Memory Foam Mattress Or Memory Foam Topper: Which Memory Foam Product Do You Really Need?

At Healthy Foundations, one of the most frequent questions that I get from people is whether they should purchase a memory foam mattress or a memory foam topper or pad.  There are a few guidelines I suggest that will help you determine which memory foam product is best for you.  Answering a few simple questions about your current mattress will allow you to assess whether it should be replaced or whether a memory foam topper will help make you more comfortable.  Obviously, you don't want to spend more money than you need to if a memory foam topper will work for you, but you don't want to waste your money on a topper if it won't do the job on an old or deteriorating mattress. 

Start With the Age of Your Current Mattress

The age of your current mattress can determine whether or not a memory foam topper could work for you.  A memory foam topper cannot fix a mattress that has deteriorated, is soft and mushy, or has sags or dips in it.  A memory foam topper is not a cure-all for a mattress that is old and should be replaced.  If your current mattress is more than about 5 – 7 years old, you should bypass the memory foam topper and purchase a memory foam mattress.

What is on the Top of Your Current Mattress?

Pillow-top mattresses and other mattresses with soft tops deteriorate pretty quickly, much more quickly than other mattress tops.  If you have a deteriorating soft top on your current mattress, a memory foam topper will not correct the mush and dips in it.  If the top of your current mattress is in good shape, but is too firm and not comfortable for you, then a memory foam topper may work for you.  To check out the memory foam toppers we offer, go to www.HealthyFoundations.com/toppers.html.

What is the Overall Condition of Your Current Mattress?

The basic on this one is that a memory foam topper will not fix a mattress that is in bad shape due to age, deterioration or anything else that has compromised its condition.  If your current mattress is in poor condition (for whatever reason), plan on replacing it rather than buying a memory foam topper.  We offer two memory foam mattresses with all the comfort of the "leading brand" at half the price.  You can check them out at www.HealthyFoundations.com/memory_foam_mattress.html.

The Bottom Line

If your existing mattress is more than 5 – 7 years old or in deteriorating condition (especially if it has a pillow-top or other soft top), plan on replacing it.  A memory foam topper will not fix it.  If you are looking for memory foam, you would need to choose a memory foam mattress.  If you current mattress is less than 5 – 7 years old, but is perhaps too firm for you, you can probably use a memory foam topper effectively.  To learn more about choosing a memory foam mattress or topper check out our Memory Foam Buyer's Guide.  

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