Sleep is an important part of our lives. It’s what keeps us refreshed and energized throughout the day, but many people don’t get enough rest because they are too uncomfortable. This can be due to mattress quality, which is what mattress toppers help to improve.
Mattress toppers can be a worthy investment. They can provide comfort and support in areas that may be lacking from your mattress. They also prolong the life of your mattress by adding extra padding on top and keeping it clean and safe from contaminants. They can even help regulate body temperature.
If you’re interested in finding out more about mattress toppers before you invest in them, read on to see whether they’ll benefit you.
Are Mattress Toppers Worth It?
Many mattress companies are now producing mattress toppers in addition to mattresses. They say that mattress toppers can help with spinal alignment, provide extra cushioning, and add a layer of protection from allergens. But are mattress toppers worth it? Below, we’ll offer you more insight into this matter that may help you decide whether or not to invest in one.
How Do Mattress Toppers Work?
A mattress topper is an item that typically sits on top of your mattress and provides additional padding for it. They are often used by people who have a hard time sleeping because they can’t find the right level of firmness in their mattress, or by individuals with back pain as it can make relieving pressure points easier.
There are many different types, and mattress toppers can be made from a variety of materials. They come in all shapes and sizes as well, so you can always find the best option for your mattress and your needs.
Mattress toppers work in two ways: they can provide a layer of padding between you and the mattress, or they can act as an additional mattress for people who need extra support. This will depend on their thickness and on the materials they’re made from, which will be up to you to decide.
Do Mattress Toppers Really Work?
Many people are skeptical about mattress toppers, and they ask themselves if it is worth the time and money. The truth is that mattress toppers can do some great things for your mattress.
A mattress topper will add an extra layer of comfort, which many people find enjoyable. They also protect it from stains and spills, which can help with lengthening the lifespan and quality of your mattress.
If you have an older mattress, mattress toppers will be able to preserve it for longer without having to purchase a new one to save your back as quickly as you would otherwise, so you can take advantage of the comfort.
If you have a mattress that’s fully breaking, however, a mattress topper won’t be able to save it, as it will still be on top of a faulty foundation. At that point, you would have to research options for new mattresses, and then get a mattress topper for the one you will end up buying.
If you add a mattress topper to a mattress immediately after purchases, you’ll be able to increase its benefits for longer. Make sure that your mattress is still serviceable before you get a mattress topper for it to avoid disappointments. A mattress topper can only do so much, but it can improve the quality of a mattress that can still be used.
How to Get the Most out of Mattress Toppers
If you’re going to invest in mattress toppers, you must use them correctly. Read on for some tips on how to do this.
- To get the most benefits out of a mattress topper, it will have to fit your mattress perfectly. Measure the mattress before you buy a topper.
- You can buy mattress toppers in bulk online for cheaper prices than you would usually find at a physical retailer. This is the best method if you’d like to have a few toppers on hand.
- Place a mattress protector on top of the mattress topper. This will maximize the layer of protection for your mattress while also helping to keep the topper from overheating you.
- Place a fitted sheet on top of the mattress topper. This is especially helpful if your topper doesn’t come with anything to attach it to the mattress. Using a fitted sheet on top will help keep it in place overnight. You can place a flat sheet on top of this.
- If you live in a place where temperatures vary from hot to cold, invest in mattress toppers lined with bamboo charcoal. These will regulate your body heat regardless of the weather, and they will also help reduce moisture and unpleasant smells.
Are Mattress Toppers Bad for You?
Mattress toppers can be bad for you if they are not the right kind. Some mattress toppers may use a type of foam that is of poor quality and creates off-gassing, which releases fumes that aren’t detrimental to your health but can create an unpleasant odor.
When you research this issue, you’ll find that mattress topper reviews should include what type of material it’s made out of so consumers know whether or not the topper will suit their needs. You should also check the reviews for honest opinions about the quality and the benefits of the topper before you decide to purchase it.
