Mattress Topper Types To Consider
Different types of mattress toppers often work better for different sleep positions or sleepers with different comfort preferences. Well go over the main mattress topper types and the kind of sleeper who usually finds them comfortable.
We should also note that typically you can pair any type of mattress topper with any of the common types of mattresses.
Are Mattress Toppers Good For Back And Hip Pain
If you suffer from back ache and suspect it could be caused by your mattress, it could just take adding a mattress topper to help relieve the pain. Side sleepers, for instance, should be properly supported along the spine and at the pressure points, something a memory foam topper can help with.
If youâre sinking too much into your mattress, that can push your spine out of alignment, so a firmer topper will help even straighten things out. The same is true for a mattress that is too firm, which can quickly cause soreness. A mattress topper with a softer surface, such as a plush top, will soon transform your sleep and make it less painful at pressure points too.
If your pain is severe or persistent then check with a healthcare professional, who should be able to advise you further.
Best Organic: Eco Terra 100% Natural Latex Topper
The rubber that goes into the Eco Terra 100% Natural Latex Topper comes from one specific region in Sri Lanka. This single source of rubber means that each latex mattress topper made by Eco Terra is consistent. You can firm up or soften a mattress with one of these mattress toppers, so both tummy and side sleepers can get comfy on the right product! This mattress topper can be purchased in 2 or 3 inches of thickness and each is perforated to move air. You can stay both comfortable and cool on this mattress topper.
Pros
- This mattress topper comes with a 5-year warranty
- Shipping is free and financing is available if you choose to stack these to build a soft latex mattress, you can do it affordably
- You won’t need to worry that this mattress topper will be rendered useless by tight sheets this latex foam will hold shape over time
Cons
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How To Choose The Best Mattress Topper If Youre A Back Sleeper
Assuming you have the right pillow, sleeping on your back can make it easier to keep everything well aligned . But it can also increase lower back pain to some extent if your mattress is too soft. Therefore, you should consider the following when looking for a mattress topper:
- Memory foam or latex: As with all other sleeping positions, memory foam and latex have the ability to support back sleepers who distribute their weight through a larger surface area.
- The thickness: We recommend choosing mattress toppers that are between 23 inches thick as this will ensure you dont sink too far into the bed, which could otherwise misalign your spine and cause back pain.
- The density: The amount you weigh can dictate how dense your mattress topper should be as a back sleeper. For average weight sleepers, they should choose a mediumfirm feel, whereas lighter people will want to choose slightly softer toppers while heavier people should pick a firmer topper.
For back sleepers, we recommend opting for either our or our . They both have a depth of 7cm so will be perfect for supporting your back while you sleep. However, if youre after something less thick, the Dormeo Renew Plus Mattress Topper will be a happy medium for you to sink into.
Mattress Topper Materials Guide: Foam Gel Latex
There are countless number of mattress toppers available, so it can be difficult to know what to choose. Hereâs a quick guide to the three main materials that youâll find in bed toppers and the benefits of each.
Memory foamâ these toppers are a cheap and easy way to change up your mattress, making it softer or firmer depending on what you need. If you get chilly, then memory foam is a cosier option as it tends to retain heat, although there are some cooling options too.
Gelâ if you sleep hot then bed toppers made with cooling gel-infused foam are designed to keep your body temperature at a cooler level as you sleep. These are often cool to the touch, which is total bliss for hot sleepers. Look out for gel-infused toppers that also have washable and antimicrobial covers, which is essential for keeping your bed topper hygienic if you sweat.
Latexâ natural latex is extremely durable, nicely springy and breathable making it ideal if youâre looking for something long-lasting and hard-wearing on top of the comfort. Latex mattress toppers are often a good choice for RVs/campervans.
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Helix Plush Mattress Topper
If youre a fan of that luxurious pillow top look and feel, then youll adore the Helix Plush mattress topper. The cover is made with hypoallergenic bamboo material, which is naturally soft and breathable great news for hot sleepers! This fabric is also more durable than cotton, so you can expect this topper to last a long time.
This topper doesnt soften existing mattresses too much, but it does make your bed feel lovely and plush. We recommend this topper for folks who only need a little bit of pressure relief.
What Makes The Layla Stand Out
- Its cooling. It has a thin, breathable cover made with Thermo-Gel technology, and cooling copper beads in its memory foam.
- It has securing straps. All four corners have straps to attach to your mattress to prevent slippage.
- Its soft and pressure-relieving. Any sleeper looking to add some softness to their bed should like this topper.
