Best Mattress Topper for Back Pain 2026

We tested the best mattress toppers for back pain. Learn why the Saatva Graphite Topper earned the top spot on our list.

Oct 16, 2026

Expert Reviewed

Product Resources

Jill WaldbieserNCOA Senior WriterWritten by:
Donya CurrieNCOA Associate Director, CommunicationsEdited by:
Samantha CapacilloFormer Program Specialist, NCOA Center for Healthy AgingReviewed by:

The Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Topper earns Best Overall for its excellent pressure relief and high-quality, cooling materials.
The mattress toppers in this guide range from $305–$465 (before discounts) for a queen size.
A mattress topper is a more affordable alternative to purchasing a new mattress.
Medium to medium-firm mattress toppers are usually best for back pain because they balance support and pressure relief to help keep the spine in a neutral position.
The right mattress topper can help relieve back pain by keeping the spine aligned.

NCOA supports everyone’s right to age well. So we take the time to research, test, and recommend products that can help you live a healthier life. We’ve spent more than 2,500 hours researching and testing mattress toppers to give you the most accurate product reviews. To find the best mattress toppers, we:

Consulted with sleep specialists like doctors, occupational therapists, and physical therapists for guidance on choosing the best mattress topper
Put more than 130 models through a series of 19 different tests at our in-house lab
Mystery-shopped more than 40 brands
Surveyed more than 2,000 older adults on their sleep quality
Interviewed experts on the importance of good sleep for older adults
Worked with older adult testers to evaluate mattress toppers and get their opinion
Read thousands of verified customer reviews

We’re constantly testing new mattress toppers and sleep products to give you the most accurate and up-to-date recommendations. Read more about our sleep accessories review methodology.

Back pain and poor sleep are deeply connected. If you have back pain, it could be challenging to get a good night’s rest. Your pain might be made worse because the mattress you own is too soft, too firm, or broken down from years of use. Buying a new mattress for back pain often means spending $1,000 or more.

If you don’t want to invest in a new mattress, a mattress topper is a good alternative. A topper can help address the issues of your current mattress and extend its life by years. The right mattress topper can also help relieve your back pain. Keeping your spine, hips, and shoulders aligned and supported throughout the night can mean fewer aches and pains in the morning.

In our review of the best mattress toppers, we highlight our recommended brands and outline how we tested each topper and how to choose the right topper for your needs.

Best Overall

Saatva Graphite Memory Foam

8.7 out of /10

Cooling materials and strong edge support with a luxurious feel

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Best Soft

Helix Premium GlacioTex

8.2 out of /10

Designed with coils and memory foam built in to create a cool and plush feel

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Best Pressure Relief

Avocado Eco Organic Latex

9.8 out of /10

Impressive support and pressure relief, offers enough bounce for easier movement

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Best mattress toppers for back pain in 2026

Saatva Graphite Memory Foam: Best Overall
Helix Premium GlacioTex: Best Soft Topper for Back Pain
Avocado Eco Organic Latex: Best Pressure Relief for Back Pain
Layla Memory Foam: Best Firm Topper for Back Pain
Nolah AirFoam: Best Luxury Topper for Back Pain
Bear Pro: Best Cooling Topper for Back Pain

The best mattress toppers for back pain compared

Comparison Features	Saatva Graphite Topper Visit Sitefor Saatva Graphite Topper	Helix GlacioTex Mattress Topper Visit Sitefor Helix GlacioTex Mattress Topper	Avocado Eco Organic Latex Topper Visit Sitefor Avocado Eco Organic Latex Topper	Layla Memory Foam Topper Visit Sitefor Layla Memory Foam Topper	Nolah Mattress Topper Visit Sitefor Nolah Mattress Topper	Bear Pro Topper Visit Sitefor Bear Pro Topper
Score (out of 10)*	8.7	8.2	9.8	8.1	9.0	8.8
Best for	Overall	Soft	Pressure Relief	Firm	Luxury	Cooling
Material	Graphite memory foam	Memory foam and coils	Latex	Memory foam	Memory foam	Memory foam
Thickness	3”	3.75”	2”–3”	2”	2”	3”
Firmness	Medium	Soft	Medium	Firm	Medium	Medium

*Ratings reflect a brand's overall offering; the best overall pick doesn't necessarily have the highest score

Having the memory foam [topper] has been really helpful and adjusting to my posture, no matter what position I'm in, it helps with my back pain tremendously.”

