An orthopaedic/orthopedic mattress topper is an additional layer of bedding placed on top of your mattress that has the potential to ensure correct spinal alignment and reduce musculoskeletal pain in the required places. This mattress topper can evenly distribute body weight, preventing pressure build-up at specific points, particularly in the neck, back, and hips. These toppers can be a good option for those battling pain who cannot purchase a new mattress.
There are, however, no industry rules and regulations as to what specifies an “orthopaedic” mattress or mattress topper, and the term can be used as part of clever marketing strategies. Therefore, it is essential to be clear on your personal needs and preferences and well-informed about your options so that you can make the best decision.
(Important Facts, Studies, Advice, Considerations & FAQs In Conclusion)
| MATTRESS TOPPER | ORTHOPAEDIC DESCRIPTION | TRIAL & WARRANTY | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panda The Topper | Orthopedically Approved Hydro-Foam | 30 Nights 10 Years | £89.95 |
| Dreamzie Memory Foam Mattress Topper | Orthopaedic Memory Foam | 30 Nights NA Years | £99.99 |
| Happy Beds Soft Feel 5000 Memory Foam Orthopaedic Mattress Topper | Orthopaedic Memory Foam | NA Nights 5 Years | £94.99 |
| Silentnight Orthopaedic Topper | Orthopaedic Support | NA Nights 2 Years | £45.99 |
| EverGreenWeb Topper | Orthopaedic Memory Foam Flakes | NA Nights NA Years | £88.81 |
| AviiatoR Memory Foam Mattress Topper | Orthopaedic Pressure Relief | 30 Nights NA Years | £69.95 |
1. Panda Orthopaedic Support Topper
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • Hydro foam™ cooling technology • Removable and washable bamboo cover • 10-year guarantee | • Those who are eco-conscious • Individuals with allergies • People with a flexible budget |
If you’re looking for an orthopaedic mattress topper that gives you that "new mattress" feeling, then this Panda Topper may be a good option. It is 5cm thick, provides supportive comfort for your neck, back, and hips, and is available in 9 sizes.
This topper is composed of a 3rd generation gel-infused memory foam (Hydro foam™) that uses open cell cooling technology which involves small heat-sensitive capsules that react to your body temperature and expand when the memory foam warms. The space between the cells releases heat which ensures that you stay cool and foam stays supportive. In addition, this foam fits every sleeper uniquely and retains its shape and density over time.
The removable bamboo cover is soft and breathable, antibacterial, hypoallergenic and sustainably and organically grown. It is also removable and washable. In addition, there is an anti-slip layer of dotted silicon on the bottom of this topper, and elastic straps are on each corner to allow easy attachment to your mattress.
This mattress topper is on the higher end of the price spectrum but received excellent ratings from customers. This brand emphasises the bamboo’s eco-credentials, ethically sourced from organic bamboo, grown pesticide-free, and vegan-friendly. Manufacturers offer a 10-year guarantee, 30-night sleep trial, and free UK delivery and returns.
2. Dreamzie Orthopaedic Memory Foam Mattress Topper
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • Body-contouring memory foam • Chemical-free • Washable non-slip bamboo cover | • Those with mattresses up to 28cm thick • People with allergies • Customers preferring products made in Europe |
The Dreamzie orthopaedic memory foam mattress topper is 5cm thick and could be a good potential option if you are looking for a topper to support and protect your back. Manufacturers note that it is suitable for all body types and all sleep positions.
This viscoelastic (memory foam) mattress topper is OEKO TEX and CertiPUR Certified (this means no traces of chemical products). As memory foam contours to your body, it can distribute your weight evenly, ensuring your spine is aligned correctly. There is a viscose bamboo fibre cover with breathable sides and a non-slip back surface. In addition, there are four large elastics to keep the topper in place and are suitable for mattresses up to 28cm thick. It’s breathable, easy to remove, washable, hypoallergenic and antibacterial.
The Dreamzie orthopaedic memory foam mattress topper is made in Europe, and good to note that there are limited sizes available. Manufacturers recommend allowing the topper 24 hours after opening to return to its original shape and airing for 1 to 3 days to get rid of the odour. Customer reviews are very positive - many people comment about pain relief and being happy that it’s chemical-free. A 30-day money-back guarantee is offered if you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase.
