Mattress topper advice, please!

[BlackType]

I suffer from painful joints and am struggling to sleep on my too-hard mattress. I can't afford a replacement, so am wondering if a topper might help - but am bewildered by the internet. I know I don't need support (I'm 7 stone and tiny), but I do need lots and lots and lots of softness. I also know I don't like memory foam (I've tried it), though appreciate that others love it.

I've seen toppers made of wool, synthetics and feathers. So far as I can tell, the feathery ones are more "supportive", so I suspect they're not what I want - but I really need recommendations from people. I would be very grateful for help!

[BlackType]

Please?

[RatherNot]

I have feather filled ones and they're more soft than supportive, although I guess it depends upon the manufacturer. I bought mine from JL and love them as it's like sleeping on an extra thick duvet - they need plumping every so often to keep them bouncy. Also, have a look at Duvet and Pillow Warehouse as theirs may be cheaper.

[BlackType]

Ooh - thank you!! Funnily enough, a mattress man I consulted said the D&P Warehouse was a good place to get reasonably priced toppers. Soft is definitely what I need, so it is good to hear that feathers are not too firm...

[Spons]

Have a memory foam one, was about £20 from Argos- it's lovely! Like been enveloped in big soft hug in bed!

[TheReturnoftheSmartArse]

A friend swears by the wool ones from White Company. Still haven't worked out how you wash them, though. Perhaps you don't?!

[barleysugar]

I got a lovely thick feather one from Dunelm, it was like sleeping on a cloud for the first night, then thereafter it was horrendous -, it stayed in the same position, all flattened where I had slept on it. It probably needed shaking up every morning to get it fluffy again, but seriously - undoing the sheet every morning? Who has time for that?

I've gone over to a 2.5cm memory foam (egg box style one side, smooth the other) from Argos and its amazing!

[MikeLitoris]

I had one from Argos. Came with two pillows. Was about £30.

Had to take it off recently (bloody dog need on it ) and the pains in my hips and lower back have returned. The difference is unbelievable.

I'm seriously considering getting another one of these rather than replacing my mattress.

[Luckystar96]

Think they might be selling one in Aldi at the moment. Always very reasonable.

[Catsmamma]

yup, aldi (or poss lidl I never pay proper attention to the email) have memory foam mattress toppers in atm....the kingsize one was £40 I think.

[BlackType]

Ah, MN is so great. Thank you, all. Any other recommendations? Particularly interested in feathers and wool!

The mattress I really want is a Vi Spring shetland wool one, but it's about, um, £5000.