Choosing A Memory Foam Bed Topper
Memory foam bed toppers can be on the pricey side so a little guidance as to what to go for when buying one is always useful. Most people buy a topper because they are finding their current mattress uncomfortable to sleep on.
Although mattresses can last for many years, after just a few years they do tend to develop lumps and bumps which can cause discomfort while sleeping. A memory foam topper is ideal for cushioning you against these uncomfortable lumpy bits.
You'll find that the toppers come in various depths. Below are the most common ones.
1 inch is best for casual use, like on a spare room bed.
2 inches is good for most people with an average lumpy mattress.
3 inches is best for people who are suffering from back pain or who have a very lumpy mattress.
4 inches is the luxury end of the memory foam bed topper market. If you can afford it then you'll maximise your comfort.
You'll notice that prices can vary quite a lot. You'll find that the more expensive toppers, like the Tempur Overlay Mattress, are made from a denser foam and these will last longer than the less dense, cheaper ones.
When buying always make sure you get the right size. This might seem obvious but there are a lot of non-standard size mattresses out there. You want your topper to be as close a match as possible, though slightly under size is better than slightly oversized when it comes to fitting the bedding.
When you purchase your memory foam bed topper you find it looks some what small and compressed when you first unroll it. Generally it looks too small for your mattress. Don't be alarmed, just let it rest for a few hours to expand, though it may take over 24 hours to expand to its full size.
For some people smell is an issue and it's true that memory foam tends to smell like synthetic foam, although this quickly wears off. It's worth noting that the foam isn't releasing any toxic chemicals, it simply smells. If you have a sensitive nose it may be best to unroll your mattress in an unused room and leave it there to expand and to lose its smell. This will happen more quickly if you can have a window open to allow the odour to dissipate out.
One thing that is often overlooked when buying a bed topper is bedding. If you choose a topper that is one or two inches then your current fitted bottom sheets should be fine. Any more and you'll probably need to think about buying bottom sheets to accommodate the extra depth from the topper sitting on top of the mattress. As a temporary measure you can put a sheet on your mattress and another one on your topper.
Once your memory foam bed topper is in place all you need to do is have a lie down to appreciate how good it feels. Then just go to sleep.