A wool mattress topper is an extra layer of cushioning added on top of your mattress to enhance comfort and support. Unlike a mattress pad or protector that goes over your mattress, a wool topper sits directly on top and ranges from 1-3 inches thick.
Wool toppers add a luxurious layer of natural wool fibers without having to invest in an entirely new mattress. They regulate temperature, reduce pressure points, and resist allergens.
Benefits of Wool Mattress Toppers
Wool has many natural properties that make it an exceptional mattress topper material:
- Moisture-wicking – wool pulls moisture away from the body to keep you dry and comfortable all night. Great for hot sleepers or night sweats.
- Breathable – allows airflow so you don’t overheat while sleeping.
- Regulates temperature – keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter.
- Relieves pressure – cushions shoulders, and hips and relieves tension, pain, or soreness.
- Hypoallergenic – resists mold, mildew, and dust mites. Great for allergy sufferers.
- Antimicrobial – naturally resists bacteria growth. Stays fresher longer.
- Dust mite resistant – prevents dust mites from settling into bedding.
- Biodegradable & renewable – more eco-friendly than synthetic toppers.
Who Are Wool Mattress Toppers Good For?
Because of wool’s moisture-wicking, cooling, and allergen-resistant properties, wool mattress toppers are especially good for:
- Hot sleepers who tend to sleep warm or even sweaty. The wool fibers absorb moisture and regulate your body temperature to prevent overheating or that sticky feeling.
- For those with allergies or asthma wool resists mold, mildew, and dust mites that aggravate allergies and asthma symptoms. Over 1/3 of Americans report nasal allergies.
- People want pressure point relief, especially at the shoulders and hips. This includes side sleepers or those recovering from injuries who need extra cushioning. The resilience of wool contours to your body shape.
- Eco-conscious consumers looking for more natural, biodegradable bedding materials from renewable sources like sheep’s wool.
- A budget-friendly upgrade – toppers can refresh an older mattress for a fraction of the cost of buying a whole new mattress. Easy switch to try out wool.
Types of Wool for Mattress Toppers
Not all wool is the same. Mattress topper wool types include:
Merino Wool Mattress Toppers
Pros
- Finest, softest wool fiber
- Ultra-fine fibers enhance breathability
Cons
- More expensive than other wools
Lambswool Mattress Toppers
Pros
- Very durable wool fiber
- Springy and resilient
- Excellent moisture wicking
Cons
- It can be too itchy on sensitive skin
Alpaca Wool Mattress Toppers
Pros
- Hypoallergenic properties
- Luxuriously soft fiber
- Stays drier than sheep’s wool
Cons
- Very expensive, pricey
Cashmere Wool Mattress Toppers
Pros
- Extremely lightweight, soft wool
- Unmatched warmth-to-weight ratio
Cons
- Delicate, high-maintenance
- Challenging to produce cashmere wool
What Size Wool Mattress Topper Should You Get?
Wool mattress topper sizes correspond with standard mattress sizes:
- Twin
- Twin XL
- Full
- Queen
- King
- California King
Ideally your mattress topper should cover the entire surface of your mattress without gaps or overhang.
If you share your bed with a partner, make sure to size up and get a topper that provides full coverage across both sides. For example with a Queen bed, get a Queen or King size topper, not a Full.
Finding the Right Thickness and Density
Thickness
Typical topper thickness ranges from 1-4 inches thick. Thinner 1-2 inch mattress toppers add some extra plushness while still conforming closely to your original mattress.
Thicker 3-4 inch toppers radically transform the feel of your bed for those wanting maximum cushiness and depth. They feel more like a separate comfort layer.
Density: GSM (grams per square meter)
The density of a wool topper refers to how many grams of wool fiber are packed into each square meter of fabric. Density ranges from 200 GSM on the lighter end up to 1000+ GSM for premium heavy-duty mattress toppers.
Here are the GSM levels that tend to offer the best balance of comfort, support, and durability in wool toppers:
- Lightweight – 200-300 GSM – Best for warmer climates or hot sleepers
- Mid-weight – 400-600 GSM – Ideal year-round thickness for most sleepers
- Heavy-weight – 700-1000+ GSM – Extra dense for maximum durability and cushioning
Additional Mattress Topper Features
- Allergen Barrier – Waterproof yet breathable barriers prevent allergens like dust mites or pet dander from inhabiting the topper. Added protection for allergy/asthma sufferers.
