Ah, the wonders of wool. They make for cozy sweaters and plush blankets. Wool fibers even make it to your carpets and other home furnishings. Because of its insulating yet luxurious feel, wool makes for a stellar mattress topper. Here’s a handy guide to choosing the best wool mattress topper.
All About Wool: How to Choose the Best Wool Mattress Topper
Are wool mattress toppers comfortable?
Wool is made from the fleece of sheep and other animals. There are many wool types and they all look and feel different. Cashmere is one of the softest and most expensive types of wool. Mohair is used for carpets and winter items. The wool used in mattress toppers is comfortable as they’re typically sourced from alpaca and soft types of wool. Sometimes, different wool types are combined in one mattress topper to give you the most comfort.
Do wool mattress toppers keep you cool?
Whatever the season, wool mattress toppers feel pleasant to touch because it regulates temperature. It’s well-known for its insulating abilities but it also keeps you cool, too. It regulates temperature in the summer by wicking away moisture from the body. The natural fibers in wool are breathable so you won’t feel that stickiness that can come from mattress toppers made from synthetic materials.
What are the advantages/benefits of a wool mattress topper
Temperature Regulating
Wool is known to be highly insulating. Fleece protects sheep from the harshest conditions, so it’s no wonder wool warms you up in winter. During humid summers, it will keep you cool because it’s naturally breathable and moisture-wicking. You’ll get good use out of your wool topper throughout the year, making it a good and cost-effective purchase.
Comfortable
Temperature is only one factor in getting a good night’s sleep. Comfort is arguably a more important one to consider. Wool definitely ticks the comfort box because, with the right type of wool, you’ll get a soft and plush mattress topper that will coax you gently into a deep sleep.
Diversity of Options
There’s a wool topper for all types of sleepers and budgets. Merino and cashmere are the high end versions for the sleeper looking for a bit of luxury. British and alpaca wool are trusty and durable. Lambswool is one of the softest, sheared from the first fleece of a lamb. There are also mohair and angora options, as well as handcrafted wool mattress toppers. Some types are branded as eco-friendly wool. Wool mattress toppers often come with a cover, usually made of a breathable fabric like cotton.
Hypoallergenic
Wool mattress toppers will not trigger your allergies if they’re not treated with lanolin, a common allergen, and have a fine micron count. The risk of allergy is averted because the wool is covered with another type of fabric, thus protecting the person from coming in contact with the fibers.
Wool is mold and mildew-resistant. It also inhibits the growth of dust mites. Organic wool is free from harmful chemicals that irritate some people. If you have respiratory issues or are sensitive to certain chemicals, wool is a great mattress topper option.
Cushioned
A wool topper is as good as any kind of mattress topper when it comes to comfort. It’s great for refreshing a saggy or lumpy mattress. A good wool mattress topper will be thick enough to offer ample cushioning. Go for one that strikes a balance between softness and support.
Motion and Noise Control
If you’re often disturbed by the rustling and tossing of your sleeping partner, a wool mattress topper presents a solution. It absorbs motion from the other side of the bed, so you won’t feel it as you sleep. What’s even better is that wool will not make noise as you move through the night.
Durable
Looking for a mattress topper that will last? Try wool. Despite their softness, they’re also extremely durable and low maintenance. It will retain its cushioning for years. If you spill or stain a wool mattress topper, you can wipe off the blotches since it’s moisture-resistant.
Sustainable
Wool is eco-friendly because it’s a renewable and biodegradable textile. A wool mattress topper will be made from natural materials. Sheep, lambs, and goats can grow back their wool. The harvesting is sustainable and non-polluting.
A lot of companies are going cruelty-free, which gives a consumer peace of mind that no animals were treated unethically in manufacturing the wool.
Organic wool is made without toxic chemicals such as flame retardants and pesticides.
How to choose the best wool mattress topper
Material and Construction
Firstly, consider the type of wool and threads used in the mattress topper. The casing is as important as the padding because the fabric comes in contact with your skin as you sleep. Natural and breathable cloths are better. A thread count makes it easy to determine how smooth the fabric will be. Anti-slip straps are also an excellent addition.
Thickness and Comfort
Breathability is paramount in a good mattress topper. It should be able to regulate temperature in hot and cold conditions. Comfort is another criterion. This depends on the material and thickness of the mattress topper. If you need support, go for a loft of at least 2 inches. Padding will soothe any aches and pains and promote restful slumber. A comfortable but firm cushion will support the head and spine so you don’t wake up feeling sore.
Maintenance and Durability
A good mattress topper will not flatten over time and is constructed well to prevent fraying. The materials used should be strong enough to withstand the weight of the sleeper. It shouldn’t be treated with harmful chemicals. A machine-washable mattress topper is practical. However, some toppers will require dry cleaning and spot cleaning only.
