An average of eight hours of sleep, experts say, is vital for you to maintain a healthy mind and body. But what good is clocking in 8 hours every night if the entire time is spent in discomfort?
Let’s face it; we have all been there at one time or another. A new mattress that does not quite agree with your body or a slightly worn mattress that is not as firm as it used to be. The good news, however, is that there is a quick and easy way to up the comfort level of your mattress – investing in a topper.
Designed for use on a bed that is either too soft or too firm, toppers are a good way to revitalize the life of a mattress that has become uncomfortable. The best part is you can get them in any size from single to double and king size to queen sized beds. Discover everything you need to know about mattress toppers in our comprehensive buyers guide as we compare memory foam, latex and microfiber models and find out how they can help to improve sleep.
Roundup: The Best 6 Mattress Toppers
Littens Egg Shell
See More ImagesIf, after doing your research on comfortable bedding accessories, you have decided to go with a memory foam topper, the Littens – 2” Double Size Egg Shell topper should definitely be at the top of your list of choices.
It combines the best of memory foam with a revolutionary eggshell design to offer a one-of-a-kind bedding item that is breathable and offers a unique support system. One thing to note is that even though this topper is advertised as memory foam, we believe it is a more traditional foam. However, for the purposes of this guide we’ll still use the term memory foam – since this is as the topper is advertised.
High-Density Pure Visco Memory Foam
When it comes to mattress toppers, the higher the density, the more support you will get for your body. Well, this Littens 2-inch topper offers amazing support as it is made of a UK manufactured High-Density Pure Visco Foam.
The viscoelastic material by its very nature responds to temperature (heat) and weight (pressure) by bending to the contours of your body thereby dispersing your weight over the entire sleep surface and as such, minimizing pressure on specific parts of your body – which can lead to aches and pains. With this quality plus the high-density build of the topper, you get even more pressure relief for a comfortable sleep.
Offers Excellent Breath-ability
One of the biggest downfalls of memory foam is that it gets hot at night. This makes it almost impossible for people who sweat at night to sleep comfortably, especially during summer. The Littens 2-inch memory foam topper, however, is an exception to the norm. While its bottom is smooth and flat like most toppers, the top is filled with egg crate-like ridges, which run through the entire 135 x 190 cm expanse of the top surface. The constant bumps and dips on the topper surface create an endless array of breathing pockets that enhance air circulation. As a result, the topper keeps cool even when temperatures rise.
Another known benefit of egg crate toppers is that they cradle the body offering support along pressure points. So, this is just one more reason to love this topper from Littens.
Conclusion
This Egg Shell Memory Foam Topper is certainly very well designed and has conquered most of the short comings you might find with regular mattress toppers.
It breathes better than your average memory foam topper and absorbs more pressure than almost all toppers in the market. To top it up, the egg crate filling on the surface helps to cushion the entire body thus allowing for a comfortable and relaxing sleep. Overall, it is one of the best memory foam toppers around and is very budget friendly.
Microfibre Mattress Topper with 3D Massage Bubbles Fabric
See More ImagesAt the mention of a microfiber mattress topper, people usually think of silk-like smoothness, a fluffy feel, and just about any other phrase that can be used to describe superior comfort. Rarely are microfiber toppers associated with offering firm support for an aching body. Well, that is with the exception of this New Double Bed Size Microfibre Mattress Topper with 3D Massage Bubbles Fabric.
On top of being extra soft and cozy, this topper uses a combination of the finest materials and advanced technology to provide a relaxing and supporting experience that eliminates morning aches and pains. It is practically just as good as a memory foam mattress. Find out more on how this Rejuvopedic Microfibre Mattress Topper makes for sound sleep by reading our complete buyers guide.
Acts as a Layer of Fluffy Luxury
Luxury in a mattress topper does not get any better than this Rejuvopedic Microfibre model. Whereas other microfiber toppers use hollow-fiber as filling, this Rejuvopedic Mattress Topper with 3D Massage Bubbles Fabric features a superior microlite microfiber.
This type of microfiber is soft and has a comfortable bouncy feel to it that provides gentle but sufficient support. The topper has large amounts of the microlite filling, which create a generous loft. That works with the fabric’s baffle box stitching on the 100% pure polyester cover to evenly spread out the filling into fluffy square pockets.
Massaging Properties
Another area where this topper shines is in relieving muscle and joint pain. The entire topper surface is filled with hundreds of bubbles that gently massage your body as you sleep. As a result, you get to wake up every morning fully rested and rejuvenated.
