Add one of these best mattress toppers for back pain to your cart so you can wake up refreshed and pain-free.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
5 Best Mattress Toppers for Back Pain, Tested and Reviewed
Published on Nov. 07, 2024
On Sale
Best overall mattress topper for back pain
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt Topper
Pros:
- Conforms to your body
- Relieves pressure on joints
- Corner straps prevent it from shifting
- No off-gassing
- Quality construction and materials
- Good value
Cons:
- Heavy at 15 to 30 pounds (depending on size)
Our tester, Leah Groth, regularly experiences lower back pain and tightness around her neck. As someone who struggles to get comfortable at night and often wakes up with an achy back, she has been dying to get her hands on a Tempur-Pedic mattress. Unfortunately, a new high-end mattress isn’t in Groth’s budget at the moment so she opted to add the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt Topper to her bed instead. And she says that it has completely transformed her bed and sleep experience.
This mattress topper, which is made of Tempur-Pedic’s signature high-quality memory foam, has a 3-inch profile and is designed to relieve pressure. It arrived at Groth’s door vacuum-sealed in plastic and rolled up in a box that she was able to move herself. In spite of its hefty weight (this topper clocks in at 15 to 30 pounds, depending on the size), Groth found that it was easy to unfurl and position on her bed. She especially appreciated the corner straps, which she describes as long and secure. Additionally, she notes that this topper fits perfectly on her king-sized bed and did not have a noticeable odor to it.
Once she had it securely on her bed, Groth made up her bed and sat down. “When I first flopped down, I honestly was startled by how much more comfortable the 3-inch topper made my mattress,” she raves. “It’s super plush. It immediately conformed to my body and relieved pressure on my joints.” And when her 100-pound pooch hopped up to join her, Groth was seriously impressed by how quickly the topper bounced right back from his weight.
At night, Groth found that she had slept soundly and woke up feeling quite refreshed thanks to this topper. “I usually sleep on my back but also on my side, and this is perfect for both positions,” she explains. “But it was especially great for side sleeping, as it really kept my body cradled and secure.” Better yet, she found that her pain significantly decreased.
The real test came after Groth suffered a hip flexor injury during a workout. She could barely walk around, but after climbing into bed, she felt instant relief. “The topper offered immediate pressure point relief in my hip,” she says. “I couldn’t believe how much the pain dissipated overnight.”
This Tempur-Pedic mattress topper runs from $319 for a twin size to $469 for a California king. While it may seem like a large investment, you can frequently snag one on sale. And if you opt to pay full price, Groth insists it;ll be money well spent. “This is a great value for someone who has been dying for a Tempur-Pedic bed but can’t afford it,” she says. “It lives up to the price and then some. It is clearly made out of top-of-the-line materials, and I expect it to last for many years.” In fact, it’s so good that Groth feels you could buy a really cheap mattress, use this on top and be very happy with your purchase.
“Of the three mattress toppers I tested out, this by far was the winner,” raves Groth. “I’m not sure I could ever go back to sleeping without it.”
Best budget mattress topper for back pain
Nest Bedding Alexander Signature Select Topper
Pros:
- Affordable
- Alleviates aches, pains and stiffness
- Jersey-soft cover
- Corner straps prevent it from shifting
- Soft, yet supportive
Cons:
- Cover isn't removable
Though they’re considerably less expensive than mattresses, the best mattress toppers can still be rather costly. The Nest mattress topper is the most affordable topper on our list. It also happens to be one of the best, according to shopping editor, Mary Henn, who was experiencing significant back pain and stiffness.
The topper arrived compressed, rolled and shrink-wrapped. Though it was too heavy for Henn to bring in and set up herself, her partner had no trouble. She appreciated not having to wait for the topper to inflate before using it, though she did note that it had a slight chemical smell when she opened it. Fortunately, that smell dissipated after the first night.
On a scale of 1 to 5, Henn rates this mattress topper a 1.5 to 2 for firmness. “Your hand does sink into it, but it doesn’t mold to your hand or stay compressed,” she explains. “The topper bounces back as soon as the weight is removed. So, while it’s very soft, the foam is also very responsive.” According to Henn, her bed feels cozier with this topper since it provides a “sink-in” experience without swallowing you up.
The Nest foam topper has pressure relief properties, which soothed the immediate aching and stiffness Henn experienced while getting out of bed. “It saved my back from morning aches and stiffness,” says Henn. “I used to wake up so stiff that I’d have to hold onto the wall to make it out of bed and across the room to my daughter’s bassinet. I don’t have to do that anymore.”
When asked what could be done to make this mattress topper even better, Henn insists that a removable cover would be a great improvement. “I wish the covering were removable so that you could wash it,” she says. That said, she’s impressed by the overall softness and comfort of the cover, which she describes as a smooth, quilted cover that is akin to soft, jersey sheets. She also notes that while the topper fit her king-size mattress well, it didn’t go all the way to the edge on one side. “It’s hardly noticeable, and I suppose that’s better than hanging off the mattress,” says Henn.
