Mattress topper buying guide
What is a mattress topper and do you need one?
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What are mattress toppers for?
A mattress topper acts as an extension of the mattress you sleep on. It brings a whole new level of support and comfort to your sleeping arrangements. It also doubles as a protective barrier between your brand new, or tired old mattress and preventable wear and tear. This makes them a cost-effective alternative to buying a brand new mattress altogether. Explore our range of budget-friendly mattress toppers for more options.
Why use a mattress topper?
Mattress toppers add an extra layer of padding to a bed that’s lost its plumpness. If your mattress suffers from being too firm, it can soften the sleeping surface considerably. A mattress topper can also improve your sleeping posture. Mattress toppers are available for side sleepers, back sleepers and front sleepers. Getting the right one can make a world of difference to your sleep quality.
Top mattress toppers
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What you need to know about your mattress topper
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Mattress topper fillings
Choosing a filling depends on how you like to sleep. The filling affects the softness, thickness and general feel of the mattress topper.
Memory foam mattress toppers - Memory foam toppers feel luxurious to sleep on. They mould around your body shape and relieve the pressure on your joints. The denser a memory foam topper, the more supportive it is.
Anti-allergy mattress toppers - Usually made from either hollowfibre or microfibre, they are a popular choice for people with allergies. Hollowfibre toppers offer more support, while microfibre toppers have a soft feel.
Cooling mattress toppers - Some mattress toppers feature materials that allow for increased airflow and breathability. This helps regulate temperature, keeping you cool in warmer weather.
Mattress topper thickness
When choosing a thickness for your mattress topper, consider the age, feel and condition of your mattress.
The thickest mattress toppers, up to 10cm, are best for rejuvenating tired, old mattresses. Toppers of up to 5cm thick offer a good level of comfort and support.
If your mattress is relatively new, even a thin topper of under 5cm can give it a more luxurious feel.
Mattress topper care and maintenance
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Cleaning and maintaining your mattress topper
- Most, but not all mattress toppers can be washed in a washing machine. Always check the label and instructions carefully before cleaning.
- It’s best to clean your topper at the same time as your bed sheets.
- If your mattress topper is not machine washable or if you can’t clean it as regularly as your bedsheets, use a lint roller and/or a vacuum cleaner to pick up loose dirt and dust particles.
For more useful tips, check out this detailed guide.
Mattress topper sizes
Mattress toppers come in a variety of sizes ranging from 90cm x 190cm to180cm x 200cm. It’s important to get a topper that matches the size of your existing mattress, because, unlike duvets, they can’t scale up.
The benefits of using a mattress topper
A mattress topper is a simple and efficient way to improve your sleep quality without overhauling your entire bed. It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking for a way to up your comfort level with a less-than-perfect mattress, or if you’ve already got the mattress of your dreams. A mattress topper serves to elevate your sleep game no matter what. Here are some of the benefits you can look forward to:
- Increased comfort: Mattress too soft or too firm? A mattress topper with the thickness and softness you’re looking for can fix that. The right mattress topper can help take pressure off painful points by supporting your sleeping posture.
- Mattress protection: A topper acts as a buffer between you and your mattress, redistributing weight and preventing sagging. It also acts as an additional shield against stains, and other wear and tear, extending the life of your mattress.
- Temperature regulation: Get a breathable mattress topper to keep yourself cool in summer and cosy in winter with minimal effort.
FAQs about mattress toppers
How thick should a mattress topper be?
To see a real difference in comfort and support, you may want to buy a mattress topper that’s about 5-10cms thick. If your mattress is just a little too firm for your liking, the light padding of a thinner mattress topper about 2.5-5cm thick may work for you.Ultra thick mattress toppers (7.5-10cms) can bring significant relief to pressure points and improve your posture.
What is the best mattress topper for side sleepers?
Side sleepers often choose memory foam mattress toppers as they help keep the spine aligned while sleeping. A mattress topper in the medium-soft range of firmness can evenly support the shoulders and hips of a side sleeper, easing pressure off major joints. For specific advice, however, please consult a licensed healthcare professional or a sleep specialist.
What is the best mattress topper for back sleepers?
Mattress toppers for back sleepers are often made with latex or medium-firm memory foam. These materials help maintain spinal alignment while you sleep, without being too soft or cushion-y. They may also help with lower back pain. For specific advice, however, please consult a licensed healthcare professional or a sleep specialist.
What is the difference between a mattress topper and a mattress protector?
A mattress topper is used to add comfort and support, changing how your mattress feels. It can improve posture and sleep quality. A mattress protector, however, shields your mattress (or even your topper) from dust and dirt like spilled food or allergens, without changing the feel or firmness of the mattress.
Can I put a fitted sheet on a mattress topper?
A mattress topper can be covered with fitted or flat sheets. Some people prefer fitted sheets as they stay in place and keep everything secure and comfy. Pro tip: If you’ve got a thick or ultra-thick mattress topper, you may want to consider getting deep-pocket sheets.
How often should you replace a mattress topper?
A good mattress topper can last many years, depending on the material and level of usage. Latex is considered the most durable, with these mattress toppers lasting as long as 15 years. Memory foam mattress toppers usually last about 5 years, and toppers made of other synthetic materials usually need to be changed after roughly 2 years. To know when to swap out your mattress topper for a new one, watch out for signs like lumpiness, sagging, unpleasant smells and visible wear and tear.
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