The 8 Best Mattress Toppers for Back Pain, Tested by Bedding Experts
Wake up feeling relieved and rested with one of our top-performing picks.
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If you wake up sore and stiff after what should be a night of rejuvenating rest, your bed could be to blame. While a new mattress to help alleviate your pain may not be in the cards for you, there's an easier and more cost-effective fix to improve the comfort of your bed: a mattress topper.
According to Amit Jain, M.D., M.B.A., chief of minimally-invasive spine surgery and associate professor of orthopedic surgery at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, there's no one-size-fits-all mattress topper that will fix everyone's back pain, but he does still recommend choosing a topper that provides support and feels comfortable to you—whether that's one made of memory foam, down, fiberfill, or latex.
Our top picks:
- Best overall: Nolah Mattress Topper
Top-tested, low-profile topper with pressure-relieving comfort - Best value: ViscoSoft Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Testers loved the supportive foam that’s perforated for airflow. - Best memory foam: Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt Topper
Conforming foam that shapes to your body and offers excellent motion isolation - Best soft: Lift by Amerisleep Mattress Topper
Cushy, ventilated foam with targeted zones for optimal support - Best firm: Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Topper
Graphite-infused foam for temperature-regulation, adds structure to too-soft beds
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, my team and I regularly test bedding to help you determine what's worth it, and in recent years, we've put 51 mattress toppers to the test, including our top-performing topper from Nolah, which has a slim profile but still transforms the feel of a mattress. We evaluate each topper's materials and product specifications before sharing them with our consumer testers and fellow GH analysts who try them in their own homes and provide feedback on comfort, temperature regulation, ease of setup, and more. The following picks are mattress toppers that testers said helped alleviate neck, shoulder, back, and hip pain, allowing for restful sleep.
Best Deal
Pros
- Elastic straps help keep the topper in place without shifting
- Low profile won't add to much bulk to your bed setup
- Testers said it helps regulate temperature throughout the night
Cons
- Some testers noted Plush style was too soft for their preference
Key takeaways
Nolah's mattress topper is a tester favorite and has repeatedly earned top marks for overall comfort and support in our tests. With a 2-inch profile, the foam topper is thinner than some of our other picks, but it's a great option for those who don't want to add too much height to their bed. Built-in elastic straps stretch over the corners of your mattress for added security, and the majority of testers said the topper stayed in place without shifting around at night.
The topper is made with the same signature, pressure-relieving foams as Nolah's mattresses, which testers said eased their back pain, hip aches, and sciatica issues. It's available in two firmness levels: Luxury Firm and Plush, so you can choose which degree of pressure relief you prefer.
What testers say
Our testers appreciated the cushioning comfort of the topper and said it offered relief. One who slept on the topper with her partner shared, "We both slept better with the [topper]. I noticed some decrease in my hip pain." Another commented, "I am sleeping better, and feel that my body is better supported with less body aches." A tester with spinal stenosis who has trouble sleeping commented, “With this topper, I have been sleeping the complete night,” rather than waking multiple times because of her pain. She was thrilled to get a full night’s rest, thanks to the Luxury Firm topper.
One tester found it difficult to turn over during the night because the foam for the Plush model is on the softer side. Although it's not a cooling topper, testers were blown away by its ability to regulate temperature, and several remarked that sleeping on the topper prevented them from waking up with their usual night sweats.
RELATED: Nolah Mattress Review
| Material | Memory foam |
| Height | 2 in. |
| Firmness level | Luxury Firm or Plush |
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
Pros
- Perforated foam for airflow
- Machine washable, cool-touch cover
- Elastic corner straps for security
Cons
- Takes time to fully decompress
Key takeaways
At under $200 for a Queen-size 3-inch topper, this pick is one of the most affordable models we’ve tested, but it outperformed others double the price and particularly stood out for its cool feel. Memory foam has a reputation for being hot and stuffy, but this topper from ViscoSoft offers temperature regulation. The foam is perforated to allow for airflow, and the entire topper is encased in a cool-to-the-touch rayon cover, making it ideal for sweaty sleepers.
It comes in 2-, 3-, or 4-inch heights, so you're able to choose the right amount of cushioning comfort for you and your bed. Plus, the cover is machine washable, so you can remove and launder it for easy cleaning and to keep unwanted odors at bay.
