Sleep & Health
ARE MATTRESS TOPPERS WORTH IT?
As someone who has spent a lot of time in bed, we know just how important it is to have a comfortable and supportive mattress. But sometimes, even the best mattresses can benefit from a little extra help. That's where mattress pads and mattress toppers come in. In this guide, we'll explain the differences between these two bedding accessories and help you choose which one is right for you.
CONTENTS
- Mattress Pads VS Mattress Toppers
- What Kind of Mattress Toppers Are There?
- Are Mattress Toppers Worth It?
- Not Worth it If:
- FAQs
MATTRESS PADS VS MATTRESS TOPPERS
Before we dive into the specifics of mattress pads and toppers, let's first define what they are. Both are designed to be placed on top of your existing mattress to provide additional comfort and support. However, the two are not interchangeable - there are distinct differences between a mattress pad and a mattress topper.
WHAT IS A MATTRESS PAD?
A mattress pad is a thin layer of material that is placed on top of your mattress. It is typically made of cotton or polyester and may have a thin layer of padding for added comfort. Mattress pads are designed to protect your mattress from spills, stains, and other damage. They can also help to regulate your body temperature while you sleep, wicking away moisture and keeping you cool. Mattress pads are also typically less expensive than mattress toppers, making them a more budget-friendly option.
WHAT IS A MATTRESS TOPPER?
A mattress topper, on the other hand, is a thicker layer of material that is placed on top of your mattress. It is typically made of memory foam, latex, or feathers and is designed to provide additional support and comfort. Mattress toppers can also help to extend the life of your mattress by reducing wear and tear.
WHAT KIND OF MATTRESS TOPPERS ARE THERE?
If you start looking for a mattress topper now, you will find, there are many different ones to choose from. Just trying to find the right material for your perfect mattress topper can be overwhelming, so here is a general overview of what you could encounter while searching!
COTTON
Cotton has great breathability as it is natural. Picking up a cotton mattress topper can be a good idea if you are especially prone to allergies. However, it tends not to be quite as durable as other material choices, as it tends to wear down fast, especially if used daily.
WOOL
Wool being another natural textile, can be a good choice as it can absorb the heat of our bodies very well. It’s also resistant to mites and mold. Last but not least, its durability is quite good. The only downside is they can be pricey to get hold of.
LATEX
Latex is also great for keeping mites and bacteria at bay. Its lifespan can also be quite impressive. Over time with regular use, however, you will notice the material aging. In terms of price, it is also on the more expensive side, with prices going up depending on thickness.
MEMORY FOAM
Memory foam is a more modern alternative. It can “remember” its original shape and bounce back. This gives it a prolonged life while at the same time adjusting to your body. It can also absorb excess movement, giving you and your partner a more restful night's sleep. Even though a standard memory foam topper is prone to retaining heat, there are ways to engineer it to be better at cooling, so you can still enjoy the other advantages of memory foam.
The SweetNight gel memory foam mattress topper is 4 inches thick, providing plenty of support and comfort. The gel-infused memory foam transfers excessive heat from your body, and the mesh cover allows you to experience superb airflow so you won’t feel overheated during sleep. Plus, you can roll it and carry it anywhere due to its lightweight.
EGG CRATE
Egg crate mattress toppers are popular as they are very breathable. And thanks to the bumps and dips you find on it, it can relieve pain and pressure so you can sleep comfortably. Bonus points, they’re flexible, making it easy for you to pack them up should you need/want to!
ARE MATTRESS TOPPERS WORTH IT?
The correct mattress topper can enhance your sleep quality by adding comfort, promoting cooling, and altering the firmness or softness of your mattress to suit your preference. Mattress toppers are also an excellent method to refresh an old mattress, break in a brand-new one, or add comfort to a new mattress that may be excessively hard. They can also extend the life of your mattress and keep it safe from spills and stains.
PROS
1.SOFTENS YOUR MATTRESS.