Conclusion
Light and soft, this Rejuvopedic Microfibre Mattress Topper is almost guaranteed to add comfort to your mattress. Its best selling point, however, is the fact that the topper massages every inch of your body as you sleep.
For someone experiencing sore muscles, back pain or aching joints, this is a benefit you simply cannot afford to pass. And, since massage therapy has been linked to alleviating insomnia, the topper can also be a good buy if sleep does not come easy for you.
Panda Gel Infused Memory Foam (Hydro-Foam) Bamboo Mattress
See More ImagesThere are a lot of good reasons to buy the Gel Infused Memory Foam (Hydro-Foam) Bamboo Mattress Topper by Panda. To begin with, this mattress topper has hypoallergenic properties, comes in a nice soft washable cover, turns a hard mattress into a comfortable resting surface, and prevents overheating.
If all those features weren’t enough, this topper will also stay firmly beneath you and not slide off your bed as you move during the night. Simply put, you can expect all the goodness of a mattress topper but without the usual disadvantages. That said; let’s dive in and take a look at this mattress topper in more detail.
Delivers Support and Comfort in Spades
One of the main reasons why people invest in mattress toppers is to increase comfort during sleep. In this regard the hydro-foam topper is definitely one of the best out there because it provides excellent comfort and support. The reason for this is because it combines a high-density build of 80kg per cubic m with a body-cradling gel memory foam, and a soft-feel bamboo cover to provide heavenly cosiness as you sleep.
Designed to Remain Cool
Unlike your average memory foam topper, this one does not turn your bed into a sauna. Being a gel-infused memory foam topper, its build consists of tiny capsules of gel fused in with the memory foam. The gel basically keeps air flowing through the topper thereby allowing for cooler sleep. But, that is not the only cooling feature of this topper. The cover is made of plush bamboo, a material with natural adsorption and ventilation properties that adapt to the body’s temperature to remain cool in summer and warm in winter.
Sticks to Your Mattress like Glue
Another common mattress topper downside that this Panda version eliminates is slipping off the mattress as you get in and out of bed or when tossing and turning during sleep. The entire base of the topper is embedded with Micro-silicone grips that create an anti-slip layer to prevent slippage. And, that’s not all. Also included are 4 straps on each corner of the topper that help provide an even more secure hold over your mattress.
Conclusion
The fact that this mattress topper by Panda comes with a 10-year guarantee speaks volumes about its quality. If well taken care of, it should last this time with no problem. As far as value for money is concerned, it certainly is on of the pricier mattress toppers, but its non-slip grip, breathable cover and excellent support makes it great value for money.
Sealy Select: Balance Dual Layer Mattress Topper
See More ImagesThe Sealy Select Balance Dual Layer may not be your first choice because it is not made of memory foam, but it has definitely earned its place as one of the best affordable toppers on the market.
Made of specially formulated synthetic fibre, the topper offers unrivalled smoothness and comfort. What’s more, the topper features a unique stylish look, protects against allergies, is great at regulating temperature, and offers a great deal of convenience when it comes to maintenance.
With these plus points it might still be worth considering…
Delivers Heavenly Comfort
As far as comfort is concerned, the Balance Dual Layer has a huge advantage over its competitors.
It is made of DuPont Serica fibre, a material that is designed to mimic the qualities of silk. This includes the same super smooth feel, lightweight structure, superior breathability, and hypoallergenic surface with good absorbency that silk is loved for and known to offer.
All of these qualities combined work in tandem to allow the topper to deliver a superior kind of comfort as you sleep.
Combines 2 Layers into One Amazing Topper
Another great quality of DuPont’s Serica fibre is that it features a spring-like build with superior loft and shape retention properties. With this build, the topper keeps you warm during cold nights, offers a bit of support for shoulder, hips, & back, and snaps back into shape when not in use.
The best part is that the Serica fibre layer is enclosed in a 100% microfiber case-like cover.The cover makes the entire mattress topper machine washable. Therefore, you will have a very easy time keeping this topper clean.
Conclusion
Although this Sealy Select Balance Dual Layer Mattress Topper does not offer the same level of support found in memory foam and other models, it excels in the area of comfort.
Between its springy build and smooth surface, lying on this mattress topper can feel quite comfortable. So, when paired with a sturdy mattress, it allows you to sleep in complete luxury. Although it might need refluffing every now and then to ensure it remains lofty and soft.