The Nest mattress topper is offered in six sizes and ranges from $219 to $329. But be on the lookout for sales! According to Henn, Nest almost always seems to have a sale going on.
Best splurge mattress topper for back pain
Brooklyn Bedding Latex Topper
Pros:
- 3-inch thickness provides ample support
- Relieved aches and pain during testing
- Has three firmness level options
- Washable organic cotton cover
- Fit mattress perfectly
Cons:
- No corner straps
- Expensive
If your budget allows you to splurge on one of the best mattress toppers, then the Brooklyn Bedding Latex Topper is the way to go. This latex mattress topper is 3 inches thick, comes in seven sizes and has three firmness levels: soft, medium and firm. Senior shopping editor, Katie Bandurski, tested the mattress topper in medium firmness in hopes of alleviating her back pain. She was not disappointed.
“The topper is very comfortable and has actually relieved back pain,” Bandurski says. “Considering this topper was tested on a cheap, old mattress, I’m impressed it made such a difference in my sleep quality.”
The Brooklyn Bedding topper arrived at Bandurski’s doorstep tightly rolled. All she had to do was roll it out onto her queen-sized bed and it was ready to go—no fluffing needed! Bandurski was pleased to discover that it fit her mattress perfectly. And although it doesn’t have corner straps to attach it to the mattress, it did not bunch up or slide around during testing.
“The Brooklyn Topper adds support to the mattress,” Bandurski says. “It’s more than just a pillow topper. While it’s soft, it’s also very supportive of weight. It changed my entire sleeping experience.”
Compared to other, similarly priced mattress toppers, the Brooklyn Topper is thicker, so you get more bang for your buck. We love that the organic cotton cover is removable and washable. However, you’ll need to spot-treat the topper itself, so we recommend an additional layer of protection, like a mattress protector, to help keep your bedding clean.
Best firm mattress topper for back pain
Dormeo Premium Mattress Topper
Pros:
- 3 inches thick
- Three-zone support evenly distributes weight
- Targeted pressure point relief
- Corner straps prevent it from shifting
- Cooling and breathable
Cons:
- Hexagon impressions may be seen or felt through linens
- May hang off the bed
If you like the idea of a spring-style mattress but appreciate the comfort and cooling nature of memory foam, the Dormeo Premium mattress topper offers the best of both worlds, according to Groth. That’s because Dormeo uses eight-sided all-foam springs laid out in a honeycomb design with a layer of memory foam on each side. They call this Octaspring Aerospace Technology. In addition to providing support and pressure relief, this makes the topper more cooling than traditional memory foam.
This mattress topper is 3 inches thick and has medium firmness. It features three-zone support, which provides varying firmness zones to support the spine while sleeping on your side. According to Groth, this topper is more supportive than traditional memory foam and ideal for those who are on the hunt for a high-quality, firm mattress topper.
“I definitely feel like it helped with my back pain. I awoke with less neck pain and aches throughout my body,” says Groth. “It also offered pressure point relief for my back and hips, as it offers varying levels of support by region.” And as a hot sleeper who is always on the hunt for the best cooling products, Groth was happy to report that this mattress topper passed her cooling test.
Overall, Groth found this topper to be very thick and high-quality. “You can tell that the brand invests a lot of money in the technology,” she says. “It seems like it would last for several years.” However, there’s always room for improvement. Of all the mattress toppers she tested, Groth found that this one had the worst fit in spite of its adjustable straps. “It noticeably hangs off the edges of the bed, making it harder to fit under a mattress protector and fitted sheets. In fact, I struggled every night to get either to stay on, which was frustrating,” she explains.
She also didn’t like how the mattress’s hexagon design was consistent with the cover. “Even under the mattress protector, I could feel the indentation, which I didn’t like,” she says.
Overall, Groth wouldn’t choose this mattress topper for herself mainly because she prefers a more body-hugging and conforming bed. She does, however, recommend it to those seeking a high-quality, firm mattress topper.
On Sale
Most soft mattress topper for back pain
GhostBed Memory Foam Topper
Pros:
- Entire topper molds to your shape
- Made of 3-inch contouring and cooling gel memory foam
- Targeted comfort zones
- Comes with a waterproof mattress protector
- Antimicrobial, antibacterial and hypoallergenic
Cons:
- Exposed foam is delicate and rips easily
- No corner straps
Those who like the feel of sinking into a comfy bed will love this GhostBed memory foam mattress topper. “This is a true ‘sink-in’ memory foam topper. It feels like you melt into the bed when you lay on it,” says Henn. This single-layer topper is made of 3-inch contouring and cooling gel memory foam and has three zones. The tighter zones at the head and feet are meant to provide a cloud-like feel where your body exerts less pressure. The circular pods in the middle are supposed to react to pressure in (and mold to) your torso for pressure relief. Finally, the wide-channel zones support your shoulders, upper body and upper legs while encouraging airflow.
