Which Type Of Mattress Topper Is Best For Back Pain
Any type of mattress topper may have potential pros and cons. Depending on their personal preferences, back pain sufferers may enjoy different toppers.
As memory foam toppers conform closely to the sleepers body, many back pain sufferers find they give a good balance of pressure relief and support. These toppers also usually isolate motion well, so sleepers might not notice when their partner changes position. One potential drawback is that memory foam tends to retain heat, but some models are made with special features for added breathability and cooling. Memory foam is also usually slow to respond to changes in pressure, which can make it harder for sleepers to move around and change position.
Polyfoam toppers conform to the sleepers body without the close hug of memory foam. Additionally, this material tends to be more breathable and regain its shape more quickly than memory foam. Polyfoam toppers are also frequently budget-friendly options. While many sleepers find polyfoam mattress toppers comfortable, theyre often less durable than other types of toppers on the market. This is particularly true of toppers that make use of low-density polyfoam.
Pillow top mattress toppers often use feather and/or fiber fill. These toppers typically provide a plush sleep surface. However, since they do not usually provide much in the way of support or pressure relief, they may not be ideal for back pain sufferers.
Memory Foam Mattress Toppers
- Pros: absorbs the motion of a bed partner who tosses and turns throughout the night claimed to reduce pressure on arthritic or sore joints can make a firm mattress feel considerably softer
- Cons: some find it hot to lie on can make it difficult to turn over or shift in bed usually more expensive than microfibre and down can have a synthetic smell when new
Made of a temperature-sensitive material, memory foam will react to your body heat and contour to your shape – something manufacturers claim helps relieve painful joints.
It should spring back to the same height each time you use it, too, unlike down or microfibre, which need to be fluffed up.
However, some people don’t like the feel of memory foam and find that they overheat on it. It’s worth trying it out in-store before buying.
Some memory foam toppers will smell quite synthetic when new, but this will fade within a week. To whisk away the smell more quickly, hang the topper up outside or in an airy room to let it breathe before putting it on your bed.
Best Mattress Toppers Of 2021
Sleepfoundation.org is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here
Logan Foley
A mattress topper is a layer of cushioning material that rests on top of your mattress. Toppers are intended to make a mattress feel softer or firmer, and can also protect the mattress surface from wear and tear. Most toppers measure 1 to 3 inches thick. Common topper materials include memory foam, latex, down and feathers, down alternative fibers, and wool. While a topper can temporarily make your sleep surface feel comfortable, it should be considered a temporary fix not a permanent solution for an old, sagging mattress.
Each topper type has different advantages and drawbacks. To create the list below, we tested a wide range of toppers with varying firmness levels, materials, and profiles. We evaluated performance areas such as overall quality and durability, pressure relief, motion isolation, and temperature neutrality. Our sleep expert team consists of people with different body types and primary sleep positions to ensure our picks represent the experiences of most sleepers.
Don’t Miss: Can I Cancel My Mattress Firm Order
Most Luxurious: Parachute Down Alternative Mattress Topper
Filled with two plush layers of down alternative feathers, Parachutes mattress topper adds instant luxury to your nighttime routine. The hypoallergenic interior is wrapped in a 100 percent sateen cotton shell, and the down alternative filling is evenly distributed throughout the topper to ensure a smooth, lump-free sleep. Customers noted that although this topper is on the fluffier side, similar to a comforter, it doesnt feel heavy. One shopper even likened it to a cozy, heavenly cloud, adding, this makes me feel like Im staying at a luxury hotel every night.
Buy It! Parachute Down Alternative Mattress Topper, $169$269 parachute.com
Benefits Of Latex Mattress Toppers
A mattress topper is a great way to change the feel of your mattress, without buying a new one. Take a medium-firm or firm mattress, add a soft topper, and you can get both excellent support and plush softness.
A latex mattress topper is a great way to upgrade to sleeping on natural latex, with a budget, especially if you want to get a few more months out of your old mattress. Its a great way to sleep on latex before you commit to a natural latex mattress.
A soft mattress topper can be especially important for side sleepers, who tend to put pressure on one hip, shoulder, elbow, and knee in the night. This can lead to a lot of discomfort on especially firm mattresses. A latex topper cushions your body, taking the pressure off these pressure points.
Since toppers come in different widths, they can be a nice compromise for partners who sleep in the same bed. If one partner wants firm support, and the other needs more cozy softness, you can buy a twin xl topper, and put it on just one side of a king-sized bed.
Another good reason to buy a topper is to reduce motion. If one partner in a couple moves around or gets up a lot at night, a latex topper can reduce motion, so one partner waking up wont disturb the other. Some pet owners also find this helps them sleep through their pets habits of snuggling in and bounding up throughout the night.
