8 best mattress toppers for back pain
If your back hurts when you sleep, you know it can be an absolute nightmare. More than just discomfort, back pain can prevent you from getting a full night’s rest. What’s more, unrelieved pain at night can continue to plague you during the day, so that the pain never seems to go away. Unfortunately, a mattress alone is not enough to eliminate back pain for many people. But a mattress topper, which serves to add firmness and cushioning to your mattress, can help significantly and prevent your mattress from sagging over time.

The best mattress topper for back pain has a few key features that set it apart from other toppers. It is thicker, denser and offers better support and padding than your usual mattress topper. To help you find the mattress topper that can relieve your back pain, we researched tons of mattress toppers and found only the best. Our research focused on mattress topper specifications and read hundreds of customer and expert reviews, saving you work and making it easier to find the best mattress topper for your back.

Our guide begins with a rundown of the eight best mattress toppers for back pain, summarised in the table below. We then provide detailed reviews, with the pros and cons of each topper, based on customer reviews. Our buying guide then offers tons of essential information on how to choose the right mattress topper for your back pain. Finally, we announce the best mattress topper for back pain on the market.

The 8 best mattress toppers for back pain
1

Sleeping on a 100% natural pure green latex mattress topper

The only latex mattress topper in our range, this Sleep on Latex product offers an impressive amount of comfort, support and customisation options. The mattress topper is made from 100% natural latex, which has natural heat dissipation properties in stark contrast to warm, moist memory foam. Latex is also much more durable than memory foam and does not leave marks on the body, even after years of use. This is why Sleep on Latex is able to offer a multi-year guarantee for the mattress topper.

The latex foam has a density of 5 pounds per cubic foot and is described as medium-firm, making it a good complement to relatively soft and relatively firm mattresses. In addition, the mattress topper is available in 1, 2 or 3 inch thicknesses for different uses. The 1 inch thickness is best for adding comfort but will not significantly change the support from what your mattress offers. The 2 inch thickness provides significantly more support and softness and is a good option if you only want to change the feel of your mattress slightly. The 3 inch thick version is intended to add support to an otherwise old mattress and will fundamentally change the feel of your box spring.

100% natural
1” à 3”
5 lbs.
various thicknesses and sizes
company
Greenguard Gold, Oeko-Tex and EcoInstitute
5 year warranty

Memory Foam Solutions 5lbs 3 Inch Bed Topper

This memory foam topper from Memory Foam Solutions is very firm with a density of 5 pounds per cubic foot. Users have found the firmness to be comfortable and perfect for adding to a soft mattress to improve back support. The high density also contributes to durability – users report that the memory foam does not crack or sag, even after years of use. However, the mattress topper is prone to tearing when you move it around, such as when you turn it over to spread the wear.

The 3 inch thickness is at the lower end for memory foam toppers that support the back. This makes it ideal for lightweight people who don’t need the extra thickness to float. Memory foam tends to sleep very warm, as there is no gel layer or perforations to allow heat to escape from your body.

The mattress topper is available in almost any bed size, making it easy to fit to your existing mattress. The manufacturing process is low in chemicals and environmentally friendly compared to other mattress toppers, earning this mattress topper the PURGreen certification. In addition, the mattress topper comes with a 3-year guarantee to ensure your purchase.

visco-elastic, temperature-sensitive memory foam
3”
5 lbs.
Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, Cal King, King
PURGreen
3 year limited warranty
USA

ViscoSoft 4 inch double layer gel infused memory foam mattress topper

Users are enthusiastic about this mattress topper from ViscoSoft and the company ViscoSoft. The mattress topper consists of two parts: a 2.5 inch thick gel-impregnated memory foam cushion, wrapped in a 1.5 inch thick duvet. The top of the bed is securely wrapped around the memory foam cushion with elastic straps, but it is also easy to remove and machine wash if necessary.

Memory foam only has a density of 3 pounds per cubic foot, so it is not as firm as other toppers and tends to work better on firmer mattresses. The thinness of the padding also means that you won’t sink into the foam, giving you a floating sensation while providing moderate back support. A very nice feature of this mattress topper is the gel infusion in the memory foam, which keeps you cool all night.

Users have spoken as highly of ViscoSoft as they have of the mattress topper. ViscoSoft is unique in that it offers a full 60-day refund on the topper if you try it and don’t like it. Users noted that the refund process was easy and that ViscoSoft provided excellent customer service. Beyond the refund period, ViscoSoft continues to stand behind its mattress topper with a 3-year warranty.

2.5 inches of memory foam and 1.5 inches of down
4”
3lbs
100% cotton satin fabric
Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, Cal King, King
60 days and 3 year warranty
USA

Memory Foam Solutions 5lbs 4 Inch Bed Topper

This memory foam mattress topper is another offering from Memory Foam Solutions, with the main difference from the other topper being the addition of an inch of thickness. Like the 3 inch thick topper, this topper has a density of 5 pounds per cubic foot for great firmness and solid back support.

