Best Mattress Topper for Back Pain of 2024

A sleep surface that lacks proper support can lead to back pain, so using a high-quality topper can buy you some time while you seek out a new mattress. The Saatva High-Density Foam Mattress Topper is a great option if you need extra cushioning to sleep comfortably, but dislike the close hug of memory foam. A 1.5-inch profile prevents the topper from compressing too much beneath your weight, but the medium (5) feel can improve the comfort level of your sleep surface — especially if your mattress has become excessively firm over time.

How It Performs

During hands-on tests, the topper fared well among our side and back sleepers. Our side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds and back sleepers up to 230 pounds were particularly impressed. Since the topper is constructed from high-density polyfoam, we noticed close, even contouring and minimal sinkage. The foam also isolates motion quite well, so the topper could be a useful investment for couples who experience movement-related sleep disruptions because their mattress is overly responsive.

Construction Breakdown

The topper’s core contains 1.5 inches of high-density polyfoam. This fairly low profile means the topper is best suited to mattresses with slight to moderate wear and tear, and that the foam shouldn’t sink too much beneath your weight. A cover made of GOTS-certified organic cotton encases the foam. Each corner is equipped with a thick elastic strap you can tuck under your mattress to stabilize the topper and prevent shifting when you change sleep positions or toss and turn.

Given the High-Density Foam Topper’s expected lifespan, its above-average sticker price may translate into a solid long-term investment. Saatva also offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. Your purchase includes a generous sleep trial that runs for 180 nights, giving you plenty of time to decide whether the topper is right for you. If you decide to keep it, a 1-year warranty covers material and structural defects.

The Helix GlacioTex Premium Mattress Topper – Luxury Plush has a thick profile composed primarily of cradling foam, so it’s ideal for sleepers seeking ample cushioning for pressure-sensitive joints. That said, the inclusion of coils in the design also ensures a level of support we don’t normally see in foam-based toppers.

How It Performs

With two foam layers, a nearly 4-inch profile, and an overall medium soft (4) feel, the topper shines when it comes to pressure relief. The adaptive surface conforms closely to your joints to alleviate any pressure buildup. Meanwhile a thin layer of microcoils adds a touch of bounce that keeps your body from sinking too deep, which is sometimes an issue with toppers composed entirely of foam.

Side sleepers across all weight groups gave this topper high marks, since it eases pressure off the shoulders and hips while maintaining lumbar support. The topper earned similar praise from back sleepers up to 230 pounds and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds. Those sharing a bed with a restless sleep partner may also benefit from this topper, since the foam helps prevent motion from rippling across the surface.

Construction Breakdown

The Helix GlacioTex Premium Mattress Topper – Luxury Plush begins with a top layer of polyfoam that offers strong contouring. This is followed by a thin layer of microcoils that enhance cradling while also generating gentle pushback. Rounding out the design is a second layer of foam, which is denser than the top layer to stabilize the topper and keep your body from sinking through. The topper is encased in a cooling phase change cover made with polyester and polyethylene fibers. Corner straps secure the topper to your mattress.

Helix offers free shipping to all 50 states, and you’ll receive a 100-night sleep trial to test the topper in your bed. The product also comes with a one-year warranty.

When it comes to improving your spinal alignment, few materials can match the effectiveness of high-density memory foam. The ViscoSoft Select High Density Topper has a balanced medium (5) feel, which is ideal for people who switch between multiple sleeping positions at night. Available in profiles of 3 or 4 inches, this topper is a good option if your mattress is on its last leg.

How It Performs

The Select High Density Topper was particularly popular among our side sleepers. Those weighing less than 130 pounds preferred the 4-inch model, whereas our side sleepers of 130 pounds or more felt more comfortable on the 3-inch topper. The 3-inch model also earned favorable ratings from our back sleepers up to 230 pounds, and stomach sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds.

The dense memory foam absorbs movement exceptionally well, so both toppers received high marks during our motion isolation tests. Pressure relief is another major strength. Body-mapping technology indicated little to no pressure buildup along the spine for the majority of our testing team.

