When you sleep on an uncomfortable mattress, it tends to ruin your day. Not only are you exhausted after tossing and turning, but you most likely have random aches and pains throughout the day that you just can't shake.
So instead of throwing away your mattress, you can purchase a twin extra long mattress topper to add an additional layer of comfort and support. There are several different types of mattress topper materials that you can choose from depending on your personal preference of firmness or softness.
To learn more about the different available mattress toppers and how they benefit you, continue reading below. We will cover all you need to know about these wonderful mattress additions and who you can contact for more information.
What Are Mattress Toppers and Mattress Pads?
Mattress toppers and mattress pads both serve similar purposes of adding a layer of comfort and mattress protection. The main difference between the two is the level of support they offer.
Mattress toppers come in varying thicknesses and materials, providing more support than a mattress pad. Mattress pads tend to be flatter and softer than mattress toppers.
Similarly, they both provide your mattress with protection from wear and tear, prolonging the life of your mattress. So regardless if you want something that can give you an additional layer of support or something to make the bed softer, you can rest assured that they both protect your mattress from stains, tear, and wear.
Types of Mattress Toppers
Mattress toppers, like mattresses in general, come in different types of materials, and they all have various benefits. For example, you can purchase a memory foam twin extra long mattress topper if you are a restless sleeper.
Memory Foam Twin Extra Long Mattress Topper
If you are looking for a twin extra long mattress topper that can evenly distribute your body weight, you should opt for a memory foam mattress topper.
When you get up from the bed, the memory foam will return to its original state. Although this mattress topper conforms to your body, the material can trap a lot of heat, making it hard for those who naturally get hot at night.
Advantages of Memory Foam Mattress Toppers
Memory foam mattress toppers are well known for reducing pressure on sore joints because they are soft and very comfortable. If you are waiting to purchase a new mattress, you can buy a memory foam mattress topper to add comfort to an aging or hard bed.
Disadvantages of Memory Foam Mattress Toppers
One main disadvantage that most clients reported was the cost of the topper. Because this material is relatively supportive and comfortable at the same time, it does come at a higher price point than other toppers.
As mentioned earlier, this material can trap a lot of heat. If you naturally sleep hot, you may want to opt for a mattress topper made of gel or latex.
Gel Mattress Toppers
You may consider purchasing a gel mattress topper if you sleep very hot at night. These toppers are made of viscoelastic and gel microbeads, which help keep you evenly cool at night.
Advantages of Gel Mattress Toppers
One of the most significant benefits of this mattress topper is its body temperature regulating abilities. In addition, it provides pressure relief and creates a softer mattress.
Disadvantages of Gel Mattress Toppers
The only major disadvantage of these toppers is their price. Gel mattress toppers are more expensive than their competition, but it is with good reason. You get what you pay for, and with a gel mattress topper, you're paying for a good night's sleep.
Copper Mattress Topper
Copper mattress toppers are high-quality toppers that keep you cool at night and help fight germs. In addition to those two things, they can also help improve your recovery.
Advantages of Copper Mattress Toppers
Copper contains thermal conductivity, which means it has the capability to lose heat as fast as it conducts it. So when you're sleeping on this topper, the copper pulls the heat from your body, keeping you at a level temperature while you sleep.
Copper mattress toppers are also antimicrobial and antibacterial, which can protect you from any microbes such as fungus or undesirable viruses. This bed is also excellent for those who suffer from allergies or have asthma.
Disadvantages of Copper Mattress Toppers
Copper toppers, just like gel mattresses, come at a higher price point. Again, you get what you pay for, and copper mattresses toppers come with more benefits than the other toppers. Copper mattress toppers are also a bit heavier than other toppers, which can be a problem for some.
Polyester Blend Mattress Toppers
Those who enjoy the feel of the feather mattress topper but are allergic to feathers typically opt for polyester blends as an alternative.
Of all the available options, polyester blends are the cheapest mattress topper material, but they are also the least supportive. Although the material starts nice and fluffy, the material eventually flattens down rather quickly. Polyester blend toppers are also known to rip and tear which can create a huge mess.
Advantages of Polyester Blends
As mentioned above, this type of material is the cheapest option, which is excellent for budget-conscious people.
There is no odor, and it is an excellent alternative for those who like feather toppers but are allergic. This polyester blend topper provides a level of softness that many clients enjoy.
Disadvantages of Polyester Blends
Polyester blends also tend to become lumpy over time and retain heat which can leave you drenched with sweat when you wake up. Polyester blends are not the best material to choose if you want a topper that provides cushioning and support.
Wool Mattress Pads
Natural wool mattress pads aren't easy to find, but they are an excellent alternative if you sleep cold, as these blankets can retain a lot of heat.
It is important to note that natural wool mattress pads aren't mattress toppers. So if you want something that provides support for achy joints, you may want to choose a different type of material.
Advantages of Wool Mattress Pads
Natural wool mattress pads are pretty versatile as they provide you with a cooling effect in the summer, but they are nice and warm during the winter months.
They are very durable, comfortable, and soft. You can use natural wool as an alternative for those with allergies, as this material is hypoallergenic and naturally antimicrobial.
