Mattress topper for too soft mattress?

LolitaLove

I had a very firm, orthopaedic mattress for years, and although it wasn't the most comfortable mattress, I always slept like a baby and never had any issues with my back. I recently (recently as in like 6 months ago) bought a new mattress which is a great deal softer. At first, it was heaven, like sleeping on a cloud. But, as the months went by, I've noticed I've developed back pain. It's getting progressively worse. To be fair it might be other things (I'm a trainee healthcare professional and am very active so might have hurt my back that way) but I really feel I need a harder/firmer mattress...but can't afford one. I'm thinking of buying a memory foam mattress topper. But I read they make mattresses softer. Is there anything I can buy to make a firmer mattress?

Any help most gratefully appreciated! Thanks in advance for any answers x

Avoriaz

Can you afford to be off work with a bad back?

Is there no way you can somehow stretch to a new firm mattress?

You could sell the existing nearly new mattress to part finance the new one.

I doubt if a mattress topper will help.

Maybe hardboard or plywood directly under the mattress might help but ultimately a too soft mattress is a too soft mattress.

Pinkypants

What type of base is the mattress on?

A topper will NOT make it firmer. Any extra "padding" that you put ontop of the mattress you will just sink into, therefore making it softer.

LolitaLove

Pinkypants wrote: »

What type of base is the mattress on?

A topper will NOT make it firmer. Any extra "padding" that you put ontop of the mattress you will just sink into, therefore making it softer.

Base is a divan base, the same one I've had for years...only replaced the mattress, not the bed base. The mattress is really thick/high though so I didn't think it would be the base that's the problem. I guess I could try adding plywood under the mattress as a poster above suggested.

I could stretch to a new mattress at a push, but I'm reluctant to without knowing for sure whether the problem is my mattress or not. This maybe too much information but I have the misfortune of having a very large bust, thats far too big for my frame so it could just be that that's causing the back pain....I didn't get it before, but when I had my other mattress I wasn't working 13.5 hour shifts and doing moving and handling daily. With that in mind I don't want to sacrifice other things for a new mattress when I already have a newish one that might not be the problem.

Has anyone had this problem...would love to know if someone found a way of firming the mattress/if it helped.

I was thinking of buying a memory foam topper....are they any good for back pain?

Thanks again for any replies x

Pinkypants

Some beds have a sprung base which will make any mattress feel softer.

As for toppers being good for a bad back I would say no.

Memory foam on it's own doesn't support anything, it takes very little pressure for it to give. It relies on the "stuff" underneath it to give any support. Memory foam is just a comfort layer really.

Do not confuse firmness with support, the floor is very very hard but doesn't support the body. If you lie on your back on the floor you shoulders and bottom take all the body's weight and your lower back gets no support what so ever. You only get proper support when you sink into a mattress and it holds your body shape in it's natural postion.

Larger people will need a firmer mattress then lighter people, pocket springs have for years been the best type of mattress to go for. As each spring can move individually and mould around the body shape.

6 months is enough time for you body to get used to the new mattress, have you turned it at all? Just wondering if the fillings have flatten.

If you do go for a mattress, do try and get into a shop to try before you buy. You hven't said what size it is, but you'll get a pocket sprung mattress 4ft6 for around the £250 mark.

Slinky_Malinky

It sounds like your work and your large bust could be contributing to your back pain. I understand you cannot change your job but have you invested in some really good bras ( thinking Rigby & Peller, expensive but worth every penny for a well blessed lady) Also is there any extra training or equipment that your employer could provide to ensure you do not injure yourself at work?

cyclonebri1

I too think a sheet of plywood or similar twixt mattress and base would be worth a shot.

Memory foam?? Well, the idea, it deforms to suit every contour of your body, may help in your case. Without being offensive it may support "soft tissue" favourably;)

If you do go for a memory foam topper just check the specification, they differ widely in density.

BUT, get a really good cover/bag for it, it damages easy and needs to be protected,

Added bits;
Tried memory foam pillows, they went back the next day as unfit for purpose.,