Guide: Mattress toppers for better sleep

Are you unsatisfied with your mattress or would you like to sleep more comfortably without having to buy a whole new bed? In that case, a mattress topper is an ideal and cost-effective solution. Find out which type of mattress topper is right for you and what you should consider when purchasing one.

Five reasons to invest in a new mattress topper

1. More comfortable sleep: a mattress topper will help you to optimise your comfort whilst sleeping, if you experience problems with a spring mattress that is too hard and uncomfortable. This can often be the case with pocket sprung mattresses.
2. Improved bed hygiene: Unlike spring mattresses, the outer layer of a mattress topper can easily be washed, improving your bed hygiene, and reducing mites.
3. Longer lifespan: The underlying spring mattress will have a longer lifespan as it’s better protected.
4. Raising the bed: If you need to raise the height of your bed for health or age reasons to make getting in and out of bed more comfortable, a mattress topper is a great addition.
5. Changing sleep habits: If your sleeping habits have changed, such as from sleeping on your back to sleeping on your side, a new mattress topper may be needed.

Good to know: If you feel that your bed is too soft or too hard, a new mattress topper is not the only solution. You may need a new spring mattress.

Mattress topper guide: Which mattress topper is the right one for me?

The answer to this really varies, as it so often does, depending on various aspects. Below we’ve given you an overview of the most important aspects to consider: size, height, firmness level and material.

What sizes of mattress toppers are available?

It’s important that the mattress topper matches the dimensions of the spring mattress. Therefore, all you need to do is measure your bed, as mattress toppers are available in all standard and specialised sizes. If you share a bed with a partner and prefer a joint sleeping surface, you can choose a mattress topper that spans across the entire bed. This will eliminate an annoying gap between individual mattress toppers.

How high should a mattress topper be?

To improve your comfort when lying down and relieve pressure, the height of a mattress topper should be around 6 to 12 centimetres. Higher variants risk limiting or even losing the support function of the mattress underneath. If the mattress topper is too thin, it won’t provide much additional sleeping comfort and will feel worn out after a short amount of time.

What degree of firmness is appropriate?

Hardness classifications like those for regular mattresses (H1, H2, etc.) do not exist in the same way for mattress toppers. The closest we can get are the soft, medium and firm classifications.

• Soft = optimal body fit, pressure reduction, good for side sleepers who need soft pressure.
• Medium = comfortably soft yet supportive, suitable for most sleeping types.
• Firm = particularly good for people who sleep on their back or stomach.

However, the perception of a mattress topper is highly subjective. The only way to find out the right 'firmness level' is by trying a mattress topper at home for a while. The actual firmness or softness of a sleeping surface depends on the composition of the material.

What type of material is right for a mattress topper?

Which material is right for you depends on how you sleep and your individual needs. Therefore, when buying a new mattress topper, you should pay close attention to the characteristics that the material offers. There are big differences, especially in terms of quality, elasticity and breathability.

Comfort foam mattress toppers

This is a relatively inexpensive variant. The filling consists of simple PU foam and is suitable for all sleeping positions, for restless sleepers, for people who sweat during sleep and for allergy sufferers. This type of mattress topper is less durable and tends to form cavities after some time. However, it has good point elasticity, insulates heat well and has active air circulation. Due to its good support function, comfort foam mattress toppers provide a firmer sleeping position than visco-foam and gel foam mattress toppers, but are softer than cold foam mattress toppers, meaning that a comfort foam mattress topper still provides a soft sleeping surface.

Cold foam mattress toppers

These mattress toppers are very popular as they provide a pleasantly light, yet firm, sleeping experience and are suitable for all sleeping positions. If your spring mattress is too soft, cold foam mattress toppers can help to make it more comfortable. An elasticated mattress however that is too soft cannot be made firmer with a mattress topper. Cold foam mattress toppers adapt to the contours of your body, but also return to their original shape very quickly, which is particularly beneficial for restless sleepers. People who tend to sweat a lot can benefit from the good breathability of cold foam. Cold foam mattresses are also popular with allergy sufferers.

