Should I buy a hard or soft topper: Which one is right for me?

Whether you should buy your topper firm or soft can depend on many factors. A firm topper for a sleeping system like a box spring bed is a good choice for a higher body weight. It prevents sinking in too deeply. A soft topper is primarily suitable for box spring beds at a lower weight.

Individual differences exist, however, with regard to the desired lying comfort, comfort, and sleeping position.

Different Types: How the Various Materials Differ

Mattress toppers can be categorized for normal beds and box spring beds into different categories depending on the mattress and size. Based on the type, you can easily decide which topper is the best choice for you and offers suitable advantages:

Material	Strength	Appropriate body weight
Cold foam	rather firm	medium to high
Latex	soft	low to medium
Memory foam	rather soft	medium
Soft foam	very soft	Low to medium

Please note: When choosing a soft or hard topper, the individual variants can differ significantly in terms of flexibility and structure. It is possible to buy both a firm cold foam topper and a soft cold foam topper. The table is only intended as a guideline to make the preliminary decision for a specific type of topper a bit easier. Additionally, the prices vary.

Cold foam

In the case of cold foam toppers, the density plays a crucial role. A cold foam topper with a higher density is suitable for heavier individuals. Accordingly, it is firmer.

Most often, you have the choice between the designations HR 40, HR 50, HR 65, and HR 80. A model of the HR 40 class is only suitable for individuals up to a maximum body weight of 90 kg.

Meanwhile, you can use a cold foam topper of class HR 80 even with a weight of 150 kg.

Note: The higher the density of a topper, the more expensive and firmer it is.

Soft foam

Unlike cold foam toppers, soft foam (PU foam) variants are very affordable and softer. The density is low. However, the durability of foam is severely limited. Both model types are characterized by surface elasticity.

Visco

This criterion, however, is irrelevant for latex and viscoelastic foam toppers. Toppers made from viscoelastic foam and latex are point-elastic. The materials specifically adapt to the shape of your body.

They more precisely compensate for physical peculiarities. Point-elastic toppers are more expensive.

Latex

Memory foam and latex become harder at cooler temperatures. If you heat your bedroom minimally during winter, the adaptation to body contours takes a bit longer. Thus, these materials change when the sleeping climate changes. It is not ideal if you are looking for a model for maximum body warmth.

If you tend to have restless sleep, such a topper can exacerbate restlessness.

Tip: If you get cold easily, a model made of memory foam is the better choice. If you tend to sweat quickly while sleeping, a latex topper is suitable for the ideal sleeping experience.

When do I need a firm topper and when is a soft topper the better choice?

The firmness of the topper should ideally be perfectly matched to the selection of the mattress. If you buy a box spring bed including a mattress and topper, there are usually no difficulties. All parts are matched to each other in such models, providing ideal regulation and durability.

You will then not need to worry about any potential requirements. However, the situation is different if you want to buy the topper later or if the box spring bed does not yet include a mattress protector. A topper acts as a mattress pad.

These products can make a hard mattress softer. Conversely, it does not work the other way around. On a soft mattress, a hard topper would sink in. The desired effect would be absent. Moreover, the cover is often washable and suitable for allergy sufferers.

Tip: Ideally, the firmness of the mattress and the firmness of the topper should match.

The influence of one's own body weight

The heavier you are, the deeper you sink into the mattress or the topper when lying down. Accordingly, a firmer option is required. However, not only body weight, but also even weight distribution plays a crucial role.

If a higher weight of your body is centered on the abdomen, a mattress with support in the middle area is advisable. The topper itself only offers limited additional reinforcement. It merely complements the effect.

If you are of normal weight, you can use many different mattress toppers. In this case, what primarily matters is your own feeling. If you prefer a firmer feel, use a firm topper. If you prefer a softer bed, use the soft counterpart.

With a low body weight, you are best advised to use a soft sleeping surface. You will sink in very little. This results in a hard topper allowing almost no sinking.

Many people feel as though they are sleeping on a board at night.

Tip: The heavier you are, the firmer the topper should be!

Are thicker toppers automatically softer?

Mattress toppers are available in various thicknesses. Particularly thin toppers are about 4 to 6 cm thick. Special support should not be expected from the topper.

Toppers that have a stable core are at least 7 cm thick. They can be either soft or hard. The potential for change in the firmness level of the mattress is higher. 

Particularly thick toppers have a thickness of 12 cm and almost replace a conventional mattress. Generally, these models are especially suitable for individuals who require a high level of support.

Recommendation: Most people are well advised with a topper of 7 to 8 cm in thickness.

When should I choose a firm sheepskin underlay?

Individual perception plays an important role in the purchasing decision. If you prefer sleeping on a firm surface, the topper should still be at most medium-firm for a low body weight.

Otherwise, you will not sink enough into the topper and the desired effect of additional comfort would completely disappear.

Is it sensible to use a soft topper despite having a high body weight?

A soft topper provides only minimal support and pressure relief. Even if you prefer a soft sleeping surface, you should choose at least a medium-firm topper. Initially, you will lie well on a soft topper.

However, the extended lying period during the night requires a high level of stability. Otherwise, you will wake up the next morning with neck, shoulder, or back pain. If you have any further questions, we are happy to assist you with a consultation.

The influence of sleeping position on the choice of topper

In addition to your weight and personal preferences, your sleeping position in bed also influences the purchase of a hard or soft topper. For this specific product, the following applies:

• There are no special considerations for side sleepers.
• If you are a stomach sleeper, you generally need a firmer topper. Otherwise, there is a risk of your spine arching too much, as you sink too deeply into the topper. This leads to tension. Also, make sure that in this case, there are multiple zones available.
• Back sleepers should also choose a firmer topper. Otherwise, the hip or pelvic area will sink in too much.

Please note in your search that the topper is merely an addition to your mattress. The sizes should also be coordinated. Ideally, the properties of mattresses and toppers are identical. We recommend that you find the ideal option with topper mattress topper through a trial sleep.

Thus, the topper, like a cover, protects the quality of the mattress and extends its lifespan. This is also improved by proper care. A mattress cover is also a good investment in the highest possible sleep quality.

Incidentally, in double beds, toppers are often used to bridge the gap between the two mattresses. Therefore, in cases of significant weight differences, an individual decision should be made for maximum sleeping comfort. There is no universally applicable recommendation for the body in this case.

Here are our recommendations and further information to help you find the right topper for you!