How to Install a Mattress Topper
A mattress is often an expensive investment that many people make; however, even the most expensive, top-of-the-line mattresses experience wear and tear, or simply may not be right for your needs. Whether you are looking to enhance the comfort and support of a new mattress, or breathe life back into an old one, adding a mattress topper is the way to go.
What is a Mattress Topper?
A mattress topper is as it sounds, a cushion that sits on top of your mattress. It is designed to add comfort and support to your mattress, whether new or old, and also helps to protect the mattress.
Choosing a mattress topper is a similar process to selecting the right mattress — as there is no one size fits all. Mattress toppers come in many different sizes, thicknesses, firmness levels, and material.
What Are the Types of Mattress Toppers?
At first glance, choosing the right mattress topper may seem overwhelming. The variety of materials, brands, sizes, support levels, and so much more makes it almost impossible to choose. You have got to narrow down the main aspect of your mattress topper for a starting point, so let’s dive into the most common mattress topper material listed below.
Memory Foam
Memory foam is one of the most commonly used materials in making both mattresses and mattress toppers, as well as pillows, bathroom mats, and even shoes, as it provides an excellent amount of comfort and support. Memory foam is made up mostly of polyurethane, but also has added chemicals, increasing the viscosity and density of the foam.
Memory foam is soft, adds a great amount of comfort, reduces joint pressure, and reduces the amount of motion felt within the bed. It ‘s important to note that memory foam products come with a bit higher of a price tag, tend to hold in heat more than others (unless made with cooling gel technology), and often give off an odor from the chemicals used (unless made of all natural ingredients).
Natural Latex
Natural latex is just how it sounds. It is a natural latex made from the sap of rubber trees. This natural latex is considered environmentally safe as well as safe to users, as it is not chemically treated with formaldehyde and other pesticides that most are.
When shopping for a natural latex mattress or mattress topper, be sure to look for the Global Organic Latex Standard certification, as some brands will mix in both natural and synthetic latex, which adds in chemicals. Natural latex products still have off-gas similar to memory foam products; however, because they are made of natural materials, no harmful chemicals are being put out.
Handmade Wool
Handmade wool mattresses or mattress toppers are often made of 100% natural wool. These products are both non-toxic and chemical-free. The natural wool used in handmade wool mattresses and mattress toppers contains natural temperature regulating properties, meaning it will help in keeping you cool in the summer, and warm in the winter.
Down Alternative
Down is harvested from the feather of a bird, specifically a goose, duck, or swan. It is found near the skin, underneath the tough exterior feathers. Down alternative mattress toppers are often made of 100% cotton twill to maximize comfort. These products are filled with premium down alternative fibers, adding both support and comfort to your existing mattress.
Reasons to Get a Mattress Topper
A mattress topper was originally designed to enhance the comfort level of your new or existing mattress. But how do you determine if you need a mattress topper?
Is Your Mattress Too Firm?
A mattress that is too firm adds a significant amount of pressure on areas, such as the shoulders and hips, subjecting the user to pain and a sleepless night. In addition to this, a mattress that is too firm may even cause spinal misalignment.
Adding a mattress topper between your fitted sheet and your mattress adds in the additional comfort and support needed to alleviate the strain on pressure points, and aids in holding proper spinal alignment as you sleep.
Do You Have a Mattress That is Significantly Worn?
Over time, a mattress experiences normal wear and tear. The wear on a mattress eventually leads to sagging throughout certain areas, specifically where the most pressure is placed upon the mattress.
Adding a mattress topper can breathe life back into your mattress, creating a nice even surface to sleep on again, really cradling you in all of the right spots.
Is Your Mattress Holding in Excess Heat?
It is hard to choose the right mattress. Oftentimes, once you purchase a mattress and realize it is not the right fit for you, the return period has come and gone.
Adding a gel mattress topper between your fitted sheet and mattress is designed specifically to pull heat away from your body, allowing for a cool, restful night of sleep.
What are the Steps to Installing a Mattress Topper?
When you find the perfect mattress topper for you, and make the purchase, the mattress topper is often tightly rolled and placed securely into a box. Installing a mattress topper is relatively straightforward, as most are generally placed directly on top of your mattress. However, below is a guide to installing your new mattress topper, and a few tips and tricks to making it a smooth process.
