What Comfort Rating Do I Need
Lie on your back and try sliding a hand between the small of your back and the mattress. Your hand should fit between with minimal resistance.
If it’s tricky to slip your hand between, the mattress is too soft and your body is being allowed to ‘sink’ into the surface and your body won’t be supported as it should, with effective spine alignment.
If the gap between your lower back and the mattress is too great, your hand will be able to move about very easily and this usually indicates the support is too firm. Sleeping on a mattress that is too firm means your body will sit on the surface rather than being cradled comfortably, and you won’t benefit from the supportive pressure relief and weight distribution required for refreshing, restful sleep.
Mattress Toppers Vs Mattresses: A Comparison
A 2-inch gel-infused memory foam mattress topper laid over a regular mattress can increase comfort and even out surface roughness. Image source:.
Mattresses and mattress toppers are made by the same industry. In fact, manufacturers, such as Foamite which makes foam products, often produce both when they use the same materials and equipment. They have many similar features, but mattresses differ from toppers in their main purpose, material, thickness, density, and durability.
What Are Mattress Toppers And What Are Their Benefits
A Max Gel Infused Mattress Topper can provide extra levels of comfort to an ordinary mattress. Image source:.
As the name implies, a mattress topper is an extra layer that is laid over your conventional mattress, adding height, firmness, and cushioning. It can be made of a variety of materials, including latex, memory foam, and feathers, in a varied selection of thicknesses and densities. Mattress toppers also differ from mattress protectors. Be sure to check out our article, do you need a mattress protector for more detailed information. Mattresses are quite expensive and they’re difficult to clean, so the mattress topper offers an additional layer of protection for that important investment.
Now, look at the surface of your mattress. Is it distorted and full of peaks and valleys? A mattress topper can help level some of that out. Mattresses themselves are often made of synthetic fabric a rough aggregate that’s a heavy-duty material but it’s coarse and you’re going to feel that. Mattress toppers can make that mattress more comfortable.
- Make sure to take a look at our article on how to fix a mattress topper from sliding off as well.
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You Save Money In The Long
In this situation, the generalization may or may not ring true. It all depends on the quality of the product you intend to use the topper on. For example, if you have an all-latex product that you want to make a little plusher, you could certainly save money by applying a topper for that added comfort. However, if your current mattress has seen better days and youre buying a topper to use as a band-aid, youll likely find you end up having to shop for a new mattress soon anyway. It all depends on your situation.
Which Type Of Mattress Topper Is Best For Back Pain
Any type of mattress topper may have potential pros and cons. Depending on their personal preferences, back pain sufferers may enjoy different toppers.
As memory foam toppers conform closely to the sleepers body, many back pain sufferers find they give a good balance of pressure relief and support. These toppers also usually isolate motion well, so sleepers might not notice when their partner changes position. One potential drawback is that memory foam tends to retain heat, but some models are made with special features for added breathability and cooling. Memory foam is also usually slow to respond to changes in pressure, which can make it harder for sleepers to move around and change position.
Polyfoam toppers conform to the sleepers body without the close hug of memory foam. Additionally, this material tends to be more breathable and regain its shape more quickly than memory foam. Polyfoam toppers are also frequently budget-friendly options. While many sleepers find polyfoam mattress toppers comfortable, theyre often less durable than other types of toppers on the market. This is particularly true of toppers that make use of low-density polyfoam.
Pillow top mattress toppers often use feather and/or fiber fill. These toppers typically provide a plush sleep surface. However, since they do not usually provide much in the way of support or pressure relief, they may not be ideal for back pain sufferers.
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What To Look For In A Mattress Topper
There are many mattress toppers in the market so you should be meticulous in choosing one. Always consider what you want or need and youll never go wrong. Here are some of the points to consider:
Support, firmness, and pain relief
Do you want more support for your back? Latex and memory foam are the best picks. These are excellent in supporting body shape and weight. Still, this depends on what you want to achieve.
Comfort
Is the material hot to sleep on? Does it transmit motion? Why buy a mattress topper? These three questions are just some of the determiners of comfort. Always define your sleep goals to achieve total comfort.
Density and thickness
Usually, toppers would have a thickness of about 2-8 inches. The more your mattress is worn out, the thicker the topper should be. The thickness should be proportionate to your weight as well.
Sleep trial
Should I buy a mattress topper right away? Youll only get a feel of the topper if you sleep on it. Topper manufacturers offer different sleep trial allowances. Most of the time, it would be at least 30 nights.
