Why trust NCOA

Key Takeaways

• Our pick for the “Best Mattress Topper for Back Pain Overall” is the Nolah Mattress Topper because it offers the pressure-relieving qualities of memory foam without too much sagging.
• A worn-out mattress or one that offers poor support can worsen back pain. Adding a topper to your current mattress may help provide some relief. 
• The queen-size mattress toppers in this review cost between $129–$449 before discounts, making them a more affordable alternative or short-term solution to replacing an entire mattress. 
• A quality mattress topper should enhance the feel of your current mattress, extending its lifespan. 

Dealing with chronic lower back pain can make it harder to perform daily tasks and fully enjoy life.

Back pain can also disrupt your sleep quality and, in turn, poor sleep can make your next day more painful. An unsupportive mattress might even be making your back pain worse. Whether your current mattress is lacking support or starting to sag with time, adding a topper can help make your bed more comfortable and supportive. A topper can provide additional support and help alleviate back pain by better aligning the spine. Ultimately, you may want to consider purchasing the best mattress for back pain based on your needs, but a topper can be a great short-term solution if you’re not ready for a long-term investment. 

After testing dozens of models, our Reviews Team chose the Nolah Mattress Topper as the “Best Mattress Topper for Back Pain Overall” due to its plush yet supportive construction. Read on to learn more about our top four mattress topper picks to help ease your nightly back pain. 

Best mattress toppers for back pain in 2024

• Nolah Mattress Topper: Best Mattress Topper for Back Pain Overall
• ViscoSoft Select High-Density Mattress Topper: Best Mattress Topper for Lower Back and Hip Pain
• Layla Mattress Topper: Best Cooling Mattress Topper for Back Pain
• Helix Plush Mattress Topper: Best Budget Mattress Topper for Back Pain

Nolah Mattress Topper: Best Mattress Topper for Back Pain Overall

Our expert take on the Nolah Mattress Topper

The Nolah Mattress Topper is our best overall pick because it’s a good fit for most sleepers looking to boost the support of their existing mattress to prevent back pain.

The all-foam topper is available in two firmness levels: plush and luxury firm (we tested the luxury firm). It’s most comfortable for average-weight (130–250 pounds) and higher-weight (more than 250 pounds) people who sleep on their stomach or back. 

Based on our testing, the luxury-firm model has a feel similar to medium-firm. Research suggests a medium-firm sleep surface is the best option for those with lower back pain. 

The Nolah topper features CertiPUR-US-certified foam and an organic cotton cover. According to our testers, the topper produced zero off-gassingⓘ [tooltip size="medium" trigger="off-gassing" icon="true"]The chemical odor given off from a new mattress; the smell is harmless and is usually gone within the first few days . Mattresses and other bedding materials made with foams typically release chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) after being unboxed or unpackaged. VOCs have a pronounced chemical-like odor. Mattresses made with CertiPUR-US-certified foams and organic materials produce fewer potentially harmful VOCs. 

Our testers found the firmness offered excellent lower back support, particularly in the stomach-sleeping position. Instead of sinking too far down, the topper kept the body supported with only slight sinkage at the hips and shoulders. The topper fit securely in place, going right up to the edges of the mattress and providing full coverage without slippage.

Our testers think the topper is ideal for average-weight back sleepers because it evenly distributes weight and supports the spine. Due to the firmness level, it may not be suitable for lighter-weight side sleepers who might experience pressure around the hips. Side sleepers and lighter-weight sleepers may prefer the softer plush version of this mattress topper. You can also view our mattress recommendations for this specific sleep position in our guide to the best mattress for side sleepers.

And although Nolah claims its AirFoam offers better temperature regulation than typical memory foam, our testers thought the topper’s temperature did increase slightly, which is why it earned a two out of five for temperature control. 

Our tester on the Nolah mattress topper:

“What excites me the most is the firmness leaning toward better lower back support, especially for stomach sleepers who usually don’t have a lot of supportive options from toppers. Given the firm feel, my whole body is kept aloft with light sinking at heavier weight-bearing areas, like the hips and shoulders.”

Our mattress expert’s take

Who may love it

• Average-weight back sleepers who need extra support for back pain relief
• Stomach sleepers with back pain
• Those looking for a topper to firm up a mattress that’s too soft

Who may want to avoid it

• People searching for pressure relief from a too-firm mattress
• Lighter-weight sleepers
• Side sleepers with hip pain

ViscoSoft Select High-Density: Best Mattress Topper for Lower Back and Hip Pain

Our expert take on the ViscoSoft Select High-Density Mattress Topper

The ViscoSoft Select High-Density Mattress Topper is our pick for the “Best Topper for Lower Back and Hip Pain” due to its excellent support and body-contouring foam construction. The medium-firm topper is best for most light- and average-weight sleepers. 

