A mattress topper (also known as a mattress protector, mattress pad, pillow top mattress pad or underpad) is a removable bedding item that sits on top of, or encases a mattress to provide protection to the mattress, and in some cases enhance the comfort of the mattress.  On the grounds that an unprotected sleeping cushion can effortlessly be stained by characteristic sweat transformed for the duration of the night that  passes through a standard fabric sheet and is consumed into the top surface of the sleeping pad,  sleeping pad cushions are broadly used to administer bedding freshness and cleanliness.

How a Mattress Pad Works

A basic mattress pad is a quilted fitted sheet that can be easily washed with other bed linen.  However, such sheets provide minimal protection against liquids and none from dust mite allergens.  Waterproof mattress protectors secure mattress from body secretions and other liquid spills and come in the form of rubberized or plastic pads.  Such pads, however, are hot to sleep on can be uncomfortable to the touch.

A variety of other mattress toppers are available that not only provide basic sanitary protection, but also offer additional comfort and support to a mattress that may be too soft for those with joint pain or too firm for those with sore body parts.  Mattress toppers help to extend the life of a mattress that is in good condition, but that can't do much for those that need to be replaced.

Mattress toppers, which go on top of the mattress but beneath the fitted sheet, are available in a several thicknesses.  A thicker model may require a fitted sheet with deeper pockets, but other bed linen is generally not affected by the choice of a mattress topper.

Available Mattress Toppers Options

Mattress toppers are available in a variety of compositions and firmness.  Memory foam is the most popular type and is believed by many to offer the most support to sufferers of muscle or joint pain. And if you want memory foam but can't afford a $2,000+ foam mattress, a memory foam topper is the way to go.  Latex foam offers comparable support and, since it is made of rubber, is generally hypoallergenic  (unless you have a latex allergy).  However, as earlier mentioned,  rubber can be hot to sleep on.

Feather toppers provide more cushioning than support and are generally chosen by those whose main requirement is softness and comfort.   Finally, wool mattress toppers are available in a variety of blends and offer excellent softness and temperature regulation, but that they are a high cost option.

Mattress Toppers Shopping Tips

While choosing a mattress topper boils down to personal taste and need, here some factors to consider when shopping:

Comfort or Support - In general, those shopping for a mattress topper either have a mattress that is too firm and needs extra cushioning, or they have a mattress that doesn't offer enough support, which is uncomfortable for those with arthritis or other aches and pains. Make sure you choose the mattress topper type that best addresses your needs.  Memory foam and latex are best in the support department, while feather and wool offer the most softness.

Allergy Issues - Allergy sufferers and those who want a mattress resistant to mold and dust mites should look at products that are hypoallergenic or anti-bacterial.  Mattress toppers made form natural materials such as latex foam or wool fall into this category, but there are also hypoallergenic  products that are made from memory foam and feathers.

Product life - Mattress toppers usually last for many years, but some require more maintenance than others.  Feather and wool toppers compress after use and require shaking or steaming to fluff back up, while memory and latex foam maintain their shape indefinitely.  Unfortunately there is no way to clean foam cushions, other than to wash their covers.  On the other hand, feather and wool toppers can be dry or steam cleaned and some are even machine washable.

Your sleeping partner - If your sleeping partner's tossing and turning keeps you awake at night, a memory foam or latex foam topper may be a good choice because these materials conform to the body so that your partner's movements are not so readily felt by you.  If the temperature of the bed is an issue, mattress toppers made with natural fibers like feathers or wool breathe easier than foam.  This helps regulate the body's temperature, keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Popular Mattress Topper Options

With all of the options available today, a mattress topper is a most worthwhile investment. Here are some excellent options available from Deluxe Comfort:

Pacific Coast Baffle Box Feather Bed- This top-of-the-line mattress topper has a feather filling for maximum comfort and softness.  Filled with allergy-free feathers, it will remain fluffy and soft for a long useful life.  It features a 100% cotton barrier weave to prevent feathers from coming out of the topper and sticking you while you sleep.

Contour Cloud Pad- This innovative mattress topper features a triple layer design that provides maximum comfort and support.  The top layer is made of memory foam that easily shapes to the body.  The middle layer provides firmer support to the lower back and hips to maintain the spine in proper alignment, while the bottom layer helps to ensure that the mattress  will not bottom out under your body's weight.