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Best Mattress Toppers for Back Pain

Candace Osmond

Approximately 20% of the US population has suffered or will suffer from back pain which disturbs the quality of their sleep. Rather than investing in a whole new mattress you could solve the problem with a mattress topper. Mattress toppers can provide relief to people experiencing back pain by providing extra cushioning and contouring that will help to spread out the body weight on your mattress and take pressure off key areas like your hips and shoulders.

RankProductHighlights
#1Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR Supreme 3-Inch 

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  • Product Dimensions: 80 x 60 x 3 inches
  • Material: Tempur Memory Foam
#2Lucid Bamboo Charcoal Memory Foam 

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  • Size: 58.98 x 78.98 x 1.97 inches
  • Weight: 11.5 pounds
  • Materials: Memory Foam
#3American Queen Firm Conventional Polyurethane Foam

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  • Size: 87 x 58 x 3 inches
  • Materials: Polyurethane
#4Polar Sleep Mattress Topper

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  • Size: 79 x 59 x 3 inches  
  • Material: Memory foam
#5PureTree Organic Latex Mattress Topper

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  • Size: 60 x 80 x 2 inches
  • Materials: Organic Latex
#6ViscoSoft 3 Inch Memory Foam

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  • Size: 79 x 59 x 3 inches
  • Material: Memory foam

The right mattress topper for you often depends on your sleeping position. If you sleep on your back, a firmer topper will be best for you as it should provide more support that your back needs at night. If you are a side sleeper, a soft and cushiony mattress topper will allow your shoulders and hips to sink down which will move your body into a neutral spine position which is the healthiest alignment for sleep. Of course take into consideration the current mattress that you have and if you notice you are having pain due to pressure or support.

If you have back pain and are shopping for a mattress topper to add to your current mattress to help alleviate your pain, you need to understand the difference between “mattress pads” and “mattress topper”.

A mattress topper will sit on top of your mattress and their thick make-up allows you to affect change when combined with the mattress that sits below. While mattress pads often add an additional layer of comfort, they are much thinner than mattress toppers and provide more protection for your mattress from spills and stains. Mattress pads are attached to a filled sheet and have straps or zippers to firmly attach the pad to your mattress so that it does not shift positions, while mattress toppers sit on top of your mattress and many can shift during the night. Most mattress toppers are dry clean only so factor that in while budgeting your costs.

Pros and Cons of A Mattress Topper

ProsCons
  • Can change the feel of your current mattress:
  • Can add a plush layer to provide for pressure relief and contouring 
  • Can provide an additional layer of support
  • Can revive an old mattress that’s showing signs of wear and sagging 
  • There are many types of mattress toppers, giving you many choices based on your unique needs and preferences
  • Hypoallergenic mattress toppers are available
  • Can be expensive
  • Many toppers require dry cleaning

Types Of Mattress Toppers Available Depending On Material Used

Memory Foam Mattress Topper

If you wake up with backaches, a memory foam mattress topper could help to give you relief by providing contouring and pressure point relief. A gel memory foam is also available and that will help to keep hot sleepers cool as memory foam can be warm when it hugs your body.

Latex Mattress Topper

If you need additional support, latex toppers are responsive and supportive. Natural latex is hypoallergenic, resistant to dust mites, bed bugs, and mildew so it is a good option for those with allergies.

Featherbed Mattress Topper

If you are looking for a soft cloud-like feel then featherbed mattress toppers are for you. While pillow top mattresses can feel matted after continued use, a featherbed topper can be taken off, shaken and fluffed up to keep that cloud-like feeling you want.

Wool Mattress Topper

Wool mattress toppers are soft and supportive and help to regulate your sleeping temperature. Wool will keep you warm in the winter and cool in summer by wicking away moisture.

Top 6 Pillow Top Mattress Toppers for Back Pain

1. Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR Supreme 3-Inch Mattress Topper

SPECS:

  • Product Dimensions: 80 x 60 x 3 inches
  • Material: Tempur Memory Foam

Best Pressure Relief

You can’t beat the reassurance of a good brand like Tempur-pedic.  Their supreme 3 inch mattress topper consists of proprietary Tempur material. This unique formulation of memory foam originally developed by NASA adapts to the shape of the sleeper by redistributing their weight and limiting pressure buildup. It includes a removable, washable polyester cover for easy cleaning. This option rates at a 5 on the 10 point firmness scale which makes it a medium-firm, providing both support and a feeling of cradling your body. The Tempur-pedic Topper Supreme is also extremely durable,  and excels in motion isolation, and noise reduction. The Tempur-Pedic Topper Supreme is available in the six standard mattress sizes. It comes with a 10-year limited warranty.