—Respondent in our July 2025 sleep accessories survey

How we tested to find the best mattress toppers for back pain

Our team has spent thousands of hours testing mattresses, pillows, and mattress toppers to find the best ones for older adults. We focus on the features that matter most to you: spinal support, pain relief, cooling, and motion isolation, so you can feel confident in your purchase.

Here are some of the ways we tested mattress toppers for back pain relief:

Saatva Graphite Memory Foam: Best Overall Topper for Back Pain

We chose the Saatva Graphite as our Best Overall Topper for Back Pain. We like that it offers a luxurious, hotel-quality feel while providing excellent spinal support and pressure relief. The Saatva Graphite Topper makes it easier to shift positions and stay aligned throughout the night.

Our Top Pick

Saatva Graphite Memory Foam

Best Overall

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Saatva Mattress Review
Cooling graphite helps keep you from getting too hot at night

Easier to change positions and good edge support
3” topper has a luxe feel

Material type: Memory foam with graphite
Thickness: 3”
Firmness level: Medium
Cooling: Graphite
Pressure relief or ergonomic design: Memory foam offers spinal support

Pros

Good balance of support and cushion
Responsive with good edge strength
Doesn’t shift around
Solid cooling ability
Budget-friendly with a long 180-night trial

Cons

Doesn’t quite cover the full mattress surface
Short one-year limited warranty

The Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Topper is best for:

People with back pain who need pressure relief on a firmer bed
Anyone who wants to upgrade their bed’s support without buying a new mattress
Older adults who don’t want to lose responsiveness by adding a topper
Those looking for more cooling ability
Undecided shoppers who need a long trial period to find the right option

Why our testers chose the Saatva Graphite Topper as the Best Overall

When we tested the Saatva Graphite Topper, we liked its plush, high-quality fabric and thick graphite-infused memory foam. It offered plenty of cushioned support, a balance that can benefit those with back pain. “The foam itself is pretty plush but has a strong responsiveness,” said one tester, noting that it’s easy to switch positions with little effort. Softer toppers may cause you to sink deep into the material, but this medium topper keeps your body lifted and prevents sagging. Those who find position changes painful may find this option helpful.

A person presses down on the Saatva mattress topper — Testers loved the plush feel of the Saatva Graphite topper. It felt fancy, like something you’d find on a luxury hotel bed.

Testers also noticed the topper stays put when you change positions. A shifting topper can feel annoying, but more importantly, it can cause materials to hang over the edge. This creates a false edge with no support, which could lead to a fall.

Another advantage was its cooling ability. During cooling tests, we measured the surface temperature before and after lying on it under a heated blanket for three minutes to assess heat retention. This topper only retained 10–13 degrees, which is among the higher-scoring options we’ve tested. People tend to sleep better when their environment stays cool, and better sleep can reduce pain during the day.^{2, 3}

One main drawback we found was that the topper is slightly too small for the bed. It left about an inch of gap between its edge and the mattress. This could be an issue if you like to sleep near the edge of the mattress. If you want to see how it fits your bed, or if it helps your pain, Saatva offers a generous 180-night trial period.

3.75/5
Pressure relief
4/5
Accessibility
4/5
Cooling
4/5
Edge Support

The Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Topper may not be right for these sleepers:

People with an already-soft bed. This topper adds softness and support to a firm mattress, but doesn’t have the same effect on a soft one. If you have a soft mattress and want to add support, consider the Layla Memory Foam.
Those concerned about the fit. Mattress dimensions can vary by a few inches depending on the brand. If fit is a concern, the Avocado Eco Organic Mattress Topper is a better option.

Saatva customer experience

Trial period: 180 nights
Shipping: Free
Warranty: Limited 1-year
Financing: Yes, through Affirm

Customer service

You can contact Saatva customer service by calling 860-452-3977, emailing info@saatvamattress.com, or through the chat feature on the website.

Learn more about the brand in our Saatva review.

