Implementing Your New Mattress Topper
As the easiest way to customize a mattress’ comfort level with minimal cost and effort, mattress toppers have never been more popular than they are currently. Available in numerous materials and sizes, a mattress topper can help people remedy their sleep issues, whether they have an extra-firm mattress for back pain that isn’t as comfortable as they’d like, or want to extend the life of an older mattress while saving to upgrade to a more luxurious bed/futon set.
After purchasing a topper, people are often so excited to get that great rest they’ve heard of, they tear it out of its packaging, throw it on the bed and climb on. However, there are a few things to do before you jump in bed that will help you maximize its benefit long-term, so here are a few tips:
1. Let it expand! The vast majority of mattress toppers are made from traditional, latex, or memory foam, which carry a packaging process that utilizes vacuum sealing to minimize shipping size. When you first remove a new topper from its packaging, spread the mattress pad out on the floor or in a spare room to let it expand fully before use. Using a topper before it fully expands may keep the foam from reaching its original fullness, reducing its strength and comfort.
2. Be gentle! A topper’s job is to hold and support your weight, a testament to its durability, but that doesn’t mean it has no weaknesses. When placing a foam topper on the bed or adjusting its position, do your best to avoid grabbing corners or pulling edges. Given the weight of the topper, mattress sizes, and the friction of sliding it over the mattress, a topper is prone to damage if moved without care. Do your best to either roll or fold the foam when you need to move or reposition it.
3. Cover it! Some people may think that to get the maximum benefit from a foam topper they should sleep directly on it without a cover. This is probably the worst thing you can do to a topper. Sleeping directly on the foam leaves it open to accidental damage and dirt. It will also lack the durability a well-made cover offers. Either covering the topper individually or putting it directly on the mattress under the sheets is imperative to keeping it in top shape for a long time.