Disadvantages of Wool Mattress Pads
As mentioned earlier, these pads are a bit hard to locate as they aren't as popular as the other types of materials.
Natural wool is also quite expensive, so if you want something similar to this material, you may want to go for memory foam or feather mattress toppers. Many clients complain of the "sheep" odor they smell when they first purchase the material. Over time, the scent does dissipate.
Latex Mattress Toppers
Similar to memory foam, latex mattress toppers also conform to your body while adding an extra layer of comfort to your mattress. However, unlike memory foam, latex toppers are less likely to make you sweaty, thanks to the microscopic perforations that allow heat to ventilate through the mattress. If anyone in your house is allergic to latex, you may want to avoid this option.
Advantages of Latex Mattress Toppers
One significant advantage of latex mattress toppers is it does not transmit motion. If your partner tosses and turns in their sleep, you won't feel it as much as you would on a typical spring mattress.
Those with joint issues can benefit from sleeping on a latex mattress topper. The bed is firm enough to support achy joints but soft enough to contour to your body.
Disadvantages of Latex Mattress Toppers
Natural latex is expensive, which can cut into your budget if you have a specific budget you wish to spend. Some people find latex mattress toppers to be too firm, whereas others find them to be a perfect balance.
As mentioned earlier, some people are allergic to latex. If you aren't sure if you are allergic to latex, check with your doctor before purchasing a latex topper.
Mattress Topper Size and Thickness
In addition to the type of material, you must also consider the mattress topper thickness and size to figure out which one is best for you.
If you want a mattress topper that provides additional support, you should shop for ones about two to three inches thick. If you want just a bit of softness, you can purchase a mattress topper with a thickness of about two inches.
It is important to take the thickness of the topper into account for height reasons. For example, a three-inch mattress topper will add an additional three inches of height to your bed. For some people, this may make the bed too high to climb onto comfortably.
If you live in a college dorm and you sleep on the top bunk, you should opt for a topper with two inches of thickness. For those who sleep on the bottom, three inches is a great size to purchase.
In addition to the type of material, you must also consider the mattress topper thickness and size to figure out which one is best for you.
If you want a mattress topper that provides additional support, you should shop for one that is two to three inches thick. If you want a topper that has cloud-like comfort and will avoid feeling the firm and springy mattress underneath you, go with the 3-inch Sleepyhead Topper. This will add an extra three inches to your bed and make it more luxurious.
A two-inch topper will do the job if you want just a little extra comfort and a support layer between you and the existing mattress. If you're looking for a firmer feel, the 2-inch Sleepyhead Topper gives you just enough comfort but less comfort than the 3-inch so that you will feel some of the firmness of the bed below.
A 2-inch topper is great for the top bunk, so it doesn't go over the railing, and you won't bump your head on the room's ceiling.
If you live in a college dorm and sleep on the top bunk, a 2-inch topper is something to consider for the top bunk, so it doesn't go over the railing or bump your head on the ceiling. Three inches is a great size to purchase for those who sleep on the bottom or have a stand-alone bed.
Mattress Topper Topper Size
All mattress toppers come in sizes similar to mattress sizes. For example, if you need to buy a mattress topper for an extra-long twin, you should look for Twin XL mattress toppers to ensure the best fit.
The mattress topper will slide around if you buy a size too small. On the other hand, if you buy a size too big, you will have some of the mattress topper hanging off the bed.
To find the perfect fit, you can check out the selection offered by Sleepyhead. Sleepyhead Mattress Toppers come with grips on the underside of the topper, which prevents sliding.
Our Twin XL mattresses are 38 inches wide by 80 inches long. 90% of college housing use this size over the standard twin size.
Why Buy a Mattress Topper?
There are several different reasons why people buy a mattress topper. For example, if you sleep hot at night, you could benefit from using a mattress topper with the ability to keep you cool.
Nothing is more annoying than waking up drenched in a cold sweat in the middle of the night, especially before a big test or a long day of work. Thankfully, there are mattress toppers made of copper simultaneously keep you cool while venting out any heat coming off your body.
Medical Needs
For people with asthma, spinal misalignment, joint pain, or some other serious medical concerns, a mattress topper can significantly impact your health and how you sleep throughout the night.
There are several different types of toppers that are hypoallergenic, resistant to allergens and bacteria, firm, or soft. If you are unsure which mattress topper is best for you and your medical concerns, it would be best to reach your doctor before shopping around.
You’re a College Student
As a college student, you already know that college dorm mattresses aren't the world's most comfortable beds.
When you add on the stress of class work, exams, social events, and more, the last thing you want to do is go back to an uncomfortable sleeping situation. Adding a mattress topper to your dorm mattress makes the bed more supportive and comfortable, giving you a better night's sleep.
Get the Best Sleep Tonight
Let's face it: no one likes to sleep on an uncomfortable mattress, especially when you have a busy work or school week ahead of you. Depending on what you need, there are several different mattress topper materials to choose from.
For example, you can opt for a softer twin extra long mattress topper if you need additional support. Regardless of the reason for needing a mattress topper, several different materials are available to fit your needs. Check out our complete online collection to find the best mattress topper for you!
