Best Mattress Topper For Back Pain

Best Mattress Topper For Back Pain – when you don’t want to change out your entire mattress, a mattress topper can give you relief and make sleep more comfortable again.

For the best pain relief, Chiropractors recommend you choose a mattress topper either made of natural latex or memory foam. Both of those materials strike a good balance between support and softness. They distribute the weight of your body evenly, provide pinpointed pressure relief, and alleviate strain and stress to prevent aching and pain.

We put the top 6 mattress toppers for back pain to the test to decide which one is the best overall. Here’s the rundown of what we found out and how each mattress topper measured against our strict standards.

Best 6 Mattress Toppers For Back Pain

When looking for a mattress topper for back pain, make sure that the topper is between 2 to 3 inches thick. This thickness gives you the best pain-relieving benefits a topper can offer.

Memory foam toppers contour to your body and offers targeted support. A latex topper is more cooling and has a natural springiness that works well on top of soft or sagging mattresses. My personal pick would be latex because the natural resilience and support are key for your comfort.

1. Top Recommendation: PlushBeds Latex Mattress Topper

The PlushBeds latex mattress topper has the right combination of support, cushioning, and comfort for those who suffer from back pain. Thanks to the natural Talalay latex, the top has enough elasticity and softness to ease the pain in the back and joints. The material is optimized for pressure point relief and supports the shoulders and hip joints while cushioning the sensitive and tender points in the lower back and hips.

Key Features

The topper is made from breathable Talalay latex and comes with an optional organic cotton cover. It has two thickness options, 2 and 3 inches, and 5 firmness profiles (soft, medium soft, medium, medium firm, extra firm). It’s made of natural latex which resists the buildup of dust, mites, and mildew. It’s also hypo-allergenic, anti-microbial, and odor-free. And since it keeps the bed cool for long hours, it’s ideal for hot sleepers.

Disadvantages

The mattress is a little costly compared to other latex mattress toppers. However, this price is well worth it since this topper is durable and will serve you for years (up to 20-25).

At a Glance

• Price: $440 for a 3-inch soft topper
• User Rating: 4.9 stars out of 1040 users.
• Warranty: 5 year
• Materials: 100% natural Talalay latex
• Firmness: Soft, Med-Soft, Medium, Med-Firm, Extra-Firm
• Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
• Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and GreenGuard Gold
• Made In: USA

2. Best For Comfort: Avocado Green Latex Topper

Comfort is the Avocado Green latex topper’s claim to fame. To achieve this plush level of softness and cushioning, the topper is made from a combination of organic latex and organic wool. The plush topper is then stuffed inside of a soft cover made of organic cotton. The end result is a topper that offers luxurious softness and cushions your back, shoulders, and hips.

The topper comes in two firmness options: soft and firm. This is not just an ordinary topper either. It has different layers and materials that act as a mini-mattress on top of your bed. In other words, you don’t just get a soft and cushioning topper. The wool layer on top of the latex keeps you cool and disperses moisture to keep you cool and dry all night.

Key Features

The certified latex provides the handmade topper with enough support for your back while keeping the top of the bed soft enough to relieve pain. The wool layer prevents moisture and sweat from pooling on the latex sheet. The cotton cover insulates your body from the wool layer and is both breathable and soft. The topper has a good user rating and comes with a 10-year warranty. The fabrics are handmade in California and are both safe and non-toxic.

Disadvantages

The topper only has two levels of firmness either soft or firm. Users who want something in between those two levels would find the topper either too firm or too soft for their liking.

At a Glance

• Price: $449 for a Queen size.
• User Rating: 4.6 out of 2350 users
• Warranty: 10 years
• Materials: Latex, wool, cotton
• Firmness: Soft and Firm
• Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
• Certifications: GOTS organic and OEKO-TEK Standard 100
• Made In: USA

3. Best Spinal Alignment: Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Topper Supreme

TempurPedic went a different direction in its pursuit to provide a mattress topper that relieves back pain and leads to a more comfortable sleep and better sleep posture. Instead of using natural materials such as latex and cotton, the topper is made of the proprietary Tempur high-density foam. The topper is 3 inches thick and offers a medium firmness that keeps the body well-supported and contoured.

The Tempur material doesn’t let the body sink into the bed but it’s still cushy enough to handle the sensitive and tender points in the body gently. It also has excellent motion isolation features which are great news for two people sharing the same bed. However, people with large body shapes and weighing over 230 pounds, might not get the expected comfort and support they desire.

Key Features

The all-foam topper is made of a proprietary material that helps with spinal alignment and promotes good sleep postures. It comes in a polyester cover which is easy to remove and wash. With a 10 year warranty, the topper also has a free trial period and includes free shipping.

Disadvantages

Despite all of these advantages, the Tempur topper supreme only comes in one firmness level which means it will either work for you or it won’t. But since it has a free trial period, you can try it out and if you don’t like it, you can return it free of charge.

At a Glance

• Price: $319.20 for a queen size
• User Rating: 4.5 stars out of 4703 users
• Warranty: 10 years
• Materials: TEMPUR memory foam
• Firmness: Medium
• Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
• Certifications: CPSIA
• Made In: USA

4. Best For Side Sleepers: Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper

Saatva offers two types of toppers for people with back pain. The first is the graphite mattress topper which is made of graphite-infused foam with an extra layer of graphite added in for good measure. The other type is the latex mattress topper which we review below. While the foam contours the body and provides pain relief, the graphite is mainly for regulating the temperature of the topper and keeping your body cool. This is good news for people who like to sleep hot.

