How to Choose the Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Mattress toppers are a fantastic way to enhance the comfort and support of your mattress. Among the various types available, memory foam mattress toppers are highly popular for their ability to contour the body, relieve pressure points, and provide restful sleep – they’re easily accessible and super comfortable. Let’s explore the key factors to consider when choosing the best memory foam mattress topper: the benefits, different types, how thick you want it and much more… That way, you can make an informed decision about what suits you!

Benefits of memory foam toppers

Memory foam mattress toppers offer several benefits, including pressure relief, motion isolation, and customized support. They contour to the body’s shape, alleviating pressure points and promoting proper spinal alignment. Memory foam also reduces motion transfer, making it an excellent choice for couples or individuals who share a bed. You’ll find you sleep better, drifting off in comfort and staying asleep all night – and you’ll wake up with less aches and pains! Toppers also protect your mattress, meaning they last longer and are less likely to end up in landfill. Another benefit of memory foam specifically is that when you’re looking at a memory foam vs latex topper, the former isn’t as heavy so it’s easier to transport should you wish to take it camping, for example, or when moving house.

What are the different types of memory foam toppers?

Memory foam toppers come in various types, including traditional, gel-infused, open-cell and plant-based memory foam. Traditional memory foam provides superior pressure relief and support but can often retain heat, causing sleepers to get too hot at night. Gel-infused memory foam improves on this issue by dissipating the heat and providing a cooling surface for sleepers – open-cell memory is great for this, too, as the open cells allow air to flow through the foam much better. This breathability is a hit when it comes to mattress toppers! Plant-based memory foam is eco-friendly and breathable but ‘more responsive’, meaning you’ll sink much further into this than a typical memory foam mattress topper.

Thickness and density

Thickness and density are crucial factors to consider when choosing a memory foam mattress topper – often, this comes down to personal preference. If you can try a mattress topper before committing (such as through a free trial period), this is definitely worth considering. Thickness typically ranges from 2 to 4 inches, with thicker toppers offering more cushioning. Density, measured in pounds per cubic foot (PCF), determines the level of support and durability. Consider your body weight and how much support you need (especially if you have any injuries or physical illnesses) when deciding on the ideal memory foam mattress topper thickness and density for you.

Does firmness level matter when it comes to choosing a mattress topper?

Memory foam toppers come in different firmness levels, ranging from soft to firm. The choice of firmness depends on your personal preferences and sleeping position. Side sleepers may prefer a softer mattress topper, as their entire weight is placed on one side of the body. If you sleep on your back, a firmer mattress topper will be fine and more supportive – the firmer the topper, the more likely it is to support and help align your body. You don’t want something *too* firm, although this will differ from person to person!

Cooling features

As mentioned, some memory foam mattress toppers have cooling elements – these tend to be toppers that incorporate gel technology or use open-cell foam. Memory foam itself is known for being quite warm because it retains heat. Being too hot is a common complaint when it comes to not sleeping, so you want to do whatever you can to ensure you’re at the right temperature at bedtime. This is why cooling features are a great thing to look for when choosing the best memory foam topper. Read reviews to see how well they actually work, too… A cooling memory foam topper will really change the way you sleep.

Cover Material

Cover materials are an important point when it comes to your mattress topper buying guide; while you’ll likely have a fitted sheet over your mattress and topper, you’ll still benefit if the cover is super soft. You’ll find that memory foam topper brands offer cotton, bamboo and other materials; bamboo is both hypoallergenic and super breathable and much more eco-friendly than cotton. However, you might find cotton covers are more accessible and easy to get hold of. Consider buying an extra cover, too, if yours is removable – this means you can easily switch between them and keep things extra hygienic.

Mattress toppers: size and fit

When it comes to buying the right size topper, you need to ensure that you pick the same size as your mattress – if you can’t remember what size mattress you have, be sure to measure it and check which size (double, king, super king etc.) those measurements correspond to. Look for toppers with adjustable straps so you can be sure to achieve a nice, snug fit. This means the mattress topper isn’t in any danger of sliding around during the night, which can be incredibly annoying!

Budget considerations

When it comes to buying anything, you should consider your budget. Don’t leave yourself short for the sake of a good mattress topper, but be aware that the cheaper options are generally less supportive. They are also poorly made, making them less durable and more likely to end up straight in landfill after just a year or so of use. Look for good quality options, use sale periods, discount codes, and ‘buy now, pay later’ options. Thinner toppers might be best if you’re on a budget, too.

Warranty and return policies of a mattress topper

Warranties and return policies, alongside trial periods, are really important. If a topper has a long warranty, this means it is likely to be much better quality and last you for a long time – so even if it seems more expensive, it might be a more economical option in the long run! A good return policy is also necessary when shopping for toppers; as we’ve mentioned, comfort is often down to personal preference. So, being able to return a mattress topper that doesn’t do it for you is a great way to be confident in shopping with a brand. Look on individual product pages to see how long the warranty is and what the company promises.

Choosing the best memory foam mattress topper

Choosing a memory foam mattress topper doesn’t need to be complicated – think about your preferences and your sleep position, as well as any pain levels or sleep issues you have. Look out for toppers with cooling technology to counteract the natural heat retention of memory foam, and consider your budget as well as the warranty and return policies of the brand you’re buying from. Make an informed decision about your topper, rather than buying on a whim; this means you’re more likely to pick one that suits you and your needs. From the density of memory foam topper choices to the benefits of memory foam toppers, hopefully this handy guide has answered any questions you have!