The best mattress toppers for back pain can improve the comfort of your existing bed at a fraction of the cost of replacing your mattress. As a professional mattress tester who’s prone to lower back pain, I searched for the features that myself and other achy sleepers need to rest comfortably—namely pressure relief and proper spinal alignment. Keep scrolling to see the 10 models that do it best.
Best Mattress Topper For Back Pain Overall: Saatva Graphite Memory Foam
Best Mattress Topper For Athletes: Molecule Copperwell
Best Value Mattress Topper: Linenspa Memory Foam
Best Cooling Mattress Topper: Birch Natural Latex
Best Firm Mattress Topper: Viscosoft Select High Density
Best Plush Mattress Topper: Layla Memory Foam
Best Organic Mattress Topper: Turmerry Latex
Best Mattress Topper For Couples: Tempur-Adapt
Best Mattress Down Topper: Parachute Down
Best Mattress Down Alternative Topper: The Duck And Goose Co Extra Thick
Saatva
Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper (Queen) Material: Graphite-infused memory foam | Height: 3 inches | Cover: Yes | Warranty: 1 year | Trial: 180 nights
Among Saatva’s lineup of mattress toppers, its 3-inch graphite memory foam model is our favorite for back pain. If your current mattress is unyielding, this hugs your body and relieves pressure in key areas without sacrificing support. The cooling properties of the graphite gel plus a breathable cotton cover benefits hot sleepers. If you fidget a lot in your sleep, four anchor straps keep the topper in place. The 1-year warranty is meager given the price, but Saatva also provides a 180-night trial period, which is the longest of any pick on this list. It’s made in the U.S., and the foam is certified by CertiPUR-US, which means it’s free from harmful chemicals that can sometimes be found in foam-based products.
For mattresses that are too soft, we recommend Saatva’s 1.5-inch high-density foam or natural latex toppers for a subtle boost in support. There’s also the 3-inch Saatva Micro-Coil Topper with a responsive feel reminiscent of the popular Saatva Classic mattress.
What our writer and the reviews say: I slept on the Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper when my back injury flared up last year and it provided me with much-needed relief. At the time I was sleeping on a firmer mattress, so it was a welcome addition. It should suit any sleep style, but I particularly liked it for back sleeping as it did a phenomenal job of distributing my weight in that position. A five-star reviewer also writes they’re “really happy” with the topper, saying it sleeps cool and is worth the money.
Molecule
Molecule Copperwell Topper (Queen)
Material: Copper-infused memory foam | Height: 3 inches | Cover: No | Warranty: 5 years | Trial: 30 nights
Quality sleep is crucial for athletes to recover from workouts and injuries. Granted, you don’t need to be an Olympian like Molecule spokesperson Michael Phelps to benefit from a Molecule Copperwell Topper, but it is designed for people with active lifestyles in mind. This 3-inch foam topper is infused with copper and has an open-cell structure for enhanced cooling. Its seven-zone ergonomic design has four targeted support zones plus relief areas along the shoulders, hips and knees. Molecule intentionally doesn’t include a cover with its topper so you can feel the full effects of its breathability and support. Still, we strongly advise wrapping it in a quality mattress protector to safeguard it from spills and stains.
What the reviews say: Reviews are sparse yet positive for the Molecule Copperwell Topper. “I have massive back and hip pain and this has helped significantly,” claims one sleeper. Meanwhile, this Target customer says, “This mattress topper helped to relieve severe hip/back and shoulder pain overnight. It’s surprisingly comfortable and cooling.”
Amazon
Linenspa 2-inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper (Queen) Material: Gel-infused memory foam | Height: 2 to 3 inches | Cover: Optional | Warranty: 3 years | Trial: 30 nights
This Linenspa memory foam topper is a serviceable solution if you want a quick fix on a limited budget. Available in a 2- or 3-inch profile, the latter is a better choice if you want more of a sink-in feeling. You can pay extra to add a removable, machine-washable cover (otherwise it’s not included). Although it’s infused with gel, several user reviews suggest this foam topper doesn’t sleep very cool. That drawback aside, this Linenspa topper is a regular Amazon bestseller thanks to its affordability and versatility—and it’s available in non-standard and RV bed sizes. It’s also a great choice for college students who want to upgrade a dorm mattress on the cheap, as well.
