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One inch may not seem like a lot but when it comes to mattress toppers it can make a world of difference. From firmness to thickness, mattress toppers can alter how a bed feels and looks. But if given the choice between a 2-inch vs. 3-inch mattress topper, which one is best? Is one really better than the other? Let’s find out.
Which is better: 2-inch vs 3-inch topper?
The most common mattress topper thickness is 3 inches but some also come in 2 inches. But is one better than the other? The short answer is – it depends.
Everybody has different needs and preferences, especially when it comes to beds. Mattress toppers can change the firmness of your existing mattress to make it either slightly firmer or softer. Some people like softer beds whereas others want something a little harder.
A thicker mattress topper like a 3-inch topper usually contains more cushioning than a thinner mattress topper such as a 2-inch one.
Thick mattress toppers like three inch mattress toppers can either be made from latex or memory foam or even a combination of the two. A thicker topper is almost always soft.
Thinner toppers are usually only made with one component and are usually firm.
Your preferred sleeping position dictates what mattress topper firmness is best. Back sleepers and stomach sleepers need a firmer topper while side sleepers need something a little softer so as not to eat into their pressure points.
Pressure relief, good orthopedic support and spinal alignment are the three most important things that can make a bed more comfortable to sleep on.
Who should get a 2-inch mattress topper
2-inch mattress toppers are usually made out of foam such as memory foam or latex. They come in different standard mattress topper sizes as well as firmness options but 2-inch toppers are usually almost always firm so choose a 2-inch mattress topper if you prefer a firmer sleep surface.
Just like a memory foam mattress, a memory foam mattress topper provides contouring support although memory foam mattress toppers that’s made out of traditional memory foam can have a tendency to retain body heat as well as have a “stuck in the mud” feel.
A latex topper is more responsive than a memory foam topper. Natural latex is also cooling and hypoallergenic making latex mattress toppers a good choice for those who sleep hot and/or suffer from seasonal allergies. Latex toppers are also great for those who have kids. The only caveat when it comes to latex mattress toppers is that they tend to be more expensive than regular foam or memory foam toppers.
A two inch mattress topper will not add too much height to a bed so if you already have a thicker mattress and you want to alter its firmness by adding a mattress topper, mobility won’t be compromised.
On the same vein, if you’re looking to add height to a thinner mattress, a 2-inch mattress topper won’t be able to do much.
While some brands offer 2-inch toppers that can be washed and dried, most mattress toppers are spot clean only.
Pros
- Comes in different types of foam and foam densities
- Provides extra support
- Can alter a mattress’ firmness
- Memory foam mattress toppers provide cushioning support
- Latex mattress toppers provide a more responsive support and are cooling and hypoallergenic
- 2-inch mattress toppers won’t add too much height to a thicker mattress
Cons
- Almost always comes in only a “firm” firmness level
- Won’t add too much height to a thinner mattress
- A two inch topper made out of traditional memory foam can be heat retentive and can have a sunk-in feel
- Latex mattress toppers can be expensive
- Most mattress toppers are spot clean only
Who should get a 3-inch mattress topper
3-inch mattress toppers come in a variety of mattress topper sizes, just like 2-inch mattress toppers. They come in different foam densities and types but the most common ones are memory foam and latex foam.
Because 3-inch mattress toppers are thicker, they tend to contain more cushioning and can make your existing mattress plusher. But not all 3-inch mattress toppers are soft, they can come in different firmness options as well making them suitable for all sleeping positions.
A firmer mattress topper that’s 3 inches would be more suitable for heavier-set individuals since it provides them not just more cushioning but extra support as well.
Just like a two inch mattress topper that’s made from either memory foam or latex, a 3-inch mattress topper can provide either a more responsive support or a more contouring one depending on the type of foam used.
If you prefer a more contoured and cradled-in feel, opt for a memory foam topper but if you prefer something that’s more responsive without that sunken-in feel, choose a latex mattress topper.
Again, just like 2-inch memory foam mattress toppers, a 3-inch memory foam topper that’s made with regular memory foam can retain body heat causing sleepers to sleep hot. If you are a hot sleeper, we suggest choosing a mattress topper that’s made out of latex or a memory foam alternative that’s infused with cooling gel.
