Best Mattress Topper for Back Pain: Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Bad mattresses can cause all kinds of issues, with back pain being the chief among them. While lifestyle changes help reduce back pain, you can promote further pain relief by switching up your sleeping surface. However, if a new mattress isn’t in your budget right now, a topper is a great temporary solution for comfort and support.

While mattress toppers cannot help if your mattress is sagging and worn out, they absolutely can help with other issues. In our article, we break down everything you need to know about mattress toppers, including firmness levels and materials, and share our favorite toppers for back pain relief.

Best Mattress Toppers for Back Pain

If you want an all-around fantastic mattress topper that offers a little of everything, take a look at the Lift by Amerisleep. This mattress topper has it all. It’s got cooling. It’s got pressure relief. It’s responsive. It’s hypoallergenic. And best of all, it has two different firmness options that can fit just about everyone’s needs.

The Comfort Lift is the soft version. This plush mattress topper is made with Amerisleep’s proprietary Bio-Pur® foam. This plant-based memory foam swaps out some of the petroleum products in traditional memory foam for plant oils.

This helps make the Bio-Pur® foam much more breathable and responsive than regular memory foam. This plant-based foam is also much better for people with chemical sensitivities because of its minimal Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) content.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, those looking for a firm mattress topper should check out the Support Lift. This mattress topper is made using Amerisleep’s buoyant and responsive Affinity material.

The Affinity foam can bounce back underneath you as soon as you move. And it will fight sinkage to keep your body lifted onto the sleep surface – thus aligning your spine and relieving back pain.

Both variations have a breathable polyester-spandex cover and HIVE® technology—targeted support with comfort zones to alleviate pressure build-up in your lumbar spine. We recommend the Support option for back and stomach sleepers and the Comfort option for side and combination sleepers.

Amerisleep backs the Lift Mattress Topper with a 5-year warranty and free shipping.

SEE ALSO: Amerisleep Mattress Review

If you have an active lifestyle or a less-than-stellar mattress, the Zoma Balance Pad may be just what the doctor ordered. The Balance Pad is a fantastic mattress topper for back pain and recovery from physical activity alike, as it’s designed specifically for issues that stem from a long day of physical activity.

The Balance Pad’s medium feel is versatile enough to be a great fit for almost anybody. The mix of comfort and support means this mattress topper can both soften up an overly firm mattress and firm up an overly soft mattress all at once. That makes it a great option for everyone, from side sleepers to stomach sleepers, depending on their mattress’s firmness level.

The Zoma Balance Pad contains 3 inches of Reactiv™ foam for a balance of support and comfort. It’s bouncy and responsive but still contours to your body’s curves, so pressure build-up and motion transfer are minimized. So you won’t have to worry about disturbing your partner or waiting for body impressions to clear up.

Another great feature of this mattress topper is its airy, breathable, and soft performance cover. The Balance Pad’s cover keeps cool air moving underneath you to prevent overheating. And its anti-skid bottom fabric will keep it firmly in place on your mattress, ensuring it doesn’t slip around at night.

Zoma provides free shipping and returns for all its products and a 5-year warranty on the Balance Pad.

SEE ALSO: Zoma Mattress Review

The Viscosoft Select High-Density Mattress Topper is made of gel-infused memory foam so you sleep cool. It’s available in different thicknesses, with the 3 inches thick option feeling medium-firm, so it feels plush while still being responsive and supportive, and is great for back, combo and select side sleepers.

Viscosoft ensures its users are comfortable by adding a slip-resistant mesh bottom and adjustable elastic strappers to its toppers. This way, you don’t have to struggle with adjusting it every evening. It has a removable bamboo and rayon blend cover for extra breathability and softness.

The Select High-Density Mattress Topper is hypoallergenic and comes with free shipping and a 5-year warranty.

If you want a mattress topper for back pain that gives you options to address other issues – like allergies or overheating – check out the Saatva Mattress Topper. This mattress topper offers three different materials for you to choose from: graphite, latex, and high-density foams.