Price
Of course, you dont want to break the bank just to get a topper. You dont want to spend on cheap bedding either. A high price doesnt guarantee comfort and quality.
Where To Get A Mattress Topper
There are many places you can go to get a new mattress topper, but how do you know which mattress topper is right for you? If you visit any Mattress Warehouse location, one of our sleep experts will listen to your current situation and provide you with options that will help you rest easier at night.
Whether youre buying a new mattress topper or a new mattress, dont put off getting it. Good sleep is tied to good health, and vice versa. Let us help you get the best nights sleep youve ever had.
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Your Body Is Complaining
A good mattress means a happy body.
Ideally, if youre sleeping on the right material and getting the right amount of sleep, you should wake up every morning feeling well-rested and refreshed.
There shouldnt be any aches or pains, and you shouldnt be left tossing and turning every night in order to get to sleep.
If youve got a bad mattress, though, odds are thats just not going to happen.
Bad mattresses dont give us the kind of support we need.
They make our bodies work overtime during the night and as were falling asleep.
We want to get into a comfortable position, but thats not actually possible on a bad mattress.
Often, as the comfort layers of a mattress give out, your midsection will be left sagging.
This puts too much pressure on your neck, shoulders, and back, which can result in pain and soreness.
If youre consistently waking up with a morning neck pain that gets better throughout the day, its time to get a new mattress.
And if your body is making an impression of 1.5 inches or deeper, chances are good that youre either experiencing sleep pain now or youre about to at some point in the near future.
Who Should Buy A Mattress Topper
Really, only people who have a NEW mattress that they are just not comfortable on should purchase and use a mattress topper. Their new mattress will still have adequate support, and that support will still benefit the sleeper even through a topper. If you have a mattress that is less than 5 years old, isnt sagging, and is just too firm, then by all means, purchase a topper. DrSnooze.com does carry toppers, though they are not currently available on the site for nationwide shipping. If you are interested in purchasing one, give us a call at 855-377-6669, and wed be happy to help you. We have memory foam and latex toppers only, of high quality. For more info on buying toppers, skip ahead to the What to look for in a mattress topper section
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A Memory Foam Topper Instantly Softens A Hard Mattress
Whether you’ve inherited a hard mattress , your sleeping habits have changed , you’ve stiffened up with age, or you’ve just bought the wrong mattress first time round , a memory foam mattress topper can be instantly, softeningly transformative.
Already convinced that a memory foam mattress topper is for you? Find the best toppers at the best prices.
Do You Need A Mattress Topper Should Or Shouldnt You Buy One
After a bed is used frequently, the mattress can become flat and lose comfort. A mattress topper, in this case, offers many advantages that can improve the quality of your sleep. Sitting on top of your regular mattress, it can keep the mattress in good condition for much longer. In fact, mattress toppers are made to enhance and adjust the level of comfort and supportiveness of your mattress.
You need a mattress topper if you want to make your mattress either firmer or softer or you need to extend the life of your mattress. You should not buy a mattress topper if your mattress is already so old and worn out because a mattress topper won’t improve it.
Mattress toppers are available in different types, designed for different purposes. Memory foam toppers for instance, will increase the level of firmness to combat soft mattresses, while featherbed toppers will provide a softer sensation. Mattress toppers are affordable and can be used as a short-term fix to cover up the lumps and uneven areas of your old mattress until you are able to invest in a new mattress. On another hand, a mattress topper wont make your old mattress feel like new if the mattress is too old and worn out. Otherwise, you need to be honest with yourself and admit when it is time to invest in a whole new mattress. We’ve discussed this mattress topper hack in more detail in our other article.
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Learn More About Plush Mattresses
What is a plush mattress?
A Plush mattress is a mattress with a soft feel. It’s the type of mattress that you gently sink into, cradling and hugging you as you fall asleep.
Should I use a firm mattress or a plush mattress?
Experts generally recommend that back or stomach sleepers get a Firm Mattress and side sleepers get a Plush mattress. However, the choice is yours. As long as the mattress is supportive and comfortable, you can pick a Plush even if you’re a back or stomach sleeper.
Is a plush mattress good for your back?
You may have been told that a plush mattress simply doesn’t offer enough support to maintain good back health or to relieve pressure points in order to reduce back pain. This is not true because what you need to alleviate back pain is support, not comfort feel. As long as your Plush mattress is made from a high-quality brand and features a support layer, you should enjoy sleeping on it and wake up pain free.
What type of sleeper should use a plush mattress?