You May Like: How Long Before I Can Sleep On My Dreamcloud Mattress
What To Consider When Purchasing A Firm Mattress Topper
Well give an in-depth overview of the top things to look for when purchasing a mattress topper. Shoppers looking for a firm topper should keep in mind that factors like their body weight, sleep position, existing mattress, and the thickness of the topper can all affect how firm it will feel to them.
PriceThe price of a topper will depend largely on its construction. Budget-friendly models often cost less than $100, while high-end toppers with down or innovative materials can cost over $1,000. There are plenty of options available to fit different budgets, and many high-quality mattress toppers are available at affordable price-points.
Sleeping PositionYour sleep position plays a major role in how you experience your sleep surface. Side sleepers typically prefer more contouring and cushioning to accommodate their hips and shoulders, while back and stomach sleepers usually need more support to prevent their hips from sinking in too deeply. Because of this, side sleepers often prefer a thicker, softer topper, and back and stomach sleepers may favor a thinner, firmer option.
Quality MaterialsMaterials directly affect the performance and durability of a topper. Quality materials may last longer, which may be especially important for people seeking a firm, even sleep surface that resists long-term body impressions. While toppers made of quality components generally cost more upfront, they may be a better value if this quality enhances their lifespans.
Need Something More Specific
Some mattress toppers are specifically designed for individual requirements.Cool mattress topper – A cool mattress topper is specifically built for summer. It creates a cooling sensation which can help keep you comfortable in warmer weather.Anti-allergy mattress topper – If you suffer from allergies, this anti-allergy topper can help to protect against bacteria and dust-mites.Extra thick mattress topper – Is your mattress in serious need of a lift? Try this extra thick mattress topper, offering 5 to 7.5cm of depth.
Don’t Miss: How To Return My Pillow Mattress Topper
A Plush Topper For A Five
Parachute Home
- Thickness: 3 inches
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
If you want an ultra-comfortable down mattress topper, this one from Parachute Home delivers. Adding a plush feeling to the top of your existing mattress, Parachute describes it like sinking into a marshmallow-stuffed cloud each night. While it may be on the pricier side, its definitely worth considering if youre looking for a luxury feel.
Made from premium European white down wrapped in a 100% sateen cotton shell, its an impressive 3 inches thick. Its nice and lightweight too, so it wont build up as much heat as some other mattress toppers. And its dual-chamber design ensures that the feathers in its two layers of down are evenly distributed throughout the night.
How Do You Choose A Memory Foam Mattress Topper For Your Baby’s Crib
When choosing a memory foam mattress topper for your babys crib, there are some important factors you should consider. Here are the most critical ones:
- Is made from pediatric-grade foam so it is safe for babies
- Contains waterproof and machine washable covers that can be easily removed and cleaned as needed
- Meets all federal safety standards set by the CPSC in order to protect your child while they sleep.
Your choice of size will depend on how thick you want the pad to be. If you choose one that is too thin, it may not provide adequate support or comfort but if it is very thick, then it could make using a fitted sheet difficult because many baby mattresses are not very deep. You should also consider what type of material the cover is made from and whether waterproofing features would come in handy during potty training accidents at night.
Mattress Toppers Are They Worth It?
6 Highest-Rated Crib Mattress Pads
| Editors Choice |
|---|
You May Like: How To Return My Pillow Mattress Topper
Queen Is The Most Economical Size
Queen size mattress toppers feature the most fitting dimensions for most individuals. Therefore, naturally, they are the most popular size. They take less space than the king-sized mattress toppers. The queen size mattress topper is reasonably priced and offers a good value for your money. If these two qualities speak to your needs, then this is the right size for you.
Choosing Mattress Topper Size And Thickness: An In
A mattress topper is a removable layer added on top of a mattress to provide more support and cushioning. It can change the feel and the style of your bed. It has a wide range of advantages including extending the lifespan of the mattress, increasing softness or firmness, and enhancing your quality of sleep.
To choose the perfect mattress toppers size and thickness, first determine the size of your mattress and match your mattress topper to it. Then, choose a mattress topper thickness greater than 2 inches for firmness and support or less than 2 inches for softness and comfort.
Combining these factors along with mattress topper materials will ultimately help you in picking a great mattress topper that suits your preferences.
Related articles:
Don’t Miss: Can You Finance A Purple Mattress
Advantages Of Mattress Toppers For Back Pain
You might think that your mattress is enough, but a good mattress topper can help people who suffer from chronic back pain and hip painall you have to do is lie down and experience the pressure relief. You wont be losing any sleep over the cost of your topper either, since these are much less expensive compared to a whole memory foam mattress.
While mattress toppers won’t replace a bad mattress, they can can absolutely help when you have a decent mattress of any size, but just need a little extra. They provide a comfort layer and vary in thickness. They also offer a general cover for your bed. Here are some of the advantages of going with a mattress topper.
