Did you know that mattress toppers prolong the life of your mattress, provide you with oodles of extra comfort, and can reduce your exposure to chemicals, mites, dust, and mould? Not only that, but they give you more freedom in tailoring your bed to your unique comfort preferences. Want a softer mattress than what you’ve got going currently? A topper can help. Want a firmer, more supportive sleep surface than your droopy old mattress? You guessed it, a topper can help. Whether you’ve got an old topper that may need replacing, or you never had one, discover the many benefits of investing in a mattress topper in this blog!
What is a mattress topper?
Many people mistake a mattress topper for a mattress protector and vice versa. While they serve some of the same functions, they’re fundamentally different. A mattress protector is a thinner cover that goes over your mattress to protect it from spills, dirt, dust, and crumbs (yes we’re looking at you breakfast-in-bed-people). A protector can be washed easily in the machine - and depending on your needs can be made waterproof.
A mattress topper on the other hand is a thick comfort layer you add on top of your existing mattress. It can come in many different thicknesses and materials, but they all have the same purpose. To improve your sleep and prolong your mattress’ life. Ideally you'll have both a mattress protector and a mattress topper.
Are mattress toppers worth it?
A mattress topper is a great investment that can provide better sleep and save you money. How? First of all, by adding another comfort layer to your mattress, a mattress topper can create more comfort consistency. This is excellent news if you either have an old mattress and can’t afford a new one, or you just don’t like the feel of your current mattress. A new mattress topper (which is significantly cheaper than a new mattress) can upgrade your sleep for less!
That means that whether you’d like to soften up a mattress that is too firm and does not provide enough pressure relief or you’d like to give more support and firmness to a mattress that is too soft and saggy - a mattress topper can breathe fresh life into an older, uncomfortable mattress.
A mattress topper also provides extra protection for your new mattress and helps prevent dips and sags and other wear and tear, meaning it extends the life of your mattress.
We would highly recommend trying a mattress topper out if you think that your current mattress isn’t working out for you, but you aren’t ready to get a whole new mattress. Being proactive and making a decision sooner may save you a lot of restless nights.
What types of mattress toppers are there?
When it comes to mattress topper materials, there’s lots to choose from, such as memory foam, latex, down and feathers, kapok, and wool. With all the marketing jargon it can be hard to choose the best option for your needs and budget. But there are a few ways to navigate the noise.
Firstly, what is the topper made from and how was it made?
A company committed to using safe, natural materials is more likely to provide you with a safe and sustainable product. Avoid polyurethane foam toppers like memory foam to avoid contributing to the plastic crisis, and avoid harmful off-gassing. These synthetic toppers are often propped full of harmful chemicals and materials that off-gas and won’t bio degrade. Instead opt for a topper made from natural materials like latex foam. A latex mattress topper is resistant to mould, mites, dust, and allergens, it is plant based, durable, supportive, and chemical-free. Ours are made from only two ingredients - organic cotton and 100% pure latex.
Secondly, how transparent are they about their pricing and manufacturing?
A company committed to transparency is more likely to give you a great deal, and be committed to safe, ethical practices.
Thirdly, do they offer a risk-free sleep trial?
Comfort is subjective, and if you decide your topper isn’t what you wanted, you want to know you’re safe to return it for your money back. So be sure to buy a topper from a company that wants you to be certain you’ve made the right choice for you.
Fourthly, what’s their warranty period like?
A mattress topper is not cheap - so when you buy one, you want it to last. Their warranty indicates how long they’re confident the product will last with the right care. Warranty periods vary greatly - with memory foam warranties being significantly shorter than latex foam toppers. This is because memory foams break down much faster than latex foam.
Lastly, how easy is it to buy and receive the topper?
Can you buy your products online and have them shipped for free? Can you break up your payment with the payment plan of your preference? Choose a company that’s transparent about their logistics - it’ll make the buying process less stressful.
A natural mattress topper can reduce your exposure to dust, mites, and mildew
Whether you find yourself coughing or sneezing a lot at night, you wake up itchy-eyed and tired, or you’re concerned about the off-gassing that occurs from your synthetic mattress - a natural topper can be the solution you need. Over time an old mattress will harbour more dust and mites than you’d care to know of, which can trigger allergic reactions and other health issues.
A natural latex topper can reduce bedroom off-gassing
Off-gassing is the release of airborne particulates or chemicals—dubbed volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—from common household products like certain mattresses. You’ll recognise it as that new smell that products often have when they’re straight out of the box, and these airborne particles can affect your health. If you are concerned with off-gassing, but you can’t afford a new latex mattress just yet, a latex mattress topper may be the solution. While a natural topper won’t mitigate all of the off-gassing that occurs from synthetic mattresses, it will provide a natural protective barrier between the mattress and those sleeping on it. As a physical barrier between the mattress and the sleeper, it also prevents the accelerated off-gassing that occurs when our body heats up the mattress. Read more about why you should avoid off-gassing here.
