The average person spends roughly one-third of their life sleeping. If you’re going to spend that much time in bed, your bed at least ought to be a comfortable one, right?
One way you can ensure comfort when you lie down at night is to invest in a good quality mattress topper.
Many people have questions about whether they actually need a mattress topper for their beds. Questions like, “do mattress toppers work?” and “what’s the point of a mattress topper?”
Have you been wondering about these things yourself? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve compiled all the essential information you need to know about mattress toppers. Read on to start learning more!
What is a Mattress Topper?
For starters, let’s clear up a common point of confusion. A mattress topper is different from a mattress pad. Many people use the terms interchangeably, but they serve different purposes.
A mattress pad is designed to protect your mattress and extend its lifespan. In some cases, they are thicker and can add a bit more comfort, but that’s not their main purpose.
Mattress toppers, on the other hand, are specifically designed to make your bed more comfortable. They are often much thicker, and some are targeted to specific types of people, such as those with back pain or those who sleep in a particular position.
Do Mattress Toppers Work?
For many people, mattress toppers do, in fact, work very well when it comes to enhancing their sleep and helping them wake up feeling more rested. The following are some specific benefits that people experience when they add a mattress topper to their bed:
Cost-Effective Comfort
Let’s say your mattress isn’t as comfortable as you’d like it to be. An obvious solution to this problem might be to go out and buy a new mattress. That’s not feasible for everyone, though.
If you’re in this boat, consider using a mattress topper instead. They work well when it comes to increasing the comfort level of your mattress, but they’re much more affordable than getting a brand new bed altogether.
Keeps You Cool
Many mattress toppers are also designed to help you stay cool while you sleep. Research shows that cool temperatures can result in more restful, higher quality sleep.
You can purchase mattress toppers that help to bring down the temperature of your bed and cool you off without having to blast the air conditioner or a fan all night long.
Reduces Pain
You can also purchase mattress toppers that can help to reduce your pain, too. If you struggle with back or hip pain, for example, adding an extra layer of comfort to your mattress can help to put you at ease and protect you from waking up stiff and achy the next day.
This is especially true if you use a memory foam mattress topper.
Adds Extra Protection
It’s true that a mattress topper’s primary purpose is not to protect your mattress from dirt, bacteria, and dust. However, it still does create an extra layer between your body and your mattress. This, in turn, helps to keep your mattress clean and extends its lifespan.
How to Choose a Mattress Topper
If you want your mattress topper to work for you and provide you with these great benefits, you have to make sure you’re using the right kind. Here are some tips that will help you choose a high-quality, effective mattress topper for your bed:
Consider the Material
There are lots of different materials from which mattress toppers can be made. The following are some of the most popular options:
- Cotton: Breathable, easy-to-clean, and good for those with allergies; can be less durable than other styles
- Wool: Absorbs latent body heat, resists dust mites and mold, and is very durable; can be expensive
- Latex: Very durable and resistant to dust mites and mold; can be on the expensive side
- Memory foam: Adds additional comfort and support to reduce pain; can make the bed warmer depending on the model
Each material has its pros and cons. Consider each of them before you decide what works best for your needs.
Assess Your Needs
Speaking of your needs, spend some time thinking about what those are, too. For example, do you need extra support to minimize pain? Do you want your bed to be cooler at night?
Knowing what you want will make it easier for you to narrow down your choices.
Think About the Price
Of course, the price of your mattress topper matters, too. Many mattress toppers cost under $100, so it’s easy to find one that fits within your budget.
Think about what you’re able to spend before you start shopping, though. That way, you won’t fall in love with an option that’s way out of your price range.
Read Reviews
The experts at BedStory recommend reading reviews for different mattress toppers and mattresses before you make a decision. Seeing what other people have to say about a particular model can help you establish a more informed opinion and see how the mattress topper will hold up over time.
Ask About a Warranty
Don’t forget to ask about a warranty for your mattress topper, too. Find out how long it’s expected to last and whether the manufacturer will replace it if it gets damaged or worn out before the warranty is up.
Remember as well that, in general, if there’s no warranty at all, that’s a red flag.
Get Your Mattress Topper Today
As you can see, there are plenty of benefits that come with having a good mattress topper on your bed.
Now that you have a clear answer to the question “do mattress toppers work?” it’s time to go out and find the perfect one for your bed. Keep the tips outlined above in mind and you’ll have no trouble picking out a great option that’ll help you sleep soundly.
Do you need more advice on improving the atmosphere in your bedroom? If so, check out some of our other interior design-related posts today for additional tips and tricks.
