Best Mattress Topper for Back Pain

A topper is an extra layer that rests on top of your mattress and is intended to make the surface feel softer or firmer than it normally does. Most toppers are constructed with foam, latex, feathers, or other materials that cushion and contour to the body. Toppers can be particularly useful for people with older, sagging mattresses who experience back pain or pressure buildup while they sleep. These layers can help to evenly distribute weight and remove strain from sensitive areas along the spine like the shoulders, lumbar region, and hips.

Our team’s expertise isn’t limited to just mattresses. We’ve also personally tested more than a dozen toppers. Although toppers sold today vary by thickness, firmness, and material composition, we conduct the same rigorous tests on each one to determine its strengths and weaknesses. To choose the toppers below, we primarily relied on body-mapping sensors that detect pressure points while the body is at rest.

Check out the product profiles below to learn about our top picks. We’ve awarded each mattress topper an accolade that highlights one of its key strengths. For more information about finding a topper that can reduce back pain, scroll down to our detailed buyer’s guide. We’ll cover different topper types, important considerations for sleepers with back pain, average price-points, and what you can expect from a new topper in terms of shipping options and sleep trials. If you’re looking for something more substantial than a topper, you can also check out our guide to best mattresses for back pain.

Product Details

Tempur-Pedic’s reputation for high-quality sleep products extends beyond the brand’s mattress line. Take the TEMPUR-Adapt Topper, which is constructed from TEMPUR memory foam. This proprietary, high-density material delivers even contouring from head to toe, helps align the spine, and alleviates pressure in the shoulders, lower back, and hips.

How It Performed

Due to its 3-inch profile and medium (5) feel, the TEMPUR-Adapt Topper earned stellar ratings from our team’s side sleepers — particularly those weighing up to 230 pounds. Back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds also felt comfortable on the topper. The TEMPUR foam hugs the body closely to evenly distribute your weight and provide the “cloud-like” sensation many people associate with memory foam.

As expected, the topper performed exceptionally well during our motion isolation tests. None of us noticed any motion transfer when lying side by side with someone else, and the thick elastic corner straps held the topper in place to prevent shifting. Pressure relief is another key strength. For most of our testers, pressure buildup was a non-issue, and the foam conformed closely enough to cradle the spine and align the spine properly.

What It’s Made of

The TEMPUR-Adapt Topper contains 3 inches of TEMPUR memory foam, the same material that has made Tempur-Pedic mattresses so popular among people with back pain. This foam is quite dense and responds slowly to movement, so you’ll notice some initial plushness when you get into bed and a cradling effect as your body settles. A removable, machine-washable polyester cover encases the mattress. Thick elastic straps at each corner are intended to secure the topper to your mattress.

Tempur-Pedic offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. The company does not accept returns for the TEMPUR-Adapt Topper, so all sales are final, but you’ll receive a 10-year warranty with your purchase.

Read our Full Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt Topper Review to learn more

High-quality toppers can be somewhat expensive, especially those constructed with memory foam. The Puffy Mattress Topper is a noticeable exception to this trend. Available in two firmness levels, we’re focusing on the firm (7) model because it performed exceptionally well during our pressure relief tests. If you think a softer feel is better suited to your needs, the topper is also available in a soft (3) design.

How It Performed

The topper earned favorable ratings from most of our side and back sleepers. Side sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds and back sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds were particularly impressed with the supportive foam layer. A few of our team’s stomach sleepers also felt comfortable on the topper, most of whom weigh less than 130 pounds.

Our tests showed the Puffy Mattress Topper – Firm excels at motion isolation. Since the foam absorbs movement so well, we recommend the topper if you and your partner share an overly responsive mattress and experience sleep disruptions when the other person moves in bed. Pressure relief was another testing highlight. Most of our testers either felt minimal pressure buildup along the spine or no buildup whatsoever.

What It’s Made of

The topper contains a single layer of memory foam and measures 2.5 inches thick. This mid-range profile should provide an adequate comfort adjustment if your mattress has moderate wear, but isn’t quite on its last leg. The cover is a blend of polyester and rayon derived from bamboo, and includes an elastic skirt to fit around the sides of your mattress for extra stability. The skirt has a depth of 15 inches.

