Mattress toppers can serve a variety of purposes but they can also raise a lot of questions. How are they different from a mattress protector? What are they made from? How thick should they be? And how do you stop them from sliding around?
This guide aims to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about mattress toppers. From understanding how they work to learning how long they last - and even whether they’re suitable for use with electric blankets - you’ll find everything you need to know below.
Mattress toppers work in conjunction with a mattress to provide an extra layer of comfort.
If your mattress feels too firm or you miss that sink-in comfort, a mattress topper can help adjust its firmness.
They can also be used to prolong the life of a mattress by acting as a barrier between you and the mattress. This is similar to a mattress protector, but mattress toppers also help to:
The lifespan of a mattress topper depends on its material, quality, and how often it’s used. If you sleep on your topper every night, it should be replaced every 3 to 5 years.
A mattress topper will go through a lot of wear and tear during this time and can deteriorate in terms of comfort and support.
To keep your sleep surface fresh and clean, it’s a good idea to replace your mattress topper every five years. Our bodies lose about half a pint of fluid and shed skin cells nightly, so cleaning alone isn’t enough to maintain hygiene.
If you don’t sleep on your topper nightly, you may not need to replace it as often.
If you use both a mattress topper and protector, they should go in the following order:
This is because protectors are designed to shield your mattress and any other bedding from accidents and stains. The sheet on top helps to keep everything in place and stop the layers from sliding.
Once a mattress topper has been unpackaged, it should not be re-rolled or re-folded, as this can damage the fillings inside.
Learn how to correctly store a mattress topper in our advice page on mattress and mattress topper storage.
No, a mattress topper cannot be used as a mattress. They are designed to enhance, not replace, mattresses.
Mattress toppers do not provide enough support or comfort on their own because they typically range from 5 to 10cm in thickness. This isn’t deep enough to provide the full support your body needs overnight. Using one alone may leave you uncomfortable and waking up with aches and pains.
There are several things that can be done to stop a mattress topper from slipping in the night:
This varies between different mattress topper manufacturers. Some mattress topper brands stipulate that they can only be used with certain electric blankets or with none at all.
Always consult the care label or the manufacturer’s instructions before using an electric blanket with your mattress topper to ensure safety and avoid damaging the materials.
Now that we’ve answered the most asked mattress topper questions, you might like to explore our range of mattress toppers.
Or, if you’d like to learn more, check out the following pages:
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