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Yes, a mattress topper can be used as a mattress. However, there are several factors you should consider before making the jump. If the mattress topper is going to be a temporary replacement for your bed, then it will do just fine.
If you plan on using it as your permanent bedding solution then size, comfort and thickness are key factors to be considered. Read on for the full scoop and to see exactly what we recommend.
The world of modern consumerism is a strange one; we have products available for all kinds of uses which were never originally intended to serve such functions.
Upcycling is entirely built upon the idea of finding new purposes for products that are no longer being used. Side note, check out our blog if you're interested in some mattress topper upcycling ideas. Anywho, let's dive into the main topic of using a mattress topper as a mattress.
The main advantage of using a mattress topper as a mattress is that it can be cheaper than replacing a whole mattress. A new mattress can be as much as $1000-$2000 these days...yikes! While this obviously depends on the type of mattress, all things being equal, a mattress topper can cost significantly less than an entirely new bed.
Besides saving money on buying a mattress, if you also already own one then you are able to transform an old mattress by simply adding a topper. Not all toppers are suitable for this. Our recommendation is to use a memory foam mattress topper as the foam will contour to your body and completely change your sleep experience.
The other advantage is that old mattresses are bad offenders for clogging up land fill. Every year 1.2 to 1.8 million mattresses end up in landfill according to Recycling Near You. By not throwing out your mattress you are doing the planet a favour by reducing landfill.
There are some disadvantages that you should consider when examining whether a mattress topper can serve as your mattress.
Firstly, if you have already owned or purchased a new memory foam topper which is not very thick then you may not have enough foam to create a comfortable base. Anything less than 5cm is likely too small. Even though foam is designed to be soft and comfortable, if it is too thin then you will feel the bed base underneath or even worse the floor if you don't use a bed base. Pillows are a good example of this as often they become lumpy and uncomfortable when they do not have the right support underneath them. Most mattresses these days have high density foam (HDF) to provide a firm base and then layer on softer foam on top for comfort and support.
Another disadvantage is that you may find it difficult to clean if your mattress topper gets dirty. Mattress toppers, depending on what you buy, often have a casing to protect the foam. They aren't intended to be the only thing between you and your bedding and if you are sleeping on the floor then you might be more prone to dust mites getting into the foam. Once they are in the foam, they are notoriously hard to get rid of. Here's some related reading on washing mattress toppers. This can be overcome by having a bed base that's off the floor.
Depending on your situation, a mattress topper can be a good short term option for you as an alternative to buying a complete new mattress. The expense of this will vary depending on what kind of foam you purchase. It really comes down to budget. Sites like Sleepy's Express who review mattress toppers do a great job of breaking down the pros and cons of different mattress toppers.
Foam is available in various degrees of firmness and density from soft to extra firm. Some clients have bought older second hand mattresses and purchased our mattress topper as a way to get a great sleeping experience without having to pay full price for a new memory foam mattress. Just make sure the topper is 5cm thickness and above!
If you want to learn more about what a mattress topper does and the different types then you will enjoy this blog.