Construction Breakdown

The 3-inch and 4-inch toppers both contain a single layer of high-density memory foam. This material responds slowly to compression, resulting in a cloud-like feel as your body settles onto your sleep surface. Memory foam tends to absorb heat, so ViscoSoft used a cover made of rayon derived from bamboo. The fabric offers excellent cooling and also has moisture-wicking properties. That said, some people may still experience excessive heat retention. Thick, elastic straps at each corner help the topper stay in place.

The ViscoSoft Select High Density Topper carries an approachable price-point, and shipping is free of charge throughout the contiguous U.S. Your purchase includes a 90-night sleep trial. If you decide to keep the topper, you’ll also receive a 5-year warranty.

The most comfortable topper for any given sleeper with back pain should cushion sensitive areas and reduce discomfort while maintaining even support. The Silk & Snow Organic Mattress Topper is available in medium (5) and firm (7) designs. Between the two options, our tests show the topper can accommodate sleepers across a wide range of body types and sleep positions.

How It Performs

Our side sleepers weighing up to 130 pounds and back sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds preferred the balanced cushioning of the medium feel. While the latex won’t contour as closely as foam, you’ll notice some moderate conforming as the topper adapts to your body. Most of our testers weighing more than 230 pounds preferred the extra support of the firm feel. The same was true for our back and stomach sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds.

Since Dunlop latex is naturally dense and responsive, the topper fared well during our ease of movement tests. Most of us encountered minimal resistance moving across the toppers, and no one sank excessively — even when testing the medium feel. Temperature control is another strong point. The latex retains little heat and the breathable cotton cover promotes airflow, so you shouldn’t sleep too hot.

Construction Breakdown

The topper’s core consists of Dunlop latex measuring 2 inches thick. Dunlop lacks the strong bounce of Talalay latex, but is still fairly responsive compared to foam and other topper materials. A cotton cover encases the latex. The cotton has earned certification from the Global Organic Textile Standard, and the latex is certified by the Global Organic Latex Standard, so this topper is a good option if you prefer to purchase sustainably made products.

Silk & Snow offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. and Canada. The trial period runs for 100 nights, during which you can return the Organic Mattress Topper for a full refund if it doesn’t meet your needs. Should you decide to keep the topper, you’ll receive a 3-year warranty for the latex and a 1-year warranty for the cover.

The Sleep Is the Foundation Memory Foam Mattress Topper conforms closely to your body during sleep. The deep contouring makes it an excellent choice for sleepers who aren’t getting enough cushioning from their mattress.

How It Performs

Memory foam is known for its adaptive properties, so it was no surprise to our in-house testers that this topper excelled at cradling the body and relieving pressure buildup. The topper also absorbed motion effectively. Our testers didn’t feel disturbed by each other’s movements when sharing the bed surface. During tests, the topper earned the highest marks from side sleepers across all weight groups and back sleepers up to 230 pounds. Stomach sleepers under 130 pounds also found the mattress topper comfortable.

Construction Breakdown

The topper is composed of memory foam with a medium (5) feel. A perforated design helps reduce some of the heat retention we’ve noticed with other foam toppers. While the 2-inch profile offers decent cushioning, you may prefer a thicker topper if you want to drastically change or improve the feel of your mattress. The cover is made with cotton on top and polyester on the bottom. Adjustable corner straps and anti-slip beads help prevent the topper from shifting too much. You can purchase the topper in four standard sizes.

The Sleep Is the Foundation Memory Foam Mattress Topper is available exclusively through Amazon.com. Your topper comes with a 30-night refund policy, and Amazon Prime members receive free shipping.

Much like mattresses themselves, you should consider your sleep position when choosing a new mattress topper. Most side sleepers receive the cushioning and support they need from toppers with adaptive foam cores that cushion the shoulders and hips without sinking too much beneath their weight. The Nolah AirFoam Luxe Mattress Topper checks all of these boxes and sleeps cool to boot. You can also choose from two profiles based on your specific firmness preferences and the level of wear and tear on your mattress.

