Don’t Even Think About Buying
A Memory Foam Topper
Until You Read This

Here are the most frequent questions I have received on how to buy a memory foam topper. I hope they help you make a good decision.

Also, at the bottom of this page, you can ask your own questions. You can also share your own comments or experiences with memory foam.

You can also see the questions other people have asked.

What is a memory foam topper?

All it is is a block of memory foam, anywhere from two to four inches thick, the size of your current mattress. It sits on top of the mattress you already have.

For example, if you have a queen size bed, you need a queen size topper.

To determine what thickness you should buy, here are some guidelines:

For the 2 inch memory foam topper:

• It will have a medium pressure relieving effect on your body while you sleep
• Therefore, in terms of comfort, it will be average
  
• However, if you buy a high quality topper, and you have a small build, this may be all you need
• As you might expect, this is the least expensive option
  

For the 3 inch memory foam topper:

• This is the topper size most people end up buying
• Comfort level is excellent if you put it on top of a firm mattress
• Provides good pressure relief on your joints and back
  
• Not as comfortable as a brand new mattress. But if it's all you can afford right now, go with this size

For the 4 inch memory foam topper:

• If you are over 250 pounds, this is the size for you
• It provides extra support, which also makes it ideal for camping if you sleep on the ground

Are memory foam toppers
good for your back?

Two questions people frequently ask are:

1. Does a memory foam topper help with back pain?
2. Is memory foam bad for your back?
   

If you have a bad back, you have to be careful when buying a bed topper to make sure it has good support.

For support, the term you need to be aware of when shopping is memory foam density.

High quality toppers will have a density of four pounds (4lbs) or five pounds (5lbs to 5.34lbs).

If you have a bad back, your best bet is to get a bed topper that has a density of at least four. A density of five or more would be even better.

As for the second question, is memory foam bad for your back? I wrote a detailed article about this called What is the Best Mattress for Back Pain?

You can read my article by clicking the Best Mattress for Back Pain box you see on the right up above. If you have any kind of back, neck, or shoulder pain, you're going to want to read that article.

Are memory foam toppers any good?

You may read comments on websites that have memory foam mattress topper reviews about how a topper can turn any mattress into a luxury bed. This is simply nonsense. That's like saying you can put a fake fur jacket on a pig and turn it into a purebred dog.

See, in order for the topper to work, you have to have a good mattress already that the topper can sit on top of.

If your mattress is getting into that seven to ten-year-old range, a topper may not help you get a better night's sleep. You may need to be thinking about replacing the entire mattress.

Just take a good honest look at the mattress you have. If it's seven years old and still decent, you might be able to keep that mattress going for a few more years if you put a topper on it.

However, if your mattress is already worn out, and sagging in the middle, the foam topper will sag too. It's a waste of money because the topper will conform to the underlying foundation.

What situations do memory foam
toppers work best for?

It's probably safe to say you're looking into a topper because you want memory foam... and you also want to save money.

Perhaps you just can't pony up the substantial money (often up into the thousands) needed to buy a memory foam mattress.

Fair enough. Just keep in mind that along with what I said above about back pain, a topper is best for the following:

1. You have a good bed already, but it's too firm and you want to soften it up with a topper.
   
   
2. You have a hideaway sofa bed with those awful bars that crack your back. Slapping a good foam topper on top is a good way to go.
   
   
3. You need an extra bed you can simply throw on the floor for guests. As long as the guests are young...perhaps grand kids or friends of your own children...a good topper works great. (For us middle age and older folks, it's tough to get up off that ground!)
   
   
4. It could be used to make a camper or RV more cozy for sleeping. Toppers are great for camping.
   
   
5. Get one to dress up a dorm room mattress with memory foam comfort.
   
   
6. You can take it with you on the road when traveling and put it on top of the hotel or motel mattress.

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. Also keep this in mind: a foam topper with a density of five pounds will usually last longer than ones with three or four pound density.

In my part two article, Where to Buy the Best Memory Foam Topper, we'll look at one very important health question about memory foam—toxic 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, below are three good choices. (If you're like I am, you always like to have about three choices before making up your mind on a big purchase.)

Two Recommended Foam Topper
Companies...and a Special Mention

Click these links below to see two companies that sell excellent toppers (all links open in a new window).

1. Nature's Sleep. Don't you deserve a better night's sleep?
   
   
2. Healthy Back Store. Feel Better Than Ever Before. (To see the toppers, when you get to this website, hover your mouse over the tab on the left that says Sleeping.)
   

Special Mention:

Let's face it.

A good topper will run you several hundred dollars, depending on what size you buy. However, for just a little more money, you can get a complete luxury mattress that has memory foam in it.

For example, you can get an ultra deluxe queen, online, for only $899! And from a great company that the Better Business Bureau gave an award to in 2011.

A premium mattress of this quality would cost you at least $2,000 in a mattress store.

Before you spring for a topper, do yourself a favor and read my article, Maverick Mattress CEO Answers the Question, What is the Best Mattress for You? You can read this article by clicking on the What is the Best Mattress box you see on the right up above.  

You'll also learn what mattress stores don't want you to know. And, why a top sleep doctor replaced his $2,800 Tempurpedic with a luxury discount mattress online.

Here are more articles you might be interested in

Where To Buy The Best Bed For Back Pain

4 Essential Facts About Insomnia

Natural Sleep Aids

Over the Counter Sleep Aids: 29 Nasty, Dangerous Side Effects

Return to Sleep Disorders Home Page