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The space in which you sleep every night has a major impact on your sleep quality and therefore your overall health. Nothing makes or breaks that sleep space as much as the mattress you rest upon. Mattress toppers are an excellent way to elevate your mattress game to the next level, allowing for better rest, proper joint support, more extensive recovery, and relief from back pain—all at a fraction of the price of a full mattress.
The Best Mattress Topper for Back Pain - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Mattress Topper for Back Pain: Saatva Mattress Topper
- Best Firm Mattress Topper for Back Pain: Titanflex Topper
- Best Mattress Topper for Hip and Back Pain: Tempur Topper
- Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper for Back Pain: Layla Memory Foam Topper
- Best Cooling Mattress Topper for Back Pain: Helix Plush
- Best Latex Mattress Topper for Back Pain: Plushbeds 100% Natural Latex Topper
- Best Mattress Topper for Lower Back Pain: Puffy Topper
- Best Extra Firm Mattress Topper for Back Pain: Molecule Triple Zone Topper
- Best Budget Mattress Topper for Back Pain: DreamFoam Gel Swirl Topper
- Best Mattress Topper for Back Pain for Side Sleepers: Viscosoft Select High Density Mattress Topper
There are many varieties of mattress toppers available and if you seek relief, look no further to find the best mattress topper for back pain. The right combination of materials to create a supportive and comfortable sleep surface can help you optimize your sleep. Whether you're looking for a firm mattress topper for back pain or dream of plush, cloud-like sleep space, we've selected the top mattress toppers for your needs.
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Best Overall Mattress Topper for Back Pain - Saatva Mattress Topper
SPECS
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King
- Firmness: Varies
- Material: Choice of Graphite, Latex, or High-density foam
CHECK PRICEThe winning Saatva Mattress Topper is a sleeper's dream—it relieves pressure points, ensures breathability and sleep comfort, and it alleviates back pain. In addition, the Saatva comes in three different materials to allow a customizable sleep experience and it has an excellent return policy to ensure you are satisfied with your upgraded night's rest.
Choose from 3-inch graphite-infused memory foam for a cooler night's sleep, 1.5-inch hypoallergenic latex for maximum back pain relief, or 1.5-inch high-density foam for joint relief if you're a side-sleeper. Elastic anchors hold this topper firmly in place while you sleep, and each of these three options support your back and joints while ensuring comfort and breathability.
What We Like
- 3 different material/thickness options
- Emphasis on breathability ensures you won't get too hot at night
- 180-day return policy allows you to test out your sleep investment
- CertiPUR-US®-certified foams are guaranteed to be free of many potentially harmful materials
What We Don't Like
- Can only be spot-cleaned
- Higher cost compared to some other options
Best Firm Mattress Topper for Back Pain - Titanflex Topper
SPECS
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, Queen Short, King, Cal King
- Firmness: Firm (medium and soft also available)
- Material: Contouring foam
CHECK PRICEThe Firm Titanflex Topper is the ideal meetup of memory foam and latex. This 3-inch contouring foam molds to the body and relieves pressure points. Its open cell structure improves moisture wicking and the firm support promotes healthy spinal alignment to relieve back pain.
You have a choice of two zippered covers for the Titanflex Topper. The organic cotton cover is hypoallergenic and protective while the Luxury Cooling cover combines top notch breathability and silky smoothness. Overall, this firm mattress topper provides maximum support and comfort for your sleep.
What We Like
- Firm support promotes healthy body alignment
- Choice of covers customizes your sleep temperature
- Affordable price
- CertiPUR-US®-certified foams are guaranteed to be free of many potentially harmful materials
What We Don't Like
- If you prefer a softer sleep experience, this firm topper isn't for you
- Doesn't attach securely to your mattress
Best Mattress Topper for Hip and Back Pain - TEMPUR-Adapt Topper
SPECS
- Sizes: Twin, Twin long, Full, Queen, King, CA King
- Firmness: Extra soft
- Material: Proprietary TEMPUR Material
CHECK PRICEThe TEMPUR-Adapt Topper is 3 inches of supportive material designed to maximize your sleep comfort and minimize pressure points that cause hip and back pain. This topper is resistant to allergens and dust mites and is built to be extra-durable and shape-retaining.
Breathable materials help to minimize heat retention and they offer a cooling upgrade if you find that you sleep warm. The tried-and-true Tempur-Pedic brand only offers high-quality products so you know that you're buying a proven product if you go with this topper.
What We Like
- Cooling upgrade is excellent for warm sleepers
- 10-year Warranty
- Brand reputation and high-quality products
- Excellent support for those with hip pain
What We Don't Like
- Higher cost compared to other options
- Extra soft support isn't for everyone
Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper for Back Pain - Layla Memory Foam Topper
SPECS
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
- Firmness: Medium
- Material: Copper gel-infused memory foam
CHECK PRICEThe 2-inch Layla Topper is the best memory foam mattress topper thanks to its luxurious materials and cloud-like feel. For people with hip or back pain, this quality memory foam topper from Layla can relieve chronic pain and support better sleep positioning and alignment.