What the reviews say: One Amazon customer who purchased the 3-inch Linenspa topper says, “I suffer from aches and pains from aging, working very hard all of my life and having multiple children both naturally and through C-section. This bed topper has been a godsend.” Another reviewer who bought the 2-inch version says it’s “a really great product for the price [that has] helped ease my lower back pain.”
Birch
Birch Natural Latex Mattress Topper (Queen) Material: Talalay latex | Height: 2 inches | Cover: Yes | Warranty: 10 years | Trial: 100 nights
Birch is Helix’s eco-friendly sibling brand, and its latex mattress topper is cooling and well-suited for side and back sleepers who struggle with pain. It consists of Talalay latex—which hugs similar to memory foam but without trapping heat—as well as organic wool and cotton for extra plushness and breathability. (Wool also acts as a natural fire retardant.)
Like most organic bedding, this option is on the pricier side due to the costs associated with making products that meet higher environmental and safety standards. Birch uses sustainably-sourced materials that are Global Organic Textile Standard and Greenguard Gold certified. Fortunately, Birch hosts frequent sales and regularly bundles free gifts with purchase. You get 100 nights to try it at home, too.
What the reviews say: One shopper says, “I can finally sleep without hip bursitis pain. Plus, it doesn’t make me sweat, has the perfect amount of cushioning and it doesn’t move around on top of my mattress.” Another customer adds, “My aches and pains are gone and I’m sleeping wonderfully. Even my tension-induced migraines have abated.”
ViscoSoft
Viscosoft 3-inch Select High Density Mattress Topper (Queen) Material: Gel-infused memory foam | Height: 3 or 4 inches | Cover: Yes | Warranty: 5 years | Trial: 90 nights
This high-density foam topper from Viscosoft is a good remedy for a mattress that’s too soft to sufficiently support you. Most sleepers can get by with the 3-inch model, but larger individuals should consider the 4-inch option. Both have a medium-firm feel with a 3.5-pound density that can help reduce pressure on your joints and back. The foam is perforated and infused with cooling gel, which the manufacturers says helps dissipate heat. There’s also a washable bamboo rayon cover with a mesh backing for added ventilation and anchor straps for stability.
The Viscosoft High Density Mattress Topper is a suitable alternative for college students looking for something firm but not cost-prohibitive. The 5-year warranty more than covers a typical undergrad career.
What the reviews say: “Our mattress topper is amazing,” starts one glowing testimonial. “The softness and support give my husband and me a great night’s sleep. The best part is that we are not waking up with achy backs like we used to.” A self-proclaimed parent who bought this Viscosoft mattress topper for their college-aged student adds, “Her roommate liked it so much that they ordered one as well.”
Layla
Layla Memory Foam Topper (Queen) Material: Copper gel-infused memory foam | Height: 2 inches | Cover: Yes | Warranty: 5 years | Trial: 30 nights
Layla’s memory foam topper caters to side sleepers or anyone who likes a lusciously plush bed. However, this softness is balanced with proper support—the 2-inch memory foam layer compresses under hips and shoulders to prevent misalignment and discomfort. According to the company, an infusion of copper gel beads double as a cooling and antimicrobial agent. The memory foam is CertiPur-US Certified, which means it’s free from a range of harmful chemicals. The topper’s cover is a pillowy, hexagonal pattern that’s woven from a blend of polyester, viscose and lycra.
Although the 30-night trial period seems brief compared to other brands in this mattress topper’s price range, it’s still enough time for your body to adjust. Plus, Layla has free returns along with a 5-year warranty.
