Just because you’re experiencing back pain doesn’t mean you have to shell out thousands of dollars for a top-of-the-line mattress to replace it. Many turn to a topper as a more affordable alternative. The best mattress topper for back pain can provide the comfort and pressure relief you may need by making the bed firmer or softer.
After testing dozens of online mattress toppers, we landed on eight that may help ease the ache. Keep reading to see all our top picks.
Our Top Picks for the Best Mattress Toppers for Back Pain
- Nolah Mattress Topper – Best Overall
- ViscoSoft – Best Cooling Mattress Topper for Back Pain
- TEMPUR-Adapt Topper – Best Luxury Mattress Topper for Back Pain
- Saatva – Best Mattress Topper for Back Sleepers
- Dreamfoam – Best Value Mattress Topper for Back Pain
- Puffy Deluxe Mattress Topper – Best Firm Mattress Topper for Back Pain
- Coop Sleep Goods Retreat – Best Hypoallergenic Mattress Topper for Back Pain
- Layla – Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper for Back Pain
Our Verdict
We named the Nolah mattress topper as our best overall pick for people with back pain because of the responsive foam used to make it. When beds are either sagging or too firm and causing discomfort, foam is a good choice to turn to. But some people feel stuck in traditional memory foam. The Nolah topper’s foam, though, is very easy to move around on and can soften your mattress, which could help with back pain.
Best Mattress Toppers for Back Pain: Video Review
How We Chose Our Products
Our team of certified sleep specialists have tested dozens of mattress toppers using proprietary hands-on testing and analysis. When building this round up, we considered which mattress toppers would be able to provide additional comfort to a mattress while also offering support. We also assessed these toppers for the materials used, cooling features, overall feel, and more.
With our guide, we give you a number of options so you can select a product that not only fits your preferences, but one that is also long-lasting, breathable, and extremely comfortable. We also encourage you to check out our Buyer’s Guide at the bottom of the page. There, we take a deeper dive into what to consider when buying a mattress topper so you can make the most informed purchase possible.
Best Overall – Nolah
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
Our Expert’s Take
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. Nolah calls this AirFoam and it’s considerably easier to move around on than your traditional, slow-moving memory foam.
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 who are dealing with back pain from a bed that’s too firm. And hot sleepers should find that this topper helps wick away moisture, preventing you from getting too hot and stuffy.
What We Love About the Nolah Topper
- This topper is offered in firm or plush firmness options. The soft model is a good option for back and side sleepers who might be dealing with some back pain on a mattress that’s too firm.
- The outer cover has straps in the corners which help attach it to your mattress very securely.
- The Nolah AirFoam is different from your traditional memory foam. It springs back into place immediately, making it very easy to move around on. You won’t feel trapped in this topper.
What To Keep In Mind About the Nolah Topper
- The topper can soften firm mattresses, but it is only 2” tall. This might not be thick enough for some heavy-bodied individuals who will compress the foam more than lighter folks.
- The soft version of this topper isn’t ideal for stomach sleeping. Keep your mattress firm, or opt for the firm version of this topper to keep your hips elevated while you sleep.
Read our full Nolah mattress topper review or check out our roundup for the best mattress toppers.
Best Cooling – 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
Our Expert’s Take
Toppers can sometimes trap heat, and when you’re already dealing with back pain, sleeping hot may only make matters worse. When it comes to the Viscosoft mattress topper, it’s got several things going for it to keep sleepers cool. The foam itself has a gel infusion incorporated into it. This means that the gel will pull body heat away from you, which keeps the foam from trapping the heat.
Not only that, the foam comes inside of a removable cover. This cover is made with bamboo rayon, which is a fabric that’s known for its breathable and moisture-wicking properties. All this to say, even on this slow-moving foam topper, you won’t feel hot and sweaty.
This topper helps with back and side sleepers who are dealing with back pain because it comes in 3” and 4” thickness options. This will give plenty of pressure relief and body contouring to those who need it.
What We Love About the Viscosoft Mattress Topper
- The Viscosoft topper is offered in 3” and 4” height options. Both options will provide a good amount of additional comfort to the top of your mattress. Back sleepers may get the comfort they need on the 3” model, while side sleepers and heavyweight sleepers might get what they need on the 4” option.