What testers say
The 3-inch topper received high marks for comfort from our testers who said the firmer sleeping surface was a welcome upgrade to their too-soft beds. They noted that they didn't feel like they were sinking into the foam but instead felt supported.
One tester was wowed by the relief she and her partner felt after sleeping on the Medium-Firm topper, explaining, "I now wake up free of aches and pains." Another commented, "This mattress topper added some much-needed firmness to my mattress for good back support. My partner had been complaining that our mattress was a bit too soft for him, and that it was causing body aches and pain when he woke up in the morning—this topper has been a game changer for him."
Testers said the mattress topper took some time to take shape and fully unroll upon opening, but they appreciated the elastic straps to secure the corners down in the meantime. They also warned that there was slight off-gassing, and it took a few days for the chemical smell of the foam to dissipate—this is a common problem with memory foam materials.
| Material | Memory foam |
| Height | 2 in., 3 in., or 4 in. |
| Firmness level | Medium Firm |
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Queen, Short Queen, King, Short King, California King |
Pros
- Motion-isolating materials
- High quality, pressure-relieving feel
- Machine-washable cover
Cons
- Some testers experienced shifting, despite straps
Key takeaways
If your bed is starting to sag or your innerspring mattress is a bit too bouncy, a memory foam mattress topper could be the fix you need. Tempur-Pedic uses the same iconic materials in its mattress toppers as it does in its popular mattresses. The luxurious 3-inch Tempur-Adapt topper contours to your body for cushioning comfort without a sinking-in feeling. It also provides impressive pressure relief around pain points like the shoulders and hips, making it ideal for pain sufferers.
Attached elastic straps stretch over the corner of your mattress and make it easier to place the topper on your bed, but some testers still noticed the topper shifting around at night. The topper also has a moisture-wicking cover for temperature regulation, and it's removable and machine washable for easy cleaning.
What testers say
According to testers, this topper instantly improved the overall feel of their mattress. One shared, "This mattress topper made my bed significantly more comfortable." Testers were impressed by the feel, which they compared to a hug, rather than sinking into the material. And the memory foam is motion-isolating, so you're less likely to feel your partner moving around in the middle of the night.
Many of our testers and survey panelists said the brand's comfy materials reduced their back and hip pain. A tester with chronic pain said the topper helped decrease her symptoms from night one, and she noticed that her pain was "completely gone" a week in, excitedly dubbing the topper a "MIRACLE!!"
RELATED: Tempur-Pedic Mattresses Review
| Material | Memory foam |
| Height | 3 in. |
| Firmness level | Medium |
| Sizes | Twin, Twin Long, Full, Queen, King, California King |
Pros
- Open-cell foam for venitilation
- Two firmness levels with specific materials for your needs
- Ergonomically designed for optimal zonal support
Cons
- Can be difficult to place on the mattress because of gripped backing
Key takeaways
Amerisleep's mattress topper features an ergonomic design that provides support and pressure relief in all the right places. Targeted zones across the topper lend support to the head, back, and feet and provide cushioning for the hips and shoulders.
There are two firmness levels made with slightly different materials depending on your needs: Comfort (soft) and Support (medium-firm). We recommend the Comfort model for someone who prefers a plush sleeping surface and the Support version for back and stomach sleepers looking for a firmer feel. Our testers of both firmness levels were satisfied with their toppers and gave them high scores for overall comfort.
What testers say
After just a couple of weeks of sleeping on the topper, one tester with a history of lower back pain noted an improvement in his pain levels. Another tester shared, "It provided the extra firmness I was looking for, and it still felt soft enough that I can relax in bed and find comfort in all [sleeping] positions."
The open-cell structure of the foam allows for ventilation, which can be relieving for hot sleepers, and our testers rated the topper highly for not feeling overly hot throughout the night. When you're first putting the topper on your bed, beware of the micro-grip backing. It prevents the topper from shifting in the night but can make it more difficult to set up the already heavy topper, according to testers.
| Material | Memory foam |
| Height | 3 in. |
| Firmness level | Comfort (medium) and Support (medium-firm) |
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
Pros
- Elastic straps to prevent shifting
- Motion-isolating material for sleep without disruptions
- Graphite-infused for temperature regulation
Cons
- Spot-clean only
Key takeaways
Known for its high-quality, comfortable mattresses, Saatva also offers mattress toppers that are equally as nice. If your bed is lacking support and you find yourself sinking into your mattress just a little too much, consider Saatva's graphite topper. The 3-inch mattress topper has a firmer feel, so it's sturdy and supportive but still provides pressure relief while you sleep.
