Best Mattress Topper For Back Pain (Upper & Lower)
Last Updated: October, 2023 | This Post May Contain Affiliate Links
People who experience constant back pain will often have their quality of sleep compromised due to discomfort. Many mattress toppers have been created to provide you with the relief and comfort that you need to wake up the next morning refreshed and energized for the day. In order to know which mattress topper will be the best for you, you will need to know what factors to consider and how the best mattress toppers can help you with your back pain. We've tested a range of the best mattress toppers for back pain so keep reading to see our findings.
7 Best Mattress Toppers For Back Pain
Ghostbed Mattress Topper
This zoned mattress topper has a unique feel for each part of your body. Its multiple zones designed to relive pressure different for each area of your body. It also comes with a waterproof mattress protector.
PlushBeds Organic Latex Mattress Topper
We love how this topper relieves pressure points. It feels expensive, but it's actually budget friendly. It even helps to keep allergens away.
Lift by AmeriSleep (Support Version)
This supportive mattress topper is easy to use and set up. It keeps your back aligned and comfortable with its unique HIVE technology.
Nolah AirFoam™️ Mattress Topper
If your mattress isn't offering enough pressure relief to encourage proper spinal alignment at night, the Nolah Mattress Topper has an AirFoam design that cradles your body to promote healthy sleep posture.
PlushBeds Cool Bliss Memory Foam Topper
This topper uses memory foam gel to support your back. Best of all, its cooling foam is great for hot sleepers while providing optimal support.
Molecule Triple Zone Mattress Topper
We love how comfortable the layers make our bed feel. Each layer is designed to provide another level of comfort. Its zone support really caters to your entire body for a good night's sleep.
Layla Memory Foam Mattress Topper:
If you tend to sleep on your back or your side, the Layla Memory Foam Mattress Topper might just do the trick. This firm topper for mattress relieves pressure points and ensures you have a good night sleep.
Topper type:
Memory foam
Firmness:
6
Trial length:
101 nights
Sizes:
twin, twin xl, full, queen, king, Cal king, split king
Warranty:
5-year warranty
Who it’s best for:
Sleepers with pain, hot sleepers, side sleepers
Pros
Cons
Summary
Not all mattress toppers are designed to relieve pain. Some cheaper ones are designed to make your existing mattress feel softer, but without any actual changes in pressure relief. The Ghostbed mattress topper is different. Everything about this mattress topper is designed to help relieve pain, especially in your back.
Commonly referred to as the best mattress topper for back pain, the GhostBed topper has different zones designed to relieve pressure in their respective areas. This means the area your back touches is different from the zone your feet touch. The area around your back is built to relieve pressure in your back. Plus, these zones are made to accommodate and adapt to the sleeper's unique body shape and size, meaning you'll sleep pain-free throughout the night regardless of your sleeping position.
Not only does this mattress topper have unique zones, it's also THICK. 3" thick to be exact. This thickness will make a significant difference in how your existing mattress feels. Even though it's thick doesn't mean it'll be too warm though. It's made from a gel-infused foam which sleeps much cooler than traditional memory foam. Channels in the GhostBed mattress topper also allow air to flow more freely to reduce heat retention. So, if you sleep hot at night and want a mattress topper with cooling features, GhostBed Mattress Topper is a solid choice that will give you a sweat-free night experience. Besides providing a cooling effect this memory foam mattress topper offers a cradling effect for support and comfort for all sleeping styles.
A premium mattress protector comes alongside this mattress topper. This means your topper is protected from sweat, spills, and any other liquids. It also helps keep the mattress topper from sliding. You'll still want to use sheets on top of your protector, so ensure you choose one that has deep pockets to fit the extra thickness of your topper perfectly. Although mattress covers protect your bed from pet dander, microbes and allergens, GhostBed mattress toppers offer extra cushioning even more than mattress pads. So, having this memory foam topper is a worthwhile investment that will help you sleep comfortably for years to come.
Ghostbed is a family owned company with a great story. The brand exists because the owner, Marc Werner, struggled to find a mattress that would relieve his back pain after enduring multiple spinal surgeries. When he couldn't find a solution, he made his own. The Ghostbed mattress topper has the same build quality that Ghostbed is known for, with a similar pressure relieving design but at a fraction of the cost of a new mattress. But unlike their mattresses, GhostBed doesn't offer sleep trials for their mattress toppers as they consider them personal items. However, you've got nothing to worry about because this pressure-relieving and body contouring mattress topper comes with a 5-year warranty. This means you can return your mattress for a full refund in case you detect any defects.Read full GhostBed Topper review here.