What should you look for in a quality mattress topper?
When shopping for a mattress topper, you want to keep the following in mind: materials, price, comfort, safety, quality, sustainability, warranty, reviews, and manufacturing standards. Look for a company that’s transparent about where they source their raw materials, how their products are made, and how they price them. It’s a minefield out there in the age of greenwashing, and buying good-quality bedding can take some research, but it is possible! So if you do your research, you should hopefully end up with the right product in your bedroom! We’re proud to be an ethical, sustainable, and affordable option for toppers, mattresses, bases, and pillows. We find that many of our customers are incredibly well-researched about mattress and mattress toppers by the time they end up choosing us.
Why you should get a Peace Lily latex mattress topper
Our dedication to detail, safety, sustainability, and comfort towards our mattress toppers is why many sustainability-minded and price-conscious shoppers choose us. Only all-natural, toxin-free materials find their way into our handmade products, and you can sleep soundly on our topper knowing it’s made from only organic cotton and pure rubber tree sap. Not only that, but our mattress toppers are naturally antimicrobial, meaning they’re dust, mites, mould, and allergen resistant, and 100% non-toxic.
Can I put a Peace Lily mattress topper on a non-Peace Lily mattress?
You sure can. While the Peace Lily mattress topper is made especially to complement the Peace Lily latex mattress, it suits other standard-sized mattresses too. The considerable weight of latex also means you don’t have to worry about your topper sliding around - it stays firmly in place on its own.
If you’re concerned about chemical off-gassing from a recent memory-foam purchase, you can add an all-natural barrier between yourself and the toxic polyurethane foam with a Peace Lily mattress topper. If you’re looking for a new mattress too, we’ve got you covered!
How long does a mattress topper last?
The durability of a mattress topper depends on how it was made and what it was made from. Some will only last a year before they start sagging, while others can last over ten years without a problem. Our latex toppers are built to last and are covered with a 10-year warranty. If you want a quality topper that’ll last, we recommend opting for one made from natural latex foam, not memory foam.
Some factors that will greatly affect the lifespan of your topper are:
- The condition of the mattress below
- The frequency of use
- The weight of the person using it
- The topper maintenance and care routine
- The material and quality
- The thickness of the topper
How do I know it’s time to switch out my mattress topper?
If you already own a mattress topper and you’re not sure if it’s seen its best days, there are ways to find out. Here at Peace Lily, we’re big advocates of Don’t Switch Until It’s Time. So much of modern marketing is about tricking you with a big sale or flashy antics - which leads to overconsumption and fast-bedding. It’s bad for your wallet and it’s bad for the planet - so we won’t do it. Instead,
you should buy a new topper when you need one, but how do you know when’s the right time?
1. Listen to your body
Are you waking up refreshed, rested, and without obvious aches and allergic directions? Chances are you’re fine, you don’t need to buy anything! But if you toss and turn or you wake up cranky, stiff, tired, or sneezing, your topper - and maybe even your mattress - may need switching out! If you want to know if it’s time to wave your mattress adieu, check out our blog on it Ten Signs You Need A New Mattress.
2. Really look at it
Pull back the covers and observe your topper - does it dip in places - especially where you or your partner tends to sleep? This will affect your sleep comfort. Try flipping it and turning it top to bottom and see if it becomes more comfy that way. You may be able to squeeze a bit more life out of it! If this doesn’t help, it may be time for a new topper.
3. Age is also a good indicator
If you own a memory foam topper that's older than 3 years, it may have started to sag and dip - which will affect the quality of your sleep. If your topper is more than 10 years old and is still structurally fine, it may still harbour health-affecting and allergy-inducing dust, mites, mildew, and mould. If you’re sensitive to these allergens, a topper can help.
4. You’ve changed
If you’ve switched sleeping positions or you've gained or lost weight since you bought your last sleep setup, or you've stared or stopped sharing a bed, it may be time for a new topper or mattress to accommodate. Are you a recovered belly-sleeper? You’ll need different support from your mattress and topper.
Get in touch or give our topper a go
We hope this blog has been helpful, and that you feel armed with all the information you need. We provide two topper options here at Peace Lily: a plush soft topper and a firm support topper. Basically, we’ve got a topper to help our customers either add softness to their mattress or add firmness to it! Both are made from just two ingredients - 100% pure latex foam and organic cotton. Mozy on over here to learn more about our toppers or to place an order, or if you still have questions that haven't been answered, feel free to reach out to our customer service team to chat during business hours. They’re super friendly!