A latex topper that’s made from natural, certified organic latex is not only cooling and hypoallergenic, they are also suitable for those who live a vegan lifestyle.
But again, just like 2-inch latex mattress toppers, a 3-inch latex topper can be a bit more expensive, especially ones that are certified organic.
When it comes to bed height profiles, a thicker mattress topper like a 3-inch topper is going to add substantially to your bed’s height, especially if you already have a thick mattress.
Since 3-inch toppers are thicker they are not meant to be washed and dried in a machine. Spot cleaning is crucial should accidents or spills happen.
Pros
- Comes in different types and firmnesses
- Suits all sleeper types
- Can add to a bed’s height if mattress is too thin
- Provides either responsive or contouring support depending on mattress topper type
- Alters a mattress’ firmness
- Latex toppers are cooling, hypoallergenic and organic
Cons
- Can affect mobility for those who already have a thicker mattress
- Regular memory foam toppers can be heat retentive
- A certified organic 3-inch mattress topper can be very expensive
- 3-inch mattress toppers are spot clean only
How to choose between a 2-inch and a 3-inch mattress topper
Torn just because of a single inch? We’ve got you.
These are the factors you need to consider to figure out whether a 2-inch or 3-inch mattress topper is best for you.
Budget
A 2-inch mattress topper is going to be cheaper than a 3-inch mattress topper.
Cost would also depend on the mattress size as well as the mattress topper type so you have so take that into consideration. Remember natural latex costs more than either polyfoam or memory foam, especially if it’s from a well-known brand.
Materials
As we’ve mentioned above, mattress toppers are either made from memory foam, polyfoam, latex foam or a memory foam alternative. They don’t come with coils like an innerspring mattress (first of all, a coil unit won’t fit).
Choose a memory foam mattress topper if you prefer a more contoured and cradled-in feel. Choose a latex mattress topper if you prefer more responsive support.
Density and weight
Depending on the thickness and material, mattress toppers can be high-density which also means they be heavier. If you need something more lightweight, choose a thinner mattress topper like a 2-inch one.
Sleeping position
Back and stomach sleepers need something firmer so choose mattress topper accordingly.
Side sleepers and combination sleepers would do well with a mattress topper that’s softer or medium-soft.
Body weight also plays a big part when it comes to choosing the best mattress topper. Heavier-set sleepers need a firmer sleeping surface when it comes to both mattress toppers and mattresses.
Firmness level
3-inch mattress toppers can come in varying firmness options while 2-inch mattress toppers are almost always on the firmer side of the spectrum. Choosing the right firmness level greatly depends on your body weight and preferred sleeping position.
Height of your mattress
We’ve mentioned this a couple of times above but if you have a thicker mattress, choose a thinner mattress topper and vice versa. This allows you to have better mobility when getting in and out of bed, especially if you’re older or suffering from a condition that limits your movements such as chronic back pain or hip pain.
FAQs
Thicker mattress toppers are not always better especially if you already have a thick mattress and have limited mobility. Adding a 3-inch mattress topper to an already thick mattress can add more to your bed’s height which can make getting in and out of bed difficult.
2 inches can be thick enough for a mattress topper if you already have a thicker mattress or if you need to make your sleeping surface a little bit firmer.
Conclusion
There is no one size fits all when it comes to mattress toppers. It depends on your needs and preferences as well as your budget and the height of your existing mattress.
Choose a 2-inch mattress topper if you have a thick mattress and choose a 3-inch mattress topper if you have a thinner mattress. Bear in mind that firmness levels of the mattress topper that you choose greatly depend on your preferred sleeping position and body weight.
Next step: Read our review of the Dormeo Mattress Topper. Since it’s one of the most popular brands, we tested it out and came up with a list of pros and cons. Is it right for you? Read and find out.
Michelline loves nothing more than a cozy bed, with a stack of books at her side. She loves getting lost when she travels, can bake an entire British afternoon tea from scratch, is obsessed with all things analogue and does calligraphy on the side. She currently suffers from mild insomnia and is more than happy to be your guinea pig, so you won’t have to go through all the trouble of finding out what works best for you.
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