In addition to the approachable pricing, you’ll receive free ground shipping with your Puffy Mattress Topper purchase. Each order includes a sleep trial that runs for 101 nights. The topper is also backed by a lifetime warranty if you decide to keep it.

If you frequently experience upper or lower back pain, we recommend a topper that feels soft enough to cushion your sore spots without sinking too much. With the Saatva Mattress Topper, you can choose from three different designs that vary by material and thickness. Our team tested all three, and found that each one has unique strengths.

How They Performed

Our team’s side sleepers awarded the highest ratings to the Graphite Topper, which is the thickest of the three. They enjoyed the close conforming and medium soft (4) feel, and our body-mapping tools indicate little to no pressure buildup. Although the Latex Topper is also medium soft (4), the responsive feel and light contouring made this model most popular among our back and stomach sleepers. The Foam Topper, which has a medium (5) feel, felt most comfortable to side sleepers up to 230 pounds and back sleepers weighing less than 230 pounds.

We found that the Latex Topper outperformed its two foam counterparts during temperature control and ease of movement tests. Alternatively, the Foam and Graphite Toppers earned higher marks for pressure relief and motion isolation.

What They’re Made of

The Graphite Topper measures 3 inches thick and contains a top layer of adaptive, graphite-infused memory foam over high-density polyfoam. We recommend this model if your mattress has heavy wear and tear that exacerbates your back pain. The Foam Topper consists of one high-density polyfoam layer. Since this model measures 1.5 inches thick, it’s best suited to sleep surfaces with minor to moderate wear. The same is true of the 1.5-inch Latex Topper, which contains a single piece of ventilated Talalay latex.

All three toppers are encased in organic cotton covers. Each corner is designed with an elastic strap intended to stabilize the topper and prevent it from slipping across your mattress while you sleep. Seven sizes are available, including a split king with two twin XL toppers for couples who share adjustable beds.

Prices vary by design, with the Foam being most affordable and the Latex most expensive. Saatva offers free shipping within the contiguous U.S. and a 180-night trial period with each topper. If you choose to keep the topper beyond the trial period, you’ll receive a 1-year warranty against structural defects.

Read our Full Saatva Mattress Topper Review to learn more

The most comfortable topper for any given sleeper with back pain should cushion sensitive areas and reduce discomfort while maintaining even support. The Silk & Snow Organic Mattress Topper is available in medium (5) and firm (7) designs. Between the two options, our tests show the topper can accommodate sleepers across a wide range of body types and sleep positions.

How It Performed

Our side sleepers weighing up to 130 pounds and back sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds preferred the balanced cushioning of the medium feel. While the latex won’t contour as closely as foam, you’ll notice some moderate conforming as the topper adapts to your body. Most of our testers weighing more than 230 pounds preferred the extra support of the firm feel. The same was true for our back and stomach sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds.

Since Dunlop latex is naturally dense and responsive, the topper fared well during our ease of movement tests. Most of us encountered minimal resistance moving across the toppers, and no one sank excessively — even when testing the medium feel. Temperature control is another strong point. The latex retains little heat and the breathable cotton cover promotes airflow, so you shouldn’t sleep too hot.

What It’s Made of

The topper’s core consists of Dunlop latex measuring 2 inches thick. Dunlop lacks the strong bounce of Talalay latex, but is still fairly responsive compared to foam and other topper materials. A cotton cover encases the latex. The cotton has earned certification from the Global Organic Textile Standard, and the latex is certified by the Global Organic Latex Standard, so this topper is a good option if you prefer to purchase sustainably made products.

Silk & Snow offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. and Canada. The trial period runs for 100 nights, during which you can return the Organic Mattress Topper for a full refund if it doesn’t meet your needs. Should you decide to keep the topper, you’ll receive a 3-year warranty for the latex and a 1-year warranty for the cover.

