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Do mattress toppers make a difference for hotels?

In today's competitive hospitality industry, ensuring that guests have a restful night's sleep can make all the difference to your hotel’s business.

Enter the mattress topper—a seemingly simple accessory that can help to give your guests a comfier night’s sleep so they wake up refreshed and relaxed.

But how significant is its role? Let's dive in.

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What is a Mattress Topper?

A mattress topper is a layer placed above your mattress but below your top sheet.

Designed to enhance the comfort level, it ensures guests experience the luxury of a premium bed without the need for a complete mattress overhaul. 

This extra layer not only offers additional comfort but also contributes to the longevity of the underlying mattress.

Chatsworth Mattress Topper | Star Linen UK

How to choose a mattress topper for your hotel?

Assess current mattresses: Begin by evaluating the current state of the mattresses in the hotel. Identify whether they are too firm, too soft, or showing signs of wear. This will help determine the type of topper needed.

Determine guest needs: Consider feedback from guests. Have they mentioned discomfort, allergies, or other sleeping concerns? Such feedback can guide the choice towards specific toppers, such as anti-allergy or memory foam options.

Set a budget: Determine the budget for the purchase. While investing in high-quality toppers can lead to better guest satisfaction, it's essential to find a balance between quality and affordability.

Research types of toppers: Familiarise yourself with the different types of mattress toppers available – from memory foam to waterproof options. Understand the benefits and drawbacks of each.

Consider maintenance: Some toppers may require specific cleaning methods or more frequent maintenance. Opt for toppers that align with the hotel's cleaning capabilities and schedule.

Check for certifications: Ensure that the toppers meet safety and quality standards. Certifications can indicate that a product is free from harmful chemicals and meets industry benchmarks.

Evaluate thickness and density: The thickness and density of a topper can significantly affect comfort. A thicker topper might offer more cushioning, while the density can influence support levels.

Factor in climate: For hotels in warmer regions, consider toppers with cooling technologies. Conversely, in colder areas, a denser topper might provide added warmth.

How much should your hotel spend on mattress toppers?

Hotels can expect to spend:

Lower end (~£11-£15): Basic comfort with hypoallergenic, machine washable options, primarily polyester fills, and waterproofing features.

Mid-range (~£17-£26): Enhanced breathability, fitted styles, plush quilting, and higher GSM for added softness, with multi-year warranties.

Higher end (~£28-£39): Luxurious deep fill, skirted design for secure fit, and premium materials like cotton covers and ball fibre filling for superior comfort.

Greenway Straps Mattress Topper | Star Linen UK

How should your hotel factor in seasonality?

In cooler months, hotels should opt for toppers with higher GSM like the Chatsworth (1300gsm), offering warmth and plush comfort. 

During warmer seasons, breathable options such as the CleanRest Waterproof Topper, boasting superior breathability, would ensure a cooler sleep. 

All-year choices like the Clarence Combo (600gsm or 1000gsm) balance comfort and temperature regulation, fitting a range of seasonal needs.

Hardys Mattress Topper | Star Linen UK

What mattress topper matches your room’s aesthetics?

When selecting a mattress topper, hotels should consider the room's aesthetic to ensure a cohesive look. 

For a luxury suite with opulent decor, a high-end option like the Clarence Combo conveys sophistication. In contemporary settings, the sleek design of the CleanRest Waterproof Topper aligns with a modern feel. 

For traditional rooms, the Chatsworth with its classic cotton cover complements a timeless style. 

The topper should enhance the guest's experience, subtly aligning with the room's design while ensuring supreme comfort.

Albany fitted sheet | Star Linen UK

Why should hotels use mattress toppers?

Beyond mere comfort, mattress toppers protect the underlying mattress, ensuring it remains in pristine condition for longer. For hoteliers, this means fewer replacements and reduced costs in the long run. 

Furthermore, a luxurious mattress experience often translates to glowing product reviews, a critical factor in attracting new guests. 

The benefits of toppers to your hotel includes:

Enhanced guest comfort: Mattress toppers add an extra layer of cushioning to beds, giving your guests a comfortable place to sleep. This often leads to better guest satisfaction and positive reviews.

Prolonged mattress lifespan: Toppers act as a protective barrier, reducing direct wear and tear on the main mattress. This means hotel mattresses last longer, reducing the frequency and costs of replacements.

Cost-efficiency: Investing in a mattress topper can be more economical than replacing entire mattresses. By enhancing the comfort of existing mattresses, hoteliers can defer the significant expense of full replacements.

Versatility: Not all guests have the same preference when it comes to mattress firmness. Toppers allow hotels to adjust the firmness level of their beds, catering to a broader range of guest preferences.

Regulate your temperature: Some advanced mattress toppers come with temperature-regulating features, ensuring guests stay cool in summer and warm in winter. This enhances the overall sleeping experience.

Protection against allergens: Anti-allergy mattress toppers prevent allergens, dust mites, and bacteria from settling in, ensuring a hygienic sleep environment for guests.

