Best Mattress Toppers in Canada

How Can You Benefit from Using a Mattress Topper?

Now, most users buy a topper to alter the feel of their current mattress, which appears to be not perfect for their needs. The average mattress topper costs about CDN$100-150, which is way cheaper than replacing the whole bed, so it’s totally understandable.

But this is not the only reason why mattress toppers are so popular.

You can benefit from this bedding item in the following cases:

• You suffer from back pain. A mattress topper can mask uneven spots on an old mattress and give more cradling for your spine curves.
• You sleep hot. Most of the modern mattress toppers are made of gel-infused foams that trap less heat without sacrificing comfort.
• You share the bed with a restless sleeper. Thicker mattress toppers have higher motion absorption and make it easier for you to find a comfy position, so you won’t toss and turn a lot.
• You have a physically demanding lifestyle. Some brands make their mattress toppers using phase-change materials that were initially invented for athletes. These materials — Celliant fabric and copper-infused foam, in particular — can convert some amount of body heat into infrared energy, thus helping you heal and recover faster.

“If you rent a furnished apartment or live in a dorm, you can use a thin mattress topper as a protective layer on top of your bed. It will prevent you from inhaling dust and mold particles that might have collected inside the mattress while it had been used by other people.”

Things That Make a Great Mattress Topper

Now, when it comes to bedding items, there’s no ultimate pick for everyone. That’s why you should rely on your preferences in the first place.

However, some considerations are worthy of your attention regardless of what topper you want. I will gladly share them with you so that you can make a balanced decision.

Materials

Most highly rated memory foam toppers in Canada are made of memory foam. This material is well known for its cradling properties, so it can easily make your bed more comfortable.

I recommend that you choose gel-infused or copper-infused foam, which has higher thermal conductivity than traditional foam, so it will dissipate your body heat faster and prevent overheating.

“Note that memory foam is a temperature-sensitive material, meaning it will feel more rigid in a colder environment and will soften a bit under your body, unlike polyurethane foam, which is more responsive and less temperature-sensitive (1).”

Polyfoam is the second most common material for mattress toppers. It has an open-cell structure and a bouncier feel, so such toppers can maintain their shape for a longer time.

A polyfoam mattress pad might be a good pick for individuals with limited mobility because it can offer a good level of conforming without limiting movements.

Latex mattress toppers are an excellent choice for those who want close conforming without that quicksand sensation memory foam often has. Latex is quite resilient but does a great job of reducing tension nonetheless. This material is also more resistant to dust mites and bacteria growth. Therefore, it could be an excellent option for allergy sufferers.

At the same time, shoppers need to remember that latex mattress toppers can be quite pricey. 

For an extra-plush, luxurious feel, users often choose down or feather mattress toppers. This type can’t deliver that much support or tension redistribution. Instead, down toppers usually work to add a layer of plush cradling. This option is ideal for those with tender joints or sharp pressure points.

That being said, down and feather mattress toppers tend to flatten with time. That’s why they require regular fluffing, which can mean too much of an effort for some users.

It’s also worth mentioning that down toppers can retain moisture and thus, attract dust mites. Therefore, this type is not ideal for allergy-prone sleepers.

Wool mattress toppers are becoming more popular these days thanks to their thermoregulating properties. Natural wool can keep sleepers warm during colder months and cool during summer. Such a topper can also make one’s mattress feel softer.

On the other hand, wool toppers aren’t that great when it comes to pressure relief. They can also be finicky to clean.

The most affordable topper filling type is fiberfill. Made with polyester fibers, such mattress toppers can be a good temporary solution for budget shoppers. They can provide an extra layer of cushioning and make one’s mattress softer.

However, fiberfill toppers aren’t that durable. They also aren’t likely to help with tension alleviation.

Secure Fit

Nobody likes readjusting their topper every morning. That’s why models that can offer a secure fit are always a better choice, especially for active or restless sleepers.

In this case, shoppers may want to consider mattress toppers that either work like a fitted sheet or have elastic straps on all 4 corners. Adjustable straps would be especially great, as they can work for different mattress thicknesses.

Thermoregulation

Even if the topper can make one’s mattress feel more comfortable, all of this can be in vain if that topper sleeps hot.

Now, the most common cooling options include gel-infused memory foam, open-cell foam (which is more breathable), latex, and wool. 

As for natural down, it is pretty breathable but can still sleep hot.

Thickness

The thickness of your mattress topper matters for your comfort too. In particular, it can define how well the topper will mask the imperfections of your mattress. The most popular thickness is 2-3 inches. If you need to significantly alter the feel, go for thicker options. If you only want to tweak the comfort level of your bed, a thinner mattress pad should do fine.

Firmness

Firmness is a highly subjective characteristic, yet its perception may depend on your preferred sleeping style.

Side sleepers, for example, tend to sink deeper into the material and form pressure points in their hips and shoulders. So, if you’re looking for a mattress pad suitable for side sleeping, you need a soft or medium model that can properly cradle these pressure points.

Stomach sleepers have the weakest points in their lumbar spine, so they need a firmer mattress topper to prevent an awkward curve in this area.

The supine position produces the least amount of pressure on the spine (2), so if you’re a back sleeper, you might need a mattress pad that will properly support natural spine curves. The medium firmness works best in this case: it can offer a balanced hug and prevent stiffness in the shoulder blades and the lower back.

Motion Isolation

Motion transfer is an essential aspect for many couples, especially if one of them is a restless sleeper. A good motion-isolating topper would also come in handy for partners who have different schedules. This way, they won’t disturb each other when getting in and out of bed.

Now, memory foam performs the best when it comes to motion isolation. A latex mattress topper may also suffice if it’s not very firm. As for down toppers, they are not likely to counteract an overly bouncy mattress (even though down is heavenly soft).

Cover

Many mattress toppers come without covers, which means sleepers can wash the sheet that they place on top. However, if the topper arrives with a cover, a removable one would be preferable. After all, the topper is easier to clean when sleepers can simply take the cover off and throw it into the washing machine.

Additionally, shoppers might want to pay attention to the cover material. Natural, breathable fabrics are more suited for hot sleepers. They include cotton, Tencel, bamboo, linen, and more. As for synthetic fabrics and blends, they would work better for someone who doesn’t typically overheat during sleep.

“Mattress toppers with an egg-crate design typically feel somewhat softer than solid slabs of foam. Just something to keep in mind”