When it comes to improving your spinal alignment, few materials can match the effectiveness of high-density memory foam. The ViscoSoft Select High Density Topper has a medium (5) feel, which is ideal for people who enjoy the deep “hug” and cradling of memory foam. Available in profiles of 3 or 4 inches, this topper is a good option if your mattress is on its last leg.

How It Performed

The Select High Density Topper was particularly popular among our side sleepers. Those weighing less than 130 pounds preferred the 4-inch model, whereas our side sleepers of 130 pounds or more felt more comfortable on the 3-inch topper. The 3-inch model also earned favorable ratings from our back sleepers up to 230 pounds, and stomach sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds.

The dense memory foam absorbs movement exceptionally well, so both toppers received high marks during our motion isolation tests. Pressure relief is another major strength. Body-mapping technology indicated little to no pressure buildup along the spine for the majority of our testing team.

What It’s Made of

The 3-inch and 4-inch toppers both contain a single layer of high-density memory foam. This material responds slowly to compression, resulting in a cloud-like feel as your body settles onto your sleep surface. Memory foam tends to absorb heat, so ViscoSoft used a cover made of rayon derived from bamboo. The fabric offers excellent cooling and also has moisture-wicking properties. That said, some people may still experience excessive heat retention. Thick, elastic straps at each corner help the topper stay in place.

The ViscoSoft Select High Density Topper carries an approachable price-point, and shipping is free of charge throughout the contiguous U.S. Your purchase includes a 90-night sleep trial. If you decide to keep the topper, you’ll also receive a 5-year warranty.

Read our Full ViscoSoft Select High Density Mattress Topper Review to learn more

The Birch Organic Mattress Topper is constructed with high-end materials that give the topper above-average durability. If you’re in the market for a luxury topper and dislike the deep hug of foam, this model may be right up your alley. A handful of green certifications also make the topper an appealing option for eco-conscious shoppers.

How It Performed

The topper earned favorable ratings from our team’s back and stomach sleepers across all weight groups, but those weighing 130 to 230 pounds were particularly impressed. Some of our side sleepers also felt comfortable, but the latex may not conform closely enough to alleviate pressure in the shoulders and hips. This is especially true if you sleep on your side and weigh less than 130 pounds.

The Organic Mattress Topper excelled throughout our temperature control tests. We’ve attributed this strong performance to its breathable cover, moisture-wicking wool layers, and ventilated latex core. The topper may also be a good investment if your mattress has softened with age and become difficult to move on because the latex offers noticeable springiness.

What It’s Made of

The topper’s core contains 2 inches of Talalay latex. This material is exceptionally responsive, even compared to other types of latex, so you shouldn’t experience too much sinkage when getting in and out of bed or changing sleep positions. Organic cotton and organic wool batting rest atop the latex for extra cushioning. The wool also has moisture-wicking properties to keep you dry on humid nights.

Measuring slightly more than 2 inches thick, the topper should provide a good comfort adjustment for any mattress with light to moderate wear and tear. An organic cotton cover completes the eco-friendly design. The topper has earned green certifications from well-respected organizations such as the Global Organic Textile Standard, eco-INSTITUT, and Wool Integrity NZ.

Birch offers free ground shipping to all 50 states. The company’s sleep trial allows you to test out the Organic Mattress Topper for 100 nights. If it meets your needs, you’ll also receive a warranty covering structural defects for up to 10 years.

The PlushBeds Natural Latex Topper has a firm (8) feel, making it one of the firmest toppers in our testing lab. The firm and responsive feel ensure robust support to keep your body on an even plane, while the latex adds a bit of surface cushioning for sore spots along the spine.

How It Performed

Our team tested each of the topper’s firmness levels, and the firmest model was most popular among our back and stomach sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds. If you sleep on your side or weigh less than 130 pounds, you may prefer one of the softer models. Most of our side sleepers preferred the medium soft (4) and medium (5) models, though some weighing less than 130 pounds enjoyed the deep cushioning of the soft (3) model.

The firm topper performed well during our temperature control tests. Our heat guns detected very little heat buildup thanks to the firm feel and breathable construction. We also awarded positive ratings for ease of movement. Latex is naturally responsive, so it won’t sink beneath your weight and shouldn’t sink excessively when you get in and out of bed.

