Are mattress toppers worth it? We see this question all the time online — and even hear it from our own customers. If you’re wondering, “What do mattress toppers do?” and “Do they actually work?” we’ll fill you in.
A mattress topper, also called a mattress pad, is a thick layer of soft material that you can place on top of your mattress to add more cushion or support (in theory). They come in a variety of materials, including latex, memory foam, feathers, and wool.
Is that the same thing as a mattress protector? Not at all. A mattress protector protects your mattress from liquids, allergens, and bedbugs without changing the feeling of your mattress. Not to mention that a mattress protector is essential to expanding the lifespan of your mattress…unlike a mattress topper. But more on that later.
Our experts are here to answer the question, are mattress toppers worth it? Here’s a quick preview of their answer: no, they’re not worth it — they’re just a temporary fix for bad mattresses. With that in mind, let’s discuss what mattress toppers actually do and whether or not you should ever spend your money on one.
Why would you buy a mattress topper?
There are a few reasons why a mattress owner would choose to buy a mattress topper.
- To add a layer of cushion: If you feel that your mattress is too firm, a mattress topper can soften where your body makes contact with the surface.
- Temperature regulation: If you’re a hot sleeper, a cooling mattress topper can help keep you cooler as you sleep.
- Cost-efficient and quick way to change a mattress’s feel: Adding a mattress topper is a more affordable way to customize your mattress’s feel. For example, because they can be removed and added at will, many homeowners add mattress toppers to their guest rooms to accommodate specific guests’ preferences.
- Easy to clean: Most mattress toppers can be thrown in the washing machine or laundered to stay fresh.
- Versatility: Depending on the type and size of topper you buy, they can also be used on sleeper sofas, couches, and other furniture for extra cushion.
If, after reading that list, you’re thinking to yourself, “Do I need a mattress topper?” our experts would tell you, no, you don’t. Although there are a few good reasons to buy a mattress topper, the likelihood is that what you actually need is a good-quality mattress. Let us explain.
Do mattress toppers work?
Now, this is where things get tricky. Do mattress toppers work in the sense that they provide cushion for the sleeper? Sure, they do what they say they’ll do. Do they work in the sense that they will improve your comfort and sleep quality long-term? No, they don’t.
Mattress toppers are a band-aid solution for mattress problems. While they may provide a temporary solution, that’s all it is: temporary. Let’s go back to the list from earlier and dissect how a top-quality mattress could be the answer to your sleep problems instead of a mattress topper.
If your mattress is too firm
If a new mattress is too firm for your liking, it may not have been properly broken in yet. New mattresses need 30-60 nights of consistent sleep to adjust to your body. After the break-in period, your mattress will feel exactly how you intended.
If you’re still unhappy with your Texas Mattress Makers mattress after the break-in period, our 90-Night Comfort Guarantee has you covered. Just contact us with any concerns about your mattress and we will do whatever we can to ensure you get the quality sleep you deserve.
If your mattress is uncomfortable
To be honest, a mattress topper cannot fix a bad mattress. If your mattress is made of low-quality components, can’t support your body, or is generally uncomfortable, purchasing a top-quality mattress from Texas Mattress Makers would be more cost-efficient and will give you better results long-term.
For example, the comfort components in our Hybrid Plus Collection exceed industry standards when tested. Meaning, these mattresses are so comfortable you would never need to add a topper. Plus, these beds have built-in cooling features. It’s a win-win!
Long-Lasting Comfort and Support
If you want to extend the lifespan of your mattress
Contrary to popular belief, unlike a mattress protector, mattress toppers can’t protect your mattress from every angle. But they can shield the top of your bed from sweat and dirt from your body, allergens, dust, and other hazards can still seep into your mattress.
Is it worth investing in a mattress topper? In terms of lifespan, a mattress topper will typically only last 1-3 years on average. Therefore, you’re more likely to spend more money over time replacing them than you would on a one-time quality mattress purchase (from us, of course).
Instead, you may want to consider a mattress protector that will create an impenetrable seal for your bed by wrapping around the entire mattress, corners and all. Liquids, dirt, and bedbugs can’t get to your mattress and worsen its quality over time.
If you sleep hot
Many mattress toppers on the market are made with cooling gels or other materials that only cool you off for a few hours. Our Ice Blue cooling technology is one of the most innovative cooling solutions available, as it neutralizes your temperature and dissipates body heat for cooler, more comfortable sleep all night long. Where mattress toppers may absorb your body heat, increasing your discomfort, heat is dispersed on our cooling topper before it even reaches your mattress.
Some of our mattresses include this built-in cooling technology already and all of our other models can have the cooling technology added. Because it is sewn right into the top layer of the mattress, it won’t affect the comfort or feel of your bed.
Quality Mattresses: The Ultimate Sleep Solution
So, are mattress toppers worth it? In our expert opinion, no. While they may temporarily fix a few comfort issues, toppers are way too expensive not to provide long-term results.
If you want to find a comfortable and supportive sleeping surface that will last forever, you would be better off purchasing a top-quality mattress that will meet all of your needs — no additives needed.
Every mattress at Texas Mattress Makers is handcrafted in our Downtown Houston factory. As a family-owned small business, we want to give Houstonians the best sleep possible for fair prices, and we’ve done just that for over four decades.
A quality mattress is the ultimate sleep solution. Visit any of our mattress stores in Houston today to find your dream mattress.
More Helpful Articles by Texas Mattress Makers:
- How Long Does it Take to Break in a Mattress?
- Solutions for the Most Common Sleep Problems
- Benefits of Shopping for a Mattress in Person
- Do I Need a Foundation for My Mattress?
- Unpacking the Hype: What is a Bed in a Box?