Quality sleep is important to our overall quality of life. If you have ever experienced insomnia while you sleep or a stiff neck after you wake up, you understand how critical it is that you are able to stay comfortable during your slumber.
Mattress toppers are different from mattress pads, which are usually made out of thinner material. Mattress toppers are typically four to eight inches thick, designed to both protect your mattress and provide extra padding and comfort.
Benefits of mattress toppers
Whether you choose a foam mattress topper or one made out of other natural or synthetic materials, here are some benefits you can expect from the best mattress topper for your needs.
Extend the life of your mattress
A mattress topper can give an older mattress new life by adding a few extra inches of padding and support. It can also protect your mattress from the bacteria, dead skin, and body sweat that you inevitably shed during a good night’s sleep.
Your body generally produces between 500 and 700 milliliters of sweat each night, but you might sweat more due to environmental and health conditions. Without a mattress topper, that sweat is absorbed directly by your mattress, which is just as disgusting as it sounds. The mattress topper will absorb that perspiration, too—but it is far cheaper to remove, wash, or even replace than your mattress.
Make your mattress more comfortable
Your mattress topper’s extra layers will squeeze and compress before your mattress does. This provides extra comfort and support. You have plenty of options when it comes to choosing your mattress topper in terms of materials and support, and you will typically have a chance to try it out if you visit a mattress store in person. Many merchants also offer a guarantee, allowing you to try out the mattress topper to see if it meets your comfort needs.
Reduce disruptive movement
Another benefit of mattress toppers is that they can reduce the transmission of noise and movement from a sleeping partner. If the person on the other side of the bed is constantly tossing and turning, a mattress topper can provide some relief by absorbing some of this disruptive movement.
Provide pain relief
If you sleep on your side, your weight concentrates on two pressure points: the shoulder and the hip. On a mattress that is too soft or too hard for your body, those concentrated points will sink irregularly— so your spine will not be in a neutral alignment. This can result in pain in the neck, hip, spine, or shoulders.
The right mattress topper will reduce pressure on those concentrated hip and shoulder areas. The goal is to keep your spine as aligned as possible while you sleep.
Select the perfect materials
Mattress toppers are manufactured in several different materials, each designed for specific purposes. Here are some of the materials you can choose from:
- Memory Foam Toppers mould to the shape of your body’s contours and do not retain body imprints. You can choose from several different densities of this durable material.
- Latex Toppers are hypoallergenic, cool, and breathable. They provide great comfort and support, and come in both eco-friendly and synthetic variations.
- Cotton and Polyester Toppers are generally affordable, although higher thread counts will be more expensive. These are typically easier to clean than other materials.
- Down and Feather Toppers provide great softness, durability, and temperature regulation. These may not be ideal if you need a firm topper or if you have allergies.
- Wool Toppers are hypoallergenic and ideal for anyone who has problems with synthetic materials. Wool provides great temperature regulation, staying cool in summer and warm in winter.
- Egg Crate Toppers are foam sheets with bumps that alleviate pressure. These are usually thin, lightweight, and less expensive, but not as luxurious as other materials.
Final words
With all of this in mind, you should be ready to choose the right mattress topper that will help with your quality of sleep and your quality of life. Sweet dreams!
