Replacing your mattress can be expensive, so a mattress topper can be a less expensive and more effective way to revitalise your bed instead. So how do you choose a mattress topper that’s right for you? Doing some research first means that the right topper can adjust the way your bed feels for less than changing the mattress itself.

Mattress toppers

Mattress toppers add a more substantial layer of material to your bed which can significantly change the way the bed feels when you lie on it. But this could be in differing ways. For example, they might change the softness, firmness, cushioning, warmth, breathability, motion isolation, springiness, or level of support you feel it gives your body.

But there are things to consider when buying a mattress topper.

Price

A higher price doesn’t necessarily guarantee it would be better for you. Buy simply buying the most expensive one doesn’t mean it is the best at meeting your needs.

• Microfiber, polyester, and cotton toppers are usually the cheapest.
• Higher quality cotton, feather, and down are in the middle of the price range, but some can be more expensive depending on the feathers or down used.
• Memory foam toppers have a wide range of prices.
• Wool and latex can be the most expensive.

Pain relief, firmness, and extra support

If you require extra support for your back and other pressure points, then memory foam is worth considering. Some people find that they cushion better as the memory foam molds to your body. And they tend to be more durable too as they don’t flatten as quickly as other materials do.

Comfort and Softness

With a huge range of materials, densities, and thicknesses, there is plenty to choose from. If your preference is a topper that molds to your body, then memory foam would be a good choice. But if you prefer lying on a soft and fluffy surface, then microfiber, cotton, feathers, or down could suit you better.

Thickness options

Most mattress toppers have a range of between one to four inches in thickness, either to start with or once you have used them for a while and they flatten under your weight.

If you need to revitalise an aging mattress, sleep on your side, or if you or your partner are heavier, three or four inches is best. The material with the best range of thickness is memory foam.

In addition, the density of a topper is important in determining how much support it will give you. Memory foam toppers tend to have a great range so you can easily find just the right comfort level you need.

Motion isolation

Memory foam can help reduce how much you’re disturbed at night when your partner moves in bed. If you sleep with someone who keeps you awake with their tossing and turning, it is an excellent choice.

Body heat

Some memory foam and microfiber mattress toppers tend to retain the most body heat and perhaps aren’t the best choice if you tend to overheat in bed. But there are some memory foam mattress toppers that use open cell technology that dissipates body heat and moisture whilst you sleep providing you with a cooler sleep experience.

Allergies

Some materials are better for certain allergies, helping reduce some serious problems such as bed bugs, mites, mildew, and mold.

Ease of moving and cleaning

Remember that you need to remove your mattress topper from the packaging, get it onto the bed, and remove it from time to time for cleaning. Some types of mattress toppers can be machine washed, but many can’t. So using a removable cover over your topper will help protect it from spills and wear and tear.

Warranty

The standard warranty time can be as short as one year and as long as ten, depending on the company. You won’t get a replacement just because it’s compressed under your weight over time. But BodyMould provides a 10 year guarantee for their mattress toppers so you can be sure you won’t have to worry if your topper doesn’t last the way you want it to.

Here are the pros and cons of a memory foam mattress topper:

Pros

• The memory foam will conform to your body in all sleeping positions, providing good support for the entire length of the body.
• It helps with pressure points.
• Good motion isolation.
• Different density options mean you can find just the right level of softness or firmness.
• More durable than microfiber or feather toppers.

Cons

• Memory foam sometimes has an initial odor that takes a few hours to dissipate.
• You may find it holds body heat. If you tend to overheat, look for a breathable memory foam topper. Cheaper brands may not have the best breathability.

Understanding memory foam thickness

If you’re looking at memory foam toppers, you’ll find a huge range of thickness options. So it’s useful to understand that thickness can affect the level of comfort and support. Most memory foam toppers tend to be sold in one, two, three or four inch thicknesses. Some companies have just a couple of thicknesses available, while others have a wider range.

1 inch – usually provides a little extra comfort, but can be quite firm if the density is also high. Good for those with a firm mattress who just need a little extra comfort and support for the body.

2-3 inches – a popular choice if you’re not sure which thickness to choose. Provides a good balance of comfort and support.

4 inches – provides even more support for the body parts that most need it.