Helix GlacioTex: Best Soft Mattress Topper for Back Pain

We chose the Helix GlacioTex as our Best Soft Mattress Topper for Back Pain because it combines memory foam with innerspring coils. These materials work well for people who find relief from back pain with forgiving surfaces.

Helix GlacioTex

Best Soft Topper

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Helix Mattress Review
Unique combination of innerspring coils and memory foam

Plush sleep surface
Made with a cooling fabric

Material type: Memory foam and steel microcoils
Thickness: 3.75”
Firmness level: Soft
Cooling: Cooling cover
Pressure relief or ergonomic design: Coils for pressure relief

Pros

Plush, pressure-relieving feel
Encourages neutral spine on firm beds
Excellent material quality
Straps keep it in place

Cons

High price with a short one-year warranty
Average accessibility scores
Neutral cooling ability

The Helix Premium Mattress Topper with GlacioTex is best for:

Anyone wanting to soften a too-firm mattress to help relieve back pain
Those who find the most relief from pressure-relieving surfaces
People who don’t have mobility concerns due to pain
Older adults who prioritize material quality and durability
Sleepers who are done battling a shifting mattress topper

Why our testers chose Helix GlacioTex as the Best Soft Mattress Topper for Back Pain

The Helix Premium Mattress Topper with GlacioTex combines memory foam and steel microcoils to provide a cloud-like sleep experience. Soft toppers and mattresses typically provide less support and create more pressure points. Instead, the Helix uses a microcoil layer to distribute pressure evenly. It’s less supportive than firmer options, which may suit those who prefer a plumper feel.

A person opens the Helix topper to show the different layers inside — Testers opened up the thick Helix Premium Mattress Topper with GlacioTex to check out the memory foam and coils. The straps keep the topper from shifting, even as we sifted through the layers.

Our testers evaluated this topper on both a soft mattress and a firm mattress. On a soft mattress, this topper didn’t provide enough support to be comfortable. If you have a soft mattress, the luxury firm version might be a better choice. But on a firm mattress, this topper worked very well. “I felt great pressure relief in my lower back, and the topper gently hugged my body,” said one tester. “In every position—side, back, and stomach—my body felt comfortable.”

Because this topper is so plush, our testers noted a sinking sensation that made it harder to shift positions. Its height, paired with a mattress, might mean your feet don’t reach the floor when you’re sitting on the side. If you have strength or mobility issues, you might want a thinner topper for more stability.

3.75/5
Pressure relief
3.5/5
Accessibility
3/5
Cooling
3/5
Edge support

The Helix Premium Mattress Topper with GlacioTex may not be right for these sleepers:

People with soft beds. Paired with a soft mattress, this topper's plush version is too unsupportive. Choose a firmer version or consider the Layla Memory Foam.
Budget-seekers. This bed costs over $465. If that’s out of your budget range, consider the Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Topper.

Helix customer experience

Trial period: 120 nights
Shipping: Free
Warranty: Limited lifetime
Financing: Yes, through Affirm

Customer service

You can contact Helix Sleep customer service by calling 831-777-5976, emailing help@helixsleep.com, submitting a contact form, or via the chat icon on the website.

Learn more in our Helix mattress review.

Avocado Eco Organic Latex: Best for Pressure Relief for Back Pain

We chose Avocado Eco Organic Latex as our Best for Pressure Relief for Back Pain because it earned one of our highest pressure-relief scores (4.75/5). With excellent accessibility scores, cooling capabilities, and high-quality materials, the Avocado Eco Organic Latex is an all-around great option for people with back pain.

Avocado Eco Organic Latex

Best Pressure Relief

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Avocado mattress review
Superior pressure relief

Excellent support changing positions and sitting on the edge
High-quality materials

Material type: Latex
Thickness: 2”-3”
Firmness level: Plush or Medium
Cooling: Breathable latex
Pressure relief or ergonomic design: Talalay latex for pressure relief

Pros

Impressive pressure relief
Made with renewable and sustainable latex
Customizable height and feel
Breathable and cool

Cons

May not be suitable for latex allergies
Short one-year limited warranty

The Avocado Eco Organic Mattress Topper is best for:

People who find back pain relief from strong, conforming surfaces
Older adults who feel warm at night and need breathable materials
Those who like the option to customize what they need
People who don’t care too much for warranty perks

Why our testers chose Avocado Eco Organic Latex as the Best for Pressure Relief

The Avocado Eco Organic Mattress Topper is made of cushioning latex, which is a material derived from rubber trees. This sag-resistant material is known for being as responsive as coils with the cushion of memory foam. The standard version is 2 inches thick and medium-firm, but Avocado also offers 3-inch or plush options for extra pressure relief.

