What To Consider When Purchasing A Twin Xl Mattress Topper
Shopping for new bedding isnt always straightforward. Mattress companies often market their products to appeal to as many shoppers as possible, but each person has unique needs and preferences. Focusing on your distinct priorities, in addition to performance factors, will help you find a twin XL mattress topper that best suits your needs.
PriceThe average twin XL topper costs between $75 and $250. A higher price often means better materials, but the topper with the highest price-point isnt always the best choice. Many high-quality, comfortable mattress toppers can be found in the middle and lower end of the average price range. Customer reviews can be a useful resource for deciding whether a certain topper represents a good value for the price, though shoppers should keep in mind that these reviews are subjective.
Sleeping PositionYour preferred sleep position will impact the level of firmness you need from your mattress topper. Side sleeping often causes pressure points to develop, but a softer topper may help cushion the hips and shoulders while supporting proper spinal alignment. Back and stomach sleepers usually need a firmer topper to prevent the midsection from sinking in too deeply. Most mattress toppers are designed to create a softer sleep surface, but this will depend on the firmness of the topper and your existing mattress.
Foam To Feathers: Topper Materials
The feel of a topper depends on its composition. Here is a rundown of the various materials used, well-rated brands, and prices.
Memory foamSome of the most popular toppers are made of memory foam. It gives you something to sink into, really nice cushioning, says Ettinger.
Many manufacturers have added graphite, gel, or copper to memory foam to try and address the heat trapping issue, but its unclear whether they work.
I am skeptical that theres enough of those materials inside to make a difference, Delaney says.
If sleeping hot isnt an issue for you, highly rated brands include Tempur-Pedic , ViscoSoft , and Layla . Expect to pay about $200 to $400 for a queen-size topper.
Other types of foamEgg-crate foam, convoluted foam, and polyfoam are less dense and cushy than memory foam, and therefore less supportive. Silver lining: They are also less likely to leave you roasting.
And they are considerably less expensive: under $130possibly even half that. Shop , Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, and other large retailers.
LatexMade from the sap of rubber plants, latex may be the springiest material, thanks to tiny air pockets throughout. Its also naturally cooling.
If you want an organic topper, look for GOLS certification on the packaging. Well-reviewed latex brands include Saatva, Brooklyn Bedding, and Naturepedic . Typically, prices range from $300 to $800 for a queen-size, with 100 percent latex products at the high end.
A Plush Hypoallergenic Mattress Topper From The Cult Favorite Mattress Company Helix Sleep This Mattress Topper Is Made Of Softer Bamboo Blend Fibers And Is Also Designed To Be Allergen
Promising review: “I have serious cervical, thoracic, and lumbar back issues including failed back surgery syndrome. I shopped and researched for a quality mattress topper that was not gonna be like just buying a simple mattress pad with little to no results. So I took the chance by spending more on this Helix and have nothing but good things to say! It made my bed much more comfortable, morning pain is reduced, and is still holding its fit and form three months later with my 63 250lb. self on it. My teenage daughter even hijacks my bed when Im gone. Spend more because it has been worth it.” Brian C.
Get it from Helix Sleep from $110+ .
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Layla Memory Foam Topper
A memory foam mattress topper that cushions the body well
The Layla is my personal favorite of the many memory foam mattress toppers Ive tried. Not only does it look stylish out of the box with the hexagonal patterned cover, but it goes a long way to giving you the fabled sleeping on a cloud feeling.
Its comfy, cozy, more breathable than standard memory foam, and provides superb support for pressure points. As a side sleeper, I found it allowed me to lie comfortably without too much pressure on my hips and shoulders, which is where I usually feel it.
On my back, it cushioned my body nicely and I never woke up with a sore lower back when sleeping on it. When lying on my front, I didnt feel like I was sinking into it too much or creating an arch in my back as it molded nicely to my body rather than creating a dip.
The memory foam contains copper-infused gel, which is intended to make it more breathable. While I couldnt tell you how much of a difference it makes related to the general design and type of foam used, what I can say is that it doesnt overheat as much as basic, dense memory foam does.
Its not as cool as a latex mattress topper, but its breathable enough to notice the difference if youve had memory foam in the past.
Here are the main points to consider:
The main downside is that its probably not the best choice for people who like a firm surface to sleep on. So if thats you, the soft-medium density of the Layla just wont be firm enough.
Added Firmness Or Cushioning
A topper can be a good way to add extra firmness or cushioning to a mattress that feels too hard or too soft.
A mattress that feels too soft may not properly support the spine, causing muscle tension and back pain. On the other hand, a mattress that feels too firm may cause excess pressure on heavier parts of the body, such as the hips.
