These Are the 8 Best Mattress Toppers for Back Pain
Updated: Feb. 11, 2021Get back support, relief, and better sleep with these mattress toppers for back pain, from memory foam to gel-infused foam.
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What causes back pain?
If you suffer from back pain, you’re not alone. In fact, an estimated 16 million American adults experience persistent or chronic back pain, according to the Georgetown University Health Policy Institute.
This pain can be so uncomfortable and sometimes severe that it can impact day-to-day activities. Most back pain can be categorized into two groups—acute and chronic.
“Acute back pain is usually due to a recent injury or aggravation, like an accident or lifting injury, and usually lasts from a few days to a few weeks, and chronic back pain can develop over a longer period of time, usually 12 weeks or longer,” explains Kevin Lees, chiropractor and manager of auditing and quality for The Joint Chiropractic with offices in Salem and Nashua, New Hampshire.
“The cause of pain is almost always inflammation, which can irritate associated nerves or cause a build-up of pressure in a joint, causing pain and aches in the surrounding soft tissue,” he explains.
(Here are signs your back pain is actually an emergency.)
What to do about back pain
There are plenty of lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications that you can take to help relieve your lower back pain. One tried-and-true solution is to upgrade your sleeping arrangements.
In fact, if you’re experiencing chronic back pain, it may be an indication that your back needs more support or less pressure while you are sleeping, notes Lees. “Back pain before, during, and after sleep can be helped with a new mattress or a new mattress topper,” he says.
(Here are the best mattresses for lower back pain.)
However, he does suggest that a new mattress topper alone may not be enough to remedy your back pain. “If experiencing pain during sleep, more active treatment should be looked into, such as chiropractic, stretching, and/or corrective exercises to rehabilitate the back,” he says.
“Work with your health care provider to see what options you have so that you can get a great night’s sleep,” explains Lees.
(Here’s how to improve your sleep habits in just one day.)
The 8 picks (details below)
- ViscoSoft 3-Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper: $160
- Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR Supreme 3-Inch Mattress Topper: $320
- Molecule Airtec Topper: $249
- Lucid 2-Inch 5-Zone Lavender Memory Foam Mattress Topper: $52
- Sleep on Latex Pure Green 100% Natural Latex Mattress Topper: $199
- Nest Bedding Alexander Signature Cooling Topper: $249
- Linenspa 2-Inch Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper: $60
- COONP Twin Mattress Topper, Extra Thick Mattress Pad Cover: $75
What to look for in a mattress topper for back pain
The right mattress topper for you will likely depend on your preferred sleeping position. For back sleepers, Lees recommends a firmer topper, which may be more appropriately supportive.
For side sleepers, he recommends a topper that is quite soft to allow for the shoulders and hips to sink in to keep a neutral spine. (These are the everyday habits damaging your spine.)
Other than that, he notes that the type and firmness of the mattress really depends on the person, how they sleep, and any symptoms that they may be experiencing.
“If the pain you are experiencing is due to too much pressure, you may need something softer, but if the mattress is too soft, it may not support your natural curves,” he says.
“Body types come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s worth having a conversation with your health team to see what they recommend for your situation,” Lees says.
The best mattress toppers for back pain
Here are the top recommended and reviewed mattress toppers for people who have back pain.
ViscoSoft 3-Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper
$160
This mattress topper from ViscoSoft is made out of high-quality memory foam so it molds gently around your body to create a contour that provides just enough support. The memory foam also helps you stay asleep since it minimizes the movement in the bed should your bed partner be someone who often tosses and turns.
What’s more: If you’re someone who tends to run hot during the night, this gel-infused mattress topper will feel nice and cool against your body while you sleep.
(These are the best stretches for lower back pain.)
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR Supreme 3-Inch Mattress Topper
$320
From one of the leading creators of the memory foam mattress, this 3-inch memory foam mattress topper from Tempur-Pedic contours and adjusts to your body to help relieve the pressure on your lower back. It’s medium-firm to provide just enough support without feeling too stiff.
It’s also temperature-responsive so it will help ensure you’re not too hot or too cold while you sleep. It comes with a mattress topper cover and a 10-year limited warranty.
(Here’s how to improve posture for back pain relief.)
Molecule Airtec Topper
$249
This mattress topper from Molecule was created with inspiration from neurologists and sleep experts to provide maximum support to help lead to a restful night’s sleep. It’s made of a comfort layer that allows for maximum airflow and temperature regulation, as well as a base support layer that promotes optimal spinal alignment.
It comes with a 5-year limited warranty and the company offers free shipping and returns.
(These are the best back massagers for lower back pain.)
Lucid 2-Inch 5-Zone Lavender Memory Foam Mattress Topper
$52
You truly can’t beat the price when it comes to this memory foam mattress topper from Lucid. Although it’s on the thin side, at only 2 inches thick, it has five textured body zones to maximize your comfort level and reduce the pressure on your limbs.
Because of how thin it is, it’s also incredibly easy to move from one bed to another or to store away in a linen closet when not in use.
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Sleep on Latex Pure Green 100% Natural Latex Mattress Topper
$199
With this mattress topper from Sleep on Latex, you get to choose your thickness—1-inch, 2-inch, or 3-inch. It’s made from 100 percent natural latex (as compared to synthetic latex) and is formulated without any fillers—just the real-deal foam, so you know you’re getting maximum support.
It has been tested by several internationally recognized labs for adherence to strict safety standards.
(Consider trying these posture correctors recommended by back experts.)
Nest Bedding Alexander Signature Cooling Topper
$249
This Nest Bedding mattress topper is just 2 inches in total height. But, within those inches is a lot of super-cool technology that makes for an ultra comfortable mattress topper for back pain. It features a gel-infused foam that’s similar to memory foam in that it provides a cool surface upon which to sleep.
It’s slightly different in that it offers a bit more support. It also holds in place well, thanks to four corner ties that ensure it sits firmly atop your actual mattress.
(Here are surprising reasons for back pain.)
Linenspa 2-Inch Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper
$60
Linenspa is another excellent mattress topper for the price. It features 2 (or 3) inches of gel-infused, ultra-plush memory foam that hugs your body gently while you sleep. It also provides your back with the right amount of support.
Inside the gel are temperature-regulating beads that help prevent overheating through the night. Given its low price, it’s impressive that this mattress topper has a 3-year warranty.
(This is the best sleep temperature for a metabolism boost.)
COONP Twin Mattress Topper, Extra Thick Mattress Pad Cover
$75
If you really want to amp up the comfort level on your bed, add this COONP Twin Mattress Topper, Extra Thick Mattress Pad Cover extra thick mattress topper, which has a hotel-luxury feel. It provides a ton of support thanks to a Baffle box design and a 3D snow down alternative fill.
The surface is brushed microfiber, so you will turn easily and freely on top of it. Plus, its elastic deep pockets will wrap securely around your mattress so it won’t move around. Another huge plus: It’s machine washable.
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Popular Videos
- Georgetown University Health Policy Institute: "Chronic Back Pain"
- Kevin Lees, DC, Manager of Auditing and Quality for The Joint Chiropractic with offices in Salem and Nashua, New Hampshire