What the reviews say: One Layla shopper says: “My current mattress is pretty firm and I wanted something that would help relieve some pressure on my back. This topper made a massive difference.” Another five-star review reads, “I was having bad shoulder pain and my girlfriend was having a lot of hip pain. Now we’re staying asleep rather than tossing and we’re staying cool while we rest.”
Turmerry
Turmerry 2-inch Medium Latex Mattress Topper (Queen) Material: Dunlop latex | Height: 2 to 4 inches | Cover: Yes (4-inch model only) | Warranty: 5 years | Trial: 120 nights
The Turmerry Latex Mattress Topper appeals to eco-conscious shoppers and sleepers with a Goldilocks mindset who want their bed to feel “just right.” You can select a 2- or 3-inch topper with four firmness levels (soft, medium, firm or extra firm), or a 4-inch, dual-sided (soft/medium) topper that also comes with a cover. Either way, this Dunlop latex topper has a five-zoned design that’s firm along the head and ankles, soft around the shoulders and knees and medium-to-firm in the midsection to support your back and hips. Turmerry’s commitment to sustainability is evident from its bevy of certifications, which include Global Organic Latex Standard, Eco-Institut and Oeko-Tex. What’s more, the company plants a tree for each topper sold. You get 120 nights to try it at home, risk-free.
What the reviews say: A Turmerry shopper who bought the 3-inch medium version of this latex topper says: “Our (relatively new) mattress was giving me hip and shoulder pain, as well as running too hot for both of us. I can only describe the topper by saying it is like being gently held by a cloud. No more pain, no more overheating—it’s wonderful.”
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Tempur-Pedic
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt Topper (Queen) Material: Tempur-Material | Height: 3 inches | Cover: Yes | Warranty: 10 years | Trial: None
Sharing a bed with a partner who suffers from back pain can be an unpleasant experience for both parties. If you toss and turn in an attempt to get comfortable, a Tempur-Adapt mattress topper can solve two issues. First, 3 inches of Tempur-Material fit to the contours of the body for pressure relief. Second, it handily absorbs motion that might disturb a co-sleeper. Anchor straps secure the topper to mattresses up to 13 inches tall, and maintenance is straightforward thanks to a machine-washable cover. This is the most affordable way to bring home a Tempur-Pedic, and it includes a 10-year warranty like the brand’s full-fledged mattresses. However, it’s still among the priciest bed toppers out there. Also note that Tempur-Pedic doesn’t accept returns for its mattress toppers, so it’s wise to have a backup plan if it doesn’t meet your expectations.
What our editors and the reviews say: Senior sleep editor Bridget Chapman has tested and slept on this topper in the past. She says it’s truly cloud-like comfort, adding, “I love a soft, cushiony feel for back and side sleeping, so this topper was right up my alley. It’s doughy and super pressure relieving.” One customer adds, “Even when my husband turns or makes some movement by my side, I can hardly hear or feel anything. Our sleep quality has been great.” Another reviewer says, “I would toss and turn with my old mattress, but now I am able to get a quality night’s sleep without as much movement throughout the night.”
Parachute
Parachute Down Mattress Topper (Queen) Material: European white down | Height: 3 inches | Cover: Yes | Warranty: 3 years | Trial: 60 nights
If memory foam or latex aren’t your thing, consider this luxurious down mattress topper from Parachute. Its dual-chamber design features two layers of premium European white down that’s been ethically sourced following Responsible Down Standard protocols. A three-dimensional baffle box construction ensures this topper doesn’t go lopsided overnight so you can be sufficiently supported, although you still need to fluff it regularly. A 100% cotton sateen shell is cozy without trapping too much heat. If this bed topper doesn’t meet your expectations within 60 days, Parachute allows free returns by mail or at over 5,000 Happy Returns locations nationwide if you don’t live in vicinity of a Parachute retail store.
What our editors and the reviews say: “Bye bye back pain,” heads one glowing review. “[It’s] soft enough to provide a nice cushion for my firm pocket spring mattress, but dense enough that I don’t feel like I’m sinking into it.” Another shopper says, “I’ve had several [featherbeds] and this is by far the nicest one. I was having some back pain and have been feeling much better since sleeping on this.” Chapman adds, “This topper is even fluffier than it looks. It’s definitely a good fit for anyone after a featherbed feel.”
