The choice of sleeping surface should be taken very seriously. Most buyers, at the time of purchasing a mattress or folding sofa, are absolutely sure that the characteristics of the chosen product suit them perfectly. But over time the situation may change. The characteristics of the old base may no longer be relevant or may simply change due to wear and tear. Toppers will help correct the current situation.
What are toppers for and how to use them?
- The common name for a topper is “nadivannik”. It allows you to smooth out small differences and gaps between the structural elements of a chair-bed or sofa, thereby improving the quality of sleep;
- improves the orthopedic characteristics of the sleeping place. With its help, you can make the base harder or softer as desired;
- the topper adds hygiene to the sleeping area, protecting the sleeper from dust and dirt that accumulate in the sofa during use;
- perfectly protects against static electricity, which can accumulate on sofa upholstery made of synthetic materials or leather substitute;
- increases the service life of the upholstery, preventing abrasion and wear;
- can be used to organize a play space for children;
- for sleeping on the floor;
- Can be used for yoga and gymnastics.
Can a topper replace a mattress?
A topper is not a full-fledged mattress that provides the sleeping area with a certain level of elasticity and rigidity. This product is designed to regulate the characteristics and properties of the sleeping surface. Sofa toppers can be considered full-fledged mattresses. But in the case of a bed, this is more of a functional addition that can be removed or changed at any time.
The ideal option would be a combination of a mattress, topper and cover. This set will maximize the life of the bed and make the sleeping area as comfortable as possible. Choose toppers, covers and mattresses on the website of our online store - here you will find the best products at the best prices.
What's the difference between topper and mattress pad?
The topper is a cross between a mattress and a protective mattress cover.
These products perform completely different functions:
- The topper is used to improve the characteristics of the bed. The mattress cover retains the properties of the base, only slightly improving them;
- a topper, unlike a mattress pad, can influence the rigidity of the base;
- The maximum that a mattress cover can do in anatomical/orthopedic terms is to provide a slight massage effect, while a topper filled with latex or porous foam has a pronounced anatomical and orthopedic effect.
Choosing a topper for a specific purpose
- Coconut – used to stiffen a flat bed. It will help to smooth out the texture of a sofa with soft latex pillows, but it is not the best option for leveling a hard sofa.
- Periotec is considered a semi-rigid filler. If you need to level a sofa consisting of pillows, and not change the character of a semi-rigid sleeping place too much, it will do the job perfectly.
- Natural latex - such softness and elasticity makes even a thin mattress an almost complete sleeping surface. Latex will both level and make any sofa more comfortable. Its feature is to retain heat. Those who like hard and cool mattresses may not be suitable; they need to choose a topper with coconut or holofiber.
- PPU foam - in this category, the most famous are thin mattresses made of high-quality foam rubber - artificial latex, molded in the form of wavy cells. Manufacturers advertise their massage effect, but you need to take into account the good orthopedic support and softness of such toppers. They are created primarily to improve sleep comfort. A thin mattress made of standard foam rubber is stiffer, it is able to smooth out the bumps and depressions of the bed. And a mattress made of so-called shape memory foam has very special properties. It will not help to even out the relief in any way, but it will give you a special feeling of comfort and bliss.
Types by degree of hardness
There are three types of rigidity of these products:
- Soft. Used when the base is excessively rigid. Can be used to level a sofa or folding bed, or to soften a hard mattress. The fillers in such models are natural latex, polyurethane foam, memory foam and holofiber.
- Tough. They are used when it is necessary to give rigidity to an excessively soft base. These products are most often filled with coconut coir, less often with holofiber.
- Medium hardness. Can be used outside the bed. They are great for accommodating spontaneous guests, they allow you to organize a children's play space on the floor and will be very useful for sports and gymnastics.
Types of thin mattresses
Russian and foreign brands produce various types of toppers for folding and modular sofas. You have the opportunity to choose the most suitable one from the following options:
- Foldable. Flexible and plastic thin mattresses are easy and convenient to store by rolling them up or stacking them with a sofa.
- Orthopedic. New generation toppers with natural or artificial filling provide anatomically correct body position and are almost as effective as conventional mattresses.
- Double. Thin mattresses for two beds ensure even distribution of the load. Various fillers can be used here, including in combination with each other.
