The Best Mattress Toppers for Back Pain of 2021 – Wake up Pain-Free

In life, there are few ailments more frustrating than back pain. We try to sit and read, we try to play with the kids, we try to sleep - the back pain never refuses to go away. The more we struggle to sleep, the worse we feel the next day, and it actually turns into a negative spiral that affects our happiness (as well as the happiness of those around us). 

A new mattress is certainly a positive step forward, but it isn’t enough. If you want to remove the pain completely, we highly recommend looking into the cushioning and firmness that comes with a mattress topper. Not only will it help your back pain, mattress toppers can also prevent sagging in the mattress itself. 

What toppers are best for back pain? Well, they require a handful of features. Your chosen topper should be: 

• Dense 
• Thick 
• Cushioning 
• Supportive 

At this point, you probably have one question; where do I even start? Luckily, we’ve done all the hard work for you. After lots of intense research, we’re now in a position to advise you on the best products. As well as example products, we’ll also look at the benefits of a topper, how it helps back pain, important materials, and more! 

The Best Mattress Toppers for Back Pain of 2021

Snuggle-Pedic Double Layer Foam Topper Review

Firstly, we want to bring a product that has great value for money. Despite the low cost compared to others in the market, this topper from Snuggle-Pedic has some brilliant features. Although only two inches thick, the topper actually has two layers of memory foam (high density). Both an inch thick, the bottom layer is five pounds per cubic foot foam while the top is four pounds. 

How does it work? Well, bottoming out shouldn’t be a problem because of the denser bottom layer. While seeing ‘two inches’ will put some people off, customers have actually compared it to mattress toppers twice as thick. However, it’s obviously much easier to move and adjust. What’s more, some users have noted how they flip the topper depending on the level of support they require. With this in mind, it’s suitable for stomach, back, and side sleepers (as well as pregnant women!). 

Unfortunately, the topper isn’t perfect, and the biggest drawback is the poor gluing between the two layers. After a number of months, many customers have said that the layers start to separate. As soon as this happens, some of the comfort disappears. 

Back on the positive side of things, we do have an opportunity to try the topper since there’s a 90-day refund period from Snuggle-Pedic. Naturally, products with high density are durable which is probably why the brand also offers a warranty of ten years. 

Memory Foam Solutions Visco Elastic Mattress Topper Review

When thinking about anything bedding-related, memory foam is considered by many to be the best material (although it can retain heat when not treated with additional features). What about the best of the best? For us, it’s the Memory Foam Solutions Visco Elastic Mattress Topper. With four pounds per cubic foot density, you get pressure point relief, firmness, and great support for the back.

With its special temperature-sensitive viscoelastic foam, the topper will conform to the body perfectly as the night goes on. Also, your weight will distribute evenly while the material hugs the contours of your body as it warms.

There are obvious benefits to the high-density foam found in this topper, but one that’s often ignored is the durability. Even if you use the topper night after night for a number of years, you shouldn’t experience sags or cracks. Unfortunately, there is one concern, and this is the ripping that comes with extreme movement, such as moving the product around to even out wear.

With three inches in thickness, we recommend this product mostly for lightweight sleepers. For those larger than average in weight, the thickness may not be enough, and the lack of cooling features could also see you overheating if you are a hot sleeper.

One thing we like is the availability of the topper; regardless of what size bed you have, you won’t have a problem finding a topper to match. Manufactured at home in the United States, the Memory Foam Solutions Visco Elastic Mattress Topper is also made in a way that’s friendly to the environment (it doesn’t use too many chemicals), so it has been granted the PURGreen certification.

When the topper first arrives, you might notice a slight odor. Don’t worry, this is completely normal, and it doesn’t mean the product is toxic or harmful to the body in any way. Whether weeks or months, the smell will soon disappear. If something does go wrong with your topper, Memory Foam Solutions offer a three-year warranty for protection.

Sleep on Latex Natural Latex Mattress Topper Review

This is actually the only latex product we’re going to offer today, and it’s a brilliant one for support, comfort, and even customization. While memory foam will hold onto heat and make us feel uncomfortable through the night, natural latex will do the opposite. Even in warm conditions, the material doesn’t absorb our body heat; this actually comes from the open cell formation of the latex. Throughout the latex foam, there are small air pockets, and this allows air to move without restriction. 