When we unboxed this topper, our testers were immediately impressed by the look and breathable feel. “I have to admit this topper is pretty amazing,” one tester said. “The latex’s bounce and the soft organic cover feel like no other topper I have tried.”

A woman bends the corner of the Avocado mattress topper — Testers were very impressed with the quality of the materials in the Avocado latex topper.

Some testers noted that the Avocado Eco Organic Latex topper is so supportive that it improves the bed’s edge strength. This is a great benefit if your mattress has soft edges or is getting older. Plus, the topper made it easier for testers to shift positions, scoring a 5/5 for ease of position changes and a near-perfect 4.75/5 in accessibility. This means the topper lets you move with less effort, which may be more comfortable on your lower back.

I felt like I was resting on a cloud but could easily change positions and get right into another comfortable position without waiting for the materials to recover. It's like no other experience I have had on a topper!”

—One of our testers on the Avocado Eco Organic Latex Topper

Since this topper is made with latex, those with latex allergies may want to talk to their doctor before buying it. Avocado’s customer service team told us that the topper’s casing prevents direct contact with latex. They also said that the manufacturing process washes away most latex allergens. But they don’t claim the latex to be hypoallergenic.

4.75/5
Pressure relief
4/5
Accessibility
4/5
Cooling
5/5
Edge Support

The Avocado Eco Organic Mattress Topper may not be right for these sleepers:

Older adults with latex allergies. If your doctor recommends against a latex topper but you like latex's breathability, consider the Bear Pro Topper.
Those concerned about longevity. Like a few other toppers on this list, this topper comes with a shorter-than-average one-year limited warranty. For longer warranties, see the Nolah Mattress Topper if you’re concerned about long-term durability.

Avocado customer experience

Trial period: 100 nights
Shipping: Free
Warranty: 1-year
Financing: Yes

Customer service

You can contact Avocado customer service by calling 657-385-8849 or through the website's live chat feature.

Learn more in our Avocado mattress review.

Layla Memory Foam: Best Firm Topper for Back Pain

We chose the Layla Memory Foam as our Best Firm Topper for Back Pain because its dense memory foam provides supportive sleep. It helps minimize pressure buildup by helping keep the spine, hips, and joints aligned.

Layla Memory Foam Topper

Best Firm Topper

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Layla mattress review
Firm memory foam for supportive sleep

Copper-infused foam for durability
Good edge support

Material type: Copper-infused memory foam
Thickness: 2”
Firmness level: Firm
Cooling: Breathable fabric
Pressure relief or ergonomic design: Copper-infused memory foam provides lasting spinal support

Pros

Truly firm feel
Provides structure to a softer mattress
Supportive at the lower back
Highly accessible with great edge strength

Cons

Holds on to heat
Too firm for an already-firm bed
Short 30-day trial period

The Layla Memory Foam Topper is best for:

Older adults who need a firm topper for back pain relief
Those who need extra support from their too-soft bed
People who have mobility issues due to pain
Cooler sleepers who don’t want to pay for temperature control
Anyone confident they need a firm topper and don’t need long trials to confirm it

Why our testers chose Layla Memory Foam Topper as the Best Firm Mattress Topper for Back Pain

The Layla Memory Foam Topper uses dense memory foam. It’s truly firm and offers a contouring yet supportive surface that keeps your spine neutral without building up pressure. Testers said its material feels like a jersey sheet, which they associate with low-quality construction, but its sturdy feel during testing proved them wrong.

56% of respondents to our July 2025 Sleep Accessories survey use a memory foam topper, making it the most popular choice.¹

This topper’s firm feel works best on softer or aging mattresses. Testers say it increases support and firms up the edges, making it easier to get in and out of bed. “The material of the cover allows for more grip, and it's not nearly as slippery as some of the other covers you see,” said one tester, scoring edge support 4.5/5. It also earned a 4/5 for position changes because its dense foam reforms so quickly, so testers didn’t feel stuck in the material. This topper could be a good choice for people who move a lot at night or have strength or mobility issues along with their back pain.