Topper type:
Latex
Firmness:
3, 4, 5, 6, 8
Trial length:
N/A
Sizes:
twin, twin xl, full, queen, king, Cal king
Warranty:
5-year warranty
Who it’s best for:
Sleepers with pain, restless sleepers, combination sleepers
Pros
Cons
Summary
The key to relieving back pain is to use a sleep surface that offers the right balance of support and cushioning for your body. That's where the PlushBeds Organic Latex Mattress Toppers come in. It can accommodate most sleepers with back pain, thanks to its versatile design. You get to choose from up to five different firmness levels from soft, medium soft, to medium-firm, and extra firm. This selection makes it a suitable fix for a wide range of sleepers, irrespective of their weight and sleeping position.
The copper starts with a 100% organic cotton cover that zips for easy cleaning. If you often sleep on your stomach or back, you want to consider purchasing PlushBeds Natural Latex mattress topper. Generally, latex mattress toppers bring forth a great deal of customization, meaning you can ensure spinal alignment and get the right feel. You don’t have to get a new mattress to get the support you need for your back. We love how the PlushBeds Latex Mattress Topper uses all organic latex, which is best for the environment while keeping allergens at bay. It's actually one of the best organic mattress toppers we've tested.
One of the fantastic things about latex toppers is that their support to your back is consistent, keeping your entire body in a convenient and cradle position. They also adjust themselves perfectly according to body movements on the bed, thus preventing even the slightest sleep disturbances. When it comes to moving around, this isn’t a mattress topper that sinks and makes it hard to get comfortable. The latex and foam provides just enough bounce back to make getting out of bed easy, while also taking the strain off pressure points. The latex mattress topper also offers great temperature neutrality. It's aerated to promote strong airflow and comes with an additional cover designed from breathable organic cotton for an extra charge. When you have back pain, these are crucial qualities.
You can get the same quality and basic construction, but with the tailored support you need. There’s no settling for a harder or softer mattress topper just because your back hurts. You can choose between four different levels of firmness depending on what you need. Choose between soft, medium, medium firm, or extra firm depending on where you need support. This is a bonus, since it can be really hard to find a soft feeling mattress or mattress topper that still provides enough support.
We recommend the softer options for people that have more pain in pressure points (like hips, shoulders, or knees), and the former options for people that need more support in keeping their spine aligned. Overall, if you want a multitude of firmness options and desire all-natural, high-quality materials, the PlushBeds Organic Latex Mattress Topper is a solid choice.Topper type:
Memory foam
Firmness:
7
Trial length:
N/A
Sizes:
full, queen, king, Cal king
Warranty:
5-year warranty
Who it’s best for:
Back sleepers, stomach sleepers, sleepers with pain
Pros
Cons
Summary
One thing that really stood out to us about the Amerisleep Lift Mattress Topper is that it solves two problems back pain sufferers often complain about. First, most people already don’t have enough support in their mattress. This is a major cause of back pain if you’re not aligned and supported. Second, we know how hard it is to move around to find a cool spot when you’re already in pain. This mattress topper delivers a solution to both problems.
It gives your back relief, and it’s designed to stay cool and ventilated throughout the night. We really like the unique design of this topper, which includes a beehive-like hexagon structure. It feels a lot different than other mattress toppers for back pain, and works just as well. It’s technically called HIVE technology, but we’re just glad it works as well as it does. Each support area is spaced to deliver the kind of cushion and structure that your back, hips, and shoulders need most. Plus, it also helps to keep the bed cooler throughout the night.
And just like the Saatva Mattress Topper, the Amerisleep Lift Mattress Topper is soft enough to relieve pressure but not too soft to make your back sink out of alignment. We liked the firmer support we felt along the spine, and the softer cushioning feel we get around our shoulders, hips, and pressure points. However, if you suffer from back pain and you have a soft mattress, you might want to consider a firm mattress topper that gives you proper spine alignment, while relieving the pressure on your back and hips.See The Full Review of the Amerisleep mattress topper
Topper type:
Memory foam
Firmness:
3, 7
Trial length:
120 nights
Sizes:
twin, twin xl, full, queen, king, Cal king,
Warranty:
10-year warranty
Who it’s best for:
Side sleepers, restless sleepers, back sleepers
Pros
Cons
Summary
If your mattress isn't offering enough pressure relief to encourage proper spinal alignment at night, the Nolah Mattress Topper has an AirFoam design that cradles your body to promote healthy sleep posture.
