Best For A Soft Or Sagging Mattress: Viscosoft Pillow Top Latex

If your problem is an overly soft or a sagging mattress, youll need a firm topper to boost support and improve spinal alignment.

A latex topper is a great choice. Latex foam will keep you from sinking into the mattress while providing just the right amount of hug.

Our top recommendation is the ViscoSoft Pillow Top Latex Mattress Topper.

The ViscoSoft topper combines a 2 firm latex pad with a 1 plush pillow top cover. This ensures that even as you firm up your mattress, you still enjoy pressure relief on your shoulders, hips, and back.

The pillow-top cover is filled with a down alternative. You can safely clean it in a washing machine.

The pad beneath the cover consists of gel latex foam. It is firmer than memory foam, which helps if your mattress is too soft.

The latex pad makes your bed more responsive, making it easier to toss and turn and get in and out of bed. It can also make your bed more conducive to sex.

Latex foam sleeps much cooler than memory foam. The addition of cooling gel makes it even cooler. If you are a hot sleeper, the ViscoSoft latex mattress topper will help you sleep more comfortably.

The ViscoSoft topper is available in 5 sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, and Cal King.

Thickness/support: Two Very Squishy Inches

The Zoned Lavender Mattress Topper from Lucid is two inches thick. It fits easily underneath a standard fitted sheet.

The super-soft and responsive memory foam makes it exceptionally squishy with medium support. When I slept on my side, the spiral-textured zone felt like it reduced some pressure on my hips. I think another inch would provide more support and comfort, but I tend to prefer more cushioning, in general.

What Are The Advantages Of The Mattress Toppers For Back Pain

Back pain is a very serious problem that can certainly be alleviated, if not solved, by using a mattress topper for back pain. In addition, getting the best mattress that suits you will also reduce your issues with the back pain. As a result, the position of the body during sleep will reduce the pain, and the body posture will be improved. Of course, mattress topper for back pain will provide you with all the benefits as all other toppers, like cooling features and quality sleep.

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Choosing A Topper Material For Back Pain

The first step is choosing the suitable topper material for your body and sleeping style. Generally, this will be a choice between memory foam and natural latex. Each has a different type of feel and performance and distribute weight differently. However, both are very good for pressure relief if that is something you value.

Regardless of the type of material you chose, it is fundamental that the the material is of a high quality. This is important as higher quality toppers will be more durable and perform better than lower-quality materials. Lower density foams will soften more quickly and lose valuable support.

If you are a heavier person, this is especially important because with increased weight or under particular conditions or a type of usage, may cause more stress and wear on the topper and cause it to soften, compress, or degrade more quickly.

Lucid Down Alternative & Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper

LUCID Down Alternative and Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper

LUCID Down Alternative and Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper

• Fill materials: Gel-infused memory foam, synthetic down alternative
• Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King

This pick is a hybrid mattress topper that combines foam and fiberfill for support and pillow-top comfort, but it’s available from Amazon for a lower cost and with the convenience of Prime shipping. The bottom layer is memory foam infused with gel, while the top layer includes pockets of down alternative for plush padding. It goes onto your bed like a fitted sheet to help everything stay in place, though it doesn’t have the strap to keep the two layers extra secure together.

It’s a luxurious four inches high with equal parts foam and pillow top, but it’s actually two separate pieces that you can layer together or use separately. The down alternative top layer that holds everything together is machine washable and dryer safe. Just note that some reviewers noted it sleeps hot, despite the gel infusion in the foam.

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Tuft & Needle Mattress Topper

• Fill materials: Memory foam
• Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King

A memory foam mattress topper is ideal if you sleep on your side because it takes pressure off the areas where you put the most weight, like your hips and shoulders. This one from Tuft & Needle has two inches of foam specifically designed to add cushioning, while still being more supportive than a soft featherbed. The brand says this is because its unique responsive foam is more resilient without sinking in, and testers agree that Tuft & Needle’s foam feels supportive without sinking in. Plus, it’s made with open cells to help it feel more breathable.

Though it doesn’t have straps to tuck under your mattress, it has a unique non-skid bottom that prevents it from shifting on your bed. It also has a comfy knit cover that helps prevent your sheets from bunching up. The downside is that this one isn’t washable, and the cover can’t be removed for cleaning.

How Does Sleeping Position Affect Back Pain

Back pain can occur as a result of an underlying condition or sleep-related factors. The right mattress topper can help relieve pressure points and support natural spinal alignment, which could also help contribute to reduced back pain. However, each sleep position can affect the spine differently, so those suffering from back pain may want to consider the role of their preferred sleep position.