D&G Duck and Goose Co.
D&G The Duck And Goose Co Extra Thick Topper (Queen) Material: Gel fiber | Height: 2 inches | Cover: Yes | Warranty: N/A | Trial: 30 nights (via Amazon’s return policy)
Whether you deal with down-related allergies or prefer not to buy animal products, this 2-inch pillow top mattress topper can provide back pain relief. Don’t let the brand name confuse you—this is a down alternative topper filled with gel fibers secured by a box quilting construction. It has a soft, brushed polyester cover and corner anchor straps to keep this topper in place as you sleep. There’s no clear warranty information provided, nor is there a proper trial period, but this mattress topper does boast overwhelmingly positive Amazon reviews—70% of which are five stars. It’s also one of the least expensive toppers out there so it’s a fairly low-risk investment.
What the reviews say: One Amazon shopper who says they have scoliosis and osteoarthritis in their lower back writes, “Contrary to popular opinion, a firm mattress isn’t always what the doctor ordered. [It] just doesn’t work for me. On impulse I bought one of these and tried it. Wow. [I had] my first night of good sleep and easy rising in the morning in a long time.”
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted team consists of discerning consumers just like you who understand the role sleep plays in our overall health. Our mattress and bedding stories include in-depth product reviews, insights from top medical experts and information about the latest developments in all things sleep.
Forbes Vetted editors—senior mattress and sleep editor Bridget Chapman, mattress and sleep editor McKenzie Dillon and executive strategy editor Lindsay Boyers—inform our work with their years of professional mattress testing experience. Forbes Vetted contributor and author of this article Alison Barretta is a also mattress tester who regularly deals with lower back pain.
How We Chose The Best Mattress Toppers For Back Pain We rounded up a variety of the best mattress toppers for back pain.
Illustration: Forbes / Photos: Retailers
To make this list, we evaluated mattress toppers with a variety of materials and designs geared at alleviating discomfort for restless sleepers. In addition to our firsthand experience, we also looked for products with customer reviews from verified shoppers who’ve noticed a significant improvement in their back pain. We also took into account noteworthy features such as machine-washable covers, anchor straps, targeted support zones and cooling fibers. For additional expert insight, we consulted with Dr. Matthew Cavanaugh of Cavanaugh Chiropractic in Lafayette, Louisiana.
Alison Barretta, the author of this article, personally uses the Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper, which she says helped get her through a back injury in recent years. She can also attest to the quality of other brands featured on this list based on her experiences with their other product offerings, including ViscoSoft, Layla and Tempur-Pedic.
You may notice our picks span a broad spectrum of prices—from the budget-friendly Linenspa Memory Foam Topper to the premium Birch Natural Latex Mattress Topper. We’re confident that you can find a topper here that falls within your desired price range.
Of course, everyone is different. What may work for other sleepers may not be right for you. Most of the mattress toppers on this list come with a trial period that allows you to try them at home risk-free, along with a warranty to protect your purchase.
What To Consider When Shopping For A Mattress Topper For Back Pain
While price is a significant factor when buying a mattress topper for back pain (or for any other reason), it’s not the only thing you should consider. We’ve outlined other key factors that you want to keep in mind as you shop for one.
Firmness
A common belief is sleepers with back pain need a decidedly firm bed, but that’s not quite the case. Cavanaugh says a medium-firm mattress topper should suit most people well, but ultimately it comes down to your dominant sleep position and what you need to feel comfortable. “A stomach sleeper would need a very firm surface to support proper alignment of their back, whereas a side sleeper or back sleeper could use more cushion to reduce pressure points,” he says.
Materials
Like mattresses themselves, toppers come in a range of materials. Memory foam, latex and down/down alternative are the most common—and it’s essential to know the pros and cons of each before you decide which one to buy.
