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.Business Insider’s Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you’ll like. And full disclosure: Business Insider has affiliate partnerships so we may get a share of the revenue from your purchase. There’s nothing better for your health than a good night’s sleep. People who sleep well have fewer heart problems, are less likely to make risky financial decisions, and are in better shape. So in order to sleep better at night, we recommend getting a mattress topper. We picked four of our favorites (that are all super discounted right now.) Memory foam conforms to your body perfectly, which reduces pressure points that cause you to toss and turn at night. Pro-tip: These toppers come in various widths (from 2″ to 4″). If you’re a bigger person we recommend selecting a thicker model. Memory Foam Solutions: $659.99 $113.99 If regular memory foam isn’t enough for you, go for the latex mattress topper. It provides 33% more pressure relief than conventional foam and fiber cushioning materials.
Plus, it won’t bunch, flatten, or sag. Ultimate dreams Talalay latex soft mattress topper: $599.00 $354.00 Another option is the gel infused memory foam topper, which is known for its therapeutic qualities and orthopedic support. This gel mattress topper specifically helps relieve neck, back and shoulder pain. And because the foam curves around your body, it helps relieve stress, joint and muscle pain and even arthritis. The Milliard gel infused memory foam mattress topper + ultra soft removable bamboo cover: $369.00 $84.99 And if you want the best quality for a lower-priced model, this mattress topper is your go-to. “High-quality yet super affordable; I was initially worried it was going to be cheaply made, but not at all — it’s just as nice as the more expensive toppers I’ve owned in the past, if not better,” one reviewer wrote. Best Price Mattress memory foam mattress topper: $265.00 $122.76 Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Business Insider’s Insider Picks team.