What Is a Mattress Topper and Why Would I Want One?
Did you just get a new mattress that is a little too firm for you? Do you have an old mattress that you want to make feel like new again? A mattress topper may be just what you need. A mattress topper is a several-inch thick layer you can add to your mattress to lend softness, contouring or temperature control to your bed.
Mattress toppers are great for anyone looking to customize their sleep surface, whether they’re a college student looking to increase the comfort of their shabby dorm mattress, or a senior in assisted living who needs the added relief from pressure and pain.
Like mattresses themselves, you can find mattress toppers made from a variety of materials, like memory foam, latex, feather and down and ranging in price. Here’s what you should consider when shopping for a mattress topper.
Benefits of Mattress Toppers
– Customized sleep surface: Mattress toppers allow you to essentially refurbish an old mattress that might be worn or sagging. Or, if you bought a new mattress that’s too firm or not firm enough, a mattress topper can help you adjust the comfort level of your bed.
– Temperature control: If you sleep hot, certain mattress toppers can improve airflow at the surface of your bed to keep you cool while you sleep. Conversely, if you get cold at night, a mattress topper could provide the added warmth you need.
– Added support/pain relief: If you’re waking up in pain, a mattress topper can help give you mattress more contouring and support to keep your spine in alignment and provide pressure relief.
– Great for couples: Mattress toppers can be a great solution for couples who have different sleep preferences. Simply add a topper to one half of the bed that better suits you or your partner’s needs.
What Kind of Mattress Topper Should I Get?
The same considerations you put into buying a new mattress also apply to mattress toppers. You’ll want to think about what type of sleeper you are to help determine what type of topper will enhance your sleeping experience. The material that a topper is made from will have the greatest effect as will the type of mattress you’re adding it to.
Memory Foam. Maybe you sleep on a firmer inner-spring mattress and want to add some contouring to your bed. Memory foam toppers hug your body well for added support and pain relief. But if you tend to sleep hot, you may want to look for a memory foam topper with cooling technology like gel or choose a different kind of topper.
Latex. Latex toppers have the conforming ability of memory foam, with added responsiveness and cooling potential (so they’re great if you sleep hot. Latex toppers also tend to be a little higher in price, but do often provide a more luxurious feel.
Down. If you’re looking to up the cozy factor of your mattress, a down topper may be just what you need. You’ll find yourself sinking into a down topper more than other materials, so the mattress itself will need to be supportive enough. Down toppers are very breathable, yet they also provide added warmth in colder months.