Our favorite mattress topper for back pain is the Sleep Innovations Gel Memory Foam 4-Inch Dual Layer Mattress Topper, which uses both fiberfill and memory foam for targeted comfort. Our second favorite pick is the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR Supreme 3-Inch Premium Foam Mattress Topper because its built to last and made with high-quality foam.
Unfortunately, back pain is a very common problem in the United States and not just for older people.
If you find yourself tossing and turning at night, trying to get comfortable, or waking up feeling exhausted, it’s time to change something. While a mattress topper won’t completely change your mattress, it can add a notable amount of comfort to it and make a firmer bed feel softer.
Best Mattress Toppers for Back Pain:
Once you decide you’re open to trying a mattress topper for your back pain, your work has just begun. It won’t take you long to notice that there are countless options on the market. To make your life easier, we’ve gathered the top five picks for you, each for a different preference or need.
#1 Best Scented Option- The LUCID 3-Inch Lavender Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Last update on 2024-04-17 at 16:08 - More InfoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product." / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What We Liked:
- Lavender scent infusion
- Ventilated for breathability
- May eliminate pressure
- Relatively affordable
What We Didn’t Like:
- Smell may be very strong at first
The LUCID 3-Inch Lavender Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper is, not surprisingly, infused with the scent of lavender. This herb has been used to promote relaxation for ages and could potentially give you a more restful sleep. This mattress topper has a ventilated design, which helps with breathability and prevents heat from building up while you sleep.
The 3-inch profile of the LUCID 3-Inch Lavender Mattress Topper allows you to experience a decent amount of sinkage. Sinking into the topper will help your body relax and could help with your back pain. If your current mattress is a bit too firm, adding this could make it feel just right. This topper comes with a three-year warranty to protect your purchase.
#2 Best Dual Layer Pick- The Sleep Innovations Gel Memory Foam 4-inch Dual Layer Mattress Topper
Last update on 2024-04-17 at 16:08 - More InfoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product." / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What We Liked:
- Uses both fiberfill and foam
- Cooling technology
- Made in the USA
- Stays in place well
What We Didn’t Like:
- The foam gradually hardens
- Expensive
The Sleep Innovations Gel Memory Foam 4-Inch Dual Layer Mattress Topper uses both fluffy fiberfill and cooling memory foam. This combination provides pressure relief and a gentle plush feeling due to the materials used. It’s extra thick, at 4 inches, and provides a decent amount of sinkage, which could be helpful for back pain sufferers.
The memory foam in the mattress topper is made with cooling gel, which pulls heat from the body. It has a machine-washable cover that keeps both layers in place while you rest. The product comes vacuum packed for easy and convenient transport and delivery. Note that over time, the foam may get harder and the topper may need to be replaced. The Sleep Innovations Gel Memory Foam 4-Inch Dual Layer Mattress Topper comes with a 10-year warranty.
#3 Best Luxury Option- The Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR Supreme 3-Inch Premium Foam Mattress Topper
Last update on 2024-04-17 at 16:08 - More InfoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product." / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What We Liked:
- 25-year warranty
- Trusted brand name
- Washable cover
- Luxurious foam feel
What We Didn’t Like:
- Off-gassing smell
- Expensive
The Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR Supreme 3-Inch Premium Foam Mattress Topper conforms closely to your body to relieve pressure. It’s our favorite luxury option because the proprietary foam used in the topper is high-quality and built to last. It comes with an allergen-resistant, washable cover.
Keep in mind that when you first receive the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR Supreme 3-Inch Premium Foam Mattress Topper, it may feel firmer you expected. There may also be an off-gassing odor present. Give the topper some time to soften up and for the smell to fade. This product comes with a 25-year warranty.
#4 Best Budget Pick- The Linenspa 2 Inch Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Last update on 2024-04-14 at 03:45 - More InfoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product." / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What We Liked:
- Expands to full size quickly
- Maintains its shape well
- Cooling technology
- Affordable
What We Didn’t Like:
- Off-gassing smell
The Linenspa 2-Inch Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper is an affordable product with cooling properties. It uses open-cell foam, which promotes airflow and can help you maintain a neutral, healthy sleep temperature.
This 2-inch gel topper has a plush foam surface and allows your body to sink into it slightly. Note that since this topper is only 2-inches thick, there won’t be a huge amount of sinkage.
The Linenspa 2-Inch Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper helps distribute your weight evenly across your bed. When your weight is evenly distributed, your muscles are able to fully relax, which can potentially ease pain or tension. This mattress topper comes with a 3-year warranty.
#5 Best for Hot Sleepers- The ViscoSoft 3 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Last update on 2024-04-11 at 02:46 - More InfoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product." / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What We Liked:
- Cooling technology
- Dense and supportive
- Removable/washable cover
- Money-back guarantee
What We Didn’t Like:
- Expensive
The ViscoSoft 3-Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper uses gel-infused foam to decrease trapped body heat and encourage airflow. It also has a ventilated design that will help you sleep cool.
This topper was designed to reduce pressure points and encourage a natural, healthy sleep position. The cover can be taken off and washed and the included elastic straps help the topper stay in place.