A person displays the fabric and zipper of the Layla mattress topper — Testers liked the look of the Layla topper, and we always appreciate when toppers come with elastic straps to keep them connected to the mattress.

For those with back pain, a thin two-inch topper like this one can also feel more accessible. One tester said, “On a standard 11-inch mattress with a standard bed frame, I (as a person who is 5' 6”) had no issues reaching the floor or standing up from a sitting position.”

But the Layla Memory Foam Topper earned one of the lowest cooling scores (2/5). Those who sleep hot or live in a warmer climate may find it too uncomfortable, which can disrupt your sleep. But if you sleep cool, you may not mind it.

3.5/5
Pressure relief
4/5
Accessibility
2/5
Cooling
4.5/5
Edge support

The Layla Memory Foam Topper may not be right for these sleepers:

Hot sleepers. This topper holds on to heat. If you need cooling materials, consider a cooler topper, like the Bear Pro Topper.
Those with old mattresses. While this mattress can add support to an aging mattress, it can’t revive a bed past its prime. See the best mattresses for back pain to upgrade your bed.

Layla customer experience

Trial period: 30 nights
Shipping: Free
Warranty: 5 years
Financing: Yes

Customer service

You can contact Layla customer service by calling 855-358-1676 or through the live chat feature on the website.

Learn more in our Layla mattress review.

Nolah Mattress Topper: Best Luxury Topper for Back Pain

We chose the Nolah Mattress Topper as our Best Luxury Topper for Back Pain. Our testers loved its high-end features, including a quilted top, an organic cotton cover, and trademarked materials designed to optimize pressure point relief. Its premium construction may help people with back pain.

Nolah Mattress Topper

Best Luxury Topper

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Nolah mattress review
Helps you change positions more easily and has strong edge support

Memory foam cradles without making it more difficult to move
Excellent pressure relief can help minimize back pain

Material type: Memory foam and cotton
Thickness: 2”
Firmness level: Medium-medium firm
Cooling: Breathable foam
Pressure relief or ergonomic design: High-density foam for pressure relief

Pros

Excellent pressure relief
High edge support scores
Comfortable and high-quality materials
Long 10-year warranty

Cons

High price
Not as bouncy as other toppers

The Nolah Mattress Topper is best for:

People looking for high-end, one-of-a-kind, and durable materials
Those who feel less pain from the contouring qualities of foam
Those who don’t mind sacrificing bounce for some pressure-relieving sinkage
Anyone with motion-sensitive pain who needs a more accessible sleeping surface
Older adults who tend to sleep hot

Why our testers chose the Nolah Mattress Topper as the Best Luxury Topper for Back Pain

We chose the Nolah Mattress Topper as the Best Luxury Topper for Back Pain because of its high-end materials, including a quilted top and organic cotton cover. Its high-density foam also creates a comfortable and supportive sleep surface, earning one of our highest pressure relief scores (4.75/5). The Nolah’s edge support, position change support, and motion isolation make it an accessible choice for the average sleeper with back pain.

Our testing experience with the Nolah Mattress Topper

Testers loved that the Nolah Mattress Topper uses high-end materials, including a quilted top and an organic cotton cover. It’s also made with the brand’s own memory foam, called AirFoam. This high-density foam is designed without heat-sensitive chemicals found in traditional foam. It also incorporates microscopic air pockets meant to relieve pressure, even though the foam is denser.

When we put the topper to the test, we found it extremely cushioning and supportive, earning one of our highest pressure-relief scores (4.75/5). Those looking for pain-relief cushioning will likely enjoy this topper. Plus, it’s versatile and works on both soft and firm mattresses. One tester said, “On the soft mattress, I think it works well for lighter- and average-weight sleepers because it offers good sinkage in all the areas I need, but great support in my upper back. If you are a higher-weight sleeper, I would recommend this on a firmer mattress to get that same support without compromising spinal alignment by not being too soft.”

A woman lies on her side on the Nolah topper — Even though the Nolah topper felt very cushioned, it didn’t prevent testers from moving on their mattress and switching positions.