How It Performs

Our hands-on tests show each of the topper’s two profiles is best suited to different sleeper types. The 2-inch model is medium (5) and conforms to a moderate extent, making it a solid match for side and back sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds. If you weigh less than 130 pounds and sleep on your side or back — or simply prefer a deeper contour — the medium soft (4) 3-inch topper should meet your needs.

During temperature control tests, our thermal sensors detected minimal heat buildup on the AirFoam and none of our testers felt overly warm lying on the topper. We’ve attributed this to the foam’s open-cell composition and the cooling abilities of the GlacioTex cover. Motion isolation is another major strength we observed. While AirFoam is more responsive than memory foam, the material should absorb movement well and reduce motion transfer for couples.

Construction Breakdown

The topper contains 2 to 3 inches of solid AirFoam, a proprietary open-cell material with air pockets to promote circulation and resist heat retention. The foam is somewhat responsive to movement, but also conforms to your figure. A cover made of cooling GlacioTex fabric encases the mattress. Each corner is equipped with a thick elastic strap for securing the topper to your mattress — this prevents shifting and bunching when you change sleep positions.

The AirFoam Luxe Mattress Topper carries an above-average sticker price, but Nolah offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. and each order includes a 30-night sleep trial. Your purchase is also covered under a 10-year warranty against material defects.

The PlushBeds Natural Latex Topper has a firm (8) feel, making it one of the firmest toppers in our testing lab. The firm and responsive feel ensure robust support to keep your body on an even plane, while the latex adds a bit of surface cushioning for sore spots along the spine.

How It Performs

Our team tested each of the topper’s firmness levels, and the firmest model was most popular among our back and stomach sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds. If you sleep on your side or weigh less than 130 pounds, you may prefer one of the softer models. Most of our side sleepers preferred the medium soft (4) and medium (5) models, though some weighing less than 130 pounds enjoyed the deep cushioning of the soft (3) model.

The firm topper performed well during our temperature control tests. Our heat guns detected very little heat buildup thanks to the firm feel and breathable construction. We also awarded positive ratings for ease of movement. Latex is naturally responsive, so it won’t sink beneath your weight and shouldn’t sink excessively when you get in and out of bed.

Construction Breakdown

The topper contains a single layer of organic Talalay latex certified by the Global Organic Latex Standard. The latex is ventilated to promote airflow and cooling. You can choose between 2- or 3- inch profiles. We recommend the latter for mattresses with more pronounced wear and tear, and the former for mattresses with minor to moderate sinkage. An organic cotton cover is available for an extra fee.

PlushBeds offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. Returns are not accepted once the Natural Latex Topper has been unboxed, but your order is backed by a 5-year warranty against material defects.

The Birch Organic Mattress Topper is constructed with high-end materials that give the topper above-average durability. If you’re in the market for a luxury topper and dislike the deep hug of foam, this model may be right up your alley. A handful of green certifications also make the topper an appealing option for eco-conscious shoppers.

How It Performs

The topper earned favorable ratings from our team’s back and stomach sleepers across all weight groups, but those weighing 130 to 230 pounds were particularly impressed. Some of our side sleepers also felt comfortable, but the latex may not conform closely enough to alleviate pressure in the shoulders and hips. This is especially true if you sleep on your side and weigh less than 130 pounds.

The Organic Mattress Topper excelled throughout our temperature control tests. We’ve attributed this strong performance to its breathable cover, moisture-wicking wool layers, and ventilated latex core. The topper may also be a good investment if your mattress has softened with age and become difficult to move on because the latex offers noticeable springiness.

Construction Breakdown

The topper’s core contains 2 inches of Talalay latex. This material is exceptionally responsive, even compared to other types of latex, so you shouldn’t experience too much sinkage when getting in and out of bed or changing sleep positions. Organic cotton and organic wool batting rest atop the latex for extra cushioning. The wool also has moisture-wicking properties to keep you dry on humid nights.

