Good question: can a mattress topper improve the quality of your mattress? Simply put, no! But it can modify it. A mattress topper can add life to an old mattress. It can also add softness to a hard mattress, or firm up a soft mattress. Most people buy a mattress topper to make their bed more comfortable and improve their quality of sleep. Check out the Sleepify Review if you’re considering one.
Mattress Topper or Mattress Pad?
Many people get confused by the terms mattress topper and mattress pad. A mattress pad is thinner than a topper and is generally used to provide a fresh sleeping surface and maybe also slightly more softness to the mattress. A mattress topper, on the other hand, is more substantial, offering a thicker layer over the mattress.
That said, various companies use the terms interchangeably. Here, we shall use the term ‘mattress topper’ in its correct sense of being thicker than a pad, and so providing a more significant surface layer on the mattress.
What Mattress Toppers Are Used For
A mattress topper can improve the quality of your mattress in terms of the modification it provides. Here are some of the reasons why people use a topper:
- Renovate an Old Mattress
Many people use a mattress topper to renovate an old mattress rather than buy a new mattress. Mattress toppers come in a wide range of price levels. A high-quality topper is cheaper than a high-quality expensive mattress, but can be more expensive than an average-priced mattress. However, on average, a mattress topper will be significantly less expensive than a new mattress.
The least expensive mattress toppers tend to be polyurethane egg crate foam and polyester, and some cotton mattress toppers can also be relatively inexpensive to buy. The higher priced toppers are the memory foam and latex. Wool fillings can also be expensive. However, it’s not the price that matters most but what the topper does for you.
- Sleep Comfort and Support
If you find it difficult to get to sleep on your existing mattress or wake up feeling tired, then perhaps the mattress is not providing the comfort you need. A mattress topper can change all that. There is a huge range of mattress toppers available, with many different thicknesses and densities, and you are sure to be able to find one that meets your needs perfectly.
A latex or memory foam mattress topper provides effective support for your pressure points and back. This is particularly comfortable for side sleepers. They support your bones and muscles while helping to keep your spine in its natural shape. If you suffer back pain, a memory foam mattress topper will likely be your best choice.
- Make a Hard Mattress Soft
A soft mattress topper can turn your old hard mattress into a soft, comfortable sleeping surface. A layer of soft foam or down over your existing mattress might be all you need. A lower density memory foam can create a wonderfully soft yet supportive sleeping surface, while latex also molds to your body for soft yet effective pressure point support.
- Separation of Partner Movement
If your sleep is disturbed by your partner moving in bed, then a memory foam mattress topper can help reduce or even eliminate this. The thicker the topper, the better the separation. If ‘improving the quality of your mattress’ means reducing the disruption of your sleep causes by your partner moving in bed, then this fits the bill nicely.
A memory foam mattress topper is the ideal solution, other than changing your mattress. A latex topper can also do this, but to a lesser extent.
- Too Hot in Bed?
By that we mean temperature-wise! Memory foam retains more body heat than other mattress materials. If you have latex or memory foam mattress that you are finding too hot during the night, then a down or feather mattress topper will help cool you down. Wool is another option.
An advantage of down is that it keeps you warmer in winter and cooler in summer. It doesn’t answer the question of can a mattress topper improve the quality of your mattress, but it does make it cooler on hot nights.
- Respective Prices
When considering a mattress topper against purchasing a new mattress, the least expensive toppers are the egg crate foam types. They tend to be lightweight, less durable than the other types and can retain body heat. However, they are an excellent choice if all you want to do is rejuvenate an old, lumpy or stained mattress with a new soft top.
The most expensive are latex, and then memory foam. Both tend to retain heat, but both are also comfortable, supportive and excellent for pain relief. Both are excellent for movement separation although latex is the most anti-allergenic – unless you have a latex allergy of course!
- How Thick are Mattress Toppers?
Mattress toppers range from 2″ to 8″ in thickness. The thicker toppers are best for rejuvenating an old mattress. If you sleep on your side, the thicker toppers can better support your pressure points (shoulders, hips, knees, etc.) while also supporting your lower back (lumbar) region. Heavier weight people will also be better with a thicker topper. They also come in a range of foam density, enabling you to choose the mattress topper that most perfectly meets your needs.
Conclusion
So, can a mattress topper improve the quality of your mattress? No – but it can provide a new life for your old mattress. In fact, to be truthful, if you have just purchased a new mattress and can no longer return it for any reason, you can change its properties with a mattress topper. You can make it harder softer or more comfortable.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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