- Securing Straps – Elastic straps on the underside keep the mattress topper securely in place all night without shifting or bunching up. Prevents the “hammock” effect.
- Removable Zippered Cover – Covers that fully enclose the mattress topper interior and are removable/machine-washable making cleaning and maintenance easy. Look for soft cotton covers.
- OEKO-TEX Certification – Look for the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 label to ensure mattress toppers undergo strict testing for harmful substances and skin irritants. Provides reassurance they are safe and non-toxic.
How Much Does a Good Wool Mattress Topper Cost?
Expect to invest $100-$500+ for a high-quality wool mattress topper. Prices vary based on:
- Wool Type – Ultra-fine Merino and cashmere cost the most. Lambswool and alpaca have mid-range pricing.
- Density – Higher GSM density with more tightly packed wool fibers costs more.
- Certifications – OEKO-TEX, GOTS, or ISO certifications reassure quality and safety for an added premium.
- Size – Full/Queen sizes cost less than King/Cal King.
- Extra Features – Allergen barriers, straps, and removable covers add convenience at an increased price.
Spending $250+ means getting into premium longer-lasting wool with protective covers, securing straps, and certifications.
Caring for Your Wool Mattress Topper
With proper care and maintenance, a quality wool mattress topper can last over a decade! Here are wool care best practices:
- Spot clean food, drink or body stain spills immediately before they set using only gentle, wool-safe cleaning solutions. Never bleach wool.
- Air out and fluff up the wool fibers inside the topper regularly to prevent flattening, clumping, or matting of the wool.
- For mattress toppers with removable outer covers, wash the cover according to its care label instructions, usually in cold gentle cycles, and air dry.
- Spot clean the interior wool topper as needed using mild wool cleaning agents, and air dry flat before placing back on the bed.
How Long Do Wool Mattress Toppers Last?
Thanks to the natural durability and resilience of wool fibers expect a wool mattress topper to last approximately 10-15 years with proper maintenance before needing to be replaced.
Many premium wool toppers now come with warranties against defects of at least 5 years and sometimes up to 10 years. This protects your investment should anything happen to the mattress topper.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Topper
Watch for these red flags signaling when it may be time to shop around for a brand-new mattress topper replacement:
- Indentations, sagging, or flattening – When the wool interior loses its loft and no longer springs back. Forms body impressions.
- Increased allergy or asthma symptoms – Despite cleaning, allergens have built up triggering nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, or wheezing.
- Muscle tension, neck or back pain – If your mattress topper is no longer cushioning pressure points.
- Visible holes, stains, or tears – In the cover fabric or interior wool despite attempts to clean and mend it.
Best Overall: Naturepedic Organic Wool Mattress Topper
- GOTS-certified organic wool & cotton
- Hypoallergenic & dust mite resistant
- Machine washable cotton cover
- Straps secure it in place
- Available in twin – king sizes
- 10-year limited warranty
Most Luxurious Feel: Pure Echo Organic Wool Topper
- 100% premium organic wool
- Encased in organic cotton
- Responsible Wool Standard certified
- Ultra-plush 7” thickness
- 30-night risk-free trial
- Twin to Cal king sizes
Best for Hot Sleepers: Sleep&Beyond Wool Topper
- 100% Australian wool filling
- Grid design boosts airflow
- Organic cotton cover allows ventilation
- Anchor bands keep snug to bed
- Certified chemical-free
- Queen/King sizes only
Most Durable: OrganicTextiles Pure Wool
- Hypoallergenic merino wool
- Dense 950 GSM wool weight
- 100% certified organic materials
- Elastic corner straps
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100
- Available in all sizes
Best Value: ExceptionalSheets Rayon
- Made of rayon derived from bamboo
- More affordable price point
- Ultra-soft reversible topper
- Anchor bands to secure
- Queen through Cali sizes
- Deep pockets accommodate thick mattresses
Conclusion
Adding a wool mattress topper enhances comfort, cooling, and support for an overall improved sleep experience. Made from a renewable natural material, wool makes an excellent eco-friendly topper option as well.
Carefully review wool types, densities, certifications, and key features to determine the best wool topper to suit your personal preferences and budget. Then get ready to rest easy!