Let us help take the hassle out of choosing a mattress topper. Finding the right one for your bed is made simple with this ultimate guide.
After reading it you will be able to:
- Realise what a mattress topper does
- See if you can use one to extend the life of your bed
- Decide how thick your mattress topper needs to be
- Understand what type of topper will support you best
- Appreciate how long adjusting to a mattress topper can take
- Identify the most suitable mattress topper for allergy sufferers
- Know what mattress topper is best for you based on the condition of your bed
- Confidently choose between down, synthetic down, feather, memory foam, gel, latex or wool fillings
What Is A Mattress Topper?
A mattress topper is a removable layer of cushion placed on top of a mattress for extra comfort. It is essentially an additional, thinner mattress above of an existing one. Raising a mattress profile, providing a softer sleep, and extending the life of a mattress are among the most common reasons for using one. Primarily, mattress toppers offer an inexpensive alternative to purchasing a new mattress (although if you are ready for a new one, we recommend reading our guide to finding the right mattress first).
Do I Need A Mattress Topper?
Often a practical investment, mattress toppers are also sometimes considered a luxury item. The truth is that whenever possible, any item of bedding should be both. Being well-rested is so important to a happy, healthy lifestyle that any monetary expenditure on sleep should be just as self-indulgent as it is useful.
In order to choose the right product for your bed, you need to establish the state of your mattress. If you are experiencing any of the following issues with your mattress then it is recommended you consider applying a mattress topper:
Mattress Feels Wrong
Some sleepers just aren’t happy with the feel of their mattress. If you’re finding it difficult to sleep on a bed because you’re not comfortable with the mattress material, then choosing a mattress topper comprised of something different can help.
Mattress Is Too Hard
It is not uncommon for some people to believe a firm mattress is what they need to help with a back problem. After buying one and struggling to get comfortable on it however, they realise that luxury should have been more of a consideration. A soft mattress topper can rectify this issue by providing the elasticity required for full relaxation, while the firm mattress continues to afford the desired solid sleeping surface.
Mattress Is Old
When mattresses get old they can sag, lose a lot of support, and become uncomfortable. In an ideal world you would immediately treat yourself to a new one. In the real world however, we often need to delay large purchases until funds are more accommodating. Not a long-term solution, but a thick mattress topper is a budget-conscious way of enhancing your old mattress to acceptable levels of comfort. Memory foam toppers by Dormeo and Tempur are popular choices for solving this.
Mattress Is New
‘Hang on a second!’ we hear you cry, ‘I thought mattress toppers were an inexpensive alternative to buying a mattress, why would I need one for my new mattress?’
The best time to start extending the life of your mattress is from the moment you buy it. Applying a mattress topper early on will protect it from dust, stains, and help evenly distribute weight, drastically limiting the amount of denting and sagging which often occur over time.
We also recommend keeping a new mattress fresh by using a mattress protector, which you can read about in our guide How To Find The Best Mattress Protector.
Once you’ve established the problem with your mattress, consider how much can be fixed by flipping and rotating it before deciding on a topper.
How Do I Choose The Best Mattress Topper For Me?
There are many possible questions to ask when deciding on a mattress topper, but most of them are covered by finding answers to the following two considerations:
Softness – How soft do you need it to be?
Material – Is it something you find comfortable?
What Thickness Of Mattress Topper Should I Choose?
The type of material used for filling plays a crucial part in your comfort, however the suppleness to expect from a mattress topper also depends on choosing it in conjunction with an ideal thickness. Generally, the depth of most mattress toppers you come across will range from 5cm to 10cm.
If you prefer a firm bed but would like a bit more flexibility, then a 5cm mattress topper from the thinner end of the range will likely serve you well. With such a minimal effect, this is pretty much the tiniest difference you could possibly make to your sleeping arrangements. A thicker, 10cm topper would likely be counterproductive, as in this instance, the denser the mattress topper, the further it would take you from that sensation of firmness.
Whichever end of the depth spectrum you prefer, choosing a mattress topper with a density in the middle will be far more forgiving than at either extreme. Many sleepers who are uncertain opt for a very accommodating 7.5cm mattress topper, a safer middle-ground choice between the thinnest and thickest options.
If you prefer a softer bed but find yourself sleeping on a firm one, then applying a thick, 10cm mattress topper made of a cradling material will effectively transform your rock into a cloud. Especially useful to side sleepers and heavier people, a dense mattress topper will relieve some of the tension from pressure points, aiding in getting a more comfortable sleep.
How Thick Should A Mattress Topper Be To Extend The Life Of A Well-Worn Bed?
If your mattress is looking tired and the comfort has reduced, its life could be extended by choosing a thick mattress topper to straddle it. As a new mattress can be costly, mattress toppers that give lift by adding another layer of cushion to your existing one are well worth considering. The density of the topper required depends on how worn the bed is. Usually, the best ones for the job are between 7.5cm and 10cm (or even thicker), as distressed beds see little improvement from thinner toppers.