Which Type Of Mattress Topper Should I Choose
After reviewing the topper attributes listed above to determine which qualities are most important, youll be ready to choose a mattress topper based on its material composition. Every topper material carries different pros and cons related to pressure relief, durability, temperature neutrality, and other performance areas.
Memory Foam:Memory foam toppers are ideal if you like to sink into the surface of your bed. The material conforms closely to evenly distribute your weight and keep your shoulders, spine, and hips aligned. For this reason, many side sleepers prefer memory foam toppers. Memory foam also isolates motion transfer very well and does not produce any noise, making it a great option for couples and co-sleepers. Although memory foam can trap heat, toppers can be infused with gel, graphite, copper, and other cooling materials to help the surface maintain a comfortable temperature.
Polyfoam: Polyfoam conforms to the body, but not quite as closely as memory foam. This material also feels a bit more responsive. You may find a polyfoam topper comfortable if you want a balance of contouring and surface-level bounciness. Many polyfoam toppers are convoluted with a ridged surface these models are also known as egg-crate toppers.
Read Also: Mypillow Return
How To Make A Mattress Firmer
One of the quickest and easiest ways to make a bed feel firmer is to use a mattress topper. Toppers tend to be much more affordable than purchasing a new mattress, and you can simply remove them or change them out if your preferences change over time. But while purchasing a topper is an excellent option, it is not the only option. Other methods can also make your existing mattress firmer.
Giving your mattress more support is one way. Using a foundation instead of a box spring can distribute the weight more evenly and limit sagging. Putting plywood between the mattress and the box spring or bed frame can also accomplish this, as can placing the mattress directly on the floor. Many warranty policies dictate what sort of support your mattress should have, so if you choose to change your setup, look over your warranty policy first to ensure you dont inadvertently void it.
Memory foam mattresses soften when warm, so if you own a model with this material, simply turning down the temperature should make it firmer.
Two-sided mattresses may also feel firmer if you simply flip it and use the side with less wear. Similarly, most models should be rotated head to foot every few months for more even wear, which can limit soft spots.
If your efforts to make your bed more comfortable fail, purchasing a new mattress may be the ultimate solution to a better nights sleep. Our best mattress guide can help you find a model that meets your needs and preferences.
What’s The Difference Between A Mattress Topper And A Mattress Protector
Put simply, mattress protectors protect your mattress from stains, dead skin cells and dust mites. Parents often use them to protect children’s beds from night-time accidents, too. Toppers, meanwhile, are all about comfort. They can make a mattress higher, softer, firmer, hotter or cooler, depending on the type you buy, but they won’t protect it from spills or allergens. If you’re using both, put on the topper on first.
Also Check: How To Return My Pillow Mattress Topper
How Long Do Memory Foam Toppers Last
If you buy a cheap memory foam mattress topper, you’ll be lucky to get a couple years out of it. Poor quality memory foam will quickly lose its support. In fact, you might find the foam is not expanding and remains indented.
On the other hand, top quality mattress toppers may last up to about ten years if you take good care of them, although ten years is a stretch. It all depends on how often the topper is used. If you get five years out of your topper and use it all the time, consider it a good investment.
Also keep this in mind: a foam topper with a density of at least four pounds will usually last longer. However, they are slightly more expensive.
In my part two article, Where to Buy the Best Memory Foam Topper, we’ll look at one very important health question about memory foamtoxic chemicals. And I’ll give you three short memory foam mattress topper reviews.
However, if you just want to jump in and go shopping right now for a memory foam topper, see below.
Your Mattress Will Stay Clean And Fresh
Mattress toppers prevent dust and dirt from getting into your mattress which means that it can stay clean and fresh for longer. Some – especially ones with hollowfibre fillings – are completely hypoallergenic, so you can enjoy a sneeze-free sleep.
Some are machine washable or have washable covers. This means they’re easy to keep clean. It’s also much less time consuming than cleaning your mattress!
You May Like: Drury Inn Mattress
Latex Toppers Vs Memory Foam Toppers
Latex lets you sleep at a more comfortable temperature. Lying down on a latex mattress topper could mean you dont wake up overheated anymore. Natural latex has an open cell structure, with ventilation and air flow, allowing you to sleep cool and comfortable. Memory foam mattresses tend to trap and retain body heat and they are known for sleeping hot.
Compared to memory foam, latex wont give you a sinking feeling. Latex doesnt bottom out into the mattress underneath like memory foam toppers. Some customers buy their toppers specifically to reinvigorate old mattresses. A memory foam topper can sink so deep that you find yourself effectively lying on the old mattress, which defeats the purpose.
If you wake in the night and want to change positions, a memory foam topper might leave you struggling to get out of the deep indentation your body left in the memory foam. Natural latex, on the other hand, is springy, supportive, and resilient. Its easy to move around on, and get up from.
For more information on how latex and memory foam compare, see our article Latex Mattress vs. Memory Foam Mattress.