You should be able to locate a mattress that conforms to your body and sleeping preferences with the right investigation (our how to choose a mattress article can give you some ideas.) It is crucial to purchase a mattress that will provide you with the proper support for your sleeping style and enable you to wake up without aches and pains.
But if you’ve been sleeping on a too firm or plush mattress, the comfort level can be changed with a mattress topper. With a mattress topper, you can alter the firmness and softness of the mattress. Different filling materials can deliver different sleep experiences, and the firmness level of your bed can be customized, ensuring that you have a comfy night’s sleep.
2.REGULATES BED TEMPERATURE.
A cooling mattress topper allows heat to escape if you typically sleep hot. A gel memory foam mattress topper can transfer excess heat away from your whole body, the mesh cover provides excellent airflow to enhance sleepers’ overall sleeping experience. If you prefer a warm and plush feel, a wool topper can retain heat and keep you warm. A mattress topper might help you get your optimal sleeping temperature.
3.INCREASES THE LONGEVITY OF YOUR MATTRESS.
The average lifespan of a mattress can be seven to ten years, in fact, though, a lot of mattresses eventually deteriorate and sag. Each time your mattress is used, despite routine rotation, flipping, and cleaning, a little wear, and tear will be visible.
If your mattress has a few years left, you might want to think about investing in a mattress topper for a more pristine appearance in addition to providing an extra layer of comfort. It also helps alleviate the pressure on the mattress and minimize overall sinking and sagging.
4.SAVES MONEY FOR YOU.
A mattress topper can protect your mattress from stains and prolong the lifespan of your mattress. Apart from that, a mattress topper offers extra support or cushion for sleepers. If your mattress has been in use for more than seven years, it could be a good time to get a new mattress. Investing in a new mattress topper can make it even more durable. In a long run, a mattress topper can help you save money.
5.MUCH SIMPLER TO CLEAN THAN A WHOLE MATTRESS.
Regularly cleaning your mattress is an energy-consuming chore, its weight and its unexpected water absorption can be a pain in the neck. By contrast, a mattress topper is typically 3-4 inches thick, the relatively lightweight and volume make them far easier to clean up. Especially some materials can be machine-washable, such as wool and cotton. You can view our how to clean a memory foam mattress topper for more information to maintain your memory foam mattress topper.
CONS
1.PURCHASING A HIGH-QUALITY ONE CAN BE EXPENSIVE.
A high-quality mattress topper provides the structured comfort you required and those who prefer firmer support and a close contouring feel. Although compare to purchasing a new mattress, a mattress topper is a budget-friendly option, we cannot deny that a quality one is a bit costly.
2.SOME ARE INAPPROPRIATE FOR THOSE WITH ALLERGIES.
Some materials might trigger allergies, such as down and feather. Some become an allergic reaction to these substances, resulting in blocked noses or red, itchy bodies.
3.A TOPPER WON’T RESOLVE YOUR MATTRESS’S SERIOUS ISSUE.
Not all sleep comfort issues can be magically solved by a mattress topper. They won’t mend a mattress that is sagging or that spring has stuck out of the top because the majority of them are between 2 and 4 inches in thickness.
NOT WORTH IT IF:
Even though we frequently praise the merits of a new mattress topper, there are a number of reasons why it would be a waste of money to purchase one.
- You are satisfied with the current condition of the mattress.
This may sound plain as day, but occasionally the desire to buy too many of the latest products or gadgets or to overconsume them can become overwhelming. It’s likely that you don’t need a mattress topper if you are content with your mattress as it is. - You will replace a new mattress soon.
If you plan to replace your mattress soon, don’t buy a topper just yet. A mattress topper will not significantly extend the life of a mattress that is close to death. As an alternative, first, invest in a new mattress and then a topper that fits. It’s possible that you’ll conclude you don’t actually need one. - Your mattress is sagging and worn out.
When the issue goes beyond a mattress that is just overly firm, these common bedroom items are not necessarily the magic solution we hope for. A mattress topper won’t cover up critical flaws like severe sagging, an urgent need for replacement, or other serious issues.
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