Everyone knows that getting a good night's sleep is important for both physical and mental health. Many people find that using a mattress topper makes their beds more comfortable and helps them fall asleep much more easily. Additionally, a mattress topper has other benefits as well. They are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased online or at various retail stores nationwide.

Some mattress toppers use down, which is a feathery type of filling that is often used for pillows. In fact, many people do not know that down actually IS a bunch of real feathers from real birds. While you might want to consider a down mattress topper, they can be expensive, and the more affordable versions leave much to be desired. The less expensive down toppers use feathers that still have sharp little quills attached. After you sleep on a mattress topper made of these kinds of feathers for a while, the quills will start to break through the topper, so you end up being poked by these sharp quills when you're trying to get to sleep. Needless to say, this does not make for a very comfortable night.

Another problem with the down toppers is that they can't be washed. Most mattress toppers that are made with down require dry cleaning. You'll spend a lot of time taking your down topper to the drycleaners often in order to ensure that the topper is as clean as you want it to be. If you don't want to be running to the cleaners all the time, you really should avoid buying a down topper. Some people will say, 'Well, we don't wash mattresses, and they're okay.' Actually, one of the major benefits you'll enjoy when you get a mattress topper is that it protects your mattress from getting dirty. Instead of dirt and grime going onto the mattress, it goes on the mattress topper, so you can see that having a washable mattress topper is the ideal solution.

A mattress topper made of a material other than down can be just as comfortable and less expensive. Many toppers make use of synthetic down substitutes. With this type of topper, you won't be poked during the night by the sharp quills of an inexpensive down topper, and you'll be able to wash and dry the topper just as if it was a comforter. You'll rest easier knowing that your topper is affordable and washable and that it will save the wear and tear of your mattress.