Why You Need a Mattress Topper
A mattress topper is a removable layer placed on top of your mattress to provide additional support and cushioning. You might have not heard of a mattress topper before, or have questions about their purpose and benefit.
You need not worry yourself any longer; we’ll break down everything you need to know about mattress toppers, explaining the many reasons you need to get one.
Does a mattress topper really help?
You may have been finding it hard to get a good night’s rest. One possible reason for this is a poor mattress. While getting a new mattress is an option, getting the right mattress topper could see you rectify the situation at a cheaper cost.
A mattress topper provides additional support and comfort that helps you achieve the restful sleep you desire.
The additional support could further prove beneficial if you often suffer from back pain. Additionally, unlike flipping your mattress, turning over your mattress topper is much easier.
They are also less of a hassle to clean. This could save you a ton of time and effort, especially if you live alone.
What is the best thickness for a mattress topper?
When it comes to mattress toppers, it isn’t a one size fits all situation. Just like mattresses, mattress toppers have different thicknesses. This ranges between two and four inches, though you could get one that is six inches thick. The best thickness for your mattress topper will depend on what your needs are.
A two-inch mattress topper is best suited if you just got a brand new mattress and only need an extra luxurious feel. Consider getting either a three or four-inch mattress topper for an older mattress.
A four-inch mattress topper for instance, will give you a comfortable and smooth sleeping surface, devoid of those morning aches your old mattress might be causing.
A four-inch topper also comes with the advantages of a memory foam mattress. You also have the option of getting a five or six-inch mattress topper.
Why would you use a mattress topper?
What is it about your current situation makes getting a mattress topper the perfect solution?
You might have an aging mattress and are not quite ready to get a new one. You could use a mattress topper to slow down your mattress’ aging process which causes lumps and depressions.
Depending on how old your mattress is, and the condition it is in, getting a three or four-inch mattress topper could do wonders for your comfort. On the other hand, a new mattress can sometimes either be too firm or too soft for your liking.
You could use a mattress topper as a cheaper way of changing the feel of that mattress. A mattress topper is also useful if you feel that your mattress is too thin or compresses quickly under your weight.
If you suffer from back pain or a condition that needs good orthopedic support, adding a layer on top of your mattress would see you achieve the level of support and comfort needed to minimize your pain.
Gel vs memory foam topper – which is better?
Mattress toppers also come in different types. Memory foam is a material widely used in pillows and mattresses. The material is able to react differently to the pressure applied across it surface, providing a contoured and aligned feeling for you. While this provides great comfort, there is a downside.
Low quality memory foam toppers, depending on the amount of pressure, tend to sag and sink after a while. This could cause discomfort for people with certain body types. Additionally, treated or low quality memory foam toppers release toxic odors that could put you at risk of respiratory inflammation.
Gel is relatively new to the mattress field and is being used both as an infusion into memory foam and as a standalone layer. One of the advantages gel has over memory foam is that it retains less heat, giving you a cooler sleeping surface. It is also less toxic and more responsive than some memory foam.
Ideal mattress topper for side sleepers
Are you a side sleeper?
Then you know how difficult it is to find a mattress that supports all the pressure points without forcing you to toss and turn excessively. While a mattress topper will provide you with additional support, there are some that are better suited for a side sleeper.
Here are a few choice picks you might want to consider;
- Mattress 4-Inch Memory Foam Topper
Due to its thickness, this topper will provide you with the support needed for a side sleeper. It distributes your weight evenly across the surface allowing you to find your best sleeping position easily.
- LUCID 2-Inch Gel Infused Ventilated Memory Foam
This topper is great if you want to boost the quality of your hard mattress making it comfortable for sleeping on your side. It also has excellent ventilation. The included gel infusion leads to minimal heat retention, keeping you comfortably cool.
- Sleep Better 3-Inch Extra Firm Conventional Foam
This particular mattress topper is great for side sleepers because of the way it reacts to the body, regardless of your weight or body type. Its density would provide you with excellent support, resulting in a great sleeping experience.