Overall Thoughts
Every sleeper with back pain has different comfort needs from their sleeping surface based on factors like preferred sleep position and body type. The Nolah Mattress Topper is a high-end alternative that caters to a broad range of sleepers because it's available in two distinct designs.
The cover of the Nolah Mattress Topper is made of a soft-to-the-touch organic cotton cover that's breathable and slightly stretchy. This material has temperature-regulating properties pulling away moisture and body heat to help keep you cool and dry.
The Nolah soft comfort feel has extra pressure relief and deep body contouring on the hips and shoulders, perfect for side sleepers and individuals who love a plush, supportive feel. If you sleep on your side or back, the mattress topper should perform well at keeping extra pressure off sensitive body sections like the hips, shoulders, and spine.
Individuals who weigh up to 230lbs should receive ample support to prevent the lumbar region from sagging, but sleepers who weigh over 230lbs may not receive enough comfort and support to keep their spines properly aligned. People who share the mattress with restless sleepers will also appreciate the sturdy motion isolation offered by the AirFoam, breathable design. The stretchy cover is removable and machine-washable for easy maintenance and care.
Nolah provides free ground shipping for all shoppers in the contiguous U.S. Each topper comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a 10-year limited warranty against structural defects.
Topper type:
Memory foam, latex
Firmness:
5
Trial length:
N/A
Sizes:
twin, twin xl, full, queen, king, Cal king
Warranty:
5-year warranty
Who it’s best for:
Hot sleepers, combination sleepers, side sleepers
Pros
Cons
Summary
We had to try this one given all the hype it's received and it went beyond expectations because it also does a great job relieving back pain. Plus, It’s one of the most affordable gel memory foam mattress toppers targeted to back pain out there. Not to mention, it has softer materials that conveniently contour your body, thus providing the ultimate support for back and hip pain. There’s no reason to buy an entirely new mattress when you can simply top your mattress with this, and get all the same benefits (if not more).
Because it uses cooling memory foam, it adapts to both your body heat, and your sensitive pressure points. As soon as we checked it out, it became obvious how adaptable it is. It isn’t made with your typical static layer of support foam. Gel beads within the memory foam help create this effect. While a lot of memory foam simply conforms to your body shape, the gel beads take it up a step.
When you lay down, the gel beads shift to provide support where you need it most, and to cushion areas like pressure points. This memory foam mattress topper helps keep your spine and the rest of your back aligned by equalizing pressure, and we found it to be a real game changer. Not to mention, the cooling gel memory foam regulates your body temperature and minimizes pressure on your joints and muscles. However, heavier back and side-sleepers will be better off with a firm mattress topper that supports their weight and cradles their body.
Topper type:
Memory foam
Firmness:
6
Trial length:
N/A
Sizes:
twin, twin xl, full, queen, king, Cal king
Warranty:
5-year warranty
Who it’s best for:
Side sleepers, hot sleepers, back sleepers
Pros
Cons
Summary
Back pain is no joke, and we’ve been on the search for the right mattress topper to make waking up a breeze. Some mattresses and mattress toppers rely on stacked layers to provide back support. While this gel memory foam mattress topper does have three different stacked layers, that’s not the only way it caters to people with back pain.
The upper layer feels comfortable, but what we really noticed is how well it gets rid of hot spots. The middle layer is memory foam gel with beads that keeps you supported, increases ventilation, and even wicks away moisture. This slow-moving material eases hip pain while sleeping on your back and eases pressure along your hips and shoulders while side-sleeping. The bottom layer has a really special design, which makes it especially best for back pain.
The bottom layer isn’t just for support. Other mattress toppers have a solid layer with the same support throughout. This gel memory foam mattress topper has three distinct zones (as you might guess from the name) to better support sleepers with back pain. Near the head and feet, the patterning gets smaller, which provides more gentle support. Then, in the center, there’s larger patterning of zoned RecoveryFLO polyfoam to create firmer support for your back and spine. These mattress toppers come with a 30-night return policy and a 5-year limited warranty. It seems like a lot of detail, but these details really make all the difference. If you have a firmer mattress that needs extra comfort and support, give this memory foam mattress topper a try.