This product uses a high-density foam that doesn’t provide as much sinkage as other types of memory foam, so make sure that’s the feel you’re going for before you buy.
The ViscoSoft 3 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee and three-year warranty to protect your purchase.
What to Keep in Mind Before Buying a Mattress Topper
Any purchase you make should be made with as full of a picture as possible. Here are some factors to remember before you decide which mattress topper you should buy:
Topper Material
Mattress toppers come in a variety of different materials and each provides a different type of comfort. Some toppers use a combination of the materials below to create a unique product.
- Down alternative: Also known as synthetic down or fiberfill material, this filling type is similar to goose down but is synthetically sourced. This material is hypoallergenic and has a soft, plush feel. In most cases, down alternative mattress toppers are best suited for people who want a little bit of extra plush comfort on their bed. This material isn’t the best for back pain since it doesn’t provide much support, although dual layer mattress toppers with both synthetic down and foam could be a good option.
- Memory foam: Memory foam is unique in that it adjusts to your body’s unique curves. It creates a “hugging” sensation and helps your body fully relax, which can help ease pain. If you’re carrying some extra weight, you may want to opt for a thicker pad (like a 4-inch product) to ensure you’re getting enough support. People with lighter or average weight should do fine on a 2 or 3-inch pad. Memory foam was once associated with sleeping hot, but most modern products come with open-cell foam or cooling gel infusions to combat this.
- Latex: Latex mattress toppers come in many different sizes and shapes and can help ease back or neck pain. Latex supports your body while holding it in a neutral position and is a very breathable material that doesn’t retain heat as much as memory foam. It’s also a naturally hypoallergenic material that shouldn’t irritate those sensitive to allergens. One downside of latex is that it tends to cost more.
Should You Buy a Firm Mattress Pad?
If your mattress pad is too soft, it might make your back pain even worse. This is because too much sinkage can cause your hips or pelvis to become misaligned with the rest of your spine. A medium-firm topper will likely suit you best since it will promote neutral spinal alignment. If your bed is super firm, you may be able to go with a softer pad that evens this out and makes the bed feel medium-firm.
If you have a soft mattress, however, you may be able to balance that out with a firmer mattress topper. Note that your sleep position will impact the type of mattress topper you should select. A softer topper will probably work best for side sleepers since it will pleasantly cushion the hips and shoulders in that position.
Back or stomach sleepers may want a firmer pick, while a medium-firm feel will support most average sleep styles and body types.
Your Body Weight
Your weight also plays a role in the type of topper you should select if you have back pain. If you’re overweight, you’ll want to choose a thicker topper or an option made with dense foam. The ViscoSoft 3 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper we reviewed above is made of this type of foam.
People with a lighter body weight should do well with a medium-firm topper, as these are built to accommodate the widest range of people.
Topper Size
When you’re looking into the best mattress topper for back pain, you’ll want to ensure you pick one that fits your bed well. Size refers not just to the surface area the topper covers but also whether the depth works in terms of the elastic straps that hold the topper in place. Measure your mattress ahead of time to make sure you’re finding a topper that fits well. Also, read through user reviews to see how accurate the listed product information is.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mattress Toppers
In order to help you make as informed of a purchase as possible, we’ve gathered some frequently asked questions regarding mattress toppers.
Q: Will a memory foam mattress topper make me sleep hotter?
A: While memory foam was once associated with hot sleeping, nowadays, most manufacturers use gel infusion or open-cell foam to help pull heat away from the body. You should be able to maintain a comfortable sleep temperature, even while using a memory foam mattress topper. Make sure you’re using breathable bed linen, like cotton, instead of hot materials like flannel.
Q: How thick of a topper should I choose?
A: The thickness of your mattress topper is important and will impact how much support it can offer. One of the most common causes of back pain is spinal misalignment. A thicker topper isn’t always better and you should probably only select a thick (4-inch or thicker) topper if you specifically want a lot of sinkage. As a general rule, mattress toppers in the 2 to 3-inch range will work best for the vast majority of sleepers.
Q: How long do I have to wait after unpacking it to use my topper?
A: This depends on a couple of factors. Most mattress toppers will come rolled up and vacuum packed, so they’ll need some time to fully expand. In addition, buying a foam topper might mean dealing with a slight off-gassing (chemical) odor. Leaving your foam topper in a well-ventilated room for 48 hours should take care of both of these issues. However, if your topper expands to its full size immediately and you don’t notice an odor, you can sleep on it right away.
Q: Can a mattress topper revive my old, worn-out mattress?
A: Although adding a topper to your bed can help your old mattress feel more comfortable, it’s no replacement for buying a new bed. Your mattress is something you shouldn’t ignore, especially when you’re dealing with back pain. If your bed is starting to sag in the middle or is more than seven years old, look into mattresses for back pain before you buy a topper.
Final Verdict
Overall, choosing the right mattress topper could be a good move for easing your back pain. Our top pick is the Sleep Innovations Gel Memory Foam 4-Inch Dual Layer Mattress Topper since it uses both fiberfill and foam to create a plush feel and pressure relief. Make sure you’re thinking about your sleep position, body type, and comfort preferences when choosing the right topper for you.