Shapes and sizes
Let's look at the main sizes and shapes of toppers.
Rectangular
This topper is considered classic, suitable for most beds and is in high demand due to its wide size range.
Round
Round sleeping places are now actively conquering the market, and topper manufacturers are not lagging behind. In addition to organizing a sleeping place, the round product can also be used independently.
Main Dimensions
- standard width of a single model is 90 cm, length 190;
- for one-and-a-half-sleeping sofas, toppers with a width of 120, 140 cm and a length of 190 cm are suitable;
- double models have dimensions of 160 by 200 cm;
- there are options whose size is 180 by 200 cm;
- They also produce toppers in European sizes - 90 by 190, 200 cm and 160,180 by 200 cm;
- for round sofas, products with a diameter of 200, 220 and 230 cm are produced;
- the most popular children's models have dimensions of 60 by 120 cm, 60 by 140 cm and 70 by 140 cm.
Topper height
The height of the product can vary from 2 to 10 cm and is directly related to its rigidity.
How is it different from a regular mattress?
The main difference is the thickness. Toppers are not made thicker than 5-6 centimeters. A full-fledged mattress has a thickness of 15 cm, since it bears the main load. The “filling” of the topper is also simpler. It consists of a homogeneous material, while the structure of the mattress involves multi-layering.
Expensive models may use 2 or 3 fillers, but what you will never see in a topper is a spring block. Manufacturers always provide the product with elastic bands so that it can be securely fixed to the sleeping place. The mattress does not have such fastenings, since this is not necessary.
Filler materials
- Natural latex. Made from the sap of the rubber tree. The liquid is foamed using a special technology and then allowed to harden. The resulting filler has excellent orthopedic properties - it is resilient and elastic. Natural latex is also hypoallergenic.
- Synthetic latex. A budget analogue of natural material. Similar in elasticity, but stiffer. May cause allergies and is not highly wear-resistant.
- Coconut coir. Processed walnut fibers, giving the topper orthopedic and antibacterial properties. The rigidity of such a mattress is reduced by adding latex.
- Wool. A rarely used filler due to its allergenicity. Used together with cotton.
- Polyurethane foam. Artificial filler. The elasticity is similar to latex. Lightweight, breathable and elastic. At the same time, it is not elastic and short-lived.
- Memory foam. Expensive foam made from polyurethane foam. It has high orthopedic properties and has a memory effect. Viscoelastic, follows the shape of the sleeper’s body and, by supporting the spine, creates a high level of comfort.
- Holofiber. Synthetic porous filler. Hypoallergenic, porous, heat-saving. Keeps its shape for a long time and is wear-resistant.
- Struttofiber. Vertically arranged polyester fibers, connected by exposure to hot air. Gives the product medium rigidity and visual volume, and has good springiness. The filler has high thermal conductivity and wear resistance.
Which topper filler is best?
For reasons of environmental friendliness and durability, the best fillers are, of course, natural materials. For the rest, you should focus on the tasks assigned to the topper.
A product filled with coconut coir cannot be rolled up and, despite all its advantages, it is not suitable for those who need to save as much space as possible during storage.
It’s a great success if once you choose a mattress, you remain satisfied with it for many years. But what to do when the sleeping place causes inconvenience. When your mattress is too hard or, conversely, too soft. A topper can save you.
What is a topper
According to statistics, more than 75% of respondents have never used it, and many do not even know what a topper is. A topper is a thin mattress that is an additional accessory to the main mattress, softening or, conversely, giving it rigidity, as well as smoothing out unevenness. The main difference between a topper and a mattress is the absence of springs and its small thickness - no more than 10 cm. Another convenient property is its mobility - some types of toppers can be rolled up and taken with you on a trip, for example, to the country.
Who invented the topper
It is believed that the topper originated from the Japanese futon - a thin mattress made from natural materials. The cost of these products was very high; only wealthy Japanese could afford a futon. In Europe, futons became famous at a time when a healthy lifestyle became popular, and everyone turned their attention to Japan, whose inhabitants are famous for their longevity.
