Just because you’re struggling with back pain doesn’t mean you have to shell out hundreds of dollars for a great mattress. The best mattress topper for back pain can provide the comfort and pressure relief you need by making the bed firmer or softer. After testing dozens of online mattress toppers, we landed on six that should help ease the ache. These are the six best mattress toppers for back pain in 2023!
Our Top 7 Picks
- Nolah Mattress Topper – Best Overall
- ViscoSoft – Best Value Mattress Topper for Back Pain
- TEMPUR-Adapt Topper – Best Luxury Mattress Topper for Back Pain
- Saatva – Best Mattress Topper for Back Sleepers
- Dreamfoam – Best Cooling Mattress Topper for Back Pain
- 3″ TitanFlex Topper – Best Firm Mattress Topper for Back Pain
- Layla – Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper for Back Pain
Best Mattress Toppers for Back Pain: Video Review
Best Overall – Nolah Mattress Topper
Nolah Mattress Topper
The Nolah Mattress Topper uses its proprietary CertiPUR-US certified foam to achieve a super pressure-relieving yet supportive feel.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.90 / 5
Who is it for?
Our favorite topper has to be the Nolah Mattress Topper. Made in the USA, this product is made from a special kind of foam that is purportedly more contouring, durable, and cooling than other foams. With this in mind, there’s a nice balance of comfort and support that’s likely a good match for back sleepers and side sleepers. And hot sleepers should find that this topper helps wick away moisture, preventing you from getting too hot and stuffy.
What Makes The Nolah Topper Stand Out?
- Because its foam is CertiPUR-US® certified, it’s made without harmful toxins and chemicals.
- The cotton cover is organic and assists with breathability.
- Elastic bands help secure this topper to your mattress.
Read our full Nolah mattress topper review or check out our roundup for the best mattress toppers.
Best Value Mattress Topper – ViscoSoft
ViscoSoft Select High Density Mattress Topper
If you’re craving a memory foam sleeping surface, but don’t want to spring for a new mattress, the Select High-Density ViscoSoft mattress topper may just be the answer. This 3” gel-infused mattress topper has excellent body contouring at a low price.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.50 / 5
Read Full Review
Who is it for?
Anyone who’s looking to alleviate back pain may want to try a mattress topper before they buy a completely new bed. The ViscoSoft mattress topper, in particular, comes at an excellent value, considering its high-quality construction. You can find this topper for under $300 for a queen, so budget shoppers, take note. It has a 3” comfort layer of gel-infused memory foam that provides great lumbar support for side and back sleepers. The memory foam allows you to sink into the surface and eases pain on high pressure points. This dense material can soften your mattress by two points.
What Makes The ViscoSoft Stand Out?
- Its cover is removable and washable.
- For added comfort, the ViscoSoft includes gel-infused foam and a bamboo rayon cooling cover.
- Adjustable corner straps and a mesh bottom keep the topper in place as you move around the bed.
Read our full ViscoSoft Select High-Density mattress topper review or check out our roundup for the best cheap mattress toppers.
Best Luxury Mattress Topper – TEMPUR-Adapt
TEMPUR-Adapt Mattress Topper
The TEMPUR-Adapt is a soft memory foam mattress topper. It should be a good match for back sleepers, side sleepers, and fans of slow-moving memory foam.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.50 / 5
Read Full Review
Who is it for?
When many people think about memory foam, their mind jumps to TEMPUR-Pedic’s slow-moving Tempur material. This is the kind of luxury bedding that memory foam lovers can really sink into. If they need extra pressure relief for their back pain, the TEMPUR-Adapt Topper should do the trick. It’s a bit more of an investment up front, but it has an impressive lifespan.
What Makes The TEMPUR-Adapt Topper Stand Out?
- This high-end mattress topper softens mattresses, and it’s great for back and side sleepers.
- It features 3″ of luxurious Tempur material.
- The TEMPUR-Adapt Topper is fantastic for a variety of different body types.
Read our full TEMPUR-Adapt Topper review.
Best Mattress Topper For Back Sleepers – Saatva
Saatva Mattress Topper
If you love the pressure-relieving qualities of memory foam, but don’t want to invest in a brand new mattress, the Saatva Graphite mattress topper could be just the thing for you. In addition to its soft feel, this 3” topper has many cooling features.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.80 / 5
Read Full Review
Who is it for?
Back sleepers of all body types should love the Saatva mattress topper. This 3″ mattress topper has a plush, slow-moving feel. It’s soft enough to ease pressure, but not so soft that your back will sink out of alignment. You can choose between three luxury toppers: graphite, latex, and foam. We recommend that back sleepers try the graphite or latex if they need something particularly cooling.
What Makes The Saatva Stand Out?
- Thanks to its cooling features, this topper draws heat away from the body.
- Because it’s made out of high-quality memory foam, the topper isolates motion well. So, it’s great for couples.
- The topper has a machine-washable cover.
Read our full Saatva mattress topper review.
