Memory Foam Mattress Toppers: Are they worth it?

Sometimes we may think getting a mattress is enough for a good night's sleep. But, in reality, if you're looking for the best night's sleep, consider adding a mattress topper or a mattress pad. Before you make a decision, make sure you know what's the difference between a mattress topper and a mattress pad. That being said, A mattress topper tends to be a great item to get the right comfort level on your bed. But, at the same time, it can work wonders on older mattresses and help quickly bring life back to them.

Yet the big question comes as to what type of mattress topper you want, as you've already invested in your regular mattress and bed frame. A great option is a memory foam mattress topper, which provides many benefits that help you get quite a comfortable sleep.

A memory foam mattress topper works to conform to your body shape, which helps provide support in the right areas, which, in turn, can help alleviate pressure points on some parts of the body. Let's take a closer review of some of the core benefits below.

The Benefits of Using a Memory Foam Mattress Topper

1. Enhanced Comfort and Support

This is what memory foam is known for. It has a way of being as supportive as any material, and when not in use, it will actually return to its original shape. Memory foam toppers also tend to work like memory foam mattresses, meaning if you share your bed with a partner, they won't feel your movements and vice versa, helping to eliminate those unwanted wake-up calls.

2. Pressure Relief

Pressure relief is a key support factor with memory foam. It will engulf the body and thus not have your body sleeping on top of itself at times or pushing down too hard into the mattress. That type of support helps you not have pressure points and will also help prevent pain and discomfort. That means no more waking up in the morning, possibly feeling fresh but also in pain because you “slept on something” .

3. Improved Spinal Alignment

Good posture is critical to maintaining a healthy body. Reducing future pain throughout your upper and lower back is also important. Having better spinal alignment due to sleeping on a firm mattress topper helps. In fact, the best mattress topper for back pain tends to be a foam mattress option. This happens the same way these memory foam toppers help to alleviate pressure points.

4. Durability

With the right type of care and maintenance, especially when it comes to cleaning it properly, the best foam mattress topper options can last several years in many cases. Of course, it's always important to confirm exactly how to clean any firm mattress topper because using the wrong cleaning products or cleaning methods can actually permanently damage foam mattress toppers.

5. Temperature Regulation

This is also considered a drawback, depending on the type of memory foam topper you purchased. There are newer versions out there that actually come with better temperature regulations that will ensure you keep to a comfortable and cool temperature throughout the night, so you don't end up being woken up in the small hours of the night in a heavy sweat. Keep in mind to look for foam mattress toppers that specify this.

The Potential Drawbacks of Using a Memory Foam Mattress Topper

While you may find yourself with the best foam mattress topper on the market, there are still potential drawbacks to consider. After all, it's a synthetic material in many cases, and there are some core items to consider.

1. Initial Odor and Off-Gassing

This has been a continuous issue regarding foam mattress toppers. They have that day-one strong smell that many initially thought made foam mattress toppers a toxic element. It's all part of the material and will dissipate over time. However, there are also chances with some models that they will continue to release these odors or even chemicals throughout the life and usage of these foam mattresses.

2. Heat Retention

While this is getting better, plenty of foam mattress toppers continue to retain heat in their “memory” and can make them uncomfortably hot. This can sometimes happen with any type of sleeper, depending on whether you get excessively warm when you sleep in general.

3. Weight and Density

Even the best foam mattress topper is going to be quite heavy. It's the nature of the construction and materials that are used. They will be a big load to adjust as well, and it can take two people to properly move them around without exerting themselves too much. In addition, some firm mattress toppers are actually made with such dense foam that they could be initially too solid for sleepers. However, due to the durability of materials, there's a good chance that it will stay that Memory foam mattress toppers can be heavy and difficult to move, and high-density foams may be too firm for some.

How to Choose the Right Memory Foam Mattress Topper?

Taking a good amount of time when selecting the right mattress topper is important. Otherwise, you may end up purchasing something that doesn't fit your needs or, worse, is uncomfortable. Here are some vital areas to consider when it comes to finding the right mattress topper for you:

• The thickness of the mattress topper

3-inch is a good baseline to start with. This is certainly true in regards to trying to rejuvenate older mattresses. Even with new mattresses, it will help provide excellent cushioning. The thickness will also help protect the mattress and improve its longevity.

• How firm the mattress itself is

You may have found yourself with a mattress that is either too soft or, through wear and tear, has started to sag. This leaves you tossing and turning in the night, trying to find the right type of support. A mattress topper can help firm it up. First, however, you want to also be aware of how firm the mattress topper itself is. You want it firm enough to provide the right comfort and support but not end up uncomfortable. Remember that a firm foam mattress topper will retain its shape and won't 'break in' and get softer or less firm.

• What materials does the mattress topper have?

Now we're looking at the key features and materials used. Foam mattress toppers tend to get warm, so you'll want to consider those constructed with gel to help with heat dissipation. In addition, some are made with natural deodorizing materials that can help with being semi-eco-friendly and eliminate that initial odor some options come with.