Are Mattress Toppers Worth The Extra Expense?

Mattress toppers could be a way to stop your mattress from wearing out as quickly, but should you invest in one? We've weighed up all the pros and cons of a typical mattress topper so you can decide whether to take the plunge.

If you're wondering what a mattress topper is, it's an extra layer that goes on top of your mattress but underneath your bed sheets. Some mattress toppers are constructed like a fitted sheet, but most are made as a sheet with elastic straps at the corners to tuck under the mattress for a secure fit. Factors like plushness, thickness, and size all vary depending on the mattress topper you buy, though usually, a range of sizes are available to fit all beds.

The plus points of mattress toppers are that they supposedly make a firm mattress feel less hard and can make a thin mattress feel less thin. Some mattress toppers purport to extend the life of an old mattress, as you're adding another layer between your body and the mattress. They also protect your mattress from any marks or stains because you can just wash the mattress topper instead of the whole mattress, which is much more difficult to clean.

Though it is true that a mattress topper can help stop a mattress from sagging more after you have had it for a few years, there's a time span you need to adhere to. If your mattress is more than seven years old, you're probably past the point of being able to save your sagging, uneven mattress. Because of this, it's best to buy a mattress topper from the start, or when you're less than half a decade into owning your mattress.

Another way amattress topper can come in handy is if you have recently purchased a specialized mattress to help with back pain or another issue. The firm design of a special mattress could feel too harsh if you're used to sleeping on a soft one, but a mattress topper will help to bring some plushness to your mattress without negating what you bought it for. Mattress toppers are also a good option for a sofa bed. Sofa beds, while useful, can be hard as rocks to sleep on, meaning your guest may not get a good night's sleep. A mattress topper will bridge the gap between the sofa mattress and bed sheet for a more comfortable sleeping experience.

However, there are some cons of mattress toppers, too. As mentioned above, a mattress topper won't make a noticeable difference if your mattress is already at the point of needing to be replaced. You may as well save your money if you think you'll need to buy a new mattress soon. Once you do buy your new mattress though, a mattress topper could be good prevention.

Additionally, mattress toppers can be on the pricier side if you're looking for one with extra thickness, particularly if you have a large bed. You probably don't need to purchase a mattress topper for your guest bedrooms, so you can save some money in this regard, but for your actual bed, you may feel the price isn't worth the small difference in comfort.

Overall, a mattress topper is worth the expense if your bed is less than a few years old or you want to make your firm mattress feel more comfortable as you adjust. They are also easier to clean. On the other hand, if the mattress in question is already past needing to be replaced or seldom gets used, put the money for a mattress topper toward buying a new mattress instead.