Choosing the Perfect Mattress Topper

By On February 9, 2012 · 1 Comment · In Geek Out
Although picking out bed sheets is a fun part of the bedroom design process, it’s crucial not to neglect one of the more practical parts – choosing the perfect mattress. But let’s face it: Mattresses can be expensive. And while there may be nothing wrong with yours specifically, perhaps it just doesn’t offer the right amount of comfort that it once did. I finally came to my senses about a year ago and realized that a good night’s sleep without waking up to an aching back the next day is more important than sheets with an excessive thread count amount. One way to easily solve the problem of a less-than-comfortable mattress is by purchasing a mattress topper.
Memory foam mattresses are a popular choice. You’ve probably seen the commercial on television before: One person is laying in bed relaxing, while the other puts a glass of wine at the foot of the bed and decides to start jumping on the bed. Not only is the person relaxing undisturbed, but so is the glass of wine. (Who would actually need to do this, though?)Although generally firm in cooler climates and soft in warmer climates (the memory foam responds to temperatures) these mattresses conform to your unique body shape, which is also an ideal choice for couples. Tempur-Pedic comes to mind as a well-known memory foam mattress brand, but this is a costly option. However, you can easily enhance the comfort of your current mattress and experience the many benefits of a memory foam mattress with a memory foam topper. Memory foam toppers are available for twin, queen, and king-sized beds. Depending on how thick you want your topper, there is also a variety of options available.

Note: If you purchase a memory foam topper, it is important to realize that it takes approximately fifteen minutes or so for the foam to completely conform to your body’s shape.

Organic wool and organic cotton mattress toppers are a great option for those who do want that extra boost of comfort, but personally do not prefer memory foam. These types of toppers are also great for allergy suffers and help to relieve painful pressure points.

Before you purchase a mattress topper, it is helpful to know a little bit more about mattresses. This can help in determining what type of mattress topper would suit you best, and what level of cushion you might want to add to your bed. Mattress toppers can go as high as four inches, but depending on your current mattress, you may  want something much thinner.

When you originally purchased your mattress, you may have noticed a number associated with it. Many mattresses are rated on a 1-10 scale, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the hardest.

Firm mattresses that are rated 2.5 and lower are generally ideal for those with lower back pain.

Cushion firm mattresses are slightly less stiff than firm mattresses, and often don’t need as much additional padding.

Pillow top mattresses have an additional layer of padding attached to the top of the mattress to offer extra comfort. These mattresses are also a little more on the plush side, with the average pillow top mattress coming in at a 6 on the 1-10 scale. Since these types of mattresses already have a layer of cushion on top, keep this in mind if you have a pillow top mattress and are considering a mattress topper.

A plush mattress is the softest type of mattress available without it being a pillow top mattress.

An ultra plush mattress will often go best with a thin memory foam topper.

Follow these tips!

  • Don’t forget to rotate or flip your mattress every six months. Some mattresses need to be flipped, while others instead are simply rotated – the specific mattress you purchase will dictate which one you will need to do. Make remembering to flip easier by writing the next month that it needs to be flipped on a sticky note and then safety pin it to the end of the bed!
  • It’s important to purchase a mattress cover, especially if you have pets, children, or if you eat and/or drink in bed. It is completely unnoticeable and will save your mattress from almost any type of stain. Mattress covers are machine washable.
  • Keep in mind that the typical lifespan of a mattress is ten years, so at that point, be sure to toss it and replace it with a new one.
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Amber Butch

Amber Butch is currently pursuing a double major at Florida Atlantic University in English and Multimedia Journalism. She also writes a frugal living column and a travel column for Examiner.com. Aside from writing, her passions include traveling, art, design, drawing, couponing, and home decorating. She loves watching HGTV and simply browsing through stores such as Crate & Barrel and IKEA. Amber is open-minded to new design ideas and is always looking for a great bargain, so be sure to check out her posts for design tips, fun facts, or terrific deals.

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  • Amber Butch

    Just wanted to add that the number scale (1-10) can be conflicting depending on which brand of mattress you purchase, so I realize that part of the article can be a little confusing. Sometimes a 10 is the plushiest type, but sometimes 10 is the hardest as well.