Anonymous wrote:Does everyone get these? Have never used one before. Is the idea that the dorm mattresses are uncomfortable without one? Or is this just part of the industry of marketing to anxious parents with money?

Colleges have replaced all the regular (gross) mattresses we had in college with mattresses that are encased in navy blue plastic. They have almost no spring, they squeak when you move, and they are hot and uncomfortable. I slept on one for a week at a conference and understood why toppers are so popular. It wasn’t just a “bad” mattress, it was kind of like sleeping on a Lego.

check with your kid's college. some toppers are flammable

As you move your child out of the dorm after freshman year you will see 99% of those in the dumpsters at every school.

Only on DCUM are the kids bringing them home.

sleepyhead is the best, going on year four (two different kids) and still comfortable!

We have one from Silk and Snow. Younger DC already has one on their bed and it’s been a good purchase.

Anonymous wrote:Does everyone get these? Have never used one before. Is the idea that the dorm mattresses are uncomfortable without one? Or is this just part of the industry of marketing to anxious parents with money?

The mattress in my dd's dorm room is thin and hard compared to what I had in college - and covered in plastic. My understanding is that most schools have similar, but there are definitely outliers (eg, WashU has Tempurpedic mattresses in all dorms - no need for a topper on those!).

You don't have to have one. My daughter slept fine without one as i did years ago. I guess they can make the bed more comfortable but not a necessity.

Above is The NY Times Wirecutter analysis of the different types of toppers, and a few they recommend. I found the analysis quite helpful to know what I was looking for.

I have one that was one used for one year (at Columbia) for my DD. I’ll give it to you if you drive out to Dulles to get it. We can meet somewhere safe. Purchased on July 24th.

New condition. Had another cover over it.

https://www.macys.com/shop/product/prosleep-4-hybrid-fiber-memory-foam-mattress-topper-twin-xl-exclusively-at-macys?ID=15806399

Anonymous wrote:Does everyone get these? Have never used one before. Is the idea that the dorm mattresses are uncomfortable without one? Or is this just part of the industry of marketing to anxious parents with money?

We’re going to try a 2in thick quilted mattress topper, that we already use at home. DD insists that everyone online recommends the egg crate or foam topper but she will be flying so we need something that can be transported and stored easily.

Saatva

Does everyone get these? Have never used one before. Is the idea that the dorm mattresses are uncomfortable without one? Or is this just part of the industry of marketing to anxious parents with money?

Anonymous wrote:We have Sleepyhead - my niece used hers for four years and I expect my dd will use hers through college as well. It is pricey but super comfortable.

Just adding...we did not have the issues others had with this. We got a mattress cover for it that went over the topper and mattress together, which held it all in place and also meant not spills/stains. when we moved her out, the topper looked brand new and we just folded it up and stored it. I'm not saying you have to buy an expensive one, but highly recommend one that will last - no one needs to add to the landfill by throwing it away every year, and def get a cover.

This is the one my daughter has and raves her bed at school is more comfortable than her one at home
LUCID Down Alternative and Gel... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JKK9HB2?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share