Are Mattress Toppers Worth The Investment?
It’s easy to assume that purchasing a new mattress is your only option, once you begin losing sleep and feeling uncomfortable on your existing one. Although it may be time to consider looking into a better mattress if yours has long expired beyond its recommended lifespan, it’s not the only option to inquire about. Purchasing a mattress topper, can be a great alternate option for you! Here, we'll take a look at some of the pros and cons of using a mattress topper so you can decide if it's the right decision for you.
What is a Mattress Topper?
It may be obvious, but a mattress topper is exactly that—an extra layer of dense material (typically foam, but they can be made of different materials), that sits atop your existing, or new mattress. It also comes in almost any size that you may need, from a Single mattress size to a California King size.
What Are the Most Popular Styles of Mattress Toppers?
Egg Crate/Egg Carton - You may be very familiar with this style of topper, already. As the name suggests, this style comes with a molded foam that looks similar to an egg crate, or egg carton. This shape helps add a lot more flexibility and softness to the way you sleep, and it typically comes in a padded cover, for added protection. Because it’s a lighter material, it typically comes requested among those who tend to move frequently, as it’s a lot easier to roll up and compact down.
Wool or Fleece - These mattress toppers are surprisingly soft and extremely comfortable! It’s the best option to consider for anyone who experiences a lot of allergies, as these are natural materials that replace typical synthetic materials. This option is always highly recommended, although it typically comes at a much higher price range.
Memory Foam - This material is easily the most popular and highly requested. Its highly dense compound helps to mold to our body’s natural curves, to align our neck, spine, and hips where they need the most support. It naturally absorbs a lot of our vibrations throughout the night too, helping you and your partner sleep thoroughly throughout the night, without getting disturbed by each other’s movements. Some memory foam toppers even come with a gel-infused into it, which helps to regulate and cool our body’s temperature as we sleep. This is great to keep in mind during those hot summer nights, or if you’re prone to hot sweats throughout the night.
What Is the Purpose of a Mattress Topper?
There are multiple reasons why someone would choose to use a mattress topper on their mattress. One of the most common reasons would be to assist prolonging your mattress’s lifespan. Mattresses can be a hefty investment, and although they typically come with a specific warranty, mattress toppers can easily help in prolonging the deterioration and possibly the wear and tear of consistent use. Especially if you have a spring coil mattress, they can be common to sagging, and even overuse in specific areas of added pressure. The mattress topper aids in absorbing that tension, and better distributes your weight evenly, so that your mattress doesn’t begin to become overused and ineffective in specific areas.
Some would use a topper as a means for more comfort and/or support, too. If you find that you wish to have more plush or comfort to your mattress, an easy solution would be to find a topper that best fits your desired level of comfort. Different materials of mattress toppers can benefit you in different ways, but it’s common that most actually add an extra layer of flexibility to an otherwise firm sleep experience.
Budget can always be an important factor when considering a new sleeping arrangement, and so it may be the right option to keep in mind, for your wallet’s sake. Purchasing a more cost-effective mattress along with a good quality memory foam topper for example, maybe less expensive overall, than a full-size memory foam mattress altogether. This option will give you very similar results, but can make a big difference for you financially!
With an incredible result of added support and comfort, better protection of your full-size mattress, and a financially smarter option too, a mattress topper may certainly be a great option for your desired needs. Although, like every option out there, a topper may not be for everyone, and does come with its own list of pros and cons. Below, we describe some important aspects to keep in mind, as we go through both sides of the spectrum.
PROS:
- Easier to clean than a full-size mattress
- Is a cheaper option than purchasing a completely new mattress altogether
- Prolongs the lifespan of your existing and/or new mattress
- Helps to elevate and heighten a thin and/or low profile mattress
- Makes a firm mattress feel softer and more comfortable
- Can come with a cooling gel, depending on the brand you purchase
CONS:
- Certain brands can be costly, depending on the quality that you’re looking for
- If you have a mattress that is designed with airflow circulation, a topper may impede and cause a warmer sleep than originally intended
- Toppers don’t replace the functionality of what a full mattress is designed to do, and does not repair serious issues and defects with your existing mattress
Conclusion
Yes, mattress toppers are certainly worth the purchase and investment for most individuals, couples, and families! It’s always best and recommended to consider your desired needs for comfort, support, aesthetic preferences, budget, and overall practicality when putting yourself on the market for a mattress topper. As mentioned above, they will not and cannot replace some significant issues with your current mattress, and sometimes the best option is to completely replace your old, worn-out, and damaged mattress altogether.
A great perspective to seek out for added value on whether a mattress topper is the best option for you, would be that of a professional retailer and/or manufacturer. Never hesitate to ask questions to those who can understand what you’re looking for, why you’re looking for a change, and which products would best accommodate your needs.