This topper is infused with copper to promote cooler sleep and a cleaner sleep environment. Copper gel is naturally antimicrobial, keeping your sleep space shielded from bacteria and irritants. Plush memory foam gives you a soft, supportive, and luxurious sleep experience.
What We Like
- Copper gel beads keep you cool and comfortable throughout the night
- Free returns during 120-night trial and 5-year warranty
- CertiPUR-US®-certified foams are guaranteed to be free of many potentially harmful materials
- Medium firmness is soft but supportive
What We Don't Like
- Higher cost compared to some other options
- If you want a very soft or very firm topper, this middle-of-the-road firmness may not be for you
Best Cooling Mattress Topper for Back Pain - Helix Plush Mattress Topper
SPECS
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, CA King
- Firmness: Soft
- Material: Bamboo and polyester
CHECK PRICEThe Helix Plush Mattress Topper is the winner if you're a warm sleeper who could use some extra temperature regulation at night. Breathable materials and a baffle box stitch to trap the fill in place give you a cool and comfortable night's sleep.
This plush mattress topper is 1.5 inches thick at the top, attaches firmly to your mattress to minimize movement, and is designed to be hypoallergenic and hygienic. It's also machine washable, allowing you to thoroughly wash the whole thing and ensure the sanitation of your sleep space.
What We Like
- Machine washable and convenient to clean, which is rare
- Cooling fabric ensures sleep comfort
- 100-night sleep trial
- Deep pockets to hold this topper in place while you sleep (15-inch skirt)
What We Don't Like
- If you require more firm support, this isn't the topper for you
- Some people who need softer toppers prefer 3-inch thickness instead of 1.5-inch
Best Latex Mattress Topper for Back Pain - PlushBeds 100% Natural Latex Topper
SPECS
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
- Firmness: Varies
- Material: 100% natural latex
CHECK PRICEThe PlushBeds 100% Natural Latex Topper is the top choice if you want to try a latex mattress topper. Latex toppers provide a distinct “floating” sensation, which many people enjoy and find cloudlike and comfortable for sleeping. Latex provides good air flow and heat distribution, and it minimizes movement distribution, like when your partner rolls over in bed. Latex is also more durable than most other mattress topper materials.
This latex topper from PlushBeds is highly customizable, since you can select your desired thickness and firmness. Firmness options include soft, med-soft, medium, med-firm, and extra firm. Each option comes in 2- and 3-inch thicknesses. This natural latex material helps to reduce pressure points for aching shoulders, hips, backs, and knees.
What We Like
- This natural latex is hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, mildew resistant, and odor free
- Lots of options for thickness and firmness to customize your sleep
- 5-year warranty
- GreenGuard Gold Certified latex meets rigorous standards
What We Don't Like
- If you don't like the floating sensation of latex, this topper isn't for you
- May move around while you sleep
BUY: PlushBeds 100% Natural Latex Topper
Best Mattress Topper for Lower Back Pain - Puffy Mattress Topper
SPECS
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
- Firmness: Firm, soft
- Material: 40% bamboo and 60% polyester
CHECK PRICEThe 2.5-inch Puffy Mattress Topper is our top choice for people with low back pain due to its plush construction and firm or soft support options. This topper firmly attaches to your mattress so you don't have to worry about it moving around while you sleep.
The breathable blend of bamboo and polyester ensures the material will keep you cool all night long, and this hypoallergenic sleep topper reduces bacteria, dust mites, and other irritants and allergens that can disrupt your sleep. It comes with a removable, breathable cover that's easy to wash for extra cleanliness.
What We Like
- Bamboo keeps you from overheating while you sleep
- 101-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty
- Affordable price
- Anti-slip grip at the base and deep elastic pockets ensure that this topper won't budge while you sleep, no matter how much you move around at night
What We Don't Like
- No moderate softness option available
- Lacks the "springiness" that some people prefer in a topper
Best Extra Firm Mattress Topper for Back Pain - Molecule Triple Zone Pro Topper
SPECS
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
- Firmness: Extra firm
- Material: 100% polyurethane foam
CHECK PRICEThe 3-inch Molecule Triple Zone Pro Topper is our number one choice if you prefer extra firm support from your mattress topper. This Air-Engineered™ topper is meant to optimize your sleep by regulating your temperature and supporting your joints. It is protected by MOLECULEshield™ Antimicrobial Protection in order to keep mold, bacteria, microbial growth, and unwanted odors out of your sleep space.