If you already own a memory foam mattress, we highly recommend a latex topper because it provides a barrier between you and this heat absorbing material. Additionally, Sleep on Latex are happy to offer a long warranty because the material doesn’t lead to indentation even after years of use (another common problem with memory foam!). 

The reason this is a good choice for back pain is the support that lasts through the night; without sinking, the body always has contoured support in all the right areas. Since the brand uses the Dunlop manufacturing process, the latex foam isn’t bouncy like it is when made with the Talalay process. 

According to the brand, the topper is ‘medium firm’ and has five pounds per cubic foot for density. Whether you have a firm or soft mattress, this topper should work wonders. Depending on your use, you can also choose between one, two and three inches for thickness. Here’s why you might choose each: 

• Three Inches - As the thickest, this is designed to bring an old mattress back to life in terms of both comfort and support.

• Two Inches - As the middle option, this will adjust the feel of your mattress slightly. You will enjoy added plushness and support.

• One Inch - Finally, the thinnest of the three perhaps isn’t the best for back pain because it doesn’t add much in the way of support. Instead, it’s designed to add comfort more than anything else. 

Linenspa Gel Infused Memory Foam Topper Review

Not everybody has the money to invest in a top-of-the-range topper, and this is where Linenspa comes in. Measuring at two or three inches thick, you’ll enjoy the luxurious memory foam but with gel infusion for cooling. The second you start to place weight on the surface, the foam will start to align the spine while also relieving the pressure points. 

Depending on which thickness you choose, the foam will conform to the body at different rates. Thanks to the gel beads, heat should dissipate, and you shouldn’t wake up in the middle of the night sweating or feeling uncomfortable. 

As for the manufacturer, they support the product, and this is clear with a three-year warranty. Across the internet, this topper has brilliant reviews and we think it’s an excellent option for those who perhaps don’t have the money for a higher-end topper (or a whole new mattress!). 

LUCID Ventilated Mattress Topper Review

As a three-inch mattress topper, this LUCID product actually uses ventilated memory foam which means that you shouldn’t overheat when living in warmer climates or during the hotter months. Despite this material, you still get contouring and support for your back as you sleep. In fact, LUCID say that the topper has been designed especially with back pain in mind. 

With 100% memory foam, the first thing you notice when lying down is the soft consistency (especially if you haven’t used memory foam previously!). By providing relief for pressure points, it should help with not only back pain but neck and shoulder pain too. Also, the head gets support while the spine has a natural alignment. 

As you have seen in the short feature list, the topper has open cell technology; this offers both breathability and airflow. Where a mattress normally retains heat, this topper should resolve this problem. With the many ventilation holes inside the topper, air passes through and the product should also hold shape for the same reasons. You stay cool at night and you get to enjoy the fantastic product for longer than other toppers. 

With three inches, this falls into the medium section of the market because you will find thicker and thinner. Fortunately, it’s perfect for the average sleeper. If you have allergies, the topper is resistant to dust mites and other allergens. Also, it’s hypoallergenic. If you happen to have any problems, LUCID support you with a three-year warranty. 

Best Price Mattress Trifold Mattress Topper Review

We appreciate that some people are constantly on the move, and this is where Best Price Mattress come in. Combining two thicknesses, 2.5 inches as a base layer and 1.5 inches as a top layer, this topper is much cheaper than many of its competitors. While the base layer is designed with high density in mind, the upper layer provides the comfort and will allow for a peaceful sleep. As you lay down, the body will feel like it’s floating on a cloud as the memory foam takes the strain and relieves pressure. What’s more, it even uses green tea extract infusion since this is known to help restful sleep. 

Unfortunately, there is one problem and it’s that side sleepers may need something softer. With more weight focused on specific areas of the top layer, you’re likely to push right down to the high-density layer and feel discomfort. 

As a tri-fold topper, the design is perfect for people who travel and find themselves sleeping on different beds frequently. Once you add the carry case, it can be packed and thrown into a car with little effort. In fact, some people have even noted its used when staying in cabins or when going on an RV trip. Essentially, it can make older beds that little bit more comfortable. 

Just when you thought this was enough, the bottom cover is slip-proof and can be thrown in the machine after taking it off via the zipper. Thankfully, sags are unlikely due to the durable high-density foam. If something does happen to go wrong, all buyers are protected with a five-year warranty anyway. 

