Most mattresses require replacement every ten years or so. When your old mattress feels more like a sagging sack of potatoes than something designed for sleep, it's time for an upgraded sleeping solution. While both a new mattress or a mattress topper can make sleep time a little more enjoyable, your ultimate choice may depend upon whether a mattress topper makes enough difference in the feel of the mattress, compared to the upfront cost of a completely new mattress. With Topping A quality mattress topper is sometimes all that's needed to transform an uncomfortable mattress into one that offers a good night's sleep. If the mattress itself is still in good shape -- no sags, tears or stray springs to poke your back -- a topper may do the trick. A mattress too firm for your liking is made more comfortable with a soft topper, such as one filled with down. Likewise, a soft mattress offers a more supportive feel when fitted with a natural latex topper. A topper generally costs less than a mattress of similar quality, and is easier to move and manipulate without help.
Without Topping While a mattress topper seems like a good idea for a less-than-comfortable mattress, it's not always the ideal solution. A topper, no matter how well it's made, cannot make up for problems such as a significant sag in the middle of a mattress. A mattress in such bad shape requires replacement; even with a topper, it may still cause backaches or sleeplessness. A topper may make up for minor concerns, such as a mattress slightly too firm or too soft, but without a good mattress beneath, it does not significantly change the overall sleep experience. Test It First A new mattress provides comfortable support when the old one is in such bad shape even a topper does not help. At least with a mattress, lying on it in the store allows you to know ahead of time how it feels. With a mattress topper, there's no way to tell how comfy it is on top of your existing mattress until you bring it home and try it. A quality mattress, especially one that can be flipped for even more wear, typically lasts longer than a topper, which takes the brunt of the abuse from daily use.
New Mattress Woes Cost is a major consideration when purchasing a new mattress. While inexpensive models may be a few hundred dollars, pricier models may be more than ten times that amount. As with any mattress, even a quality one eventually needs replacement -- most mattresses wear out in less than ten years. And many new mattresses contain a lot of chemicals and fire-retardants that can affect people with allergies. Review the chemicals and products that go into a mattress before buying to make your sleep a safe and healthy one. /Getty Images Suggest a CorrectionHere are the most frequent questions I have received on how to buy a memory foam topper. I hope they help you make a good decision. at the bottom of this page, you can ask your own questions. also share your own comments or experiences with memory foam. You can also see the questions other people have asked. All it is is a block of memory foam, anywhere from two to four inches thick, the size of your current mattress.
It sits on top of the mattress you already have. For example, if you have a queen size bed, you need a queen size topper.To determine what thickness you should buy, here are some guidelines: Two questions people frequently ask are: If you have a bad back, you have to be careful when buying a bed topper to make sure it has good support. For support, the term you need to be aware of when shopping is memory foam density. High quality toppers will have a density of four pounds (4lbs) or five pounds (5lbs to 5.34lbs). If you have a bad back, your best bet is to get a bed topper that has a density of at least four. A density of five or more would be even better. As for the second question, is memory foam bad for your back? I wrote a detailed article about this called What is the Best Mattress for Back Pain? You can read my article by clicking the Best Mattress for Back Pain box you see on the right up above. If you have any kind of back, neck, or shoulder pain, you're going to want to read that article.
You may read comments on websites that have memory foam mattress topper reviews about how a topper can turn any mattress into a luxuryThis is simply nonsense. That's like saying you can put a fake fur jacket on a pig and turn it into a purebred dog. See, in order for the topper to work, you have to have a good mattress already that the topper can sit on top of. If your mattress is getting into that seven to ten-year-old range, a topper may not help you get a better night's sleep. You may need to be thinking about replacing the entire mattress. Just take a good honest look at the mattress you have. If it's seven years old and still decent, you might be able to keep that mattress going for a few more years if you put a topper on it. However, if your mattress is already worn out, and sagging in the middle, the foam topper will sag too. It's a waste of money because the topper will conform to the underlying foundation. It's probably safe to say you're looking into a topper because you want memory foam... and you also want to save money.
Perhaps you just can't pony up the substantial money (often up into the thousands) needed to buy a memory foam mattress.Just keep in mind that along with what I said above about back pain, a topper is best for the following: If you buy a cheap memory foam mattress topper, you'll be lucky to get a couple years out of it. Poor quality memory foam will quickly lose its support. In fact, you might find the foam is not expanding and remains indented. On the other hand, top quality mattress toppers may last up to about ten years if you take good care of them, although ten years is a stretch. It all depends on how often the topper is used. If you get five years out of your topper and use it all the time, consider it a good investment. Also keep this in mind: a foam topper with a density of at least four pounds will usually last longer. However, they are slightly more expensive. In my part two article, Where to Buy the Best Memory Foam Topper, we'll look at one very important health question about memory foam—toxic chemicals.
