Best Mattress Toppers & Protectors

What is a mattress topper?

A mattress topper is a thinner mattress designed to rest on top of your actual mattress and aid in providing a comfortable night’s sleep. Mattress toppers are usually made of foam, cotton, latex, wool or down feathers and can be attached to the bed via elastic straps or be zipped up.

Mattress toppers are not to be confused with mattress protectors which are a very thin layer of waterproof fabric meant to protect your mattress from water, spills and discolouration. Unlike toppers, mattress protectors don't offer any joint support or extend the life of your mattress. They are good for protecting a new mattress and providing hypoallergenic relief.

Benefits of a mattress topper

Mattress toppers may be a good investment for those who are suffering from allergies, have painful joints or currently have an old, uncomfortable mattress.

A good mattress topper can help support your spine, bones and joints while you sleep and distribute your body weight evenly across the bed. Since we spend a third of our lives sleeping, investing in a comfortable mattress is essential in contributing to a good quality of life.

Mattress toppers can be useful if you want a softer surface to sleep on should your mattress be too firm. A mattress topper can also help reduce noise if you or your partner tends to move around frequently at night to ensure a more seamless sleeping experience.

In addition, if you tend to get quite hot or cold at night, switching to a memory foam mattress topper with air circulation can help regulate your body temperature. When using a topper made from hypoallergenic materials, you can practice a higher level of sleep hygiene, eliminate the risk of pesky bed bugs and protect yourself from allergens.

Limitations of mattress toppers

While a high-end mattress topper can extend the life of your sagging mattress slightly, it’s not to be used as a long term solution.

If your mattress is sagging, consider upgrading to a new mattress entirely, and if your mattress has a dip in the middle, then that means the filing material has completely worn out and is beyond repair.

Usually, mattresses can last anywhere from 7-10 years, and it’s important to replace them accordingly as maintaining healthy sleep hygiene is important to your wellbeing. All sleeping positions benefit from a fresh, well-maintained and moderately firm mattress that supports you at all your pressure points.

Those who do have a new mattress may not find much use in a mattress topper. A good mattress topper can last up to 3 years and cost up to half as much as a new mattress itself so it’s wise to do your research before making such a big investment.

Mattress topper materials

Latex

Latex can come in an artificial form and also a natural form for those who prioritise living green, although this is a more expensive option than the former. The pros to this material are that it offers a lot of support, making it ideal for those with arthritis or painful joints. It is an antimicrobial and non-allergenic choice for allergy-sufferers (as long as you don’t have a latex allergy).

However, natural latex can get hot, have a rubbery smell and feel too firm for some.

Memory foam

Memory foam is a very popular material used in mattress toppers since it provides excellent cushioning and comes in a range of densities. It contours to your body’s curves, which makes it very comfortable to lay on. Its ability to distribute weight evenly and displace pressure points from your body helps relieve body pains and soreness.

On the downside, it can be hot to sleep on, expensive to purchase and you might find it difficult to turn over in bed.

Wool

Wool is praised for its softness and comfort. It keeps you warm, yet it is highly breathable which makes a wool topper a good all-season option. While wool is a natural fibre, it is also an allergen, therefore may not be suitable for those who suffer from allergies.

Feather and down

Mattress toppers made of feathers are similar to classic feather pillows and duvets. They can either contain actual feathers from birds or synthetic ones made in a lab. They tend to be pretty inexpensive and comfortable. They are lightweight and do not retain heat- making them a great choice for warm climates. While offering extra comfort, they offer limited support and aren’t a great option for people looking for that to help with their sleeping posture.

Down refers to natural feathers harvested from the backs or chests of either geese or ducks. They are considered to be extremely soft and comfortable - however, they come with a hefty price tag. Like feather toppers, down does not track motion meaning you or your partner can shuffle as much as you want during the night and the effects will be limited to your side of the bed, only. Unfortunately, because they come from birds, they are not hypoallergenic or vegan-friendly. Feather toppers can also lose their shape over time and require more maintenance or replacement.

Man-made fibre

Mattress toppers can be made from polyester, micro-fibre and other man-made fibres. They are normally waterproof, hypoallergenic, temperature-regulating and easy to clean. On top of this, they are affordable.

A specific type is the "egg crate" foam which gets its name from its shape which mimics an egg crate. It does so to promote breathability and making it easy to move.

However, these types of mattresses offer the least support and are not very durable, as they're susceptible to rips and tears.

Bamboo cotton

Combining the best of bamboo and cotton, this eco-friendly blend is breathable, hypoallergenic, odour resistant and comfortable.

Things to consider when buying a mattress topper

Comfort

Materials such as egg crate foam, polyester and cotton toppers tend to be the cheapest. On the other end of the range, materials such as high-quality cotton, feather and down will be found in the more expensive mattress toppers. The material you choose should depend on how firm you’d like your topper to be and how much you’re willing to spend on achieving a luxurious and soft feel.

Price

The cost of a mattress topper can be up to half of that of an actual mattress therefore it pays to do your research before investing in one. The price you pay for a mattress most likely represents the quality of the materials and how durable it is. Even among toppers made with the same type of material, there can be differences in their quality so keep this in mind. Typically, mattress toppers can range from $100 to $900.

Allergies

Certain materials may be a better choice for those who suffer from allergies. Similarly, a hypoallergenic and microbial mattress topper can prevent the growth of mould, dust mites and spread of bed bugs.

Machine washable

Check that your mattress topper is easy to clean and is machine washable. This will make maintenance that much easier.

Warranty

Because they can be a hefty investment, mattress toppers tend to come with warranties. They can be anywhere between 1 to 5 years. Look out for warranties or any money-back guarantees that come with your product to safeguard your investment in case things go wrong.

Sleeping position

Different sleepers can benefit from different mattress toppers. Whether you sleep on your side, back or stomach will dictate how firm your mattress needs to be.

• Those who sleep on their backs or stomachs may need something firm to support their lower back while still being soft enough to contour the rest of the body.
• Side sleepers may need more cushioning for the shoulders and hips and could find that cool gel memory foam toppers are the way to go.

You can read reviews by scrolling up to help you decide which mattress topper to buy today.