Before You Buy: When a Topper Actually Helps
A mattress topper adds a layer on top of your existing mattress. It can change the feel, add cushioning, or address specific issues. But it cannot fix a broken mattress.
A Topper Will Help If:
- Your mattress is too firm but otherwise in good shape
- You want to add cooling to a mattress that sleeps hot
- You need extra cushioning for pressure points (hips, shoulders)
- You want to extend the life of a mattress that is showing minor wear
- Your partner likes a different firmness than you do (split toppers exist)
A Topper Will Not Help If:
- Your mattress sags more than 1 inch in the middle
- You can feel springs poking through
- The mattress is more than 8-10 years old
- You wake up with back pain that goes away during the day
- The core support structure has failed
Putting a topper on a sagging mattress is like putting a carpet over a hole in the floor. The hole is still there. Your body still falls into it. The topper just makes it slightly less obvious.
Why This Matters
A mattress has two jobs: cushion your body (comfort layers) and support your spine (core). A topper can replace or supplement comfort layers. It cannot replace a failed support core. If your mattress sags, no amount of topping will create the flat, supportive surface your spine needs. You will feel better for a few weeks, then the sag reasserts itself through the topper.
Types of Mattress Toppers Available in Canada
Memory Foam Toppers
Memory foam contours to your body shape, relieving pressure at hips and shoulders. Good for side sleepers and people who want that "hugged" feeling.
The downsides: traditional memory foam sleeps hot and has a slow response (you sink in and it takes a moment to adjust when you move). Look for gel-infused or open-cell foam if heat is a concern.
Price range in Canada: $80-400 for a queen, depending on density and thickness
Best for: Side sleepers, pressure point relief, people who like a soft, contouring feel
Latex Toppers
Latex is responsive and bouncy. It cushions without that sinking-in feeling memory foam creates. Natural latex breathes better than foam and tends to last longer.
The downsides: more expensive than foam, heavier to handle, and some people do not like the springy feel.
Price range in Canada: $200-600 for a queen
Best for: Hot sleepers, people who move around at night, those who want cushioning without the foam "quicksand" feel
Down and Down Alternative Toppers
These add a plush, fluffy layer without much support change. They feel cozy but compress flat over time and do not address pressure points like foam or latex.
Price range in Canada: $100-300 for a queen
Best for: Adding a soft, hotel-bed feel; people who just want more cushiness without changing support
Wool Toppers
Wool regulates temperature naturally, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer. It also wicks moisture. Wool toppers are less common but work well for temperature-sensitive sleepers.
Price range in Canada: $200-500 for a queen
Best for: Temperature regulation, natural materials, allergy sufferers (wool resists dust mites)
Egg Crate Foam Toppers
The cheapest option. The wave pattern creates some airflow and a bit of cushioning. But they compress quickly and do not provide meaningful pressure relief.
Price range in Canada: $30-80 for a queen
Best for: Temporary use, tight budgets, situations where you just need something basic
Quick Comparison
- Coolest sleeping: Latex or wool
- Best pressure relief: Memory foam (3+ inches, medium-high density)
- Most responsive: Latex
- Softest feel: Down/down alternative
- Longest lasting: Latex (5-8 years), then quality memory foam (3-5 years)
- Best value: Medium-density memory foam in the $150-250 range
How Thick Should Your Topper Be?
Thickness matters more than most people realize.
2 inches: Adds a noticeable layer of softness without dramatically changing the feel. Good if your mattress is just slightly too firm.
3 inches: The sweet spot for most people. Enough material to provide real cushioning and pressure relief without making the mattress feel unstable.
4+ inches: Significant change to the feel. At this thickness, the topper dominates the sleep experience. Make sure your sheets still fit. Also consider whether you would be better off with a new mattress at this point.
What to Look For
Density (For Foam Toppers)
Foam density determines durability and support. Measured in pounds per cubic foot (lb/ft3).
- Under 3 lb/ft3: Budget foam. Compresses quickly, loses support within 1-2 years.
- 3-4 lb/ft3: Mid-range. Good balance of comfort and durability. Should last 3-4 years.
- 4+ lb/ft3: Premium. Holds shape well, lasts 5+ years. Also sleeps hotter.
Most product listings do not mention density because low-density foam is cheaper to produce. If a foam topper is suspiciously cheap, the density is probably low.
Cover Quality
Some toppers come with removable, washable covers. This matters for hygiene and longevity. Bare foam absorbs sweat and body oils over time. A good cover protects the foam and can be washed.
