How long does a topper last » All information about durability

The lifespan of a high-quality box spring bed is about 20 years for the bed frame. However, this does not apply to the topper. You should replace it regularly, especially for adequate hygiene and maximum durability. You can learn more in our guide below.

Lifespan of Mattress Toppers

The topper is one of the many components of a box spring bed. It is a layer placed on top of the underlying mattress. Nowadays, toppers are also available as mattress pads for conventional beds with slatted frames.

The reasons why toppers and covers made of various materials do not have a long lifespan with sustained durability:

• The body loses a lot of moisture during sleep every night, for example. Therefore, the topper is exposed to liters of sweat and a lot of body heat every week, which is an ideal breeding ground for mold and bacteria.
• Moisture and warmth are also the ideal conditions for house dust mites, which primarily feed on skin flakes.
• The wear of the topper is another important aspect. Over time, depressions form in the topper, even if it is durable and retains its shape. In other words: the topper is worn out. The consequences are poor lying comfort and strain on the spine. In the worst case, this can lead to back pain resulting from the deteriorating lying properties of the topper over time. 

When should a topper be replaced

Sooner or later, a mattress topper on the box must be replaced due to these factors for hygiene and health. You should replace your old topper with a new one for your box spring bed approximately every 5 years.

The service life also depends on the specific material. By choosing the right topper, you can counteract premature wear:

A topper made of cold foam or foam provides high breathability when used and can even last for more than 10 years, whereas a gel foam topper is typically worn out after about 5 years.

Note: Additionally, there are latex toppers specifically for allergy sufferers, equipped with anti-allergic intermediate covers to prevent dust mites from settling on the topper.

Care Tips

Even before the 5 years are up, you should take good care of your topper (as well as your mattresses on the bed base!) to maintain the quality and sleeping comfort, prevent dust mites from settling in, and avoid mold formation in the bedroom. A tip: Always clean the frame, the base, and the headboard or backrest at the same time.

Wash the cover

Most toppers that rest on the box spring are equipped with a removable cover as additional protection against contamination. Simply check the pad. You will find care instructions.

While the topper itself is not so easy to clean regardless of size, the cover can simply be washed in the washing machine, preferably at 60 degrees Celsius. This not only effectively removes stains, but the high temperatures also kill mites.

The cover should be washed approximately every two weeks. In case of heavy sweating, we recommend cleaning the cover weekly. However, even in this case, consider the care instructions to avoid unnecessary wear.

Tip: Every few weeks or months, the topper should be aired out without its cover in a room with an open window. For this, remove duvets and pillowcases so it can dry and cool down. It is important to also flip the topper over during this process.

Pay attention to quality

Choose a high-quality topper that can withstand heavier use and provides genuine support. This prevents you from having to deal with pain after waking up due to indentations in the mattress topper after just a few months or years. It also helps you avoid back pain due to the construction

What is perceived as a comfortable lying sensation varies from person to person. Nevertheless, it is important that products like the topper have a sufficient firmness level, which depends on body weight.

You should lie on the topper in such a way that you slightly sink into the mattress at the pressure points. This pressure relief at the shoulders and hips ensures that the extremities are sufficiently supplied with blood, preventing you from waking up with tingling legs or arms. Making the best investment, therefore, is truly beneficial for your health.

Attention: However, you should not sink in too deeply, as this can cause the spine to curve, leading to strain on the back.

The selection of toppers and the difference between the materials is significant: The surface of a cold foam topper returns to its original position immediately after being touched. It is ideal for restless sleepers. 

Meanwhile, a Visco topper allows for deeper sinking and returns to its original position more slowly. Thus, it provides optimal pressure relief.

If you find yourself waking up with pain and stiffness more frequently in the mornings, you should consider looking for a new topper for your bed and possibly choose a new material. Before making a purchase, also inform yourself about the benefits of the different materials.

This way you will enjoy your product for a long time!