Silentnight: Impress 2.5 cm Memory Foam
See More ImagesThe quality of sleep you get is only as good as the bedding set you use. The Silentnight Impress 2.5 cm memory foam mattress topper can certainly help in this regard. It has the potential to make a decent mattress even more comfortable and the ability to transform a dreadful mattress into a restful surface.
Made From Memory Foam
This Silentnight 2.5 cm topper may not look like much, but its build and design can help ensure you get a comfortable nights sleep and offers a means of getting rid of the aches and pains a slightly ageing or poor quality mattress can bring. These benefits are possible thanks to its memory foam build.
The topper surface is super soft while the memory foam moulds to the unique shape of your body. This, in turn, creates a cushioning effect that relieves pressure on sore areas thus allowing you to sleep comfortably and in zero pain.
Comes with a Removable Cover
With the Impress, you do not have to worry about stains, rips, or holes forming on your most loved bedding. It comes with a strong, flexible, and durable polyester cover that does a great job as a protective fabric.
To top it off, the cover is light and soft to the touch, qualities that offer added comfort. The removable polyester cover is also machine washable at 40-degrees C. Therefore, you can enjoy the added bonus of sleeping on a clean and fresh surface as well as avoid allergies while you are at it.
Conclusion
As a mattress topper, the Silentnight Impress 2.5 cm memory foam mattress topper performs well. It keeps you comfortable and warm and even supports your joints and back while you sleep.
However, the fact that the topper is only 2.5cm thick makes it better suited for use on relatively new mattresses. Therefore, if your current mattress is old and worn out, you may want to look elsewhere or go for the thicker versions of this Silentnight Impress Memory Foam topper model.
Southern Foam
See More ImagesWhen it comes to mattress toppers, memory foam is arguably one of the best materials to go for if you want to enjoy superior comfort. The level of cosiness that this material offers is simply hard to replicate.
Add the unique way in which memory foam realigns itself to the contours of your body to offer personalized support, and you have yourself a material that is hard to beat. A perfect testament to the undeniable quality of memory foam toppers is in this Memory Foam Topper, 3 inch model from Southern Foam.
Being a product of Southern Foam, a brand that is considered UK’s no. 1 foam supplier, this topper not only offers all the benefits of memory foam but also adds an extra kick to ensure you sleep like a baby. This guide takes you through the unique features that make it a great product that is worth considering.
Density that Strikes a Good Balance between Comfort and Support
This mattress topper consists of UK made 40kg/m3 memory foam. At this density, the topper offers the perfect consistency as it is neither too soft nor too firm. It simply delivers just the right amount of comfort for a good night’s sleep and support to reduce joint and muscle pain-related problems.
Perfect Thickness for both Old and New Mattresses
Another great thing about this memory foam topper is that it is made to a thickness of 3 inches. On the topper thickness scale, 3″ is considered the perfect compromise between too little and too much thickness.
It facilitates enough softness to modify the level of hardness of a new mattress and provides adequate support to firm up a used mattress with a loosened surface. So, whether you are shopping for a topper to use on a new or old mattress, this should fit the bill.
Conclusion
Overall this Memory Foam 3-inch Mattress Topper is a good ‘all-rounder’ which should accommodate most peoples needs. With its well-engineered density and thickness, the topper will enhance the comfort and/or support of your current mattress.
The Ultimate Mattress Toppers Buyers Guide
Choosing a mattress topper is all about finding one that offers the most comfort and meets your personal needs. With all the options that are on the market, deciding which mattress topper can be a daunting task, especially if you don’t know where to start.
However, you can shop with confidence by arming yourself with the right information. In this section of our buyers guide we’ll review the important pointers you need to know before buying.
1 Get the Size Right
For a topper to be useful, it should at the very least fit the dimensions of your mattress. Luckily, finding the right-size is the easiest thing you will have to do when shopping for mattress toppers. Toppers simply come in the typical bed sizes (king, queen, twin, etc). So, you just need to choose according to your bed size.
2 Learn all the Necessary Terms
Like with most products, there are a few technical terms exclusive to mattress toppers. It is important that you have a general understanding of these terms, as it will enable you to make an informed buying choice.
Some of the common terms you will come across include:
- Topper Thickness – This is a measurement of how thick a mattress topper is in inches. Options usually include 2″, 3″, & 4″.
- Foam Density – Measured in pounds per cubic foot (PCF), foam density gives an indication of how much support is offered. A higher density (e.g. 4 or 5 PCF) equals better support and more durability.