The cons of buying a mattress topper can quickly outweigh the benefits if you get the wrong kind, so you must make sure that can get one that will suit your needs and your body, especially if you have any health issues.
These issues can all be avoided if you purchase the correct type for your needs and if you use mattress toppers correctly on the right kind of mattress.
Do Mattress Toppers Help Sagging Mattresses?
Mattress toppers can be used for a variety of reasons, including reducing the weight on your mattress and helping prevent sagging. A saggy mattress will have a very negative impact on the correct alignment of your spine and can cause a lot of back pain and significantly reduced sleep quality.
A saggy mattress can also create issues with joint pain, and can also make it difficult not just to get some rest but also to fall asleep because of the increased discomfort. If you’re experiencing this issue with your mattress and are thinking of getting a mattress to help make the sagginess more bearable, you should reconsider the order of investments.
If you get a mattress topper and place it on a sagging mattress, you won’t get to enjoy the benefits because it will be unable to keep from sinking into the holes in the mattress. As we’ve mentioned above, a mattress topper requires a serviceable mattress to show its benefits.
Once your mattress gets properly saggy, it’s time to invest in a new one before you have to suffer from the health issues it can give you. After you’ve purchased a new one, the topper will only enhance the benefits of it, and you’ll get to one again rest properly without worrying about your joints and your spine.
Can You Wash a Mattress Topper?
It is possible to wash mattress toppers. In fact, it is recommended that you do so regularly for your mattress and mattress topper’s health and longevity. The process of washing mattress toppers can usually be done in the washing machine or by hand. Let’s look at an overview of these two methods.
Washing mattress toppers by hand
The first thing you’ll need is a basin filled with cold water and mild detergent. Dish soap can be great here because it tends to be less intense. Soak the mattress topper in this solution for roughly 15 minutes on both sides before using your hands to scrub any lingering stains from it. Rinse thoroughly then hang them up to dry.
Washing mattress toppers by machine
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the temperature and the detergent you should use. You should aim for a low-temperature wash with a delicate detergent and conditioner. Try not to use extra spin cycles to prevent wrinkling.
If your mattress topper is made from a delicate material, you should avoid putting it in the washing machine. Memory foam in particular does not react well to wash cycles, so you should stick to handwashing it with as much care as possible.
Other methods
If you have a mattress topper that doesn’t benefit from a full wash cycle, there are still easy options to maintain it. You can vacuum it at any time to prevent dust build-up and to remove hair and dead skin cells from it. This will help remove more allergens too.
If the mattress topper gets stained, you should spot clean with baking soda mixed with water, or a solution of vinegar mixed with water. You can also use a mild laundry detergent for more intense soiling.
If you want to avoid most of these issues, get a cover for your mattress topper. This will keep your topper protected from contaminants and spillages, especially if it’s tucked under a mattress pad and a fitted sheet on top. This is the method that involves the least effort and the least maintenance.
Are Mattress Toppers Good for Pain Relief?
Mattress toppers, along with mattress pads and mattress protectors, are items that can help with back pain. They can provide additional cushioning for pressure relief on your spine. Many people will find this very helpful when there is a need for extra support in certain spots of their body – especially if they’re suffering from back pain.
Some mattress toppers are designed for specific areas of the body. For example, some people may find it helpful to purchase a mattress topper that is made specifically for their back to provide relief from pressure on their spine when they sleep at night. These mattress protectors will make sure that nothing will cause discomfort while also helping relieve tension on these particular pressure points.
The extent of the pain relief will depend on you getting the right kind of mattress topper for your needs and also on making sure that your mattress isn’t exacerbating the pain issues you have. A mattress topper can’t make up for a poor-quality mattress that can’t accommodate your body at all anymore.
The mattress topper can simply help improve some low-grade issues with your mattresses, such as getting better pressure and firmness. This is what can help with back pain, hip pain, neck pain, and even joint pain. Many other issues stem from these main ones, so it’s always best to invest in a good mattress topper if you experience them.