The topper’s two-inch thickness doesn’t make it any less luxurious. It’s a good choice for those with back pain who have difficulty moving on thicker, more forgiving toppers. It scored perfectly in edge support and ease of position changes—but it isn’t bouncy. “This AirFoam design did a good job of cradling me but not preventing my movements when switching positions,” said one tester. In other words, it won’t boost you out of bed, but it won’t prevent movement either.

We like the Nolah, and it scored well, but it’s one of the most expensive mattress toppers on the list at $449 for a queen size. It also offers only a 30-night trial period, which is short if you plan to test it before fully committing. But it has the longest limited warranty on our list: 10 years.

4.75/5
Pressure relief
4/5
Accessibility
4/5
Cooling
5/5
Edge Support

The Nolah Mattress Topper may not be right for these sleepers:

People who need a while to compare. If you’re testing multiple toppers and want time to see if it’s right for you, consider brands with longer trial periods. For example, Saatva toppers come with a 180-night trial period.
Those who dislike the feel of traditional foam. This topper has similar conforming qualities to traditional foam. If that feel isn’t for you, see the Helix Premium GlacioTex instead.

The Nolah customer experience

Trial period: 30 nights
Shipping: Free
Warranty: Limited lifetime
Financing: Yes, through Affirm

Customer service

You can contact Nolah customer service by calling 866-403-6615, emailing support@nolahmattress.com, or through the live chat feature on the website.

Learn more in our Nolah mattress review.

Bear Pro Topper: Best Cooling Topper for Back Pain

We chose the Bear Pro Topper as the Best Cooling Topper for Back Pain because it earned a perfect score for cooling ability. Hot sleepers may get a more restorative night’s sleep with this topper.

Bear Pro Topper

Best Cooling Topper

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Bear Mattress Review
Earned a 5/5 for its cooling capabilities

Responsive and supportive
Removable cover for easier cleaning

Material type: Memory foam
Thickness: 3”
Firmness level: Medium
Cooling: Breathable foam and cover
Pressure relief or ergonomic design: Memory foam for pressure relief

Pros

High-performing temperature control
Removable cover to clean sweat
Heavy, durable foam
Easier to change positions
Adds some softness to a firmer bed

Cons

Allows deeper sinkage around the edges
No straps to keep it in place
Short 30-night trial period

The Bear Pro Topper is best for:

Hot sleepers looking for a better, more restful night’s sleep
Those who find more relief from softer, conforming foams
Anyone without significant mobility issues from back pain
Those who have a firmer bed that needs more cushion
People who don’t need a long trial period

Why our testers chose the Bear Pro Topper as the Best Cooling Topper for Back Pain

The Bear Pro Topper is the only topper we’ve tested that earned a 5/5 for cooling. It’s made with copper-infused memory foam designed to redirect body heat and keep the surface cool. The knit cover is not only cool, but also removable and easy to launder. If you sleep hot, live in a warm climate, or tend to sweat, this cool and washable topper may be your best bet for a better night's sleep. The only design flaw? No straps to keep it in place.

Testers recommend this topper to those wth a firmer bed who need a touch of softness. Placing it on an already-soft bed “doesn’t make much difference,” and may create excessive sinkage around the hips or shoulders. The added softness doesn’t affect accessibility too much. “There’s no bounce to the topper since it’s all foam, but I wasn’t feeling stuck,” said one tester.

A woman sits on the edge of the Bear Pro topper — Testers didn’t love the edge support on the Bear Pro topper. The slippery material made them feel like they could slide right off the edge if they weren’t careful.

Unfortunately, our testers rated the Bear Pro Topper's edge support poorly (2/5) because it sinks too much under body weight and has a slippery cover. “ I feel like I could slide off when standing up more than just the mattress alone. The topper adds three inches, so depending on the height of your mattress and how tall you are, your legs could dangle.” For this reason, if you have mobility issues or back pain when standing up in the morning, the Bear Pro Topper might not be the right choice for you.

