You may think it is time to replace your mattress after spending consistent restless nights. Have you considered mattress toppers instead? Undoubtedly, some mattresses can be uncomfortable to some sleepers, while a few wear out over a period of time or don’t match your needs anymore.
Yes, sometimes people will have no choice but to replace their bed with a high-quality mattress. For smaller issues, you might not really have to spend money on a new mattress. Buying a mattress topper is a simple and cheap way to enjoy the comfort of your bed.
Why use mattress toppers?
- It prevents the need to spend on modern expensive mattresses because toppers are placed over your existing mattress.
- Some are equipped with waterproof exteriors, which help to safeguard the mattress underneath from accidental spills.
- Even non-water proof toppers act as a barrier between real mattress and users by soaking the liquid before they reach the foam mattress underneath.
- Removing and cleaning the topper is much easier than the actual mattress.
- Toppers offer extra comfort level to sleepers.
- If the mattress is firm, the topper offers much needed softness. In addition, it brings firmness in circumstances where the mattress is too soft.
- Several mattress toppers are designed to be supportive and reduce joint pressure and pain.
- Extra padding provides comfort to people with old mattresses seeking enhancement in sleep experience and are not still prepared to invest in a totally new mattress.
- Sharing a mattress with a partner, who tosses and turns a lot at night can be frustrating. Mattress toppers help to reduce movement impact during the night.
- Mattress topper helps to make your actual mattress last longer.
Key factors to consider
You must remember while shopping that a mattress topper is different from mattress covers. Toppers are designed to offer comfort, whereas covers are intended for mattress protection.
Density & thickness
You will witness plethora or densities and thicknesses, while seeking mattress toppers. Thickness can range from 1” to 4”. Toppers on the thicker end of scale retain more heat but offer more cushioning than thin models.
With respect to density, more dense toppers offer more support with extra heat retention. They are firmer and more durable. You will need a sufficiently dense topper to prevent the body from sinking deeply. User’s weight also plays a part, heavy people may desire to look for a dense topper in comparison to the one who is light. Denser means more price you will need to pay for the mattress.
Material types
Topper materials differ significantly in form and texture but all kinds offer extra comfort to users. Perfect mattress topper material choice is dictated by allergies, liking and sharing partner’s comfort level. Choose one that features waterproof, especially where youngsters are concerned.
Topper material also has a huge impact on overall sleep experience. Shopper’s decision will depend on their sleep position, personal preference, price, temperature and a few other factors.
Common materials you will come across when you go mattress shopping are memory foam, down feather, wool, and egg-crates [foam material]. Each variety displays its own pros and cons. If you have any health issues then choose the right one. For example, a firm surface can reduce muscle and joint pains, while people suffering from lack of sleep, or if their existing mattress is worn out, can benefit substantially from soft toppers.
Memory foam topper
Everyone cannot afford the luxury of buying a pricey memory foam mattress. Therefore, many people compromise the cost for memory foam topper to enjoy its body contouring material. Memory foam is claimed to be the ultimate in terms of comfort. It decreases motion sensitivity of your spouse, who turns and tosses frequently during night disrupting your sleep. In addition, people suffering from joint aches gain a high supportive level. Support is given by the materials body-hugging firmness.
Consumers with sensitivities and allergies need to be cautious, while buying mattresses, padding, and linens. They need to make sure that the material does not aggravate their condition. Shoppers with allergic issues can seek hypoallergenic memory foam toppers, sheathed in removable cotton cover, which can be laundered easily.
The drawbacks of memory foam padding are minimal, even though some users experience heat retention, which can trouble them at night. Several memory foam toppers when removed from its box have distinct chemical smell, which dissipate with time. Mattress makers heard user’s complaints and produced breathable memory foam topper models to sleep cool.
Wool mattress topper
Wool mattress topper is surprisingly soft. This natural material is hardly itchy and possibly not likely to cause allergies amongst sensitive people. Wool toppers are resistant to mites and bed bugs. They are a big advantage in regions where pests are total nuisances. The wool is obtained from lambs, which is called ‘fleece’, at times.
Wool mattress topper is durable and can be steam cleaned. The big drawback of wool toppers is that they are very costly.
Down feather topper
Delicate down features either from ducks or geese are used to fill the mattress topper. Shoppers looking to add an extra layer of softness and comfort to their current mattress can seek this topper. It is not perfect for those suffering from joint and muscle pains because they need a firm surface for comfort. Due to its motion isolation aspect couple’s get to sleep peacefully in the same bed. In winter, a down feather topper helps to keep sleepers warm and dry in summer just like wool.
Some manufacturers rigorously clean feathers before stuffing to make sure they display minimal hazard to people with allergies. However, people suffering from allergies to feathers need to be cautious. The drawback of a feather mattress topper is that they are not resistant to bed bugs and dust mites but luckily manufacturers addressed this issue. They treated them chemically against unwanted nuisances. Prices are high but a feather mattress topper lasts for years, so are a good investment for sleepers who desire a soft mattress surface.
Egg-crate mattress topper
Besides being reasonably priced, egg crate mattress toppers are thin and can be rolled easily. It means you can take them on sleepovers or vacations. For price, they offer great support. These are not natural like wool toppers or high tech like memory foam but provide a reliable solution to enhance a painful sleeping arrangement.
Consider the following features before you go
Why do you want to purchase a mattress topper?
If you wish to add more cushioning to a very firm mattress then choose a fairly thick and soft one. If your aim is to reduce pain then opt for a high density latex or memory foam to gain the extra joint support. In case, you and your partner prefer a different firmness level then cover half the bed with a suitable mattress topper. You will need to cut the mattress topper, so to fit. It is easy with foam models.
Have you any allergies?
Avoid mattress toppers made from latex or feathers, if you are allergic to them. Synthetic and feather down materials harbor dust mites, so can it can worsen their dust allergy condition. Latex repel dust mites and even wool is a good option because it repels moisture, which in turn discourages the development of mold.
What firmness level do you prefer?
Latex and memory foam toppers differ in firmness level. With memory foam topper thickness determines its softness, whereas in latex firmness is generally spelled out. Fiber and feather beds are good to add softness, while wool padding tends to feel less comfortable.
Do you sleep hot at night?
Latex and memory foam toppers accumulate body heat at night, which makes it difficult to sleep soundly. The denser and thicker toppers are, the hotter sleepers feel. In winter, wool toppers will offer extra warmth but heat gets reduced in summer by keeping away the moisture. Latex or memory foam toppers include cotton cover, which helps to sleep cool on foam mattress toppers.
Are you odor-sensitive?
Memory foam emits a nasty odor more than latex, when new. Usually, the stench dissipates in a week but some odor sensitive people find it frustrating for weeks or months.
Do you have kids or pets?
You will need a mattress topper, which is waterproof with kids or pets around.
Will you require new sheets?
Adding a mattress topper will increase overall thickness. The snugly fitted sheets may not be able to fit in the thick topper, so you will need to look for new sheets. It will add to the overall purchase cost.
A good quality mattress topper combines softness with support. Even the feather mattress toppers have a smooth surface. It needs minimal maintenance, just an occasional fluffing. A good extra protection against spills and stains.
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