Is a Mattress Topper the Same As a Mattress Pad?
A mattress topper and a mattress pad are two different things, but they can work very well together. A mattress pad is a thin layer of protection, usually placed on top of a mattress topper to even out the cushioning and to protect it from spillages.
Mattress toppers are thicker than mattress pads, and they’re used specifically to provide extra comfort. Mattress pads are used primarily to reduce the need for cleaning and to keep everything well-maintained.
If possible, you should always use both of them on your bed, as they serve different purposes towards the same end: keeping you comfortable and removing excess duties from you like constantly having to clean your mattress topper.
Are Thicker Mattress Toppers Better for You?
Thicker mattress toppers can be better for you, but this will depend on your needs and circumstances. They are used to increase the level of comfort, and for that, thicker is indeed better. However, a thicker mattress topper will lose benefits in other areas, like regulating body temperature.
If you live in an area with hot seasons, you may experience discomfort with a thicker mattress topper. The thicker material will prevent the circulation of airflow, which can easily cause you to overheat as you sleep, which will deteriorate the quality of your sleep.
If a thicker mattress topper is the best solution for you, make sure to only use them in cooler seasons or with the air conditioning on. The increase of comfort in some ways may reduce it in others.
Thinner mattress toppers are better suited to warmer climates, but they will provide less padding and comfort. This can be a problem if you want to use them to relieve pressure points along your spine and ease the pain stemming from them.
As usual with mattress toppers, this will depend on what you need them to do for you. If you’d rather put comfort above all else, thicker mattress toppers are better. If you’d rather get less comfort but more airflow to be able to use them in all climates, then thinner ones will be better suited to you.
Are Mattress Toppers the Same as Underlays?
Mattress toppers and underlays are different items that can help make sleeping more comfortable, and they also work great in combination.
What mattress toppers and underlays have in common is that they are both designed for sleepers with special needs. For instance, a mattress topper can help relieve pressure points on the body caused by poor posture or spinal alignment issues, while an underlay may provide better thermal insulation from cold surfaces.
Mattress toppers are often considered ideal for people with sensitivities or allergies, and or those with back pain. Underlays are often used to help with mattress temperature regulation, and for those who sleep on their stomach.
This is why mattress underlays can help complement toppers, but they’re not always necessary. If all that’s needed is some additional padding, then mattress toppers might do the trick with no drawbacks.
If you’re looking for other specific needs, like mattress temperature regulation, mattress underlays can be a better option, but the best way to get the most out of both items is to combine them if you can. Mattress underlays tend to be slightly more expensive, so you’ll have to decide if you prefer the benefits of one over the other.
How to Choose a Mattress Topper
Choosing a mattress topper will be a personal choice that will depend on why you are buying it and on your particularities. You will have to consider all these factors before you buy one, but there are some other things to look for once you know what you’d like them to do for you.
- If you prefer a mattress topper that will keep you warm, you should get a memory foam one, or a feather and down one.
- If you’d rather stay cool, you’re better off getting a gel foam one.
- If comfort is the most important element for you, all types of mattress toppers can offer you that. If that isn’t essential, you can opt for an underlay instead.
- If you’re looking for support for your back, your best choices are memory foam and gel foam.
- If you need to have relief for your pressure points, it’s also best to get gel foam or memory foam toppers.
- For maximum breathability, you should opt for gel foam or microfiber toppers. These are the best for increased airflow, along with offering the other benefits specific to their types.
Mattress Topper Benefits
There are numerous benefits to investing in mattress toppers, and we’ll feature the most popular here so that you can consider them before purchasing one. The most prominent benefit is that it will help you extend the life of your current mattress.
If the mattress still has some firmness and if it’s not completely saggy, a mattress topper will be able to make up for whatever it lacks in pressure until it loses it altogether. If you’ve just bought a new mattress, a topper is ideal to help you during the breaking-in period until it adapts to your body. The topper will increase the comfort of the mattress.