3.75/5
Pressure relief
3.5/5
Accessibility
5/5
Cooling
2.5/5
Edge support

The Bear Pro Topper may not be right for these sleepers:

Cooler sleepers. If you already sleep cool, don’t pay for cooling technology. Instead, go with the budget-friendly, slightly cooling Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Topper.
People with mobility issues. Back pain can affect how comfortable you feel moving in bed. If you need more support, especially around the edges, see the Layla Memory Foam instead.

The Bear customer experience

Trial period: 30 nights
Shipping: Free
Warranty: 2-year limited warranty
Financing: Yes, through Affirm and ShopPay

Customer service

You can contact Bear customer service by calling 844-311-0035, emailing support@bearmattress.com, or using the live chat feature on the website.

You can learn more in our Bear mattress review.

How mattress toppers help relieve back pain

Mattress toppers help to relieve back pain by providing additional support and pressure relief to your current mattress. If you have a mattress that is too soft, too firm, or sags from age, a mattress topper may be a great temporary fix for a fraction of the cost of a new mattress.

I had hip and leg surgery, which also affects my back. I have bad hip and back pain. The mattress topper helps cushion my back. It helps to relieve the tension."

—A respondent in our July 2025 sleep accessories survey

Mattress toppers can help support better alignment. When your body isn’t well-aligned, certain areas, such as your hips or shoulders, may press into the mattress more than the rest of your body. Over time, this added pressure and strain can lead to soreness and aches. The right mattress topper can help address your specific needs, allowing you to get a better, more restful night’s sleep.

What to look for in a mattress topper for back pain

When choosing a mattress topper for back pain, remember that your needs are unique. For example, you might benefit from a firmer topper if your current mattress doesn’t offer enough support. Some general features to look out for include:

Material type

The type of material used for the topper is important. Memory foam tends to be responsive, and latex has the most support. If you sleep hot, consider a cooling fabric, such as gel.

In our July 2025 Sleep Accessories survey, respondents ranked “quality of materials” as the most important feature in a mattress topper.¹

Density & firmness

The density and firmness of a topper make a difference in its support and durability. The denser the topper, the longer-lasting it tends to be. Medium to medium-firm is usually best for back support.³

Thickness (loft):

A topper’s thickness also influences its functionality. 2–4 inches is ideal for the best pressure relief. It’s also important to consider how tall your current mattress is, since you don’t want to make it so high that it’s hard to get down.

Pressure Relief & Contouring

A topper that shapes to you and helps to evenly distribute your weight is best for back pain, since it minimizes pressure buildup and keeps your spine in a neutral position. You want to look for a topper that supports and cradles you without causing you to sink in too much.

Cooling properties

Hot sleepers or people who sleep in a warm climate may want a topper with cooling properties. This is especially important with memory foam, which tends to trap heat.⁴

Motion isolation

Motion isolation refers to the topper’s ability to absorb movement so you aren’t woken up by any bouncing or shifting. If you sleep with a partner or a pet, memory foam does a great job of isolating movement.

Certifications & Safety

Some mattress toppers have certifications for their use of sustainable or low-emission materials. If you’re concerned about the materials and safety of your topper, double-check to see what types of certifications it has.

Sleep position compatibility

Your needs will depend on your sleeping position. This is because different parts of the body experience pressure buildup based on how you lie down. For example, back sleepers might want a medium-firm topper, and stomach sleepers usually need firmer.

Tips for managing back pain

Back pain is a serious issue that affects many people. In our March 2025 survey of 300 older adults who recently bought a mattress, 65% of respondents reported experiencing back pain.⁵

If you have back pain, consider using a pillow to help maintain your spinal alignment while you sleep. You can read more in our guide to the best pillows for back pain. Combining a pillow with a topper can help address some of your back pain issues, which should, in turn, result in better, more restful sleep.

Some other strategies to help manage back pain include:

Physical therapy
Acupuncture
Exercise (as approved by your doctor)
Pain medications

How much do the best mattress toppers for back pain cost?

The mattress toppers in our list range from $305–$465 for a queen size. When choosing the right mattress topper for your budget, consider the other perks or benefits that are being offered. These include free shipping, warranty length, and trial period length.

