5 Ways Mattress Toppers Can Improve Your Sleep

While there may be a number of ways to improve your sleep, the best place to start is your bed and you will agree that it is nearly impossible to sleep well in an uncomfortable bed. Ensuring you have all the essentials to make your bed comfortable is therefore important. Apart from the mattress, one of such essentials is a Mattress Topper which provides an extra layer of comfort on the mattress. 

What is a Mattress Topper?

The term ‘mattress topper’ refers to an extra layer – typically 1″ to 3″ thick – that is placed on top of a mattress to make the sleep surface feel softer and, in some cases, cooler. Toppers are usually detachable and are a seperate bedding item from the mattress, although some mattresses are designed to have an inbuilt topper layer. 

A topper provides an easy solution to sleepers who want additional comfort or are unsatisfied with the comfort layer of their current mattress. 

You should note however that there are various types of mattress toppers available such as memory foam, wool, latex, convoluted foam, and feather models (also known as featherbeds) and the choice of the one you buy should be guided by your personal preference. You should also do some research on the brands as well as the materials used to determine which will be the most suitable for you.

Who Should Consider a Mattress Topper?

A mattress topper is typically most suitable in the following situations:

• Where the mattress is too firm or hard. The topper can create a softer  and a more comfortable sleeping experience for individuals who prefer less firm surfaces.

• If the sleeper wants a more plush or soft sleeping surface. Some people prefer to enhance the comfort level of their mattress even when their mattress isn't too hard.

• If the sleeper has no control over their sleep surface - for instance temporary accommodation.  Toppers can provide more comfort — and in some cases, support — for people sleeping in college dormitories, hotels, long-term care facilities, and other away-from-home accommodations.

• For couples who have different comfort preferences. In the absence of a dual-firm mattress, a topper can modify one side of the mattress for couples who prefer different feels on their sleep surfaces. 

Is A Mattress Topper The Same With A Mattress Pad?

‘Mattress toppers’ and ‘mattress pads’ are many times confused and used interchangeably, but they are in fact distinct products with different characteristics and uses. Let’s take a quick look at a few differences between the two:

Here are 5 Ways  Mattress Toppers Can Improve Your Sleep

Mattress toppers can make a huge difference for sleepers, ranging from alleviating pain and pressure to creating an experience that regulates body temperature. 

Some of the ways mattress toppers can improve your sleep include the following:

1. Improved Sleep Surface: Toppers can add comfort to old mattress surfaces that have developed some sagging or indentations over time, as well as newer models that are too soft or firm for its current sleepers.
2. More Support: Mattresses made of materials like memory foam or latex can help create and maintain a stable, even sleep surface with enhanced neck and back support.
3. Pain and Pressure Relief: Some mattress toppers, such as memory foam and latex models, conform closely to sleepers bodies. This helps to align the spine and target pressure points in the neck, shoulders, lower back, and hips. 
4. Dual Comfort Options: For mattresses that are not designed with a dual-firmness comfort layer, a topper can be an inexpensive way to modify the feel of one side while maintaining the original firmness of the other. 
5. Cooling Effect: Many mattress toppers have gel features or other cooling and aeration technology that will keep you from overheating at night, ensuring a deeper night’s sleep.

Bonus: Mattress toppers can extend the lifespan of your mattress, it can help protect your mattress from stains and physical damage, and it’s an inexpensive alternative to the replacement of your mattress.

While even the best topper can’t fully restore an old mattress, it can temporarily compensate for slight sagging or indentations. A topper can also be used to increase a mattress’ overall height or slow down typical wear and tear. Toppers are also useful when a person doesn’t want to replace a mattress but would still like to change the feel of their bed.

While shopping for mattress topper options, take a look at our Down Alternative Topper, which  provides a supremely plush layer to your mattress so you can rack up more hours of great sleep.