To keep the topper securely in place, elastic straps in the corners attach to your mattress, and our testers said the topper doesn't shift or slide around at night. The topper has a soft cotton cover that is fully attached and cannot be removed for cleaning, so you'll need to spot-treat the mattress topper as needed.
What testers say
Saatva says the topper is made with graphite-infused memory foam and is designed to pull excess heat away from the body for a cooling effect. Our testers remained at a comfortable temperature throughout the night while sleeping on this topper, and they found it to be cooler than others they've tried.
A tester who is a side sleeper with ongoing hip and shoulder pain shared that the firm topper provided great relief around her pressure points, and she didn't feel sore when she woke up. Another shared, "It has a bit of structure to it, but I can still sink into it, and it relieves the pressure I feel when sleeping on my sides on my mattress." I've slept with this mattress topper before and prefer something softer, but I was impressed by the pressure relief I felt in my hips and knees.
According to testers, the topper also provides great motion isolation, which means you'll be less likely to feel your partner or pets moving around on the bed at night. I know that was the case in my bed, which I share with two cats and my husband.
RELATED: Saatva Classic Mattress Review
| Material | Memory foam |
| Height | 3 in. |
| Firmness level | Firm |
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King (full range of sizes on brand's site) |
Pros
- Testers said they maintained a comfortable temperature
- Cloud-like, conforming feel with lofty construction
- Unique blend of shredded foam and microfiber fill
Cons
- Some testers said their sheets slipped once they added the topper
Key takeaways
A unique topper unlike others we've tested, this one from Coop Sleep Goods is made with memory foam, but it isn't solid foam. Instead, the pillow-top mattress topper is full of a blend of microfiber and shredded memory foam. This cloud-like combination offers a plusher feel with plenty of pressure-relieving support.
It has baffle-box construction, meaning there are small panels of fabric sewn into the topper to help it maintain its loft and even fill distribution, preventing clumps and bumps. It’s a whopping 5 inches tall, which makes it larger than any other topper we feature, but there are thick straps connected to each corner to keep your topper in place on your mattress.
What testers say
Every one of our testers said this topper made their beds softer, but they didn't feel like the plush feel sacrificed support. I personally use the cooling version of this topper on my too-firm mattress to help relieve shoulder pain, and I can't get enough of the lofty, cloud-like feel.
One tester shared, "This topper is a game changer. The enveloped feeling and the feeling of soft support all around your body is wonderful." Testers and their partners who suffer from body aches said the topper helped to alleviate some of their pain, including one that said, "My spouse has back and hip pain and he thought the mattress topper alleviated some of the pain while sleeping and the next day."
Though the material conforms to your body, testers still gave it high scores for its temperature-regulating abilities. "It is very breathable and nice and cool," claimed a tester. A couple of testers said their sheets started to slip off the corners of their beds once they added the topper, so keep that in mind if you have a tall mattress. I’ve noticed this happens with my topper, but I wash my sheets weekly, so I just give it a nice tug back into place when I make the bed.
RELATED: Coop Original Pillow Review
| Material | Memory foam and microfiber fill blend |
| Height | 5 in. |
| Firmness level | Medium |
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
Pros
- Plush foam material is a tester favorite
- Open-cell design for breathability
- Testers liked the smooth sleeping surface
Cons
- Some testers said it shifted around at night
Key takeaways
Side sleepers need extra pressure relief around their shoulders and hips, and this memory foam mattress topper from Tuft & Needle provides just that. Popular with our testers and survey panelists, the brand's foam material has a plush feel that a tester described as "comfortable from day one." The contouring foam cushions your body and uses an open-cell design to improve breathability for more comfortable sleep.
A soft knit cover encases the topper and helps prevent your fitted sheet from bunching up, but it can't be removed and is spot-clean only. On the bottom of the mattress topper, you'll find a non-skid backing that limits slipping so your topper stays in place on your bed, but testers still said it shifted around at night and wished there were securing straps in addition to the backing.
