Do Mattress Toppers Really Work?
A comfortable mattress gives you the support you need to sleep comfortably every night. While a mattress topper receives little attention, it can keep you cozy, regulate your body temperature, and provide extra support through the night. A well-chosen mattress topper really works as it can give you an extra year or two even if your mattress is past its prime.
So, do mattress toppers really work? Yes, they do! The question is if you need one. Some may opt for one and some may not need it. But let’s go through the concept of mattress toppers to get an idea of what they’re all about.
What Is a Mattress Topper?
A mattress topper is a layer of material that’s added on top of an existing mattress to give you extra cushion. It adjusts the feel of your mattress, to make it softer or firmer.
Investing in a mattress pad is an affordable way to transform your sleeping surface without the need to buy a new mattress. If you’re experiencing pressure buildup on your joints and muscles, a topper can give you extra cushioning and contouring to spread your weight off the pressure points.
Types of Mattress Toppers
Memory foam toppers are the most common. These toppers gently align themselves to your body’s contours to provide additional support and comfort. They provide a better sleep experience for most people. A memory foam topper also dissipates body heat while enhancing positive airflow.
Egg crate toppers come with a bumpy and nodular surface that resembles an egg crate. There are lots of egg crate designs that vary in density, allowing you to choose a model that suits your specific needs.
They also come with a cotton cushion for extra comfort, cooling, and breathability. While egg crate toppers are cheaper than memory foam, they are more flexible.
Wool or fleece toppers are made of natural and hypoallergenic materials. Their ability to resist mildew and bugs make them ideal for those with sensitive skin or common allergies. Like most natural products, these toppers are quite expensive.
But since they are durable, low maintenance, and easy to clean, they’ll give you value for money. Wool toppers suit side sleepers perfectly as they add a significant amount of cushion to hard mattresses.
How Mattress Toppers Work
Mattress toppers are made of single or composite materials and soft fillings that make a huge difference. The combination of various medium-firm and soft furnishings ensures that you get the best of both worlds. They also come in various sizes that suit kid’s beds and king-size doubles.
1. They Extend the Life of Your Mattress
Every mattress has a predetermined lifespan. In addition to the original material, the weight and sleeping styles of the sleepers, there are lots of variables that influence its lifespan. A mattress topper adds an extra layer of protection and support that reduces the gradual degradation significantly.
Take advantage of a memory foam topper to extend your mattress’ life.
The topper can also prevent uneven compaction that creates lumps or causes it to sag. It can also reduce the risk of developing back pains and extend the life of your existing mattress as you won’t have to replace it immediately. Use a memory foam topper to bring new life to an old mattress that has begun to age.
2. They Act as a Cushion to a Firm Mattress
Perhaps you bought a firm latex mattress hoping that it would soften over time and accommodate your sleeping preferences. However, you realize that the firmness level doesn’t work for you as it puts too much pressure on your joints. A relatively firm mattress gives you immense comfort as it prevents your body from sinking too much and causing misalignment.
A foam topper is an ideal choice as it offers that added cushion you require at a fraction of the cost of acquiring a new mattress. The foam toppers will relieve pain in your pressure points without sacrificing the support.
Memory foam toppers are quite popular as their ability to align to the body’s natural shape allows you to sink in even while using a firm mattress. Side sleepers require mattress toppers that strike the right balance between comfort and support.
3. They Increase Comfort Levels
Having a mattress topper allows you to enjoy two different firmness levels when two people sleep on the same bed. You can achieve this by using the topper on just one side of the bed. You can also limit the disturbance caused by a sleeping partner as movement is restricted to one side.
It’s even possible to use different toppers by choosing a material that suits your individual preferences. While latex mattress toppers increase the firmness and support levels, featherbeds give you a much cozier sensation.
Side sleepers love the impressive bounce-back capabilities in the foam topper that makes every night feel like sleeping on a brand new mattress. Even if you sweat at night, this topper stays dry due to the waterproof liner on the sides and top.
4. Extra Comfort for People with Spinal Conditions
A mattress topper relieves pressure points and supports your spinal alignment while you sleep on rest on a bed. Besides giving you the immense comfort and support, they can be the best solutions for severe back pain.
People with back pain, spinal injuries, and arthritis need extra support on their backs when they sleep. The sturdy memory foam mattress topper can ease the pain and offer excellent pressure relief on the hips, back, and shoulders.
You Still Need a Good Mattress for Proper Support
If your mattress has seen better days, you cannot use a topper to fix it as it will still sink in the lumps and indentations. If you have a saggy mattress, the foam toppers won’t improve your sleep quality as they will sag too.
A breathable mattress allows your body to cool in order for you to sleep better.
Even if you invest in a breathable memory foam topper, you still have a poor quality mattress underneath. For the best outcomes, infuse an innerspring mattress with a foam topper to enjoy more restorative stages of sleep. A topper will only increase your comfort levels if your mattress is in a fairly good condition.
Mattress Toppers Are Definitely Worth It
A mattress topper is quite effective in improving the comfort levels and providing a better sleep experience. Memory foam toppers come in a vast array of sizes and densities, allowing you to easily find your best option depending on the comfort and support you require. If your mattress hasn’t outlived its lifespan, a mattress topper makes economic sense and increases your comfort levels significantly.