While many sleepers use mattress toppers to soften a bed that is too firm, the right topper can also add firmness to a mattress that's too soft. A high-quality topper can significantly improve how your mattress feels and help you sleep more soundly.
Yes, mattress toppers work for many sleepers. If your current mattress isn't the right firmness or temperature for you, a mattress topper can help adjust the temperature and make your bed more firm or plush. In addition, mattress toppers can help your mattresses last longer, saving you money down the road.
Because mattress toppers are thicker than mattress pads, they are better equipped to make a mattress either firmer or softer. When made from breathable materials, toppers can also facilitate a cooler sleep. Toppers can help extend the lifespan of a mattress by minimizing premature sagging and impressions.
When deciding on the thickness of a topper, you should also consider the condition of your mattress. If you have a newer mattress, you will be fine purchasing a 2-inch topper. However, if your existing mattress is older, you should look at toppers between 3-4 inches to provide you extra cushioning.
Smaller mattress toppers may fit safely over a larger mattress, leaving small gaps around the edges. Still, for the best results, we'd always recommend matching your topper to your mattress size exactly.
Placing a fitted sheet over your mattress topper makes it less likely to clump up in the middle of the night. On top of that, a sheet will typically be made of much more comfortable material than a mattress topper. And without a sheet on top, you may wake up scratching in the middle of the night.
Buying a memory foam topper is one of the quickest, most effective, and most affordable ways to make a hard mattress softer. By adding a supportive layer to the top of your bed, you can enhance pressure point relief. If you buy a rippled or contoured design, you'll have even more pressure relief.
A mattress pad is thinner than a topper and intended to protect the mattress from dirt, stains or pet damage. In doing so, mattress pads also add an extra layer of comfort consisting of latex foam, fibers or feathers to your bed. Mattress pads are fairly inexpensive and are available at many major retailers.
Your current mattress: A topper or mattress that's too soft or hard can emphasise back pain, so take a look at your mattress before choosing a topper. A soft mattress will need a firmer topper, whereas a firm mattress could benefit from a soft, spongey topper.
The 3-inch thickness of the Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper offers excellent relief for pressure points, according to experts. Back and side sleepers, including those with back pain, are likely to benefit from the level of support offered by this mattress topper.
Generally, goose feathers and down are softer than duck feather and down, so a goose filling will provide a smoother option. Synthetic Microfibre, Polyester and Fleece If you suffer from allergies or require a topper that can be easily washed at home, synthetic fillings offer a more suitable option.
comfort options
The Select High Density topper offers 3 inch and 4 inch memory foam options. The 3 inch thickness option is great for those looking to add comfort and support to a mattress. The 4 inch thickness is ideal for larger framed individuals that may otherwise feel unsupported by thinner options.
Most mattress toppers are made from latex, feathers, foam, or other materials that can provide cushioning and contour to your body. Mattress toppers are especially useful for people who have older sagging mattresses or those who experience frequent back pain or pressure buildup in the back while sleeping.
Based on Your Sleep Position
Side sleepers typically benefit from softer mattresses because they cradle the hips and shoulders to help maintain spinal alignment. Back and stomach sleepers need less contouring and receive better spinal support from firmer beds with stable surfaces that prevent sinkage.
Your existing bed must be in fairly good condition, without tears, lumps or sags, for a topper to have a beneficial impact on your sleep.
Despite foam's resilience, it does degrade over time. This happens through regular use because, over time, the foam's internal structure stresses and falls apart. It happens to latex, reflex, soft and memory foam, so no foam is immune. The solution is to buy a new mattress because your old one is spent.
A mattress that is too firm for your body type will only block your spine from contouring naturally into your mattress - leading to pressure points and aches. Spinal misalignment. A mattress which is too firm will not support your spine in its normal alignment.
Even after using a mattress topper, you may still feel the springs, but it will help to quieten down the squeaking noise that they make.
If you want to use both on a bed you're best to put the mattress topper on the mattress, place the mattress protector on top and finish off with a sheet over that. This will then help to protect and elongate the life of both your mattress and your mattress topper.
Even if you think a bed is perfect as it is, adding a topper will make it feel absolutely sublime. To prolong the life of a mattress topper and to avoid regular laundering, you should always use a mattress protector on top.
The average lifespan of a mattress topper is three to five years. However, this does not mean that your bed topper will last this long. Several factors can affect the lifespan of your memory foam mattress topper. For example, how often you use it, how you care for it, and the quality of the memory foam itself.
How thick should a mattress topper be for a side sleeper? Side sleepers should choose a mattress topper that is at least two inches thick. But for more pressure relief, look for a topper three to four inches thick.