Mattress overlays

Mattress overlays (toppers, pillowtops) are used to change the softness, thermal qualities, or contourability of a mattress. There are pros and cons to each type of overlay, so you may want to consider a hybrid which combines layers of different materials for different purposes. Or simply layer them on your own.

1. Resilient foam overlays
2. Memory foam overlays
3. Pellet overlays
4. Feather beds
5. Wool mattress pads
6. Air floatation mattress toppers
7. Water floatation mattress toppers

1. RESILIENT FOAM OVERLAYS

Made of traditional resilient polyurethane or latex foam. Can have a flat, convoluted, or perforated surface.

This latex rubber mattress overlay has perforations to improve breathability and ventilation.

Pros: Distributes pressure and reduces pressure points. Those with a smooth surface reduce pressure points better than those with an eggcrate surface. However, the eggcrate style is more popular as it can decrease moisture and heat buildup by allowing air to circulate through the convoluted surface.

Some overlays are "zoned," with more convolutions where more ventilation is needed (torso area) and flatter with more support is needed (lumbar/hip area). The thicker toppers (3'' TO 4" thick) offer some contouring support and can improve spinal alignment. High quality latex reduces pressure points somewhat better than the polyurethane foams. Sleeps warm, the polyurethanes more so, which you may or may not like.

Cons: Sleeps warm, which you may or may not like. Not very durable. Need to be replaced every 1 - 3 years.

2. MEMORY FOAM OVERLAYS

Memory foam (e.g., viscoelastic, Tempurfoam, Wonderfoam, etc.) with a smooth or perforated surface.

Pros: Offers superior contourability and reduces pressure points. Sleeps warm, which you may or may not like.

Cons: Not resilient enough to have much impact on spinal alignment. Tend to feel a bit warmer than standard foams, which you may or may not like. Expensive. Not very durable. Need to be replaced every 2 - 3 years.

3. PELLET OVERLAYS

Mattress overlays made of buckwheat hulls or polystyrene pellets.

Polystyrene pellet overlay

Pros: Offer superior breathability, ventilation, and insulation. Keeps you cool in summer, warm in winter. Extremely durable. Lasts for many years with proper care.

Cons: No impact on spinal alignment. The buckwheat hull overlays cannot be cleaned (unless you remove the hulls), and so should be covered with a traditional mattress pad for protection.

4. FEATHER BEDS

Mattress overlays made of buckwheat hulls or polystyrene pellets.

Pros: Offer superior breathability, ventilation, and insulation. Keeps you cool in summer, warm in winter. Extremely durable. Lasts for many years with proper care. Sleeps warm.

Cons: No impact on spinal alignment. Sleeps warm, some say sweaty.

5. WOOL MATTRESS PADS

Mattress overlays made of fluffy wool.

Pros: Offer superior breathability, ventilation, and insulation. Keeps you cool in summer, warm in winter. Extremely durable. Lasts for many years with proper care. Sleeps warm.

Cons: No impact on spinal alignment. Must be dry-cleaned.

6. AIR FLOATATION MATTRESS TOPPERS

Inflatable rubber or vinyl mattress overlays.

Pros: Offers superior contourability and significantly reduces pressure points. Promotes ideal body alignment. (Remember to inflate only partially for best postural control.)

Cons: Sleeps cold. Difficult or impossible to repair if punctured or if seams leak. Requires a pump to regulate during the night, which is noisy and can awaken your bed partner.

7. WATER FLOATATION MATTRESS TOPPERS

Water-filled rubber or vinyl mattress overlays.

Pros: Offers superior contourability and significantly reduces pressure points. Promotes ideal body alignment.

Cons: Heavy. Sleeps cold. Difficult or impossible to repair if punctured or if seams leak. Currently only available in hospital bed sizes.

Article reproduced with permission from ergoTALK.