long-term commitment.
Can help with minor mattress imperfections - If your mattress has minor dips or lumps, a topper can help smooth out these imperfections to some extent. While it won’t fix severe sagging, it can make the bed more comfortable in cases where the mattress is just slightly uneven.
Higher-quality toppers can be relatively expensive - While toppers are generally more affordable than new mattresses, high-end options with premium materials like latex or advanced cooling features can still be quite pricey. This can be a drawback if you're trying to stay within a tight budget.
Not a permanent fix for severely worn mattresses - If your mattress has significant sagging, deep indentations, or other structural issues, a topper is only a temporary solution. It won’t provide the necessary support to compensate for a mattress that’s past its prime.
May shift position during sleep - Some toppers don’t stay in place well and can shift around on top of your mattress, especially if they lack straps or a non-slip bottom. This can be disruptive and may require frequent adjustments to keep everything aligned.
Increases overall bed height - Adding a topper will raise the height of your bed, which can be inconvenient if your bed is already high or if you have difficulty getting in and out of bed. This is also something to consider when choosing bedding, as deeper fitted sheets may be necessary.
Can alter mattress firmness undesirably for some users - While toppers are meant to adjust the feel of your mattress, sometimes the change might not be what you’re looking for. For example, adding a topper to a firm mattress may make it too soft, or vice versa, altering your sleep comfort negatively.
Some materials may retain heat or emit odors initially - Certain topper materials, like memory foam, are known for trapping heat, which can be uncomfortable for hot sleepers. Additionally, some toppers emit a noticeable chemical smell (off-gassing of VOCs) when new, which can take a few days to dissipate.
Adds weight, making bed-making more challenging - Toppers can add a significant amount of weight to your bed, especially thicker or denser models. This can make tasks like changing sheets or rotating the topper more cumbersome, particularly if you have mobility issues.
Potential sizing issues with existing bedding - Depending on the thickness of the topper, your existing sheets may not fit properly. You might need to invest in deeper fitted sheets or other bedding to accommodate the extra height, which can be an additional expense and hassle.
The most popular types of mattress toppers you can find today are -
Made with the latex obtained from rubber trees, natural latex mattress toppers are eco-friendly, durable, responsive, and provide a well-balanced combination of support and comfort. They are a great option for those who like a bouncy, supportive, and cushioning bed and are ideal for every sleeping position.
Known for their contouring abilities, memory foam toppers conform to the shape of your body, providing great pressure relief and cushioning. For those looking to reduce motion transfer and enjoy a "sinking" feeling, memory foam mattress toppers are a great choice. But they do retain body heat and off-gas VOCs, which are drawbacks that can deter a lot of sleepers.
Wool toppers offer natural temperature regulation, keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. They are also cozy, cushioning, moisture-wicking, and durable, making them a good topper choice for those prioritizing comfort and varying temperature all year-round.
Cotton toppers provide a soft, breathable layer that adds comfort without drastically altering mattress firmness. They are usually easy to maintain and a good option for those looking for a natural, lightweight addition.
Gel mattress toppers, otherwise known as gel-infused memory foam mattress toppers, are made from memory foam infused with cooling gel beads. They offer similar pressure relief as regular memory foam toppers, but with better temperature control and responsiveness.
Soft and luxurious, down or feather toppers add a plush layer to your mattress. Down mattress toppers are made of the soft, fluffy undercoating of birds, usually ducks or geese, while feather mattress toppers are made of the outer feathers of birds. They are both lightweight and airy but provide minimal support and require regular fluffing to maintain loft.
These toppers mimic the softness of down/feather toppers but are usually more affordable and hypoallergenic. They add a layer of light cushioning. They also compress over time and require frequent fluffing.
Recognizable by its distinctive egg crate shape, the egg crate mattress topper provides enhanced pressure relief and bed sore relief by distributing body weight more evenly. It can be constructed from different foam materials, like latex, memory foam, or gel memory foam.
Here are the key considerations when choosing a mattress topper -
Choose the material of your mattress topper based on your desired level of comfort. Memory foam offers pressure relief; latex provides contouring, support, and durability; down is plush and soft; and wool regulates temperature.
The material of your mattress cover may also prove influential on the overall feel of the topper. We recommend going for a breathable, waterproof mattress protector so that the core features of your topper aren't diminished in any way.
Thicker toppers (3-4 inches) provide more cushioning, while higher density offers better support. Select thickness and density based on how much you want to alter the feel of your mattress.
Match the topper’s firmness to your sleep style. Side sleepers typically prefer soft mattress toppers for pressure relief, while back and stomach sleepers might need firm or medium-firm mattress toppers.
Body weight can also be considered when choosing firmness. If you're a lightweight or average-weight individual below 230 lbs., soft to medium-firm toppers are ideal. If you're a heavyweight sleeper above 230 lbs., then you may need a firm mattress topper, or even an extra firm mattress topper, depending on the support your body desires.