Hot sleepers should check out the breathable graphite foam Saatva Mattress Topper. Graphite infusions help draw heat away from your body and disperse it throughout the mattress topper to ensure your sleep surface stays cool to the touch.

Active sleepers should consider the natural latex option. The natural latex foam will bounce back underneath you as soon as you move without transferring motion. So it’s a perfect option for those who sleep with a partner and like to toss and turn.

Heavier sleepers should consider the high-density foam Saatva Mattress Topper. This buoyant high-density memory foam will keep you lifted onto the sleep surface to ensure you never deal with back pain due to sinkage.

All three of these Saatva Mattress Topper options come inside a highly breathable organic cotton cover that can fight allergies and prevent overheating and moisture buildup all at once. No matter if you’re a hot sleeper or an active sleeper, if you need a mattress topper for back pain, the Saatva Mattress topper could be for you.

If you want an excellent mattress topper for back pain that is equally excellent at shedding excess heat, check out the Nolah Mattress Topper. This cooling mattress topper can push out hot air and pull in cool air, all thanks to its breathable AirFoam.

The Nolah AirFoam is some of the most breathable memory foam on the market. It never stops circulating air throughout the entire mattress topper. So it starts off with a cool-touch feel and maintains that feel throughout the night.

The organic cotton cover also aids the AirFoam in its quest to dissipate heat. Cotton fibers are naturally breathable and sweat-wicking. They also have the added benefit of being hypoallergenic and antimicrobial.

Finally, the elastic corner bands help insure this mattress topper stays firmly in place on your mattress without sliding around – even if you have an adjustable bed or like to toss and turn in your sleep.

SEE ALSO: Nolah Mattress Review

If you want a topper for back pain and allergy symptoms alike, check out the Bear Pro Mattress Topper. This copper-gel memory foam mattress topper offers plush foam and copper infusions. So it can fight your back pain and your allergies alike.

Copper memory foam fights allergens by preventing moisture buildup and creating a hostile environment for common allergy-causing microbes like mold, mildew, dust mites, and more. Copper is also highly thermally conductive. So it draws your body heat away from you to keep your sleep surface cool.

The circular knit cover also keeps hot air moving out of your mattress topper and cool air moving in. It can also help fight allergy symptoms because it can be easily removed and washed to remove allergens.

The topper’s soft feel is best for side sleepers and petite sleepers with back pain. If you feel your existing sleep surface is too firm, the Bear Pro can increase contouring and improve pressure relief to alleviate back pain.

SEE ALSO: Bear Mattress Review

Those who want the pressure relief and squishiness of down without the down part should check out the Helix Mattress Topper. This fiberfill mattress topper boasts Reveloft™ technology. That means the fill comes in clusters, just like with down. So it maintains the squishiness and loft of down without the animal cruelty or maintenance issues associated with real down.

The baffle box stitching also helps enhance this effect. Each box is sewn shut to ensure the filling cannot move around inside the mattress topper. That means it remains evenly distributed throughout. It won’t clump up on one side.

The Helix topper is perfect for those whose back pain comes from a lack of pressure relief. The lofty and squishy feel offers pressure relief in spades, and it gives your mattress the feel of sleeping on a cloud to boot!

If you have back pain but also like to toss and turn while you sleep, the Brooklyn Bedding TitanFlex Topper could be up your alley. This responsive foam contours like memory foam and bounces back like latex. That means it can relieve your back pain without irritating body impressions.

The bouncy and buoyant TitanFlex foam doesn’t just spring back into place after you move. It also keeps you cool as a cucumber all night. So if tossing and turning leaves you waking up in a sweat, no worries!

The TitanFlex topper also comes with two different cover options. Choose organic cotton if you need allergy relief and a crisp feel. Choose the circular knit cover for a silky smooth feel and maximum breathability.

This topper also boasts a wide range of firmness options, from soft to firm. If your mattress is way too firm, you can add a lot of pressure relief and contouring with the soft option. If your mattress is way too soft, you can fight sinkage and increase lift with the buoyant firm option. If you only want to change your mattress’s feel a little, you can with the medium option.