- It won’t trap heat thanks to the gel infusion and the bamboo outer cover. Both are cooling innovations that keep sleepers cool at night.
What To Keep In Mind About the Viscosoft Mattress Topper
- Because this topper is made of memory foam, it’ll have that classic, slow-moving feel to it. For some, this could make it hard to move around on. And it might be too soft to support stomach sleepers.
Read our full ViscoSoft Select High-Density mattress topper review or check out our roundup for the best cheap mattress toppers.
Best Luxury – 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
Our Expert’s Take
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. Back sleepers or side sleepers with back pain should be able to find additional comfort and pressure relief thanks to the 3” thick topper of foam.
This topper is very soft and will soften a mattress a good deal. So for those who 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. Tempur-Pedic offers a 10-year warranty to back it up.
What We Love About the TEMPUR-Adapt Topper
- This high-end mattress topper softens mattresses, and it’s a great option for back and side sleepers.
- It features 3″ of luxurious TEMPUR material that softens mattresses with that classic slow-moving memory foam feel.
- The TEMPUR-Adapt Topper is fantastic for a variety of different body types.
What To Keep In Mind About the TEMPUR-Adapt Topper
- While you do have the option of a cooling cover, this does come at an extra cost. This puts the already luxurious price tag even higher, which could put it out of some people’s budget.
- Without the cooling cover, this topper doesn’t have many cooling infusions or features. This will cause the topper to trap heat, which could pose a problem for hot sleepers.
Read our full TEMPUR-Adapt Topper review.
Best For Back Sleepers – Saatva
Saatva Graphite 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
Our Expert’s Take
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 tested the graphite memory version of this topper. It’s good for back sleepers who have pain from either a mattress that’s too firm or a mattress that’s sagging. It’ll soften up that mattress or help even out the area that’s sinking. The graphite infusion helps it sleep relatively cool as well.
What We Love About the Saatva Mattress Topper
- Thanks to its cooling graphite infusion, 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. The corners of the cover also have straps which can help it stay secure on your mattress.
What To Keep In Mind About the Saatva Mattress Topper
- While Saatva makes high-quality products with certified organic materials, this topper is roughly $450 for a Queen. This could be out of some people’s budgets.
Read our full Saatva mattress topper review.
Best Cooling – 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
Our Expert’s Take
Many people turn to toppers as a quick, affordable fix to an imperfect mattress. The Dreamfoam Gel Swirl mattress topper is a good choice for those who need support, but have to keep a stricter budget in mind. It’s one of Brooklyn Bedding’s mattress toppers, and it’s often included in seasonal discounts that Brooklyn Bedding runs. So, if you time it right, you may be able to see discounts up to 40%.
The Dreamfoam topper also features a gel swirl, which means it’ll pull body heat away and keep sleepers relatively cool during the night. It offers 2.5” of foam, giving it that slow-moving feel which can ease pressure along the shoulders and hips while side-sleeping. This could also potentially help 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 We Love About the Dreamfoam Mattress Topper
- It’s often included in seasonal discounts, which make it a good choice for shoppers with a budget in mind. If they shop at the right time, you can often save a good amount.
- It has gel swirl which will pull body heat away and keep sleepers cool.
- Being made entirely of memory foam, it’ll offer good body contouring and pressure relief for those who are dealing with back pain.
What To Keep In Mind About the Dreamfoam Mattress Topper
- Keep in mind that this topper is just a single slab of memory foam. It doesn’t have a protective outer cover. Because of this, it may not be very long-lasting.
Read our full Dreamfoam mattress topper review or check out our roundup of the best cooling toppers.
Best Firm – Puffy
Puffy Deluxe Mattress Topper
The Puffy mattress topper is not only hypoallergenic but includes a removable and washable cover, which can help keep your surface extra clean.
Mattress Clarity Score
5.00 / 5
Our Expert’s Take
For some, a mattress that’s too soft can be a source of back pain. Believe it or not, there are mattress toppers that exist that feel firm and will offer more support than a soft mattress can. The Puffy Deluxe topper is offered in soft and firm versions, and I tested the firm version and I can attest that this mattress topper is indeed very firm.