Step One
Once you arrive home with your newly purchased mattress topper, or once it has been delivered if you ordered online, move the box into the room of which you desire to use the topper. There needs to be enough space in the area for the mattress topper to expand from its tightly rolled position.
Step Two
Begin by safely opening the box, and removing the tightly rolled mattress topper. The mattress topper is often held tightly together using plastic packaging and tape. Using scissors or a knife, safely cut away the packaging, ensuring you do not cut the mattress topper itself.
Step Three
Once the mattress topper has been removed from all tape and plastic packaging, place it on an even, flat surface with plenty of space to fully expand.
The manufacturer will have a recommended time within the directions to allow the mattress topper to expand. It is important to follow these recommended times to allow the topper to fully expand to the proper height, width, and thickness.
Step Four
Once the mattress has had time to air out and fully expand, it is time to add it to your bed. Remove all bedding from your current mattress including sheets, blankets, pillows, and mattress pads if you are using one.
Step Five
Carefully place the mattress topper on top of your bare mattress. Ensure it is laying evenly across the surface, removing any bulges that may appear.
Step Six
Once you have the topper properly in place, add your bedding back on top of it. Begin with your mattress pad or protector, if you desire to use one, and then make the bed as you normally would.
Step Seven
Enjoy! Jump into your new bed, and enjoy all of the added comfort and support.
How to Keep My Mattress Topper From Sliding
A mattress topper is designed and manufactured to make your mattress better, allowing for a more peaceful and comfortable night of sleep for the user. But how can you sleep better when your mattress topper keeps sliding around?
A mattress topper may slide around due to:
- The amount of friction between the topper and mattress being too low
- No headboard or footboard to hold the topper in place
- Inadequate sizing of the mattress topper in comparison to the mattress
There are many things you can do to help prevent your mattress topper from sliding around including:
- Use a tightly fitted sheet
- Utilize sheet straps
- Apply a non-skid mat between the mattress and topper
- Apply carpet tape to the mattress topper
Mattress Topper FAQs
What is the difference between a mattress topper and a mattress protector?
A mattress topper adds cushion and support, making the mattress appear thicker and more comfortable, whereas a mattress protector is much thinner, simply protecting the mattress from things, such as spills and stains.
What is the difference between a mattress topper and a mattress pad?
A mattress pad is a thin pad designed to both protect the mattress from spills, and add a bit of comfort. A mattress pad is typically affixed into a fitted sheet.
A mattress topper is a much thicker layer of padding, or foam, designed specifically for added height and comfort.
Which side goes up on a mattress topper?
To determine which side of your mattress topper should be face up, firmly press your hand into the foam. Whichever side conforms more to your hand print will be the side that needs to be facing up, as it will provide the most cushion and support.
About PlushBeds Mattress Toppers
PlushBeds provides a wide variety of mattresses, mattress toppers, pillows, and more. The products are made within the United States, and all have achieved some pretty rigorous certifications.
Natural Latex Topper:
The latex mattress topper is made of 100% natural Talalay latex, and contains no fillers or toxic additives. PlushBeds natural latex mattress topper holds the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and GreenGuard Gold certifications.
Memory Foam Topper:
PlushBed’s memory foam mattress topper is designed specifically to relieve pressure points, and enhance comfort for the user. Our memory foam mattresses are CertiPUR and GreenGuard Gold certified.
Cooling Gel Memory Foam Topper:
The cooling gel memory foam mattress topper is moisture-wicking, and dissipates heat 10x faster than the leading competitors. Our cooling gel memory foam mattress topper has gone through the rigorous process of receiving the GreenGuard Gold certification.
Down Alternative Topper:
The Alternative Down Mattress Topper is made of 100% cotton twill, and made with a baffle box construction, maximizing loft and comfort.
Handmade Wool Topper:
The handmade wool mattress topper is made of 100% natural wool, is hypoallergenic, nontoxic, and 100% chemical- and cruelty-free. Our handmade wool topper holds the Good Housekeeping Best Bedding award.
Have a question about any of the above PlushBeds mattress toppers? Reach out to us by calling 1-888-286-3404 Toll Free, or via our online chat.
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