How long does a mattress topper last and why should I use one?

Find out everything you need to know about finding the perfect mattress topper for you, the guidelines we follow to help it last throughout the years and the top reasons why everyone should use one.

When can a sinking feeling leave you contented and relaxed and ready for the best night’s sleep of your life?

When you sink into a heavenly soft mattress topper, that’s when.

Increasingly acknowledged as the key to a restful night, mattress toppers are gaining in popularity as the last word in nocturnal comfort.

Here, we take a closer look at what is fast becoming a must-have bedroom accessory.

 

What is a mattress topper, and why should I use one?

A mattress topper is an item of bedding that is designed to be attached to the top of your mattress to provide extra comfort and support.

Its main purpose is to make your bed blissfully comfortable, although it provides other benefits, such as prolonging the lifetime of your mattress and improving cleanliness.

It can be made from a variety of materials, such as foam, hollowfibre, feathers & down or latex.

The terms mattress topper, pad and protector are often used interchangeably. It is a slight grey area when it comes to toppers and pads, as some claim they do the same job, while others claim they do different ones.

They are both designed to provide extra comfort, so the two terms could be used interchangeably.

However, this is not the case for toppers and protectors, as they serve different purposes. A protector’s sole purpose is to prevent the mattress from getting damaged and guarding against wear and tear. It may provide a small amount of comfort, but this isn’t what it’s designed for.

 

How long does a mattress topper last?

The longevity will depend on factors such as quality, the weight being put on it, frequency of use and how well it’s maintained.

Poor quality products may only last a couple of years, until they stop providing the support needed, even if they are carefully maintained.

A good quality product that is made from durable materials should last anything between 3 to 10 years.

Click here to skip to our washing, replacing and maintaining advice.

 

What does a mattress topper do?

It provides a layer of soft, yielding material that acts like an extra cushion for your entire body, from head to toe, allowing you to sink into it and drift off into a peaceful and restful night’s sleep.

A good quality mattress topper should support your back and complement your sleeping position. There are many different materials, structures and designs that will suit different needs and requirements.

Find the top six benefits of this bedding below…

 

Why use a mattress topper? – six top benefits

1.      Extra comfort

No matter how comfortable your bed is, a topper is an inexpensive way of making your sleeping environment even cosier and more inviting.

2.      Prolong the lifetime of your mattress

Not only will a topper provide comfort, it will also make your mattress last a lot longer. As there is a thick barrier between you and the mattress, it will be better protected from wear and tear.

3.      Give your mattress a new lease of life

If your bed has lost some of its comfort and isn’t what it used to be, a topper will bring it back to life and restore its reputation for being conducive with sleep of the highest order.

4.      Cleaner and healthier

Washing a mattress is incredibly difficult, but it still collects plenty of dead skin, bed bugs and dust mites. We don’t want those when we slide under the duvet, do we, but how do you stop them taking up residence? A topper is the ideal answer, as it is so much easier to clean, meaning your bed can stay healthy and hygienic at all times.

5.      Stay warm and cosy

Toppers can help keep you extra warm during the cold winter months. The material you go for will determine the level of warmth. For example, hollowfibre would be a cosier option than latex.

6.      A cool, ventilated sleeping environment

There are also plenty of options that will keep you nice, dry and cool during in hot weather. Look for temperature control air flow mattress toppers for the best options during Summer.

 

Find the perfect mattress topper for you and your sleeping position…

The best mattress topper for stomach sleepers…

If you sleep on your stomach, you need all the advice you can get when it comes to choosing a mattress topper. Without wishing to cause any alarm, it is the worst sleeping position for your spine.

This is because your spine is in an unnatural position as your neck is forced into a sideways position as your face rests on the pillow.

The twists and turns your spine experiences in this position may not be doing it too much good, even if it is considered sleep-inducing by a surprising number of people. So, for those who fall into that category, here are our tips on what to look for:

Choose carefully. This may seem like stating the obvious, but it is particularly important for stomach sleepers that they make the right choice.

A material that is too soft will cause your body to sink in too much, which will, in turn, force your neck even further into an unnatural position.

A material that is too firm will not allow your spine to fall into its natural position. This is important to bear in mind when browsing your options.

 

The best mattress topper for side sleepers…

If you are a side sleeper, it’s safe to say you’re not alone. The majority of people in the UK sleep on their side or in a fetal position, but do you know what product you should be using?

The first thing to understand is the pressure points that side sleepers are more sensitive to. Pressure points are any area which is sensitive to pressure. When sleeping on your side, these will include ears, shoulder, elbow, hip, thigh, leg and heel.

Because of these pressure points, it is important to find a product that has an even balance between softness and support. Softness is required to ease the pressure on these points, but a good level of support is still required to keep your spine correctly aligned.

 

The best mattress topper for a bad back…

If you suffer from mild back pain, mattress toppers are an easy and inexpensive way to reduce discomfort and improve your sleep quality.

