Purchasing a foam mattress topper is an excellent alternative to buying a complete memory foam mattress. As the name suggests, the topper goes on top of your regular innerspring mattress to provide a layer of foam that conforms to your body shape. To choose a quality mattress topper, simply decide what thickness and density of foam best suits your comfort level.

Understand what You are Buying

Memory foam is the most popular type of mattress topper material. It provides full support to your body by conforming to your body's curves. Memory foam also provides motion separation for couples, so if your partner is tossing and turning, you won't feel it on your side of the mattress. Latex foam works in the same way except that it is made of a natural rubber material that is hypoallergenic and anti-microbial.

Consider Firmness

Consider how firm you would like the mattress topper to be. Firmness is really a matter of personal preference, but any mattress topper should help to keep your spine straight whether you are laying on your back on on your side. Foam toppers measure from 1 to 4 inches thick, with densities that vary from 2 to 6 pounds per cubic foot. The more dense the mattress topper, the firmer it is going to feel. A thin 1-inch, 2-pound topper will provide a minimal layer of support that will readily absorb the weight of your body. A thick 4-inch, 6-pound topper will provide major support to your body and will conform better to the full curves of your back and hips. In a Wall Street Journal review of five different mattress toppers, the tester found that the denser the foam, the better the night's sleep.

Read User Reviews

Unlike a full mattress, you cannot go to the store to try out mattress toppers. Most stores allow for returns but you can try to avoid the hassle by reading detailed reviews of the top mattress toppers. GaltTech.com, ConsumerSearch.com and ConsumerReports.org all have thorough reviews of several mattress toppers. Also, check customer feedback on sites like Epinions.com, Buzzillions.com, Amazon.com, Viewpoints.com and WhatsTheBest-Mattress.com. Some users have reported that certain mattress toppers have an odor to them that takes a while to wear off. Others reported that their toppers made them sweat. Make sure to do your homework on brands once you determine the thickness and density you desire. Popular brands include Tempur-Pedic, Simmons, Spa Sensations, Sealy, Serta, Sleep Better, Sleep Joy, Healthy Foundations, HoMedics and Sleep Studio.

Consider Overall Costs

The cost of mattress toppers, as of 2009, runs from $70 to $890 for a queen size. Don't forget to factor in the costs of a new sheet set if the thickness of the topper causes your current sheets not to fit. Make sure the store or brand allows for returns. Warranty length varies from three to 15 years. Consider the pros and cons of purchasing a new mattress versus simply adding a mattress topper.

Source:

The Wall Street Journal: The ABCs of Getting Some Zs

More Information:

ConsumerSearch.com: Mattress Toppers

ConsumerReports.org: Mattress Toppers

GaltTech.com: Mattress Topper Reviews and Buying Guide