LUCID Gel Infused Memory Foam Topper Review

When paired with the right bed, this LUCID topper is a superb product. Available as either two or three inches, it will offer the comfortable conforming sensation; however, there is more cradling and hugging with the thicker option. If you’re a back sleeper, pair this with a firm mattress and the memory foam will combine comfort and support perfectly. Another reason why you should consider this topper is because it relieves pressure points while working to keep the spine aligned. With the contouring, most users are able to sleep through the night comfortably while waking up feeling refreshed. 

On the other hand, side sleepers need a softer bed with this topper. With the extra cushioning, there’s no pressure on the hips. For those worried about the heat retention of memory foam, LUCID have thought about this and infused the whole thing with gel. Rather than holding onto heat, the gel provides coolness while airflow is encouraged through the ventilated holes. Even in the warmest of temperatures, your topper will work hard to prevent you from overheating. 

As we’ve noted with others, there might be a smell as you take the product from its packaging. Fortunately, all you need to do is allow it to air for 48 hours and you should notice the smell fade away. When it’s ready, put the topper on your bed and enjoy the restful sleep you get in return. 

ViscoSoft Pillow Top Foam Topper Review

Interestingly, this penultimate topper combines two different materials; a down alternative quilt of 1.5 inches and a memory foam with gel of 2.5 inches. With elastic straps, the quilt sits nicely around the memory foam and the down alternative quilt feels soft and plush for the user. Thanks to these simple straps, it’s easy to pull and wash whenever required. 

According to the manufacturer, comfort and durability are ensured and they actually tested the topper intensely through five washings; they checked for appearance, shrinkage, piling, and other common problems. Sadly, an old or firm mattress can lead to back and hip pain. With this topper, you eliminate this issue and allow the body full relaxation as you sleep. 

Considered ‘medium firm’, the topper has four pounds per cubic foot density and actually works as well on soft mattresses as firm mattresses. With the thin pad, you will never sink too far, and this is important for alleviating any back pain. Also, we can’t ignore the gel infusion. As we’ve seen already in this guide, this should keep you cool and prevent overheating (something that plagues millions of Americans every single night!). 

When the product was first released, there were numerous complaints about the smell upon opening the package. Thankfully, ViscoSoft have actually adjusted the formula which should reduce this smell significantly. If you test the topper and find that it doesn’t suit your needs, take advantage of the 60-day full refund policy. Otherwise, the five-year warranty will keep you protected. All in all, ViscoSoft treat their customers with respect and their service is improving all the time. 

Sleep Innovations Dual Layer Mattress Topper Review

Sometimes, we choose to invest in a topper because our mattress is simply too firm. If this is the case for you, we highly recommend this product from Sleep Innovations. Combining two inches of memory foam (infused with gel) and two inches of fiberfill quilt, it’s incredibly soft but compresses under our weight for a little support. For us, one of the best features is actually the quilt design because it can be thrown in the machine whenever required. 

In truth, this product has mixed reviews in the market. On the one hand, the memory foam being infused with gel means that heat doesn’t build up over the course of the night. On the other, many customers have complained that after a few months the topper actually had several body imprints. 

Additionally, although there was some support for the back initially, sags soon developed and back pain wasn’t being alleviated as much as users first hoped. We’ve considered this problem and think it to be a result of the foam’s low density. At three pounds per cubic feet, it can’t quite compete with others in this list. 

As you’ve probably noticed, we’ve chosen this topper for a firm mattress which is why this isn’t so much of a problem. With the mattress providing the firmness, this is a topper that brings the softness. With the two working together, it should lead to a more comfortable sleep. 

Sleep Innovations manufacture their products in the US, and they even provide a warranty of ten years (you’re not likely to find anything bigger than this!). Also, you can choose between different sizes and it isn’t so thick that you’ll have a battle just to get a sheet over the top. 

Langria Memory Foam Bed Topper Review

We’ve provided an option for those with a firm mattress, and now we have one for a softer mattress. Offered by Langria, it’s brilliant for back pain because it provides the support you need (and have been missing with the softer surface!). As an affordable option, it has four pounds per cubic foot density and three inches of supportive memory foam. Although this is a dense material, some heavier sleepers may experience sinking through to the mattress. 

For those sleeping with a partner, there’s motion isolation which means that movement from one person shouldn’t wake up the other. Also, the memory foam will hug the body and conform to the contours. With this, we get pain relief and a deeper sleep than ever before. 

