Consider a Wool Mattress Topper

Are you looking for a good mattress topper for your bed? If so, have you considered wool? Before you quit reading, let us tell you that today's wool mattress toppers are not the same thing as yesterday's old-fashioned, itchy, wool blankets. They are very comfortable and easy to use, providing an extra layer of softness and cushion between you and your mattress. Best of all, as a natural material wool contains no fire retardants and is not processed with any toxic chemicals.

While it is possible to get a foam mattress topper with a wool covering, what we are referring to here is a mattress topper that uses wool as a filler material. More often than not wool filled mattress toppers are covered with cotton fabric or a poly-cotton blend. The combination of wool and cotton provides maximum softness while still allowing the pillow top cover to be utilized. If a pillow top cover is not important, you can certainly use a flat top cover.

Advantages of the Wool Mattress Topper

Two of the main reasons people choose wool include the fact that it's a natural substance without toxic chemicals and it tends to be hypo-allergenic. As a natural substance, individuals who are concerned with "green" bedding know they're getting a mattress topper that has not been treated with any sort of chemicals. The wool material goes directly from the textile shop right into the topper with nothing added. Not only is the topper considered "green", but the production used to manufacture it is also "green".

Because it's hypo-allergenic, wool also does not attract dust mites, pollen, bacteria, and other common allergens. In fact, those who have sleep issues triggered by allergies are often encouraged to purchase a wool mattress topper. Putting an end to allergy issues is one of the keys to getting restful sleep on a consistent basis. For children, using a wool topper may also help prevent them from developing allergies later on.

Other advantages of the wool mattress topper include resistance to mould, body temperature regulation, moisture relieving properties, and durability. One thing you'll notice immediately when sleeping on a wool mattress topper for the first time is that you're noticeably cooler. That's because the wool acts as a wick to pull moisture away and dissipate it quickly. With a wool topper you don't have the heat issues that are normally associated with foam. And because it's breathable, wool keeps you warmer in the winter as well.

Disadvantages of the Wool Mattress Topper

The main disadvantage to the wool topper is the fact that it provides very little in the way of support. That means if you have arthritis, lower back pain, or other conditions which cause pain during sleep, a wool mattress topper will probably not be your best bet. Instead you should look for either latex foam or memory foam. You might also consider a gel mattress topper. These toppers use a combination material made of memory foam and gel beads.

Other disadvantages of the wool topper include a quicker flattening out time, a quicker break-down time, shedding, and difficulty in keeping it clean. As you may know, wool and water don't play well together. Therefore, keeping your wool mattress topper clean requires that you take it to a professional to be either steam cleaned or dry-cleaned. During the summer months, when you tend to perspire more often, you may end up spending a significant amount of money to keep your mattress topper clean.

As you shop for mattress toppers keep in mind that they are not intended to replace your current mattress. They are typically not thick enough or supportive enough to provide you with a restful sleep. Look for a topper that provides you the maximum comfort depending on your needs. If you find just the right one it should help you sleep better and allow you to wake up more refreshed in the morning.