Why A Mattress Topper Is A Bedding Must-Have

Posted on January 6, 2021

Over the years, many people have had the same questions about mattress toppers: Do you really need a mattress topper? What are the benefits? And what type of mattress topper is the best investment?

At first glance, toppers make your old mattress feel more comfortable than what it was before, thus providing you with the extra support that you once had years ago.

Sounds like something you would put on your bed, right? But what is it, really?

What Is A Mattress Topper?

For starters, don’t confuse a mattress topper with “similar” products like mattress pads or protectors. As the name suggests, a mattress topper goes on top of your regular mattress. It’s a thin, protective covering designed to prevent oils, fluids, dust mites, and allergens from getting onto and into the mattress. At the same time, it adds extra cushioning to the mattress.

On the other hand, it’s easy to confuse “mattress pad” with “mattress topper,” since they both offer some kind of cushioning, and can protect the mattress against stains, allergens and dust mites; however, mattress pads tend to be thinner than the typical mattress topper.

In short, it’s okay to use both a mattress topper and a mattress protector to get the best protection for your mattress.

Benefits Of A Mattress Topper

It’s a fact that as mattresses age, they lose their cushioning support, and can make bedtime tiring and stressing. While a mattress topper won’t restore your mattress back to its days of being fresh from the mattress store, it can still give you some more comfort for the time being, until you decide to buy a new mattress.

On the other hand, a soft mattress topper can make up for cushioning, if your mattress is too firm for your liking. All in all, the topper should help to relieve the pressure on the joints, providing enough comfort, even if you’re prone to having arthritis or other similar conditions.

When used correctly, mattress toppers are beneficial, as well as change the way you sleep, in the following ways:

Toppers prevents sagging and unwanted indentations that can occur on the mattress itself, thus making your mattress last longer.
Toppers prevent bacteria and perspiration (sweat and germs from your body) from seeping into the mattress.
Like choosing a mattress, choosing the right topper is essential, and must be compatible with the firmness or softness of the mattress. Toppers allow you to balance the rigidity of a mattress, supporting the individual needs of your body.
Toppers can even improve your sleeping position at night, and also help you recover more efficiently after you exercise or any casual or vigorous activity throughout the day.

Different Types Of Mattress Toppers

Mattress toppers can be found at almost any bath and bedding shop. But before you start venturing the aisle(s), do you know which one to get? If not, then don’t panic.

Choosing the best topper for your needs may seem confusing at first, especially when many of them are expensive; however, if you do your research and find out which topper is right (comfort-wise and price-wise), you can rest assured (no pun intended) that you’ve made the right investment.

Here are the most common mattress topper materials to consider:

Latex – Known for its firm quality and durable material, latex is actually a liquid found in the rubber tree. Many consumers will tell you that of all the mattress toppers in the market, latex-made toppers are environmentally friendly. However, latex has its downfalls, such as not delivering the best results to make the bed softer, and the fact that some people are allergic to latex.
Memory foam – Ever wanted that “floating” feeling, when you fall asleep at night? Then go for memory foam! Memory foam (polyurethane with chemically-enhanced density) is a popular material used in products, ranging from footwear to pillows; mattress toppers are no exception to this. Since memory foam comes in a wide range of thicknesses and densities, you can choose any memory foam topper that best suits your sleep needs.
Polyester blends – Although it’s the least expensive type of mattress topper, it’s also the least supportive. After a while, the topper can squash down immediately, leaving the user to struggle to get comfortable, and possibly, run back to the store to buy another one.

On the other hand, the polyester blends (also known as fiberfill) serve as a good substitute for users that are allergic to feathers, but want that feathery feeling when they sleep. In short, buy this topper with caution, if your goal here is to save money.

Feathers (a.k.a. featherbeds) – These toppers are similar to a duvet stuffed with feathers. But don’t let their “softness” fool you – despite how soft they may look and feel at first glance, they provide little support. Also, if you’re allergic to feathers, or feel bad about birds getting their feathers plucked for the sake of making this product, then stay clear of these toppers. It also doesn’t help that feathers might poke out of the fabric covering, and the material itself can deteriorate and flatten over time.
Wool – The availability is limited, due to the natural wool fleece material, but it’s a good and comfortable solution if you want extra cushioning that doesn’t hold body heat. But the weird thing about these toppers is that they’re more padding than topper. And although they’re comfortable to sleep on, it won’t help to ease conditions like arthritis.
Cotton – Cotton mattress toppers are okay for a good while, but like feather-made toppers, these can deteriorate easily. However, if finding comfort isn’t much of a problem for you, and you just to add a little more cushion to your bed, then why not?

Remember: Don’t Neglect The Mattress Itself

Although mattress toppers may increase comfort, don’t believe that it’s the best solution for your old mattress. Sometimes, having a mattress topper can do more harm than good. If that’s the case, how can you tell whether or not to get one? Consider the following:

Is your mattress firm?

A good mattress topper gives you extra cushioning on the bed, and is supposed to do so. So, instead of splurging on a new mattress, try using a topper, and see how it works out for you. Chances are, you can make your firm bed last longer, without having to spend money prematurely.

How old is the mattress?

Most mattresses, depending on the material and care, are meant to last for 5 to 10 years. While a topper can alleviate a sagging mattress, it’s only a temporary solution, and may be an unnecessary expense if your mattress is severely worn out. Invest in a mattress that can last you the next 10-15 years.

Conclusion

No matter what topper you choose, you’ll need a good mattress to begin with. Having a good mattress is essential, because it helps you determine which topper to get. Thus, figuring out the right balance of comfort and support is key to making the right choice.

You’ll need a topper that can cushion, cradle, and support you throughout the night. And, it should give you the satisfaction that you’ve choice with your wallet. So, catch a great night’s sleep today by opting for a mattress topper that will give you the support and softness you crave from your current mattress!