The Japanese futon was laid directly on the floor, and after use it was put away in the closet. This mattress, despite its thickness of 3–4 cm, was very comfortable for sleeping - it was made of several layers of filler. Previously, it was stuffed with wool and cotton. And today, artificial or natural latex, coconut coir and other modern materials are used in production.
The topper is very similar in characteristics to a futon, but still has some differences. Initially, it was perceived only as an addition to a regular mattress; it was not used as an independent sleeping place. Now toppers regulate the softness of the mattress and are used for sofas to make the sleeping area more comfortable. It helps out at the dacha, or when you need to organize an extra bed.
In Russia, a huge number of people sleep on folding sofas. If you hold a “sofa or bed” competition, comparing queries in a search engine, then “sofa” will outstrip its counterpart in the number of clicks by half a million! And often this is a forced choice. A person would be happy to sleep on a full-fledged bed, but circumstances... And in such a situation, a sofa topper can be a real salvation. Its multi-layer nature helps to level the surface of the sleeping area and relieve the load from the back.
How to choose a topper
When choosing a model, pay attention to the following characteristics:
1. Type of filler
Materials for filling the topper can be divided into natural and synthetic.
Coconut coir is made from specially processed coconut fibers. It is impregnated with a mixture based on natural latex, which gives the fibers elasticity. This natural material is hypoallergenic, holds its shape perfectly and is used to stiffen the mattress.
Natural latex is an environmentally friendly, hypoallergenic material made from the sap of the Brazilian Hevea rubber tree. Natural latex is very elastic, wear-resistant and retains its shape perfectly.
Polyurethane foam - artificial latex or foam rubber. The properties are identical to natural, but much cheaper than natural.
Holofiber is a synthetic filler, an innovative high-quality non-woven material. Holds heat perfectly, is hypoallergenic and practically does not deform. It is very soft to sleep on.
Struttofiber is an inexpensive artificial filler, sometimes with the addition of natural materials. It is characterized by medium hardness and hypoallergenicity.
Memory Foam is polyurethane foamed using a special technology with a memory effect. Quite expensive material. Adapts to a person's body shape and weight, and then restores its original shape. Sleeping on a topper filled with memory foam is a great pleasure.
2. Topper hardness level
There are three types of hardness:
A soft topper on the mattress eliminates excessive hardness and smoothes out unevenness. Fillers: holofiber, natural latex, polyurethane foam, memory forms.
Hard ones are used when you need to add firmness to a too soft main mattress. Fillers: coconut coir, holofiber.
Medium-hard models can be used alone. Great for organizing an extra bed, a children's play area on the floor or for playing sports. Fillers: polyurethane foam, struttofiber, natural or artificial latex.
For people who do not have orthopedic problems, hard toppers are suitable. For people with a dense build – elastic, well-kept shape. For allergy sufferers – hypoallergenic models with good ventilation. If there are problems with the musculoskeletal system, you should carefully select the rigidity - in such cases you need to choose models with orthopedic properties. Consultation with an orthopedic surgeon is advisable. Children should choose firm and resilient mattresses.
3. Size and thickness
When purchasing, be guided by the size of your sleeping place - it is important to accurately measure its parameters. If the topper is smaller, it will not cover the entire surface of the bed: sleeping this way is not very comfortable. And if there are more, instead of smoothing out the unevenness, it will add additional bumps. The thicker the product, the smoother the surface will be. The height ranges from 3 to 10 cm and is directly related to the firmness of the topper mattress.
4. Case and fastenings
There is an opinion that you should choose a topper with a removable cover. However, if you are going to use the mattress regularly, it is better to purchase a mattress pad separately. Your own cover may become deformed and “shrink” when washed.
Pay attention to toppers with elastic fastenings at the corners. Most models are presented in exactly this solution, which is very convenient: with the help of wide elastic bands, the topper is easily and securely fixed to the sofa or mattress.
5. Manufacturer and price
There are currently a great variety of topper manufacturers, and the price range is quite wide: from approximately two to fifteen thousand rubles. In the case of a topper, you can safely choose a model from the middle price segment. With proper care it will last quite a long time.
Toppers are designed to protect the mattress from wear and tear. A properly selected mattress topper can greatly improve your sleep and maintain physical and mental health.
How to choose a topper?
When purchasing, you should consider the following points:
- Find out what the maximum load per bed is. The characteristics of each model must indicate the recommended weight for normal operation.
