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Is There A Difference Between a Wool Underlay and a Wool Topper?

Many of us are aware of the advantages of sleeping on a wool underlay rather than on one made of down, foam or polyester but with so many different products on the market; we’re often confused about whether we should be investing in an Australian wool underlay or in a woollen topper. 

So if you’ve been wondering if there a difference between the two, read on for our advice. 

The Visible Differences Between Wool Toppers and Wool Underlays

The easiest way to tell the difference between a wool underlay and a topper is by using your eyes.

An underlay has wool visible from the outside which makes it look more like a rug and is fitted to your mattress by way of a cotton skirt, much in the same way as you fit an elasticated sheet. 

A woollen topper looks more like a quilt as the woollen filling is encased inside a quilted cotton cover which is fitted to your mattress with four corner straps. 

So Why Use an Underlay Rather than a Topper? 

An underlay is used as a layer of cushioning between the mattress and your sheets to give more comfort as you sleep and protect the mattress from moisture, sweat and spills. This will help your mattress to remain cleaner and will extend its lifespan. 

The underlay also helps to spread your body weight more evenly which may help to reduce pressure on specific areas of your body, plus the natural fibres will help to keep your body at its optimum temperature throughout the year. 

However, underlays made from wool are often more expensive than woollen toppers because they are reversible. During the hot months, you can reverse the underlay so that you rest on the cotton side and then reverse it back to the wool side as it gets colder.

Wool toppers are primarily designed to protect your mattress from dirt and sweat. While the woollen filling does offer additional softness and comfort, you don’t have the advantages of being able to lie directly on the wool. 

This, of course, may be a benefit for anyone who has an allergy to wool and makes it a particularly comfortable option for summer use.

In addition, as toppers are not reversible, they often cost less than an underlay, plus they do tend to be lighter in weight too. 

The Choice is Yours

Whether you choose a woollen underlay or topper is down to personal preference and budget. While underlays tend to be more expensive, you do get all the benefits of sleeping on wool.

However, if cost is a consideration or you are irritated by woollen fibres, a topper may be a better option for you. 

But whichever you choose, you’ll still have the experience of sleeping on 100% Australian wool and the benefits that sleeping on natural fibres brings.