The extra thickness of this topper makes it a better choice for many people because it offers more padding before your body touches the mattress itself. However, this extra thickness comes with a higher price tag and greatly increases heat build-up while you sleep, as your body can be absorbed more by the memory foam. Despite the heat, users have found the mattress topper to be very comfortable and excellent for relieving back pain.

Like the thinner version of this mattress topper, the topper is available in six different sizes to fit your existing mattress. It is also very durable over the years and will not sag, but it also comes with a three year limited warranty to protect your investment in the topper.

temperature sensitive viscoelastic memory foam
4”
5 lbs
Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, Cal King, King
PURGreen
3 year limited warranty
USA

Snuggle-Pedic double layer viscoelastic memory foam mattress topper

This mattress topper from Snuggle-Pedic packs a ton of great features into a relatively inexpensive product, making it a great choice for value. Snuggle-Pedic has flip-flopped on the thickness issue by using two layers of high-density memory foam with a total thickness of only two inches. The top layer is one inch of 4 pounds per cubic foot of density foam, while the bottom layer is one inch of 5 pounds per cubic foot of density foam. The idea is that the denser foam in the bottom layer prevents the topper from reaching the bottom, and users have found that the idea works well in practice – the topper feels similar to a 4- to 5-inch thick mattress topper. The design also allows the topper to be flipped over to customize the firmness to your liking.

The main problem that users have encountered with this topper is that the two layers of memory foam are poorly bonded together. Many users found that the two layers began to separate after several months of use, making the topper more uncomfortable than comfortable.

Snuggle-Pedic offers a 90-day money back guarantee on this mattress topper, giving you the freedom to try it out for a few months before making a full commitment. They also offer a 10-year warranty on the topper, thanks to the fact that the high-density foam layers themselves are very durable and resistant to sagging.

2-layer viscoelastic memory foam
4”
4lbs and 5lbs
Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, Cal King, King
CertiPur-US
90 day money back guarantee and 10 year warranty
USA

Sleep Innovations – Gel memory foam – 4 inch double layer mattress topper

This mattress topper from Sleep Innovations is actually two separate pieces: a 2-inch fiber-filled quilt and a 2-inch gel-infused memory foam cushion. The quilt is designed to be soft and plush for comfort, but it offers very little back support as it compresses under your weight. The advantage of this duvet is that it is machine washable for quick cleaning.

The memory foam cushion is impregnated with gel to dissipate heat, and users have found that it sleeps cool enough to be comfortable. However, a common complaint about this mattress topper was that it developed significant body impressions in the foam after only six months to a year of use. Many people found that while the mattress topper initially relieved back pain, the support disappeared once the sags developed. This is probably due to the low density of the memory foam, which is only 3 pounds per cubic foot – a quality that also makes it relatively soft if you plan to add it to an already soft mattress.

That said, the topper comes with a 10-year limited warranty, which is one of the longest warranties available for mattress toppers. The topper is available in a variety of sizes and is thin enough that most standard sheet sets can fit on it without any problems.

2″ quilted fibre filling and 2″ memory foam
4”
3lbs
Twin, Full, Queen, Cal King, King
machine washable
10 year limited warranty
USA

LANGRIA 3 inch mattress topper in Queen memory foam

This memory foam mattress topper from Langria is an excellent, inexpensive choice for adding firmness and back support to a soft mattress. The memory foam has a density of 4 pounds per cubic foot and users describe it as very firm, but not so firm as to be uncomfortable. The 3-inch thickness is on the thin side for memory foam mattress toppers, so beware of heavier sleepers who may find that their bodies sink into the mattress itself. However, users have found that the topper holds its shape well and does not sag over time.

This mattress topper has a few extra features that make it perfect for use in your own bed or in a guest room. The bamboo cover is hypoallergenic and breathable and can also be removed for machine washing between guests. In addition, the mattress topper can be easily rolled up for space-saving storage when not in use. Another great feature is the non-slip bottom of the topper, which keeps it in place even if you tend to move around while sleeping.

The downside of this mattress topper is that it only comes with a one-year limited warranty, which is relatively short compared to other mattress toppers.

Foam
Memory foam
3”
4lbs
machine washable bamboo cover
non-slip
Twin, Full, Queen, King
light sleepers
CertiPur-US
This memory foam mattress topper from Langria is an excellent, inexpensive choice for adding firmness and back support to a soft mattress. The memory foam has a density of 4 pounds per cubic foot and users describe it as very firm, but not so firm as to be uncomfortable. The 3-inch thickness is on the thin side for memory foam mattress toppers, so beware of heavier sleepers who may find that their bodies sink into the mattress itself. However, users have found that the topper holds its shape well and does not sag over time.