3. Happy Beds Soft Feel 5000 Memory Foam Orthopaedic Mattress Topper
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • 45mm of body-contouring memory foam • Removable and dry-cleanable cover • 5-year guarantee | • Those with allergies • Hot sleepers • People who prefer British products |
Happy Beds memory foam orthopaedic mattress topper could be a good option if you are looking for a memory foam topper that provides softness, comfort, and support whilst relieving pressure and preventing or minimising aches and pains.
The Happy Beds orthopaedic topper is composed of 45mm of memory foam and conforms to British fire regulations. It is heat sensitive and made with sanitised materials which make it hypoallergenic and anti-dust mite. There is a double jersey zip-off cover that is removable and dry-cleanable.
This topper is made in the UK, conforming to British standards, and delivered vacuum packed and rolled. Customers seem satisfied with their purchase, most commenting that it adds comfort to their bed. The manufacturers offer a 5-year guarantee on this product and free shipping to the UK mainland.
4. Silentnight Orthopaedic Mattress Topper
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • 3cm or 5cm memory foam • British made • 2-year guarantee | • People on a budget • Individuals with allergies • Hot sleepers |
The Silentnight orthopaedic mattress topper is a potentially good option for those looking for a budget-friendly topper designed to distribute weight evenly, thus reducing pressure and preventing or minimising pain.
This ergonomically contoured memory foam is available in 3cm or 5cm thickness and offers comfort and support. This material facilitates airflow, which can help you stay cool, and is hypoallergenic. In addition, there is a removable cover that is machine washable.
Customers seem mostly happy with their purchase, although several comments were made regarding the cover not fitting the foam perfectly (cover a little small so the corners of the foam lift slightly). This brand is made in the UK and offers a 2-year guarantee.
5. EverGreenWeb Orthopaedic Futon
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • Memory foam flakes • Aloe vera cover • Made in Italy | • Individuals with allergies • People who want a multi-use option • Those who prefer chemical-free products |
The EverGreenWeb mattress topper could be a good option for those looking for an orthopaedic memory foam topper that can also be used as a futon or yoga mat. This ergonomic 7cm topper is available in many different sizes and provides a good balance of comfort and support, which may be well suited to those with aches and pains.
It is filled with memory foam flakes that aid in even weight distribution, pressure relief, and comfort with its soft feather effect. It has an aloe vera cover and is hypoallergenic and anti-dust mite. It has an Oeko-Tex certification which means that all raw materials used are free from harmful chemicals.
The EverGreenWeb topper is made in Italy and is delivered vacuum packed and rolled. Once opened, the manufacturers advise that it will take a few hours to regain its shape. According to reviews, customers seem satisfied with their purchase; however, some mentioned that it was a little too warm for them.
6. AviiatoR Mattress Topper
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • 100% memory foam • Removable and washable cover • 30-day trial | • People wanting a mid-range buy • Hot sleepers • Those who prefer British products |
The AviiatoR mattress topper is made from 100% high-quality memory foam. It offers body contouring and support, ensuring that the spine is aligned and pressure point relief, making it a good potential mid-range buy for those with aches and pains.
The British brand has purposefully avoided adding any other materials, claiming that they may hinder the beneficial properties of the memory foam itself. This topper is 5cm thick and complies with British fire retardant standards. The CoolTouch/CoolMax cover is breathable and ventilated, facilitating thermoregulation and moisture control. It is also removable and can be washed.
Reviews are mostly positive, and overall, customers seem very happy with their purchases. Manufacturers offer a 30-day money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with your new topper.
What Is An Orthopaedic Mattress Topper
For those unfamiliar with the world of bedding, a mattress topper is essentially an extra layer of cushioning that can be added on top of a mattress to make it more supportive or simply more comfortable. Mattress toppers can also increase the life and durability of an existing mattress, refresh old sagging mattresses or make new ones softer.