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Head And Neck Support
While we have pushed hip and shoulder support throughout, we need to stress the importance of getting a firmer pillow that conforms to the curvature of your neck and supports the weight of your head. The right pillow will maintain the alignment of your spine that the right mattress topper provides for the rest of your body. This will help prevent neck and shoulder strain and pain.
Which One Is The Best Mattress For Kids
Considering all the facts mentioned in the above sections, we highly consider an all-natural latex mattress as the best choice for kids.
Here’s why: Latex mattresses are incredibly comfortable and supportive and offer excellent pressure relief. They also do a great job of regulating body temperature, minimizing motion transfer, and providing edge support. In addition, latex mattresses are hypoallergenic and safe for children with allergies. Finally, latex mattresses are healthy for both children and the environment.
When you choose an all-natural latex mattress for your child, you can rest assured knowing they’ll enjoy a comfortable, healthy night’s sleep.
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When To Get A Mattress Topper
If youre uncomfortable in bed because your mattress is too firm, theres a good chance a mattress topper will help. Adding some padding will keep your shoulders, hips, knees, and other pressure points from digging into the mattress.
What even the best mattress topper wont do is fix a sagging or lumpy mattress. At best, it will add just enough cushioning so that your pressure points feel cradled. If youre sleeping on a mattress thats shot and unsupportive, mattress expert Terri Long told us, putting a topper on it isnt going to make it any more supportive. If youre in a hammock, youre gonna be in a slightly more cushion-y hammock. Similarly, if your mattress is too soft, our experts agreed that, in most cases, a topper cant make it firmer. In both cases, youre better off just getting a new mattress.
Lastly, if you have a hard time falling asleep or you wake with a crick in your neck, you may actually need a new pillow. This can be a much less expensive fix than buying a new mattress topper or mattress so start there.
Linenspa 2 Inch Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Best Overall
For an affordable price, the Linenspa Gel-Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper leads the way in best toppers for side sleepers. You can purchase this topper with a two-inch or three-inch profile and its available in eight different bed sizes, including an RV Queen.
This topper is made of soft, supportive memory foam that relieves pressure points by distributing weight evenly. Not only does the memory foam contour perfectly to your body, but its infused with a cooling gel that captures and distributes heat to ensure the temperature of your sleep is regulated to a comfortable state. The two-inch and three-inch profile both offer the same plush feel, but the thicker topper will contour to the body more so than the thinner topper.
Pros:
- Two-inch and three-inch profile available
- Compatible with eight different bed sizes
- Gel-infused memory foam
- New foam scent at first
- Firm at first
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What Is The Best Topper Thickness For Side Sleepers
How thick a mattress topper is determined how much support it has.
A 2 mattress topper will give you more support than a 1-inch one, which makes it feel softer.
Because it has more give, a 4 topper will feel even softer.
Side sleepers require more sinkage than others , so we recommend a topper at least 2 inches thick.
We recommend a 3 topper or 4-inch topper for side sleepers who are average in weight and overweight.
If you suffer from shoulder or hip pain, a thicker mattress topper may be a better option. A 3 or 4-inch mattress topper will provide more cushioning. In addition, memory foam provides better pressure and pain relief than latex.
Another thing to consider when choosing the thickness of a mattress topper is the firmness of your current mattress.
To soften your extra-firm mattress, you will need a thicker topper. A thinner topper may cause the firm mattress beneath to press against your hips, ribs, and shoulder.
A 2 mattress topper might be sufficient if your mattress is medium-firm.
Without compromising support, a 1 or 2 topper can soften your mattress. A wool or a down-alternative mattress pad is also available.
Side Sleepers With Shoulder Pain
Since side sleepers put pressure on one shoulder as they sleep, they are more likely to experience pain on the side that they sleep on. The added weight on the shoulder, especially if the mattress does not offer enough cushioning or contouring support, can result in neck and shoulder pain. Those who sleep on their side are also more likely to push one shoulder up towards their neck, which causes the spine to be misaligned.
Purchasing a mattress with the right firmness is an essential step towards reducing shoulder pain for side sleepers. It is also important to keep in mind your weight, as lighter people will not press into the mattress as much, and heavier people will put more pressure on the mattress. The mattress should cushion the shoulder and prevent it from sinking in too deeply, or not enough. The right pillow can also make a difference. The loft of the pillow should be high enough to keep your head and neck in line, and help prevent your shoulder from pushing up towards your neck.
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Best Mattress Toppers For Side Sleepers
If youre a side sleeper looking to improve your sleep experience, then you need to check out our detailed breakdown of the best mattress toppers currently available.