What It’s Made of

The topper contains a single layer of organic Talalay latex certified by the Global Organic Latex Standard. The latex is ventilated to promote airflow and cooling. You can choose between 2- or 3- inch profiles. We recommend the latter for mattresses with more pronounced wear and tear, and the former for mattresses with minor to moderate sinkage. An organic cotton cover is available for an extra fee.

PlushBeds offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. Returns are not accepted once the Natural Latex Topper has been unboxed, but your order is backed by a 5-year warranty against material defects.

The Brooklyn Bedding TitanFlex Topper is a mixed-foam model that offers great cushioning for pressure points. This makes the topper a great choice for side sleepers and people with sharp pressure points who want a bit of extra cushioning on their mattress’ surface.

How It Performed

The topper is available in three firmness levels. Our tests show the soft (3) design is best suited to side sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds. Side sleepers weighing 130 to 230 pounds preferred the balanced feel of the medium (5) design, and the same was true for our back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds. Lastly, the firm (7) feel should provide sufficient support if you weigh more than 230 pounds. We recommend this design to anyone whose mattress has become uncomfortably soft over time.

During our temperature control tests, the topper outperformed most of the all-foam models we’ve tested firsthand. TitanFlex is an open-cell foam, so it promotes air circulation and won’t absorb much heat. You can also choose from two cover materials, both of which provide excellent cooling. We also found the TitanFlex foam fairly responsive and easy to move on compared to traditional memory foam.

What It’s Made of

TitanFlex is a proprietary material that combines the even contouring of memory foam with the responsiveness of latex. This topper contains a single piece of TitanFlex measuring 3 inches thick, making it suitable for mattresses with moderate to heavy wear and tear. Two covers are available. One is made from breathable organic cotton, while the other is a circular-knit polyester that feels cool to the touch.

The TitanFlex Topper is reasonably priced and Brooklyn Bedding offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. Your purchase includes a 30-night trial, and you’ll receive a 3-year warranty if you decide to keep the topper.

If you’re a side sleeper, chances are you’ll experience added pressure in the shoulders and hips after sleeping on a surface that doesn’t provide adequate cushioning. The Turmerry Latex Mattress Topper might be a worthwhile investment if your mattress feels too firm. You can choose from four firmness levels — soft (3), medium (5), medium firm (6), and firm (7) — depending on how much you weigh and the amount of support you need to sleep comfortably.

How It Performed

During our tests, the soft topper was popular among our side sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds but did not provide enough support for most of our other team members. The balanced feel of the medium topper earned favorable ratings from testers weighing 130 to 230 pounds across all sleep positions. If you’re a side sleeper who weighs more than 230 pounds, our tests indicate the medium firm and firm feels provide enough support. Our back and stomach sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds also preferred the firmer designs.

Temperature control was a highlight of our hands-on testing. The latex is ventilated to promote airflow, so you shouldn’t experience too much heat retention regardless of which firmness level you choose. Another area where the topper performed well was ease of movement. Even on the soft model, we were able to get on and off the mattress without excessive resistance.

What It’s Made of

The topper consists of ventilated Dunlop latex and is available in 2-inch, 3-inch, and 4-inch thickness options. The 4-inch option has a dual-sided design with a soft feel on one surface and medium firm feel on the other. If your mattress has heavy wear, you should consider the 3-inch or 4-inch designs, while the 2-inch topper should provide an adequate comfort adjustment for mattresses with minor indentations.

All thickness options are available with organic certification from the Global Organic Latex Standard, but you may also purchase non-organic versions for a slightly lower price. You can buy an organic cotton cover for an additional fee. Note that the cover is included for free with the purchase of the 4-inch topper.

The topper’s sticker price depends on which profile and type of latex you choose. Turmerry offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. Your order comes with a 120-night sleep trial, and the topper is further backed by a 5-year warranty.

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How to Choose a Mattress Topper for Back Pain

As mattress toppers adjust the feel of the sleep surface, many of the same factors that you should take into account when choosing a mattress will also play a role in your decision on a mattress topper.

