Alternatives to Featherbeds

Memory Foam

• Memory foam is a visco-elastic material originally developed by a Swedish company for NASA. It molds itself to the body and evenly distributes the sleeper's weight, helping to relieve painful pressure points. This is beneficial to both astronauts and people seeking a comfortable night's sleep. Memory foam is a suitable option for people who suffer from arthritis and other pains and aches, as reported by Consumersearch.com. Some consumers report that the foam absorbs body heat, making it too warm during the night, although some manufacturers have addressed this problem with temperature control technology. Memory foam toppers retail from between $50-$600, depending on the quality and density of the foam.

Latex Foam

• Latex mattresses may help asthmatics and allergy sufferers because latex is a natural product made from the sap of the rubber tree. Latex is naturally hypoallergenic and anti-microbial. Latex offers the same comfort factor and cushioning effect as feather beds and memory foam mattresses, as it conforms to the body's natural contours. Because it is a natural material, it stays cool in summer and warm in winter. Latex mattress toppers retail from between $70-$700. Allergy sufferers should check that a mattress topper is made from 100-percent latex, as some are constructed from latex-synthetic blends. These toppers are unsuitable for people who suffer from a latex allergy.

Wool

• Like feather mattresses, wool toppers offer comfort rather than support. They come in a variety of wools, including lamb's wool and alpaca wool, as well as wool blends containing cotton, latex or polyester fillings. These toppers are an option for allergy sufferers; wool, being a natural material, is resistant to dust mites and mold. High-quality wool toppers are comfortable and don't cause itching. Wool-blend toppers tend to keep their shape longer than those that contain only one type of wool. These toppers cost from between $130-$700, depending on the quality of the wool and other materials.

Polyester

• Polyester is a synthetic material that retains its shape well and can be easily washed or dry-cleaned. These mattress toppers are cheaper than their memory foam, wool and latex counterparts. Some contain a blend of cotton, latex and other materials and are treated with hypoallergenic materials. Polyester toppers aren't as heavy as memory foam and latex. Prices vary depending on quality and construction and other materials used for the mattress filling.