A mattress topper is an additional comfort layer that is added to a core mattress to increase the longevity and also increase the comfort of the mattress. We recommend that all mattresses should have a topper and our dual construction method provides each bed with a built in removable mattress topper. When trying to buy a mattress topper in retail shops this is where the confusion starts; as you try to find the elusive ‘perfect mattress topper’.
The problem is the market is flooded with hundreds of different mattress toppers, some are brilliant and some way below par for the job. You can find toppers everywhere from bespoke bed shops to discount shops meaning that there is a huge variety in the offerings. Prices vary greatly and in some cases the only option you’re presented with is what size you want rather than the depth or firmness of the topper!
With mattress toppers one size does definitely not fit all.
The importance of a mattress topper is making sure it complements the bed you have and is of the necessary depth to have any real benefit. At John Ryan Contemporary we have individually matched our mattress toppers to our range and also have a range of stand alone toppers that can be bought separately to fine tune your existing mattress. We offer memory foam, hybrid foam and high quality natural latex mattress toppers.
As a rule of thumb the correct mattress topper can make a great mattress into a fantastic one. On the other hand a topper can make a bad or unsuitable bed, much more bearable.
John Ryan By Design’s site received many comments from readers who questioned that if the mattress was expensive and had adequate comfort layers already, why was it deemed necessary to add further by way of a topper? This is an excellent question and the quick answer is that toppers increase the comfort and extend the longevity of your mattress.
There is much more to toppers than meets the eye so read on for a more detailed look.
Mary
I’d like a mattress topper. Really impressed with your site and how much info you give. I have a wool & Merino topped Healthybeds double mattress (bought approx 3 years ago). I have chronic lower back pain, stiff in the mornings, and don’t feel I have enough wrap around support at night (I tuck rolled up pillow or duvet behind my lower back). I’m 9 stone, sleep alone on one side of the bed usually, and sleep on my side. I slept on a memory foam topper recently and slept well – I felt I was able to relax my back muscles. Can you recommend which of your toppers might suit me best? Thanks, Mary
Hi Mary, I’m glad you have enjoyed the site and its information. We work to keep it unto date and relevant.
Given your circumstance and particulars I’d recommend a lay gel or cool blue topper in 7.5cm depth. This will give you the wrap around and sink you will need to help with your back issue. The toppers can be found on this link here.
Any further queries please give us a call.
Jane
Hi there, I’ve just bought a medium firm (3000) pocket sprung mattress and every morning I wake with an achey lower back and shoulder joints. which latex topper would you suggest would soften the feel of the mattress? I read that a soft latex between 10-22 IDL might be best – do u agree and do you sell such an item? Best Jane
Hi Jane,
A latex topper would certainly take the edge of a firm mattress if its slightly too firm. We don’t use ILD as this is an american measurement we use density in KG and a medium (70kg) or firm (80kg) rating. We only sell medium density latex toppers as this is the best density for a softer and forgiving comfort layer. A firm latex would simply firm up the top layer which is not what toppers are there to do!
I would therefore recommend you look at our latex toppers which are all medium and offer a softer comfort for your mattress. Hope that helps – Lee
Lynn
I have a harrison utopia super king just bought but it is very uncomfortable I have hip problems but can’t tolerate memory goam way to hot tried pure silk topper but still feel the ties and have impressions on skin in the morning could I get one of your latex toppers or will that be a problem thanks lynn
Hi Lynn, Latex is a fantastic material and is less heat retentive than memory foam, its also much quicker to respond. I would need to know what kind of discomfort the harrison is giving you, whether it be too firm or soft and also your body weight to give an accurate tailored recommendation. If you can get in touch with us we can hopefully assist. Many thanks – Lee
Comment Submitted Via Email
I have a question regarding the latex topper. The photograph on the website shows the left hand corner of the topper, which is a brown colour ? Is that how the topper arrives or is it covered as the rest of the photograph shows. Hope I have explained my question adequately.
