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Best Mattress Toppers for Elderly People (Improve Comfort & Support!)

Best Mattress Toppers for Elderly People (Improve Comfort & Support!)

It often becomes more difficult for people to get a good night's sleep as they age. Making your bed more comfortable might help. The best mattress toppers for elderly people are soft but supportive, with cooling textured surfaces, and reduce pressure.
Scott Grant, CSA®, SHSS®
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Best Mattress Toppers For Elderly
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Best Mattress Toppers For Elderly

As people grow older, they tend to get less sleep. Babies sleep for over 16 hours a day. But as you grow older, your sleeping period lasts 8 hours a day. Eventually, after crossing 60, that period again comes down. You stay awake until late at night and wake up before everyone else in the house.

Maybe it is your health, or perhaps it is the uncomfortable mattress on which you sleep. So, your options are to get a new mattress or improve your current one with a better sleep surface.

If you want to change the mattress topper for good, here are a few you should have in your shortlist:

Reviews: Mattress Toppers for Elderly People

Here are the details of each model and an explanation of why I recommend it.

GhostBed Memory Foam Topper

1. GhostBed Cooling 3 inch Memory Foam Topper

from $195.00
  • 3″ thick
  • Gel memory foam with five pressure zones
  • Fits mattresses up to 18 inches deep
  • Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King
  • 5-year warranty

This mattress topper from GhostBed has nearly everything you would want in a mattress topper for a senior or elderly person. Especially if you want to make an old uncomfortable mattress easier to live with.

For many reasons, many older bodies get aches and pains throughout the joints and bones. To help just that situation, this mattress topper has five different zones that address the pressure relieving needs of specific areas of the body: head, shoulders, torso, legs, and feet. Plus, these zones are raised to promote cooling and moisture, reducing airflow under the body.

Another reason I love this one is that it is easy to maintain and clean for older folks. The cover that comes with the topper is waterproof to prevent spills and accidents from getting into the topper or the mattress underneath. Plus, if it needs a good cleaning, you can remove the cover only (without having to wrestle the foam pad out of it!) and toss it in the machine for a wash.

If you are a hot sleeper, you’ll appreciate the cooling cover that is actually cool to the touch, the foam pad has channels in it to promote airflow, plus the memory foam absorbs the heat and moves it away from you. Sturdy 2″ bands hold the cover and topper in place while also allowing it to be removed easily if needed.

The only other consideration here is that if the person using it has trouble rolling over in bed or getting in and out of bed safely, this topper is a bit too thick. It would make it more difficult for these folks to roll in bed or enter/exit the bed. But, other than that, this one is a great choice for people of all ages, really!


Sleep & Beyond 60 by 80-Inch Organic Merino Wool Mattress Topper Queen, Ivory

3. MyMerino Mattress Topper

from $322.05
  • 1.5″ thick
  • Organic cotton with organic merino wool
  • Fits mattresses up to 18 inches deep
  • Twin, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
  • 5-year warranty

This contemporary topper is perfect for older adults who desire the highest level of comfort, relaxation, health, and restful sleep. This mattress topper soothes and comforts all of the 700 muscles that need to relax while sleeping.

I love that the myMerino topper is made of natural and organic materials. The cover is a soft and cozy 270-thread count organic cotton percale. It is then filled with certified organic superfine merino wool (and who doesn’t love the smell of wool!). No chemical foams will be found here.

This mattress topper is a great choice for seniors with allergies or chemical sensitivities because of this. It is even recommended for seniors with arthritis or fibromyalgia.

These smooth and elastic, spring-shaped merino wool fibers serve multiple purposes. First, it helps provide loft and spring for relieving pressure points. Second, wool is an excellent choice for regulating temperature because of its wicking effect. Finally, because wool is one of the most durable fibers, it adds to the product’s overall durability.

Because of these features and materials, this is a premium product and costs a bit more than some of the others.