ProsCons
  • Constructed from proprietary TEMPUR material for exceptional pressure relief and durability
  • Includes washable cover
  • Brand reliability
  • Medium Firm
  • Durable
  • 10 year warranty
  • Not great for hot sleepers

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2. Lucid Bamboo Charcoal Memory Foam Mattress Topper

SPECS:

  • Size: 58.98 x 78.98 x 1.97 inches
  • Weight: 11.5 pounds
  • Materials: Memory Foam

Best Bargain

While this Lucid Memory Foam Mattress Topper may look a bit thin, you will be thrilled with the level of support they pack into the two inches of memory foam.  The Lucid Mattress Topper is extremely affordable and the memory foam will help eliminate pressure point pain while providing support for your lower spine by cradling your body in a neutral spine position. The memory foam is infused with bamboo charcoal that will help regulate your temperature, moisture and eliminate odor resulting in a cleaner more comfortable sleep. While a bit on the thin side you can’t beat the price of this quality product.

ProsCons
  • Affordability
  • Bamboo charcoal infused
  • Moisture reducing
  • Temperature regulating
  • Odor eliminating
  • Contouring
  • Variety
  • Ventilated
  • Two inches thick

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3. American Queen Firm Conventional Polyurethane Foam

SPECS:

  • Size: 87 x 58 x 3 inches
  • Materials: Polyurethane

Best Firm Support

This product is not the prettiest one on the market but if you are looking for firm support for your back, try this affordable classic polyurethane foam.  Memory foam can often make you feel like you are sinking into the bed while the polyurethane foam will have you floating above.  The foam can withstand thirty- three pounds of compression so you know that it is durable.There are three full inches of foam that will help revive any sagging mattress. The toppers is made in the USA and its environmentally friendly production has earned it a PURGreen certification.  Do note that the polyurethane does off gas when you first open it and will need a few days to air out.

ProsCons
  • Affordable
  • Comes in multiple sizes
  • Made in the USA
  • PURGreen Certification
  • Firm
  • Durable
  • No sinking
  • Off gassing smell in the beginning

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4. Polar Sleep Mattress Topper

SPECS:

  • Size: 79 x 59 x 3 inches  
  • Material: Memory foam

Best for Hot Sleepers

This topper is made from a plush memory foam that will contour to your body and help to place your sleeping spine in a neutral position which will alleviate pressure points and eliminate tight, sore mornings. It is made from eco-friendly material, and is ventilated and gel-infused to help regulate your sleeping temperature. This memory foam mattress topper stands out due to its cooling properties. A lot of times, foam tends to be warm which can be a rough experience for people who sleep hot. The mattress topper is infused with gel beads that helps dissipate heat without sacrificing support. The product uses CertiPUr-US certified foam in their toppers to give you the peace of mind that the memory foam in your topper meets rigorous standards for emissions and durability.

ProsCons
  • Great for relieving pressure points
  • It expands fully in half an hour
  • Inexpensive
  • Ventilated
  • Infused with cooling gel beads
  • CertiPur certified
  • Eco friendly
  • May be too firm for some sleepers
  • Off gassing takes 42-48 hours

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5. PureTree Organic Latex Mattress Topper

SPECS:

  • Size: 60 x 80 x 2 inches
  • Materials: Organic Latex

Best Organic Topper

This Organic Mattress Topper by Pure Tree has a great balance of softness and support while helping to evenly distribute your body weight which will help to relieve pressure points and provide relief from back pain.  It is well balanced between support and softness and will provide additional help for mattresses which do not provide you the relief you need.  The natural latex used by Pure Tree is certified organic by the Global Organic Latex standard and is free from synthetic chemicals.  The company uses a sustainability plan for harvesting their latex so this product is ecologically friendly. Your purchase comes with 100% organic cotton soft cover.

ProsCons
  • Certified Organic
  • No synthetic chemicals
  • No off gassing
  • Sustainable product
  • Supportive at pressure points
  • Ventilated
  • 100% organic cotton cover
  • Small percentage of people are allergic to latex

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6. ViscoSoft 3 Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper

SPECS:

  • Size: 79 x 59 x 3 inches
  • Material: Memory foam

Best All Around

The Visco Soft three inch high-density memory foam topper will align your spine and help you to fall into a restful night’s sleep. The foam will help eliminate common pressure points and won’t let your body sink into the foam.  The foam has been engineered to create airflow, reduce body heat and includes a cooling infused gel. This topper can help you stay asleep if you share a bed with a partner as it eliminates weight transfers from others tossing and turning.  The Visco topper comes with a machine washable bamboo-rayon cover that has a slip resistant mesh and elastic straps to ensure your topper won’t slip from your mattress during the night.  The company provides a 60 day satisfaction guarantee and a three year manufacturing warranty.

ProsCons
  • High density memory foam
  • Slip resistant bottom
  • Elastic straps
  • Machine washable cover
  • Cooling gel
  • Even weight distribution
  • 60 day satisfaction guarantee
  • 3 year warranty
  • High reviews from actual customers
  • Off gassing smell

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Last Words: 

Be aware if you are a hot sleeper that memory foam tends to get warm easily as it cradles your body.  Make sure this has been counter acted by ventilation, breathability or a cooling gel infusion.

With back pain, stay away from a mattress topper that is too soft.  A mattress topper is a budget friendly way to provide your spine with a vehicle that will promote a neutral spinal alignment and alleviate many of your aches and pains by giving you a restful night’s sleep. A mattress topper will be a huge upgrade for anyone still sleeping on a spring coil mattress.

Photo credit: F8 studio/Shutterstock