What testers say
Testers who tried the topper were surprised to experience less hip and back pain after sleeping on it and shared that they wake up feeling refreshed and rested—not sore. A tester shared, "I tried this mattress topper mainly due to the fact that my mattress was giving me back issues, and it did actually help with those... sleeping on it did make me have fewer days when I would wake up with bad upper back pain." Another noted, "As a side sleeper, I find that this reduces the occasional discomfort in my shoulder."
Multiple testers commented that the topper has a smooth surface and appreciated that it felt "continuous" instead of lumpy like some pillow-top or perforated mattress toppers.
| Material | Memory foam |
| Height | 2 in. |
| Firmness level | Medium |
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
Pros
- Testers appreciated the motion isolation, didn't feel partners moving at night
- No sinking-in sensation, springy feel
- Testers said it felt breathable and comfortable
Cons
- One tester said it felt firmer than expected
Key takeaways
This mattress topper from Avocado is made with Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) materials if you prefer organic bedding. Just like the brand's latex mattresses, the topper is more resilient and responsive than memory foam toppers, so you won't feel like you're sinking into it.
The latex layer comes in two firmness options: Medium (Dunlop latex) if you need support and resilience and Plush (Pure Talalay latex) if you want to add cloud-like softness, which has an additional charge of $128 for Queen-sized models. Plus, you're able to choose between a 2- or 3-inch option, depending on your desired bed setup.
What testers say
If you've never slept on latex before, it can take a few nights to get used to the sensation, but our sleep testers loved the way the topper made their beds feel. A tester shared, "Although it hugs your body like memory foam might, I don't feel like I sink in. It feels springier and lighter than memory foam." Those who have slept on Avocado's latex bedding said the gentle support helps to alleviate morning aches. One shared, "I like that it is supportive, and I don't wake up in pain as I have with others."
Testers agreed that the material felt breathable as well, including one who said, "It regulates [our temperatures], which is super important for my partner and I who are both hot sleepers." Testers also reported not feeling their partners, kids, or pets moving around in bed when lying on this mattress topper, allowing for more sound sleep because of its motion isolation.
Though one tester said the topper felt too firm, the majority of testers were happy with the firmness level they chose: Go with your gut when deciding between the Plush and Medium options.
RELATED: Best Organic Sheets
| Material | Latex |
| Height | 2 in. or 3 in. |
| Firmness level | Medium or Plush |
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
How we test mattress toppers
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we've been testing products for more than a century and use our extensive backgrounds in textiles and bedding to assess each mattress topper, considering the materials used and any unique features.
We review mattress topper samples in our Lab and share mattress toppers with consumer testers who are able to use them on their own beds and share real-user feedback about their experiences. In addition to collecting first-hand data, we also survey thousands of GH readers who share details about the bedding brands they shop and products they use when it comes to mattresses, mattress toppers, and more. Here's everything we consider when evaluating mattress toppers for back pain:
✔️ Ordering and delivery: Testers tell us about the purchasing process, arrival time, and if they experienced any delays or issues with shipping.
✔️ Setup: We ask testers to rate how easy it is to place the mattress toppers on their beds and how long it took for the toppers to fully expand and off-gas.
✔️ Comfort: Testers rate the overall comfort and share if they enjoyed sleeping on the topper all night long. Many testers also share if they experienced any pain relief from the topper, highlighting if the topper helped to reduce any back, hip, shoulder, or sciatica pain.
✔️ Temperature: Testers provide their thoughts on temperature regulation and any cooling features. They let us know if the toppers helped them to maintain a comfortable temperature while they slept or if they overheated.
✔️ Stay-in-place capabilities: Each tester reports any shifting or sliding experienced and lets us know if features like elastic straps or non-slip backings are effective.
✔️ Sound: Our testers assess the topper for noise and share if the topper remained quiet and undetectable while they were in bed.
✔️ Mattress enhancement: We ask testers to explain how the mattress topper changed the overall feel of their mattresses—if it provided support or cushioning, or felt firmer or softer than their beds. They also let us know anything they specifically liked or disliked about the mattress topper and have the opportunity to share additional information about their experiences.
