The Facts about Memory Foam Mattress Toppers
Memory foam mattress toppers have become a hot commodity on the bedding market. Viewed as a more affordable alternative to a complete memory foam mattress set, toppers have introduced numerous people to this revolutionary sleep system material that has rocked the once-staid bedding industry.
Memory foam has captured the attention of consumers the world over for its remarkable therapeutic benefits and ability to prohibit the transfer of motion across the sleep surface. That means when one sleep partner is restless, or gets up frequently during the night; the other half of the couple won’t be disturbed as they sleep. This memory foam feature alone has probably saved many marriages – or at least ensured couples can restfully sleep in the same bed together.
Therapeutic benefits of memory foam include better circulation and elimination of soreness and pain that is frequently associated with pressure points that develop where the body makes contact with the internal springs of a traditional mattress. Instead of using metal coils for support, memory foam mattresses and memory foam mattress toppers rely on millions of tiny air bubbles imbedded in the material that ensure even distribution of weight across the sleep surface. The result is a body contouring effect that cradles the user in a “cloud-like” sensation.
While memory foam mattress toppers are a viable alternative to a full mattress purchase, users should not assume the experience is the same. A high quality memory foam mattress is comprised of varying layers of memory foam that are crafted to have varying densities. This makes sure the mattress is optimally constructed to provide the highest level of support possible.
A memory foam mattress topper is essentially one of those layers. A topper is generally three to five inches thick and lies immediately over an existing mattress. The topper provides an additional layer of support and comfort while establishing a helpful barrier between mattress springs and the body.
Desirable dimensions of a memory foam mattress topper are very similar to that of a full mattress.
Density of a topper is a good indicator of quality, with more dense options typically being better constructed. The density rating of a topper should range between three and five pounds to ensure comfort and support is provided adequately.
The firmness of a mattress topper dictates how soft or hard it will be. This is an issue of personal preference; however most people enjoy a memory foam mattress topper with an Indentation Load Deflection (ILD) rating of around 12. The higher the rating, the more firm the mattress topper will be.
Those are the two main considerations to understand when shopping for a memory foam mattress topper. These products are a great way to get a taste of the memory foam mattress experience without investing a considerable sum right away.
