Feather Vs Down Alternative Mattress Toppers The Difference
A feather mattress topper is an extra layer of bedding added on a mattress to make it more soft and comfortable. They are made of duck and goose feathers and down are usually encased in a 100% breathable cotton cover.
Down mattress toppers are generally made of synthetic and natural materials such as rayon, polyester, or cotton, to name a few. Its designed to mimic the texture of down, so rest assured it is soft and fluffy. This is a great option for those who may be allergic to feathers or down or for anyone on a strict budget. While they can be 100% hypoallergenic like most featherbed toppers, they are easier to clean as they are machine-washable.
The Best Mattress Toppers : Supreme Sleep Comfort Is Here
ByJo Plumridgelast updated 13 December 21
Our guide to the best mattress toppers, including latex, cooling and memory foam
The best mattresses toppers can be almost as transformational to your sleep as buying one of the best mattresses. That sounds like a bold claim, but a good bed topper can instantly boost the comfort of your existing mattress and make it firmer or softer as needed, depending on the type of topper you buy and how thick it is. Mattress toppers are also considerably cheaper than buying a new mattress, and while they dont last anywhere near as long, they can extend the life of your current mattress for a couple more years at least.
Our expert guide will help you choose the very best mattress topper for your sleep needs and budget. A mattress topper is almost like a mini mattress its a thick layer made from a variety of fillings thats placed directly on top of your mattress, beneath the sheets, to add further cushioning. Mattress toppers are much thicker than a mattress protector and a mattress pad .
Whether youre looking for pressure relief, added comfort or back support, our expert guide features the best mattress toppers for all budgets, and with prices from just $39.99. These comfy bed toppers are made by sleep specialists such as Tempur-Pedic, Saatva, and Tuft & Needle, so you’re in good hands here. Lets take a look at our top recommendations now.
How To Choose The Best Mattress Topper For You
Choosing the best mattress topper for you is easier when you know what qualities you would like it to have. For example, if your existing mattress is the wrong firmness, look for a bed topper such as the Turmerry Organic Latex Mattress Topper that offers a choice of firmnesses so you can find one thats more suitable. You might want a firmer topper that supports you if you sleep on your back or front, or you might prefer a softer memory foam or plush-top option to cushion joints.
If you need something vegan or hypoallergenic, then the best mattress topper for you is The Company Store Legends Hotel Down Alternative Baffled Featherbed. This one offers luxurious levels of comfort, while also taking the strain off your hips, shoulders and knees.
Theres plenty of choice if you need a mattress topper with cooling properties. Its best to find one with a removable cover, as well as antimicrobial properties to keep the topper hygienic. Saatva and Eight Sleep go the extra mile when it comes to keeping things cool at night, with innovative materials or tech that help keep the body at a comfortable temperature for sleeping.
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Best For Sciatica: Plushbeds Natural Latex Topper
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Hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant
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Anti-microbial
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King and California king have a seam down the middle
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Can have slight imperfections in appearance since it is natural latex
People living with sciatica need a mattress topper that helps relieve the pain radiating down their spine and into their hips and legs, and this natural latex option from PlushBeds is up to the task. It provides a floating sensation thanks to its ability to cushion your body, but still remain supportive. Meanwhile, the open-cell airflow design allows for better heat distribution.
Material: 100 percent natural latex | Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King | Thickness: 2 or 3 inches | Firmness Level: Soft, Medium, Medium-Firm, or Extra-Firm
Best Mattress Toppers For 2021
If you’re not ready to buy a new mattress, these mattress toppers can make your current bed feel more comfortable for less.
If you want to add an extra comfort layer or thickness to your current mattress setup rather than purchasing a whole new bed, a mattress topper could be the perfect solution. A bed topper is much more affordable than buying a new mattress. And if you’re an in-bed snacker, a topper can keep your bed cleaner by protecting it from stains or spills. Honestly, there are endless reasons for wanting a topper.
Whatever your reason for wanting a new mattress topper, it can be hard to settle on just one since there’s a seemingly endless array of options out there. That’s why I’ve rounded up my top favorites from the dozens of mattress toppers I’ve tested over the years. As a professional sleep-product tester, I’ve essentially seen it all, so I feel pretty confident about my picks for the best mattress topper.
Below, I break down my best mattress topper picks according to type and what I think they’ll help most with. Do you want the best memory foam mattress topper for pressure relief? Are you a strict side sleeper who needs a soft sleeping surface? Maybe you’re on a tight budget and want an affordable topper. This list can help you narrow down your search to help you choose the best mattress topper for you.