HI, The topper picture shown here is a cut away showing the latex centre (beige colour) and graphite latex top and bottom layer (grey colour). There shouldn’t be a brown layer, but it maybe that the screen colours are slightly off!
font color=”maroon”>The reason we use graphite is that we have to provide a fire retardant layer to be compliant with UK legislation. We prefer to use graphite rather than spray the latex in chemicals like some retailers. We have more on the subject here.
Hope that helps! – Lee
Amanda
I have a mattress that is slightly too firm and have liked the sinking feeling of memory foam in hotel Toppers. However, I am not too keen on the chemicals. Would your latex range have a similar effect?
Hi Amanda, A topper would help soften the top of your mattress but won’t fundamentally change the overall tension of the mattress. It will simply give you a softer top layer to the bed. I state this as some people end up buying really firm beds that they can’t tolerate and think a topper will completely change this. Unfortunately it won’t but if its just to soften the bed slightly then the topper is ideal for this!
Memory foam gives a soft sinking feeling a bit like quick sand in some peoples words. Latex on the other hand reacts to pressure and allows a sink without the quick sand feel, its far faster at responding so springs back to its original position when you roll over unlike memory foam. It will give a soft progressive sink and some pressure relief as a topper.
If you want any further advice please call us and we will assist.
Comment Submitted Via Email
We have been sleeping in a firm bed and suffered it for 12 years, you can’t say we didn’t give it a go.
We currently have a marks and spencer superking, latex over pocket spring with a firmness rating of 4.
My husband is 14 1/2 stone and I am 12 stone, so a couple of hefty weights. My husband tends to run hot and insists on a 4 tog duvet for majority of the year so he would not be able to cope with a memory foam mattress.
We did have some trouble lifting the 6ft to our bedroom but cannot remember if it was just its weight or height, and reluctant to downsize as my husband is like a furnace so I like a bit of distance between us….haha, that old chestnut!
Now after trawling shops and testing for nano seconds before feeling like a fool I have found your web site and would love your advice.
My friend has vi sprung elite in her guest bedroom which I have always slept well in but as my budget is 1000-1500 for mattress and base we are looking for the best we could afford. I would rather wait and save for longer if it would make a huge difference as we both sleep badly and wake with back pain.
I look forward to your email and hope you can help cut through all the confusion.
Hi
The fact that you like The Elite is a good enough indicator of what you are after. Personally, I don’t think the Elite would be suitable for you both as a long term permanent mattres as the upholstery is purely a wool and Cotton blend (BL-WC). This does not have any support elements just Comfort elements. BL-WC is the component we use on all of the Artisan mattreses as the final comfort layer in a 1200gsm weight plus the other supportive layers. The combined total weight in the Vi Spring Elite is 3150 gsm.
It has to be said that for your budget of £1500 for the complete set there is only the Artisan 1500 in the John Ryan range – See Here http://www.factory-beds-direct.co.uk/mattress-sho/superking-mattresses-categories/artisan-1500-superking – a fabulous mattress for the price, but is in no way a comparable mattress in terms of feeling to the Vi Spring Elite. However, having said that, it would be a suitable mattress (in Medium Spring tension) for you both. To get the feeling of the softness of The Elite you would need to add a topper (which should be a necessity to any mattress – see here for why: http://www.factory-beds-direct.co.uk/mattress-toppers
As you have had a latex mattress in the past I do think there is a good and viable solution to your requirements by adding a latex topper to The Artisan 1500. John Ryan contemporary fave a fantastic latex topper here. http://www.johnryancontemporary.co.uk/shop/latex-5cm-100-natural-topper/ I realise this will be in excess of your available budget but absolutely well worth it in the long run.
Obviously after 12 years it is unlikely that M&S will have the same model but I can hazzard a good guess that the latex used in those days would not be the same latex as is used now – and obviously the blend ratio would not have been published in order to determine the overall quality.
We hope that helps. John and Lee