Mattress Topper Differences: What You Should Know

Since box spring beds are steadily becoming more popular, interest in toppers is also increasing. However, there are differences to consider even with a mattress topper. You have the choice between different models that adapt to your body.

Not only the different materials, but also the density, firmness levels, and covers should be considered in your purchase. This way, they particularly offer the advantages necessary for your needs. All information can be found below in our guide.

Mattress Pad vs. Topper: Differences

A topper is often referred to as a mattress pad. Strictly speaking, however, they are two different products. Both variants are placed on the mattress. A pad serves to protect the mattress and maintain hygiene. The thin mattress pad protects against wear and stains.

A topper is thicker compared to a mattress pad and enhances sleeping comfort. It provides pressure relief, which improves the feeling of lying down. The height of a topper ranges from 4 to 10 centimeters, making it a thin mattress. Therefore, it is also called a top mattress.

Toppers also protect the mattress as a cover and extend its durability. However, their primary purpose is to provide more comfort through a slight cushioning.

Furthermore, a topper can create a continuous lying surface for maximum functionality - these are all points in favor of the product. When selecting the topper, the firmness and material should be matched to the mattress.

This ensures that you balance moisture and guarantee an optimal sleeping climate in a single or double bed.

Box spring beds benefit from the topper

Typically, a topper is used for a box spring bed. Box spring beds are characterized by their special base and consist of three elements: the box, the mattress, and the topper.

Increasingly, more people are also using the items for conventional beds consisting of a mattress, bed frame, and slatted frame. A topper is used for various bed systems such as an upholstered bed, waterbed, or others.

It not only provides more comfort, but in many cases also offers more warmth and accordingly a pleasant temperature. Moreover, it is a good support for high body weight. As a special bonus, it is usually easy to care for, slip-resistant, and allergy-friendly.

What are the differences between the toppers?

Toppers are constructed like mattresses. The outer layer or surface consists of a cover, and inside there is a core. The differences in toppers relate to the materials of both elements.

These various materials are available

Below we list the most important materials for toppers:

Comfort foam

This foam is the most cost-effective material, consisting of PU foam. The comfort foam adjusts immediately to a changed sleeping position.

Cold foam

Cold foam is a higher quality alternative foam that features high point elasticity to enhance support. The structure of the material is open-pored, which allows for breathability during use. When the pressure is removed, the topper returns to its original shape.

Cold foam is a firm foam with a cooling effect, and its surface impresses with its firmness when used. Since the user does not sink deeply into the topper with their shoulder, cold foam is suitable for restless sleepers. People who sweat quickly at night will also find this material and its special function to be a good choice.

It could also be an option for those with back pain or for allergy sufferers.

Memory foam

The material, also known as memory foam, is thermoelastic. Thus, it regulates temperature. In this case, the bed's topper conforms to the contour of the body, due to your body heat. As a result, the user benefits from significant pressure relief as they sink deeper into the topper.

Memory foam slowly returns to its original shape when you change your sleeping position. Visco mattress toppers are suitable for still sleepers as well as for side, stomach, and back sleepers. All in all, the perfect choice depends on this detail.

Gel foam

A gel topper combines the positive characteristics of both memory foam and cold foam toppers. As a back or side sleeper, you will enjoy a very soft lying sensation and a cooling effect due to the open and wide pores.

Gel foam is characterized by a moderate resilience, allowing someone with a calm sleep to sink sufficiently deep into the topper. The high point elasticity makes this type a back and shoulder-friendly option.

Since one does not sink as deeply in various sleeping positions as with memory foam, the material is also suitable for restless sleepers.

Latex

Latex is extremely dimensionally stable and returns to its original shape immediately after being unloaded. Additionally, the material has a slightly springy effect and is very elastic. Because natural latex is heavy, manufacturers incorporate many pores into the topper. This makes the product more manageable and breathable.

Cleaning is also particularly easy and the material impresses with its durability. However, the disadvantages are the weight and the often unpleasant inherent smell.

Density as a Quality Feature

Toppers also differ in terms of density. The density indicates how much material is used per cubic meter. The density is identified by the abbreviation RG. Following the density, a value for the foam density is specified.

At a value of RG 50, 50 kilograms of raw material per cubic meter were processed. The quality is higher the more material is used. With a high density, the foam is denser, making it more stable and durable.

To ensure the topper is durable and of good quality, a model with at least RG 40 is recommended.

Note: A product with a density between 40 and 50 kilograms per cubic meter lasts between 6 and 8 years. RG 60 toppers last more than 10 years. Depending on the load, however, the lifespan can be longer or shorter, for example.

Density does not matter in gel and cold foam because these materials are lighter and also have air trapped inside. As a result, they offer a high durability.

Further differences in the topper cores

In some toppers, the core is profiled, while in others it is smooth. Highly profiled topper cores provide a very soft lying sensation. Furthermore, it is possible for the core to be divided into zones. These lying zones are also found in mattresses.

They enhance sleeping comfort as the zones are tailored to different body parts. Thus, the core allows for deeper sinking in the hip and shoulder areas, while the support strength of other lying zones is stronger.

Different sizes

Toppers are available in various sizes. Most models are 200 centimeters long. However, there are also products in shorter or longer lengths, as well as toppers for toddlers.

The most common sizes are:

• 120 x 200 centimeters
• 140 x 200 centimeters
• 160 x 200 centimeters
• 180 x 200 centimeters

Some toppers are available in the dimensions of 200 x 200 centimeters. They eliminate the annoying gap between mattresses.

Toppers with a shorter length are 190 centimeters long, and toppers with extra length measure 210 or 220 centimeters. The width of these special sizes varies between 60 and 200 centimeters. Toddler toppers or baby toppers are available in sizes 60 x 120 centimeters or 70 x 140 centimeters.

Special Solution Split Topper

Split toppers are also suitable for adjustable double beds. They feature one or two cuts. These vertical cuts are located in the middle of the lying surface.

Thus, both users can adjust the position of their side of the bed independently. For example, one can raise the position of the lower section to read with elevated legs, while the other can raise the upper section of the sleeping surface so they can sit up in bed.

Cover for a topper

Most covers of the mattress protectors are removable via a zipper and machine washable. A cover made of cotton, virgin wool, or microfiber is moisture-regulating, ensuring a comfortable sleeping climate.

So-called drill covers and double cloth covers are usually characterized by special features. Depending on the manufacturer and model, they may include climate fibers or be mite-proof and antibacterial. Many covers are quilted, which affects the height of the topper.

Often, elastic bands are sewn into the corners of the cover, which are pulled over the mattress. This prevents the topper from slipping.

Our Consultation

If you need help selecting a topper or have any questions, our customer service is happy to assist you. In our online store, you will also find additional products such as pillows, sheets, bedding, neck support pillows, and head pillows.

This allows you to easily create a combination that exactly matches your preferences. With the right upholstery fabric and luxurious lying properties, you create an absolute highlight in the bedroom. We also share many tips in our blog to ensure you make the right choice.

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