Memory Foam Mattress Topper | Buying Tips

Before we begin, look at these questions and be honest…

a. Do you hate waking up in the middle of the night because you’re tossing and turning?

b. Are you irritated at little things because you haven’t gotten a good night’s sleep in a while?

c. Are you exhausted during the day because it took hours to finally fall asleep?

If any of the above apply to you, then a bad mattress could be the culprit. Many people sleep on their old mattress for way too long.

If a new mattress is out of your budget for right now, a memory foam mattress topper could be the answer. Don’t make the mistake of saying they’re too expensive. At a price point of $50-$190 almost anyone can afford one. Besides, consider that, on average, we spend 1/3 of our lives sleeping.

Not sleeping well means we won’t be working properly during the day, that we will experience lack of energy and probably feel annoyed, so something that gives us a restful nights sleep is almost priceless. Even if you spend some money, in the long run a memory foam mattress topper will be an investment you won’t regret.

A memory foam mattress topper is a cover that you put on top of your mattress to increase the flexibility and density. It will even out the surface of the mattress.

How does exactly work? Memory foam is made of polyurethane, also known as visco-elastic polyurethane foam. Heat affects the foam dramatically; it is firmest when cool, and softest when warm. That way, our body heat softens the foam within minutes, allowing it to mold to our body shape.

The memory foam mattress topper is made to work in cooler temperatures. Its design helps keep the mattress cool. And of course, cool temperatures provide the best environment for sleeping. According to the manufacturers, about 90% of memory foam customers think the topper makes their bed more comfortable and provides a more restful night’s sleep.

Since heat affects the foam so much, and a high body temperature can cause the foam to be unsupportive, most memory foam mattress toppers have either a corrugated texture (like an egg carton) or channels. This reduces the amount of heat allowing the foam to support the body even under higher than normal temperature. So also in the hot summer nights, you’ll sleep much better with the support of the adequate mattress topper.

The average price of these toppers averages between $50 and $190. Quality and thickness are the main variable in price. The basic rule is: the higher the density, the higher the firmness and price. This way, twin mattress toppers will be the cheapest, and a king size will be prized twice as much. The price also depends on the density, but, as we’ll see further on, you shouldn’t choose the density of your mattress topper based on your budget.

Since the memory foam mattress toppers adapt to each individual’s body, the correct thickness and density vary according to the person’s weight. Mattress toppers come in different thickness. The 2 inches (3 lb density), which is recommended for children or slender people; the 3 inches (5 lb density), the most recommended, the one individuals of average build should use; and the thickest 4 inches (6 lb density), recommended for larger people or those looking for the maximum pressure relief.

Even if you are on a low budget, you should consider that a low density memory foam mattress pads (under 3 lb) will not provide the support that your body needs for a good night sleep. With low density memory foam mattress pads your body will "bottom out", offering no added support. The denser the foam, the firmer, and more supportive the topper will be.

Most toppers are pretty stiff when you take them out of the box but soften up over time when you use them. The lower the density of the foam, the quicker it moulds to the shape of the body. However, you should take into account that a lower density foam will have a shorter life. The higher the density, the better compression it will have, which extends the life of the foam.

The molding to the body helps to relieve pressure points and provides for a more comfortable sleep than a conventional mattress top.

Since the mattress toppers are heat sensitive, they take time to adapt to your temperature. This is why it takes time to figure out which mattress is best for everyone.

1. Lay in different positions on it for at least ten minutes per position so you know which style of topper suits your sleeping style.

2. Don’t think the first mattress is the best one. You should always try different ones to find the one with the right level of comfort for your needs.

3. Make sure the mattress topper is at least 3 inches think with a density of 5-6 pounds since this will ensure it lasts. The amount of foam also affects its capabilities. Anything less than 2 inches thick will not have much of an effect, whereas 6 inches of foam would be too soft and dense to sleep on comfortably.

4. Most toppers carry a warranty. While some manufacturers only offer a 5 year warranty, some others offer a warranty as high as 20 years. Most warranties are between 10 and 20 years. When you do your purchase, make sure it has at least a 20 year warranty.

Once you have your new purchase at home, make sure you use your mattress topper with the appropriate sheets for maximizing its benefits. It is recommended that you use a natural fiber, breathable fitted sheet with a memory foam mattress topper. Using the breathable fitted sheet will maximize the performance of the heat dispersion and makes for a more comfortable rest. On the other hand, using a non-breathable sheet, such as plastic, will allow too much heat to build up in the foam, and it won't provide as much support.

• They make you sleep restfully without tossing and turning since they align your spine in a relaxing position.
• They don’t wear out giving you lots of restful nights into the future.
• Memory foam mattress toppers are designed to mold to your body while you’re sleeping so you don’t wake up with a sore back and neck. This is because the molding to the body helps to relieve pressure points and provides for a more comfortable sleep than a conventional mattress top.
• Unfortunately, the disadvantage of a memory foam topper is that they are addictive and make it difficult to sleep on any other type of mattress.

Overall, a memory foam mattress topper can be one of the best investments you make. With many restful nights of sleep without back and neck pain during the day, buying a memory foam mattress topper is a smart option for budget-minded consumers who can’t afford or don't want to spend on the full mattress.