Mattress Toppers: Why Do You Need One For Your Bed?

If your mattress is too firm or too saggy, it can be hard to get a good night's sleep. But instead of replacing the whole mattress—which can be an expensive proposition—a mattress topper can be a good solution to make your bed more comfortable and supportive.

Let us tell you why.

Mattress topper options match different tastes

As with any product, when it comes to mattress toppers, there is a range of options from which to choose. The three main options are latex, cotton, and wool. Each has its pros and cons to consider.

  1. Cotton - While this type of material features exceptional breathability and is easy to machine wash, durability seems to be an issue as it wears down pretty quickly. Having said that, it is excellent for dealing with all sorts of allergies. This is why these mattress toppers are certified as hypoallergenic. Depending on the desired thickness and size, you can expect to pay from $63 to $120, or more.
  2. Wool -We have a tendency to link wool to winter and many people love any garment or item that is made from this material. Some of the known benefits to wool mattress toppers include that it easily absorbs the heat of our bodies,  resists dust mites and mold, and has an exceptional track record of reliability. The only downside is that it can be expensive to acquire, though not quite as pricey as latex. One can expect to pay anywhere from $110 to $275, and merino wool toppers are on the upper end of this scale.
  3. Latex - This kind of material has similar properties to wool. Even though latex can show some wear over time to come due to minor tears or discoloration, it deters bed parasites such as dust mites, and proves to be extremely durable. A good latex mattress topper might last as long as 20 years. Depending on your desired thickness, latex toppers range in price from $170 to just over $500.

What are the advantages to having a mattress topper?

Wouldn't it be great to do more than just cover and protect the top of your mattress, but also adjust your chosen mattress toppers to a level of firmness that is suited for a single person or a couple? One of the benefits to having a mattress topper is being able to invest in a type of topper that will minimize disturbances felt by a partner in the bed as the other person tosses and turns.

It is general knowledge that mattress toppers offer protection and an added level of softness, whether you opt for latex, cotton, or woolen materials.

It's important not to confuse mattress toppers with their counterparts, mattress pads. The latter are less expensive but are also thinner and don't offer the same comfort benefits. Mattress pads are designed more to protect a mattress and, in some cases, protect the sleeper from allergens and dust mites.

One of the biggest benefits mattress toppers provide is to lengthen the lifespan of a mattress. For the best benefits, place a topper on the mattress immediately after investing in a new one, rather than waiting until the mattress begins sagging before adding the topper. Experts reckon that it is much better to choose a memory foam mattress and use a topper to provide added comfort levels. The bonus part is that your bed will easily last four to five years longer should you purchase a memory foam mattress topper, as opposed to toppers made from cotton or wool.

If you can't afford to invest in a new mattress, a topper can also help make a mattress a little more comfortable until you can buy a new one. After all, memory foam bed covers still cost much less than a new mattress.

What people really like about a memory foam topper is that it prevents easy access for dust mites and helps air circulate freely, which in turn prevents unwelcome odors.

Anyone who wants to make their bed a bit more comfortable will appreciate the added comfort of a mattress topper at a price they can afford. At the end of the day, it makes perfect sense to get yourself a mattress topper than having to invest in a brand new mattress.

Resources—Mattress Guide

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