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What Are The Different Mattress Tensions For A Dual Mattress
Split tensions are available in either:
- Soft & Medium Split
- Medium & Firm Split
For example: if youre an 8 stone sleeper but your partner is 14 stone, you would need a Soft & Medium split. If you went for a retailers one-piece mattress, the 8 stone sleeper would either be on a painfully-firm support unit or the 14 stone sleeper would be totally unsupported. With a split tension, you can both be perfectly supported.
The reason a Soft & Firm split is not possible in a one-piece is that it requires perimeter support to bridge the gap between the two different tensions. However, this is possible with a zip and link mattress.
| Spring Tension | |
|---|---|
| 1.9mm | 20 stone plus |
The other alternative is to opt for a zip and link construction. This can involve having one side with a lower or higher spring count than the other. It can also be constructed with firm plus soft or any other combination of spring tensions.
What Happens If You Put Two Mattresses On Top Of Each Other
If you put two mattresses on top of each other, they will likely end up sliding around and not staying in place very well. Additionally, it will be difficult to get in and out of bed, and you may end up feeling like youre sleeping on a lumpy surface.
It is possible to place two mattresses on top of one another in a variety of ways. One of the reasons for this is that it is more comfortable than sleeping on only one mattress. If your mattress is sinking in the middle, place another one on top. Another scenario is if you have pets who like to sleep in bed with you but are easily startled when you get out of bed. When two mattresses are placed on top of one another, there is a pleasant bounce effect for both children and adults. When a mattress is broken down, another mattress can be used to provide additional support. Due to its ease of use, memory foam mattresses have grown in popularity in recent years as a sleeping solution for a wide range of applications.
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Full Xl Toppers Are For Taller Single Adults
Full XL mattress toppers differ from their smaller counterparts, the full size, by being 5 inches longer, with a slight difference in width. They are ideal for tall sleepers, especially those looking for the largest size in terms of single-person use. Moreover, the price of a Full XL model is about the same as that of the queen size model.
A Memory Foam Topper With A Removable Cover That’s Made From Bamboo Viscose Because The More Layers Between You And The Foam Layer The Cooler You’ll Sleep
Because air has trouble circulating when you lay on the foam, this cover plus the mattress pad you’d put on top of it would both allow even more space for that air to move around. Made of 2-inch gel memory foam and a machine-washable bamboo cover.
Promising review: “I have fibromyalgia, and I can’t have too firm a bed or too cushioned a bed, and this is perfect. It rests on a firmer mattress and provides just enough give to make a huge difference in me not waking up with back pain. I also used to wake up every time I rolled onto my hip, but no more. If you are looking for an extremely cushioned difference for your bed , this might not be the product you want. It’s not thick enough to provide that much of a transformation. As for me, the last thing I wanted was to feel like I was sinking in quicksand every time I moved around in my bed. This is, as Goldilocks would say, ‘Just right.'” Professor
Get it from Amazon for $89.99+ .
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Why Do Mattress Toppers Slide
A stable, supportive base and sufficient friction between the mattress and topper help in keeping the topper in place.
There may be several reasons which cause the topper to slide off a mattress, such as a smooth mattress cover, absence of headboard and footboard, incompatible size, or an unstable base.
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Return Policy And Warranty
Before committing to a potential memory foam mattress topper for your sofa bed mattress, take a look at the return policy and warranty.
Return policies allow you to return the memory foam topper if you dont like it. Most return policies last 30 days, though some can last up to 90 days. Make sure to read the fine print first. Some manufacturers only accept a return from unopened toppers or only provide a partial refund for used toppers.
Warranties cover sagging greater than 1 inch, though this measurement depends on the brand. The mattress company will either repair the topper or send a replacement as long as the memory foam topper is within the warranty period. You may have to pay the shipping and handling fees.
Read Also: Why Are Mattresses Not Flippable
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Exercise During The Day
Exercising during the day can help you sleep better at night.
Physical activity during the day that increases your heart rate can help improve sleep and, according to the Sleep Foundation, can take the place of sleep medications for some. Around 76-83% of volunteers in a 2013 Sleep in America poll who did light to vigorous exercise reported having good sleep.
However, avoid high-intensity workouts too close to bedtime to keep your heart rate from spiking and minimize stimulation.
Can Safety Pins Shred Your Mattress
Using sharp tips with your mattress pad may sound like a dangerous idea, but if you use larger pins the tips shouldnt shred the memory foam or latex, and help your topper stay in place. When youre securing a topper, make sure you use safety pins evenly around the perimeter. Spacing out the safety pins helps to distribute the weight, preventing damage.
