What Is a Mattress Topper?
It might be the secret to a good night's sleep.
Mattress toppers are an easy way to drastically improve your night's sleep. Toppers yield several health benefits like lumbar support, keeping your body cool or warm, and overall improving your sleep experience without having to buy a whole new mattress. Read on to learn what is a mattress topper and find out if you bedroom could benefit.
Mattress Topper vs. Mattress Pad
While they may not sound different, a mattress topper and a mattress pad each serve very specific functions. A mattress pad is a slip on cover that you place on top of the mattress to slightly alter its firmness to be more plush, and protect it from liquids or stains. On the other hand, a mattress topper is a more substantial layer of material that is meant to noticeably change the firmness of a mattress and can come in a variety of materials and levels.
Mattress Topper Comfort Levels
Plush: Ideal for side sleepers, a plush mattress can distribute your body weight more evenly due to the support it provides on pressure points like your shoulders, hips, and knees.
Medium: Not too plush or firm and fit for most sleepers, a medium topper really is just right. With enough firmness to contour and uphold the shape of your body, a medium mattress topper can help provide that extra support for those with back or neck pain.
Firm: Ideal for stomach sleepers, firm toppers diffuse stress on muscles, veins, and arteries to increase circulation. A firm mattress also keeps your lower back from collapsing, which could allow for more oxygen intake while sleeping (and prevent snoring!).
Extra-Firm: This is the least padded type of mattress topper, so it provides maximum support. A great choice for back and stomach sleepers who require extra attention to their natural spine alignment, the extra firm topper has the least give to ensure continuous support throughout the night.
Gel Memory Foam/Memory Foam: Like the plush mattress topper, the foam gently responds to your body's weight and relieves pressure points. By offering soft support, gel and memory foam also helps keep your spine properly aligned while you sleep, reducing back aches and pain.
Down: Great for "hot sleepers," down still offers that plush feeling while staying cool and helping the circulate air as you sleep, so you don't feel weighed down or stuck to the topper.
Cotton: Cotton toppers are thin and breathable like the down option, but are generally less expensive. These types of mattress toppers also have antimicrobial properties to help wick away moisture and keep you cool and dry.
Polyester: A blend material like polyester is another inexpensive, breathable option and a good substitute for those who like the feel of feathers but have allergies.
Wool: Wool has great insulating properties, so it can keep you warm during the winter and cool during the summer. Woolen fabric is also naturally airy and breathable. While it is an initial investment, it'll keep your bed comfortable throughout the year.
Latex: Latex foam is highly durable and will last after many sleeps. The foam possesses a bounce-back ability similar to memory foam, but won't get permanent dips as quickly.
Mattress Topper Thickness
Depending on how much alternation your mattress needs, you can get any of the mattress topper materials in a range of thicknesses. Whether you need just a slight breathability increase or are looking to add inches of softness, you can find the right layer size for you.
Cooling Technology: The cooling gel infused with aloe vera creates a refreshing sleep environment and helps to regulate your sleep temperature.
Washable: Accidents happen and the midnight snack in bed sometimes has consequences. Simply strip the sheets and toss the topper in the wash to use like new again.
Bed Bug Protection: Great for dorm rooms that need that extra layer of comfort and protection, this mattress topper is the perfect addition for college students.
Pillow Top: With layers of materials like cotton, wool, or down, pillow toppers are packed into a soft and fluffy material for extra softness on top.
Cover Included: An extra layer of protection, an included cover helps add an extra soft and breathable layer so you can keep your topper looking and smelling fresh.
Egg Crate Construction: Often used in orthopedic mattresses, an egg crate design helps to alleviate pressure on joints and can provide an even distribution of weight for overall comfort.
Heated: Mattress toppers with a heated feature can help you stay warm and comfortable overnight. As a bonus, the heat can also help relax muscles and ease pain.
Antimicrobial: Made of breathable materials like cotton that's moisture-resistant, antibacterial, and hypoallergenic, an antimicrobial mattress topper can protect your mattress and reduce allergy and asthma symptoms.
Lumbar Support: A quick solution to improving your mattress to shape your body, a topper made specifically with lumbar support can add a firm element to any mattress.
If you're unhappy with your current mattress, consider what could be missing. Now that you can answer "what is a mattress topper?", explore all mattress toppers to help give you the sleep of your dreams.
