Have you ever felt like your mattress was too hard or getting lumpy? While getting a new mattress is always recommended, you can get a mattress topper to help your sleep until you upgrade your mattress! But not just any mattress topper will work — you need the right one that fits your sleep!
Just like with mattresses, there are several factors to consider when shopping for mattress toppers. And we've got the scoop! We'll have you shopping like an expert in no time!
1. Thickness
The first consideration when mattress toppers are the thickness! How thick the mattress topper is will determine how much cushioning and height it will add to your mattress.
- Thin Mattress Toppers: these range from 1 to 2 inches thick and are ideal for adding just a splash of comfort.
- Medium Mattress Toppers: range between 2 and 4 inches thick and suit most situations.
- Thick Mattress Toppers: these can be as thick as 6 inches and is ideal for drastically uncomfortable mattresses.
The general idea is that if you're looking for extra comfort, thinner mattress toppers work great, but if you're looking to disguise a severely lumpy mattress, a thicker topper is best.
2. Density
Density is another factor to consider since mattress toppers with greater density ratings are more supportive than those with lower ratings. So, if you're looking for adequate support to avoid those morning aches and pains, picking a topper with a density rating that suits your sleep is essential.
- Low-Density Toppers: these weigh less than three pounds per square foot, provide the least support, and have a shorter lifespan. These are ideal if you want enough comfort to last until you upgrade your mattress!
- Medium Density Toppers: these weigh between four and five pounds per square foot and provide excellent support without being too firm.
- High-Density Toppers: these weigh more than six pounds per square foot, making for a firm and long-lasting topper.
3. Cooling Properties
As with your mattress, it's vital to consider the cooling properties of a mattress topper, especially if you're a hot sleeper. Some mattress toppers have better temperature regulation than others, but it all depends on the material.
For instance, memory foam toppers will trap heat and keep you too warm, but a mattress topper made with down feathers will help keep you at an ideal temperature all night. But materials like gel memory foam and latex also have ideal temperature regulation properties, so those are other options to think about.
4. Materials
While temperature regulation is a huge factor in considering the material, you'll also want to think about what else the materials can do.
- Memory foam can be smelly when first opened and traps heat, but it conforms to the body and helps restless sleepers.
- Down feather toppers lose feathers over time and aren't as hypoallergenic, but it's more breathable.
- Latex foam molds to the body and is more breathable.
- Poly-fiber foam is the least comfortable and only provides minimal cushioning.
Don't forget to look for high-quality materials that are hypoallergenic, breathable, durable, and resistant to mildew and dust mites!
5. Support and Pain Relief
While a mattress topper can't fully replace a mattress, it still needs to provide adequate support and pain relief. The best mattress toppers will support your ideal sleeping position, so you'll need to find one that cushions the right pressure points in your body.
- Side Sleepers need thicker options (minimum of 4 inches) that are soft (but not too soft!) to better support the limbs and back.
- Back Sleepers require a firmer surface to support natural spinal alignment. Thinner, high-density mattress toppers work best!
- Stomach Sleepers need the firmest, thinnest mattress toppers to help support the position without damaging the back.
Pro Tip: Memory foam and latex are the most effective mattress toppers for pain relief!
Invest in Good Sleep!
A mattress topper is an excellent stopgap between upgrades, giving you the refreshing sleep you need in a pinch. But it's still not as good as a brand-new mattress suited for your sleep. So, if you've had your current mattress for over eight years or see that it has significant lumps and sags, don't wait any longer — get a new mattress at Alton Refrigeration & Home Furnishings!
We have various in-stock brands we can ship to you quickly so you don't miss out on quality sleep! And if you have any questions, give us a call! Our sleep experts have years of experience and will use that to help you find the mattress that lets you dream big!