Certifications
CertiPUR-US certification means the foam was tested for harmful chemicals and emissions. Not a guarantee of quality, but it rules out the worst offenders. Most reputable Canadian brands use certified foams.
The Break-In Period
New foam toppers often feel firmer than expected at first. They need a few weeks to break in and soften. If your topper feels too firm on day one, give it 2-3 weeks of regular use before deciding it is wrong for you. Memory foam in particular softens noticeably after the first month.
Canadian Brands Worth Considering
We are not going to rank products or give you affiliate links. But here are Canadian companies making decent toppers:
- Silk and Snow: Canadian-made, good quality memory foam options
- Polysleep: Montreal-based, makes antimicrobial foam toppers
- Endy: Has a reversible topper with two firmness options
- Douglas: Offers a latex topper alternative
Big-box stores like Costco and Amazon also carry toppers at various price points. The quality varies widely. Check the density if you can find it, and read reviews specifically about durability, not just initial comfort.
When to Skip the Topper and Buy a Mattress
A $200 topper on a dying mattress is $200 wasted. Here are signs you should put that money toward a new mattress instead:
- Your current mattress is more than 8 years old
- You can see or feel a sag where you sleep
- The mattress has lumps, springs poking through, or uneven areas
- You have already tried a topper and it did not help
- You wake up with back pain that improves once you are up and moving
A good mattress costs more upfront but lasts 8-10 years. A topper on a bad mattress costs less but needs replacing in 2-3 years while never fully solving the problem. Do the math before you buy.
Not Sure If You Need a Topper or a Mattress?
Bring in a description of your current mattress situation. How old is it? Where does it sag? What exactly feels wrong? We will tell you honestly whether a topper could help or whether you are better off putting that money toward something new. No pressure either way. We sell both toppers and mattresses, but we would rather you solve the actual problem than waste money on the wrong solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do mattress toppers last in Canada?
Quality memory foam toppers last 3-5 years with regular use. Latex toppers can last 5-8 years. Down and down alternative toppers need replacing every 2-3 years as they compress and lose loft. Cheap foam toppers often break down within a year. The density of foam is the biggest factor in longevity. Higher density means longer life.
Can a mattress topper fix a sagging mattress?
No. A topper adds cushioning on top, but it cannot fix the underlying support problem. If your mattress sags, your body still falls into that sag even with a topper on top. The topper might mask the problem temporarily, but the sag will reassert itself through the topper within weeks. If your mattress sags more than an inch, you need a new mattress, not a topper.
What thickness mattress topper is best?
Three inches works well for most people. It is thick enough to provide real cushioning and pressure relief without making the mattress feel unstable. Two inches is fine if you just want to soften a slightly firm mattress. Four inches or more makes a dramatic change and is usually only needed if you want to completely change the feel of your bed.
Is memory foam or latex better for a topper?
Memory foam provides more contouring and pressure relief, making it better for side sleepers with hip or shoulder pain. Latex is more responsive and sleeps cooler, making it better for hot sleepers and people who move around at night. Memory foam has a slower response and can feel like you are sinking in. Latex bounces back quickly. Neither is objectively better. It depends on what you need.
Do you need a mattress protector with a topper?
Yes. The topper goes on the mattress, and a protector goes over the topper. This keeps sweat, spills, and body oils from soaking into the foam. Some toppers come with built-in covers that can be removed and washed. If yours does not, a thin mattress protector extends the topper's life significantly. Just make sure the protector is breathable so it does not trap heat.
Visit Mattress Miracle
Find us at 441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario. Rated 4.9 stars on Google. Family-owned since 1987.
Questions About Toppers?
We carry a selection of toppers and can help you figure out what you actually need. Sometimes the answer is a 3-inch memory foam topper. Sometimes it is a new mattress. We will give you an honest recommendation based on your situation, not based on what we want to sell.
Mattress Miracle
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
519-770-0001
Family owned since 1987
How to Know When a Mattress Topper Will Actually Help
Guide to determining if a mattress topper is the right solution for your sleep comfort
Step 1: Assess Your Current Mattress
Determine if your mattress is just uncomfortable or if it is actually failing. A topper works best on mattresses that are still supportive but lack softness or pressure relief.
Step 2: Check for Sagging or Damage
Press on different areas of your mattress. If you feel significant sagging, indentations, or the mattress feels lumpy, a topper will not solve the underlying problem. You need a new mattress.