The term “orthopaedic” (or “orthopedic”) refers to the branch of medicine that focuses on the care of the musculoskeletal system, specifically, the bones and associated muscles and joints. Regarding mattress toppers (or orthopaedic mattresses), the term “orthopaedic” is often used regarding the back and spine. These toppers and mattresses may have similar features to mattresses for back pain and bad backs, as well as mattress toppers for back pain. Orthopaedic mattress toppers can help by evenly distributing weight, thereby relieving susceptible pressure points and providing the necessary support and cushioning along our spines, as well as in the shoulders and hips. This type of mattress topper may be ideal for those who suffer from aches and pains, particularly in the back or joints, inflammation or injuries.
Did you know?
Data on the prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions show that approximately 1 in 6 people in England has back pain (16.9%) - that's an estimated 9 million people.
Whilst, depending of course, on the cause, some musculoskeletal pain may be more difficult to treat and manage than others. The correct orthopaedic mattress topper could be a potential solution for body aches and pain or, in the least, hopefully, minimise it. For most, a change in mattress may initially come to mind. While this may be a good idea, an orthopaedic mattress topper might be a better option; for example, if your budget is limited or you need a short-term solution.
However, choosing the proper mattress topper is crucial, and an incorrect choice may have the opposite effect and lead to worsening pain. Please note that if you are unsure of the cause of your pain or the pain is persistent or severe, it’s advisable to consult your doctor.
What Makes A Mattress Topper "Orthopaedic"
At this point, it is worth mentioning that there are no industry regulations or proof of testing required that indicate that a mattress topper is indeed “orthopaedic”. The term is essentially a marketing term and thus allows for some manufacturers to advertise products as orthopaedic that may not differ from a regular mattress topper.
A “real” orthopaedic mattress topper should provide the necessary support to relieve pressure in specific points, alleviate pain, optimise spinal alignment, encourage better posture, and allow for a restful, comfortable sleep. The support offered should, in theory, be more “specialised” than that from a regular mattress topper. However, the choice may often come down to a person’s specific requirements and preferences. For example, a lighter person may receive adequate support from a softer mattress topper, whilst a heavier person may prefer a firmer mattress topper.
It is unclear whether sleeping on a hard or soft surface provides better relief from musculoskeletal pain. Furthermore, studies have been mainly conducted on mattresses and rarely extend to mattress toppers, specifically. However, by inference, we can apply these results (or lack of) to mattress toppers.
In the past, doctors recommended a firmer surface, and many mattresses and mattress toppers labelled as orthopaedic are on the firmer side. However, some research✓ shows that using medium-firm mattresses for adults with and without back pain improved sleep quality, pain reduction, and spinal alignment.
Results are largely inconsistent. Furthermore, a systematic review✓ looking at improving outcomes on chronic back pain concluded that there is no high-quality evidence currently available to support advice to use a particular type of mattress to treat chronic low-back pain.
Whilst this may make it challenging to pick the right orthopaedic mattress topper, we can offer some insight into what you may want to consider to help you make the most well-informed decision.
How To Choose An Orthopaedic Mattress Topper
With all the available options and marketing claims, it’s understandable that one may feel a little overwhelmed with the information overload. To try and simplify your task, we’ve put together a list of things to be considered when looking for an orthopaedic mattress topper.
- Current mattress: Your topper should complement your existing mattress. For example, suppose you have spent a lot of money on an organic natural fibre mattress. In that case, a cheaper synthetic topper may cancel out some of its benefits. Similarly, a very soft mattress topper doesn’t make sense if your mattress was purchased to provide increased firmness to support a painful back.
- Sleeping position: The position in which you sleep is crucial as it will determine which body parts press into the mattress, where pressure may build up, and ultimately how optimally the spine is aligned. Sleeping position and mattress topper firmness should be considered together.
- Price: Toppers vary in price and differ in terms of the quality of materials used and construction. More expensive toppers typically use more durable materials that are less likely to deteriorate and may have additional beneficial characteristics (like temperature regulation and hypoallergenic properties). Cheaper toppers are available for those with a lower budget or people looking for a short term fix. These toppers may offer the required comfort; however, they may have a shorter lifespan and not provide the additional benefits mentioned above.