This firm topper is designed to promote optimum sleep support and alignment to help reduce back pain. Surfaces that are too soft cause sinking and misalignment while you sleep, but this extra firm topper from Molecule correctly positions your spine and joints for pain relief and healthy sleep.
What We Like
- Advanced cooling technology makes this a great topper for warm sleepers
- Extra firm support is excellent for alleviating back pain
- Antimicrobial treatment helps keep your sleep environment sanitary
- CertiPUR-US®-certified foams are guaranteed to be free many potentially harmful materials
What We Don't Like
- Higher cost compared to other options
- Some people found it "drifted" or moved around while they slept
BUY: Molecule Triple Zone Pro Topper
Best Budget Mattress Topper for Back Pain - DreamFoam Gel Swirl Topper
SPECS
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Short Queen, Queen, King,
- Firmness: Soft
- Material: Gel memory foam
The DreamFoam Gel Swirl Topper is an excellent combination of deeply comforting memory foam and responsive gel layers, allowing for a comfortable sleep experience for those who suffer from back pain. This budget topper competes with the high-dollar mattress toppers when it comes to comfort, pain relief, and top-notch construction.
This 2-inch gel memory foam topper from DreamFoam is designed to provide pressure point relief and a temperature-neutral environment for your sleep. If you suffer from back pain and want a quality budget mattress topper, this is the clear winner.
What We Like
- Very affordable—an excellent value
- Gel and memory foam combination are middle ground between plushness and responsiveness
- CertiPUR-US®-certified foams are guaranteed to be free of many potentially harmful materials
What We Don't Like
- Warm sleepers sometimes don't find this topper cooling enough
- This plush and soft level of support isn't for everyone
BUY: DreamFoam Gel Swirl Topper
Best Mattress Topper for Back Pain (Side Sleepers) - Viscosoft Select High Density Mattress Topper
SPECS
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, Queen Short, King, Cal King
- Firmness: Medium-firm
- Material: Gel-infused memory foam
The Select High Density Mattress Topper from Viscosoft uses high-density memory foam to promote spinal alignment for side sleepers. This minimizes pressure points and eliminates motion transfer for those sharing a bed.
Three-inch standard toppers as well as 4-inch thickness toppers are available for those looking for additional support, such as those with larger frames or people who want even more support than the 3-inch option. These toppers are also available infused with activated charcoal and natural lavender for moisture regulation, odor control, and relaxation.
What We Like
- Adjustable straps and built-in mesh hold this topper firmly in place
- 90-day money back guarantee and 5-year warranty
- Affordable price
- 3- and 4-inch options for different body types and support needs
What We Don't Like
- Back sleepers may not find this topper firm enough
- This topper sleeps “warmer” than some other options
What To Look For in a Mattress Topper
When there are so many excellent mattress topper options out there to choose from, what exactly should you be looking for in order to make the best choice for your own sleep needs? There are a few major distinguishing factors to keep in mind when shopping for mattress toppers.
Material
There are a variety of materials used to make mattress toppers, and each comes with pros and cons. Memory foam, polyester, latex, polyurethane foam, and other proprietary materials are some of the main materials used to manufacture quality mattress toppers. Memory foam tends to be more plush and molding, latex is more breathable and durable, and polyester and bamboo blend well together for a mix of comfort and cooling. These materials can also be layered or infused with types of gels for springiness or graphite for drawing away body heat.
Firmness
The rule of thumb when it comes to firmness is that more firm equals more support. For people with larger bodies/frames or who really want to feel supported by their beds at night, a firmer topper is usually recommended. For people who require less support or seek deeper comfort and luxury, a softer topper may provide a more comfortable and plush sleeping experience.
Sizes
In addition to needing the right size to match your current mattress, there are different thicknesses to choose from. The typical range is 1.5 to 4 inches, with many options in between. These different thicknesses really come down to personal preference and what you wish to add to your current mattress.
Breathability
If you live in a warm climate or simply find that you sleep "hot," choosing the right sheets and mattress topper materials will make all the difference in how comfortable you are at night. Check on topper design, materials, and customer reviews to find one that will keep you nice and cool.
FAQs About Mattress Toppers
What thickness of mattress topper is best for back pain?
The answer to this question depends on your own body and the causes of back pain. Each unique body has unique sleep needs and therefore different people will prefer and benefit from different topper thicknesses. Also, the quality and makeup of your mattress will dictate how thick you need your mattress topper to be.
Can a mattress topper improve back pain?
The right mattress topper can definitely improve your back pain. While you should always see a medical professional address spine issues, how you sleep can have a major impact on your joints and your back in particular. Finding a topper with the right level of support can greatly alleviate your back pain over time.
Is memory foam good for back pain?
Many people find that a quality memory foam mattress topper can help with their chronic back pain. However, it's good to explore all your options before deciding on memory foam, since there are other excellent and supportive materials out there in addition to memory foam.