Measuring slightly more than 2 inches thick, the topper should provide a good comfort adjustment for any mattress with light to moderate wear and tear. An organic cotton cover completes the eco-friendly design. The topper has earned green certifications from well-respected organizations such as the Global Organic Textile Standard, eco-INSTITUT, and Wool Integrity NZ.

Birch offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. The company’s sleep trial allows you to test out the Organic Mattress Topper for 100 nights. If it meets your needs, you’ll also receive a warranty covering structural defects for up to 10 years.

Some toppers carry cheap price-points but aren’t made to last, while others are expensive and may not fall within your budget — especially as a short-term sleep solution. The Puffy Deluxe Mattress Topper finds nice middle ground between affordability and quality. Composed of solid memory foam encased in a breathable, stretch-knit cover, the topper significantly changes the feel of your sleep surface and should help you sleep comfortably until you purchase a new mattress.

How It Performs

The topper is sold in two firmness levels, and our team tested both. Side and back sleepers under 130 pounds appreciated the deep conforming and cradling of the soft (3) topper, which hugs the body to promote even alignment and minimize pressure points. We recommend this design if your mattress has become overly firm or stiff with age. Conversely, the firm (7) topper is quite supportive and should improve any sleep surface that has softened excessively over time. Back and stomach sleepers on our team were particularly impressed with this design.

Although the foam absorbs some heat, the breathable rayon-blend shell offsets heat retention to a noticeable degree and has moisture-wicking properties to help you stay dry. Both toppers also excel at motion isolation to reduce sleep disruptions for you and your partner, especially if your mattress is responsive and bouncy.

Construction Breakdown

The topper measures 2.5 inches thick and contains a single layer of solid memory foam. Contouring level varies by firmness, but both designs mold to your figure and cradle your spine. The cover is outfitted with elastic corners intended to fit around the corners of your mattress, so there shouldn’t be any shifting during the night. A pocket depth of 15 inches lets you use the topper with most mattresses sold today, and you can machine-wash the cover as needed to keep your sleep surface clean.

Puffy offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. Each topper comes with a 101-night trial period. If you decide to keep the topper, your purchase is also backed by a lifetime warranty against various manufacturing defects.

If you’re a side sleeper, chances are you’ll experience added pressure in the shoulders and hips after sleeping on a surface that doesn’t provide adequate cushioning. The Turmerry Latex Mattress Topper might be a worthwhile investment if your mattress feels too firm. You can choose from four firmness levels — soft (3), medium (5), medium firm (6), and firm (7) — depending on how much you weigh and the amount of support you need to sleep comfortably.

How It Performs

During our tests, the soft topper was popular among our side sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds but did not provide enough support for most of our other team members. The balanced feel of the medium topper earned favorable ratings from testers weighing 130 to 230 pounds across all sleep positions. If you’re a side sleeper who weighs more than 230 pounds, our tests indicate the medium firm and firm feels provide enough support. Our back and stomach sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds also preferred the firmer designs.

Temperature control was a highlight of our hands-on testing. The latex is ventilated to promote airflow, so you shouldn’t experience too much heat retention regardless of which firmness level you choose. Another area where the topper performed well was ease of movement. Even on the soft model, we were able to get on and off the mattress without excessive resistance.

Construction Breakdown

The topper consists of ventilated Dunlop latex and is available in 2-inch, 3-inch, and 4-inch thickness options. The 4-inch option has a dual-sided design with a soft feel on one surface and medium firm feel on the other. If your mattress has heavy wear, you should consider the 3-inch or 4-inch designs, while the 2-inch topper should provide an adequate comfort adjustment for mattresses with minor indentations.

All thickness options are available with organic certification from the Global Organic Latex Standard, but you may also purchase non-organic versions for a slightly lower price. You can buy an organic cotton cover for an additional fee. Note that the cover is included for free with the purchase of the 4-inch topper.

The topper’s sticker price depends on which profile and type of latex you choose. Turmerry offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. Your order comes with a 120-night sleep trial, and the topper is further backed by a 5-year warranty.