The best mattress topper comes with amazing features and solves a lot of problems for anyone who experiences troubles sleeping. While it’s true that toppers are not a must, if you feel the mattress you currently own could use some improvement, a topper is the best solution. Actually, there are three situations when a topper can turn things around and will prove to be the lifesaver that it is.
First, top toppers are equally amazing for apartment owners who offer the place for renting and for tenants. As an owner, a new mattress for every new tenant will definitely dig a hole in your pocket. On the other hand, as a tenant, you don’t expect to get great mattresses in the places you rent. In both these situations, a topper solves the problem and keeps everyone happy.
The second situation when a topper can make things better is when you buy a new mattress but it’s too firm/too soft or something doesn’t work quite right for you. Maybe you thought this was the best mattress for you or maybe you just got a great deal you couldn’t refuse. In any case, if the current sleeping surface doesn’t help you, a topper will make things better (as long as you choose it to match your preferences).
Finally, the third situation is when you have an old mattress that’s still good to use. In this case, the topper will improve the quality of your sleep and will refresh you bed allowing you to be rested and ready for work in the morning.
However, you should also know that this is not a magical layer – it still needs to rest on a good sleeping surface. This means that, if your mattress starts to sag, your topper will follow it. The same goes if your mattress is lumpy – regardless of thickness, the topper will mould over the surface and you’ll still get to feel the lumps.
Otherwise, if the sleeping surface is good but you would like a bit more, a topper will add that extra layer of comfort you’ve been craving. With the best topper, you can also get that extra back support and pressure relief only a high-quality mattress can offer.
Now, at a first look, you may think that buying mattress toppers are very accessible. And they are if you compare them with mattresses. Still, it’s very important to choose a good product that will respond well to your needs. And this may send you to the high-prices category. While I don’t recommend getting the most expensive topper, I also don’t recommend a cheap one. Try to find a balance between quality and price and make sure you choose wisely.
Types of Mattress Pads you Should Know
According to material and other features, there are several types of toppers on the market. However, I think it’s important that we first discuss the differences between toppers, pads, and mattress protectors as many people tend to confuse them.
First, the terms best topper and pad tend to be used interchangeably, but it’s not quite correct. The topper adds an extra layer of comfort and can come in various widths and materials while the pad is a thin layer that helps protect the mattress’s surface and adds some comfort (but not like the topper). The pad can be useful when you’re not actually looking for a topper, but you want a bit of extra comfort.
The mattress protector is just a thin layer of material that keeps dust, fluids, allergens, and dead skill cells from getting into the mattress. It can be used in combination with the topper or the pad as it helps to keep things together.
Now that you know the difference between these three products, let’s take a look at the most popular types of toppers you can find on the market and why you should consider each of them.
#1: The Latex Topper Review
Latex is a great material for both mattresses and toppers and, if you choose to go with the organic compound, you’ll get a fantastic sleeping surface. Still, in both the mattress and toppers, 100% organic latex is a bit expensive. But, if you find it within budget range here are a few reasons why you should choose it.
No Extra Chemicals
According to the materials, they are built from; toppers may contain a negligible quantity of volatile organic compounds. These are more present in memory foam toppers but can also be found in other types of materials.
With latex, however, there is no need for such chemical as the processing is not that extensive. Of course, with synthetic latex, there may be some chemicals involved, but the quantity is a lot smaller than with viscoelastic (memory foam). The chemicals have a pungent smell that usually goes away after a few hours, but the chemicals are still present while you sleep. So, if you want to avoid this, latex is the best choice.
Latex is Hypoallergenic
Latex or more exactly latex foam doesn’t allow dust mites, dust, mold, fungi, or bed bugs to enter the cellular structure. This creates a more hygienic environment and goes great for people who suffer from asthma or allergies.
Great Support
Because latex is naturally bouncy and dense, the topper will improve the back support of your main sleeping surface and will help alleviate any back problems you may suffer because of it. Latex mattresses and toppers are known to be a bit more firm than any other surfaces, but they do distribute body weight perfectly. This means that all the pressure points that tend to exist between the body and a regular mattress will be relieved.
#2: The Memory Foam Topper Reviews
Memory foam topper is wildly popular in the world of mattresses and toppers and it is one of the best materials to choose if you are a side sleeper. The foam takes the shape of your body as it becomes warm (the material is sensitive to heat and pressure) and offers perfect spine alignment (in theory) which leads to a perfectly good night sleep.
Still, because memory foam is so popular, there are lots of designs and models on the market. This is why, in order to choose a quality topper, you must know a bit about the features that make it great.
Density
The density is a feature that talks about durability and general firmness. Overall, the more dense a topper is, the better back support it will offer and the longer it will stick with you. The best density recommended by specialists right now is situated between 5 and 5.3 pounds, but this can also be a bit pricey. If you find such a topper is out of your budget’s league, a medium density topper would go just as fine (3 to 4 pounds).
Thickness
There are three popular layers of thickness of the best toppers: 2 inches, 3 inches, and 4 inches. As you can imagine, the thickness is strongly connected with the back support offered by the topper. So, the 2 inches toppers are also the ones anyone can afford, but they are only recommended for children and people with a small build. For a regular sized adult, the 3 inches topper will go great and, if your weight is 250+ pounds, the 4 inches product is the best choice.
Response Time
The response time is the time it takes the foam to return to its initial shape. I recommend going with a topper that reacts fast as otherwise, you may experience the stuck in quicksand sensation that so many people complain about.