Even though it’s made entirely of foam, it’s very dense and doesn’t have a lot of give. This makes the topper great for back sleepers who have a sagging spot in their mattress, or for stomach sleepers who need to keep their hips elevated while they sleep. With this additional support, back and stomach sleepers with back pain might see some relief.
What We Love About the Puffy Deluxe Mattress Topper
- The firm version of this topper is great for back and stomach sleepers who need to firm up their mattress.
- It comes inside of a cover that acts like a fitted sheet. Along with tiny silicone grips on the bottom of the topper and a sturdy elastic band, this means that the topper shouldn’t move around during the night.
- Thanks to this topper being firm, you won’t sink too far into the foam. This makes it very easy to move around on.
What To Keep In Mind About the Puffy Deluxe Mattress Topper
- As I’ve said throughout this section, this topper is incredibly firm. Because of this, the firm model is not ideal for side sleepers, as it could cause pressure build up in your shoulders and hips. Opt for the soft model of this topper instead.
Read our full Puffy Deluxe mattress topper review.
Best Hypoallergenic – Coop Sleep Goods
Coop Sleep Goods Retreat Mattress Topper
Breathable and comfy, the COOP Sleep Goods Retreat mattress topper is a great choice for a king-size bed.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.90 / 5
Our Expert’s Take
The Coop Sleep Goods topper has a plush, contouring feel, thanks to its shredded memory foam insides. It’s 5” thick, and should provide some nice pressure relief, which could help sleepers alleviate some back pain. What’s more, the foam in the Retreat Mattress Topper is 100% hypoallergenic thanks to the microfiber cover. So, if you’re sensitive to any allergens, this topper won’t attract or trap allergens.
The shredded foam used in this topper acts a bit differently than toppers that are made of single slabs of foam. You’ll still get that needed pressure relief, but being shredded makes it a bit easier to move around on.
What We Love About the Retreat Mattress Topper
- The brushed microfiber outer cover and the foam fill are hypoallergenic. This means that this topper won’t trap or attract allergens in your sleep environment.
- It’s 5” thick and full of shredded memory foam. This will give side sleepers some ample pressure relief and back sleepers good body contouring.
- This topper uses a baffle box construction, meaning that the cover is sewn through to keep the foam evenly distributed. This should help offer support for your back and should help alleviate back pain.
What To Keep In Mind About the Retreat Mattress Topper
- Before any discounts, a Queen-size Retreat topper costs about $300. This might be out of some shoppers’ budgets.
Read our full Coop Sleep Goods Retreat mattress topper review.
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
Our Expert’s Take
Memory foam mattress toppers can be great for sleepers looking for additional cushioning. I especially love the Layla mattress topper for this. It softens your mattresses by one point. We rate mattresses on a scale from one to 10, with 10 being the firmest. So, if your mattress feels like a 7/10, this topper will make it feel like a 6/10. For reference, the industry standard for a classic medium-firm is 6.5/10, so a 6/10 is just slightly softer than medium.
It’s plush, but still responsive enough to prevent sleepers from sinking in too far. This can help keep your spine in proper alignment. Unlike many foam toppers, the Layla topper sleeps cool. It has a cooling cover and copper-infused foam, which dissipates body heat.
What We Love About the Layla Mattress Topper
- It’s great for back and side sleepers because it’ll soften mattresses that feel too firm.
- It should be comfortable for lightweight sleepers, as well as average-weight and heavyweight back and side sleepers.
- Like many toppers on this list, the outer cover has straps which can attach it to your bed and keep it in place.
What To Keep In Mind About the Layla Mattress Topper
- While this still softens mattresses, it’s not a particularly thick topper. This might not be ideal for heavyweight side sleepers, who would need something thicker so they don’t end up pressing all the way through the foam.
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 2024.
| Mattress | Superlative |
| Nolah | Best Overall |
| ViscoSoft | Best Cooling Mattress Topper |
| TEMPUR-Adapt Topper | Best Luxury Mattress Topper |
| Saatva | Best Mattress Topper for Back Sleepers |
| Dreamfoam | Best Value Mattress Topper |
| Puffy Deluxe Mattress Topper | Best Firm Mattress Topper |
| Coop Sleep Goods Retreat | Best Hypoallergenic 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 have 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.