Comparison Features	Saatva Graphite Memory Foam	Helix Premium GlacioTex	Avocado Eco Organic Latex	Layla Memory Foam	Nolah AirFoam	Bear Pro
Price for a queen*	$305	$465	$399	$354	$449	$345
Shipping costs	Free	Free	Free	Free	Free	Free
Warranty	1-year limited	1-year limited	1 year	5 years	10 years	Limited lifetime
Trial Period	180	120	100	30	30	30
Return fees	None	None	None	None	None	None

*Most mattress brands run frequent or ongoing promotions. Sale prices are typically lower and may change often.

How to save money on mattress toppers

The easiest way to save money on a mattress topper is to buy it while it’s on sale. Look for seasonal specials such as Memorial Day or Labor Day. Sometimes companies will offer first-time buyer discounts or coupons if you sign up for their email list.

Some companies let you use your health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) to purchase a topper, which can also save you some money.

Frequently asked questions

What type of topper is best for back pain?

A medium to medium-firm topper can work well for people with back pain because it offers the most support and even weight distribution.

How firm should a topper be to help lower back pain?

A mattress topper that is medium to medium-firm is often a good choice for lower back pain, since it can help support the lumbar spine without allowing the hips to sink too deeply.

Can a topper fix a sagging mattress?

Generally, it’s not recommended to use a topper to fix a sagging mattress or if a mattress is dipping or uneven.

Should back sleepers use a firm or soft mattress topper?

Back sleepers should use a firm mattress topper for the best spinal support and alignment.

Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org

Disclosure

In This Review

Saatva Graphite Memory Foam

Helix Premium GlacioTex

Avocado Eco Organic Latex

Best mattress toppers for back pain in 2026

The best mattress toppers for back pain compared

How we tested to find the best mattress toppers for back pain

Saatva Graphite Memory Foam: Best Overall Topper for Back Pain

Pros

Cons

The Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Topper is best for:

Why our testers chose the Saatva Graphite Topper as the Best Overall

The Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Topper may not be right for these sleepers:

Saatva customer experience

Customer service

Helix GlacioTex: Best Soft Mattress Topper for Back Pain

Pros

Cons

The Helix Premium Mattress Topper with GlacioTex is best for:

Why our testers chose Helix GlacioTex as the Best Soft Mattress Topper for Back Pain

The Helix Premium Mattress Topper with GlacioTex may not be right for these sleepers:

Helix customer experience

Customer service

Avocado Eco Organic Latex: Best for Pressure Relief for Back Pain

Pros

Cons

The Avocado Eco Organic Mattress Topper is best for:

Why our testers chose Avocado Eco Organic Latex as the Best for Pressure Relief

The Avocado Eco Organic Mattress Topper may not be right for these sleepers:

Avocado customer experience

Customer service

Layla Memory Foam: Best Firm Topper for Back Pain

Pros

Cons

The Layla Memory Foam Topper is best for:

Why our testers chose Layla Memory Foam Topper as the Best Firm Mattress Topper for Back Pain

The Layla Memory Foam Topper may not be right for these sleepers:

Layla customer experience

Customer service

Nolah Mattress Topper: Best Luxury Topper for Back Pain

Pros

Cons

The Nolah Mattress Topper is best for:

Why our testers chose the Nolah Mattress Topper as the Best Luxury Topper for Back Pain

Our testing experience with the Nolah Mattress Topper

The Nolah Mattress Topper may not be right for these sleepers:

The Nolah customer experience

Customer service

Bear Pro Topper: Best Cooling Topper for Back Pain

Pros

Cons

The Bear Pro Topper is best for:

Why our testers chose the Bear Pro Topper as the Best Cooling Topper for Back Pain

The Bear Pro Topper may not be right for these sleepers:

The Bear customer experience

Customer service

How mattress toppers help relieve back pain

What to look for in a mattress topper for back pain

Material type

Density & firmness

Thickness (loft):

Pressure Relief & Contouring

Cooling properties

Motion isolation

Certifications & Safety

Sleep position compatibility

Tips for managing back pain

How much do the best mattress toppers for back pain cost?

How to save money on mattress toppers

Frequently asked questions

What type of topper is best for back pain?

How firm should a topper be to help lower back pain?

Can a topper fix a sagging mattress?

Should back sleepers use a firm or soft mattress topper?

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The Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Topper is best for:

Why our testers chose the Saatva Graphite Topper as the Best Overall