Prices shown are for the queen size models. We update this list periodically.
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How We Tested The Toppers
Over the course of two days, members of The Spruces editorial team tested 11 total toppers at The Lab. We evaluated each topper on its ease of set up, comfort, and airflow, rating it on a scale of 1 to 5. Eight of the 11 made it onto our final list.
To test the ease of setup and overall design, we timed how long it took to unbox and arrange each topper and took note of any smells or defects. To assess comfort, team members placed items between the mattress and the topper before having the tester lay in bed, judging how easy it was to feel any of the items through the topper. Our testers also assessed the breathability and heat retention of each topper, using a surface temperature tester to determine the difference between the area where the tester was laying down and the area that did not have a tester on it.
The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
How Can Mattress Toppers Help Alleviate Back Pain
Just like mattresses, mattress toppers come in a variety of materials. Some, like latex and memory foam, are notable for their ability to alleviate pressure and offer superior support without sacrificing comfort. These materials also help maintain proper spinal alignment, which means fewer aches and pains when you wake up.
A 2021 review suggests that medium-firm mattresses can help reduce lower back pain, so thats a firmness level worth considering.
If you have an older or unsupportive mattress, a good mattress topper can add a key layer of support and comfort that reduces the level of strain you notice in the lumbar region. Improving your level of comfort can also improve the quality of your sleep.
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Which Mattress Topper Fillings Are Anti
Allergies can make life miserable, so make sure your topper doesn’t aggravate your symptoms. Choose toppers with washable synthetic fills or naturally hypoallergenic fills. Memory foam and synthetic toppers are easy to keep clean, helping keep allergy-causing nasties at bay. Wool is also a great choice as it’s naturally hypoallergenic and washable.
Millsave Goose Down Topper
The Millsave Goose Down Topper consists of a 300 thread outer cover filled with 95% goose feathers and 5% goose down. It has a 5-inch side gusset with a genuine baffled construction. It contains 21.6 pounds of filling for maximum support and comfort.
The title description given to this feather mattress topper is slightly misleading. It is only 5% goose down, the other 95% being goose feathers.
- The 300 thread count of the topper helps to keep the feathers inside rather than the quills causing you discomfort.
- The baffled design helps keep the filling where it should be. The movement could lead to lumps and pockets where there is no filling at all. This construction helps to avoid this.
- Helps to reduce hip and back pain, particularly when used over a hard mattress.
- As with the above, there are some complaints regarding quills sticking through the cover. The thread count of 300 should allow less of this than a lower count.
- Lack of support appears to be another issue with a few buyers but would you expect support from a feather mattress topper? It is generally intended as a comfort layer.
- Returns can be expensive, and include a restocking cost.
Editors Note: This is a thicker version of this type of feather mattress topper, made to the suppliers specifications. Its description is either intentionally or unintentionally misleading, since this 5-inch Queen Goose Down Mattress Topper Featherbed Is only 5% goose down.
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Pros And Cons Of Different Types Of Mattress Toppers
Your mattress gives you support and comfort while you sleep, and your bedding is the star of the bedroom. Theres another important component to the well-made bed, however, one that generally receives little attention and goes unseen most of the time. That extra component is a mattress topper. Though not absolutely necessary, a mattress topper can help keep you cozy, regulate your body temperature, and offer extra support through the night. A well-chosen mattress topper can even give you an extra year or two before you need to replace a mattress that’s past its prime. Here are a few things to consider when shopping for a mattress topper.
How Thick Should My Mattress Topper Be
Mattress toppers can range in thickness greatly, from just an inch or two to eight inches or more. However, a happy medium for most is around four inches, and those under two inches should probably be avoided.
A thin topper is unlikely to actually provide much extra support or cushioning, and in use you’re likely to ‘bottom out’, meaning your pressure points won’t really be feeling any difference compared to your mattress alone.
Those that are too thick, however , will have you sinking deeply into the topper. While some might enjoy this, it can prove problematic when it comes to moving around in bed. You might find yourself feeling a little trapped, and if it doesn’t spring back into shape immediately you could also struggle to get comfy when you change position.
While it all depends on your preference and what material you’ve chosen, we think between two to four inches is the best for a mattress topper.
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How Should I Clean My Mattress Topper
First and foremost, please read the washing instructions on the tag. Down toppers are prone to shrinking, and cleaning too often can cause the filling to break down over time.
If the topper is labeled dry clean only, youll get the best results by taking it to a dry cleaner.
But if thats not in the cards or the instructions say you can machine-wash it, wash the topper in warm water on the delicate cycle with a very mild detergent. Run two rinse cycles to make sure all the detergent is totally gone, and then dry it on the lowest setting.
