If you have trouble getting a good night's sleep on your mattress, a mattress topper might be the perfect solution. It can boost the comfort level of an old mattress for a fraction of the price of buying a new one. Sometimes called a pillow-top mattress pad, a topper is a cushion you place on top of the mattress to add softness or support. The terms "mattress topper" and "mattress pad" are often used interchangeably, but the latter also refers to a thinner type of cover that's placed over a mattress to protect it from stains. This report focuses mainly on the type of toppers used for added cushioning, but we do recommend waterproof and non-waterproof mattress pads as well. The most common reason people decide to add toppers to their mattresses is to add new life to an older bed. Innerspring mattresses in particular tend to compress over time, losing their ability to shape themselves to a sleeper's body. A mattress topper can add an extra layer of cushioning, relieving pressure points and enhancing sleep quality.
However, mattress toppers can't compensate for major problems such as sagging, sinkholes or springs poking through the mattress cover. If your mattress is that bad, you need a new one. We have recommendations for the most popular types in our separate report on mattresses. Mattress pads aren't just for old mattresses, though. People often add a mattress topper to adjust the firmness level of a newer mattress. If you buy a new mattress and determine after a short time that it's too soft or firm for your taste, adding a topper can make it softer or firmer without the hassle and expense of trading in a nearly new model (returning a new mattress often involves shipping and restocking fees, not to mention the logistics of dealing with returning a large item). Placing a topper on just one side of the bed can also help couples who prefer different levels of mattress firmness. Memory foam is the most popular type of mattress topper, and it tends to be the most effective at improving mattress comfort.
Made from polyurethane, memory foam contains millions of open, spherical cells that respond to pressure and heat. It comes in many thicknesses and densities: In general, a thicker topper will have a softer feel, while a denser foam will provide more support. However, memory foam can trap body heat, and some say that the way it cradles the body can make it difficult to move around on. Many memory foam toppers also give off an unpleasant odor when new, although a good airing usually takes care of that. Latex foam is similar to memory foam, but it's made of either natural or synthetic latex rubber. It comes in many grades of thickness and firmness like memory foam, but generally tends to be a bit firmer. It's also somewhat less likely than memory foam to trap body heat and emit an unpleasant odor, but the "new mattress smell" can still be a problem for some users. Latex excels at providing both softness and support and it's a good choice for allergy sufferers because it's resistant to both mold and dust mites.
However, latex itself can be an allergen for some people and latex toppers are among the most expensive. Featherbeds are basically cushions stuffed with feathers or down. These add softness to a mattress, but not support. While they don't retain body heat as much as foam toppers do, they tend to compress under a user's weight and must be fluffed or shaken regularly to restore their shape. Featherbed mattress toppers are usually less expensive than foam ones. If you're sensitive to feathers, fiberbed and wool mattress toppers are very similar to featherbeds, but are made from hypoallergenic materials. Mattress pads are not mattress toppers, they are just a thin pad, with corners like a fitted sheet that go over your mattress to protect it from moisture and stains. Deep-pocket mattress pads can even fit over both a mattress topper and a mattress. Mattress pads are very affordable and there's little variation in quality. With the high cost of mattresses, we highly recommend that everyone protect their investment from spills, stains and other accidents.
analyze thousands of owner reviews and break down the data to provide specific information about different mattress topper types and brands. Our research turns up three main factors to consider when shopping for a mattress topper. Since a topper's job is to improve the comfort of a mattress, we give particular importance to how well each pad cushions and supports the body, as well as such criteria as whether it retains body heat. A good mattress topper also needs to stay comfortable over time, so we examine how well each model holds up with use and whether it needs special maintenance to keep it in good shape. Based on these factors, we identify the best mattress toppers of each type and list their pros and cons. One is sure to be the perfect choice for your best night's sleep.When we rounded up Affordable Sleeper Chairs & Ottomans as options for hosting overnight guests in small spaces last week, we heard from a lot of commenters that they rely on air mattresses. Indeed, air mattresses have come a long way.
While they were once considered torture, they're now just as (and maybe more) comfortable than a lot of convertible sofas and chairs. Check out our top 5 picks for inflatable mattresses and weigh in with your own opinions in the comments. • EasyRest Inflatable Guest Bed from Frontgate $279.00 Although this bed would require a lot of space, with its built-in headboard it's sure to make your guest feel like they're in an actual bed. • Wenzel Insta-Bed Queen from Amazon $99.99 This bed has gotten great reviews on Amazon and also scored the top slot in Consumer Reports' list of best air mattresses. • Coleman Grand Canyon Raised Quickbed from Cabela's $99.99 Since it's intended for outdoor use, this bed will stand up to the toughest conditions. • Serta Raised Pillow Top Airbed $156.15 With its pillow top, this option from Serta is the closest you're going to get to a real mattress while still having the ease of an inflatable. • Superior Inflatable Bed from Hammacher Schlemmer $159.95