What Is a Mattress Topper?
A mattress topper consists of a removable layer that sits on top of the mattress. It is intended to supplement the mattress’ existing support and make it softer. Mattress toppers can be made from a variety of materials.
Is a Mattress Pad a Mattress Topper?
A mattress pad is generally thinner than a mattress topper. Mattress pads are periodically used as a mattress protector, such as protecting the mattress from staining instead of making the surface softer.
You can use a mattress topper along with a mattress pad. However, the role of the pad is to protect the mattress, while softness is a secondary consideration. If you want a softer or more comfortable bed, you want a mattress topper designed to provide that. Toppers cost more, but that’s because they are a higher quality, more comfortable product.
One of the benefits of a mattress pad over a mattress topper is the fact that it probably fits under the fitted sheets that go on the mattress. Another option is putting a loose sheet over the mattress topper. However, you may want to lock down the mattress topper with sheets or literally sew it to the underlying mattress so that it doesn’t shift at night.
What Are the Benefits of a Mattress Topper?
01. You can add a luxuriously soft mattress topper to make the bed more comfortable. The benefits are greatest if you have a hard or firm mattress.
02. If your mattress is too soft, you can put a mattress topper on the mattress that adds support.
03. Memory foam mattress toppers let you enjoy the benefits of a memory foam layer beneath you without needing to pay the high price of a memory foam bed.
04. A mattress topper can even out the lumpiness that forms in aging mattresses. It can also prevent springs from poking you much, though you run the risk of the spring cutting into the mattress pad, and it will
still create a pressure point.
05. A mattress pad may make a bed softer while delaying the need to buy a whole new bed. It may even make the old mattress as soft as it originally was for a fraction of the cost. If you’ve been developing back pain you should try a mattress topper before you go buy a new mattress.
05. Another benefit of a mattress topper is the ability to swap out mattress toppers until you find the
materials that suit your needs. Then you can find the exact level of comfort and support you need. For
example,you could try memory foam mattress toppers to see if you like sleeping on it, while reserving the
right to buy a memory foam bed later.
06. If you have a large bed, you could put a mattress topper on one side of the bed to accommodate one person without having to replace the whole bed or buy an adjustable bed. This is especially true if you buy a twin sized mattress topper to use on half of a queen or king sized bed. Just be careful not to buy a mattress topper that doesn’t match the dimensions of your bed, since it will create an awkward looking bed and add to you discomfort.
The Pros and Cons of Different Mattress Topper Materials
The classic style of mattress topper was made from a thin feather bed put on top of the mattress. If you’re allergic, you should avoid a soft goose down mattress topper. The points in favor of feather bed mattress toppers are their light weight and thinness. Another benefit of them is their natural heat regulation. They keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
One factor to consider is the source – they come from animals, ruling them out for vegetarians and vegans. If you are looking at feather bed mattress toppers, select one with a thread count of two hundred or higher so that it is more durable and will last a long time. The greater thread count will not affect its softness. Fluffy synthetics that try to mimic the feather down are not as durable or soft, but they may be much cheaper.
Memory foam is about as soft and won’t trigger allergies. If you’re prone to hot flashes or overheating at night, you could look for a memory foam mattress pad designed to keep the body cool, though that is much more expensive. If you need to ease muscle aches and pains and pressure points in particular, you should consider a memory foam mattress topper. One potential concern is the smell of a new memory foam mattress topper, though that fades with time and matters less when it is covered up.
The pressure points created by the mattress topper can be as bad as that created by a hard mattress. This is why you should avoid the egg crate foam often used for mattress toppers years ago.
If you’re concerned about staining, whether a child peeing in bed or an adult’s menstrual blood staining the mattress, you may want a cotton mattress pad. Cotton mattress pads provide breath ability, a strong point in their favor if you’re prone to overheating at night. And they are machine washable, which almost no other mattress topper can be. Cotton is also attractive to those allergic to other mattress topper materials.
Wool is often used to make mattress toppers. This is attractive to those who are prone to feeling cold, since the wool absorbs and retains latent heat from the body. Wool toppers are resistant to dust mites, a plus if this is what you’re allergic to. Note that they offer no protection from bed bugs. Wool mattress toppers resist mold, an issue if you’re concerned about spilling drinks in bed, rotting when it is in storage or a mattress cover in contact with a wet floor. The downside of wool mattress toppers is their poor durability.
Latex mattress toppers make the bed soft while resisting both dust mites and bed bugs. Another plus is their durability; they often last two decades. The biggest issue for some is that contact with it will trigger allergies in those who are allergic to latex, though their higher price is an issue for some. Another factor to consider is appearance, since it can age and discolor, though that is not a problem if