Step 3: Choose Topper Thickness and Material
Memory foam toppers (2-3 inches) add softness and pressure relief. Latex toppers offer similar benefits with better temperature control. Avoid thin toppers (under 2 inches) as they provide minimal benefit.
Step 4: Consider Topper Firmness Relative to Your Mattress
If your mattress is too firm, add a softer topper. If your mattress is too soft, a firmer topper can add support. The combination should feel better than either alone.
Step 5: Know When You Need a New Mattress Instead
If your mattress is over 10 years old, heavily sagging, or causes pain that does not improve with a topper after 30 days, invest in a new mattress. A topper is a temporary solution, not a permanent fix.
How to Choose the Right Mattress Topper
A mattress topper can add comfort to a too-firm bed or extend the life of an aging mattress. Here's how to pick one that actually works.
Step 1: Identify What Problem You're Solving
Toppers can soften a firm mattress, add cushioning to worn spots, or provide cooling if you sleep hot. They can't fix severe sagging, broken springs, or a mattress that's completely worn out. If your mattress sags more than 2 inches or is over 10 years old, you likely need a new mattress, not a topper. Be honest about whether a topper will actually help.
Step 2: Choose the Right Material for Your Needs
Memory foam toppers (2-4 inches thick) add softness and pressure relief but can sleep warm. Latex toppers provide bounce and stay cooler but cost more. Feather/down toppers feel plush but compress quickly and need fluffing. Wool toppers regulate temperature well but offer less cushioning. Match the material to your main complaint: too firm = memory foam or latex, too hot = latex or wool.
Step 3: Select the Appropriate Thickness
For minor firmness adjustment, use 2 inches. For significant softening or pressure relief, go with 3-4 inches. Anything thicker than 4 inches makes the bed too soft for most people and can feel unstable. Thicker isn't always better, it's about finding the right balance. If you're unsure, start with 3 inches as a middle ground.
Step 4: Check Density for Durability
Memory foam topper density is measured in PCF (pounds per cubic foot). Look for at least 3 PCF for durability. Lower-density foam (under 2.5 PCF) compresses quickly and needs replacing in 1-2 years. Higher density (4-5 PCF) lasts 3-5 years but feels firmer. For latex, look for at least 3 pounds per cubic foot as well.
Step 5: Ensure Proper Fit and Secure Attachment
Measure your mattress and buy the exact size topper (twin, full, queen, king). Toppers that are too small shift around, too large hang over the edges awkwardly. Look for corner straps or elastic bands that secure the topper to your mattress. Without these, the topper will slide during the night.
Step 6: Plan for a Break-In Period
New toppers (especially memory foam) need 3-7 days to fully expand and off-gas. They may smell slightly at first, this fades after airing out. The feel can change over the first week as the materials settle. Don't judge it immediately, give yourself at least two weeks to adjust.
Step 7: Pair with a Proper Mattress Protector
Put a waterproof mattress protector over the topper to protect your investment. Spills, sweat, and accidents will ruin a topper quickly without protection. Make sure your fitted sheet has deep enough pockets (add mattress height plus topper thickness). Standard sheets won't fit over a mattress with a 3-4 inch topper.
Quick Answer: What Is the Best Mattress Topper in Canada?
The best topper depends on what problem you are trying to solve. Memory foam adds softness and pressure relief. Latex adds responsive cushioning that sleeps cooler. Wool regulates temperature naturally. But here is what most reviews will not tell you: a topper is a band-aid, not a fix. If your mattress is sagging or more than 8 years old, a topper delays the inevitable. If your mattress is still supportive but just too firm, a topper can work well for years.
Sources
- Jacobson BH, Boolani A, Smith DB. Changes in back pain, sleep quality, and perceived stress after introduction of new bedding systems. J Chiropr Med. 2009;8(1):1-8. DOI: 10.1016/j.jcm.2008.09.002
- Radwan A, Fess P, James D, et al. Effect of different mattress designs on promoting sleep quality, pain reduction, and spinal alignment in adults with or without back pain. Sleep Health. 2015;1(4):257-267. DOI: 10.1016/j.sleh.2015.08.001
- Kovacs FM, Abraira V, Peña A, et al. Effect of firmness of mattress on chronic non-specific low-back pain: randomised, double-blind, controlled, multicentre trial. Lancet. 2003;362(9396):1599-1604. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(03)14792-7