Many people think a mattress topper is a thin piece of foam placed on your bed to make it less firm. Others assume a topper only protects a mattress against dirt, spills & allergens like dust. A mattress topper is placed directly on top of an existing mattress but the primary function of a mattress topper is to immediately revitalize your sleep surface by improving support, reducing pain and creating a cooler, cleaner, more enjoyable sleep environment.

Yes, they are! Mattress pads add a small amount of extra padding and comfort, but not nearly as much as a topper. Much like covers or protectors, mattress pads are often designed to protect against fluids, oils and spills, or help with allergies.

Mattress toppers add a more significant layer of comfort, support or softness for your body.  Most toppers are several inches thick and are commonly made from material such as memory foam, latex foam, or wool.  A topper can also help regulate your body temperature, and a well-chosen mattress topper will extend the life of an aging mattress by several years before you need to finally replace a mattress that's past its prime.

The primary feature of a mattress topper is to deliver increased comfort and support. A mattress topper made from quality foam will provide the pressure relief and balanced support your body needs to get a restful night's sleep. A denser foam will be more supportive than those with lower densities. As a rule of thumb, a density of at least three pounds per cubic foot (lbs/ft3) delivers the support preferred by most side and stomach sleepers. Temperature: Most toppers are made of memory foam. But this material comes in several varieties. You need to know what to look for or you could end up with a product that makes you less comfortable at night. Basic memory foam will warm the bed. If you’re a hot sleeper, look for products made of gel-infused or copper-infused memory foam. These foams are more breathable and will keep your body from overheating easily. In addition to the foam, look for a topper with a cover. A quality cover made from a cooling fabric (such as bamboo or polyethylene) is frequently included on toppers that have the highest review ratings amongst consumers. Covers protect the foam from wear and tear, extending the life of the product. In addition to increased durability, removable covers improve the hygiene of your bed because the cover can be washed and replaced (when necessary).

A quality mattress topper will immediately improve the quality of your sleep and create significant financial value relative to alternative sleep products.  When researching a mattress topper, it’s important to know which features and benefits to focus on. Support, material and temperature and customer experience ae most frequently associated with high performance mattress toppers. As mattresses age they lose the ability to support your body the same way they did when they were new. A mattress topper made from a quality foam will provide the pressure relief and balanced support to align the spine, cradle the body and deliver a restful night sleep once again. 

The best mattress topper brands have spent years perfecting their products, and they stand behind the quality.  Product quality is evidenced in different areas.  Warranties provide consumers with the confidence of spending more money on a topper because it will last 3 – 4 times longer than cheaper alternatives.  Reviews are also important. Reviews for sleep products like pillows and mattress toppers are some of the most well-informed reviews on the internet. Consumer feedback and commentary delivers potential customers first-hand accounts of valuable product benefits as well as recurring defects or quality issues. Mattress topper reviews can be researched on platforms such as Amazon, Google and a variety of comparison sites that specialize in the sleep industry. To avoid making a poor decision or receiving biased information, we recommend evaluating products on more than one platform and carefully evaluating the product features most important to your sleep style.

Yes!  If you plan on replacing your aging mattress in the next 6 to 9 months you can definitely consider a lower cost topper option. There are dozens of basic, entry-level products that should bridge the gap between today and the day your new mattress arrives.

If you’re looking for a topper to deliver support, comfort or pain relief for a longer period of time you’ll want to consider products made from higher-quality materials, include things like washable covers and come with an extended manufacturer warranty.

Most mattress toppers last for at least 3 years.  Toppers with high density foam and protective covers will last longer. Closer to 6 or 7 years.  There are some things you can do to maximize the life of your mattress topper.  First make sure you have the proper support so that your topper doesn’t sag beneath you. Second, consider a mattress protector. Using one will keep your investment as clean as possible and protect it from damage.  Third, properly store the topper when not in use.  Unlike, mattresses, toppers can be re-rolled and stored when not in use.  Secure the topper with a sturdy band and store in a cool, dry place.  Lastly, once every few months air out your topper's foam on a sunny day. Airing out your mattress topper will disburse allergens and evaporate any excess moisture that may be trapped inside.

Though they sound similar, a mattress topper is not the same as a mattress pad. A mattress pad is designed to keep your mattress clean, free of moisture and bacteria, and add a new surface to your mattress. Mattress pads are usually filled with a thin layer of fiber material. A mattress topper is a thicker, removable layer that is also placed on top of your current mattress to provide additional support, comfort, cooling technology and in some cases, pain-relief. It can be used to extend the life of an older mattress or to adapt a still-new mattress to individual comfort needs. Toppers come in a variety of sizes to suit any bed and are as diverse as any mattress in terms of material – including memory foam, gel foam, latex foam, or hybrid mixes.

The right mattress toppers will create a more comfortable sleep environment and reduce the affects of chronic back, shoulder, hip or neck pain on your sleep quality.  A well-constructed topper made with quality foam will help relieve pain from pressure points.  High density foam will assist with keeping your spine in an ergonomic position and ease discomfort. Pain-sufferers should carefully consider the type of sleep surface they prefer and select a topper than can deliver the desired experience.

Yes! While any mattress topper will add comfort to the floor, some are more suited than others.  We’d recommend a mattress topper that is at least 3” thick and made of high density foam.  Because the floor limits your ability to secure the topper we recommend a topper that has a non-slip surface on the bottom.  Lastly, because floors are less clean than mattresses or bed platforms we’d recommend a mattress topper with a removable, washable cover.  Copper foam is an added plus for the infused copper’s anti-microbial properties.

Basic mattress toppers are secured to the mattress with the common fitted sheet, but if the fitted sheet is too big or you are an ‘active’ sleeper the topper will shift on the mattress.  Some toppers include innovations such as adjustable straps and non-slip surfaces to connect the topper to the mattress more securely.  These design enhancements, will minimize shifting and reduce disturbances to your sleep.  We never recommend permanently attaching a topper to the mattress using an adhesive or other bonding agent.

If your college dorm mattress is uncomfortable from years of use, a mattress topper is your best bet.  Toppers provide comfort similar to what students are used to at home, create a clean barrier with the mattress, have covers that can be washed and cost less than a new mattress.  Choosing the right topper for college is very important. Sleep plays a huge role in academic performance and general cognitive function. A mattress that is uncomfortable, unsanitary, or inefficient at temperature regulation – like the mattresses you’ll typically find in a college dorm – can make it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep, and that could potentially have negative effects on academic success.  Consider the following features before deciding on the best mattress topper for your sleep style.  Material: Memory foam is durable and comes in several densities, making it ideal for most college dorm beds.  Latex foam is another option that delivers a bouncier (less cradling) sleep surface.  Size. Most dorm beds are Twin XL. Most mattress topper manufacturers stock the twin XL given it's rise in popularity amongst colleges and universities.  Some colleges are expanding to full size mattresses for students so be sure to check with your institution before move-in day.  Thickness: A thinner topper will allow you to feel the underlying mattress more than a thicker option.  If your current mattress is not at all comfortable a 3" or 4" topper is recommended.