If it’s clean and sustainable comfort you’re after, check out the Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper. This topper features Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) certified Dunlop latex and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified fibers.

The Avocado topper has two firmness selections: plush and firm. The plush offers fantastic pressure relief and contouring without sacrificing the buoyancy and coolness of latex. The firm provides lots of lift and support without losing all its contouring and cushioning.

Both the plush and firm boast the amazing springiness of latex. Even the most responsive memory foam just cannot compete with the bounciness of latex. The natural Dunlop latex springs back into place immediately as soon as you change positions. So you never have to worry about body impressions – ever.

Dunlop latex is also highly durable. So the Avocado topper will outlast just about any other mattress topper on the market. And it will be cooler than just about any other mattress topper to boot because of latex’s extreme breathability.

The organic wool and cotton in the topper work with the organic latex to increase its breathability. And all three organic products are also extremely hypoallergenic (assuming you don’t have latex allergies). So this mattress topper will fight moisture buildup and common allergens like dust mites, mold, and mildew.

SEE ALSO: Avocado Green Mattress Review

If you’re looking for one of the best mattress toppers for back pain with a classic memory foam feel, check out the Layla Memory Foam Mattress Topper. This memory foam topper has all the pressure relief of classic memory foam with a modern cooling twist.

The Layla memory foam topper has copper infusions to increase thermal conductivity and ensure the whole topper maintains a cool-touch feel all night. So not only is it among the best mattress toppers for back pain. It’s also among the best mattress toppers for hot sleepers.

The Layla’s cover also helps keep your sleep surface cool. The hexagonal shapes in the cover fabric create air channels that help ensure hot air does not become trapped in the cover or the foam itself.

The thermoconductive foam and breathable cover work together to counter the heat retentive properties of plush foam and memory foam alike. That means you can stay cool all night, even with a soft memory foam topper.

SEE ALSO: Best Hypoallergenic Mattresses for Allergies

Surprisingly enough, wool makes one of the best mattress toppers for back pain. Wool offers lofty cushioning like down, but it has a little bit more support and retains its shape better. So if you want an alternative to foam that has a little more buoyancy, wool is a good choice. And we can’t recommend Plushbeds Wool Topper highly enough to interested sleepers.

The 100-percent natural wool topper filling is handmade in the US using only ethically sourced wool. So those who want a cruelty-free topper can rest assured that no animals were harmed in the making of this item.

The all-natural cotton cover works with the wool filling to ensure the topper breathes all the way through and maintains temperature neutrality. So hot sleepers and cold sleepers alike can enjoy this wool topper.

Another great feature of this topper is its enhanced durability. Each topper is hand-tufted and stitched for superior durability. Tufting by hand also has the added benefit of creating a luxurious look and feel.

Contrary to some misinformation out there, a true wool allergy is quite rare. That means natural wool and natural cotton are both hypoallergenic for those who need symptom relief.

SEE ALSO: Organic Cotton vs. Regular Cotton: What’s the Difference?

The MOLECULE™ Triple Zone Pro Mattress Topper is Air-Engineered™ to maximize your sleep quality and recovery. The cover contains thermal management technology to regulate your temperature, so you sleep soundly.

The Triple Zone Pro Mattress Topper is made of two, durable foam layers and is 3 inches thick. The top layer is 1 inch of RestoreFLO™ memory foam with gel microbeads to keep you cool, wick away moisture, and quickly respond to your movement.

The bottom layer is 2 inches of RecoveryFLO™, a 3-zoned support system for adaptive relief. The foam has a diamond cut-out surface, with small diamonds near your head and legs for softness and large diamonds around your back and spine for support and pressure relief.

MOLECULE™ mattress toppers come with a 30-day trial and 5-year warranty.

Sleep On Latex’s Pure Green Natural Latex Mattress Topper is available in a variety of firmnesses and thicknesses to upgrade any mattress: soft, medium, or firm, and 1, 2, or 3 inches thick.

