What Is a Mattress Topper?

Purpose

• Mattress toppers are intended to provide sleepers with a more comfortable sleep experience. Whether your mattress is too hard or not supportive enough, a topper can modify the feel of a mattress immediately after installation. Commonly available in department stores or from online bedding retailers, toppers lay over the top of a mattress and below the sheet and come in a wide array of materials.

Materials

• The materials that mattress toppers are constructed from will affect the overall feel of the mattress once the topper is applied. Memory or latex foam toppers will provide body hugging support that is beneficial for individuals with joint pain or arthritis. Conversely, individuals seeking a softer sleeping surface will benefit from a pillow top mattress topper that is typically filled with feathers or wool.

Installation

• Placing a topper on a mattress is a simple process that can be completed during a routine sheet change. Available in sizes that coincide with standard mattress sizes, such as queen and king, toppers should be bought in the same size as the mattress they will be placed on. To install the topper, lay it over the top of the mattress. Cover the topper and mattress with a fitted bottom sheet, and make the rest of the bed as you normally would.

Considerations

• Although mattress toppers can help make a mattress more comfortable, they are meant to be used on a mattress that is in good condition. A topper placed on a mattress that is in need of replacement will not work properly. Additionally, consumers should be aware that, depending on the material that a topper is constructed of, the topper may retain heat. Thus, sleeping conditions may be warmer than without the topper.