Another benefit that toppers offer is that there are plenty of types and sizes, so you can always find the right one. This is true of the benefits it offers too. You can opt for a thick or a thin one, for one material over the other. There are many features to enjoy in all of them, and the right one will be waiting for your purchase.
The most sought-after benefit of mattress toppers is that they balance mattresses. Let’s say you have a mattress that’s either too soft or too firm. Instead of having to replace the entire thing, you can get a mattress topper to even out the discrepancy. You will get to enjoy your mattress while getting even more features out of this combination of elements.
On top of that, a mattress topper can provide essential support for your spine that will significantly improve your sleeping experience. This will help reduce any pain derived from a misaligned spine, and it will make you fall asleep easier and wake up feeling more refreshed.
Mattress Topper Disadvantages
Most of the cons of mattress toppers become apparent if you don’t purchase the correct ones, but there are some others to keep in mind. The most commonly mentioned one is that they are an extra investment that you may not have factored into the budget, especially if you’ve just bought a new mattress and if you’re looking at the higher end of the choices.
The other main disadvantage of mattress toppers is that no matter how good or how expensive they are, they won’t be able to make up for a mattress that’s past its expiration date. Once mattresses are too saggy, once you can feel every spring in them, there’s nothing to be done about them other than buying a new one.
Where to Get a Mattress Topper
You can shop for a mattress topper in person at most mattress and bed retailers. You can also find them online, where you may find some amazing deals, especially if you’d like to buy more than one.
You can also purchase them second-hand, but we’d recommend investing in new ones to make sure you’re getting the best quality and as many benefits as you can out of them. If you aren’t convinced about them or you’d like to know more, most retailers have experts that can advise you in detail about them and that can show you how it works.
If your mattress prevents you from getting a good night’s sleep, the best solution is to invest in a new one right away. A mattress topper can only enhance comfort, it can’t invent it if it’s not already there.
It can also take some time and a considerable amount of research and testing to find the mattress topper that suits your needs best, especially if you’re not sure what you need from it. On top of that, not all models are hypoallergenic, and some can stretch the budget to provide all the promised features that it aims to deliver.
What Is the Best Type of Mattress Topper?
There are four main types of mattress toppers: latex, memory foam, microfiber, and feather and down. These are all popular types, but there are some specific preferences that we have learned from our research into mattress toppers.
The best type of mattress topper is made from memory foam or latex because these materials provide pressure relief and they also regulate temperature. These two features make them perfect for people who suffer from sleep apnea, arthritis, back pain, fibromyalgia, and many other conditions that cause discomfort while sleeping.
Memory foam can be pricier than the rest, but it also provides the most benefits out of the four main types.
The Other Types of Mattress Toppers
If you’d like to know more about the others, let’s take a look at what they can offer you.
- Latex: The second most popular choice of mattress topper is known to be very durable. It has great antimicrobial properties, and it can absorb movement.
- Feather and down: This traditional type of mattress topper is also usually one of the most affordable options. It isn’t hypoallergenic, and it can quickly lose its firmness.
- Microfibre: This is the cheapest type of mattress topper, but it’s also said to be the one that lasts the least. It does have hypoallergenic options, but it has been reported to quickly become lumpy and flat.
- Wool: Depending on the type of wool, you may be looking at premium prices for this type of material, but few are as durable. Despite how it may seem, wool is great at regulating temperature because it absorbs heat. Wool is great at resisting the impact of contaminants.
- Cotton: This material is one of the most breathable and practical because it can be washed in the washing machine. Despite this, it’s also one of the materials that are worn quickest.
- Gel foam: This is a type of memory foam mattress topper that features even more curvature and that adapts with even more accuracy to your body.
Conclusion
Mattress toppers are worth it if you have a mattress that hasn’t yet reached its end. They can provide a lot more comfort and they can adapt to your body in a way that increases your sleep quality and relieves pain triggered by pressure points and a misaligned skeleton. There are also plenty of options to suit your needs, from materials to features.