Using safety pins should allow the topper to slide nowhere far, securing it firmly. These gadgets should prevent a mattress from sliding or shifting beneath the pad, letting your dream peacefully.
Recommended Reading: How Frequently Should You Replace Your Mattress
Queen Is The Most Economical Size
Queen size mattress toppers feature the most fitting dimensions for most individuals. Therefore, naturally, they are the most popular size. They take less space than the king-sized mattress toppers. The queen size mattress topper is reasonably priced and offers a good value for your money. If these two qualities speak to your needs, then this is the right size for you.
Get A New Mattress To Ease Back Pain
You should replace your mattress if you are experiencing back pain. When you sleep on a mattress that is too soft, you will sink and hurt your back and spine. A mattress that is too soft will aggravate your morning back pain. If youre experiencing back pain during the morning, you should get a new mattress. When you sleep on a mattress that is too soft, it is also likely to cause you pain at night.
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Sleep Number Dualtemp Individual Layer
Sleep Number DualTemp Individual Layer
Sleep Number DualTemp Individual Layer
- Fill materials: Air chambers
- Sizes: Half Queen, Half King, Half California King
This innovative cooling mattress topper is the perfect solution if you’re more concerned with adjusting the temperature of your bed than changing the feel of your mattress. It’s temperature-controlled through a remote so you can choose between various levels of warm and cool. A floor unit sends hot or cool air to the thin mattress topper through a tube, then spreads out through the layer. Even though it requires extra pieces, the tube fits under a fitted sheet and the floor unit can stay hidden under the bed.
Just note, this pad is pricey and fits only half the bed. You’ll need to buy two if both members of a couple want to control their side, meaning it could cost more than a mattress. That being said, it’s unique and our testers including couples with different preferences were able to get a personalized sleep temperature. And unlike other toppers where the cooling technologies are minimal and don’t last all night, this one keeps the cool air flowing continuously.
What Spring Tension Should I Pick For My Mattress
We have discussed how the spring tension alone is not the deciding factor in how soft, medium or firm a mattress will feel. In the majority of instances, the upholstery dictates the comfort feel. However, spring tensions are made with weight tolerances in mind, and there is a helpful table below to get you started on which tension to look at.
| Artisan Spring Tension |
|---|
| Over 16 stone / 101kg |
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How To Use A Mattress Topper
As the name implies, a mattress topper sits right on top of your mattress. Some have straps that you can anchor onto your mattress, whereas others solely lie on top. If you use a mattress pad or protector to keep your mattress safe from spills or wear and tear, you can add them over your mattress topper as well.
Keep in mind, a mattress topper can add several inches to your bed’s height. Make sure to buy sheets that will fit your mattress and its topper, especially if you have a tall mattress to begin with.
Serta You & Me Personalized 3
You want a softer mattress while your partner prefers firm. With the You & Me mattress topper, you can have both! Personalized comfort lets you sleep better together. In blue, white.
FEATURES
- Two types of foam allow you to personalize sleep for you and your partner
- Blue half gives you a softer feel while white half gives a firmer feel
- Reversible so you can choose which half goes where on your bed
- Gel-infused blue foam and open-cell white foam keeps sleeping temperatures comfortable
- Perfect-fit fiberfill cover holds both halves together for a seamless transition from one to the other
- Machine washable cover fits most mattresses up to 17 deep
- Soft half cradles the body while firm half cushions, helping to relieve pressure points
- Protects and extends the life of your mattress
- CertiPUR-US® certified
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Pure Green Latex Mattress Topper
If youd like to try latex and are on a tighter budget
Latex mattress toppers are notoriously pricey and the cost can increase significantly if its thicker, natural latex, and accompanied by a luxury cover. So the main reason Im including the Pure Green is its reasonable price.
The three inch version is cheaper than other latex topper brands Ive looked at recently. And you can choose a one or two inch version instead of the full three, which will bring the cost down even more. The two inch topper, for example, ranges from $155 to $265, depending on the size you need.
So this is an opportunity to try out latex without stretching your finances too far. Its made by a company in Sri Lanka, which perhaps explains the lower price than some American-made toppers.
They have soft, medium, or firm versions, which gives you more choice. Personally, I like the medium version as Im a side sleeper and it provided the right level of comfort for my hips and shoulders when on my side, though the soft would probably have been fine too. If you sleep mostly on your back, you might prefer the firmer style instead.
Here are some of the key details:
If I had to nitpick, one criticism is that it doesnt seem to be manufactured with quite the same precision as the Plush Beds or the Saatva. It looks slightly more basic, but really, once youve got covers on its not such an issue.