Sleep & Beyond myProtector, myMerino Topper, Organics Sheets Review by Emily at Tucked in Organics!

Nolah Mattress Topper Queen / Plush

4. The Nolah Mattress Topper

$399.00
  • 2″ thick
  • Organic cotton cover over AirFoam™️
  • Fits mattresses up to 15 inches deep
  • Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
  • 10-year warranty

I like that the Nolah Mattress Topper is available in two firmness levels: plush and luxury firm. So, if you prefer to sink down into your topper or want a firmer base, you have a choice.

The Nolah mattress topper has been specifically designed to improve the comfort of any mattress. In fact, it can even be used with an old mattress to improve comfort and support. Alternatively, it can be used with a new mattress to provide additional cushioning and pressure relief.

The cover is made of ivory-colored organic cotton that is soft, breathable and helps wick away moisture. This keeps you or your senior loved one cool and comfortable all night long. Inside is Nolah’s proprietary AirFoam™️ which also helps cool, offers significant pressure relief, and is 300% more durable than standard memory foam.


LUCID 2 Inch 5 Zone Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper

5. The LUCID 4 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper

from $56.99
  • 4″ thick
  • Gel-infused memory foam – cover optional
  • Fits all mattresses
  • Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
  • 3-year warranty

If you are a senior on a budget, this mattress topper is a good mid-range option to explore. It is among the thickest toppers in the market and is a terrific pick for adding padding comfort to a firm mattress. The topper is a must-have for anyone who enjoys the feel of memory foam mattresses.

Note that this topper just sits on top of your mattress. There are no straps or covers to secure it to the mattress. So, if you choose this one, be sure it doesn’t move on you when getting in and out of the bed. An optional cover is available for it, though it is a separate purchase.

However, because of its thickness, this foam topper option is probably not for you if you’re searching for a firm topper to add extra support to a softer mattress. Nevertheless, most seniors find this topper a fantastic choice if they want to add a layer of luxury comfort without spending a fortune.


Linenspa Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper

6. Linenspa Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper

$56.99
as of 03/18/2024 4:43 pm
  • 2″ or 3″ thick
  • Gel-infused memory foam
  • Fits all mattresses
  • Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, RV Queen, King, Cal King
  • 3-year warranty

Most seniors complain that their body aches because of the hard mattress topper. Your body needs ultra-plush memory foam that hugs you when you sleep. This mattress, with 100% Polyurethane Memory Foam Gel Beads, can provide the utmost comfort you need once you lie down.

The temperature-regulating gel beads can dissipate heat so that you don’t feel hot during summer. It comes in two profiles: 2 inches and 3 inches. Both of them have comfortable memory foam distributed equally to support your body weight.

The secret to finding a comfortable mattress topper is not spending a fortune on it. Instead, you should look to check the features that offer softness and enhances the life of your mattress. This one works well for older folks.


Sleep Innovations Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper

7. Sleep Innovations Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper

$139.99
as of 03/18/2024 4:43 pm
  • 2″ thick + 2″ cover = 4″ total thickness
  • Gel-infused memory foam with fiber-filled plush cover
  • Fits all mattresses
  • Twin, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
  • 3-year warranty

Are you one who doesn’t want to spend a fortune on a new mattress? In that case, getting a comfortable mattress topper is the way to go. This one has tons of benefits.

From a 2-inch cooling gel memory foam and 2-inch quilted pillow top to cradling-like support, this mattress topper is the most comfortable one you will ever come across. They have temperature-regulating memory gel foam that keeps the mattress topper cool during summers and mildly warm during winters.

The contour design of the mattress topper allows your body to relax as soon as you lay down. It relieves your body’s pressure points for deeper and undisturbed sleep.


