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Bedding

Published April 6, 2019

7 min

What is a Memory Foam Mattress Topper?

Everything you need to know about memory foam mattress toppers. Learn about benefits, types, thickness options, and how to choose the best topper for your sleep needs.
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Table of contents
Memory Foam TopperHow to shop for a Memory Foam Mattress TopperWhat Is A Memory Foam Topper?​What are Mattress Toppers?What is a Memory Foam Topper Made fromTired of sleeping on your old lumpy mattress?Other Types of Mattress Toppersthe only mattress with a lifetime warrantyTips on How to Find the Best Mattress Topper for Your NeedsThe Benefits of a Mattress Topper

Memory Foam Topper

How to shop for a Memory Foam Mattress Topper

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What Is A Memory Foam Topper?​

Memory foam toppers are 1" to 3" tall piece of viscoelastic memory foam that covers the entire surface of your current mattress. There are two primary benefits of a memory foam mattress topper. First, this can help extend the life of an older mattress. Second, a memory foam topper can help you to change the firmness of your current mattress.

Article at a Glance

What are Mattress Toppers?

A mattress topper is a type of removable bedding that you place on top of the mattress. It is designed to provide additional comfort on an already old mattress, or to add more support to newer ones -- especially mattresses that are too soft. Another reason why some owners add mattress toppers is to add softness to their bed. It can sometimes be referred to as a mattress pad, but this is a thinner kind of padding that you install on your mattress — just like a fitted sheet. The mattress pad can be used for added comfort, or as a mattress protector. Before, these toppers were basically like an egg crate type of foam, but modern designs are now made from memory foam for pressure relief, and to reduce motion transfer when tossing and turning at night.

What is a Memory Foam Topper Made from

A memory foam topper is made from viscoelastic polyurethane. This is often the go-to for mattress toppers since it comes in a variety of thickness as well as varying density for better cushioning and support.  Compared to the firmness of latex, a memory foam mattress topper is soft and more comfortable. It can help reduce the motion of your mattress when your partner moves at night, plus it can deliver additional comfort to an old and sagging mattress. Older foam mattress toppers use to retain heat resulting in sleeping hot. Modern memory foam toppers use gel technology within the foam to absorb and dissipate your body heat - keeping you cool throughout the night.

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Other Types of Mattress Toppers

Shopping for a mattress topper is easier said than done because there are many different types for you to consider. Here are some of those options.

Latex

Latex is created from the sap found in a rubber tree, but there are also synthetic latex toppers that you’ll come across. What’s nice about latex toppers is that they are firm but bouncy and provide good support . Plus, they are very durable. The downside to a latex mattress topper is that it tends to trap heat and can be too firm for some. There may be a slight rubber odor at the start when you sleep on it, but that will fade eventually.

Polyester blends

Another type of mattress topper that you’ll find in stores are ones made from polyester blends. This can be a good substitute for those who want to lie on feather toppers but are allergic to feathers. Compared to the first two, polyester blends are cheaper and don’t come with any odor. It does have some softness. The problem with this type of mattress topper is that it can be too hot when you sleep on it, and it doesn’t have much support or cushioning effect to offer. It can also become lumpy from time to time which may affect the quality of your sleep.

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Tips on How to Find the Best Mattress Topper for Your Needs

As was mentioned before, there are plenty of foam mattress toppers sold today. This can be a bit confusing when you have to find one for yourself. That being said, here are some factors to take into account when you are off hunting for one.

Pressure point relief

If you are looking for a mattress topper because you need additional support to your back and your limbs, you can choose between latex and memory foam since they both offer support and cushioning effect. They are good at keeping your body’s shape as you sleep at night.

Thickness and density

A topper’s thickness range between two to eight inches thick. Toppers can be placed on top of an old mattress to help provide more support and comfort. Don’t forget to consider the density of the topper too, because this will tell you how much firmness you are going to get from it when you lie down at night.

Body heat

Latex and memory foam mattress toppers often absorb body heat which means that the thicker and denser the topper you’re going to get, the hotter it may feel on your skin. Even when you choose a gel memory foam mattress, a bit of heat retention is still possible which is something you should take into consideration if you are planning on buying one. Between the two, memory foam material is hotter than latex.

Ease of cleaning

Another tip you should consider when shopping for a mattress topper is how easy it is to clean it. Is it machine washable? Is it lightweight and easy to manage?

Price

This is probably one of the tips that you should take into account when shopping for a mattress topper because the higher the price doesn’t mean that you will always get quality toppers. Polyester, egg crate, and some types of cotton mattress toppers are among the cheapest, while feather, higher quality cotton, as well as down are in the mid-price range. Wool and memory foam, as well as latex, are in the higher price range.

Softness and comfort

Softness is something that you need to take into account when shopping for a mattress topper. No one mattress topper that will fit everyone since we all have our preferences. You should choose a topper that will provide you with the appropriate softness and comfort. For example, stomach sleepers should look for a foam topper that is a bit more firm to support their back.

Allergies

If you have certain allergies, then you know that some mattress toppers may not be good for you. You can still find a mattress topper that is made from alternative down instead of feather down. These include latex, memory foam, or even polyblends. You’ll find that mattress toppers are also designed to be resistant to mites, bed bugs, mold, as well as mildew.

The Benefits of a Mattress Topper

Why bother getting a mattress topper anyway, when you have to do your research during the buying process? The answer lies in the benefits that you’re that you may get from one. Sleep better. If you want your bed’s comfort to help promote a great night’s sleep, adding a mattress topper to your old mattress may help you get you the sleep you need. Prolong old mattress. Placing a mattress topper on top of an old mattress can be an alternative solution to lumpy mattresses, especially when you don’t have the budget for a new one yet. It can add additional comfort and more support until you are ready to buy a brand new mattress. Supports pressure points. Another benefit that you’ll get from a mattress topper is that it can support your neck and other pressure points thereby preventing pain that your sagging mattress may be causing. This will help you sleep better at night.
Related Articles5 Different Types of Mattress ToppersHow to Store a Mattress Topper: A Stepwise GuideHow To Keep a Mattress Topper From SlidingMattress Pad vs Mattress Topper: What Is the Difference?Mattress Pad vs Topper: What’s the difference?

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