Which mattress topper is best for back pain?
If you suffer from back pain, a thick, slightly soft memory foam mattress topper would help alleviate your pain, providing you with some much needed restful sleep.
Here are some options you might want to consider;
- Dreamfoam Bedding Gel Swirl Memory Foam
This topper improves the condition of your aging mattress, resulting in a comfortable sleeping experience. It is also perfect if you suffer from back, and side pain, minor neck spondylitis, and sciatica.
- Sleep Innovations 2-inch Memory Foam
This topper adds therapeutic comfort to the support it provides, making it great for those with back pain. The topper adapts to your body’s shape, cradling your body and enhancing airflow and blood circulation.
The airflow helps to keep your body’s temperature at an optimum level, while the topper evenly distributes your weight helping you do away with excessive tossing and turning.
- SleepJoy 3-inch ViscO2 Ventilated Memory Foam
Paired with a soft mattress, this topper improves the comfort of your sleeping experience further. If you suffer from joint or back pain, you will be able to get uninterrupted sleep. The toppers’ added ventilation also keeps your body temperature even throughout the night.
Is Memory Foam Toxic?
All memory foams will contain chemicals due to their manufacture process. However, how toxic memory foam is will depend on its quality. Low quality memory foam produce a smell known as off-gassing.
The off-gassing is caused by the breaking down of volatile organic compounds such as toluene, naphthalene, and polyols, among others. A point of concern for many consumers is how these compounds can lead to skin irritation and respiratory problems.
To ensure your memory foam topper is not only comfortable but safe, keep an eye out for certain certifications and labels that will help you determine how safe the memory foam is.
How do I choose a memory foam mattress topper?
Not every memory foam mattress topper is created equally. To help you avoid getting overwhelmed by the process of choosing which mattress topper to go for, here is a guideline on how to choose a memory foam mattress topper;
- Consider the size of your bed
Since the mattress topper is meant to be placed on top of your mattress, having one that is larger or smaller than your mattress will make your bed feel uneven. This will undoubtedly have an effect on your overall comfort.
- Pick the right density depending on your needs
A memory foam mattress topper with a higher density will provide you with stronger support, is more durable, and will conform to your weight much better than less dense toppers.
A topper with a three pound density would do. However, if you suffer from back or joint pain, you should go for a topper with a four pound density or higher.
- Select your preferred thickness
A two inch thick topper is great if you want a little bit more comfort from your mattress. Higher thicknesses are great if you want to change the feel of your mattress, or if you have back pain.
- Pick a cover for your mattress topper
A cover will help protect your mattress topper from dust, dirt, and stains. This will keep your topper cleaner for longer. Other factors to consider include the mattress topper’s pricing, and quality. The better the quality, the less toxic and more durable the topper will be. It will however, cost you more.
What is the best mattress topper to buy?
Keeping your needs in mind will help you find the best mattress topper. This will make it easier when sifting through the different densities, thicknesses, and materials. Memory foam mattress toppers are the most preferred because of how they improve comfort while evenly distributing your weight across its surface, thus reducing pressure.
Alternatively, you could go for a fiber mattress topper. Fiber toppers are more affordable and are perfect if you are working with a limited budget. However, they are not as effective as memory foam toppers and require a bit more care.
This is because the topper can get lumpy in some areas if you do not fluff it regularly. Latex mattress toppers are suitable if you want to make your mattress a bit more firm. They are rather expensive and similar to memory foam, are known for heat retention.
Feather mattress toppers are another affordable option. They are also light and do not build up much heat. Its important at this time to mention that you can also recycle a topper thus save some money.
Are mattress toppers worth the money?
If you get one that fits your needs, then mattress toppers are often worth the money spent. The benefit of having a mattress that provides you with the right balance of support and comfort ensures that you get restful sleep for years; it’s hard to put a price on that.
