9 Firm Mattress Toppers That Provide Sweet Relief to an Achy Back
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When it comes to mattresses, there’s a Goldilocks level of comfort between plush and firmness that makes sleeping just right. But if you tend to sleep on your back or stomach, your maybe too-plush mattress might be the culprit for the crick in your neck and an always sore spine.
Choosing one can be a bit of a headache: There are latex, gel and memory foam toppers out there, all with a range of thickness and firmness levels. That’s why we tapped an expert—and culled reviews—to bring you the best firm mattress toppers so you can finally get some rest.
MEET THE EXPERT:
Dr. Shelby Harris, PsyD, DBSM, a licensed psychologist and the director of Sleep Health at Sleepopolis. She also runs a private practive in White Plains, NY, and previously was the longstanding director of the Behavioral Sleep Medicine Program at the Sleep-Wake Disorders Center at Montefiore Medical Center.
How We Chose the Best Firm Mattress Toppers
First, we turned to Dr. Harris for the key criteria to look for in a firm mattress—to truly bolster a soft mattress, you'll want one that's at least 2 inches thick, she says. The material comes down to your preferences—memory foam can provide pressure point relief, for example, while latex creates more of a "floating" sensation. From there, we researched new and existing products on the market, looking for ones at least two inches thick (though ideally closer to four) in a variety of materials and at a range of price points. Additionally, we also looked at mattresses with the top user reviews, focusing on buyers who gave great reviews based on the following criteria: overall firmness of mattress, price, functionality and durability. We also gave preference to mattresses with an emphasis on padded cushioning, as padded mattress toppers offer better comfort and lumbar support.
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The Best Firm Mattress Toppers at a Glance
1. Silk & Snow Organic Mattress Topper
Available in two firmness levels, the firm version of this mattress topper is a great addition for anyone looking for some extra support. It’s made of Dunlop latex, a natural material that offers some light cushioning that you won’t sink into. The reviews are great as well, with one with one buyer sharing: "I have had back pain for a few years and thought that I just had to live with it. After a week of sleeping on the mattress topper, I've noticed that my morning aches and pains are either much milder or not at all!" This durable mattress topper is a solid two inches thick that offers a just right support for most people. Plus, it comes with an organic cotton cover that’s light and breathable.
From $175; $157 at silk & snow
2. Saatva Mattress Topper
Saatava offers three materials for its mattress topper, but the foam material is the firmest for the most support. It offers 3 inches of medium firm support for pressure point relief. Aside from the incredible relief you’ll feel when catching ZZZs, it’s CertiPUR-US certified, meaning it's low in VOCs, so it won’t have that weird mattress smell. Just take it from one shopper, who says: "I did a lot of research before finally purchasing the graphite topper. The past two weeks have been amazing, and I am finally able to sleep without excruciating pain."
The cotton cover on this topper is breathable, giving it a cool surface temperature, beyond being removable and machine-washable.
3. Nolah Mattress Topper
If you’re a back or stomach sleeper who tends to sleep hot, this is the mattress topper for you. Featuring the Nolah’s coveted Airfoam material, the Luxury Firm option has a denser foam that provides pressure relief without overheating. "We decided to level up our mattress pad and we’re so grateful that we did. The quality is amazing, soft, and keeps us warm sleepers cool," confirms one satisfied customer of their purchase. At two inches thick, it should maintain its shape over time while you sleep sweat-free. It also comes with an organic cotton cover and the foam is CertiPUR-US certified.
4. Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper
Though it’s a bit pricer than some of the other mattress toppers on the list, the organic material of the Avocado mattress topper is well worth it, especially if you can’t spring for the brand’s actual mattress. Made of sustainable and organic materials, the firm version of this latex mattress is feels supportive without being too stiff: "I'm sleeping better and feel with every move the support and firm, yet luxurious softness of this mattress. So glad I made this important purchase," a customer shares. Even better, the vegan cover is made without wool, making it a bit more breathable. Avocado also offers an impressive free shipping, a year-long sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.
5. Viscosoft High Density Mattress Topper
With three or four inches of gel-infused memory foam, the Viscosoft mattress topper offers plenty of support. It’s a great option for anyone with back pain, as it offers pressure point relief, which is supposed to help align your spine. Says one buyer: "I bought a new adjustable bed but the mattress was too soft and I woke up with a back ache every morning. The Viscosoft mattress topper is perfect and my back no longer hurts. I am sleeping much better." The 3.5-pound density is incredibly durable, and that sturdy construction helps prevent motion transfer, so your tossing and turning won't wake up your partner (or your dog). Plus, the removable cover is machine washable for easy cleaning.
6. Tempur-Pedic Topper
As the OG memory foam mattress, Tempur-Pedic’s unique mattress topper is designed with those struggling with chronic pain in mind. One shopper confirms they achieved this goal, saying: "I could not wait to get it on my mattress. It helped to ease some of my aches and pains that I have felt for quite some time." Its three-inch thickness will make you feel like you have an entirely new mattress, and it comes with corner straps to create a secure attachment to your older mattress. Just note that it can be a bit heavy when you first put it on, but it can easily be rolled up if you ever need to move or swap mattresses.
From $319, $191 at tempur-pedic
7. PlushBeds Natural Latex Mattress Topper
You’ll be able to find the perfect mattress topper at PlushBeds as it comes in four firmness and two thickness options. It uses natural Talalay latex, which creates an almost buoyant, floating sensation while you’re in your REM cycle that’s also supportive and pressure-relieving. Just take it from this Plushbed buyer: "Natural latex mattress was marriage-saving in our house (no more waking when one partner rolled over), and the topper is the trick for recovery after long hours of dance when you need extra support on an existing mattress." Basically, it’s like a modern day water bed. Just note that you’ll have to purchase a removable cover separately.
8. BedStory Extra Firm Mattress Topper
Boosting a 4.3 rating and from over 300 reviewers, this BedStory topper from Amazon has been a hit amongst buyers thanks to its high density foam construction and ergonomic design. Described by the brand as "providing exceptionally firm support for the perfect balance of comfort and stability," this mattress topper targets pressure points while simultaneously relieving pain in your back and shoulders." Not convinced? This Amazon reviewer states: "Needed something to add height and comfort after my mother's recent hip replacement surgery. This mattress worked well for my mother in giving her a more comfortable place to sleep since the mattress underneath it is about 20-years old and really in need of replacement." Affordably priced under $100 with multiple sizes to choose from depending on which type of bed you have, this topper will have you waking up feeling amazing.
9. Tuft & Needle Mattress Topper
If back pain and equally uncomfortable sweaty nights are something you deal with frequently, this mattress topper can be a great first step towards improving your discomfort. Boosting a cooling foam design that is especially great for back and side sleepers, the topper itself features breathable supports that helps with correcting spinal alignment and alleviating pressure points, all while keeping you cool in the meantime. Adding to that, is the density and thickness of the mattress, which gives you that cloud-like sinkable feeling associated with mattress toppers. Or as one shopper explains: "Bought this topper to soften my Casper mattress and alleviate lower back pain. I immediately felt a difference in comfort level and after five weeks, the pain has the pain has decreased substantially."
Throw in the fact that it's compatible with most mattresses and we're sold!
An Honest Review of Thinx's Sleep Shorts
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