FOAM MATTRESS TOPPER - Choosing a topper filling

With so many different mattress topper filling materials to choose from, the most difficult topper buying decision is which type of topper to select.

Different mattress topper fillings have different properties, different sleeping characteristics and suit different people and styles of sleeping. Below is a summary of what you can expect from each filling material.

Visco elastic memory foam

Visco elastic memory foam is the most popular topper filling material. Memory foam combines the properties of being firm and supportive with an ability to shape and profile itself to the unique body shape of the person sleeping on it. Memory foam is hypoallergenic.

Memory foam has good orthopedic characteristics and provides a stable support for the back, spine and major skeletal joint structures of the body like the shoulders and hips.

Most people find memory foam comfortable and pressure relieving, but a small number of people find the shaping properties of the foam (i.e. it engulfs the parts of the body that it supports) difficult to adjust to.

Memory foam is also a good insulator, so it is always warm and may not suit those who like a cool bed.

Latex foam

Latex foam offers similar supportive sleeping characteristics to memory foam, but with a more springy or spongy feel. Many people find that it feels closer to a traditional topper rather than the revolutionary memory foam.

Latex foam has good body shaping properties, returns to its original profile when not in use and is hypoallergenic.

Feather and down

Feathers and down make a natural and organic topper filler and they are soft, compressible and warm to the touch.

Until recently, most toppers were made from these duck and goose feathers and their popularity remains high. Even so, their ability to add support, rather than simply compressible comfort, is probably not as high as the more modern and technology laden foam based materials.

The choice between a modern foam topper and a duck and down feather topper is usually one of personal preference. Some people like the feel of foam, whilst other prefer feathers.

Organic wool

Organic wool is an alternative topper filler to feathers and down and it offers a very similar soft but compressible feel.

Organic wool toppers are still a minority market product, but they make a god natural and organic filling selection.

Polyester fibre and siliconised polyester

Polyester fibre and siliconised polyester fillings are manmade materials.