“Truthfully, all the zones felt the same to me and the entire topper molds to your shape,” says Henn. “It’s perfect for extra-soft topper seekers.”
While Henn felt that this mattress topper improved the overall comfort of her mattress, it was not firm enough for her. “I’ve known people who like to sink into a mattress so much they don’t move at night, and this would be perfect for them,” she says. “The extra-soft foam might be good for those with arthritis or other musculoskeletal issues.”
Henn also appreciates the affordability of this mattress topper, especially since it feels well-made. However, she questions its longevity. “Out of the three I tested, I think this topper would have the shortest lifespan due to the delicate nature of the exposed foam,” she says. “It ripped before I ever got to sleep on it. I imagine that months or years of repeated use could wear down the foam.”
Other mattress toppers for back pain we tested
Sometimes we get our hands (or, as in this case, bodies) on a product that just doesn’t live up to our expectations. Although we tested seven mattress toppers for back pain for this story, only five made the cut. Here’s why those two toppers didn’t land a “best” spot:
- Nolah Mattress Topper: Groth slept on this mattress topper for five nights and appreciated the organic cotton cover that kept her cool. However, she felt it was too thin to offer any sort of relief. “While it is 2 inches thick, it didn’t really seem to make a noticeable difference,” she explains. “When I woke up in the morning, I felt exactly the same as I did before it was on my bed: achy and a little bit of pain.” Additionally, Groth feels this topper is overpriced, given the overall feel and quality. “This topper did not feel luxury firm to me. I sunk right into it,” she says. “It honestly felt cheaper, more poorly made by far. I was quite surprised when I looked up the price.”
- Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper: Henn tested this Saatva mattress topper for five nights and was disappointed when it fell short of her expectations. “OK, I wanted to love this topper—it seemed dreamy online,” she says. “It’s the most expensive topper out of the three I tested and the least comfortable.” Not only was it uncomfortable, but this mattress topper did little to resolve Henn’s usual back stiffness and aching upon waking up.
What to look for when buying a mattress topper for back pain
The best mattress topper for back pain should enhance your current mattress. You should feel comfortable and supported while you sleep, but there are also a few other things to consider.
- Firmness: According to the Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, the best mattress for back pain is a medium-to-firm option.
- Cooling properties: If you’re a hot sleeper, look for a mattress topper with moisture-wicking properties or a cooling cover that’ll prevent you from overheating.
- Corner straps: Corner straps hold the mattress topper in place and prevent it from sliding around. However, not all toppers have them. Mattress toppers without corner straps are held in place by bedding, such as mattress protectors and fitted sheets.
- Care instructions: Look for a mattress topper with a removable cover that you can toss in the washing machine for easy cleaning.
- Return policy: While they cost much less than a new mattress, mattress toppers can still set you back a few hundred dollars. Many of the brands on our list offer trial periods or no-hassle returns. Be sure to carefully read the return policy before you buy to ensure you won’t be throwing money away if you decide the topper isn’t for you.
Why you should trust us
At Reader’s Digest, our team of editors and testers are always excited to try new products. We especially love testing products that enhance the quality of our sleep. We sent each mattress topper on this list to a tester who suffers from back pain so they could try them on their beds at home for at least five nights. We took into consideration how easy it was to unpack each topper and place it on a mattress, along with its overall comfort and effectiveness at alleviating back pain. Our testers used these mattress toppers on their own mattresses and were able to gauge how much each topper did or did not improve the quality of their sleep. And most importantly, they were able to detail if and how well each mattress topper lessened their aches and pains.
How we found the best mattress toppers for back pain
After thoroughly researching top brands and scouring customer reviews, we selected seven mattress toppers for back pain. We made sure to select a mix of firm and more plush toppers made of various materials at a variety of price points. We then sent the mattress toppers to our testers, all of whom suffer from persistent back pain.
Our testers personally slept on every mattress topper on this list for five consecutive nights to ensure they lived up to their online descriptions. They noted the best features of each topper along with the not-so-great, covering everything from packaging and setup to odors, comfort and performance. We then compiled all of their testing notes into this detailed list so you can shop for the best mattress toppers for back pain with confidence.
FAQ
What type of mattress topper is best for back pain?
Memory foam, polyfoam, latex and microcoil toppers are all suitable for back pain. All of these materials provide pressure relief, structure and support.
How thick should a mattress topper be for back pain?
The Sleep Foundation recommends a model that is at least 2 inches thick if you’re looking for real relief. According to our testers, the best mattress toppers for back pain were 3 inches thick.
How do you clean a foam mattress topper?
Some foam mattress toppers have removable covers that can be thrown into the washing machine. However, most are spot-clean only.