What’s the best way to use/care for a wool mattress topper?
To maintain your wool mattress topper’s quality, follow the care instructions recommended by the manufacturer. Some wool mattress toppers are strictly spot-clean-only while others can be machine washed. Manufacturers may also advise you to dry clean the topper occasionally. You can air out the wool and expose it to sunlight to let the fibers breathe.
The 5 Best Wool Mattress Toppers for Cozy Sleep
Perfect Fit | Cool Wool Extra Plush Mattress Pad
This is one of the fluffiest mattress pads I’ve seen, made of 100 percent wool and pure cotton. It’s a breathable yet warm combination with increased comfort from a layer of down alternative filling.
The wool topper is reversible. You can choose to snuggle up to the warmth of wool or flip it to the cotton side for added breathability. The anchor banded corners prevent the mattress topper from slipping on your bed. This ensures the topper fits your bed well. The four side cotton binding allows you to get the best fit.
This is one of the best wool toppers because it retains its loft well. This high quality wool mattress topper is around 1.5 inches thick. The crimped texture of wool acts as a shield to friction and damage. Made of 300 gsm Australian washable wool face, the mattress topper is thermo-regulating. In harsh winters, it will envelop you with warmth while during summers, its breathability will allow heat to dissipate.
The smooth cotton weave the other side presents an even cooler option for humid nights. The diamond quilt pattern on the exterior gives a pleasant aesthetic to the mattress topper that you’ll want to show off. This comes in three sizes: full, queen, and king. It should fit most mattresses.
The wool mattress topper is naturally hypoallergenic. You can also machine wash and tumble dry the mattress topper to remove dirt and stains.
Users have said this one makes a good mattress topper on memory foam mattresses because it’s cooling. However, the straps are a bit finicky to use especially on thick mattresses.
Pros
- Made of 100 percent wool and cotton
- The added down alternative fill keeps it cushy
- Is a reversible mattress topper with cotton fabric on one side
- Has corner straps to ensure a snug fit; won’t shift when you sleep
- The 300 gsm Australian wool regulates temperature
- Has a smooth and cool cotton side
- Comes in three sizes
- Is machine washable
Cons
- The straps are hard to work with
SnugFleece Elite Wool Mattress Pad
If you’re looking to make a splurge on a wool mattress topper, make it this one by SnugFleece.
This is one of the best mattress toppers for a custom fit. They make a variety of sizes so there’s bound to be one that will fit your mattress. They have a twin, XL, twin, full, queen, Olympic queen, king, California king and a 80″ by 60″ mattress pad.
The mattress topper is made of 100 percent wool for supreme comfort. The SnugFit Elite Mattress Pad is 1.5 inches thick, good for fluffing up a firm mattress. This is a mattress topper for all seasons because it has the superior moisture-wicking and insulating properties of wool.
It’s free from chemicals and made naturally, so it’s safe to sleep on. It doesn’t skimp on cushioning with its 65 oz wool density which will relieve pressure points. Its backing material is polyester, a strong and quick-drying fabric. On the corners are 2-inch straps to anchor the mattress topper to your bed snugly. It can accommodate mattresses up to 18 inches deep.
This mattress topper is low-maintenance and machine washable. It has a neutral ecru color to match most types of interiors.
A downside with this mattress topper is it needs regular refluffing to maintain its look. The price can also turn off some people.
Pros
- Comes in several sizes
- Made of pure wool
- Has ample thickness to support you when you sleep
- An all-seasons wool topper for cooling and insulating
- Chemical-free and natural
- Lots of cushioning
- Has anchor straps to fit mattresses up to 18 inches
- Machine washable
Cons
- Needs to be fluffed up periodically
- Expensive
Sleep & Beyond 60 by 80-Inch Organic Merino Wool Mattress Topper
If you want to know what it feels like to sleep on head-to-toe merino wool, the Sleep & Beyond organic wool topper is the best wool mattress topper for you.
The Sleep & Beyond topper is worth the investment because it’s made of luxurious and organic merino wool and organic cotton jacquard. Merino has fine fibers, longer and softer than average wool. This makes it a strong material, too. It can absorb up to 30 percent of its weight which is excellent for temperature regulation. It keeps you cool during summers and warm during winters.
Sleeping on the Sleep & Beyond mattress topper will lull you into a deep sleep and relieve pressure points. It’s 1.5 inches thick so you’re fully supported. Those suffering from pains such as arthritis, rheumatism, or fibromyalgia will benefit a lot from this soothing mattress topper. It will iron out a lumpy mattress for balanced support.