Best Cooling Mattress Topper – Dreamfoam
Dreamfoam 2" Gel Swirl Memory Foam Mattress Topper
If you’re a fan of the slow-moving memory foam feel, but you’re not ready to spring for a brand new mattress, then the Dreamfoam mattress topper just may be the perfect thing for you.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.50 / 5
Read Full Review
Who is it for?
Not only does the Dreamfoam Gel Swirl mattress topper help alleviate back pain, but it prevents overheating that contributes to further discomfort. Its memory foam construction provides wonderful body contouring, but it’s also gel-infused, keeping hot sleepers cool. The slow-moving material eases pressure along the shoulders and hips while side-sleeping. This should also ease hip and lower back pain while back-sleeping. Because this topper isn’t incredibly thick, you should receive support for your lower back.
What Makes The Dreamfoam Stand Out?
- With our Mattress Clarity coupons, this is one of the most affordable mattress topper on our list.
- Back and side sleepers should love this topper.
- Couples should appreciate this topper’s great motion isolation.
Read our full Dreamfoam mattress topper review or check out our roundup of the best cooling toppers.
Best Firm Mattress Topper – Brooklyn Bedding TitanFlex
Brooklyn Bedding TitanFlex Topper
The TitanFlex is a comfortable topper that comes in three firmnesses. This makes it a good fit for any sleeping position.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.20 / 5
Who is it for?
Often, mattress toppers soften a hard mattress and provide additional pressure relief. However, what if you’re someone who wants a touch of firmness? The 3″ TitanFlex topper includes a Firm version that should appeal to sleepers looking for more support. So, if you’re a sleeper with back pain needing a tad more lift at the hips, this could be a good option for you.
What Makes the 3″ TitanFlex Topper Stand Out?
- It also comes in Soft and Medium firmness options.
- Its foams are CertiPUR-US certified, so it meets rigorous standards for materials.
- This topper is equipped with cooling features for additional comfort.
Our full review is coming soon!
Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper – Layla
Layla Mattress Topper
If it’s a cooling memory foam mattress topper you’re after, take a look at the Layla. This popular online mattress brand is known for their high-quality products, and this mattress topper is no exception.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.20 / 5
Read Full Review
Who is it for?
Memory foam mattress toppers can be great for sleepers looking for additional cushioning. We especially love the Layla mattress topper for this purpose, is it softens existing mattresses by one point. It’s plush, but still responsive enough to prevent sleepers from sinking in too far. This helps keep their spines in proper alignment, alleviating back pain. Unlike many foam toppers, the Layla topper sleeps cool. It has a cooling cover and copper-infused foam, which dissipates body heat.
What Makes The Layla Stand Out?
- It’s great for back and side sleepers.
- It should be comfortable for lightweight sleepers, as well as average-weight and heavyweight back and side sleepers.
- The Layla topper should last folks three to five years.
Read our full Layla mattress topper review or check out our roundup for the best memory foam mattress toppers.
How Do Mattress Toppers Help with Back Pain?
Old mattresses can exacerbate back pain, but that doesn’t mean you have to throw your current bed in the garbage. By adding a mattress topper, you can refresh your mattress and bring back its original comfort.
The best toppers create both comfort and support. You’ll need some pressure relief, but you don’t want your body to sink out of the proper alignment. Side and back sleepers will benefit from a thick and plush topper, while stomach sleepers will need something more supportive.
For an even more comfortable sleeping experience, you may want to resort to buying an entirely new mattress. If you’re interested, check out our roundup for the best mattresses for back pain.
Of course, there’s a lot to know about the world of mattress toppers. Let’s take a close look at each element, one by one.
What’s the Best Type of Mattress Topper for Back Pain?
After a quick search online, you’ll likely find hundreds of different mattress toppers. How do you know which type is best for back pain? To make the process easier, we’ve broken down the most popular models below.
| Material | Good for Back Pain? |
| Memory foam | Yes, for back and side sleepers |
| Poly foam | Yes, but it’s not durable |
| Latex | Yes, for back and stomach sleepers |
| Down | No |
| Feather | No |
| Wool | Yes, for stomach sleepers |
Memory Foam
Memory foam remains one of the most popular materials for mattress toppers. If you’re a back or side sleeper with back pain, this material can help alleviate the pressure. Thanks to its slow-moving feel, you’ll really sink into it. This creates comfy body contouring around the lower back, which helps soothe pain.
On the downside, memory foam tends to overheat at night. If you already struggle with this, we recommend looking for a cooling memory foam topper. Gel and graphite infusions help pull heat away from the body, and open-celled foams promote airflow. If you tend to sleep hot at night, look for one of the best cooling mattress toppers.
Poly foam
Most commonly found in budget mattress toppers, poly foam doesn’t have a long lifespan. Oftentimes, manufacturers only use this material in a small portion of the bedding product. If you purchase a topper made entirely out of poly foam, you’ll still get some nice pressure relief and comfort, but you may have to replace the product after a short while.
Latex
If you love a mattress topper that feels bouncy and responsive, look for something made out of latex foam. Unlike memory foam, latex quickly springs back into place after you apply pressure. This has many benefits. First, because you won’t sink into it too much, this material doesn’t trap body heat. Also, latex lasts much longer than many other materials. Many latex toppers feel quite firm, so they could work well for stomach sleepers.
