Your bedroom should be your sanctuary, and what you choose to put in it can make it the haven of peace and relaxation that you desire.

Adding a mattress topper goes towards achieving this. It provides your bed with that something extra, making it a more comfortable, cosier place to sleep.

But choosing the right one can be a challenge. Mattress toppers come in a variety of different materials and thicknesses, each providing the user with a unique benefit.

If you’re wondering what a mattress topper does, and if mattress toppers are any good, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve put together this guide so you can understand more about mattress toppers and how they can make your night a more restful one.

Everything you need to know about mattress toppers

If you’re shopping for a mattress topper, it’s worth finding out as much as you can about them before you make your choice.

This is because there are a lot of different types of mattress toppers available. Each will serve a different purpose, so you will need to know what to ask as you shop around.

Consider your lifestyle and how you sleep. They can help with a wide range of issues that might stop you from getting the refreshing relaxation that you deserve. For example, if you suffer from back pain, you can search for a mattress topper that will give your body the support it needs.

Consider the following questions as you start your search for the perfect mattress topper:

• What is a mattress topper used for?
• What materials do mattress toppers come in?
• Should I buy one if my mattress is relatively new?
• Will a mattress topper make an older mattress feel better?
• Can it change the feel of my bed?
• Do I need to consider the thickness and density of my new mattress topper?
• Can I buy one that’s hypoallergenic?
• What about waterproof and washable mattress toppers?
• If I always feel hot at night, can I find a topper that regulates my temperature?
• How can I find the right mattress topper for me if I suffer from allergies?
• Is a mattress topper a good investment?

We’re going to address all these issues in our guide to choosing the right mattress topper for your individual needs. Let’s find out how to find the best mattress topper for your lifestyle and get you one step closer to the perfect night’s sleep!

1. What is a mattress topper?

A mattress topper does exactly what you expect it to: it sits directly on top of your mattress to give you extra support and comfort. It can also make you feel warmer, cosier or cooler, depending on your individual needs. Mattress toppers can be made from a wide variety of materials and come in different densities and thicknesses.

Remember, there’s a difference between a mattress topper and a mattress protector. A mattress protector is like a sheet but slightly thicker, most mattress protectors are filled with a small amount of hollowfibre or natural feather filling to act as layer protection to your mattress against spills, stains and allergens. But if you’re looking for a thicker layer to give you support and comfort, you should shop for a mattress topper.

For more about the differences between a mattress topper and a mattress protector, read our what is a mattress protector guide.

2. What are mattress toppers used for?

Mattress toppers have a variety of uses. They can provide comfort and support, which is especially useful if you suffer from back or other pain. They can also change how your mattress feels without you having to buy a new one. For example, they can make a firm mattress feel softer and vice versa.

Mattress toppers can also regulate the temperature of your bed environment. A cool, breathable fabric can make you feel cooler, or you could get cosy with a warm material like fleecy material. Anti-allergy mattress toppers can offer a layer of protection against common allergens like dust mites.

3. Why buy a mattress topper?

When you’re shopping for your bedding, you may be wondering, do mattress toppers work? The answer is yes, and that they can help people for all sorts of different reasons.

They’re an economical way of upgrading your bed without having to buy a new mattress. Adding a mattress topper can make your bed more comfortable and give you that extra support you need. This is particularly useful if you suffer from back pain or other aches and pains.

They can also change the feel of a mattress, making it feel softer or firmer depending on the material you choose. This is an ideal solution if your mattress no longer feels comfortable to you and you don’t want to go to the trouble or expense of completely changing it.

Mattress toppers can also prolong the life of your mattress by protecting it. If you add a mattress topper to a new mattress, you will be doing your bit to prolong its life and get the best value for money out of it.

4. When should you buy a mattress topper instead of a new mattress?

Mattress toppers are an economical solution if you have a relatively new mattress but want to change how it feels. If you bought your mattress less than seven years ago, it is most likely in good condition and you would understandably be reluctant to buy a brand new one. In this case, a carefully chosen mattress topper can provide a softer or firmer feel than your current mattress without breaking the bank.

However, if your mattress is older than seven years, you should probably buy a new one as it won’t give you the support you need. This also applies if your mattress hasn’t reached the seven-year mark but you wake up feeling stiff or sore a couple of times a week, or if your mattress has indentations in it and it just doesn’t bounce back as it used to.

Choosing the right type of mattress topper filling

Mattress toppers come in a variety of different fillings so there is definitely a mattress topper to suit everyone!

Hollowfibre mattress toppers are a great choice for anyone who appreciates value for money. Filled with a hypoallergenic material that adds comfort and softness to your night’s sleep, they are both effective and affordable. You can keep your hollowfibre mattress topper in great shape by regularly shaking it to fluff up the inner material.

Memory foam mattress toppers are ideal for adding some firmness to your aging mattress. They also mould to your body, relieving pressure on painful joints, and spring back into place easily too.

Natural feather mattress toppers have a soft and airy feel to them. They trap warm air between the feathers, so are ideal for anyone who likes to keep warm as they sleep. They are also very lightweight and can be moved and fluffed up easily.

Choosing the right mattress topper thickness

When you’re buying your mattress topper, you might want to consider what thickness type is best for you.

A thinner mattress topper of around 4cm will provide comfort and a lightweight feel. Don’t be fooled into thinking that the thinner variety won’t support you. A thinner mattress topper made up of two layers, for example, will hug the contours of your body while allowing your skin to breathe.

Go for a thicker mattress topper of 6cm to give you the support you need and keep your spine straight as you sleep. You’ll still stay comfortable as you slumber, giving you a refreshing night’s sleep.

Whichever thickness you choose, rest assured that you will be investing in an extra layer of comfort and support to make bedtime your favourite time of the day!

Mattress toppers for individual requirements

While you’re shopping for your mattress topper, it’s good to know that you can find one to suit your individual needs.

Anti-allergy mattress toppers are perfect for anyone with sensitivities or allergies. Their special material resists dust mites, mould and mildew, which are common triggers for allergies and can make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep.

If you suffer from feeling too hot at night, reach for a climate control mattress topper. These toppers are designed to draw moisture away from the body, keeping you at just the right temperature to enjoy an uninterrupted night’s sleep.

Breathable mattress toppers offer a similar effect. Made out of lightweight material such as hollowfibre, a breathable mattress topper will allow air to circulate between you and your bedding, promoting better sleep.

Anyone who shares the bed with small children will appreciate mattress toppers that are easily washable. This gives peace of mind if you are concerned about any spills or accidents in bed and need to be able to clean, dry and reuse your mattress topper in a hurry. If you need more guidance on washing a topper, read our can you wash a mattress topper guide.

A mattress topper for every sleeping style

Once you start learning about mattress toppers, you’ll soon find that there is one for every need and sleeping style. What they all have in common is comfort and support, essential factors when you want to enjoy a refreshing slumber.

What’s also good to know about mattress toppers is that they are a small investment for a great return. Affordable by themselves, they also offer an economical alternative to buying a completely new mattress.

For more, read our mattress toppers vs mattress protectors guide.

Sleepseeker believes that everyone has the right to a good night’s sleep. That’s why we stock a range of comfortable, practical mattress toppers designed to meet your and your family’s needs. We also have a range of bedding such as pillows, duvets and wellbeing bedding to choose from.

We also pride ourselves on great customer service, so reach out and contact us with any questions about our mattress toppers. We can help with everything from how to choose a duvet to finding the perfect pillows.