Memory foam delivers a balance of softness and support for back pain sufferers, but it’s prone to trapping heat. Cooling elements like copper and graphite can help mitigate this.
Latex is a naturally derived material that’s breathable and responsive, but it’s expensive to produce and the burden of cost is often passed down to the consumer. It has a bouncier sensation than memory foam.
Down and down alternative are cushy but may not provide adequate support. Unlike down alternative, down isn’t hypoallergenic, which can be a red flag for allergy sufferers. Plus, these materials don’t always have the longevity or resilience of memory foam or latex, which are better at rebounding after being compressed overnight.
Thickness
Mattress toppers are usually between 1 to 4 inches thick. Typically the higher the profile, the more plush the topper. Sleepers with back pain likely want to avoid extremes and focus on achieving a balance of support and contouring. You also should take your existing mattress into consideration, as you don’t want to make your bed too high for you to get in and out of bed comfortably, especially if you’re injured. (Plus, adding too much height can mean you need new deep-pocket sheets, too.)
Temperature Regulation
Hot sleepers should look for a mattress topper that excels in temperature regulation. Mattresses and toppers that trap heat can pose a problem for people with back pain, as folks with pain could be at risk of torquing their back as a result of tossing and turning when they’re trying to find a cool spot. Plus, trapped heat can potentially aggravate areas that are already inflamed. That said, latex is a great pressure-relieving choice for hot sleepers. Memory foams that are ventilated and/or infused with cooling gel or other materials are a better option than standard memory foams.
Motion Isolation
Whether it’s you or your sleeping partner who’s laid up with a back injury, a mattress topper that absorbs movement can do wonders for each of you. Memory foam is a prime choice here as it’s excellent at isolating motion. Plus, its pressure-relieving benefits could reduce the amount of tossing either one of you does in the first place. Latex tends to feel bouncier, which might mean you notice more of your partner’s movement. In terms of motion isolation, we recommend memory foam over latex.
Trial And Return Policy
Just like mattresses, you want to make sure the topper you choose suits your needs. It takes your body about a month to adjust to a new sleep surface, so aim for a trial period of at least 30 days. Some companies are much more generous and let you try a mattress protector for up to 180 nights—and when it comes to sleep, the longer the better.
In most cases, returns are free. But individual brand policies vary, so be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully.
When Should You See A Doctor About Back Pain?
According to Cavanaugh, you should see a doctor for your back pain if it lasts for more than two weeks or impedes you from doing simple tasks like bathing or getting dressed. Worsening symptoms are another reason to seek medical care. “Signs of worsening symptoms can include numbness or tingling that radiates down one or both legs, weakness in your leg muscles and bowel or bladder incontinence, which can indicate a medical emergency,” says Cavanaugh.
What Are The Signs Your Mattress Is Causing Back Pain?
Determining the cause of your back pain is something you should discuss with your doctor, but if you suspect your mattress is to blame, Cavanaugh shares three possible indicators.
Visible Sagging Or Lumpiness
This is perhaps the most obvious sign your mattress is to blame for your back pain. “Over time, the support of mattresses will deteriorate, leading to visible signs like lumps or bumps. This results in uneven support when pressure is applied, potentially exacerbating back pain,” says Cavanaugh.
Disrupted Sleep
While there could be other reasons for disrupted sleep, Cavanaugh explains that back pain caused by your mattress can make it difficult for you to find a comfortable sleeping position, leading to restless nights. One way to gauge this is to observe how you feel when you sleep in a bed other than your own—if you feel more refreshed and less achy, it’s time to rethink your sleeping situation.
Waking Up In Pain
“Waking up with back or hip pain could be a clear indication that your mattress is a contributing factor,” says Cavanaugh. “While this isn’t the only potential cause of morning back pain, it’s certainly a significant one.” You should avoid self-diagnosing any back pain, especially if it’s not improving. Meet with your doctor to diagnose the root cause of your discomfort and work on developing an effective treatment plan.
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