Selecting the best filling for a mattress topper is essential to getting the right one to fit a persons requirement and archive a good night’s sleep on a consistent basis. The material should be supportive, soft and comfortable without feeling too squishy.
Mattress toppers are an excellent way to extend the life of your current mattress. They come in various materials and filling. Each type of filling has its own advantages and disadvantages.
These toppers can range in thickness from one to four inches, adding an extra layer of comfort for you and your bed. Not only that, but they make excellent guests’ beds as well, especially if you have foldout couches or futons available in the guest room.
Memory Foam
Memory foam makes an ideal soft mattress topper, as it responds to body heat and weight to contour closely to your shape. However, memory foam has a tendency to trap heat, so opt for tops with cooling features like gel-infusions or phase change material.
Memory foam mattresses are a popular option for those suffering from back pain, as they reduce pressure points while contouring to your body. Furthermore, memory foam helps reduce motion transfer – an especially important consideration when sharing a bed between partners.
Before purchasing a memory foam mattress topper, there are a few things you should be aware of. First and foremost, ensure the foam has at least 5 pounds per cubic foot density.
Finally, always check the label to make sure that your foam is free from hazardous chemicals. Benzene, for instance, can vaporize into the air and lead to cancer.
Polyester Fiberfill
If you’re in search of extra softness and support in your mattress, polyester fiberfill is an ideal option. Not only that, but it’s hypoallergenic and completely washable too – perfect for people with allergies!
It can also serve as an alternative to down-filled mattress toppers for comfort and insulation. It comes in different deniers to provide varying levels of loft.
When selecting a filling, consider your sleeping preferences and the environment in your home. For instance, if you live in a cold climate, adding feather-filled topper will help keep you warmer at night.
If you’re on a tight budget, try using shredded latex or polyester fiberfill. Both options are breathable and will keep you cool while sleeping.
Down Alternative
Down alternative is a synthetic fill that replicates the loftiness and insulation of down without using animal-sourced materials. This fill is usually hypoallergenic and more cost-effective than down, making it an ideal option for those with allergies or who prefer bedding that isn’t sourced from animals.
Toppers come in a range of materials, such as foam, wool and latex. However, down alternative is often preferred by some due to its soft yet heat-retentive quality. Furthermore, this filling is highly breathable and naturally cools the mattress.
When purchasing a topper, be sure to assess its material grammage and durability. The higher the gram count, the better.
The Parachute Down-Alternative Plush Mattress Topper is one of our top picks, thanks to its lightweight feel and hypoallergenic microfiber fill. Additionally, this topper comes with cotton shells for breathability – great news for those who sweat or get hot at night!
Tuft and Needle
Tuft and Needle offers an all-foam mattress with a soft, bouncy feel that won’t trap body heat. Their T&N Adaptive foam blends polyfoam with memory foam for the ideal balance of support and conformity.
The adaptive foam in the Original and Mint mattresses provides a medium firm sleep feel that’s ideal for back, stomach, and side sleepers. It is infused with cooling graphite and gel to regulate temperature while its breathable base foam prevents sinking or body impressions.
This bed-in-a-box will arrive compressed and shipped directly to your home. To maximize its effectiveness, open it up and let it decompress for at least 24 hours before using it. Furthermore, keep your room ventilated; don’t add sheets until all traces of chemical odor have disappeared.
Wool
Wool toppers are an excellent natural filling that helps regulate bed temperatures and provide comfort. Not only will they wick away excess moisture, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter months, but they are also naturally hypoallergenic and washable.
Mattress toppers are ideal for those suffering from asthma, as the natural filling can help alleviate breathing issues by keeping airways open and free of allergens. Therefore, they make an ideal filling option if you’re struggling to find one which won’t aggravate your allergies.
Latex
Latex toppers provide a soft and responsive feeling, with plenty of pressure relief. They can also add body-molding support to memory foam mattresses without breaking the bank.
The ideal latex topper will help you sleep cooler, thanks to its ability to circulate airflow throughout the night. Talalay latex is more breathable than Dunlop latex, making it a better choice for those who tend to sleep hot during night.
Most toppers come in various firmness levels and thicknesses, giving you the option to find the ideal fit for your preferences. Thinner models may add cushioning while thicker models provide more contouring and pressure relief.
Down
Down, which is derived from bird feathers such as ducks, swans and geese, provides soft and fluffy padding on your mattress to make it feel softer and more breathable. It can also add warmth if you tend to sleep cold at night.
However, down can serve as a breeding ground for dust mites and other allergens that cause bedroom allergies. That’s why we suggest opting for a hypoallergenic option such as down alternative fill.
Down is less susceptible to breaking down in a washing machine, making it more durable over time. This is especially important if you use a washable mattress cover as the outer shell can wear out quickly.
Foam
Toppers are an excellent way to add cushioning and support to your mattress. They come in a range of materials, such as latex, feathers, memory foam, and synthetic fills.
Foam is often chosen for toppers due to its soft feel and ability to reduce pressure points on your body. This makes it ideal for side sleepers or people suffering from pain issues.
Copper or graphite can also be added to the pillow to help regulate body temperature while you sleep, dissipate heat, and promote airflow.
Density-wise, toppers typically range from 1.5lb (thick) to five or more (firm). Higher densities offer better pressure relief and greater durability.
