You cannot put a price on a good night’s sleep, but mattress companies certainly do try. They know that the right surface is essential to getting the best sleep possible, and their prices reflect it. However, if you are disappointed by your current mattress, there is a cheaper option than replacing it that can work just as well – buying a mattress topper instead. These can completely transform your experience, and you can find ones that address specific mattress issues like being too firm, too hot, or not providing enough support. Here are some tips you can use to help find the right one for your needs.
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Identify What You Need
Usually, people buy a mattress topper because they are trying to solve a specific problem that they have. The aspect of your sleep that you want to improve will affect what kind of topper you need to buy, so it is good to be clear upfront about what exactly you are trying to fix.
For example, people who feel like they need more support to keep their spine comfortably aligned as they sleep will benefit from a firm topper. On the other hand, some people do not like sleeping on a firm surface and actually prefer a soft, plush feel. Another common issue is feeling too hot, and there are temperature regulating toppers that can help prevent this.
If something seems off with your sleep but you cannot quite pinpoint what it is, consider the position that you sleep in. Generally, side sleepers prefer soft surfaces so that their shoulders and hips can sink into the bed. But stomach sleepers often need a firm topper so that their spine stays straight while they sleep.
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Choose an Appropriate Material
Again, this choice will be shaped by your specific sleep needs, but there are many options available and most of them solve multiple problems at once. For instance, gel-infused foam has similar properties to memory foam – relieving pressure, naturally conforming to your body shape etc. – but is also able to help cool down hot sleepers.
Memory foam itself remains a popular option, particularly for people with joint pain. Other popular choices include latex, which is also cooling but firmer and more supportive, budget-friendly polyfoam, and, for those who really love a soft, luxurious feel, down.
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Make Sure It’s Thick Enough
Mattress toppers typically range between one and four inches in thickness. Which one you choose depends on whether you want more support or more cushioning, and how different you want your mattress to feel.
A topper that is one or two inches thick will not make a massive difference to how you feel in bed, so this is good for small issues, like if your mattress is just a little bit too firm. Two to three inches are needed if you want to change how your spine is aligned during the night, and four inches are suitable in cases where a severe change is needed, such as suffering from joint pain.
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Consider Your Partner’s Needs
While toppers made of two different materials are rare, something that you can buy is a dual-zone topper, and this can help both you and your partner achieve your desired sleeping temperature, even if they are different.
In fact, even if temperature is not the main issue with your mattress, it can be worth choosing a material that helps regulate temperature. Your body naturally drops its temperature at night, and this is because the temperature acts like a signal to other parts of the body to let them know that it is time to sleep.
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Make Sure You Can Maintain It
Toppers might be cheaper than mattresses, but they can still be quite pricey. To get the best value for your money, you will want one that is durable. Some materials last longer than others, such as latex and memory foam. These can last up to five years, whereas polyfoam only lasts up to three.
To maximise the lifespan of your topper, you will also need to maintain it by keeping it clean. The easiest toppers to maintain are ones that come with detachable, machine-washable covers.
Conclusion
Better temperature regulation, support, and comfort are just some of the benefits a great mattress topper can bring. By carefully considering these five things, you will be able to find one that suits your needs and helps you to achieve the best night’s sleep possible.
