Your mattress is essential to keeping you comfortable and supported during your night’s rest. However, when the mattress that used to be so supportive starts sagging and losing its quality, you might find it harder to settle into a comfortable position. You are also at risk of experiencing the repercussions of sleep deprivation.
Ideally, what you should do to avoid aches, pains, and disturbances from sleeping on an old mattress is to get a new one. However, if it’s still not possible, you may use a mattress topper to increase the comfort of your sleeping surface.
What is a Mattress Topper?
A mattress topper is a 2–4-inch thick padding that is usually made of memory foam, latex, or other plush materials. This thick topper, as its name suggests, is placed on top of the mattress to improve the feel of the surface and make it more comfortable to sleep on. For instance, if your mattress is too soft, a firmer mattress topper can offer a more balanced level of comfort. If your mattress is too firm, a plush mattress topper can make it feel softer and gentler on your pressure points.
If you want to make your mattress feel warmer or cooler, a mattress is also an excellent solution. To cool down your mattress, choose a topper made from cooling and breathable materials that allow hot air to escape and cool air to enter the sleeping surface.
When it comes to an old mattress, using a mattress topper is a practical solution to keep your sleeping surface conducive to resting. However, no matter how supportive a mattress topper is, it can only do so much to improve the feel of a mattress that is already past its prime.
Ultimately, a good mattress topper can provide the following benefits:
- Can alter the feel of your mattress based on your preferences
- Can improve the temperature of your sleeping surface
- Can temporarily lift the sagging parts of your mattress
- Helps in relieving body pain and muscle pressure
- Protects your mattress from dirt and allergen buildup
- Helps you save money by replacing your mattress earlier than its expected life
Is a Mattress Topper a Good Substitute for a Bad Mattress?
Your mattress plays a big role in achieving your best night’s sleep. If your mattress is old or simply not ideal for your needs, you end up feeling uncomfortable on your sleeping surface.
A bad mattress can be caused by factors like its initial quality and age. Automatically, an old mattress is bound to be less supportive compared to a newer variety. A mattress that is too thick for your needs can also make you uncomfortable.
Mattress toppers are reliable solutions to minimise the downsides of a sagging mattress. However, using a mattress topper is just a temporary solution and not a substitute for a new mattress.
When Should You Replace Your Mattress?
Mattresses don’t have an exact expiration date. However, they do show some obvious signs of deterioration that call for replacement. While there is no one-size-fits-all guideline, here are some signs to look for when replacing your mattress:
- Your mattress is over 6 years old
- Your sleeping surface is causing you discomfort
- Your mattress is noisy or hot
- You have difficulties falling asleep and staying asleep when using your mattress
- You sleep better when sleeping on the couch or using another mattress
- You see noticeable signs of sagging and damage
- You experience frequent allergy symptoms
- You often wake up with sore muscles and back pain
Ultimately, you should change your mattress if it is negatively affecting your sleep, whether it’s already old or relatively new. You might already be attached to the feel of your old mattress, but sleeping on a bad surface over time can cause serious health issues. These can range from chronic pain to serious health issues like heart disease.
If you’re thinking about buying a new bed, then you might need a new one.
Mattress Topper vs. New Mattress: Which One Do You Need?
If you’re unsure if what you need is a mattress topper or a new bed, consider the following factors:
When Do You Need a Mattress Topper?
You need a mattress topper if your mattress itself is still fairly new, is not too saggy, but is also not as comfortable as it once was. This is also a good solution if you’re using a relatively new mattress that is too soft or too firm for your needs.
Moreover, a mattress topper can make a huge difference in the comfort of your sleeping surface if:
- Your mattress is starting to develop lumps. Lumps are signs that the inner construction of your mattress is already giving up. A lumpy mattress is extremely uncomfortable and dangerous for your posture. The best way to fix this is to get a new mattress. However, using a mattress topper can provide temporary support.
- Your mattress is too hot. Mattresses that are made from memory foam tend to absorb your body heat to contour your pressure points, making them hot and uncomfortable to sleep on during the summer. A cooling mattress topper can alter this discomfort by making your sleeping surface more breathable.
- Your mattress is too firm. Is your mattress new or simply too firm for your needs? A soft mattress topper can provide extra cushioning to keep your sleeping surface soft and conforming to the natural shape of your spine.
When Do You Need a New Mattress?
If your bed is already sagging and lacking in support, a mattress topper will not fix the problem. However, using a mattress topper can minimise the hassles of your old mattress while you’re looking for a replacement.
When it’s time to buy a new mattress, choose a variety that works well for your unique sleeping needs. There is no single mattress that can accommodate all sleeping needs, but setting up your own requirements can help you get the best one.
Thankfully, Somnuz is here to help you get the best mattress in Singapore for the best price. Simply browse through our range of premium mattresses online or visit our experience centres to try the Somnuz quality.