- Carefully select the rigidity of the product in accordance with your needs.
- Compare the dimensions of the topper and the sleeping area - they must match so that the mattress does not move.
- Check the quality of the filler - cheap options significantly reduce the service life of the product, while expensive ones, on the contrary, will guarantee durability.
- If you have a tendency to allergic reactions, you should be especially responsible when choosing fillers and exclude those that can provoke an illness.
- In terms of wear resistance, the quilted model is the leader, since the filler in it is distributed and secured evenly.
- Under no circumstances should you purchase toppers that have a chemical smell - this is a clear sign that the product is not of high quality and may have a negative impact on your health. This is especially true for children's toppers.
- When purchasing, be sure to check for a certificate and warranty card.
When choosing a topper for a children's sofa, you should give preference to hard and elastic models. For children aged 3 to 6 years, options with medium hardness are suitable.
There are also nuances in choosing a topper for people with spinal problems. In these cases, orthopedic models are recommended, before purchasing which you should consult a specialist doctor.
Sofa toppers rating
To correctly decide which thin mattress is best for the home, it is advisable to look at the ratings of the best manufacturers of these products. For example, here is a list of popular models:
- Ormatek Softy Plus
is a comfortable sofa topper made of two-layer latex with medium hardness, which is comfortable to sit on even on the floor. Mattress height – 7 cm, maximum load – 110 kg. - Comfort Line Eco Dream
is a medium-hard model, the filler used is polyurethane, and there is a high-quality jacquard cover. Maximum load – 120 kg. - Promtex-Orient Ecofoam
is an inexpensive model of medium hardness, the filler used is ecofoam, and is attached with Velcro. Maximum load up to 140 kg. Disadvantages: the cover is not removable. - Ormatek Konfy
is a high topper (7 cm) with an elastic surface made of artificial latex that levels the bed well. Disadvantages - when unpacking it emits a smell, but it quickly disappears. - Dormeo Hero
is an orthopedic topper with three-zone body support; it has a non-slip and removable polyester cover. The filler used is innovative ecocell foam. - MagicSleep Dason 2
is a soft hypoallergenic topper with an orthopedic effect made of artificial latex. Maximum load up to 120 kg. Disadvantages: non-removable cover.
Manufacturers, prices
Today you can find a wide variety of toppers on sale. The choice of manufacturers and prices is quite wide.
Askona
The cost of toppers from this manufacturer varies from 3,700 to 5,400 rubles, depending on the model.
Dormeo (Dormeo)
The average cost of small chair toppers from Dormeo is 1300 – 1700 rubles.
The price of large-sized products ranges from 4,300 to 11,000 rubles, depending on the filling and orthopedic characteristics.
Ikea
Ikea presents both budget options for 1600–2300 rubles, and products whose price is 5000–9500 rubles.
Ormatek (Ormatek)
The wide range of this manufacturer allows you to purchase a topper in the price range from 4,500 to 12,000 rubles.
Lonax
The brand is represented by toppers with affordable prices ranging from 3,600 to 8,000 rubles.
Hoff
Hoff will definitely help you buy a topper and save money. The cost of the presented products varies between 1700 – 4600 rubles.
How to store toppers
Storing the topper does not require any special conditions. It can be placed in any dry, warm room. Most models can be easily rolled into a compact roll. The exception is for products filled with coconut coir - they cannot be rolled. Such models require horizontal storage when unfolded.
Topper is a modern solution to the issue of orthopedic adjustment of a sleeping place. The product is multifunctional and is gaining increasing popularity due to its wide range of sizes, the ability to choose the shape and degree of rigidity based on specific tasks. Also an indisputable advantage is the low cost of the product.
Benefits of thin mattresses
Buyers are also attracted by other advantages of toppers:
- Ease. Even a double thin mattress can be easily placed or removed from the sofa - even a teenager can cope with this task if necessary.
- Mobility and compactness. Thanks to the absence of springs and a small layer of filler, the topper can be rolled up and stored in a pantry or dressing room, where it will take up minimal space.
- Easy to care for bed. Removing and tidying up a thin mattress is much easier than keeping the sofa itself clean, so with proper care, the sleeping surface always looks neat.
