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.
Mattress topper
Many people place a topper on their mattress. Why do you need a mattress topper? Firstly, it prevents dirt from appearing on the mattress. Secondly, the topper has a well-thought-out structure, thanks to which the bed linen does not slip or wrinkle. Thirdly, such a product is ideal if the mattress has lost its elasticity and other useful properties. If you are not financially able to buy a new mattress, but want to improve your sleep quality, then you should buy a topper. If problems with the spine occur or to prevent diseases, it is recommended to place a mattress topper with an orthopedic effect.
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.
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.
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 to soften a sofa for sleeping
To make a sofa (or basic mattress) softer and more comfortable
, thin mattresses (toppers) made of natural and artificial latex, memory foam or foam will help you. Here the choice is limited by budget and personal preferences:
- Latex mattress covers
.
A thin latex mattress will smooth out the unevenness and gaps of the sofa and make it resilient. Natural, ecological material breathes well, does not accumulate moisture and lasts a very long time. The height of such toppers varies from 2 to 10 cm. Accordingly, the higher the product (and the larger its size), the higher its price. Such products are usually supplied in roll packaging. Convenient to store and unpretentious to use (example: Comfort Line Ortopedica 2 mattress cover
).
- Memory Foam Toppers
A memory foam mattress pad will make the sofa soft, but dents and unevenness will be felt. This product is suitable for you if you have a flat basic sleeping place, but want to make it even more comfortable and relaxing. Under the influence of human body temperature, the cellular material heats up and takes the shape of the contours of the hips and shoulders. Back pressure is minimized. Such coatings are suitable for people with joint diseases (example: Comfort Line Memory Relax 4
).
- Artificial latex and foam
Soft fillers smooth out the transitions between the parts of the sofa (at a height of 5 cm). An excellent solution if you want to make your purchase as budget-friendly as possible. The service life of the products is about 5 years. The absence of a natural component is favorable for allergy sufferers (the materials have no foreign odors and are absolutely safe). For convenient transportation, they are often supplied rolled up in roll packaging ( Benartti Orma 8
).
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.
Fillings in thin mattresses
Orthopedic mattresses and toppers are produced with natural, expensive, artificial, cheap and combined fillers. Soft products contain memory foam and latex. Mattresses with a combined filler have medium hardness. The most used of them:
- Natural latex is made from the sap of the rubber tree, foamed and allowed to harden using a special technology. It has excellent orthopedic and hypoallergenic properties, elastic, elastic material, such a mattress is purchased for a sofa book.
- latex , a cheaper analogue of natural filler. It is stiffer, but just as elastic, can cause allergies, and is less wear-resistant.
- Coconut coir is made from nut fibers and gives the topper orthopedic, bactericidal properties and strength, which are used for children's mattresses. The hardness of the mattress is reduced by adding latex; it cannot be rolled up.
- Wool retains heat well, but has an allergenic effect, so it is rarely used. Used together with cotton for flooring on one side each.
- Polyurethane foam is an artificial filler, lightweight, soft, breathable, environmentally friendly, elastic, reminiscent of latex. But not elastic, not durable.
- Memoryform foam with memory effect, high orthopedic qualities, made from polyurethane, expensive. It is viscoelastic, follows the shape of the human body lying on the mattress, supports the spinal column, and creates a high level of comfort.
- Hollow fiber , chemically produced synthetic filler, hypoallergenic, porous, retains heat, durable, holds its shape for a long time, wear-resistant, safe for humans.
It is important to know! Mattresses with coconut filling cannot be rolled, folded, twisted, they are afraid of moisture. Latex products are stored in loose rolls.
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.
Choosing a topper is important
Many factors influence the quality of operation of the purchased product. Even the lifestyle, the state of a person’s health, and the type of professional activity matter.
In order not to make a mistake in your choice, you must follow the basic rules:
- Familiarize yourself with the maximum load for 1 berth. The model specifications indicate the weight for which the product is designed for normal use.
- Choose the right stiffness and check it in the store. For thin consumers, you can use soft mattresses, with normal body weight, toppers with medium hardness, full, hard.
- Take into account the dimensions of the product and the sleeping surface of the sofa; they must match. In this case, comfort will be achieved, fastening will be completed, and the mattress will not move.
- Open the case and check the quality of the filler. Cheap felt or spunbond will significantly reduce the wear resistance of the topper; more expensive holofiber or latex will last a long time.
- If you are prone to allergic reactions, exclude the filler that can provoke them.
- Choose a natural case with reliable fastening.
- Give preference to a quilted mattress on a folding sofa; the filler is fixed and evenly distributed in it. The quality of the stitches is important; they can not only look unsightly, but also create discomfort during sleep.
- Do not buy a product with chemical odors, which are an indicator of poor quality and may be harmful to health.
- Check the presence of a quality certificate and warranty card.
Thin removable mattresses are also used for children's sofas. They should be tough but elastic. Ages 3 to 6 years, medium hardness. In schoolchildren, the load on the musculoskeletal system increases. Therefore, toppers for a healthy child should only be hard.
There are features of choosing a thin mattress for patients with osteochondrosis, arthrosis, and spinal curvature (scoliosis). For these diagnoses, a soft thin mattress is used on the sofa. A hard, level bed is required for scoliosis and osteochondrosis of degrees 3 and 4.
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.