#3: Polyester Blends Toppper Review
This type is one of the best mattress toppers and a lot more affordable than the latex and the memory foam products but this doesn’t mean it lacks in features or quality. While it sleeps hotter than the aforementioned materials because it doesn’t breathe as well, this is a material that can be easily washed and cleaned.
It’s also durable and it is flexible enough to spring back after washing. Even more, this type of topper won’t get lumpy in time and acts as a great insulator during winter. It is easy to use and it’s not too pretentious when it comes to maintenance so it should rank high on anyone’s list (especially if you want to use it in the kids’ room).
Still, you should know that a polyester topper only offers some degree of support (unlike latex and memory foam) so, if you’re hoping to revamp an old mattress, this may not be the best choice. However, if you’re only looking for added comfort, it goes quite well. Polyester fibers can also be treated against microbial growth and fungi so you can use it for people with allergies or asthma (it will have the same hypoallergenic effect as the organic latex topper, but at a lower price).
Finally, the polyester blends in a topper don’t exactly scream durability so, if a latex or a memory foam product should be with you for about five to ten years, a polyester topper will lose its features in two to three years.
#4: The Topper with Feathers
Even though 100 years back people used feathers to make their beds softer and more comfortable, today a topper made of feathers is considered a luxury item. First, you should know that it will do you no good on an old mattress, but it will give a heavenly feeling to your new and firm mattress.
This type of topper will make your sleep comfy and cozy, just like you would be sleeping in fluff. This is due to the type of feathers used inside (mostly goose) which are known for their softness and fuzzy characteristics.
When it comes to price, you may notice that this type of topper is quite expensive, but it is definitely worth it under the right circumstances. Honestly, to me, a feather topper seems more like a caprice, but each person has unique preferences. And after all, if your budget allows it, why not spoil yourself with a bed of feathers?
But comfort is not the only thing you’ll get out of such a wonderful topper! While it doesn’t improve back support, this sleeping surface has a few more aces up its sleeves such as:
- It provides extra warmth (feathers are known for keeping the heat and slowly releasing it over the night)
- Feathers are natural materials, but they’re also extra soft and fluffy which gives your mattress the same feeling as an expensive pillow top.
- Due to its natural fluffy nature, this topper can be used over a mattress that started to sag. It’s also great on a surface that is showing wear and tear, but it won’t cure any lumpiness.
- Most toppers of this kind come with an extended warranty which is a nice touch in comparison with other products on the market.
Of course, there are a few downsides (besides the price) as well and it’s important to know them. First, these toppers sleep hot so they are not recommended during summer (unless you live close to the Arctic Circle). Second, the maintenance is quite complicated as you can’t simply wash it – the feathers will mat in this case.
Finally, the stems become more prominent as the fluff is worn out so the heavenly feeling doesn’t last for too long. Still, overall, this is a great topper for that other comfort and coziness.
#5: The Wool – Mattress Topper Review
Just like feathers, wool has also been used in bedding items for hundreds of years. Still, with the rise of viscoelastic and latex, people seem to have forgotten about one of the most popular fibers in the world. Yes, wool is natural, durable, and to top it up, it helps your body in maintaining a normal temperature during sleep regardless of the season.
That’s right! With a wool topper, you don’t have to worry about getting hot in the summer or cold in the winter. Even more, the surface is cozy and comfy and there are no feather stems involved.
Now, just like with the rest of the toppers I mentioned above, there are features you should consider. With wool, it’s important to check the blend (types of wool combined in the topper) as each fiber comes with its own benefits. For instance, a blend of Alpaca and British wool is considered the ultimate luxury for wool toppers as it makes them fluffy and soft.
I also have to mention the fact that such a topper is a great relaxation aid. So, if you feel you have troubles sleeping (regardless of reason), try lying down on a wool topper for a few minutes. Before you know it, you’ll be in slumberland, dreaming about sheep and other fluffy things. The fiber is so soft and inviting that you can’t help yourself.
Finally, wool makes for a naturally hypoallergenic topper and goes great for people who suffer from allergies or asthma. All in all, wool is a fantastic material for a topper and you shouldn’t ignore it!
How to Compare Pads and Topper Reviews
Now that you know the best mattress toppers on the market, it’s important to choose the right one for your needs. And what better way to make the grand decision, than by reading reviews and comparing the impressions?
If you don’t know where to find said reviews and how to mix them up in order to get a true opinion of a product you want, I listed a few pointers below.
#1: Look for multiple sources online
The Internet is a great source for reviews as long as you know where to look for them. Once you find a product you like or seems interesting, you should first visit the site of the producer (if there is any). Here you’ll learn more about the features supported by the topper and you should find a section with reviews from users.
Next, visit large online retailers like Amazon or eBay and search for the product you want to buy. These have the advantage of a larger exposure and you’ll find more reviews and in more detail than on the producer’s site.
Finally, look for sites that specialize in reviewing toppers or mattresses. These usually have specialized teams that browse the internet looking for the best products at the best prices.
#2: Ask family or friends for recommendations
Family and friends are another great resources to find best mattress toppers and you should make as much use of it as possible. If you know one of your friends recently got a new topper or mattress, ask them about it. Ask what they like and don’t like about the product and the company, and you can even ask for a quick test run.
Once you gather all the information you can, it’s time to put everything together and draw a conclusion. Usually, in this phase, you already know what you want and if it is worth your money and attention. Once the research is done and you’re happy with the results, you are ready to make the purchase and enjoy your new and comfy topper!
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