- Firmness level: Most orthopaedic mattress toppers are made to provide some additional body-contouring support, which may depend on the firmness of the topper. Those who find their existing mattress too firm might want a softer topper, whilst those who have a mattress they find too soft, may wish for a firmer topper. The best fit will adequately distribute body weight which can relieve pressure in critical areas. For example, firmer options may be a good fit for stomach sleepers, medium-firm for back sleepers, and soft-medium firm options may be more suitable for side sleepers. Good to note that although a softer body-contouring mattress topper may be gentle on sore joints, you don’t want one so soft that you sink in too deeply that you can’t move easily and cause further pain.
- Bodyweight: Your weight will have a crucial role when choosing your topper. Generally speaking, if you are a heavier person (weighing more than 230 pounds), a soft or medium-firm density may not offer you enough support to help with your pain, and a firmer option may be best. On the other hand, a lighter person may find a medium-firm or firm option that suits them fine.
- Thickness: The thickness of your mattress topper is another important criterion, and toppers typically range from 2.54cm to 10.16cm. The thicker the topper, the more potentially altered the sleep surface. For example, a thinner topper is more likely to provide some added comfort but conform less, whilst a thicker topper may offer significantly more conforming, cushioning and pressure relief.
- Size: When choosing the best topper, be sure to take the correct measurements of your bed beforehand to find the perfect match. Generally, there is a range of sizes available, and finding the correct one for your mattress shouldn’t be too difficult.
Types Of Orthopaedic Mattress Toppers: Pros & Cons
Every material has its advantages and disadvantages. Based on the considerations mentioned above and personal preferences, you should hopefully have a better idea of your ideal orthopaedic mattress topper’s characteristics. We’ve compiled a table of the pros and cons of some of the available mattress topper materials to help you make your decision.
| TYPE | PROS | CONS |
|---|---|---|
| Latex | ✓ High rebound, comfortable, self-ventilating, durable, pressure relieving, breathable, ideal for stomach sleepers | ✗ Often expensive, might feel too firm for some |
| Memory foam | ✓ Low rebound, comfortable, body-contouring, flexible, motion isolation, good balance of pressure relief and support, good for side sleepers or back sleepers | ✗ Some models retain heat (some have special features for cooling such as gel and graphite infusions), low rebound (more likely to sink and sag), changing position may be difficult |
| Polyfoam | ✓ High rebound, some softness and support, breathable, retains its shape better than memory foam, budget-friendly | ✗ May have a shorter lifespan, less pin-pointed support |
| Wool | ✓ Durable, soft, thermoregulatory, hypoallergenic, antibacterial, may offer sufficient cushioning, support and pressure relief (thicker toppers), may work for stomach sleepers | ✗ Can be on the pricier side, may not provide sufficient spinal support or pressure relief |
| Down or feather | ✓ Soft and malleable, fluffy, regulates body temperature, plush sleep surface, often more affordable | ✗ Doesn’t provide much support, tend to trap dust mites (not ideal for those with allergies), generally not recommended for those with musculoskeletal pain |
| Cotton | ✓ Soft, breathable, cool, less expensive | ✗ Doesn’t provide sufficient spinal support, generally not recommended for those with musculoskeletal pain |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best orthopaedic mattress topper?
This will depend on the individuals’ requirements and preferences. Memory foam and latex toppers tend to be most popular with those who suffer from musculoskeletal pain. These toppers use materials that provide support and comfort whilst relieving pressure and keeping the spine in optimal alignment.
Can orthopaedic mattress toppers help with pain?
In some circumstances, a mattress topper could help with musculoskeletal pain. A topper won’t make up for a sagging or old unsupportive mattress; however, it can adjust the feeling of your existing mattress. A mattress that is too soft can feel firmer and more supportive, and a mattress that is too firm can feel softer and provide more cushioning and pressure relief where needed.
What is the best firmness for an orthopaedic mattress topper?
The best firmness will depend on personal preference and adequate body weight distribution, relieving pressure in critical areas. For example, a firmer option may be a good fit for heavier individuals or stomach sleepers, medium-firm for back sleepers, and soft-medium firm options may be more suitable for side sleepers.