The 3-inch thick topper has 1½ inches layer made of graphite-infused foam that is responsible for the cushioning aspect of the topper. It also does a good job isolating the motion of the sleepers on top so that you won’t get disturbed by a bed partner or even a restless pet. The graphite layer is also 1½ inches thick and provides support and cooling properties. For people who weigh 230 pounds or less with back pain, the Graphite topper is a good and affordable choice.

Key Features

The Graphite topper has an affordable price and the graphite-infused foam keeps you cool while contouring your body and cradling the aching spots. The second layer made of graphite gives you that desirable medium to med-soft firmness that keeps your body cushioned but not stuck into the mattress. The topper comes with a one-year warranty and shipping is free.

Disadvantages

 On the downside, the website lacks a transparent user rating system so it’s not easy to know the real customer experience with it. It also has two firmness levels which limit its appeal and suitability.

At a Glance

• Price: $345 for a queen size
• User Rating: N/A
• Warranty: 1 year
• Materials: Graphite, foam, cotton
• Firmness: Med-Soft and Medium
• Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King
• Certifications: Global Organic Textile Standard
• Made In: USA

5. Best For Hot Sleepers: Saatva Latex Mattress Topper

The second Saatva topper is of the latex variety. It’s aimed at sleepers who don’t find the graphite-infused topper too hot. Made of natural latex, the topper is a good option for people who have allergies or can’t sleep on foam toppers and mattresses for one reason or another.

The topper has about 1 ½ inches layer of natural latex with all the benefits of the springy, hypoallergenic, and buoyant material. The cover is made of cotton which works in tandem with the breathable latex to increase the airflow and keep the top of the bed cool. The latex also has excellent pressure point relief qualities which helps ease back pain and keep your sleep more comfortable.

Key Features

 The topper is made of renewable and natural latex that is both durable and breathable. The cotton cover provides a layer of comfort on top of the latex layer.

Disadvantages

The topper is slightly more expensive than other toppers in this category. It also has a limited warranty. 

At a Glance

• Price: $445 for a queen size
• User Rating: N/A
• Warranty: 1 year
• Materials: Latex
• Firmness: Med-Soft and Medium
• Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King
• Certifications: Global Organic Textile Standard
• Made In: USA

6. Best Value: GhostBed Memory Foam Topper

The all-foam topper from GhostBed follows a more conventional and standard way of providing a comfortable topper that eases back pain and keeps the body supported no matter what side you sleep on. Using gel memory foam, the topper achieves high levels of waterproof, comfort, and cooling protection.

The 3-inch topper comes inside a deep-pocket cotton cover that repels moisture and keeps the topper dry and comfortable under you. Then the gel memory foam steps in to contour the body and provide excellent comfort to all points of the body from head to toe.

Key Features

The topper has a waterproof fitted cover made of deep-pocket cotton that improves ventilation for better heat wicking. The gel memory foam offers targeted comfort with more focus on the torso, back, and hip joints for maximum pressure point relief. It comes with a 5-year warranty and has an excellent user rating.

Disadvantages

The topper has only one firmness level and one thickness option.

At a Glance

• Price: $322 (discounted price)
• User Rating: 4.9 stars from 249 users
• Warranty: 5 years
• Materials: Foam
• Firmness: Medium
• Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King
• Certifications: CertiPUR-US
• Made In: USA

The Verdict

Let me remind you why I chose the PlushBeds Latex Mattress Topper: because it’s made from natural Talalay latex which cushions the sensitive points in your back and cradles them while keeping your body supported. The topper comes in two thickness types (2 and 3 inches) which is what you’d need to alleviate your back pain. And since it has 5 firmness profiles, you will find the firmness level that addresses your aching back and gives you the comfort and pain relief you seek and expect from this topper.

Best Mattress Topper For Back Pain – FAQ

Is A Mattress Topper Good For Back Pain?

Yes, absolutely. If a tired mattress that’s lots its support or a is the wrong firmness level for you is contributing to your back pain, a mattress topper can change the feel of your bed and offer increased support without you having to replace your entire mattress. Getting a mattress topper can be a budget friendly way to help your back pain.

Are Memory Foam Toppers Good For Lower Back Pain?

Yes, memory foam is designed to contour under your pressure points, offering support where your body needs it. If this is your lower back, a memory foam topper will support it.

However, if you sleep on your stomach, I’d recommend a latex topper as this will hold you up more and be more cooling than memory foam.

What Mattress Topper Do Chiropractors Recommend?

Chiropractors go for memory foam or latex as these are the most supportive for your back and the most durable. Look for talalay latex for a bouncy feel, or open cell memory foam so you don’t get too hot. All the toppers in this article fit this description.

How Many Inches Of Mattress Topper Is Best?

2-3 Inches is the most common recommendation. Any thinner than 2 inches and the topper won’t be thick enough to do it’s job. Any thicker and you may as well just replace the whole mattress.

Should I Size Up My Sheets If I Get A Mattress Topper?

I’ve tested several mattress toppers and my current sheets have been absolutely fine. However, if you already have a deep mattress and there’s not much room in the pockets of the fitted sheet, you might need to look for a deeper pocket sheet. I’d try out the sheets you have first before going and buying any new ones.