Reading Time: 5 minutesIt would be nice if every mattress were perfect. But some mattresses are too firm, don’t offer enough support to relieve pain, or even worse, cause you to wake up in pain. Luckily, mattress toppers or pads can help make a stiff, unsupportive bed much more comfortable. A mattress topper or mattress pad aims to improve sleep quality without buying a whole new bed.
Plus, a good mattress topper can prolong the life of your mattress, minimize motion transfer, and provide a wide range of other benefits, too. Two of the most popular mattress topper types are egg crate and memory foam toppers.
But the question is, which one is the best?
In this article, we’re looking at egg crate vs. memory foam—which is the best for mattress toppers?
We’re going to break down the qualities of each side by side. That way, you can decide which one is best. We’ll also look at an alternative to both materials that’s even better at helping you get the recuperative rest you need to feel your best.
But first, let’s get the basics out of the way.
Table of Contents
- What Is Egg Crate Foam Used For?
- What Are Memory Foam Toppers?
- How Long Do Egg Crate Mattress Toppers Last?
- How Long Do Memory Foam Toppers Last?
- Comparing Egg Crate vs. Memory Foam Toppers
- Pressure Relief and Support
- Heat Retention
- Cost
- Which Is Better Egg Crate or Memory Foam?
- What Is the Best Filling for a Mattress Topper?
- Materials to Improve Your Sleep Experience
- A Perfect Night’s Sleep Starts With Your Mattress
What Is Egg Crate Foam Used For?
Egg crate foam is used primarily in mattress toppers and other supportive materials such as dog beds. It gets its name from its unique shape, which resembles (you guessed it) an egg crate. It’s typically made from polyurethane foam.
What’s great about egg crate foam in a mattress topper is its breathability. However, the support and comfort it offers depend primarily upon the quality of the material.
What Are Memory Foam Toppers?
Memory foam toppers, on the other hand, are typically flat.
The support for these types of toppers comes from the unique viscoelastic properties given to the material during the manufacturing process. Like egg crate foam, it’s also made from polyurethane, though it tends to be denser.
Many different types of memory foam offer a wide range of support options. However, denser varieties can lead to poor airflow.
How Long Do Egg Crate Mattress Toppers Last?
How long an egg crate mattress topper lasts depends largely upon the quality of the material used. For instance, a low-cost egg crate mattress topper will probably lose shape and support in just a year or two. However, a more high-quality version can end up lasting 3+ years.
The lifespan also depends on if the mattress topper is used properly (regular cleaning, proper placement, etc.).
How Long Do Memory Foam Toppers Last?
Memory foam toppers last a bit longer than egg crate foam toppers, anywhere from 3-10 years.
Their dense structure makes it more difficult for the materials to break down. Plus, many types of memory foam are used in vehicle seating and other high-use materials.
That being said, the same applies to memory foam, just as quality correlates with lifespan in egg crate foam. The higher the quality, the longer the topper will likely last.
Comparing Egg Crate vs. Memory Foam Toppers
Pressure Relief and Support
When it comes to egg crate vs. memory foam toppers, there’s a big difference in the ability to relieve pain and pressure. The bumps and dips of an egg crate topper contour to the body to provide support, reduce pressure points, and help you sleep comfortably – at first.
But egg crate topper foam is thin and pliable, so after several months of use, it will break down and leave a permanent indentation where you lay, reducing its ability to relieve pressure.
Standard memory foam tends to hold its shape better, making it more effective at contouring pressure relief for longer. In addition, a memory foam topper is strong enough to support even those who weigh more and allows side sleepers to rest comfortably by relieving pressure in the shoulders and hips.
Once you roll over or get up, memory foam “remembers” its original shape and bounces back.
Heat Retention
Egg crate toppers are popular with healthcare facilities because they allow air to flow under the patient, which is essential for preventing bed sores and fevers. But while egg crate foam’s design makes it breathable, it can be hot to sleep on in the summer months.
Memory foam is known for retaining heat. Since it’s usually not as breathable, it can cause you to wake up sweating. If you like the feel of memory foam, look for a gel memory foam topper, as it keeps you cool while you sleep.
Cost
Since the purpose of a mattress pad is to extend the life of your current bed or make a dorm bed more comfortable, you’re probably not looking to spend a lot.
Egg crate toppers are usually very affordable, but they don’t last as long.
Memory foam toppers cost more, but you can use them longer since they don’t break down quickly.
Which Is Better Egg Crate or Memory Foam?
Memory foam is the better option for egg crates vs. memory foam mattress toppers.
The cost may be higher. But the level of support is usually far superior to egg crate foam.
Plus, a single memory foam mattress topper can end up lasting for the entire lifespan of your mattress. Lastly, while memory foam tends to be a little less breathable than egg crate foam, it can end up being far more comfortable if you find the right type of memory foam mattress topper.
What Is the Best Filling for a Mattress Topper?
As you can see in our comparison of egg crate vs. memory foam toppers, both types have advantages and disadvantages. However, one other kind of mattress topper offers the benefits of both toppers we compared and fewer drawbacks.
And that’s a mattress topper made with multiple materials like Beloit’s DormTopper.
Materials to Improve Your Sleep Experience
A Premium Mattress Topper is made from several materials that can improve your sleep experience for an affordable price.
- Comfortable. Gel-infused cooling foam adds dense cushioning and support atop even the hardest surfaces.
- Regulates Temperature. Dense soy-based gel foam and breathable bamboo fabric keep you from getting hot, while moisture-wicking New Zealand wool keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter.
- Durable. Dense foam and wool last long enough to get more years out of your mattress.
- Clean. Hypoallergenic and antibacterial materials protect you from germs and also deter bed bugs and mites.
- Affordable. At $119 for a twin or twin XL, it comes at a cost you can live with, and it’s worth it. Plus, it’s backed up by a full 5-year warranty.
Needing a Custom Fit Mattress Topper?
When needing a custom mattress topper, look no further than The Beloit Mattress Company. Get a free estimate here.
Just researching right now?
Check out our free Sleep Disorders Guide, Mattress Buying Guide, and How to Experience The Best Sleep Guide.
