There was a thread here (I think) that spelled out the dangers of those toppers. You can do a search here or a google search about it. They seem to give off chemicals that either offend people with the odor and/or make them physically sick. It is probably people that are sensitive to them that have the issues but it was enough to make me not want to bring something like that into the house. Even if we are not sensitive, you do not know if it harms you over time.

I have not heard of problems with the memory foam and purchased one for my son's college mattress as he felt he was sleeping on springs. It had a fabric cover over it which I thought was nice. I know they come in several thicknesses also. Maybe research some more and have hubby get some P.T. for his back.

I've never used the LL Bean one so can't comment on what makes theirs so great, but I have 2 from Overstock that were each $75 and love them! There was a slight odor at first that lasted perhaps a month--getting less and less each day. Absolutely none now. When I say slight, it was only noticeable when my face was against the mattress pad (we have thick ones). DH didn't even notice it at all. I gave it only a 4 rating when I bought it because the odor was still present after 2 wks, but we've had them now since April and I'd rate it a 5. We have one on our guest bed and have been told the bed sleeps fantastic now. These particular ones do seem to make the bed a bit warmer I think. DH loves that fact...and it isn't enough to bother me.

Here's the link to the one we got at Overstock--they have several different ones, and of course their inventory really changes.

Here is a link that might be useful: Overstock Foam Mattress Topper

Toppers are not considered to be anything more than a 'feel good' item, whereas the memory foam mattresses are good for you. The thing is, a good mattress will be a 5.2 lb. 'weight' (memory foam is measured in pounds) which is the gold standard (and there are now many companies selling them as just big chunks of the foam cut to size) but inferior ones, and toppers only come in 2, 3 or 4 lb. weights, which won't do as good a job and won't last very long. If you Google 'memory foam' (not Tempur-pedic which costs so much more, though isn't that much different at all) you can now find sites that sell (and describe in detail) the mattresses for half the price of TP's).

thank you all for the help. I think i am going to try the LL Bean one. Lifetime warrenty and it comes with a bamboo cover to wick away heat and can be washed.