Are you having difficulty getting a good night’s sleep? The reason could be bacteria, mould and lumpiness in your mattress. Hence, it may be time you consider replacing your mattress. But replacing a mattress is an expensive option. So, what’s the next best alternative you have? The answer is a mattress topper. These come in different materials to provide you with the right support and comfort. So, before you decide which topper you should choose, you may learn some important facts about it.
Read on for more.
What are mattress toppers?
Many often get confused between mattress toppers and protectors. A protector protects the mattress from everyday wear and tear, accidental spills, dirt and sweat. It forms an impermeable layer between the mattress and you but doesn’t offer additional comfort or support.
A topper is an extra layer of 2-10 cm on the top of your mattress that makes your mattress feel softer and firmer, offering better support and improving your sleep.
What factors should you consider before buying a mattress topper?
With a wide range of mattress toppers available, it must be confusing to make your pick. So, you should start by assessing your needs and considering the following factors.
Price
You get mattress toppers ranging from luxury to budget prices. High-end toppers offer more benefits to your body and have a longer lifespan.
Polyester, microfibre and basic cotton toppers are usually the cheapest. Down, feather and high-quality cotton come within the mid-price range. Latex and wool are the most expensive options. Remember, if you choose the cheapest option, you may need replacing frequently, and the cost will add up eventually.
Pain relief and support
If you are dealing with a chronic illness, you will likely spend more time in bed. Using the right mattress topper can support your pressure points and back. For that, consider latex and memory foam, as they cushion your body better, are durable, and won’t flatten quickly like other materials.Â
Softness and comfort
Since mattress toppers are available in a wide range of thicknesses, densities, brands and materials, you should be able to find your desired level of comfort and softness.
If you want a topper that moulds to your body, memory foam or latex will be the best choice. But if you want to lie on a fluffy and soft surface, you should go with down, feather, cotton or microfibre.
Thickness and density
Usually, mattress toppers have a thickness ranging between one and four inches. If revitalising an ageing mattress is something you are thinking about, you should sleep on your sides. Furthermore, if you carry significant weight, you need a thickness of at least three to four inches. To get the best range of thickness, choose latex or memory foam.
Motion isolation
Choosing the right quality material for your mattress topper can reduce the disturbance caused by your partner’s movement as you sleep. Memory foam is highly effective for motion isolation and can offer much better results than sleeping on a sprung mattress or a feather or fabric topper.
Body heat
Microfibre and memory foam retain body heat and may not be ideal if you are a hot sleeper. However, you may also get memory foam toppers with ventilation tubes and gel beads that can help. Latex and wool toppers are also great but can only be used in cold weather.
Allergies
If you are allergic to Down, wool or latex, your symptoms may worsen as you introduce these toppers to your bed. So, it is better to use toppers with protection to help minimise allergens. Â
Now that you know all about mattress toppers, you are ready to go ahead and buy them. But make sure you check the topper regularly and clean it periodically to increase its durability. Cleaning a topper involves blotting, vacuuming, and soaking up spills, similar to cleaning a mattress.