Side sleepers: People who sleep on their side frequently prefer a slightly softer sleep surface that balances conforming and support. Too firm of a topper may not allow their hips and shoulders to sink in enough, while too soft of a mattress topper may let their hips and shoulders sink in too much. Either of these situations could put a strain on their spines and contribute to back pain. A thicker topper could be ideal for a bed that is too firm, as it can provide ample room for a side sleepers hips and shoulders to sink in. A firmer topper that helps prevent sinkage will be better for a bed that is too soft.

Back sleepers: This sleep position typically requires a slightly firmer sleep surface that gives them the support they need to maintain their natural spinal alignment, so they may prefer firmer and/or thinner mattress toppers. A topper that is too soft could allow their hips to sink in excessively and make it difficult to keep their spine well-aligned. Too firm of a topper could also be problematic, leaving a gap between the bed and the sleepers lumbar region.

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How Can Mattress Toppers Help Alleviate Back Pain

Like mattresses, mattress toppers come in a variety of materials. Some materials, like latex and memory foam, are notable for their ability to alleviate pressure and offer superior support without sacrificing comfort. These materials also help you maintain proper spinal alignment as you sleep, which can mean fewer aches and pains when you wake up.

A 2021 review also suggests that medium-firm mattresses may help improve sleep quality and reduce your risk of lower back pain.

If you have an older mattress or one thats too soft or too firm, a good mattress topper can add a key layer of support and comfort that reduces the level of strain you notice in the lumbar region, or lower back.

It might go without saying, but improving your comfort level in bed can also improve the quality of your sleep.

To choose the best mattress toppers for back pain, we considered:

The mattress toppers on our list have been vetted to ensure that they align with Healthlines brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. You can read more about our vetting process.

How We Evaluated These Mattress Toppers

To create our list of the best toppers for back pain, we evaluated each topper based on factors like pain and pressure relief, support, contouring level, and ease of movement. We also took cost into account to best serve shoppers on a budget. To learn more about how a mattress topper can reduce back pain, check out our detailed buyers guide below.

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Brooklyn Bedding Titanflex Topper Overview

Those who want a mattress topper that gives them the exact mix of support and pressure relief for their needs should check out the TitanFlex Topper by Brooklyn Bedding. This topper offers you firmness options and even a choice of cover.

As far as firmness options go, you have the choice between soft, medium, and firm options. Side sleepers should consider the plushest choice, while stomach sleepers should go for the firmest option. Combo sleepers and back sleepers will likely do best on the medium, depending on whether they want to firm or soften up their mattress.

The Editors at Sleep Junkie recommend the Brooklyn Bedding TitanFlex Topper as the best pressure-relieving mattress topper for back pain of 2022.

• Thick, Flexible Foam Fill

• Sleepers with non-latex allegies

Puffy Mattress Topper Overview

Those who want a mattress topper thats easy to place, easy to care for, and hard to mess up should check out the Puffy Mattress Topper. This topper is perfect for those who eat in bed or have little kids because its easy to wash and wont tear or stain easily.

The firmness options also allow you to choose between soft and firm options. So whether you bought an overly soft or overly firm mattress, you can still have the Puffy topper.

The Editors at Sleep Junkie recommend the Puffy mattress topper as the most practical mattress topper for back pain of 2022.

• Mattress Topper Wont Skid Out of Place

  Anti-slip grip layer will help align your mattress and topper and prevent it from sliding around.

• Easy-to-Maintain Covering

• No medium firmness option

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Whats The Difference Between A Mattress Pad And A Mattress Topper

The terms mattress pad and mattress topper are often used interchangeably to refer to the same thing.

But traditionally, mattress toppers are thicker and are typically made with foam or latex. A mattress topper significantly changes the comfort and feel of your mattress.

Mattress pads, on the other hand, are thinner and often consist of down alternative, down or wool. Mattress pads are useful for softening a too-firm mattress without compromising support.

Some mattress pads also double up as mattress protectors.

Best Down Alternative Topper For Hot Sleepers: Exceptionalsheets Bamboo Mattress Pad

If you find neither memory foam nor latex foam toppers comfortable, perhaps a softer and plusher material will be more to your liking.

Down alternative toppers are much softer than either memory foam or latex. They are great for people with back injuries, those who are recovering from back or hip surgery and side sleepers how need better contouring.

If this sounds like the kind of topper you are looking for, we recommend the ExceptionalSheets mattress pad.

It is filled with high quality fiber, specifically Revoloft.

It has the feel of real goose down. Its soft and it hugs your body. Essentially, it feels like sleeping on a luxury hotel mattress.

If you have serious back or hip pain, this topper makes a big difference in how you sleep. Youll sleep quicker and deeper and wake up more rested.

While not as cool as latex foam, the fiberfill doesnt get too warm. What really helps with cooling is the bamboo rayon cover.

Its highly breathable and sleeps cooler than either cotton or polyester fabrics.