Visco elastic foam mattress toppers

Visco elastic foam, also commonly known as memory foam, mattress toppers are suitable for all types of sleepers, but especially for stomach sleepers and people who often feel cold. Typical of the pressure-relieving visco-foam is the "memory effect". Due to the body's own heat, a visco mattress topper optimally adapts to your body contour regardless of your sleeping position. When you leave the bed, the foam returns to its original smooth state. If you therefore find your bed too hard, a visco elastic foam mattress is recommended.

Gel foam mattress toppers

If you sleep on your side or back, a gel foam mattress topper is a good choice for you. Its point elasticity allows it to mould itself to your body, providing a pleasantly soft sleeping experience. This mattress topper is less suitable for stomach sleepers. The targeted pressure on the back supports an ergonomically perfect sleeping position, which in turn is particularly beneficial for people with back pain and tension. Thanks to their breathability and temperature-regulating properties, gel foam mattress toppers provide a restful night's sleep for people who feel extra warm and sweat a lot during the night.

Latex mattress toppers

This type of mattress topper is usually made of synthetic latex, which is characterised by its high point elasticity, dimensional stability and light springiness. A latex mattress topper gives you a soft yet supportive sleeping surface and optimally adapts to the contours of your body. This ensures a comfortable sleeping position and a good night's sleep. The mattress topper immediately returns to its original state after being laid on. Latex is relatively heavy. To make it easier to handle, the material has many pores that create a comfortable temperature regulation. A latex mattress topper is suitable for almost all types of sleeping positions.

Wool mattress toppers

High-quality mattress toppers are often filled with wool, as this material provides good moisture transportation and unique temperature regulation. In the summer, you sleep pleasantly cool, and in the winter, the mattress topper generates a warming effect. With a mattress topper such as this, you can significantly improve the quality of your sleep. CURA's premium mattress toppers contain wool and are available in both Soft and Firm.

Can you put mattress topper covers in the washing machine?

Yes, and this offers a significant advantage over bulky mattresses. Mattress toppers typically have zippers, allowing you to easily remove the cover and wash it. The recommended temperature in the washing machine is 30 to 60 degrees, depending on the material.

Protecting your mattress topper with a protector

A mattress protector shields your mattress topper from dirt, wear, and tear. There are different types to choose from, ranging from waterproof mattress protectors as thin as sheets to slightly thicker ones that provide extra comfort to your bed.

Making the bed for a better sleep

Once you've found the perfect mattress topper for your needs and created a good foundation for your bed, it's worth also investing in good bedding. Choosing high quality is the most sustainable and at CURA we can recommend our CURA Satina range which is made from 100% cotton, providing a soft, breathable and gentle sleeping surface for a comfortable and restful night's sleep.

Treat yourself to a perfect night’s sleep with a mattress topper

If you long for a good night's sleep and are dissatisfied with your mattress, you can quickly remedy the situation with the right mattress topper. Even if your spring mattress is fully functional, a mattress topper provides extra comfort and enhances bed hygiene.

People with back problems are especially likely to benefit from a mattress topper, as it often softens an overly firm bed surface. To add that extra level of sleeping comfort to your bedroom, it's worth selecting a bed mattress with a wool content. However, please note that a mattress pad cannot revive an overly old bed or spring mattress.

Frequently asked questions about mattress toppers

How long does a mattress topper last?

With normal usage, you should replace your mattress topper approximately every 5 to 6 years.

What should we do as a couple if we need different mattress firmness?

In this case, we recommend placing two individual mattress toppers (90 x 200 cm) on a double bed, both adapted to your respective sleep needs, such as our new, innovative CURA AirTemp® mattress toppers, which are available in both firm and soft.

How much does a mattress topper cost?

Single mattress toppers are available for upwards of €130, depending on the dimensions. If you'd rather have a high quality mattress topper that really improves the quality of your sleep, you should expect to pay up to €700, depending on the material and size.

Is there a guarantee on mattress toppers?

This varies from manufacturer to manufacturer but it’s usually a good sign and indication of a high quality product if the guarantee is longer than the statutory 2 year guarantee period. CURA offers a 10-year guarantee on our mattress toppers.

Do I need to pay attention to specific certifications?

If a mattress topper is certified according to OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, then the cover and foam core have been tested for harmful substances.