Mattress toppers can be a simple yet powerful addition to your bedroom setup that can make all the difference, adding extra comfort, durability and pressure relief.
But only if you know how to fit them properly, and how to use them as they were intended.
Let's dive in and use my years of sleep product testing experience to fully explain how to use a mattress topper correctly.
Contents
Here's your step-by-step guide to putting on a mattress topper:
Remove all bedding, including sheets and pillows, and give your mattress a good vacuuming to remove dust or debris.
First, unbox your new mattress topper. Give it a chance to fully expand if it's been compressed and boxed for shipping. This can take between a few minutes and an hour, depending on the brand and materials.
If you have an eco-friendly mattress topper then congratulations - that was a smart move! It will not off-gas and you can normally use it as soon as it's finished expanding.
If you bought a synthetic memory foam topper, it may contain chemical flame retardants, and you'll want to allow as many of these to escape outside before you put it in your bedroom.
I recommend you follow some of the tips in this article before you use it.
Some mattress toppers have straps or elastic corners to keep them in place, as shown in the example above. These fit underneath your mattress to stop the topper from sliding around.
If yours doesn't have straps, it simply sits on top of your mattress. Place it so the edges and corners are aligned with those of the mattress underneath.
You can then use a fitted sheet over the mattress topper to hold everything together. You may need a slightly bigger fitted sheet than normal, so be sure to get one with deep pockets.
My eco-friendly bedding reviews include some excellent deep-pocketed organic sheet sets that will fit around a mattress and topper.
You should always put your fitted sheet over your mattress topper, regardless of whether your topper has straps.
Finally, put the rest of your bedding and pillows back on, and voilà! Your eco-friendly sleep haven is complete.
Those are the basics that will help you get set up quickly. But to fully understand the correct way to use your mattress topper, you first need to know what it is (and isn't) designed to do.
To get the best out of your mattress topper (and to protect your health, posture, and sleep quality) you need to use it for the purposes for which it was designed.
It is possible to sleep on just a mattress topper as a short-term measure. However, it is not recommended as a permanent solution.
There are situations when it can be useful, such as when you're traveling, to replace an RV mattress, or need a temporary guest bed in an emergency.
There are disadvantages though.
Remember that a mattress topper is designed to enhance the comfort and support of an existing mattress, not to replace it entirely.
If you want a more permanent low-profile mattress for travel or for use in your RV, my guide to the best thin organic mattresses can help.
Most mattress toppers have a textured or patterned side designed to go on the top.
Yes, your mattress topper should go under your flat sheet. You can also use an additional fitted sheet with deep pockets to keep it in place.
No, you should put the mattress protector over the topper. The protector will then repel stains and liquids, and the topper will make your mattress more comfortable.
My How to Keep a Mattress Pad from Bunching article has helpful tips that can help keep your mattress pad, topper, or protector in place.
No - as the name suggests, a mattress topper goes on top of your mattress.
The correct order (from bottom top) is:
If you need to, you can also use a mattress topper with an electric blanket to add an extra touch of warmth on the coldest nights.