Being a fiberfill topper, you can wash it in the washing machine. But you probably shouldnt.

The backing material at the bottom of the mattress seems delicate. Many customers have had theirs tear after putting it in the washing machine.

To be safe, just spot clean it. A mattress protector that covers the pad will also help keep it clean.

Pros

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Extends Your Mattresss Life

Mattress toppers protect your mattress from stains, dust, and bodily sweat or oils, potentially extending your beds lifespan. However, we do not recommend using a topper as a substitute for a mattress protector. Protectors are made to shield your bed from dust mites, bed bugs, and other things that can harm your bed, so always use these on your mattress in addition to your topper.

Can A Mattress Topper Make Your Back Hurt

Potentially, a mattress topper can make your back hurt. Like choosing a mattress, its important to be sure your mattress topper is well-suited to your body type and sleeping position. For example, if you sleep on your stomach and add a soft, thick, cushy foam topper to your bed, it could cause your hips to sink, leading to lower back pain.

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Tips For Buying And Using A Mattress Topper For Back Pain

You need to make sure that back pain is your primary problem and that you choose a mattress topper accordingly. Of course, it is also important whether it has cooling properties, whether it is made of top-quality materials and the like. But the level of support and pressure relief is what you need to pay attention to first.

Also, consider how much the current mattress suits you. If you are generally satisfied with the performance, buy a thinner topper, and if you want to completely change the feeling while sleeping, then choose a thicker topper.

• Support and pressure relief are the most important features when you have back pain
• Thicker topper will change the feeling you have on your mattress more and vice versa
• Maintain it regularly to prolong its service life.

What’s The Difference Between Mattress Toppers Pads And Protectors

• Mattress toppers are usually several inches thick and sit right on top of your mattress. The goal of a mattress topper is to make your bed more comfortable, whether adding firm support or pillow-top softness.

• Mattress padsaren’t as thick as toppers. They also typically have five sides and go onto your bed like a fitted sheet, rather than just sitting on top. You won’t get quite as much added comfort as you would with a mattress topper, but they’re typically less expensive and can often help protect your mattress from stains or spills.

• Mattress protectors are designed specifically to keep your mattress safe from things like accidents, dust and bedbugs. Toppers and pads can technically extend the life of your mattress by protecting it from wear and tear, but a protector is more suitable if you’re just looking to keep your mattress safe since it doesn’t usually have comfort enhancements. These can be five-sided or fully encased to keep the mattress protected on all sides.

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How To Choose A Mattress Topper If Youre A Side Sleeper

Compared to other sleeping styles, side sleepers have more requirements look out for when choosing a mattress and a topper. You will first need a good mattress so always examine your mattress for worn out and dented sections. Any indentations can add extra pressure to your body, making your sleep that much more uncomfortable. If need be, you might even have to buy a brand new mattress before you buy a topper. The body weight of side sleepers is mostly concentrated in the shoulder and hip areas. This brings about the potential risk of hurting your back and joints. As a side sleeper, you need to go through all the main features a topper has to get the most out of your purchase. Here are features to consider when looking for the best mattress topper for side sleeping.

Other Good Mattress Toppers

If you prefer wool and want good temperature regulationbut are ok with less support: The Deluxe Wool Mattress Pad from Woolroom is a great option. Its 2-3 inches thick and, unlike our other picks, it comes with an elastic skirt as part of the design, so it stays in place. We also appreciated the companys dedication to using ethically sourced and traceable wool. Like most wool toppers, it offers less support than foam or down, but it does an excellent job at staying both cool and warm when neededand it still added noticeable cushioning to our very firm guest sofa bed. We plan on testing Woolrooms loftier Wooly Topper to see if it can provide the support this one lacked.

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Pillows And Positions Matter

The right topper isnt the only thing that matters when managing your back pain while you sleep. The kind of pillows you use is often just as important for avoiding back pain.

Good pillows for neck and shoulder pain alleviate pressure points and keep the head at a healthy angle, but at the same time are firm enough to hold your head. According to research, natural latex pillows with ergonomic designs are the best pillows based on customer satisfaction with a +93% satisfaction rate. Latex pillow satisfaction is higher than other common pillows like feather and memory foam.

Also, a study published in 2009 looked at common pillows and sleep quality. They measured how rested people felt and if they woke up without pain. They found that latex pillows were best and significantly improved sleep quality and how people feel when waking up.

Furthermore, if you are looking for a chemical-free sleeping environment, make sure to get the right pillow. Your face is directly on your pillow at least 6 hours a night. The VOCs that off-gas from some fabrics and foams are right next to your mouth and nose. If you value your health, make sure only to choose pillows made from natural materials, especially if you have little ones who are especially susceptible to toxic chemicals.