What to Consider When Purchasing a Mattress Topper for Back Pain

There is a wide variety of different mattress toppers on the market that claim to do a number of different things. Rather than getting caught up in jargon and marketing claims, we encourage shoppers to look at the specific factors that contribute to whether or not a mattress topper will feel comfortable for them. Below, we’ll share some of the most important things to take into consideration as you select a mattress topper.

How Does Sleeping Position Affect Back Pain?

Back pain can occur as a result of an underlying condition or sleep-related factors. The right mattress topper can help relieve pressure points and support natural spinal alignment, which could also help contribute to reduced back pain. However, each sleep position can affect the spine differently, so those suffering from back pain may want to consider the role of their preferred sleep position.

Side sleepers: People who sleep on their side frequently prefer a slightly softer sleep surface that balances conforming and support. Too firm of a topper may not allow their hips and shoulders to sink in enough, while too soft of a mattress topper may let their hips and shoulders sink in too much. Either of these situations could put a strain on their spines and contribute to back pain. A thicker topper could be ideal for a bed that is too firm, as it can provide ample room for a side sleeper’s hips and shoulders to sink in. A firmer topper that helps prevent sinkage will be better for a bed that is too soft.

Back sleepers: This sleep position typically requires a slightly firmer sleep surface that gives them the support they need to maintain their natural spinal alignment, so they may prefer firmer and/or thinner mattress toppers. A topper that is too soft could allow their hips to sink in excessively and make it difficult to keep their spine well-aligned. Too firm of a topper could also be problematic, leaving a gap between the bed and the sleeper’s lumbar region.

Stomach sleepers: Sleepers who use this position are often prone to sinking into their beds near their hips and stomachs, since most people carry more weight near their midsections. This frequently puts a strain on the sleeper’s spine, which could contribute to back pain. A firmer, thinner mattress topper may be more supportive for stomach sleepers and reduce the likelihood of excessive sinkage.

Combination sleepers can experience the potential benefits and drawbacks of multiple sleep positions. Those who tend to change positions during the night should consider which position they sleep in most often as they select a mattress topper. If they divide their time relatively evenly between positions, a mattress topper with a mid-range thickness may be the best bet for a combination sleeper.

Which Type of Mattress Topper is Best for Back Pain?

Any type of mattress topper may have potential pros and cons. Depending on their personal preferences, back pain sufferers may enjoy different toppers.

Memory foam: As memory foam toppers conform closely to the sleeper’s body, many people who experience back pain find they give a good balance of pressure relief and support. These toppers also usually isolate motion well, so sleepers might not notice when their partner changes position. One potential drawback is that memory foam tends to retain heat, but some models are made with special features for added breathability and cooling. Memory foam is also usually slow to respond to changes in pressure, which can make it harder for sleepers to move around and change position.

Polyfoam: Polyfoam toppers conform to the sleeper’s body without the close hug of memory foam. Additionally, this material tends to be more breathable and regain its shape more quickly than memory foam. Polyfoam toppers are also frequently budget-friendly options. While many sleepers find polyfoam mattress toppers comfortable, they’re often less durable than other types of toppers on the market. This is particularly true of toppers that make use of low-density polyfoam.

Latex: Latex is prized for its pressure relief, breathability, and durability. Latex mattress toppers usually cradle the sleeper’s body without much sinkage. Instead, its low point elasticity leads to the compression spreading over a wider area, creating more of a floating sensation. Natural latex also tends to be breathable and highly durable, so it can be a good option for people who sleep hot or want to enjoy their mattress topper for years to come. However, latex mattress toppers are often more expensive than other types of toppers.

Feathers: Feather mattress toppers typically provide a plush sleep surface. However, since they do not usually provide much in the way of support or pressure relief, they may not be ideal for sleepers who experience back pain.

Cooling: Since some individuals are prone to sleeping hot, many mattress toppers have special features designed for cooling. Memory foam can be infused with gel and/or copper to help wick away heat. Many polyfoam toppers use breathable open-cell foam. Memory foam, polyfoam, and latex mattress toppers can also be ventilated using hole punches to allow more air circulation.

Frequently Asked Questions