Easy maintenance: Mattress toppers can be easily removed and cleaned, ensuring beds remain fresh and hygienic for every new guest.

Noise reduction: Some toppers, especially those made of memory foam, can dampen noise, ensuring guests aren't disturbed by movements on other parts of the bed.

Positive brand image: Offering additional amenities such as mattress toppers showcases a hotel's commitment to guest comfort, enhancing its reputation and brand image.

Balmoral fitted sheet | Star Linen UK

When do hotels need to use a mattress topper?

A mattress topper can help your hotel to provide the perfect experience for every guest by giving you quick options to adjust the feel of a bed. 

All of the below reasons are ways mattress toppers could be the perfect solution to ensure your guests’ peace of mind: 

Cover ageing mattresses: If a mattress is showing signs of wear but isn't old enough to replace, a topper can rejuvenate its comfort level.

Adjust to guest feedback: If guests comment that the beds are too firm or too soft, mattress toppers can adjust the firmness level without the need for a full mattress replacement.

Work around budgets: When a hotel is working under tight budget constraints and cannot afford immediate mattress replacements, toppers offer a cost-effective solution to improve bed comfort.

Accommodate special requests: Some guests might have specific needs, such as orthopaedic concerns, and request an additional layer of cushioning.

Consider allergies: For guests with allergies, hotels can use anti-allergy mattress toppers to create a hypoallergenic sleep environment.

In themed or luxury suites: For rooms that are priced higher due to theming or luxury amenities, mattress toppers can be added to ensure the bed's comfort matches the premium experience.

Woburn Mattress Protector | Star Linen UK

What are the different types of mattress toppers?

The types of mattress toppers include:

Microfibre Mattress Toppers

Microfibre toppers provide a soft, luxurious feel, akin to natural down. They are hypoallergenic, making them suitable for guests with allergies. These toppers offer a balance of comfort and support, ensuring a restful night's sleep.

Clarence Combo Mattress Topper

Experience the opulent comfort of the Clarence Combo Mattress Topper. Tailored for the hospitality industry, this topper is enhanced with a skirt for additional mattress protection, fitting an array of bed sizes from single to super king. 

It comes in two plush weight options, 600gsm and 1000gsm, enveloped in a soft microfibre cover and packed with cozy hollowfibre to ensure a luxurious sleep experience. It's an ideal choice for those seeking a blend of luxury and practicality​.

Clarence Combo Mattress Protector | Star Linen UK

Polycotton Mattress Toppers

Made from a blend of polyester and cotton, these toppers are durable, breathable, and offer a smooth finish. They're designed to enhance comfort while being easy to maintain and clean.

Woburn Mattress Topper

The Woburn Mattress Topper brings an added layer of plushness to your bedding with its 500g quilted design, ensuring a snug and protective barrier for your mattress. 

It features a generous 1000 GSM weight, crafted from a durable polycotton fabric and filled with soft hollowfibre, offering both comfort and enhanced mattress protection​.

Woburn Mattress Protector | Star Linen UK

Anti-Allergy Mattress Toppers

Specifically designed for guests with sensitivities or allergies, these toppers are treated to resist allergens, bacteria, and dust mites. They offer both comfort and a hygienic sleeping environment.

Waterproof Mattress Toppers

Ideal for situations where spills or accidents might occur, these toppers protect the underlying mattress from moisture. They're particularly useful in family suites or rooms where young children might be staying.

CleanRest Plush Quilted Mattress Protector

The waterproof sleep surface will guard against stains and spills. 

CleanRest’s quilted protector accomplishes with one product what most hoteliers try to accomplish with a ‘two utility layer’ strategy which includes a mattress pad and waterproof protector in a fitted sheet style.

CleanRest Quilted Mattress Protector | Star Linen UK

Memory Foam Mattress Toppers

Offering optimum support by contouring to the body, memory foam toppers can relieve pressure points and help align the spine. They're ideal for guests looking for a plush, cushioned sleeping experience.

Which mattress topper is best for hotels?

The ideal topper depends on your hotel's specific needs. 

Memory foam toppers offer unparalleled comfort, but cooling toppers might be more suitable for tropical locations. 

You could use product reviews and guest feedback to help make the right choice, ensuring durability and comfort.

What is the difference between a mattress topper & mattress protector?

While a topper primarily gives extra comfort and gives extra support, a mattress protector focuses on safeguarding the mattress from spills, stains, and wear. 

Think of the protector as a shield—a waterproof mattress protector, for instance, ensures any accidental spills don't seep through. 

Using both in tandem ensures guests enjoy optimum comfort while the mattress remains protected.

Ready to elevate your guests' sleeping experience?

Don't leave comfort to chance. Discover a curated selection of premium mattress toppers tailored for the discerning hotelier. 

Visit Star Linen's collection and invest in a luxurious night's sleep for your guests today.