If you’re sensitive to chemicals, this is a good choice because it’s free from carcinogenic chemicals. The cover is made of 100 percent organic cotton jacquard with a 300 thread count which feels soft and smooth on the skin.
There are five sizes available. Corner straps will hold the wool mattress topper in place. It’s easy to care for this mattress topper because it’s washable.
The Sleep & Beyond mattress topper will not be thick enough to cushion a very firm mattress but for those looking for a bit of plush and cool support, this will do the job well.
Pros
- Made of a high quality organic merino wool fill
- Keeps you cozy yet cool as you sleep
- Has 1.5 inches of support
- Chemical-free
- Machine washable
- Has a 100 percent organic cotton jacquard cover
- Comes in 5 sizes
- Has corner straps for a good fit
Cons
- Not for those looking for a highly cushioned wool topper
- Expensive
Holy Lamb Organics Wool Mattress Toppers
So much care was put into the making of this Holy Lamb Organics Mattress Topper and even Oprah Magazine vouches for their quality.
The fill is made of organic wool from New Zealand that passes the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). It’s wrapped in a GOTS-certified organic cotton sateen cover.
The high quality wool topper promotes deep rest because of its plush and breathable surface. It’s 1.5 to 2 inches thick, a loft high enough to rejuvenate a hot or uneven mattress.
Wool is naturally temperature-regulating so this is perfect for hot sleepers. The natural material lowers the resting heart rate so you’re relaxed throughout the night.
The wool is processed without harsh chemicals so expect a natural scent to linger on the mattress topper. The smell will evaporate in a few days.
There are six sizes available and the largest one can weigh almost 12 lbs. Because of this wool topper’s density, it won’t fit into a washing machine and is, therefore, not machine washable. You can spot clean it to maintain its appearance. With proper care, this mattress topper will have you sleeping on its cloudlike softness for years to come.
Pros
- A handmade wool topper made of GOTS-certified organic New Zealand wool
- Encased in a cover made from GOTS-certified cotton sateen
- Is 1.5 to 2 inches thick
- Temperature-regulating and breathable for comfort as you sleep
- Chemical-free
- Comes in six sizes
Cons
- Not machine washable
- Comes with a high price
OrganicTextiles All-Natural Australian Wool Mattress Pad
This wool topper is from sunny Southern California with wool sourced from natural Australian wool. Organic Textiles prioritizes organic and natural materials and has sound environmental and ethical practices. This is one of the best and eco-friendly wool mattress toppers around.
The 300 thread count cotton cover is 100 percent GOTS-certified, a good benchmark of quality. This breathable wool will keep you cool even on balmy nights and will warm you up in freezing winters. If you’re a hot sleeper, the mattress pad will wick away sweat so it can evaporate, keeping you dry as you sleep.
The wool mattress topper resists mildew, odors, bacteria, mold, and dust mites, ensuring you sleep on a clean and spotless surface. No harsh chemicals were used in manufacturing it, so it’s safe as well. The mattress topper varies in thickness but on average it’s 1-inch thick. It has corner straps to keep the topper from shifting as you move throughout the night.
There are six sizes to choose from so it will fit most mattresses comfortably. This wool mattress topper is reasonably priced, perfect for those who want to try out wool toppers. To maintain the cleanliness of the wool mattress pad, you can machine wash it occasionally, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
A disadvantage with this mattress topper is that it shrinks a little when you tumble dry it. Otherwise, it offers excellent comfort for a good price.
Pros
- Made from natural Australian wool
- Eco-friendly and ethical company
- Has a 300 thread count GOTS-certified cotton cover
- Regulates temperature for good sleep
- Antibacterial and dust-mite resistant
- Free from harsh chemicals
- Has corner straps to keep it in place
- Comes in six sizes
- An affordable wool topper
- Can be machine washed from time to time
Cons
- Shrinks a bit when tumble dried
Conclusion
When you’re not getting a comfortable 8 hours of sleep, it’s time to perk up your old mattress or hot memory foam cushion with a wool topper like the toppers above. If you’re new to wool, those are the best toppers to start with because the materials are best in class. Pretty soon, you’ll be a wool convert like me.
The best wool topper, in my opinion, is the Sleep & Beyond Organic Merino Wool Mattress Topper. It’s made from luxurious merino wool and pure organic cotton, elevating your sleep to high levels of comfort. It has a good loft to support the body and relieve pressure points. Merino is a durable and temperature-regulating material, ensuring you’ll get good use out of the topper. It’s also washable and chemical-free with different size options. The price is reasonable for the quality you get. It will definitely be a worthwhile purchase and a great investment for your sleep health.