Topper type:
Memory foam
Firmness:
3
Trial length:
120 nights
Sizes:
twin, twin xl, full, queen, king, Cal king
Warranty:
5-year warranty
Who it’s best for:
Combination sleepers, hot sleepers, back sleepers
Pros
Cons
Summary
The Layla Memory Foam Mattress Topper is a 2 inch-thick copper-gel infused memory foam mattress pad made to be comfortable for people with back pain. It claims to keep your bed cool and after testing it, we can confirm how effective it was!
This memory foam mattress topper is accompanied by a cover infused with Thermogel to help spread the heat across the pad. The gel infused memory foam also helps in the absorption of heat as it wicks it away from your body, allowing you to sleep cool throughout the night. One of the advantages of having a topper is that it’s not only an added cushion to your bed, but it also acts as an antimicrobial protection shield that will keep your original mattress clean and free of bacteria. It also comes with straps to secure the topper to the bed, and make sure that it doesn’t move throughout the night.
We found that it’s best to leave it out for a whole 24 hours for it to expand to its fullest. To our surprise, the Layla Mattress topper also comes with a firmer side for those who prefer firm mattress toppers. Oftentimes, we expect memory foam mattress toppers to only be super soft for the most comfortable experience, but the firmer side was able to provide the same back relief. We were still able to enjoy the cool feeling of the copper. So, if you're looking for a firm mattress topper that will help relieve pressure points on your shoulders and hips and give you a cool night's sleep, you might want to check out the Layla Memory Foam Mattress Topper.
We felt great support when lying on the back as it mainly targeted the lumbar area. It is also quite comfortable for side sleepers in terms of pressure relief, but can be too soft when lying on the stomach. We definitely recommend this topper if you tend to sleep on your back and are a fan of memory foam. Remember, even if you have a mattress pad, it will only protect your mattress from general wear and tear but won't do much to protect your body. So, opt for the Layla Memory Foam mattress topper for cushioning, pressure relief, and bodyweight distribution. This gel memory foam topper is on the softer side, so if you’re not a fan then it might not be the best choice for you.
Although a soft mattress topper like the Layla Memory Foam topper can feel a lot more comfortable, you'll likely not resolve the problem with your upper and lower back pain. That's why a medium firm mattress topper is often the best alternative as it promotes proper spine alignment and combines comfort with convenience. You can still try out the firm side on a firm bed, but if it’s not to your liking, you can get a 100% refund back.
See the full Layla mattress topper review
Benefits of Getting a Mattress Topper Specifically For Back Pain
Old mattresses can aggravate back pain, but that shouldn't make you throw away your outdated and unreliable mattress. Purchasing a mattress topper gives you the chance to refresh your current bed and bring back its original comfort.
For a mattress topper to benefit you, you need to buy one that has the right depth and also individually matches with your bed. The correct mattress topper can convert a great and comfortable mattress into an extraordinary one. Here are more details on the benefits of mattress toppers:
Related Content: Best mattress topper for hip pain
Comfort
When you sleep on a core mattress that has no additional topper, your body compresses the softer top component. This causes discoloration on the mattress due to sweat. The extra layer provided by the topper layer not only adds extra comfort but makes it easy to turn and rotate the mattress. It also resolves mattress construction-related issues that come with one-sided mattresses.
Offers Protection
People often tend to sleep directly on their mattresses. However, whether it’s through sleeping directly or not covering it, you leave it open to sweat, germs and dirt. A mattress topper will not only increase your comfort but also increase the longevity of your mattress. By protecting your mattress from harboring sweat, germs and indentations, a mattress topper increases the longevity of the mattress.
Your body releases a lot of moisture through normal breathing, sweating and the release of other fluids. Most of these fluids get into the mattress, duvet and bed covers or bed sheets. With a mattress topper, sweat does not seep through into your mattress.
Indentations can also occur when your foam is compressed due to an increase in body weight affecting the foam structure. Instead, the topper will sag and instead of your mattress. This prevents the top layers of your mattress from slumping.