- Indentation Force Deflection (IFD) or Indentation Load Deflection (ILD) – As the name implies, this specification is simply a general measurement of how much force in pounds it will take to indent a topper. It basically determines the feel of the product. The higher the IDF, the firmer the topper will feel.
3 Choose the Thickness Wisely
Mattress topper thickness is very important when it comes to determining how much comfort you will get out of it. Generally, the thicker a topper is, the more comfortable it will feel.
A thick topper is also great for providing extra support to an aching body. For instance, a 3-inch topper is not just thicker than a 2-inch one, but also more supportive, firmer, and bulky.
Therefore, if you suffer from chronic back or joint pain, a 3-inch topper will be better suited at providing enough cushioning for problem areas while you sleep. A 4-inch topper, in turn, will provide even more overall comfort and support.
That said, however, an extra thick topper is not necessarily the best choice for everyone. If you have a new mattress that offers enough support but lacks that soft and comfortable feel, a thinner 2″ mattress topper is recommended. It will add a bit of cushioning to your bedding system thus enabling you to sleep in luxury.
Other factors that come into play when choosing topper thickness include:
- Mattress quality – The more worn out your mattress is, the thicker your topper should be.
- Sleeping position – Side sleepers simply need something soft, while back sleepers will require a topper with a little more support
- Special needs – A topper with more support is mandatory if you are suffering from something like a herniated disc or any spinal condition.
4 Decide on the Ideal Material
Knowing what topper size will fit on your mattress, or what foam density or thickness will keep you properly cradled and comfortable will give you a general idea of what to look for in a topper.
However, it is the material of a mattress topper that will ultimately determine if a particular model is a good fit. This is because, for ultimate comfort, the topper you choose must conform to your weight, sleep position & patterns, and personal characteristics.
For instance, if your constant tossing and turning in bed keeps your partner awake, a memory foam or latex topper can be more beneficial than other toppers. Since these topper materials absorb motion, the movement will be kept to your side of the bed. Similarly, if part of your reasons to buy a topper is to relieve pain, memory foam and latex toppers are your best choices as both offer joint support.
Alternatively, if you tend to overheat at night, a wool or cotton topper will be a wiser pick as these topper materials wick away body sweat. Researching the different topper materials available and their properties will help you determine which option will work best for you.
5 Do not Skimp on Price
At the end of the day, you get what you pay for on any purchase. While cheaper toppers make a tempting offer, they do not feature the same level of toughness as high-end models. So, do not try to save money on your purchase at the expense of opting for a low-quality mattress topper. Instead, go for the best topper you can afford.
It is better to pay extra for high-end or mid-priced models that not only offers a good level of comfort but also last. Some even provide decades of use allowing you to get a good return on the investment.
What is a Mattress Topper and How Does it Help?
A lot like a thinner mattress, a mattress topper is simply a cushioned or padded layer of bedding. It is laid on top of your mattress where it serves the purpose of increasing mattress comfort and support. Most toppers just sit on top of a mattress while some are designed with straps, which hold the topper in place and prevent it from sliding off while you sleep.
Types of Mattress Toppers
Mattress toppers come in a variety of materials each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Common topper materials include:
Why Buy a Mattress Topper?
Whether you have an old mattress that is showing signs of wear and tear (sagging, unevenness, depressions, etc) or a stiff one that could do with an extra soft touch, a mattress topper would make a good buy.
This versatile piece of bedding works by firming up an old worn out mattress and softening up a new stiff mattress. Simply put, a mattress topper offers just the right amount of comfort and support required to allow for a restful and rejuvenating sleep. Since a topper is light and removable, it can be turned and rotated as needed to ensure you enjoy this level of comfort for as long as possible.
Another plus for mattress toppers is that they act as a buffer that absorbs most of your weight as well as the shock of tossing and turning while in bed. As a result, your mattress below ends up lasting for longer especially if you use a topper right from the day of purchase.
Summary
A mattress topper can help rejuvenate an old mattress, make an uncomfortable one comfortable and is a lot cheaper than buying a new mattress.
With this impressive resume of advantages, it is easy to see why they are so popular. Throughout this guide, we’ve explained the differences between the materials they can be made of, how they help you get a betters nights sleep, and we have created a roundup of 6 of the best available right now – balancing between different materials, designs and effectiveness. So, if you’ve got a little information overload we recommend you:
- Take a look at the comparison table for a quick over of the top 6 mattress toppers available.
- Read our buyers guide to to remind yourself of our top tips on what to look for before your buy.