FYI: Even after the dryer, you might have to hang it up to dry for another day to make sure all the moisture is really out.
When To Get A Mattress Topper
If youre uncomfortable in bed because your mattress is too firm, theres a good chance a mattress topper will help. Adding some padding will keep your shoulders, hips, knees, and other pressure points from digging into the mattress.
What even the best mattress topper wont do is fix a sagging or lumpy mattress. At best, it will add just enough cushioning so that your pressure points feel cradled. If youre sleeping on a mattress thats shot and unsupportive, mattress expert Terri Long told us, putting a topper on it isnt going to make it any more supportive. If youre in a hammock, youre gonna be in a slightly more cushion-y hammock. Similarly, if your mattress is too soft, our experts agreed that, in most cases, a topper cant make it firmer. In both cases, youre better off just getting a new mattress.
Lastly, if you have a hard time falling asleep or you wake with a crick in your neck, you may actually need a new pillow. This can be a much less expensive fix than buying a new mattress topper or mattress so start there.
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Do Feather Mattress Toppers Need A Cover
Many feather mattress toppers can seriously benefit from an additional cover due to the pointy quills found in feathers and down. Of course, simply putting a fitted sheet over the top will help some, especially if the mattress topper has down as the top layer which has smaller and fewer sharp quills. However, something thicker like a thin wool blanket will add a layer of protection from any quills that may leak and poke through.
Down Filled Mattress Topper Vs Feather Filled Mattress Toppers
Whats the difference between down and feather topper? Is there a huge difference between feather-filled or down-filled toppers? And what makes the best mattress topper?
While feather filling is by no means hard or firm, it is more structural and supportive than down filling. This is why most people prefer having a good amount of feathers in their mattress toppers. Without them, down would simply compress and lose nearly all of its loft when you lie down. As we briefly mentioned above, feathers also have larger and more quills than down so the quills could poke through the fabric. Still, do take note that feathers in the filling keep the mattress topper level, proving support and pressure point relief.
Down filling in a mattress topper helps diminish some of the poking caused by the feathers while also providing a soft, cloud-like feel for better sleep and rest. This is why most people prefer feather toppers that also include down.
So do you prefer added support, better spinal alignment, or a fluffy feel? Choose more feathers if you like additional support and more down if you like additional fluffiness.
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What Are The Benefits Of A Mattress Topper
Advantages of using a mattress topper include the following:
Firmness AdjustmentA topper can significantly change the surface feel of your mattress. Most toppers offer a softer feel and are designed to be used with a firm mattress, but some models are intended to make a soft mattress feel firmer. If youre dissatisfied with how soft or firm your mattress feels but dont want to pay for a new bed, a topper can be a cost-effective solution.
Mattress ProtectionToppers are different from mattress protectors, which are very thin and solely designed to safeguard your mattress against spills, stains, dust, and other contaminants. However, toppers can help preserve your beds surface and prevent the comfort layer material from wearing out. This can extend the overall lifespan of your mattress.
Stronger SupportOver time, the comfort layer of your mattress will deteriorate. This can cause a loss of support that makes the surface feel uneven, and added aches and pains often follow. A sturdy topper adds an extra layer to keep your body on an even plane and prevent it from sagging in areas where you carry a lot of weight.
Better CoolingIf the surface of your mattress tends to trap heat and sleep warm, then a breathable topper can provide better temperature regulation to help you sleep more comfortably. The best cooling mattress topper materials include ventilated latex, natural wool, and open-cell foam.
What To Consider When Purchasing A Soft Mattress Topper
If youre not sure what to look for, searching for a new mattress topper can be overwhelming. It doesnt help that bedding companies often use misleading marketing jargon when describing their products. This can add to the confusion and distract shoppers from the factors that are most important.
Since each sleeper will have different needs and preferences, there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to selecting a mattress topper. That said, most shoppers will want to consider several factors prior to making a purchase. Well break down price, firmness, quality of materials, and other considerations to help you find the right fit.
PricePurchasing a mattress topper is often more affordable than buying a new mattress altogether. Setting your budget will help you narrow down the list of possible brands and models to consider. Mattress topper prices will vary based on the toppers materials and construction, but soft toppers can be found at a wide range of price-points.
Sleeping PositionAlthough often overlooked, your sleeping position is one of the most important factors to take into consideration when shopping for a mattress topper. Even if youre certain that you need a soft topper, your sleep style will still dictate just how soft your sleep surface should be. Youll also need to keep in mind the firmness of your current mattress.
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