What is a topper and how to choose it?

Good sleep is the key to good health, so it is important that the bed is comfortable. If the place for a night's rest for some reason has ceased to suit you, you can try to correct its shortcomings with the help of a topper, choosing a removable mattress with suitable characteristics. Buying such a device will be cheaper than purchasing a new bed and will help restore the desired comfort.

The name "topper" comes from the English word top, and it means an object lying on top. The people often call this device a sleepover, which also reflects its main function. A topper is a thin padded mattress without springs. It is lightweight, so you can quickly put it away and roll it up, and spread it closer to night, preparing a sleeping place. Toppers are often used as a temporary measure to smooth out swings and dents on an old sofa or mattress. There are other uses as well:

• to protect against static electricity if the upholstery is made of synthetic materials;
• as a yoga mat or play area for children - in this case, the topper is laid out on the floor;
• to change the orthopedic properties of the main mattress, if you need to make it softer or harder;
• to organize an extra bed in the event of a sudden arrival of guests;
• to combine two small mattresses with each other.

Besides, the topper can act as a mattress topper, protecting the bed from dirt, dust, preventing abrasion of the upholstery, but this is only an additional function. Unlike a protective cover, which can be washed without problems in a machine, a removable mattress will require more complex maintenance.It cannot be washed entirely, the filler will need to be cleaned separately. Therefore, if it is the protective function that is important for you, then you should think about purchasing a mattress topper - separately or together with a topper. Some people have questions about whether this device can be used instead of a mattress. Doing this on an ongoing basis is not worth it.

There are different types of sleep accessories, so it shouldn't be hard to find the right one. The density of the product and the filling play an important role - the level of comfort and sensation during rest depends on this. And also it is worth paying attention to the material of the cover. It must be sufficiently strong and durable.

Manufacturers can use synthetic, blended or natural fabrics. Each type of material has its own characteristics.

• Artificial. Usually it is polyester, spandex, elastane. Such fabrics are easy to wash and dry quickly, they are durable and elastic. However, synthetics tend to accumulate static electricity and are not hypoallergenic.
• Mixed. Cloths of this type are composed of artificial and natural fibers. This extends the life of the cover, while the material, unlike synthetics, collects dust much less.
• Natural. Coarse calico, jacquard and other fabrics based on cotton or linen are used, bamboo fiber is also used. These materials are breathable and do not cause allergic reactions. However, they are more capricious in their care: they dry longer, some dirt from such fabrics is more difficult to wash off than from artificial ones.

Since the topper has no springs, the entire load is borne by the material inside the mattress. The degree of softness or hardness also depends on the properties of the filler. More often than not, several materials are used.

• Latex. Natural is obtained from the sap of a rubber tree - it is foamed and then allowed to harden. The filler has good firmness and elasticity, and is also hypoallergenic. Artificial latex is cheaper, but tougher and not as durable.
• Coconut. Fibers of exotic walnut have antibacterial properties, allow air to pass through and retain their shape for a long time. Latex is usually added to the filler to provide elasticity.
• Polyurethane foam. Material based on acrylic and other synthetic components. It is similar in elasticity to latex, but much less durable.
• Holofiber. Artificial filler based on polyurethane foam, but at the same time of higher quality, holds its shape well and adjusts to the contours of the body. Possesses heat-saving properties.
• Wool. Warms well, soft, but can become a source of allergies. Suitable for winter time, as it provides additional insulation.

The degree of hardness is directly related to the filler. Depending on the material used, the mattress acquires certain properties. There are three categories.

• Soft. Inside these can be latex, holofiber, memory foam, polyurethane foam. They are used to soften an overly hard substrate or to level a surface.
• Average. They have a denser structure, and are well suited for use outside the sleeping place, for example, as a children's rug. These are universal models that adapt to the anatomical contours of the body and allow you to have a good rest.
• Tough. The hardest ones are usually made from coconut fiber. They should be used if the sofa or main mattress is too soft and the body practically collapses during sleep. A rigid topper will solve this problem, it will help to evenly distribute the load, creating an orthopedic effect.

The choice of the degree of density depends on age, weight, and the presence of certain health characteristics. If you have problems with the spine, then you should first consult with your doctor and get additional recommendations.

The dimensions of the products may be different, it is worth focusing on the parameters of your bed so that the topper fits:

• for a single bed - 80x195, 90x190, 90x200 cm;
• one-and-a-half models - 120x190, 140x190 cm;
• double - 160x200, 140x200, 180x200 cm.

