Traditionally, if you wanted to improve your comfort levels in bed, you’d simply start afresh and invest in a brand new mattress. But today, not every mattress that’s been well-loved and slept on for a few years is beyond salvage. This is where the mattress topper comes in, providing you with a way to improve the comfort level of your existing mattress for much less than the cost of a brand new mattress.

However, there are some issues - such as a damaged, ancient, or misshapen mattress - that a mattress topper just won’t be able to solve. But how do you know when your mattress is past the point of no return? Below, we take a look at when a mattress topper or a new mattress are the best options, but don’t panic - whatever the problem, we’ve got plenty of affordable mattress options if you do find yourself in need of a new one. Read on to diagnose your situation…

How To Tell If You Need A New Mattress

Ask yourself the questions below - if your answer to these is ‘yes’, a new mattress may be the best option:

• Is your mattress over 10 years old?
• Do you no longer feel well rested after a night’s sleep?
• Do you struggle to get comfortable when you first get into bed?
• Has your body weight changed dramatically since you bought your current mattress?
• Does your mattress squeak when you move?
• Is there a noticeable sag or indentation where your body tends to rest?
• Are you suffering from dust allergies? Signs could include a sniffle you can’t seem to get rid of
• Has your mattress become lumpy?
• Do you find yourself waking up with new aches and pains?

If you answered ‘no’ to most or all of the questions above, it’s likely that your current mattress is still in good condition and you may benefit from investing in a mattress topper instead.

But if you’ve been sleeping on your mattress for over a decade, often wake up feeling achy, and there are noticeable sags or lumps, a mattress topper won’t fix these, so it’s probably time to say goodbye to your old mattress and invest in a brand new model.

What Does A Mattress Topper Do?

Generally, a mattress topper enters the picture when your mattress alone isn’t quite meeting your comfort needs. Whether you’re looking to soften or firm up your bed, the right topper can give you the feel you desire. Usually, the supportive mattress topper layer will sit right on top of your mattress and rest beneath your fitted sheet.

As mattress toppers vary in thickness from about one to five inches, factors like depth and material will influence their feel and their price tag (but bear in mind that toppers are meant to be significantly less expensive than a mattress itself). Expect a good quality topper to hold up for about five years, which is about half the lifetime of a decent mattress.

A mattress topper can also be a creative solution to assist with certain sleep issues, like joint pain or hot sleeping. They can even act as a great preventative tool in warding off pesky critters like bed bugs, bacteria, and dust mites.

Mattress toppers are available in several different forms - you can get a memory foam mattress topper, a microfibre one, or a model made from feather and down. If you have a memory foam mattress, then a mattress topper featuring memory foam will naturally be the best option to choose. But if you’re looking for the most affordable option, a microfibre mattress topper will usually be the best choice.

What Are The Benefits Of A Mattress Topper?

Mattress toppers can have many benefits, but ultimately they increase the comfort of your existing mattress. A mattress topper can help to:

• Soften the feel of your mattress
• Cool you down if you’re a hot sleeper
• Provide more customised joint or lumbar support
• Keep your mattress clean by warding off bacteria and dust mites
• Lengthen the lifespan of your current mattress

A mattress topper won’t affect the firmness of your mattress, but it can help to improve your comfort levels, and keep it protected and in good condition for longer.

Need A New Mattress?

Sometimes, there are issues that simply can’t be fixed by adding a mattress topper to your bed, meaning a new mattress is ultimately the right choice. If your mattress is seriously old or really misshapen, we’re afraid that a mattress topper can’t deliver a magic fix.

As it’s essentially masking symptoms instead of correcting the root of the problem, adding a topper to a poor quality mattress is often a waste of time and money, so you’re better biting the bullet and treating yourself to a new mattress.

It can be tempting to simply buy a mattress topper because of the cost involved with investing in a new mattress, but at Zinus, we pride ourselves on crafting high-quality mattresses at more affordable prices that won’t break the bank. In the past, you might have had to shell out four figures for a new mattress, but those days are thankfully over. With Zinus, your best mattress fit doesn’t have to be overpriced or hard to find - many of our expertly designed, superbly comfortable options are under £500.

If your mattress is no longer cutting it, it’s probably time to move onto pastures new, and your physical and mental wellbeing will thank you - just imagine how good it will feel to wake up feeling properly refreshed, without any sleeping-related aches and pains. If it benefits how you feel every day, a new mattress is definitely worth it.

Browse our full range of mattresses here, or contact us if you have any questions about any of our models.