This mattress topper has a few extra features that make it perfect for use in your own bed or in a guest room. The bamboo cover is hypoallergenic and breathable and can also be removed for machine washing between guests. In addition, the mattress topper can be easily rolled up for space-saving storage when not in use. Another great feature is the non-slip bottom of the topper, which keeps it in place even if you tend to move around while sleeping.

The downside of this mattress topper is that it only comes with a one-year limited warranty, which is relatively short compared to other mattress toppers.

Foam
Memory foam
Thickness
3”
Density
4lbs
machine washable bamboo cover
non-slip
Twin, Full, Queen, King
light sleepers
CertiPur-US
one year

Matelas Best Price BPM-4TM-Q 4

This mattress topper from Best Price Mattress combines a thinner memory foam layer with a thicker, high-density base foam layer to provide solid support at a fraction of the cost of full memory foam toppers. The high density foam layer is extremely firm, while the top layer of 1.5 inch thick memory foam provides just enough cushion for comfort. However, side sleepers in particular may find this topper too firm, as they may push up against the rigid high density foam layer.

The design of this mattress topper is also unique in that it is a triple sheet of foam rather than a single sheet. It comes with a carrying case and, although it is quite large, it is possible to take this mattress with you when travelling by car. This is why many users say they take this mattress topper with them when travelling in a camper van or when staying in cabins with older, less comfortable beds. Another interesting aspect of this travel topper is that the cover is zippered and machine washable, making it easy to clean the topper after a trip.

The mattress topper has a 5 year guarantee, although as the majority of the topper is made of high density foam, it is extremely durable and will not sag with prolonged use.

1.5″ top layer of memory foam and 2.5″ base layer of high density foam
100% poly-Jacquard with zip (washable)
CertiPUR-US
5 year warranty
Material
The material of which the mattress topper is made is extremely important, as it largely determines the comfort and support of the back. Although a mattress topper can be soft to the touch or comfortable, the key is to find one that provides enough support for your back to eliminate pain.
Memory foam is an extremely popular material for mattress toppers because of its supportive properties – memory foam conforms to your body and retains its shape throughout the night. This conformation relieves pressure on your joints and sensitive areas of your back, which should help reduce back pain. However, some people find memory foam too firm, and memory foam can often trap heat to the point of discomfort on hot nights. Gel-impregnated memory foam, which incorporates materials that distribute heat extremely well, goes a long way to alleviating temperature-related problems.

Latex works in a similar way to memory foam in that it adapts to your body and reduces pressure on sensitive areas to eliminate pain. The main difference between latex and memory foam is that latex bounces around more each night, rather than “remembering” the shape of your body as memory foam does. Latex is also more effective at keeping you cool at night than gel-infused memory foam.

Hybrid toppers, which combine memory foam with a layer of down on top, offer an excellent mix of comfort and firmness. The down layer compresses easily but holds your body against a nice soft surface rather than directly against the memory foam.

Watch this video explaining the differences between natural latex foam and memory foam.

Thickness and density
Mattress toppers for back pain are typically 2 to 4 inches thick and have a density of 3 to 5 pounds per cubic foot. You would think that a thicker mattress topper would provide more support, but the accompanying sinkage actually reduces its effect.

Certification
There are a number of different institutions and organisations that issue certifications for mattress toppers that meet health and manufacturing standards. The most common certification is from CertiPUR, which guarantees that the foam in the topper is made without harmful chemicals that you would normally want to keep out of your home and away from your body.
Durability
You expect your mattress topper to last a while, just like your mattress. Most memory foam and latex toppers are quite durable, although some memory foam materials can sag over time. To be sure of your purchase, look for toppers that offer a warranty.

Firm versus plush
Whether you choose a very firm or very plush mattress topper, or an intermediate mattress topper, depends largely on the mattress you are going to put it on. If you feel that your mattress is too soft, a firm topper can help you get more support, while a mattress that is too firm can be made more comfortable by adding a plush topper. This choice is largely a personal preference and may require some trial and error to find a topper that works well with your mattress.
Weight
Heavier people, usually those who weigh more than 250 pounds, will need to consider their weight when choosing a mattress topper. In this case, a thicker, denser topper is preferable, as a thinner, less dense topper can leave you compressed until your body hits the mattress, defeating the purpose of the topper and leaving your spine misaligned.

Conclusion
Our guide provides detailed reviews of eight of the best mattress toppers for back pain currently available on the market, as well as everything you need to know about how to choose a mattress topper. Adding a mattress topper to your sleeping setup can go a long way to reducing or even eliminating nighttime back pain. The best mattress topper for back pain will provide both comfort and support, cushioning your body to relieve pressure on sensitive areas of your spine and leaving you with a better night’s sleep.