If you like a firm surface to sleep on – try a 2 inch topper. This will provide a firm density and you shouldn’t sink into the topper in an uncomfortable way.

If you prefer a medium firmness – try a medium thickness of 3 inches which will provide you with a soft-med or medium firmness.

If you want a softer surface – try 4 inches or more in thickness

So if you are looking to improve your existing mattress or your nights’ sleep without breaking the bank then a memory foam mattress topper is the ideal choice. With free delivery and a 10 year guarantee plus the support of our team if you need help ordering, give us a call on 01293 871714, we’d be delighted to help or order direct now.

The post How to choose a mattress topper that’s right for you appeared first on Bodymould Mattresses.

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Do you suffer from back pain? If you do, you are not alone. Back pain affects eight in ten of us at some time during our lives, and it can be agonising. There are many things that can help, which include exercises and lower back stretches. However, one of the most important things to consider is the mattress on your bed.

Can a mattress cause back pain?

There are a variety of reasons why a mattress can contribute to back pain. If your mattress is nearing the end of its life, it might not be able to support your body properly and may sag in place making your spinal alignment uneven, which in turn, can put more strain on your back muscles and cause back pain.

The same can be true if your mattress isn’t best suited to your body shape and weight. If your mattress is too firm, your joints may become stiff and sore as they have nothing to sink into. Or if your mattress is too soft, this could cause an unhealthy sleeping position and put further pressure on your back. This means you should try to find the mattress that suits you the best.

Here are a few signs that indicate your mattress could be the cause of your back pain.

• The mattress is more than 7 years old

Over the years, the materials within your mattress will deteriorate and no longer offer the correct level of support for your back.

• The mattress dips or sags

Sleeping on a lumpy mattress is not only uncomfortable but it also contributes towards incorrect body weight distribution across the surface of the mattress. This causes pressure point build-up and soreness.

• Springs can be felt through the mattress

Feeling springs while you sleep is a sign that the mattress comfort layers have worn out and are no longer providing the support you need.

If any of those points apply to your mattress, it’s time for a new one because it is important that your mattress provides the right level of support for you, encourages a healthy sleeping posture and ensures correct spinal alignment.

What to look for in a mattress

Contrary to popular belief that a very firm Orthopedic mattresses is best for people with lower back pain, recent surveys have shown that people who use an extremely firm mattress may have much poorer sleep. But the opposite can also true, a mattress that’s too soft won’t help very much with alignment.

What type of mattress is best for back pain?

The best mattress for a bad back will either relieve existing back pain or, ideally, prevent it from developing in the first place. It will be both supportive and comfortable and keep your spine in a straight line.

Memory foam is one of the most popular fillings as it moulds to the shape of your body, cushioning your lower back, hips and shoulders and allowing your muscles, discs and joints to relax. However, many types of memory foam are not breathable, but there are more specialist versions such as Airflow Memory Foam that dissipate moisture and heat away from the body and the more open cells prevent humidity from building up.

So if you are looking to get a new mattress try choosing a firm or medium-firm mattress made with good-quality memory foam. We have three models in our range of memory foam mattresses offering a choice of comfort and support. And we also make them to fit all standard UK beds, as well as EU/IKEA bed sizes. But if you have an innerspring mattress you can improve it by adding a memory foam mattress topper without having to splash out on a completely new bed.

What sleep position is best for lower back pain?

Your posture is just as important when you’re lying down as when you’re sitting and standing. The more you twist your spine, the stiffer and more painful it will feel.

If you can, sleep on your side with your knees partially bent towards you to balance your body. Put one pillow under your neck and another between your knees for comfort.

If you sleep on your back, place a pillow or two behind your knees and another beneath your lower back to ensure it gets enough support. If you sleep on your front you should put a pillow under your hips.

It is best to use pillows with pressure-relieving qualities to keep your neck and back nice and healthy. Memory foam and latex pillows are best as they mould to the shape of your body and can give you tailored support exactly where you need it most.

So remember to avoid back pain, prevention is better than the cure, so invest in a good-quality memory foam mattress and you are on your way to getting a really good night’s sleep.

If you’d like some advice on memory foam mattresses and memory foam toppers, do get in touch. Contact us online or call us on 01293 871744 and our friendly team will be happy to help.

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