Look for materials that suit your temperature needs. Gel-infused foams, latex, and wool are better for cooling, while down and memory foam may retain heat.
Hypoallergenic materials like natural latex, wool, and cotton are suitable options if you have allergies. Avoid down or synthetic foams if you're sensitive to allergens or chemicals.
Prices vary widely. Set a budget and weigh the topper’s cost against its durability and comfort benefits. Higher-quality materials like latex and wool may cost more but last longer.
Consider how easy it is to clean and care for the mattress topper. Some are machine washable, while others require spot cleaning or professional cleaning.
Ensure the topper fits well and complements your existing mattress without creating unwanted firmness or softness.
Check if the topper comes with a warranty or a trial period, especially for pricier options. This can offer peace of mind for your purchase.
If you're sharing the bed, consider a topper that reduces motion transfer and suits both sleepers.
While memory foam cradles the body for pressure relief, wool provides temperature regulation, and cotton lends an inviting softness, latex does all of this and more without encountering the drawbacks of most mattress toppers. Thus, we've decided to crown the title of "Best Mattress Topper" to natural latex mattress toppers.
Its unmatched balance between support and comfort, combined with durability, eco-friendliness, motion isolation, and natural hypoallergenic properties, makes it a standout choice.
Latex toppers also adapt well to different sleep positions, offer excellent responsiveness, and maintain their shape over time without the heat retention of memory foam toppers or the frequent fluffing required for down toppers. This superior versatility and longevity make latex the ideal solution for those seeking a high-quality, all-around mattress topper.
| Features | Mattress Pad | Mattrss Topper |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Primarily used for protection and slight comfort adjustment | Designed to significantly alter the comfort and feel of a mattress |
| Thickness | Thinner (1 inch or less) | Thicker (1 to 4 inches) |
| Comfort Provided | Provides slight comfort enhancement | Provides substantial comfort enhancement |
| Support Provided | Offers little to no additional support | Can offer significant support and pressure relief |
| Materials Used | Often made from cotton, wool, polyester, or waterproof materials | Often made from memory foam, latex, down, wool, or other cushioning materials |
| Temperature Regulation | Basic temperature control | Options available for cooling or warming features |
| Level of Protection | Protects against liquids and allergens | Provides protection and improves durability |
| Attachment | Usually fitted, like a sheet with elastic edges | Sits on top of the mattress, sometimes with straps or non-slip pads beneath |
| Ease of Cleaning | Often machine washable and easy to care for | Cleaning varies by material; some are spot clean only |
| Cost | Generally less expensive | Can be more expensive |
| Ideal Use Case | Good for adding a thin layer of softness and protecting the mattress | Best for transforming mattress comfort/support or extending the life of an older mattress |
The answer to this question depends highly on the use case. If you're looking to significantly change the comfort and support of your mattress, a topper is the better choice because it’s thicker and designed for that purpose. It’s ideal for adding cushioning, adjusting firmness, changing temperature, and/or relieving pressure points.
On the other hand, if your primary goal is to just protect your mattress from allergens and liquid spills, all the while adding a slight layer of softness, a mattress pad is more suitable. It’s thinner, easier to clean, and usually less expensive. So, if comfort adjustment is your priority, go for toppers; if protection and light padding are what you need, mattress pads will do the job.
Increased cushioning, support, pressure relief, contouring, bounce, response, cooling, heating—a mattress topper can have many purposes depending on the type you choose and customizations you make. But generally, they're used to increase the lifespan of a mattress and make it feel better.
Instead of a mattress topper, you can use mattress pads, blankets, comforters, or mattress protector covers to keep your mattress clean and to ensure a better night's sleep. But, comparatively, mattress topper benefits remain unmatched, making them the better choice for most sleepers.
The general lifespan of a mattress topper is 3-5 years. But this can increase or decrease based on mattress topper types. For instance, latex toppers have a lifespan of around 5-7 years or more when cared for properly. Traditional memory foam mattress toppers, on the other hand, tend to deteriorate around the 2-3 year mark. Using a mattress topper encasement and maintaining the topper well can improve their lifespan.
Yes, mattress toppers are generally easy to maintain. In cases of spills or stains, most toppers can be easily spot cleaned and then air dried. Some toppers even have machine-washable mattress topper covers, so all you'll have to do is wash the cover every once in a while.
Related blog posts:
1. Mattress Topper Thickness – 2 Inch, 3 Inch, or 4 Inch?
2. How Long Do Mattress Toppers Last?
3. Difference Between Mattress Toppers and Mattress Pads
4. Latex vs. Memory Foam Mattress Topper
5. How to Recycle or Repurpose Your Old Mattresses and Toppers?
Disclaimer: What is said in this article has been referenced from multiple sources and is intended only for educational and informational purposes. Please note that no content in this article is a substitute for professional advice from a qualified doctor or healthcare provider. Always consult an experienced doctor with any concerns you may have regarding a health condition or treatment, and never disregard any medical suggestions or delay in seeking treatment because of something you read here.