We spend a good amount of our lives sleeping, so naturally, we want to make sure that we have the best possible sleep experience, in terms of comfort and support. Whether youre a back sleeper, stomach sleeper, side sleeper, or all of the above, you need to pick the right mattress and mattress topper to suit you. With so many sleeping surface options available out there, it can be hard to choose the right one. Luckily, weve managed to create a comprehensive list of some of the best mattress topper options for side sleepers below.
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How Thick Should A Mattress Topper Be For Back Pain
Choosing the thickness of a mattress topper that is best for you will depend on your sleeping position. For side sleepers, I would recommend a thick topper between three and four inches. For back sleepers, I would recommend a topper between two and three inches. And for stomach sleepers, I would recommend either a thin topper, around an inch tall, or a very firm topper of any thickness.
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Which Mattress Topper For Side Sleepers Is Best
Despite experts recommending sleeping on your back for the best nights sleep, some sleepers cant help but turn to their side. While this might be your preferred sleeping position, it can lead to some issues without the right support. And a mattress topper could be the answer.
With 3 inches of cooling memory foam and a removable, machine-washable cover, the Tempur-Pedic Cooling Foam Topper is an excellent choice for any side sleeper.
What Makes The Helix Plush Stand Out
- It helps sleepers stay cool. This is thanks to the Helix Plush mattress toppers soft bamboo cover.
- Its great for allergies. Thats right, this topper is made from hypoallergenic and high-quality materials.
- Its very durable. Inside each of its 1.5 pockets sits a layer of soft fiberfill. This is kept in place by baffle box stitching, which lengthens the life of the mattress topper.
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Are Mattress Toppers Bad For Your Back
Mattress toppers are not bad for your back, but it’s important to find the right one for your needs. For example, stomach sleepers should look for something that will make their bed feel firmer, such as the Avocado or Lift By Amerisleep Support topper. Side sleepers may need more pressure relief, and they could benefit from the ViscoSoft or TEMPUR-Topper Supreme. If you want to find the best topper for you, check out our buyer’s guide!
The Buying Guide: Our Advice On How To Buy The Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper For Side Sleepers
Before you invest your hard-earned money into a product, you should properly educate yourself about the available products and the best alternatives in the market. We have compiled the list of factors you should consider before buying a memory foam mattress topper for side sleepers to make your task easier.
Like almost any product, before buying a memory foam mattress topper for side sleepers, you should ask yourself these few questions:
These are just some of the questions that you need to seek the answer to when purchasing the product. It is essential to keep in mind that you may have further queries and questions, as you should.
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Mattress Toppers Vs Mattress Pads Vs Protectors
This is a common question, but thereâs an easy way to tell the difference between these three main mattress accessories:
Mattress toppers, also known as bed toppers, are the thickest of the three and are designed to sit right on top of your mattress. They are usually anchored in place by thick straps that go over and under your mattress. You can buy toppers that are up to seven inches deep, and their goal is to make your bed more comfortable for your body. That could be by adding firmer support or quilted top softness, or even dedicated cooling gels to dissipate body heat.
Mattress pads are thinner and therefore make less of an impact than toppers. Some people choose them if they arenât sure whether they need a full bed topper, but keep in mind that mattress pads wonât add anywhere near as much comfort as a proper topper will. They are cheaper though and can add a layer of protection to help protect your bed from stains.
Mattress protectors are the thinnest of the three but they play a very important role: they are designed to keep spills, dust, urine, dust mites and pesky bed bugs away from your mattress. We always recommend placing a protector over your mattress topper for maximum hygiene, and to help all of your accessories last longer, giving you more value for money in the long-term.
Whats The Best Mattress Topper For Lower Back And Hip Pain
Usually, when youre wondering what is the best mattress topper for pressure points in your shoulders and hips, the best option is to choose something extra soft. The main problem that most side sleepers have with regular beds is that theyre too hard on their pressure points. When you lie on your side, your hips and shoulders push into the cushioning beneath, putting too much pressure on specific areas.
While its possible to get a different mattress made of softer gel memory foam or something more cushioning, it can be expensive to upgrade a memory foam bed. On the other hand, memory foam mattress toppers for side sleepers with a soft and luxurious cover can make your mattress feel as good as new without the extra expense. Although a memory foam cover isnt going to solve every mattress problem you have, it can provide the extra support needed for your hips and shoulders.
The best alternative option is to look for a gel memory foam bed that comes with contours within the foundation of the mattress that makes space for your hips and shoulders.
However, although a new gel foam bed might be great for you, it may not be the ideal thing for your partner. Hence, youll need to consider your options carefully when youre buying for two people.
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