Evidence supports a medium-firm surface as the best for chronic lower back pain. If your bed is too firm or too soft, a topper like the ViscoSoft may help with pain relief. 

The ViscoSoft Select High-Density Mattress Topper is made with high-density gel-infused memory foam and features a breathable, machine-washable cover. 

Our tester described the topper as having a typical memory foam feel, molding to the body without being too firm. It feels soft overall but provides a decent amount of support despite its plush feel, making it a good option for people with both lower back and hip pain. The ViscoSoft Select is CertiPur-US® Certified.

A too-firm surface may support the spine but can sometimes lead to uncomfortable pressure in the hips and shoulders for side sleepers. 

Our testers also found the topper offered better-than-average temperature regulation. The gel foam bed topper is ventilated, and the bamboo rayon cover is cool to the touch—which is why it earned a four out of five in temperature capabilities.

The fit is secure but could be better, based on our testing. The straps are a bit too tight, and installing the topper can be finicky. Our testers also noted concerns over durability due to the model’s 2-inch thickness (only available on Amazon). The ViscoSoft Select High-Density topper is also available in 3- or 4-inch options, which offer more bulk.  

Our tester on the ViscoSoft Select High-Density mattress topper:

“The Mattress topper does feel like a pretty typical memory foam mattress. It molds to my body but isn’t too firm.”

Our mattress expert’s take

Who may love it

• People with both lower back and hip pain
• Average-weight side and back sleepers
• People looking to switch to a medium-firm sleep surface without buying a brand-new mattress

Who may want to avoid it

• Higher-weight stomach sleepers who need back support in the midsection
• People with king-size mattresses due to the topper’s fit issues

Layla Mattress Topper: Best Cooling Mattress Topper for Back Pain

Our expert take on the Layla Mattress Topper

The Layla Mattress Topper is our pick for the best cooling topper because of its comfortable copper gel-infused memory foam construction. 

There’s no scientific evidence copper-infused bedding can help absorb heat from your body while you sleep, but some people do report sleeping more comfortably on mattresses featuring this type of cooling technology. And while our testers said the cover wasn’t necessarily cool to the couch, during testing we noticed no temperature increases, earning the Layla topper a temperature score of four out of five. Our testers attributed this to the copper gel-infused memory foam.

The Layla Mattress Topper features memory foam construction, a blended polyester cover, and elastic straps to help secure it to your current mattress. It’s also CertiPur-US® Certified.

The 2 inches of memory foam in the Layla topper are infused with copper gel beads, which are intended to help regulate body temperature while you sleep by drawing heat away from your body and preventing bacterial buildup. 

Testers said the topper has a typical memory foam feel and is quite supportive overall. Because of its high support scores, our testers think the Layla Mattress Topper is well suited for sleepers with back pain who sleep hot, and for side sleepers who may appreciate the mix of support and a softer sleep surface. 

This may not be a good fit for stomach sleepers (they may need more support to keep their spine in alignment and prevent it from curving) and higher-weight sleepers who may need extra support. 

Our tester on the Layla mattress topper:

“Although there was no noticeable cooling when I first touched the surface, I think the copper foam kept my body temperature in check. I didn’t notice any temperature increase while I was testing.”

Our mattress expert’s take

Who may love it

• People with chronic back pain who tend to sleep hot
• People with back pain looking for added pressure relief with plenty of support
• Side sleepers who want a slightly softer sleep surface 

Who may want to avoid it

• Higher-weight sleepers who need a firmer, thicker topper 
• Stomach sleepers who need additional support

Helix Plush Mattress Topper: Best Budget Mattress Topper for Back Pain

Our expert take on the Helix Plush Mattress Topper

The Helix Plush is our pick for “Best Budget Mattress Topper for Back Pain” because of its low price and an easy, secure stretchy fit that fits most beds. We also like that this topper is machine washable and has the longest trial period of any topper on this list at 100 days.

The Helix Plush Mattress Topper’s support level isn’t the best, but it’s good for softening up a mattress that’s too hard. According to our testers, the soft mattress topper’s plush feel makes it ideal for those looking to improve a too-firm mattress. Research suggests an overly firm mattress is least effective for helping with lower back pain. 

The Helix Plush Mattress Topper features a plush construction and is filled with lightweight cluster fiber. The stretchy design makes it easy to put on almost any bed without shifting or moving. 

Our testers found the quilted topper had a soft, plush feel, which offered slight additional support. Adding it to a very firm mattress that’s contributing to your back pain may help soften the surface. 

Our testers also noted the topper is a good temporary, low-cost solution while searching for a new mattress. But because of its thin construction, it may not be as durable as the other options on our list. Also be aware the Helix Plush has the shortest warranty of any topper on this list at one year (the rest of the toppers on this list have warranties of five or 10 years).

