These Top-rated Mattress Toppers Help Relieve Back Pain, According to Testing

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The best mattress topper for back pain can do much more than simply revive an uncomfortable mattress—it also helps relieve various aches and pains, specifically back pain.. Especially if you’re not ready to invest in a whole new mattress for back pain .

Mattress toppers are a good option for anyone who finds that their current mattress is uncomfortable or causing them discomfort while sleeping but doesn’t want to purchase a new mattress. As an extra layer that rests on top of your mattress, a topper alters the firmness level and cushioning to provide better support and pressure relief—helping to alleviate back pain throughout the night. “A new mattress topper can provide support for the low back and help maintain proper alignment throughout the night by conforming to the natural curvature of the spine,” explains Troy Wood, M.D., a specialist in pain medicine, physical medicine, and rehabilitation at the Atlantic Health System.

When it comes to shopping for the best mattress toppers, though, it can be challenging to find the right one for your needs—which is why we’ve rounded up all of the best available. Along with stretching and using your handy back massagers, these mattress toppers will grant you some relief for your back pain in no time.

Meet the Experts: Troy Wood, M.D., a specialist in pain medicine, physical medicine, and rehabilitation at the Atlantic Health System; Karen Litzy, P.T., D.P.T., a physical therapist in New York City and member of Prevention’s Medical Review Board.

Whether you’re looking for memory foam or latex, a cooling mattress topper, or one that’s best for side sleepers, all of these expert-approved and top-rated picks should help you sleep more comfortably all night long.

Mattress Topper

The Nolah Mattress Topper is made with AirFoam that is moisture wicking, supportive, and great for those who need extra pressure relief. It also has two different firmness options (plush and luxury firm), so you can pick the one that is most comfortable to you. The brand also claims that its AirFoam material offers four times better pressure relief and 300% more durability than regular memory foam.

What the reviewers say: “It’s the perfect combination of cushiony comfort and support. It gives me the pressure point relief I need, it’s comfortable AND supportive, I sleep well, and I don’t wake up in pain anymore!”

3-Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper

If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, this popular Amazon pick boasts over 8,700 five-star ratings, with reviewers loving that it provides just the right amount of firmness and support. It’s made from gel-infused memory foam that’s designed to prevent you from “sinking” and is designed to reduce body heat and optimize airflow. Plus, it’s available in three different thickness options.

What the reviewers say: “I used to have back pain constantly throughout the night, every night, due to my old mattress. On the first night, my lower back pain was almost completely alleviated. I was truly amazed. It is soft but supportive.”

Mattress Topper

While Saatva makes high-quality mattresses, the brand also offers just as nice mattress toppers. This option is great for those who feel their bed is lacking support or find themselves sinking into their mattress. Tested by the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, it has a height of three inches with a firm and supportive feel that provides pressure relief while sleeping. One tester who is a side sleeper with ongoing hip and shoulder pain shared that the firm topper provided great relief around her pressure points, and she didn't feel sore when she woke up like with her mattress.

The mattress topper is made with graphite-infused memory foam which is meant to pull excess heat from the body to create a cooling effect, according to the brand. Testers reported they remained at a comfortable temperature throughout the night while sleeping on this topper, and they found it to be cooler than others they’ve tried. Plus, it offers motion isolation to make it less likely that you’ll feel movement from partners or pets throughout the night. It also has elastic straps at all four corners to keep the topper in place, and testers said the topper doesn't shift or slide around at night.

TEMPUR-Adapt Topper

Known for their popular mattresses, Tempur-Pedic uses the same materials in its mattress toppers. This Tempur-Adapt topper features a height of three inches with a super plush feel that contours to the body for extra comfort sans that uncomfortable feeling of sinking too deep in the bed. It also provides pressure relief, which may be helpful for those suffering from pain. Good Housekeeping testers and survey panelists said the brand's comfy materials reduced their back and hip pain.

According to testers, this topper instantly improved the overall feel of their mattress. “This mattress topper made my bed significantly more comfortable,” one shared. And since the memory foam material is motion-isolating, you’re less likely to feel your partner moving around next to you at night. While the elastic straps stretch over the corner of your mattress and make it easier to place the topper on your bed, some testers still noticed the topper shifting around at night. Good Housekeeping panelists noted their high-quality Tempur-Pedic toppers have maintained their shape long-term, even after years of nightly use.

Performance Mattress Pad

This mattress topper from Slumber Cloud was tested by Prevention’s Assistant Editor Shannen Zitz for well over a year. “I am a very hot sleeper, and this mattress pad (along with the Slumber Cloud Performance Sheets and UltraCool Comforter) has been one of the best investments I’ve made for my sleep, keeping me comfortable and cool all night long,” she explained. “It also helped revamp my old mattress and reduces aches and pains in my back and neck that I tend to get while sleeping.” The brand says the topper works by responding directly to your body temperature, absorbing and releasing excess heat when needed.

What the reviewers say: “I was skeptical regarding the claim this mattress would help with my hot/cold temperature changes at night. But, IT WORKS. I’ve had the mattress pad on my for two weeks and I’ve had the best sleep in years. I don’t wake up at night to throw the covers off me only to put them back on me in five minutes. I truly love this mattress pad!!! It’s fantastic and well worth the money.”

Organic Latex Mattress Topper

Avocado’s mattress topper is made with 100% GOLS organic certified latex, as well as a layer of GOTS-certified organic wool that helps regulate temperature and wick away moisture to help keep you cool. Not to mention, you can also choose between two firmness levels—plush or firm—to match what you need.

What the reviewers say: “I absolutely love my topper! I have been sleeping on it for a little over a year and love it more each day. Before the topper I woke up with aches and pains and after the topper—no more aches and pains! It was cool all summer and warm in the winter.”

