New Mattress or Mattress Topper? Which One Should You Get

The mattress topper vs new mattress debate is a very old one and yet it continues to come up every now and then. There are certain factors to consider here, as well as the pros and cons of each option, so let’s dive straight in.

When can a Mattress Topper be Useful?

Here are some situations in which a mattress topper can be useful for you:

You’ve just invested in a new mattress, but you’re not happy with its firmness or comfort level.

If you’re looking to add some extra comfort to your bed, a mattress topper might be just what you need. These handy accessories can transform a firm mattress into a cosy, supportive sleeping surface. With a variety of materials to choose from these days, including plush, memory foam, and latex, you can easily find a topper that suits your needs. Some toppers even have cooling properties to help you sleep comfortably all night long. Plus, they can provide pressure relief and reduce motion transfer, making for a more restful night’s sleep.

new mattress or mattress topper

To prolong the life of your mattress

When you invest in one of the best mattresses, or an expensive luxury mattress, you want it to last as long as possible. In such situations, a mattress topper can be a cost-effective way to prolong the life of your mattress and protect it from wear and tear. It is an affordable option, with most toppers costing up to $1,000 less than an average-quality mattress.

It’s important to note that a topper cannot revive a mattress that needs to be replaced. But, if your mattress is in good condition and you just want to adjust its firmness or softness, a topper could be the perfect solution for you.

Your mattress is slightly lumpy but comfortable enough to sleep on

If your mattress is anywhere between 3 to 5 years old, you might notice slight lumps in it even though it is comfortable enough for you to sleep. In such situations, layering it with a mattress topper can be a really good decision.

Your mattress feels too warm at night

If you’re a hot sleeper and your mattress is making you uncomfortable at night or you wake up with a sweaty feeling, the best solution would be to invest in a cold foam mattress. But if that’s not a viable option right now for any reason, a temporary solution can be to buy a mattress topper in a breathable fabric.

You’re restricted in terms of your budget

If a new mattress is not currently in your budget, you can use a topper to improve your sleeping situation at a reasonable cost. But it’s important to note that mattress toppers are not designed for long term use.

When to Buy a Mattress Instead of a Topper?

If your old mattress is sagging and feels uncomfortable
If you wake up with body aches
You can feel lumps or springs through your mattress
You’re unable to sleep properly or wake frequently through the night because of discomfort

In any of the above-mentioned scenarios, it is highly unlikely that a topper will be able to solve your problems so it is best to go for a new mattress. But you must read our Mattress Buying Guide before you start your search.

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New Mattress vs Mattress Topper

Below we compare some basic characteristics of the two products:

Price: In most cases, a mattress topper will be much cheaper than high to medium-end mattresses.
Durability: Depending on their use and quality, mattresses can last anywhere between 10 to 25 years but most mattress toppers will only last for a maximum of 5-6 years.
Thickness: Mattress toppers are usually only 2-4 inches thick while mattresses can be anywhere between 8 to 14 inches.
Spine alignment: Since mattress toppers are usually very soft, they do not offer as much spine alignment as a mattress.

Should You Buy a Mattress Topper or a New Mattress?

We discussed this question with all the mattress experts at our showroom and we came to the following conclusion:

It all depends on your budget and the reason for buying a new mattress/topper. If the reason is that you don’t have the budget for a new mattress or that you want to prolong the life of your new mattress, it makes sense to go for a mattress topper.

But if your old mattress is making you wake up tired or achy and if the mattress feels lumpy or incredibly uncomfortable, it would be best to invest in a new mattress instead of a topper.

Remember that toppers are designed to make your mattress feel more comfortable – but they can not replace a good quality mattress as they’re not supportive enough on their own.