Getting enough rest during the night is crucial for your overall good being. The lack of sleep can impact your mood and productivity. So sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress shouldn’t be an option for you. Luckily, there are some solutions that don’t include buying a whole new bed.
If you have noticed that you simply can’t sleep during the night and finding the right position is almost impossible, it might be time to purchase a mattress topper. They are budget-friendly and can actually improve the quality of your sleep almost instantly. However, you need to find a mattress topper that will fit your needs.
What is a mattress topper?
If you are wondering what is a mattress topper, the answer is very simple. A mattress topper is a layer of cushioning that goes on your mattress in order to either make it softer or harder. Some people even use mattress toppers to preserve the quality of the mattress itself and prevent staining.
Mattress toppers come in all sizes, so finding one that will fit your bed is not difficult. You can also purchase a mattress topper with a band that will keep it in place while you sleep, depending on the type of your bed.
Every type of mattress topper is designed with various features that will benefit the user. Some of them will support different parts of your body, which is great if you are unable to find a good sleeping position due to any type of pain. Others can even be scented and help you fall asleep faster.
What is the purpose of a Mattress Topper?
A good mattress topper can solve a variety of problems for you. If your current mattress is worn out, you can prolong its life with a topper. This can be very useful for people who are on a tight budget and don’t have the luxury of buying a new mattress. Toppers are not super expensive, and they will improve the quality of your sleep.
You can also use a mattress topper according to your personal needs. If your bed is too firm, placing a firm mattress topper on it can make it softer and more pleasant. This goes the other way round as well. If you have back problems and need a hard surface to sleep on, a mattress topper can help you adjust your spine.
5 Popular Types of Mattress Toppers
1. Memory foam toppers
Mattress toppers made of foam are the most popular type at the moment. They are incredibly versatile because you can select the exact firmness you require, and they are easy to maintain. Not to forget that memory foam does wonders for your back and will adjust to the shape of your body, giving it the right amount of support where needed.
Memory foam toppers can also cool you down during the night because they promote the airflow. Therefore, these toppers will not provide you with additional heating. Instead, they will absorb your body heat by using gel technology and keep you cool while you rest.
2. Cotton & Polyester-Blend toppers
Cotton and polyester-blend toppers are generally the most affordable type on the market. They are an excellent option for people who might have a latex or feather allergy. These toppers are still very comfortable and soft, giving you enough cushioning if your mattress is too hard and you need a softer sleep surface.
With that said, be mindful of the fact that polyester-blend toppers might not cool you down during the sleep. As a matter of fact, some of them will retain the heat, which might be a deal-breaker for some of you. Additionally, they wear off faster than the other toppers due to the poor longevity of the material.
3. Latex toppers
If you are looking for a durable mattress topper, latex could be a good option for you. These toppers will not lose shape over time, and you can’t damage them easily. Latex toppers will provide you with a firm sleeping surface with a slight bounce, which will help you find the right support for your body.
There are a couple of things you need to know before you go out and purchase a latex topper. Once you get them out of the package, you will probably notice a plastic smell. There is no need to worry because the odor will go away quickly. Secondly, latex toppers can retain a little bit of the body heat.
4. Wool toppers
Wool toppers are excellent when it comes to temperature regulation. According to Sleep Like the Dead, wool can keep you warm during the winter months, but will actually cool you down in the hot summer nights. They are very useful if you need to make your mattress feel softer.
Considering they are made of wool, these toppers are expensive. Not to forget that you need to maintain it properly in order to make the topper last longer and prevent any bumps from forming. Also, the cushioning might not be adequate for the people who prefer sleeping on their sides.
5. Feather toppers
Just like its name suggests, feather toppers are made out of geese and duck feathers. Therefore, they are very soft and comfortable. Feather toppers are quite useful if your mattress is too firm for you because they are cushiony and springy. Also, feather toppers are very affordable and will not retain body heat.
However, you need to shake them regularly to keep these toppers in great shape. Feather toppers can become lumpy very fast, so you have to take good care of them. There are also some reports that feathers can poke out of the topper, which can be a bit uncomfortable in the middle of the night.
Mattress Topper vs Pad
Toppers and pads are definitely not the same products. They are different in so many ways. Mattress pads are generally thinner and will not give you any extra comfort or support during the night. On the other hand, toppers are thicker and will provide you with pressure relief by adjusting to your body.
According to Sleepopolis, pads are much easier to clean, probably because they were designed to protect the mattress underneath. So you can quickly put them in a washing machine, and that is it. Toppers are usually spot cleaned because you cannot entirely wash them.
Price-wise, pads are more affordable, but they will not improve the quality of your sleep. Additionally, they get damaged easily so you will end up needing a new pad fairly quickly. Mattress toppers can be a better solution if your body needs extra support during the night.
Conclusion
From uncomfortable sleeping surfaces to soft mattresses, toppers can solve a variety of problems for you. They are an inexpensive solution that will improve your sleep quality. There are many types of mattress toppers on the market right now.
Some toppers are softer and will give you enough cushioning, while others can support your pressure points and relieve the pain. Of course, there are mattress toppers designed to make you feel cool even in the warmest summer months. So make sure you check out all the features and select the right material that will benefit you the most.
