Are you sleeping well with your current mattress? Are you starting to feel your mattress deteriorating after using it for a few years? Your mattress alone might not be able to give you the best sleep experience possible. To provide an extra layer of cushioning and support, some sleepers may add a mattress topper or mattress pad on top of their beds.
What is a Mattress Topper?
A mattress topper is a removable mattress-like layer placed on top of your mattress to provide additional comfort, support and pressure relief, with a thickness of around 1.5 to 3 inches. They are usually made from memory foam, latex, feather and down material or polyester.
What are the benefits of using a Mattress Topper?
From changing the feel of your mattress to relieving back pain, these are the key advantages to using mattress toppers:
1. Adjust mattress firmness
If you’re not satisfied with how your current mattress feels, adding a mattress can make your bed feel softer or firmer. A softer mattress topper provides a plush comfort layer to a firm mattress, while a firmer topper offers additional support to a soft mattress. However, most mattress toppers are designed to provide extra cushioning and are used to soften the feel of a firm mattress.
If you sleep with a partner who prefers a different mattress firmness, either you or your partner can add a mattress topper on one side of the bed so both of you can sleep comfortably.
2. Improve a sagging mattress
Mattresses may form dips and wear out over time, however a mattress topper, with its thick comforting layer, can help revive a sagging mattress instantly. Although mattress toppers can provide a quick fix for a sagging mattress, it shouldn’t be used as a substitute for a mattress that needs to be replaced, especially if it has been used for longer than it should last (usually over seven years or more).
3. Extend mattress lifespan
Replacing a mattress can be costly. Using a mattress topper can prevent stains and slow down the wear and tear on your mattress, extending its typical lifespan and keeping it in better shape for longer. Of course, using a mattress protector is also a great way to further protect your mattress.
4. Use as a temporary bed or comfort layer
Owing to its thickness, a mattress topper could also be used as a makeshift mattress when there’s an extra guest at home for greater comfort, or layered up on a sofa bed, air mattress or pull-out bed. When unused, some toppers such as the Skyler Mattress Topper can be rolled up for easy storage.
5. Could help relieve back pain
A mattress topper can be helpful for those who experience back pain, particularly if it is caused by using an older, sagging mattress, or a mattress that is too firm (or too soft). With the extra cushioning layer from mattress toppers, your body weight can be distributed more evenly and relieve pressure across your spine.
What is the difference between a Mattress Topper and a Mattress Pad?
A “mattress pad” and “mattress topper” may sound similar, but are two different bedding products:
Mattress Pads
A thin layer of microfibre / polyester, feather or wool material, usually with a thickness of one inch or below, added on top of your mattress to protect against dirt, stains, liquids and dust mites. It can also provide light cushioning to your mattress but would not significantly change the firmness of your mattress.
Mattress Toppers
A thick layer of memory foam, latex, feather, wool or microfibre / polyester material, usually with a thickness of 1.5 to 3 inches, placed above your mattress to provide added cushioning, comfort and support. It is usually used to soften the firmness of your mattress and improve a sagging mattress.
Types of Mattress Toppers
Mattress toppers can be made with a variety of materials, each with their own unique characteristics. Here are five popular materials used in mattress toppers:
Memory Foam
Memory foam toppers such as the Skyler Mattress Topper are designed to contour around the body and provide plush, comfortable support. By distributing body weight evenly, memory foam offers pressure relief and helps reduce back pain and stiffness. If you sleep with a partner, memory foam can isolate movement effectively so you won’t easily be disturbed by your partner’s tosses and turns. However, memory foam toppers can be pricey and are prone to trap body heat.
In the Skyler Mattress Topper, cooling gel particles are added to its memory foam to draw heat away, and together with added pinholes, allow for better air circulation and a cooling sleep environment. The topper features a second firmer foam layer that allows its firmness to be adjusted by flipping the inner foam layers. Moreover, it is designed with a removable cover that can be washed, while corner straps and an anti-slip base help keep the topper securely positioned on your mattress. The topper can also be rolled up if you need to move or store it elsewhere.
Shop the Skyler Mattress Topper >
Latex
Latex is made from natural material and although it shares similar cushioning properties to memory foam, it feels more springy and offers a quicker response to pressure. Latex mattress toppers are highly durable and breathable, and are naturally resistant to dust mites and mildew. However, they are more expensive than other foam toppers.
Feather / Down
Toppers stuffed with feather or down offer a fluffy feel and are soft, lightweight, and breathable. However, they don’t provide as much support and can flatten out or lump over to one side over time, while feathers can also poke through and escape the fabric.
Microfibre / Polyester
These have a similar fluffy feel to a feather or down topper, but are significantly cheaper. However, the fill can flatten out over time and lose support.
Wool
Wool toppers provide soft, cushioning comfort and are effective at regulating body temperature. The natural material is lightweight and durable, but is often very expensive and can only provide a limited amount of support.
What should I look for in a high-quality Mattress Topper?
We recommend checking these points when shopping for a good mattress topper:
- Research different types of mattress toppers to find those that best fits your needs, and consider factors such as breathability, comfort, support and if the topper can be securely positioned on your mattress.
- Check customer reviews for first-hand experiences on using the product.
- A high-quality mattress topper is expected to last three to five years. Ensure that there is sufficient warranty coverage on the product.
- Look for well-known certifications on the materials such as CertiPUR-US for foams and OEKO-TEX for textile materials.
- If possible, try out the topper in person to see whether it suits your preferences, or take advantage of home-trial periods offered by the company to ensure you’re happy with your purchase.
Do I need a Mattress Topper?
Still considering whether you should get a mattress topper? These are the most common signs where it might be a good idea to invest in a topper for your bed:
- Your mattress is too firm (or too soft)
- Your mattress is sagging
- You’re not ready to replace your mattress yet
What can I expect from using a Mattress Topper?
Mattress toppers can instantly give your mattress a new lease of life by providing extra comfort and support. Your mattress will feel brand new again without having to replace it entirely.
However, a topper may only be a short-term solution if you’ve been using your mattress for longer than it should last (over seven years or more). In that case, you should consider replacing it with a new mattress to ensure you’re getting great quality sleep.
