mattress toppers - are they worth the money?

[mitsuko]

for helping back pain - not serious, but don't want it to get any worse

and helping get a better sleep generally?

and if they do make a worthwhile difference -what kind should I be looking at (have just seen an advert for one that's 85% feather 15% down)

We got one of those memory foam ones from John Lewis. It's very comfy but I don't know if it helps back pain.

Lovely night's sleep though!

Apparantly my brothers just got one of these in the spare room, I only know because my mum says it was the best nights sleep they ever had at there house - so sounds good!

Must admit I think they're wonderful - expensive (a decent one) but well worth it as much much better sleep. No idea re back pain though - sorry.

same as last poster - and we have a rock hard pocket-sprung bed that cost a small fortune and have a half-dead kingsize duvet on top for slight comfort

i got a lovely topper from the white company in the sale. Now have a wonderful nights sleep although it is starting to get a bit too warm ( you can't really use them in Summer as they make the bed very toasty).

I have a memory foam one. I have back pain from hypermobile joints and it helps enormously. I would totally recommend it - not sure whether a feather one would be the same though!

My mum has one and loves it. She likes a soft bed. I have back and shoulder problems and have a very firm mattress. If I sleep on anything else I can barely move the next day.

Definitely getting one now

Thanks for all the advice!

Can anyone recommend a mattress topper or similar for holiday use? My home mattress is a Vi-Spring and very comfortable, but when we stay in holiday cottages I find the mattresses are generally uncomfortable and I spend the holiday with back ache. I'd love to find something relatively inexpensive (as I only need it for 2 weeks per year) that will fit a 4' 6" or 5' bed.