What to look for when choosing a mattress topper for back pain
When you're shopping for a mattress topper in hopes to relieve your back pain, here are a few things to think about:
✔️ Material: Just like with mattresses, there are different types of mattress toppers that use a variety of materials including memory foam, latex, and fiberfill.
- Memory foam mattress toppers: There's no one material that provides relief, but patients who sleep on memory foam tend to report supportive and restful sleep, thanks to its ability to relieve pressure around the hips and shoulders, explains Jaspal R. Singh, M.D., co-director of the Center for Comprehensive Spine Care at Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian. Memory foam is by far the most popular material, and there are different variations to choose from including gel- and graphite-infused options and open-cell foams to prevent overheating.
- Latex mattress toppers: Because latex is made with natural materials that are sourced from rubber trees and not petroleum, it can be organic. Latex has a more resilient, bouncier feel than foam and has proven to be durable but is often more expensive than other options. The two most commonly used types of latex are Dunlop, which is a bit firmer, and Talalay, which has a bouncier feel.
- Pillow-top mattress toppers: For a cloud-like feel that's soft and fluffy, consider a topper made with down, synthetic, or natural fiberfill. Toppers made of 100% down are the most luxurious, but there are still high-quality styles made with fibers like wool or polyester that feel great.
✔️ Firmness level: Depending on what you prefer, you may want a super soft and plush topper to sink into or a firm, more resilient option. Many brands indicate the firmness level in their online product descriptions or on the product packaging so you can see upfront just how firm or soft the mattress topper will be. The majority of our picks are Medium or Medium-Firm, but there are some Soft and Firm options as well.
✔️ Thickness: We recommend a mattress topper that's at least 2 inches thick, but thicker toppers with 3- or 4-inch profiles offer even more support. If you don't want to add too much height to your bed or are looking for just a small upgrade, a thinner mattress topper can still work well and will typically cost less than a more substantial style.
✔️ Temperature: Especially important to hot and sweaty sleepers, the temperature of a mattress topper can impact your overall sleep. If you sleep warm, consider a foam mattress topper that uses cooling technologies including gel, copper particles, or graphite for a cooler feel, or opt for perforated foams that allow for extra airflow. Also consider toppers with cool-touch covers for an instant cooling sensation.
✔️ Price: A mattress topper isn't quite as expensive as a new bed, but it can still be an investment. Most good mattress toppers cost between $200 and $350 for a Queen model, but there are some available for a better value, and there are more luxurious toppers that cost more.
Can a mattress topper really relieve back pain?
There are many underlying factors that can contribute to back pain, and your bed could be one of them. According to Naimish Baxi, M.D., physiatrist at the Hospital for Special Surgery, back pain is quite complicated but "for someone with chronic lower back pain, mattress characteristics can contribute to reduced pain throughout the day." He added that some scientific studies have shown that the right bed can improve your overall pain by up to 60%. So adding a mattress topper that suits your specific needs could make a big difference in the quality of your sleep.
However, it's very likely that your pain can be attributed to more than just a bad bed. Dr. Singh shared, "It's mostly related to what we do during the day that dictates the impact on your spine." For example, sitting at a desk all day puts pressure on your back, which can result in lower back and neck pain. If you regularly wake up in pain or feeling stiff, we recommend consulting with a physician who can help you better understand your pain and overall condition.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Amanda Constantine joined the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2022 as a home and apparel reviews analyst and tests a wide variety of bedding products including sheets, mattress protectors, and duvet covers in the Textiles Lab. She has researched and evaluated mattresses from popular brands like Tempur-Pedic and Saatva and covered the best mattress toppers, the best memory foam mattress toppers, and more. For this article, she used her categorical expertise and data from years of testing to choose the best mattress toppers for back pain.
Constantine also used information from interviews conducted by the Textiles Lab to gain medical insight on mattresses for users with back pain. GH senior analyst Grace Wu spoke with Amit Jain, M.D., M.B.A., chief of minimally invasive spine surgery and associate professor of orthopedic surgery at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Executive Director of Strategy & Operations Lexie Sachs spoke with Jaspal R. Singh, M.D., co-director of the Center for Comprehensive Spine Care at Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian and Naimish Baxi, M.D., physiatrist at the Hospital for Special Surgery.
