How Thick Should a Mattress Topper Be? – The Bedding Planet

How Thick Should a Mattress Topper Be?


So you want to take your sleep experience to another level and have decided to purchase a mattress topper. In looking over your options you realize there’s a lot to be considered before making this purchase, like;

How thick should my mattress topper be? There is no easy answer to this question. There are different depths of thicknesses to choose from when selecting a mattress topper. Considering the current state of your mattress and your personal sleeping habits will help you determine the right mattress topper thickness for your bed.

There are many reasons for purchasing a mattress topper. With all of them being a way to improve the feel of your current mattress. As mattresses age, and the more they are used, mattresses can become saggy and develop lumps and depressions in the center.

Your mattress may feel a bit too soft or a bit too firm. You could have interrupted sleep due to frequent movement by your partner (motion isolation). These are just some reasons why you may want to purchase a mattress topper, with the bottom line being to top off your sleeping experience.

In the end, you could buy a new mattress, but purchasing a mattress is a large investment. Unless you’ve had the mattress for more than seven years, it would be more economical to spend the money on something that would improve the sleep on the mattress … something like a mattress topper.

What Thickness Options Are Available for Mattress Toppers?

Polyester-Mattress-Topper
  • 2-Inch Mattress Toppers
  • 3-Inch Mattress Toppers
  • 4-Inch Mattress Toppers

Mattress toppers are available in a variety of thickness options (up to 14 inches). Most choices will be 2-inch, 3-inch, and 4-inch thickness.

2-Inch Mattress Toppers

A 2-inch mattress topper is ideal if you don’t want a lot of change in the feel of your mattress. If your mattress is indented or sagging, or if you feel springs coming through, a 2-inch topper will not be what you need.

However, if you’re just needing a little extra cushioning, or firmness, then this topper may be ideal for you.

3-Inch Mattress Toppers

The 3-inch topper is where you start to feel the difference in the firmness level of your bed. Three-inch toppers also offer more customization.

You can find 3-inch toppers that are gel-infused for a cooling effect; you’ll also find them infused with aloe, charcoal, and lavender.

You’ll find some that incorporate air pockets, improving circulation as you sleep; and other options for if you sleep hot, or want an aromatherapy sleep solution, or just want an antimicrobial bed.

Unlike the 2-inch topper, if your mattress is a bit worn out, you will feel the difference with a 3-inch topper.

4-Inch Mattress Toppers

A 4-inch mattress topper will change the feel of your bed entirely. A 4-inch mattress topper will transform your existing sleep experience.

In fact, it’s the thickest topper you can buy without it being classified as a mattress. As with the 3-inch topper, there are some benefits to having this depth of thickness.

A 4-inch topper is ideal if your current bed is sagging or indented, if you’re feeling springs or if the mattress is just worn out. Although you may be in need of a new mattress, the 4-inch topper will buy you the time you need until you’re ready to make that type of investment again.

A 4-inch topper is also ideal for improving motion isolation. The 4-inch topper will make your partner’s movement almost unnoticeable, meaning a more sound sleep for both of you.

Four-inch toppers also have a wide range of options available. You’ll find them infused with gels and other materials, and many will come encased in organic cottons and even hemp or hemp blends.

These toppers are also ideal for all sleep positions. Lastly, a 4-inch mattress topper brings relief and support to any medical condition stemming from back or joint pain. It brings relief to pressure points while you sleep.

What Types of Mattress Toppers Are There?

latex-mattress-topper

There are 4 types available:

  • Memory Foam Mattress Toppers
  • Latex Mattress Toppers
  • Wool Mattress Toppers
  • Down and Down Alternative Mattress Toppers

Memory Foam Mattress Toppers

Memory foam mattress toppers are very popular in the U.S. and most of the world. They’re available in a huge range of brands, firmness ratings, options and sizes.

They cost a little more than most other types of toppers. The biggest concern with memory foam is the off-gassing, which is a release of chemicals into the air as the mattress airs out.

However, more manufacturers are creating mattresses that are eco-friendly, non-toxic and perfectly safe. Checking to ensure the mattress is certified through CertiPUR-US, Greenguard or OEKO-TEX is highly recommended.

Latex Mattress Toppers

Latex mattress toppers are also available in a huge selection of options, and they are 100% natural. They are also good for motion isolation. The material conforms to your body, offering premium support for sleepers of all ages.

It would be wise to look for certifications (CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX or Greenguard) when shopping for latex mattress toppers as well.

Wool Mattress Toppers

When it’s warm out, a wool mattress topper will help keep your body cool at night. And in the winter months, the wool mattress topper will help keep you warm.

It’s a sustainable material, and an eco-friendly choice. Wool is biodegradable and sourced from living animals, and it leaves an amazingly small eco-footprint.

This topper is the best choice for allergy sufferers, asthmatics and others with breathing concerns because the material is hypoallergenic.

Down and Down Alternative Mattress Toppers

Down is one of the softest materials you’ll experience on a bed. It’s naturally insulating and provides ample air flow in the warmer months.

Down is also very durable, lasting for years. If you were to choose a down topper, make sure it’s responsibly sourced. An ‘RDS’ label would guarantee that. This label means that the birds your feathers came from were not unnecessarily harmed. Most down is collected as a byproduct of the poultry farming industry.

If you prefer to steer clear of down, there’s always a down alternative. Down alternatives are usually filled with a synthetic material like polyester or rayon, but cotton, wool and silk down alternatives can be found as well.

The MemorySleep Mattress Topper

memory-sleep-mattress-topper

If you are interested in getting a mattress topper for your own bed, then I recommend our very own topper; the MemorySleep mattress topper.

MemorySleep comes with a thickness of either 2 inches or 4 inches and fits most standard sized beds in the US and most of the world. The topper is a hybrid of both latex and memory foam. This combination provides the best of both worlds in that it provide great support, elasticity and resilience while simultaneously provide comfortable cushioning and pressure relief.

If you want to learn more about the MemorySleep mattress topper you can do so at our store here.

Conclusion

Mattress toppers are an ideal solution for anyone not 100% satisfied with the feel of their mattress.

If you’re not in the market for investing in a new mattress, a mattress topper is a perfect solution. However, take the time to know what it is you’re wanting from your mattress topper.

What is it about your sleeping you need a solution for? The selection of your topper should comply with the level of the comfort you are looking for.

Niklas Lampi

My name is Niklas and I'm the author and content operator at The Bedding Planet. I've always had a big interest in bedding and more specifically sleep. If I find something that makes me sleep better, whether that's a lifestyle change or a better bedding environment, I'm ready to share it with the world!

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