Down
Down toppers are made out of geese or duck plumage, and they create a soft and malleable feel. They don’t provide much support though, so we don’t recommend them for people dealing with back pain. Down also tends to trap dust mites. If you already suffer from allergies, you may want to look for a topper made with down alternative.
Feather
Feather beds often get confused with down mattress toppers, but they aren’t quite the same thing. Feather beds are made with—you guessed it—geese and duck feathers. Down, on the other hand, utilizes the bird’s plumage.
The main difference between the two? Feather beds have a higher density. They create a bit more support than down toppers, but we still don’t recommend them for those suffering with back pain.
Wool
Wool mattress toppers don’t create much pressure relief, so they may not work well for back and side sleepers dealing with pain. However, if you’re a stomach sleeper, a wool topper could help you stay in the proper alignment.
This material can get pricey, but it does have many benefits. First, it helps regulate temperature. Wool stays dry in the summer and warm in the winter. These toppers also last a long time, and they create an extra layer of comfy softness.
What to Consider When Buying a Mattress Topper for Back Pain
We’ve learned about the different types of toppers out there. Now, let’s narrow the search even more. Here are the main things to consider when buying a mattress topper for back pain.
Feel
Before clicking “add to cart,” you’ll want to decide what your mattress topper should feel like. If you love sinking inside your bed and feeling its luxurious comfort all around you, shop for a memory foam mattress topper. But what if you prefer to sleep on top of the bed, rather than inside it? In that case, you’ll want to look for a topper made with a responsive material like latex.
Firmness
Those who suffer from back pain will want to pay special attention to their bed’s firmness level. If your bed feels too firm or too soft, you won’t get the proper spinal support.
To make things clearer, we created a firmness scale that ranges from 1–10. Medium firm mattresses come in at 6.5/10.
First, consider your mattress’s current firmness level. If it’s closer to an 8/10, you may want a topper that will soften it by a few points. If your bed feels like a 5/10, look for something that will make your bed firmer.
Sleeping Position
When you regularly experience back pain, it’s especially important to make sure your bed promotes the proper spinal alignment in your sleeping position.
Back sleepers will need a mattress that provides both comfort and support. They’ll need some body contouring and pressure relief along the lower back. But if it’s too soft, the bed could cause back sleepers to rest in an unnatural position.
Side sleepers will need some extra pressure relief along shoulders and hips, so they may benefit from a thick memory foam topper. Stomach sleepers need firm beds in order to keep their backs in the correct alignment.
Pressure Relief
Many people experience back pain because their mattresses don’t provide enough pressure relief. Back and side sleepers will especially need to find a topper that can soothe pain along the shoulders and hips. Stomach sleepers may not need to worry about this issue, because they tend to need a firmer mattress.
Thickness
Most often, mattress toppers come in three thickness levels: 1″, 2″, and 3″. Heavier side and back sleepers will want to look for a 3″ topper, because this will create the most pressure relief. If you’re a lightweight back or side sleeper, a 2″ topper could work well. Stomach sleepers may only need a 1″ topper, because these often feel firmer.
Durability
In general, mattress toppers don’t last as long as mattresses. Some, however, can sleep comfortably for up to five years. Sometimes, it’s worth paying more money up front so you get something that lasts. But if you’re only sleeping on the topper occasionally, you may not need to invest in a high-end model.
Budget
Toppers come in a variety of different price points. For the most part, a budget yet quality topper will cost you between $100-$200. Luckily, we’ve included options that should work for many different budgets.
Summary
Need a refresher? Here are the six best mattress toppers for back pain in 2023.
| Mattress | Superlative |
| Nolah | Best Overall |
| TEMPUR-Adapt Topper | Best Luxury Mattress Topper |
| ViscoSoft | Best Value Mattress Topper |
| Saatva | Best Mattress Topper for Back Sleepers |
| Dreamfoam | Best Cooling Mattress Topper |
| 3″ TitanFlex Topper | Best Firm Mattress Topper |
| Layla | Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper |
FAQs
What kind of mattress topper is best for back pain?
As you can see, there are many great options! At the end of the day, it really depends on your specific needs. If you suffer from lower back pain, we recommend the Casper mattress topper. If you’re a stomach sleeper, look at the Avocado mattress topper. Those who prefer a plush feel will love the Saatva Graphite topper.
Are mattress toppers bad for your back?
Mattress toppers are not bad for your back, but it’s important to find the right one for your needs. For example, stomach sleepers should look for something that will make their bed feel firmer, such as the Avocado or Lift By Amerisleep Support topper. Side sleepers may need more pressure relief, and they could benefit from the ViscoSoft or TEMPUR-Topper Supreme. If you want to find the best topper for you, check out our buyer’s guide!
What is the best mattress topper for lower back and hip pain?
The best topper for lower back and hip pain is, hands-down, the Casper. This mattress topper has three layers which combine to create comfort and support. Plus, this product has many fantastic cooling features and will last a long time.