Okay, “miracle” is over the top(per). But if you’ve been waking up feeling achy, have certain kinds of pain, or just need to renew the comfort of a hard but still-sound mattress...the right topper can feel pretty miraculous. Here’s a handy primer on how to choose the best mattress topper for your situation. Toppers for Hip Pain If you wake up with stiff, sore hips—your mattress is most likely too firm. You might also be a side sleeper or tend to stay in one position for most of the night. When your body is under constant pressure from a too-hard surface, circulation is compromised as the tiny veins called capillaries collapse. That often creates hip soreness and aches, with discomfort at its worst in the mornings. Underlying problems such as arthritis of the hip, of course, may compound the misery. A soft, natural latex mattress topper can make your bed feel new and your hips much more comfortable. Customizable toppers allow you to choose the type of latex or even the degree of softness you’d like;
others add casings made of stretchy, knitted fabric for a luxurious, embracing feel. Toppers for Shoulder Pain When you’re on your side, the greatest amount of torso weight is borne by your shoulders. When a mattress has a shallow memory foam or cold gel surface, or features “perimeter support” (extra-stiff foam around the edges)—side sleeping can become very uncomfortable. Broad-shouldered people often experience soreness, stiffness and tingling. And they miss out on how comfortable a sleep surface can be when it accommodates the widest parts of the body. A mattress topper in soft natural latex allows shoulders (and hips) to sink in just enough to relieve the pressure while still keeping the spine aligned. If a topper is too thick, however, back support may be compromised. A 3" to 4" natural latex topper provides enough cushioning to make side sleeping comfortable again without destabilizing the spine. If you prefer moderate softness, a duvet-style topper can add deluxe cushioning without the uber-pillowy feel.
Wool-filled toppers offer dense but breathable comfort that feels quite different from foams. Learn more about our organic mattress toppers HarmonyThe Harmony is one 3" layer of your choice of natural latex in the Savvy Rest organic casing. VitalityThe luxurious Vitality is one 3" layer of Soft natural Talalay latex in a certified organic cotton knit casing. Savvy WoolsyAdd pillowy softness to your mattress with three inches of domestically-sourced, natural wool. Enter zip code to find your nearest Savvy Rest dealer Toppers for Back Pain Many people who have had “slipped” (herniated) disks or other nerve injuries to the back will endure very hard mattresses in order to keep their spines stable during the night. It makes sense, as the electric pain of sciatica can be acute. But there are better solutions. Generally, a very deep or ultra-soft mattress topper, while it may feel wonderful for a few minutes in a showroom, is a risky choice for people with severe back pain.
After a few nights or weeks, the pain may flare up again. Pain that results from injury or disk problems can be re-triggered by toppers that allow a back sleeper to “sink in” too far. But even people with these back issues can enjoy a more comfortable mattress, with a fiber-filled topper that’s not too thick. A 3" wool-filled topper will gently cushion the mattress, improve air circulation and reduce heat build-up beneath the sleeper. These toppers won’t compromise spinal support. Simple pressure point areas in the back, such as over the tailbone, can be relieved by almost any topper. You can choose whichever style appeals, and any depth that feels comfortable. A Note on Memory Foam Toppers The contouring reaction of this synthetic foam occurs when your body heat sets off a chemical reaction within the foam. It’s a molding, almost clasping feel that some users compare to sleeping in damp sand. If you’ve never encountered memory foam before, the novelty of the sensation can feel exhilarating—at first.
Apart from the toxic chemicals, another downside of memory foam toppers is that the foam not only requires trapped body heat to create its close-fitting feel—but also to maintain it. This means that every time you shift or adjust position during the night, your body has to re-heat the foam to make it feel good again. The full response can take up to 15 minutes, so many people find that despite its gadget-y appeal, memory foam makes sleep more restless. Natural latex is more supple, more breathable, and safer for your health than memory foam, hybrid foams or gels. You might also enjoy... The Right Mattress Firmness For You One of the questions we always make sure to ask our customers is whether they sleep on their back, stomach or side. This is one of the most important factors when trying to determine the right mattress feel for you. There is nothing more uncomfortable than sinking into a mattress when you want a firmer feel or feeling like you’re sleeping on a rock when you want a mattress that will gently hug you.
Here's what you can do. Conditions › Herniated Disc › There are several herniated disc treatment options that may relieve your symptoms. These include non-surgical treatments such as: alternate bed rest with ambulation and medications to reduce inflammation and pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often used for this purpose. Physical therapy may be incorporated into the patient's treatment plan. This might include exercise, massage, thermotherapy, as well as a device designed to support the back—a corset, back belt, or brace. Remember that most patients with a herniated disc will get better without surgery. SpineUniverse offers articles specifically on each of these non-surgical herniated disc treatments. Follow the links below to learn more about what might relieve your disc pain. In Depth Articles on Non-Surgical Herniated Disc Treatments Surgery for Herniated Discs When no improvement is noted after a course of conservative treatment, surgery might be considered.
A discectomy is the surgical removal of part or the entire offending intervertebral disc. Microdiscectomy incorporates the use of a microscope to magnify the surgical field during removal of the disc. We have an article just on herniated disc surgery options. It goes into much more detail on the types of surgery used to address herniated disc pain and other symptoms. Recovery from a Herniated Disc No matter which herniated disc treatments you try, it is important to closely follow the instructions of your physician and/or physical therapist. Keep your weight close to ideal and continue to follow the exercise and/or rehabilitative program designed by your physical therapist at home. These steps may help you prevent further pain associated with a herniated disc. Which Herniated Disc Treatments Are Right for You? Your doctor knows your case best: he or she will be able to recommend a made-for-you herniated disc treatment plan. It will take into account your overall health, other conditions you may have, your current level of physical activity, your lifestyle, and your symptoms.