When selecting your memory foam mattress topper it is important to choose a name brand.  I have read about many stories of off-brand mattress toppers not living up to their claims.  You will also want to go to a store that allows you to test them out.  The toppers will have different “foam density” which is measured in pounds per cubic foot, the higher the density the better for your back generally.  I have also read that higher density pads last a couple years longer which is an added bonus.  You will also want to figure out your preferred thickness, I have seen them come as thin as 1 inch, and as thick as 6 inches.  The 3 inch visco mattress topper is about the sweet spot, and will most likely be the topper you see most frequently so it’s a good one to compare foam density’s with.  When I began my mission of finding my new bed, I planned on going all out, I figured since I spend 1/3rd of my life sleeping, I should not go cheap on this investment.  In the end I was able to spend only a couple hundred dollars and get a bed I enjoy much more than buying a new $1,000 mattress.

Here is a quick pros and cons list I made up when I was making my decision.

Visco Elastic Foam Mattress Topper:

Some of the benefits were the cheap cost compared to a full mattress, or a full memory foam mattress.  They toppers also give me the ability to be mobile, whenever I stay at a friend or relative’s house, I can fit my topper in my car and make a nice bed anywhere.  I also liked the fact that these toppers are hypo allergenic and provide good ventilation.

Some of the negatives I found were that I would still have to have my old mattress as my base; this did not effect me since my mattress wore evenly and did not have any big ruts in it.  I also did not like the smell of the visco elastic mattress topper when it was new.  The smell did however go away within a couple of days.

Overall I am so glad I made the decision to get a visco elastic foam mattress topper instead of a new mattress, my back feels better than ever and I saved a lot of money at the same time, who would have thought that was possible?  Definitely not this guy!

Chances are, if you found this page you already know why everyone is raving about the visco elastic mattress topper, but if not I will give a brief intro to the benefits.

Visco elastic material instantly conforms to each person unique curves relieving pressure points.  There will no longer be uneven pressure on your knees, hips, and shoulders while sleep.  This amazing material will evenly distribute the pressure across your entire body, leaving you with an incredibly relaxing, almost floating feeling while you rest.

I already know why the visco elastic mattress topper is so great, but what is the best foam density for me?

Not everyone’s body is the same, and not everyone enjoys the same density of their mattress, this is why you have different density options.  When choosing a density, I first take into account body size and sleeping preferences.  Lighter customers tend to agree that the 4lb visco elastic memory foam Mattress topper is perfect.  There are some customers who prefer a firmer feel while they sleep, and for these people I recommend looking at a 5lb density.  Heavier customers should take a look at the denser toppers.  I always recommend people try out various densities and find the absolute most comfortable density, and then go one model denser.  Going slightly denser seems to provide the best sleep.

I picked my density; now help me choose the thickness!

The first thing I do when choosing a thickness is analyze my sleeping position.  If you are someone who sleeps on their back or side, you will want to start looking at the three inch pads.  If you sleep on your stomach I would start off looking at the two inch visco mattress topper.  Once you have your baseline thickness it is now time to factor in the density you chose.  The denser you like the mattress, the thinner the pad you need.  My fiancé and I absolutely fell in love with the five pound density and three inch thickness.

How do this amazing material work?
Visco Elastic Mattress Toppers have a much higher resistance to change than the traditional foam we are all used to.  This is why if you apply pressure quickly the pad will feel very firm.  The foam is designed to slowly compress with your body weight and heat.  Once the foam is contoured to your body, it will hold it’s for a short time when you remove yourself from the bed.  A general rule is, the longer the pad holds its form, the higher the quality.

Is it true that visco elastic foam was really invented by NASA?

NASA truly did invent this amazing product; however they did not actually use the product much.  It did not prove to suit their needs; however medical companies immediately realized the wonder foam’s ability to relieve pressure points.  You can now find visco elastic foam in a wide assortment of medical products like; wheelchairs, and hospital beds and more.

Visco Elastic Mattress Topper drawbacks?

I’ll be honest, there are a few things that concern some people about these products that should be brought to your attention.  First, the material does have a strong odor when you first remove them from their vacuum sealed packaging.  My specific mattress pad smelled very similar to a bucket of freshly opened paint. This odor goes away after the first few days, but some people that are very sensitive to strong odors may have problems for the first few days.  Second if you do not purchase a high quality product, they tend to not breathe quite as well as a regular mattress (This is not true with the high quality products, they breath just as well, if not better than a traditional mattress.)  And lastly the density of the material changes with temperature.  If you happen to live in a home without consistent climate control (I do not mean just a few degrees, we are talking 80-90 in the summer, and 60-70 in the winter) you may notice you get more support in the winter, and less in the summer.

Concluding Thoughts

You spend roughly one third of your life sleeping, and often more time if you are having poor quality sleep.  You owe it to yourself to get the best sleep possible.  You will quickly find you are able to sleep the same amount or slightly less while having more energy throughout the day.  Many people have also found this amazing material has solved chronic back aches they have been unable to escape for years!  Do yourself a favor and at least try one of these amazing mattress toppers.