4 min readWhile some people find a mattress so perfectly suited to their sleep needs that they can just pop on a set of sheets and call it a day (or night, rather), I am not one of those people. My ideal bed comprises a few pieces to make it so: My Saatva memory foam hybrid mattress, my Amazon Basics mattress protector, and lastly, my Hudson Park Collection Dreamweave mattress topper. I opted for a topper because my mattress is on the firmer side, and I like that slight plushness that comes with a topper boasting a gusset of at least an inch. For me, this combination makes for a perfect sleep experience.
Now, why, you may be wondering, did I go with this specific topper? After all, Hudson Park Collection, the Bloomingdale's bed-and-bath line, is hardly more widely known than an actual bedding brand like Brooklinen or Parachute. This specific mattress topper was on my childhood bed, and I never got better sleep than I did in that bed. What's more, when my parents moved to Florida and, later, to North Carolina, they bought this topper on repeat, and for good reason: It's extremely comfortable. So, when I noticed my new mattress was a bit too firm for my liking, I knew I had to head to Bloomingdale's and buy the beloved topper for myself.
How Does It Feel?
I don't love it when a mattress is too soft because I always wake up with a crick in my neck (be sure to check out my roundup of the best pillows for neck pain) or a knot in my back, but I like the mix of soft on top of firm, and this topper is the soft part, courtesy of its one-inch gusset. (A gusset is basically the loft of thickness of the topper's padding.) Some toppers have gussets as tall as three inches, but if your mattress is also on the thicker side, you will most definitely have some trouble getting a fitted sheet over your bed. Plus, a three-inch gusset will definitely start to sag after a few months and end up flat.
In terms of feel, the Dreamweave topper kind of feels like sitting atop a stack of down comforters. It's very cloud-like and soft, but because it's only an inch thick, there's no sagging, as the filling (fiber) stays put. The quilted stitching also helps with that. I have had this topper for about five months and haven't noticed a change in density on my side or my fiancé's side of the bed. In my opinion, if it's not sagging after five months under our weight, that's a good sign. The topper also doesn't trap heat, but it's not cooling, so if you're looking for the latter, I'd recommend our resident hot sleeper's favorite: the Perfectly Snug.
Are There Benefits?
There aren't any real medical benefits to mattress toppers, unlike a firm mattress, which is said to be good for a bad back, but comfort is definitely a real benefit to consider. If you, like me, prefer a softer feel without back pain in the morning, a mattress topper with a little bounce and give will be a massive game-changer.
What About Drawbacks?
This particular topper wasn't cheap. I happened to buy it during one of the big bedding sales, but a queen-size costs $210 regularly. Considering how long these last (my parents have had theirs for over five years), it's worth it. I am a bit paranoid about the fluff flattening out, so every week when I change my sheets, I take the topper off and flip it around so that the head is at the foot. My parents don't do that, and they haven't noticed any sagging, but I don't think they spend as much time lounging in bed as I do, so I am taking extra precautions to avoid the sag.
Are Toppers Good for Your Back?
As I said, they aren't exactly famous for improving back issues the way something firmer might be, but being comfortable while you sleep only makes the experience better and longer, and nothing is better for you than quality sleep. According to Sleep Foundation, "A mattress topper can be good for back pain if it helps to improve your spinal alignment or relieve pressure point discomfort that stems from inadequate cushioning. Adding a topper is also a great choice if your current mattress isn't the right firmness level for your weight and sleeper type." So, it's a personal choice whether or not you need one, but if your current mattress isn't cutting it, a topper can only help.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- One-inch gusset for supreme cushioning
- Fiber doesn't sag or need refluffing
- Long-lasting
- Includes elastic around all sides for snug fit on mattress
Cons
- Sizes queen and larger cost more than $200
Is the Dreamweave Mattress Topper Worth Buying?
Yes, the Dreamweave is definitely worth it in my book for myriad reasons. First and foremost, it made my mattress much more comfortable by giving it the tiny bit of softness I needed to get a good night's rest. Second, it's the right loft for my 12-inch-thick mattress. I can get all of my fitted sheets over my bed without breaking a sweat or ripping a seam. Lastly, it's a good investment: Even after five years, it doesn't start to flatten or break down, so there's no real guilt associated with the high cost. If I have it for five years (minimum), I am basically paying $42 per year for an incredibly cozy sleep every single night. That, in my opinion, is worth it.
