Updated on October 12, 2022
We have all been there in the middle of the night, tossing and turning as we silently count the minutes going by in our heads. You find your back aching as you think to yourself, wow I need a new mattress, then, your other voice drifts into your mind, “but they cost so much!” There is a middle ground that perhaps you didn’t think of though. A mattress topper can bring you the comfort you desire at an affordable price. It will not only add a layer of protection to your current surface but can also offer support and comfort to one which is perished and sagging.
With as much time as we spend in bed, it is no wonder that we are always searching for a way to make our nights more comfortable. In our quest to obtain the perfect night of sleep, we will turn our attention to some general info on mattress toppers. As with all things in life, there are the good, the bad, and the just plain horrid. You may be new to this scene altogether, or perhaps you already own one and know exactly what you’re after, however, to make things easier, I will be reviewing some of the best mattress toppers available on the market in this article. But before we head into the reviews, let’s take a look at the favorite 10 at a glance.
How To Choose The Best Mattress Topper
What Is A Mattress Topper?
A mattress topper is a layer that covers the original mattress underneath, thereby creating a new and more comfortable layer of bedding. This removable layer can add the softness missing or just supplement the existing comfort, or lack of it.
The Different Types Of Mattress Topper
The common designs are something that some people may have seen once or twice in their lives; the classic brown egg crate foam layer that offers some support but not a lot of softness. The more well off people used to employ the use of a very thin feather bed as their topper.
However, the more modern and widespread design is now made most commonly of memory foam (sometimes traditional visco, or gel) which offers a tremendous amount of softness, pressure point relief, and support.
There are other types of mattress toppers, too, such as latex, fiber or microfiber and down alternative. Latex toppers (whether natural or synthetic) are still rather expensive but a great choice due to their springy nature and longevity. Down alternatives are good for college dorms and students as they tend to be cheaper but are somewhat less supportive, and have a shorter lifespan.
Let’s look at the different types of material in more detail:
Cotton
If you want a mattress pad with a more natural, eco-friendly feel, then cotton is the perfect option for you. It’s filled with 100% natural cotton and will provide you with an environmentally friendly sleeping experience. The pad can be washed in the washing machine for added convenience.
Memory foam
Memory foam has a tendency to mould itself around your body, creating a perfect fit for you. A 4-inch mattress topper is extremely durable and can last up to ten years if cared for correctly. Memory foam has become increasingly popular over the past few years due to its ability to conform so well to the natural shape of your body.
Down
If you love the extra support that you feel when you lay on a down pillow, then this mattress pad would be perfect for you. Some boast 750 fill power for ultimate comfort and are made using eco-friendly down feathers that are specially treated to ensure their longevity. Your health will be improved by this product as it provides your body with ample warmth without adding too much weight.
Latex
Latex mattress toppers are great if you have sensitive skin. With the right care and attention, they can last around five years. Latex toppers are made from a blend of natural rubber and cotton, and you’ll be able to enjoy the extra support and comfort that they provide. They are usually more expensive than other foam options, but it’s worth the extra cost to ensure that your mattress will last a long time.
Reasons To Buy A Mattress Topper
When it comes to saving money, I am sure that you would agree you could be doing a much better job. A way to save money that you probably haven’t even considered is literally right under you every night. Though it’s not normal practice to use a topper purely to protect your current mattress, which may be perfectly fine underneath, the benefits include reasons such as comfort, support, and lengthening the lifespan of your mattress on a very low upfront purchase cost. It could also save you money in the long run in relation to stains, for example, some toppers are machine washable, so can be cared for much easier and more hygienically.
Also, considering that both mattress toppers and pads these relatively thin and lightweight, they can be replaced and disposed of easier and more frequently than full size mattresses. So there would no longer be the worry or cost implications of disposing of your old mattress, simply place a topper on the surface, and change it every few years as required. The purchase cost is low, and the disposal efforts are easy.
Some Disadvantages Of Mattress Toppers
There aren’t many negatives here; however, some people have complained about their allergies being aggravated once they placed the mattress topper. This could be due to several factors including the type of material used. Or, maybe something new which they haven’t been exposed to before, or it could be the interaction between the materials of the topper versus the material of your mattress. Perhaps even how tightly the topper fits. If it isn’t tight enough, the topper could actually be rubbing while you sleep, causing dust to be spread into the air and inhaled throughout the night.
Which Type Is The Best Mattress Topper?
Doing your research before buying a topper can be just as important as the research that you did before you purchased your actual mattress. The reason is that not all mattress toppers are created equal. For example, we touched on material earlier. Finding the right kind of material is key. Some people are allergic to latex, while others may find down alternative to be too soft, and others may consider a memory foam topper to be too firm.
Additionally, fiber-filled and wool pads may also prove to be too soft. The best advice is to know your mattress types. Knowing what exists, and weighing up the pros and cons of each kind will allow you to make an informed decision going forward as to which type would be the best mattress topper for you.
Do I Need A Mattress Protector?
The topper will not replace the need of having a mattress protector or encasement. If your wish, you can place your topper over your existing protector if you have one, or place it over your new topper instead. However, we’d probably recommend the former to keep you in line with mattress warranty.
Our Favorite Mattress Topper For 2022
Sleep Innovations 4-inch Dual Layer
The best in comfort and support on a budget.
Check This Product On Amazon
Editor’s Pick
Choosing The Best Mattress Topper
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Mattress Toppers Evaluated
Here’s our top 10 picks at a glance
- Sleep Innovations 4-inch Dual Layer – Editor’s Pick
- Red Nomad Ultra-Premium – Best Luxurious
- Layla Mattress Topper – Best Cooling
- Advanced Sleep Solutions – Best For Back Pain Relief
- All Season Down Alternative – Super Soft Feel
- LUCID Ventilated – Best Budget
- ViscoSoft – Best Features
- Dreamfoam Bedding 2-inch Gel Swirl – Impeccable Service
- Sleep On Latex Pure Green – Best Latex
- ExceptionalSheets Pillowtop – Best Soft
Conclusion
Many sleepers don’t know that they need a new mattress, and even fewer know that the use of toppers can help get better sleep without breaking the bank. Even the cheapest mattress toppers and pads can mean the difference between a good night’s sleep, or tossing and turning in bed on an old sagging mattress. You could pay more or less, but the ultimate choice to buy a topper is something that even the fussiest sleepers never regret.
There are plenty of brands and models which means the shortlisted picks can be hard to narrow down to a single choice. However, the article which you have read above outlines a set of highly rated and recommended mattress toppers, all designed to help you get better sleep. When it comes to choosing the best mattress toppers for your needs, our advice is to pick the model that is filled with the material that you desire most (latex, fiber, down, wool, etc) and next check the price to match your budget. For hours of undisturbed, quality sleep, it really is that simple.