Niagara Sleep Solution Bamboo Mattress Topper Cover

8. Niagara Sleep Solution Bamboo Mattress Topper Cover

$49.99
as of 03/18/2024 4:43 pm
  • Extra thick padding
  • Bamboo blended cover with polyfill
  • Fits mattresses up to 20 inches deep
  • Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, Short Queen, King, Cal King
  • Money-back guarantee

If you are one of those seniors who want to sleep for a large part of the day, the Niagara Sleep Solution Mattress Topper is the ideal product to buy. The premium mattress topper offers unbelievable comfort and makes you feel like sleeping on a cloud. Elders with back pain need extra cushioning while sleeping.

It comes with fully fitted elastic bands. You don’t have to worry about the mattress topper slipping every now and then.

This mattress topper provides that support with an extra quilted protector. So, there are two protective layers between you and the mattress. Leave the mattress alone for 24 to 48 hours before using it to make it look fuller and softer.


senior couple shopping for a new mattress

Important Mattress Topper Features for Seniors

When you are shopping for a mattress topper for an elderly person’s bed, you’ll see many of these features mentioned. Here is a quick review and my recommended options for seniors.

Mattress Topper Thickness – Is Thicker Always Better?

You’ll see mattress toppers anywhere from an inch thick to 4 inches thick or more. The thicker the topper is, the plusher it will feel too.

But, for seniors and elderly people, toppers can be too thick. A thick topper raises the height of the bed, which may or may not be a good thing depending on your current mattress height. Also, thick memory foam mattress toppers can be hard to “climb out of” if you have limited strength.

I recommend going with a 2″ thick model for a good balance of comfort and support.

Memory Foam is the Superior Material for Seniors

Most toppers will be memory foam or latex foam. Memory foam is known for conforming to your body and offering both support and comfort. It also helps with pressure relief and provides better spinal alignment.

Memory foam will retain some heat, but a gel-infused model will help dissipate that heat.

My recommendation is to select a mattress topper made of memory foam.

Gel Infused Toppers Dissipate Heat for Comfortable Sleep

Many toppers and mattress pads are infused with cooling gel that helps reduce the temperature of your bed as you sleep. This can promote better quality sleep.

So, go with a gel-infused product if your cooler sleeping temperatures bother you.

Textured Surfaces Promote Better Air Flow

Textured mattress toppers and pads promote better airflow around your skin and also help keep you cool. This is a really important feature for elderly people who spend a lot of time in bed.

Multiple Zone Toppers Help Reduce Pressure in Critical Areas

Elderly people who spend much time in bed are more likely to get pressure sores. Especially on their bottom, back, and heels. The best mattress toppers for elderly people are zoned to have less pressure in these critical areas.

So, I recommend a zoned product to reduce pressure in these critical areas for people who spend a lot of time in bed.

Note that none of the products I am promoting above are considered clinical pressure relieving products. So if the user has a history of pressure sores, discuss this with your doctor.

Included Covers and Protectors Keep the Topper in Place and Clean

Mattress toppers that come with covers will stay in place better because the cover wraps around the mattress. It also keeps them cleaner because you can remove the cover and throw it in the laundry.

RELATED: Best Waterproof Mattress Protectors for Seniors

Summary and Final Recommendations

Sleep is important to our overall health. Period.

There are many reasons you might not sleep as well as you age. A good place to start improving sleep is with the comfort of your current mattress and bed.

You can replace your current mattress or try adding a new mattress topper first as a cheaper option. This can improve your bed’s comfort and support without breaking the bank.

The ideal mattress topper for seniors and the elderly is made of thick memory foam (but not too thick), has cooling properties, allows for good airflow, and is easy to clean. You’ll find lots of options above in this guide.

Do you know of another mattress topper that works well for seniors and the elderly? Tell me about them in the comments below!

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Scott Grant, CSA®, SHSS®

Scott Grant, CSA®, SHSS®

With over 20 years of experience and certifications as a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)® and Senior Home Safety Specialist (SHSS)®, Scott Grant provides reliable recommendations to help seniors maintain independence through informed product and service choices for safe, comfortable living.

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