There are also children's models, for a child you can also choose a thin mattress, if necessary. In addition, toppers come in not only a standard rectangular shape, but also a round one. In this case, the height of the products varies from 2 to 10 cm, depending on the characteristics of the inner material and the amount of filler.

A lot of manufacturers produce toppers, the choice on the market is really great. According to customer reviews, certain models are most popular with buyers.

Among the accessories suitable for sofas, several products are in the lead.

• Lonax Memory. The cover is made of durable and wear-resistant jacquard, inside - polyurethane foam. The material holds its shape well and adapts to the curves of the body. The model has a low level of rigidity and a thickness of 4 cm. The manufacturer promises that the product will last 8 years.

• Ergo 4 from Sontelle. Latex and eco-foam are used as fillers. This combination provides optimum rigidity. The material is quite elastic, but elastic at the same time. The topper has a jacquard finish. The warranty is 2 years.

• Spread-5 from Dreamline. Affordable product made of synthetic materials. It has good elasticity, but the model is designed for a weight of no more than 80 kg. Suitable for teenagers.

These models are the most popular among the full-size options.

• Mimosa by Hoff. Antibacterial treatment protects against dust mites. There is ecopen inside the product, it is a soft material.

• Libre Roll 6 by Sontelle. The model is of medium hardness, which makes it almost universal. The cover is made of jacquard, and the inside is filled with eco-foam.

• "Latex" from "Toris". The topper is designed for weight up to 150 kg. Natural latex inside, removable jacquard cover. This material allows air to pass through well, but at the same time does not absorb unpleasant odors.

Children's accessories must be of high quality and hypoallergenic. Buyers often choose these models.

• Effect Bonn by Agreen. It has an average level of hardness, inside there is a synthetic foam with a cellular structure, which creates a slight massage effect. The surface is quilted, so the filler inside does not stray into lumps. The cover is made of natural linen and cotton materials.

• "Strutto 8" from EcoBiba. The mattress is designed for a weight of up to 90 kg, so even a teenager can sleep on it. The density level is medium, universal. Struttofiber is used as a filler, which contributes to an even distribution of the load.

• Relax by Son-tek. It has an original design with special sidewalls that prevent the topper from slipping. They can be adjusted to fit the berth. Easy to roll up, can be stored on a roll, while keeping its shape well.

There are certain points to consider when purchasing.

• Maximum load level. Each topper is designed for a certain weight, this is indicated in the characteristics of the product.At a minimum, you need to have at least 10 kg in stock so that the mattress retains its shape and does not deteriorate too quickly.
• Materials. Synthetic products attract an affordable price, and this is a good way to save money if you plan to use the accessory from time to time, take it with you to the country or on trips. For permanent use, it is better to choose a model made from natural materials.
• Dimensions. Do not forget to measure your sleeping place before buying the accessory you like. You should not be guided by the eye - if the topper is small, then it will slide during sleep, and the large one will begin to gather in folds, which will also cause inconvenience.

When choosing the degree of hardness, be guided by weight and health.

• Soft models are suitable for elderly people - such an acquisition will add comfort to a grandmother or grandfather. It is also an option for those who are lightweight.
• Medium hardness is a universal option, if there are no special indications, then it is better to choose just such a density. These accessories are also suitable for pregnant women.
• Stiff toppers help maintain posture, which is why they are recommended for teenagers and those who face constant stress on the spine.

It should be borne in mind that products filled with coconut fiber or natural latex cannot be stored rolled up - from this they lose their quality. If you plan to remove the topper during the daytime, or use it occasionally, then it is better to pay attention to less capricious materials. Synthetic fillers can be easily rolled into a roll and then returned to their original shape.

Quilted models are convenient for those who sleep restlessly and often turn over from side to side. Thanks to the stitching, the filler is evenly placed inside and does not collect in lumps, even during long-term use.

The topper is a popular accessory and many people use it to enhance their bed or sofa. Buyers note that additional mattresses help well if the disadvantages of a sleeping place are minor. For example, there are slight irregularities, or the surface needs to be softened a little. But if the main mattress has noticeably fallen into disrepair, then it is better to buy a new one - this situation cannot be corrected with a topper.

Buyers tend to choose more well-known companies, for example, IKEA, Askona, Dormeo, Ormatek and other companies specializing in sleep products. This gives a certain guarantee, and the reviews for such products are mostly positive. But people who have bought products from little-known manufacturers often complain that toppers quickly lose their shape. Many people like mattresses that adapt to the anatomical curves of the body. The owners note that the presence of the accessory makes the rest more comfortable, and the back gets less tired during the day.