The 2-inch option is the most popular with its moderate firmness and extra support. The soft and firm variations significantly alter your mattress’s firmness, while the medium firmness is built to provide support without drastically changing your mattress’s feel.

The Pure Green Natural Latex Mattress Topper is made using Earthfoam latex harvested from Sri Lanka. Earthfoam latex combines the best features of Dunlop and Talalay latex to provide consistent support without being overly bouncy.

For an added charge, shoppers can add on an organic cotton cover fabric. This material lets air slip through and carry off heat and sweat, helping the sleep surface stay cool and dry.

Sleep On Latex offers a 30-day trial and a 5-year warranty for their products.

Types of Mattress Toppers

The best mattress toppers are available in many different materials, though some work better than others for providing support and pressure relief. Let’s take a look at the materials to use and avoid for back pain relief.

Memory Foam

Memory foam mattress toppers have conforming and pressure-relieving capabilities, as it distributes your bodyweight well and soothes any pain. One of memory foam’s strong suits is how it isolates motion, preventing you and your bed partner from disrupting each other.

A common complaint regarding memory foam is how it can be very hot, though most newer memory foams contain technologies to be breathable and promote sleeping cool. When shopping for memory foam, look for high-density foams (4 pounds per cubic foot or higher) for the best support and breathability.

Latex

Latex foam is a sustainably sourced, durable, and hypoallergenic material made from rubber tree sap. It is supportive for your back and minimizes motion transfer, a nice perk for those who share their bed.

You can find latex produced in three variations: natural, synthetic, and blended. Natural latex mattress toppers are the safest and most environmental option since they don’t emit chemicals or gas, while synthetic or blended latex can. However, just as organic latex mattresses cost a hefty amount, so too can a natural or organic latex topper.

Down and Feather

Down is the feathers from goose and duck bellies while feather toppers contain feathers from goose and duck coats (including the quills). Both feel super plush, luxurious, and warm, so down and feathers are a great choice for the winter. Despite this, down and feather toppers are not incredibly supportive, and many are expensive. Down and feather toppers are comfortable if you have no health concerns, though they are not ideal for minimizing back pain.

Wool

Wool sneaks in as a stealth mattress topper material. You probably think of wool sweaters and wool hats, but it actually proves to be breathable, pressure-relieving, and contouring as a mattress topper. Even hot sleepers might be able to get on board with all that!

Despite what you may have heard about wool, it actually makes a fantastic cooling mattress topper. Wool evolved to keep sheep warm in the winter and cool in the summer while still allowing their skin to breathe.

This means it can circulate air through its fibers to remain temperature neutral. This makes it a great alternative to foam for those who find they alternate between being too cold and too hot when they’re sleeping.

Wool also offers lots of pressure relief to tired joints. It absorbs the pressure of your body and can act as a buffer between you and an overly hard sleep surface. The bad news is wool is not all that suitable for those who want to firm up their mattresses.

Wool also has a couple of other issues. It might smell like sheep when you first get it because the musty lanolin smell is hard to wash off. This smell should dissipate over time. Wool is also harder to find and often more expensive than comparable memory foam mattress toppers. So if you’re on a budget, wool – especially organic wool – may be out of reach.

Polyester

Polyester, or fiberfill, is a down alternative if you are allergic to feathers; however, it wears down quicker and grows lumps sooner than traditional down. It feels soft and warm, but provides little in terms of support, so it won’t be a viable option for relieving back pain.

Polyester can be hypoallergenic, it doesn’t release any odor, and is the least expensive topper material.

Other Considerations in a Mattress Topper

Mattress toppers are not all made equal. Some are better quality than others, but there are also many quality mattress toppers that may be more or less suited to your tastes than others.

It’s all about finding the best mattress topper that fits your specific needs, including your sleep style, sleep temperature, and mattress firmness level. We’ve discussed the best materials, but there are other traits in a mattress topper to consider.

Firmness

Mattress toppers come in a wide range of firmnesses, from soft to firm. Unlike with mattresses themselves, you’ll need to choose the mattress topper based on a combination of your sleep style and the firmness of your existing mattress.