And I'll give you three short memory foam mattress topper reviews. However, if you just want to jump in and go shopping right now for a memory foam topper, see below. Nature’s Sleep sells four different topper thicknesses so you’re sure to find something that suits you. These are all certified pure by CertiPUR-US.Their 3-inch 4lb density topper is especially nice. toppers ship for free. I recommend reading the topper comments from buyers on their website. Click here to check out Nature's Sleep memory foam toppers.The Nature’s Sleep toppers I just told you about are plush, top-of-the-line toppers. They cost a little more too because they are first-rate. example, on the Nature’s Sleep website their best seller is the 3 inch, 4 pound But what if you have a limited budget, yet still want a really good topper and can’t afford their excellent best seller? Well check this out. and type in memory foam topper into the search box, Nature’s Sleep does not come up (at the time of me writing
Not unless you go to the much deeper pages. However, Nature’s Sleep has put two toppers on Amazon that are not listed on the Nature’s Sleep website. These two toppers are typical superb Nature’s Sleep quality, yet priced to sell big time. I’m not sure why Nature’s Sleep is doing this. know if this is a limited promotion to get people over to their website. know however that you can get a great price on these toppers if you grab one of You can get a 2.5 inch topper with a density of 3.5 pounds. Or you can opt for the 2.5 inch memory foam topper with 4.5 pounds of density. Both of these are a fabulous bargain. For those with a smaller budget, finally, a top-notch memory foam topper you can afford. Here are the links to Nature's Sleep at Amazon: 2.5 inch 4.5 pound density 2.5 inch 3.5 pound density A good topper will run you several hundred dollars, depending on whatHowever, for just a little more money, you can get a
complete luxury mattress that has memory foam in it. you can get an ultra deluxe queen, online, for only $899! great company that won an award from the Better Business Bureau forA premium mattress of this quality would cost you at least $2,000 in a mattress store.Before you spring for a topper, do yourself a favor and read my article, Maverick Mattress CEO Answers the Question, What is the Best Mattress for You? You can read this article by clicking on the What is the Best Mattress box you see on the right up above. also learn what mattress stores don't want you to know. And, why a top sleep doctor replaced his $2,800 Tempur-pedic with this luxury discount Ask A Question or Share What You KnowAbout Memory Foam and Toppers Add your questions, comments, or experiences with memory foam or a memory foam topper. Tell the world what you know. Enter Your Title (Example: My Memory Foam Topper Experience) Click here to see the rest of the form and complete your submission.
What Other Visitors Have Said Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page... Latex Mattress Topper for Scoliosis Back Pain I have a son with bad scoliosis. He is living in the dorm at college. I bought him a mattress topper but he says it makes him feel like he is sleeping … Water Proof Mattress Pad on Memory Foam Topper? Do I need a water proof mattress pad on my new quality memory foam topper? I’m just wondering if a mattress pad and foam topper will be okay together or … Putting mattresses with memory foam on a box spring Would it be a good idea to put my memory foam mattress on a box spring? I haven't found an answer for this question anywhere I have looked. Best memory foam mattress for breathing problems? Here's my question: Is memory foam safe if you have emphysema (i.e., breathing in the fumes)? It depends on the quality of the memory foam. Memory foam topper on top of memory foam mattress? Is it comfortable to put a 3 inch memory foam topper on top of a 8 inch memory foam mattress?
There are two reasons … Will a memory foam topper cut down on tossing and turning? I found your site in a Google search on memory foam topper. I'm recently married and my wife has trouble sleeping because I toss and turn. Can a Memory Foam Mattress Topper Freeze? I love my memory foam mattress topper. I also bought one for my camper. The sleep my boyfriend and I get is great. Do have a question. Can the memory … Don't Buy a Memory Foam Mattress? Watch out people if you buy a memory foam mattress. I have two that have sagged either side, leaving a hump in the middle. Our newish bed, super king, … Memory Foam Topper on Top of a Futon We've put a memory foam topper on top of our futon. It's not working out ideally. Is it because we need a better foam topper, or is it because you can't … 7 Memory Foam Topper Tips Question: I am thinking seriously about purchasing a memory foam mattress topper and I don't really know what I'm doing. I am overweight so I need something …