This topper is also a good option for lighter-weight and average-weight back sleepers who get plenty of support from their existing mattress but want to soften the sleep surface.

If you need more than a topper to fix the support issues you’re having with your current mattress, consider browsing our guide to the best mattress options on the market today.

Our tester on the Helix Plush mattress topper:

“Works great for back sleepers. There’s a bit more cushion underneath the bottom. Thin enough where I feel the mattress below, so if it’s a firmer bed, you’ll feel the support poking through.”

Our mattress expert’s take

Who may love it

• People who get plenty of support from their current mattress but wish it felt a bit softer
• Average- and lighter-weight back sleepers
• Those looking for a budget-friendly topper

Who may want to avoid it

• People looking for a topper that adds decent support to their current mattress
• Higher-weight sleepers

How we test the best mattress toppers for back pain

Our testing process consists of researching and comparing mattress topper brands and models, surveying hundreds of topper users, and interviewing sleep experts and medical professionals, including physical therapists, about what to look for in a mattress topper for back pain. 

From there, we developed scoring criteria and selected about a dozen models to test due to their competitive pricing, features, and positive customer reviews. 

Testing consists of evaluating each model’s firmness, pressure relief, comfort, and performance and considering what mix of elements makes for a good mattress topper for back pain. 

To learn more about our testing, review our sleep methodology.  

We continuously test new mattress toppers each month to ensure we give you the most up-to-date information possible. We’re always considering new brands and models to bring in for hands-on testing, so check back for updates.

How to choose a mattress topper when you have back pain

Firmness level, overall support, and pressure relief are the top factors to consider when choosing the right mattress topper for back pain.

Firmness

The ideal firmness for you will depend on what you find most comfortable—and what allows you to get a restful night’s sleep. For most people, a medium-firm mattress offers the right mix of support and comfort, but firmness level perception can differ from person to person. 

A topper can help you adjust the firmness of a too-firm or too-soft mattress to achieve the right sleep surface feel and relieve back pain. 

In one study involving 40 healthy male participants, a soft, thin mattress topper 30 millimeters (about 1.2 inches) in thickness was found to be more comfortable than a firmer topper. 

Overall support

Adding a topper can also help reinforce an old or unsupportive mattress by filling the gaps between your body and the sleep surface. Most people are comfortable in a neutral spine position, and a supportive topper may help maintain this position.

Pressure relief

Support without pressure relief can lead to pain in the hips, shoulders, and butt areas. A soft foam topper may improve the pressure-relieving qualities of a too-firm mattress. If your mattress is too soft, opt for a topper made of dense foam or featuring a hybrid construction. 

How much can a mattress topper help with back pain?

One small study found adding a mattress topper atop a generic hospital mattress helped improve pressure relief and reduce the risk of pressure ulcers. 

Additional research suggests a responsive topper can help promote deep and restorative sleep, which may help reduce back pain in those whose pain worsens with poor sleep. 

Compare the best mattress toppers for back pain as of 2024

Bottom line 

Nolah is our top pick, followed by ViscoSoft, which we’ve found caters to most sleepers, including those with back pain. All the toppers on this list have been tested by our Reviews Team, so you can make an informed choice about which one is right for your needs. 

Ultimately, when searching for the best mattress topper for back pain, it’s important to consider factors like firmness levels, cost, and your favorite sleep position. A topper can provide extra support and comfort when your mattress is no longer able to deliver. 

Additional sleep resources for pain

• Best mattress for back pain
• Best mattress for sciatica
• Best mattress for arthritis
• Best mattress for hip pain
• Best mattress for shoulder pain
• Best mattress for fibromyalgia
• Best pillows for neck pain

Frequently asked questions

What thickness of mattress topper is best for back pain?

If you have back pain, a topper that helps you achieve a medium-firm sleep surface will likely offer the most benefits. For a too-firm mattress, you may only need a 1-inch-thick topper to soften the surface. A thicker topper of at least 2 inches might be more suitable for those who want to increase the firmness of their current mattress. Thicker toppers (3-4 inches) may offer additional support and longevity.

Is a memory foam mattress topper good for back pain?

Memory foam toppers are a great option for people with back pain since they provide a solid mix of support and comfort while maintaining spinal alignment.

Is foam or gel better for a mattress topper?

Whether foam or gel is a better topper material depends on your personal preference and whether you sleep hot or cold. Toppers featuring gel foam or copper-infused materials may be a better option for hot sleepers. Foam is a good option for those whose priority is comfortable pressure relief and who like a body-hugging feel.

How much do mattress toppers for back pain cost?

Queen-sized mattress toppers for back pain usually cost between $129 and $499, which makes them much more affordable than buying a new mattress.

Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.

Sources 

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