Dual Layer 4-Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper

This top-rated mattress topper from Sleep Innovations features a four-inch dual layer for extra enhanced support: two inches of cooling gel memory foam on the bottom and two inches of a soft quilted pillow top cover. And with a whopping 20,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, it’s a clear favorite among customers, with reviewers raving that it’s a “game changer.”

What the reviewers say: “I have a horrible back that keeps me tossing and turning all night long...I no longer dread it when it is time to go to bed. This will be one of the best investments you have ever bought. Do yourself a favor and purchase this item.”

Foam Mattress Topper

Thanks to its soft, responsive foam that relieves pressure points on the hips and shoulders, this two-inch foam topper is great for side sleepers who are looking for pain relief. The open-cell design also helps ensure the material is breathable and cooling.

What the reviewers say: “This thing is AWESOME! I recently bought a new mattress and I am a side sleeper, and it was just too firm for me. I was having serious upper back pain. I woke up feeling like a new woman. It was such a gentle, soft, cradle for my whole body.”

2.5-lb. Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper

If you’re looking for a good mattress topper that won’t break the bank, this affordable pick comes in at under $100—without skimping on quality. It features a plush layer of memory foam that provides pressure point relief, complete with a gel swirl that offers a cooling effect.

What the reviewers say: “I didn’t think it would do much, but within just two weeks the back pain I’ve been experiencing for months has disappeared. I would highly recommend this to anyone who has a bad back as a result of a terrible bed. Good price and great results.”

Ultra Plush 3-Inch Down Alternative Fiber Mattress Topper

If your mattress is too firm and causing back pain, this topper from Lucid is a great fix. With three inches of ultra-plush hypoallergenic down alternative fill, this mattress topper does not have any of the odors, allergens, or sharp quills that come with a traditional down mattress topper. It also has a box stitching design that ensures the filling is evenly spread out under you, offering a uniform plushy experience throughout.

What the reviewers say: “It’s an absolute godsend of a topper. A real life changer. So, so, so soft and plush. The moment my head hit the bed I was out like a light. This is a perfect option for someone who is stuck with a less than stellar mattress.”

How to choose the best mattress toppers for back pain

✔️ Choose the best material. Mattress toppers are typically made with materials like memory foam and latex. “For the most part, foam toppers are softer and provide more cushioning than latex toppers,” says Dr. Wood. When it comes to relieving back pain, you should look for memory foam options, which tend to do a better job at supporting the lumbar region and relieve back pain while you sleep.

✔️ Look for the right firmness level. For back sleepers, firm mattress toppers are great choice, especially if your current mattress is too soft. On the other hand, a mattress that is too hard can potentially worsen back pain, in which case you might find greater relief with a topper that provides softer cushioning. Ultimately, it’s important to find the right level of firmness that fits your needs.

✔️ Consider thickness. Mattress toppers can come in ranges of thickness between two to four inches, but a thicker topper may be best for relieving back pain. A thick mattress topper typically provides more pressure point relief compared to a thinner topper. Wood recommends ideally opting for a topper that is at least three inches thick “to allow for adequate cushioning.”

✔️ Look for cooling or temperature-regulating properties. If you tend to be a hot sleeper, a mattress topper that’s made with a temperature-regulating or moisture-wicking material can help keep you cool throughout the night.

✔️ Check the return policy or trial period. When it comes to buying mattress toppers, check the return policy of the product, as it’s important to try out the mattress topper yourself to see if it’s truly comfortable and helps with your back pain, says Karen Litzy, P.T., D.P.T., a physical therapist in New York City and member of Prevention’s Medical Review Board. “If it does not, then you’ll have the ability to return it,” she says. Most bedding brands will offer a home trial period for you to decide whether your pick is a good match.

What type of mattress topper is best for back pain?

The type of mattress topper that’s best for you will ultimately depend on your specific needs and preferences. For instance, if you find that your current mattress is too soft, a topper that provides more firmness and support may be beneficial—whereas if your mattress is too firm, you might want to opt for one that provides softer cushioning.

Additionally, your ideal type of mattress topper can also depend on your typical sleeping position. If you sleep on your back, you should look for a thicker firm mattress topper made with memory foam. Memory foam specifically helps to support the lumbar region and maintain spinal alignment, while a thicker topper can provide more pressure point relief.

What other ways can you relieve back pain while sleeping?

Besides sleeping on the best mattress toppers and mattresses designed for back pain, there are a number of other things you can try to improve your comfort while sleeping. For one, Litzy recommends using pillows for support. “For example, if you are a side sleeper, I recommend taking a regular bed pillow and placing it length-wise between your legs,” she says, explaining that this will “keep the low back in a more comfortable position.” For back sleepers, she advises placing a pillow under the thighs and tucking it up under your tush, which will help prevent your low back from arching too much while you sleep.

When to see a doctor about back pain

If your back pain persists for longer than two weeks or is routinely preventing you from getting quality sleep, it’s important to consult a physician or medical expert, says Dr. Wood. “Ongoing low back pain can interfere with sleep quality, which is so important for general health and quality of life,” he says. “Most of the time there are effective treatment options for everyone that will reduce or alleviate low back pain.”

How we chose the best mattress toppers for back pain

We consulted Troy Wood, M.D., a specialist in pain medicine, physical medicine, and rehabilitation at the Atlantic Health System; and Karen Litzy, P.T., D.P.T., a physical therapist in New York City and member of Prevention’s Medical Review Board. We also combed through countless ratings, reviews, and product specs to narrow down the best mattress toppers for back pain.

We tested the Best Cooling Mattress Topper for Back Pain. The Best Firm Mattress Topper for Back Pain and the Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper for Back Pain were tested by the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab in their most recent coverage of mattress toppers for back pain.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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