Choosing Best Material For Your Mattress Topper
Down And Feather Mattress Toppers
Both down and feathers are natural filling mattress topper choices. Famously light materials, praise are often sung about their cloud-like feel. An excellent choice for those wanting to add a layer of gentleness to a firm bed, the only caveat is that down and feather based mattress toppers might need the occasional re-fluffing.
Customarily, down is the most expensive of the fillings, while feather is the more affordable option. A hybrid filling of the two is a popular cost effective compromise.
Synthetic Mattress Toppers
Made mostly of polyester, synthetic mattress toppers initially appear to provide an excellent small-budget alternative to feather and down, but become squished and ineffective after a short time. The cheapest mattress topper material on the market, it is sometimes a popular choice with sleepers who have allergies due to polyester’s hypoallergenic aspects.
Despite often being mixed with cotton, due to an unnatural feel, polyester is a fabric many people would consider a secondary choice to sleep on. Too short-lived for those wanting to alleviate a firm bed, synthetic polyester may not be the premier choice of mattress topper, but is a reliable option for those on a budget.
Memory Foam Mattress Toppers
A polyurethane blend, thick memory foam mattress toppers provide an unrivalled viscosity that makes them a popular choice for those wanting to feel cradled by their bed. The ability of this material to bounce back into shape means it never requires plumping up. By moulding around the body of the sleeper, the synthetic fabric is able to provide an embrace that helps prevent muscle pain.
While entire mattresses that are made from this material can cause some sleepers to sink in deep and feel too hot, this shortcoming from memory foam is less of an issue with the low depth of a mattress topper.
Gel Mattress Toppers
If you think regular memory foam mattress toppers might still get a little too warm for your temperament, then the gel mattress toppers make for a cool alternative. Made of similar materials, the difference is that where memory foam consists of air pockets that can heat up, the pockets in gel toppers are filled with a cooling solution that reduces the temperature.
Latex Mattress Toppers
With more bounce than memory foam, latex mattress toppers are an affordable alternative which come with some added benefits. A natural material provided by the rubber tree, the anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and hypoallergenic aspects of latex make it a popular choice of mattress topper for those who are easily irritated.
Great at maintaining shape thanks to the natural rubber polymer that provides latex its elasticity, mattress toppers of this kind are as durable as they are comfortable. A design consisting of millions of interconnected tiny open-cell air bubbles allows for greater circulation, which reduces humidity. As a result, the prevention of moisture build-up contributes to bedding that feels fresher, for longer.
Latex is a natural material that boasts many of the advantages of synthetic alternatives. Being excellent carbon dioxide purifiers, and a sustainable resource, rubber trees make latex one of the most eco-friendly mattress toppers available.
Wool Mattress Toppers
Mattress toppers made of wool are ideal for converting firm mattresses into softer, more inviting resting spaces. Contrary to its reputation for being an exclusively warm fabric, wool is a great insulator which regulates temperatures well, ensuring you are never too hot in summer, and never too cold in winter. Hygroscopic properties in wool help evaporate body moisture, which help keep toppers feeling fresh for long periods.
Wool is a natural, renewable, sustainable and biodegradable fabric that provides an easy and breathable layer of comfort. As long as you don’t mind plumping it up once in a while, wool is a highly recommended choice of mattress topper.
Adjusting To A New Mattress Topper
If you have been sleeping on the same mattress for years, even one that is very uncomfortable, then the sudden change of adding a nice new cosy topper can take some getting used to. During this bedding-in period it is vital not to give in to the temptation of removing it. Doing so will only impede the changeover and prolong the correctional stretch.
The majority of people will not experience anything other than a new-found luxury, but the few that do find it difficult should expect the transition to take somewhere between a couple of nights and a month.
Decided on a mattress topper you like? Then it’s time to turn your attention to some other comfort considerations:
The Ultimate Guide To Picking The Best Pillow
How To Find The Best Headboard
Need Help Choosing The Correct Mattress Topper?
Deciding on the best mattress topper for your needs depends on several factors.
- What is the current state of your bed?
- What filling materials do you feel most at ease with?
- What type of fabric would you be most comfortable on?
There is no need to lose sleep over trying to choose the right mattress topper for your bed. Our bed experts at Land of Beds pride themselves on their specialist knowledge and ability to guide you to the mattress topper that’s just right for you.
Our customer-first policy means we listen and give good, independent advice based on the needs of the individual. By pairing consumers up with ethically sourced, affordable, quality products, we provide as many people as possible with a great night’s sleep.
If you would like help being connected with your ideal mattress topper, feel free to get in touch with us on 01928 242829