Discover what you need to know to upgrade your bed with top-rated mattress toppers.
Mattress toppers have become essential to getting quality sleep every night, with some mattresses even having toppers factory installed. Find out what you need to know about mattress toppers, so you can choose the best one to help you get restful sleep every night.
what is a mattress topper?
Mattress toppers typically have one of two intended purposes. The first is to change the firmness for those who don’t want to purchase a new mattress. The second is to extend the life of a mattress.
When changing the firmness, using the proper topper can help alleviate pressure on your body as you sleep. Getting the correct mattress topper can make the difference between waking up refreshed and energized versus starting your day exhausted and sore.
different types of mattress toppers
Memory foam is one of the most popular mattress topper materials on the market. Memory foam toppers range from 1.5 to 4 inches thick, with thicker toppers providing more support.
Cotton toppers help control allergens. Plus, they're breathable to help keep your body at its natural temperature. Additionally, cotton has a long lifespan.
A cooling mattress topper is filled with gel foam. This is generally softer than memory foam. The gel draws heat away from your body rather than insulating it. If you get uncomfortably warm at night, this is the kind of topper you’ll want to try.
At the other end of the spectrum from gel foam are the down toppers. Down feathers from ducks fill these toppers. They are soft and fluffy, and they hold in heat better than foam and synthetic materials. Less expensive toppers using down-alternative materials like microfiber are also available.
Polyester cluster puffs or fiberfill are inexpensive synthetic mattress toppers. These are breathable and are right in the middle in terms of firmness.
If you’re looking for a firm mattress topper, then you’ll want to explore latex foam. Mattress toppers featuring this material are typically the firmest on the market. They are breathable so that they keep you cool, and they are also very durable. With these advantages comes a premium price tag, but most people feel like it’s well worth the investment.
pros and cons of memory foam mattress toppers
The wide availability of a variety of memory foam toppers makes them an attractive option. Like any topper you may explore, they have both pros and cons.
Memory foam toppers use your body’s heat to warm up the foam, and then, the weight of your body forms an impression. This gives you the support where you need it to relieve the pressure that occurs when you have a firm mattress that doesn’t give at the heavy points of your body. This gives better curvature alignment as you sleep, making them some of the best mattress toppers for back pain.
Additionally, memory foam doesn’t transfer movement very well, so you won’t feel your partner moving around as much as you would with a standard mattress. Also, memory foam is an effective barrier against allergens while you’re sleeping. Before you buy, keep in mind that memory foam makes for dense and thick mattress toppers that are difficult to adjust once they're in place.
how do you clean a mattress topper?
Different toppers have different care and cleaning instructions. Most mattress toppers have a removable cover that you should be able to launder in your washing machine. The topper itself will need spot cleaning following the instructions that come with it. Some toppers require dry cleaning.
how long do mattress toppers last?
The type of topper you have determines how long it will last. On average, toppers will last between three and five years. Following the care instructions included with your topper will help extend its life. One of the best ways to maintain your topper is to make sure it’s on your bed with the proper size fitted sheet to keep it in place.