Experts generally recommend that side sleepers get a Plush mattress. However, this is just a suggestion. As long as the mattress is supportive and comfortable, you can pick a Plush even if you’re a back or stomach sleeper.
How do I clean and care for a plush mattress?
If you should get a stain on a Plush mattress, gently spot clean with a clean cloth and a few drops of mild detergent in a cup of water. Wipe detergent mixture away with a clean, damp cloth and let the mattress air dry.
Mattress Care Instructions And Guidance
- Before you use your new mattress, remove all packaging and place your mattress flat on the bed base without mattress protectors or bedding. This allows the mattress to air out and any scents from the fillings or packaging to disperse. If your mattress contains memory foam or latex it may need a couple of days.
- Daily airing is also recommended to allow moisture to evaporate. To do this, pull back the top sheets and duvet for 20 minutes.
- Your bed base can affect how the mattress feels. If you’re using a slatted base we recommend no more than 6.5cm between each slat to ensure proper support.
- No-Turn mattresses should be positioned with the label facing up.
- Use a mattress protector to prolong the life of your mattress and provide an extra barrier from liquids and dust.
- If moving your mattress, we recommend you keep it flat.
- Each mattress feels different, so you’ll need to give yourself time to adjust to the new sensation, support and comfort.
- All mattresses show some body shaping as the fillings settle with use. Pillow top mattresses might show this more obviously, but this is normal and doesnââ¬â¢t affect the mattress performance.
- Rotate your mattress once a month to limit the effect of filling settling from body pressure.
- Liquids can cause damage and discolouration, so try to keep them away from your mattress.
- Turn dual-sided mattresses once a month.
- Vacuum the surface every 2 months to keep your mattress dust-free.
- Do not stand or jump on your mattress.
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Can A Mattress Topper Help Fix A Bad Mattress
A mattress topper cannot help fix a bad mattress because it will lose its cushioning support when laid on top of a mattress with lumps and indentations.
If your mattress is lumpy or saggy, the topper wont have a positive impact on your sleep quality as it will follow the curve of the mattress. Only mattresses in fairly good condition can be restored with a topper.
Mattress Toppers Like Putting Lipstick On A Pig
Buying a mattress topper to extend the life of your mattress is a common solution for many people who are uncomfortable on their bed. In some cases, it can be a lifesaver. In others, it is like gluing your shoe back together it makes it usable for a while, but things quickly go back to the way that they were before.
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Should I Buy A Mattress Topper
So here we go on the question that possibly gave some a few sleepless nights. Funny as it sounds, but the answer to this question will lead us to another query: what do you want to achieve? Like what I said earlier, this is a matter of personal preference. If you think youll get more comfortable with it, give it a try. Some topper manufacturers are thoughtful enough to provide sleep trials.
A lot of us dont notice that our mattresses are slowly withering away to wear and tear. It becomes less firm and comfortable one tiny bit each night. If you have the moment, assess your bedding. Are there compacted spots? Is the side where you sleep already sagging? Does it produce annoying sounds? If your answers to these are mostly yes but you dont have the money to buy a new bed, its probably time to invest in a topper instead.
Why buy a mattress topper? Personally, I invested in a topper for one unexpected reason. The mattress I purchased turned out to be firmer than whats advertised. For some reasons, I wanted to keep it so I just put a topper on it and everything went perfectly.
Another great reason for buying a topper is if you and your partner have different preferences on mattress firmness. If you prefer the current softness of your bed but your partner doesnt, you can put a topper on his side to settle the issue.
Should I Buy A Mattress Topper Advice Please
Theres one question we often get: why buy a mattress topper? This extra layer of foam seems to be unnecessary which is actually true in some cases but it has its own purpose. Its an added cushion if ever your choice of mattress can no longer suit your sleeping needs. Also, its commonly confused to another bedding called mattress pads. These two are different items which we will discuss later on.
For starters, one thing is for sure: mattress toppers arent just additional inches on your bed. Of course, it can work as an added elevation, but you can maximize its function with a few tips.
Buying a topper is another expense for sleepers. So to help you decide whether you need this piece or not, here are our insights:
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For Mattresses That Are Too Warm At Night
This can be really irritating, because our bodies need to be able to cool just slightly in order to enjoy a fully restorative sleep. If your mattress isnt all that breathable and makes you feel hot, then youll be compromising on a good nights rest. But youll be pleased to hear that you probably dont need to fork out for a new mattress . You can simply make improvements to your current one with a highly breathable mattress topper theyre designed to increase cooling capabilities and they have great benefits for those who feel the heat in bed.
