How Long Does A Mattress Topper Last?

[Tagline]

A mattress topper is a great bedding accessory to indulge in. A good quality mattress topper protects your mattress from general dust and stains. This not only helps in keeping the mattress clean for a longer time but also helps in improving the mattress’s quality and life span. Apart from this a good quality mattress topper also gives the added benefit of extra cushiony comfort and good support. All these qualities make the mattress topper a “must-have” in any bedroom.

The real question now is how long does the mattress topper last? Do you have to change it often or is it a one-time purchase? Something that you can just buy and forget about till you have to change your mattress itself? This point is important since you need to do the math regarding the purchase point of the mattress topper vs the life expectancy of the same. This article will help you understand this key point so that you can plan your purchases accordingly. 

What is a Mattress Topper?

In simple words, a mattress topper is a bedding accessory that is placed on top of the existing mattress. It is thin and is secured with the help of side elastic bands or even tie-up tassels. The primary function of a mattress topper is to give an extra layer of comfort and increase the shelf life of the mattress. It also with keeps the underlying mattress clean and stain-free. 

A mattress topper comes in different forms and sizes to suit individual preferences. You can also choose from different materials including organic latex and hypoallergenic materials to give you the best possible comfort level. The market is flooded with add-on features in mattress toppers like a breathable surface that improves air circulation and extra padding to give you a sinking cloud-like experience. Mattress toppers are also popularly known as mattress pads or mattress protectors.

Why Do You Need a Mattress Topper?

A lot of people feel that a mattress topper is just a useless money-making hack employed by manufacturers for added sale with little to support its credit. It is generally not viewed as a good value-for-money option. However, there are some key benefits to having a mattress topper over your mattress. These are listed below:

• Gives your mattress a better lifespan
• Helps in making the bed cozier and plusher for a better comfort level
• You can change the firmness level of your mattress with a mattress topper making it softer or firmer as you desire
• It keeps the mattress stain-free and traps the dirt preventing it from seeping into the mattress
• All mattress toppers can be machine washed which helps in maintaining bed hygiene 

What is the Life Expectancy of a Mattress Topper?

The basic life span of a mattress topper depends on various factors ranging from its material composition, thickness level, and the quality of construction. All of these make it a little difficult to give an absolute figure for the life of the mattress topper. However, on an average a good quality mattress topper lasts anywhere between 3 to 5 years. A poorly constructed mattress topper will only last for a year or a maximum of two years. A lot of people think that since both the mattress and the mattress toppers are made from similar materials, they have similar life spans. Unfortunately, that is not true. A mattress topper lasts for a lower duration than the average mattress which boasts a good 7-to-10-year lifespan. 

At the lower end of the spectrum, any mattress topper will give you at least 6 to 8 months before giving up. At best, a mattress topper can last as long as your mattress depending on the frequency of use and the construction quality. Good maintenance will add value to your mattress topper and help you prolong its lifetime. As a rule of thumb, a mattress topper with a 3 to 5 years lifetime is considered a good value-for-money option. So, you can go ahead and buy a mattress topper that comes with a 3-to-5-year warranty with an easy mind.

Factors That Determine the Lifespan of a Mattress Topper

Just like any other bedding accessory, certain factors determine how long the mattress topper will last. Knowing about these factors will help you get a good estimate of how long you can reasonably expect your mattress topper to last. This way you do not have to blindly trust the friendly salesman. These factors will also help you pick the best mattress topper of the lot that will not only suit your comfort needs but also give your mattress good resilience and added life. 

• Material Composition

The primary factor that determines the life of any mattress topper is the material that it is made up off. The quality of the material as well as the type of material used in the mattress topper construction governs its longevity. A mattress topper made with high-quality materials like wool or latex will last longer than one made with low-quality cotton. Also, a gel-infused mattress topper will last you anywhere between 10 to 15 years as opposed to a normal tufted topper that will only give you a maximum of 5 years.

• Environmental Factors

The second most important factor that affects the life of a mattress topper is the elements that the mattress topper is exposed to. If you live in a place with a lot of dust and other particulate matters, your mattress topper will accumulate more dust and get dirty quickly. This will in turn mean that your mattress topper will undergo a lot more washes which will decrease its lifespan. Similarly, if you have pets, then the topper will be prone to allergens like pet dander which will affect its fibers and ultimately its lifespan. 

• Body Weight

The higher the weight that the mattress topper supports regularly the higher the duress that it experiences. The mattress topper will over time develop indentations and compressions in the frequently used areas which result in the wearing off the topper. The higher the weight the quicker these indentations will appear lowering the quality and the ultimately the life of the mattress topper. 

• Maintenance

Every household item’s lifespan directly depends upon the maintenance and upkeep of the item. If you care for the mattress topper well by keeping it clean and using it as directed by the manufacturer, then the lifespan of the topper automatically increases. Regular cleaning of your mattress topper will keep it in good working condition ensuring that you get the required comfort and support for an extended time.

• Mattress Condition

Not many people understand this, but the overall condition of your mattress topper depends very heavily on the condition of your mattress on which it is placed. If your mattress is sagging with compressions, then this will cause your mattress topper to sag and develop indentations quickly. This is because ultimately it is the mattress that forms the base of the mattress topper. Hence if your mattress is old then the mattress topper will have a reduced lifespan as compared to another mattress topper.  

• The thickness of the Topper

The thicker the mattress topper the longer its lifespan will be. This is because the thickness will absorb the weight on the topper better than a thinner version keeping the lumpiness at bay.

How To Increase the Lifespan of a Mattress Topper?

Now that you understand the various factors that cause the wear and tear of the mattress topper you can easily improve the quality and lifespan of the mattress topper to give you an extra few years. Some of how you can improve the working condition of the topper are:

• Good maintenance and care
• The topper should be placed on a good firm mattress
• Rotate the mattress topper and flip it upside down every two weeks for an even use
• Compress the mattress topper for storage purposes
• Use a protective cover and good-quality fitted sheets for your mattress topper

Final Thoughts On Mattress Topper Lifespans

The bottom line to how long your mattress topper will last depends upon a lot of factors including your personal sleep preferences. For some people, the mattress topper might last a good 7 to 10 years whereas for others it might only be good for a few years or even just one year.  A good mattress topper should last you between 3 to 5 years. Any topper that comes with a warranty of under 3 years should be avoided. Apart from this, you should keep in mind that any mattress topper can be made to last longer with proper care and maintenance.