Dirt dead skin and bacteria can also land on your mattress. With dirt, sweat and germs eradicated, you will reduce the possibility of developing allergic and asthmatic symptoms caused by breathing harmful microorganisms. However, if you want to focus more on keeping your mattress clean and dry rather than adjusting its feel, consider going for a mattress pad.
Cooling Effect
Most memory foam mattresses tend to feel comfortable. But with time, they retain too much body heat and end up so hot. The breathable wool combined with the cooling gel that is used to make the best mattress toppers combats this issue.
How to Choose a Mattress Topper if You’re a Side Sleeper
Compared to other sleeping styles, side sleepers have more requirements look out for when choosing a mattress and a topper. You will first need a good mattress so always examine your mattress for worn out and dented sections. Any indentations can add extra pressure to your body, making your sleep that much more uncomfortable. If need be, you might even have to buy a brand new mattress before you buy a topper.
The body weight of side sleepers is mostly concentrated in the shoulder and hip areas. This brings about the potential risk of hurting your back and joints. As a side sleeper, you need to go through all the main features a topper has to get the most out of your purchase. Here are features to consider when looking for the best mattress topper for side sleeping.
Thickness
Different sleeping positions require different mattress topper thickness. While stomach sleepers are comfortable on a very thin mattress, side sleepers are not. Side sleepers have a hard time sleeping on a thin mattress since it has no padding.
When choosing a mattress topper, buy a thick one with a depth of around 7 cm to maintain a straight spine when sleeping. Thick mattress toppers also come in handy if you suffer from back pain.
Check the firmness level of your mattress to determine the actual size of your mattress topper. Ensure that your spine is aligned and that you’re not sinking too deeply into your bed to avoid future joint and back problems. A medium-soft mattress topper or a thick one is the top recommended choice.
Pressure Relief
Most sleepers experience back pain because their sleep surfaces don't offer enough pressure relief. A new mattress topper can help ease pressure points by redistributing your weight more evenly over your bed. This minimizes pressure buildup near heavier sections of the body, such as your hips and shoulders. Unlike stomach sleepers, who need a firmer mattress topper, side sleepers will want to go for a softer feel that can help soothe pain along their hips and also shoulder pain.
Memory Foam or Latex Mattress Toppers
If you are a side sleeper, a memory foam or latex mattress topper is the best choice. However, if you want a sleep surface that will feel bouncy and responsive, look no further than a mattress topper made out of latex foam. A latex mattress topper for back pain provides maximum breathability and has an instant response to body movement. The materials conform to your body shape promoting a straight spine. Latex toppers are also durable for long-lasting use. Many latex memory foam toppers feel pretty firm, making them ideal for side sleepers weighing over 230 pounds and stomach sleepers suffering from back pain.
On the other hand, memory foam mattress toppers are the perfect options for people suffering from neck, chronic back, or hip pain as the dense memory foam moves with your body weight to cradle you and relieve pressure on the joints. On the downside, memory foam mattress toppers tend to overheat during the night. So, if you're a hot sleeper, you should consider going for a cooling memory foam mattress topper. Open-celled foams promote airflow while graphite and gel infusions pull body heat away, thus helping you sleep cool and comfortable all night long.Related Content: Best mattress for snorers
Heat Retention Capability
Most users have a problem with heat retention when using memory foam toppers. A cheap mattress topper with no ventilation is a bad choice if you live in a warm or hot climate. It doesn’t matter if you are a side sleeper or not, the end result is a stuffy and hot night which affects your sleep.
To prevent this, topper manufacturers have improved the air flow and ventilation within a mattress by making toppers that heat quickly and easily. In turn, this helps to regulate your body temperature.
Level of maintenance
Since they are not waterproof, it’s not possible to clean a memory foam mattress topper in a washing machine. Therefore, you have to spot clean the topper if needed. Dab it using a dry cloth to collect any excess moisture. If cleaning it is a problem, just use a waterproof cover to prevent your topper from staining, especially if you have young children.
Conclusion
From comfort to mattress hygiene, mattress toppers can really improve your sleep. Toppers are much better and cheaper, compared to having to frequently remove, wash or even replace the entire mattress. What mattress topper is best? Follow our tips or pick out any one of the best mattress topper for side sleepers we've listed in this guide and you'll be on your way to a much better sleep!