They can help evenly distribute weight, align your spine, offer support to your back, allow your muscles to relax and alleviate tension.

It is a common myth that a firm material is the best option for back pain, as always used to be recommended.

Not any more, as new research in recent years has shown that medium to firm mattress toppers are much better at offering the correct amount of support. When 300 people tested ‘firm’ or ‘medium-firm’ mattresses for 90 days, the ‘medium-firm’ group reported less back pain.

Medium-firm is recommended over a softer option as materials that are too soft won’t provide enough support for your spine.

You will also need to consider the weight being put on the mattress topper. If you are on the heavy side, look for something more on the firm end of the scale. If you are lighter, look for something a little less firm.

 

Choosing the softest mattress topper for extra comfort…

When it comes to choosing the softest product possible, there are a couple of different routes you can take.

A memory foam product will offer a lot of softness and comfort whilst still providing the right support for your spine.

However, if you are purely focused on comfort and want something that’s luxuriously soft, look for feather and down options.

If you have already invested in a high-quality mattress, then the need for a highly-supportive topper may not be necessary.

Feather and down is known for its luxurious softness and incredible comfort. It is a worthwhile investment if you’re looking to improve the quality of your sleep.

 

Finding the best cooling mattress topper…

During the summer months, when your home retains the heat of the day and leaves you longing for cool, fresh air, all the elements seem to be conspiring against a good night’s sleep.

Pillow cases, sheets, a duvet and thick mattress combine to create an overheated environment that makes the process of falling asleep seem like mission impossible. But don’t worry, help is at hand – a convenient quick fix to keep you cool throughout those long, hot summer months is a nice cooling mattress topper.

 

Professional tips for washing, replacing and generally caring for your mattress topper

Maintaining your mattress topper doesn’t require much effort but makes a huge difference to its effectiveness and durability. Not only will it allow the topper to last a lot longer, it will also provide better protection for your mattress.

 

How to clean a mattress topper

The first thing to check when your topper needs a clean is its washing instructions. If it is dry clean only, you will have to get it professionally cleaned.

At Hafco, we offer comfort and convenience, which is why our mattress topper products are machine washable.

A useful tip is to first hoover your topper to remove any excess dust, dirt or debris that is on the surface. This will make cleaning a much easier task.

When washing cotton, hollowfibre or microfibre materials, we recommend, as a general rule, washing on a warm or cool temperature, using a mild detergent. If the topper is stained, treat the affected area first before putting in the machine. You can then either use a low setting on the tumble dryer or leave to air dry.

Washing memory foam toppers is much more difficult, as putting them in a machine can damage the structure and even melt the filling. For these toppers, we recommend spot cleaning or gently hand washing.

It is recommended to wash a topper every two to three months to keep your sleep environment hygienic and fresh.

 

How often to replace memory foam mattress toppers?

This really depends on the quality and material of the product.

For memory foam, it is important that the structure stays intact otherwise it won’t provide the right support.

Because memory foams are a slim piece of bedding, memory foam toppers may start to dip in the middle after a couple of years and need replacing.

 

How often to replace a mattress topper?

For materials other than memory foam, such as cotton, hollowfibre or microfibre, a good quality topper should last at least three years before losing support or comfort.

However, it is difficult to give an exact number as the longevity of it will depend on factors such as:

• Condition of the mattress
• Frequency of use
• Weight of the person using it
• How it is maintained and cared for
• The material and quality
• The thickness of the topper

 

What are the different types of mattress toppers?

There are many different types of toppers to choose from, all with their own benefits. Here are the five main types:

1. Latex
2. Memory Foam
3. Wool
4. Feathers and Down
5. Polyester Blends

No material is ‘the best’ as it is completely down to personal preference, as everyone’s sleeping needs are different.

 

Are gel mattress toppers any good?

Gel infused memory foam is an ideal option for those who enjoy the comfort and support of memory foam but find the material hot and stifling.

The heat and lack of ventilation memory foam provides is generally the biggest complaint about the material.

However, in recent years, the development of gel infusion provides a much cooler product.

They are designed to regulate your body temperature and disperse heat away from you, creating a nice, cool environment.

 

Why you should try a temperature control mattress topper

However, some find memory foam toppers can be impractical or uncomfortable to sleep on, as they can hold your body’s imprint even after you have changed sleeping position.

If you struggle with this, we recommend trying an air flow temperature control topper made from high-quality hollowfibre.

Sleeping in an environment that is too warm can seriously affect the quality of your sleep. Here are the top benefits of a cooler environment:

1. Research shows that a colder bedroom can decrease insomnia.
2. It helps your body produce more melatonin which helps you fall asleep quicker and promotes anti-ageing.
3. Studies show that a cooler environment can help burn calories whilst you’re sleeping.
4. A hot environment leads to more restless sleep and waking up in the night. Feeling cooler contributes to deeper sleep.