If your mattress is way too firm, you’ll want a soft mattress topper. Soft mattress toppers help add contouring and pressure relief to your bed. This is especially important for side sleepers who need all the pressure relief they can get. But it also can help combo and back sleepers who bought an overly firm mattress.

Conversely, a firm mattress topper can help you if your mattress is too soft. For example, if you’re a stomach sleeper and got a medium-firm mattress, a firm mattress topper can help push you up to a firm.

This can relieve your back pain by keeping your pelvis lifted. However, firm mattress toppers cannot fix a sagging or unsupportive mattress. They’ll only sag right with it. So if your mattress has a worn-out support layer, don’t bother with a firm topper. Just replace your mattress.

Sitting in the middle, medium mattress toppers help alter the feel of your mattress a little without overhauling it. Medium mattress toppers can both firm and soften up your mattress. It all depends on whether you lay them on an overly soft or overly hard surface.

A medium-feel topper is also great if you’re primarily looking for a cooling mattress topper rather than a topper that drastically changes your bed’s firmness.

Thickness

If you want a mattress topper for back pain, a thicker mattress topper is likely better for you. Mattress toppers come in a range of thicknesses from two to four inches, much like how mattress thickness varies. Some back pain sufferers may be able to get away with a topper that’s only two inches thick if their mattresses are close to the feel they need.

However, those who need to add a lot of support or a lot of contouring to their mattresses will likely do better with a mattress topper that’s between three and four inches thick.

Reminder that mattress thickness will also affect what your bed height is, and a thick topper can make a bed feel rather tall. While younger sleepers can slide in and out of a too-tall bed with relative ease, older sleepers may find it difficult to move out of bed in the morning.

Density

Density is not the same thing as firmness, but it definitely has an effect on your mattress topper’s contouring and supportiveness. Denser mattress toppers weigh more because the foam is more tightly packed – meaning there’s more foam per cubic foot of mattress topper. Get a denser topper if you want a buoyant and supportive feel.

Lighter toppers have less foam per square foot. Generally speaking, they’re more airy and breathable. They also offer more contouring and cushioning than denser toppers, which want to hold their shape more. If this describes the qualities you’re looking for, go for a less-dense mattress topper.

SEE ALSO: Memory Foam Density Guide

Price

Mattress topper prices can fluctuate quite a bit. If you get a decent-quality memory foam topper, you can expect to pay in the $80 to $200 range for a queen size mattress topper. But if you go for more expensive materials – such as latex or down – you will be paying quite a bit more, up to $600 to $800.

As a general rule, natural materials are more expensive than synthetic ones because they’re harder to produce. This means if you want to stick to a budget, looking at memory foam mattress toppers is best. This can help you save significantly if you’re shopping for a king size mattress topper, as memory foam is more durable than the average fibrous materials but less expensive than latex foam.

If you want to save significantly on a new mattress topper, look out for some of the year’s big mattress sales. Other bedding accessories like mattress toppers tend to be heavily discounted during these sales.

SEE ALSO: Best Budget Mattresses

Benefits of a Mattress Topper

Mattress toppers are almost always less expensive than buying a new mattress, yet they still offer comfort and spinal support for those who need it. While they’re not a substitute for a full-on mattress, toppers might become your favorite accessory.

Adjusts Your Mattress’s Firmness

For a too firm or too soft mattress, a topper provides a significant change to your sleep surface without you having to buy an entirely new mattress. Be sure to choose the right thickness and firmness for your needs and current mattress. Note that a thick topper will change the height of your mattress to the point that you may need sheets with deeper pockets.

Reduces Pressure Build-up

A common issue, mainly with firm mattresses or extra-firm mattresses, is pressure build-up in the lower back, hips, and shoulders. It causes soreness, discomfort, and aggravates chronic back pain. A mattress topper provides additional cushioning to your mattress to reduce pressure and pain in your back.

Promotes Spinal Alignment

The spine should be neutral, or naturally curved, when sleeping to prevent back pain or pressure buildup. It’s one of the most important aspects of healthy and restorative sleep.

One of the main reasons a mattress might feel uncomfortable is because it’s unsupportive and throwing your spine out of alignment, resulting in achiness, stiffness, lower back pain, difficulty sleeping, headaches, and more.

Mattress toppers can provide needed support to your mattress, align your spine, and evenly distribute body weight, so you don’t sink into your bed and exacerbate existing back pain. To keep your mattress topper from sliding, you use to use a flat sheet or a mattress protector. This will ensure that it remains stable and supports you correctly.

Extends Your Mattress’s Life

Mattress toppers protect your mattress from stains, dust, and bodily sweat or oils, potentially extending your bed’s lifespan. However, we do not recommend using a topper as a substitute for a mattress protector. Protectors are made to shield your bed from dust mites, bed bugs, and other things that can harm your bed, so always use these on your mattress in addition to your topper.

Keeps You Cool

Cooling toppers (latex or memory foam with cooling technologies) are useful for hot sleepers as they’re breathable, provide great airflow, and wick away sweat. While staying cool is not crucial to relieving back pain, it may reduce any additional discomfort preventing you from sleeping comfortably.

What About Replacing Your Mattress?

If you’re waking up with back pain, the simple fact is that it might be time to replace your mattress. As mattresses age and lose support, you’re likely to wake up with stiffness or aches.

If your back pain is a recurring issue, a mattress for back pain can address symptoms and relieve pressure points. Some even provide comfort for specific conditions:

• Best Mattresses for Sciatica
• Best Mattresses for Spondylolisthesis
• Best Mattress for Herniated Disc

You can also look for expert recommendations, such as mattresses recommended by chiropractors.

FAQs

Do I need a mattress topper or a new mattress?

Mattresses are expensive, so, understandably, you’d want to avoid getting a new one and would rather use a mattress topper. However, toppers are only a temporary solution. They work well if your bed is the wrong firmness for you or if you’re looking for a little extra comfort—without a super high price tag.

If your mattress is between 7 to 10 years old, lumpy, yellowing, or sagging, a topper can only do so much in terms of adding support and comfort and you may need to invest in a new mattress.

What’s the difference between a mattress topper and a mattress pad?

While mattress topper and mattress pad are sometimes used interchangeably, they’re different. Mattress pads are thin and don’t change the feel of your mattress beyond some extra softness. They are commonly made from cotton, wool, down, or memory foam. Mattress pads are attached to a fitted sheet and are often machine-washable.

Mattress toppers either soften or firm up your bed. Typically made of foam, they’re thicker than mattress pads and provide back and spine support. Note that neither toppers nor pads are substitutes for mattress protectors.

How do I know if my mattress is causing my back pain?

Some ways to determine if your mattress it the source of your back pain are:

• If you go to sleep without pain, but constantly wake up with it
• If your mattress is 7 years or older
• If you can’t get comfortable in bed or struggle to fall asleep due to discomfort

Using a mattress topper can relieve back pain, but if your mattress is older than 7 years old and starting to sag, it might be time to upgrade your mattress.

Why does my back hurt after sleeping on a new bed?

Your body needs time to adjust to a new sleeping surface. When you switch from an unsupportive mattress to a new one, there’s a transition period since your body likely got used to the old sleeping surface. Also, new beds can be just a tad bit firm when you first use them and it can take a few days or weeks for them to soften up.

How long do mattress toppers last?

Mattress toppers can last 3 to 5 years depending on their materials. Toppers with a high-density memory foam (4 pounds per cubic foot or higher) might last longer than low-density memory foam (3 pounds per cubic foot or lower).

To extend its lifespan, be sure to keep your mattress topper clean by using a mattress protector and fitted sheet.

Conclusion

Mattress toppers aren’t a replacement for a new bed, but they can revitalize a slightly aged mattress and provide extra support and cushioning when needed. With proper support, you can find significant relief from your back pain and sleep without interruptions.

Remember, a mattress topper isn’t a substitute for treatment. If you haven’t already, always speak to your doctor if you are suffering from chronic pain.