If you’re wondering why you should choose Langria, there are a few features we like in particular. Firstly, it has a bamboo cover, and this is both breathable and hypoallergenic. What’s more, this cover is removable for easy cleaning. Secondly, it’s easy to roll the topper up to keep it stored neatly when not required. Thirdly, we like the polyester knit fabric inner cover. Fourthly, there are elastic straps in the corners and a non-slip fabric on the bottom. 

Even after this, the topper has been tested for content, durability, and performance and walked away with CertiPUR-US certification for all three. In terms of VOC emissions, it has less than 0.5 parts per million. Despite the many positives, we do urge you to consider the limited warranty since this only lasts for one year. Compared to others that we’ve listed in this guide, the warranty is quite poor.

Things to Consider When Buying a Mattress Topper for Back Pain

Now you’ve seen a number of the products that can help with back pain, you might be wondering why a topper is even the answer. This is a great question, and we’re going to provide an answer with some of the main ways a good topper will hopefully bring an end to your back troubles. 

Support - Firstly, your back may not be getting sufficient support if the mattress sinks when you apply weight. Suddenly, the spine isn’t aligned with the rest of the body and you aren’t actually getting the relief and rest you should be getting while in bed. If you put a firm topper on a soft mattress, you will add support and improve alignment. 

Pressure Relief - Secondly, it’s often the prolonged pressure that leads to back pain, and this comes from a mattress that’s too firm. With the right topper, it will conform to your body and alleviate the pressure not only on the back but on the shoulders and hips too. 

Mattress Life - This isn’t strictly a benefit for your back, but it’s a reason to choose a topper. Rather than having to fork out hundreds for a whole new mattress, not many people realize that a topper can do the same job. You will have to get a new mattress eventually, but you can add two or even three years to an old mattress with a topper alone. 

Spinal Alignment - Back to the back, the best way to relax the spine is to have it in a natural alignment. Assuming you have a good pillow for this, a topper will encourage the natural curvature while providing the support you need to relax fully. 

Is a Topper the Right Answer?

Of course, we would never encourage people to choose a topper over medical advice if they had a serious back problem; we aren’t saying that a mattress topper cures all back pain. However, we know how frustrating back pain can be. While it’s a dull ache all day for some, it’s a stabbing or shooting pain in the muscles for others. Regardless of the cause of your back pain, bedding is often a great place to start when making changes in your life. 

With so many different materials, thicknesses, and designs, we think there’s a mattress topper for everybody in today’s market. Manufacturers have thought about everything including the temperature at which people sleep, allergies, weight, washing, and more. As long as you still seek medical help when back problems persist, mattress toppers can help in many circumstances. 

Worn Out Mattress - When a mattress gets old, depressions can appear in the middle and this plays havoc with spinal alignment. Thankfully, a topper is a good solution because it can add the support you need while you’re looking for a new mattress. 

Soft Mattress - As we’ve discovered, support just isn’t provided when a mattress is too soft. What’s more, we don’t get the alignment we need in the spine. In other words, we wake up feeling just as bad as we did the night before. A topper will prevent the body from sinking too far. 

Firm Mattress - At the other end of the scale, we need a mattress to conform a little and a mattress that’s too hard won’t do this. Again, a topper will provide the softness we need on a firm mattress. 

Sedentary Lifestyle - In an age of technology, more people than ever before are leading a sedentary lifestyle. If this has caused back pain for you, know that a topper will help as long as you pair it with some positive habits (like stretching every so often and not sitting in one place for too long). 

Lack of Support - Even when a mattress seems healthy, it can still lack contouring, and this is another reason why people might choose a topper. 

Comfort for Guests - If you don’t have guests too often, you don’t want to pay out for a whole new mattress. Therefore, it makes sense to make the smaller investment in the topper. 

Potential Drawbacks of Mattress Toppers 

So far, we’ve been incredibly positive about mattress toppers and the help they can provide for people with back pain. While they are certainly a great addition for many, there are also some drawbacks. There are three main potential problems: 

Cost - Firstly, toppers are cheaper than mattresses, but they can still be expensive. While some are as little as $30, the very best toppers are $400 and even $500. Generally speaking, a good quality, durable topper will cost between $100 and $200. 

Temporary Measure - Secondly, a mattress topper might make an old mattress more comfortable, but it can’t perform miracles. If your mattress is falling apart, the topper will only ever be a temporary measure. Eventually, you will still need a new mattress.

Pain - Thirdly, those who don’t consider their height, weight, pain, and other considerations may make their pain even worse. Fortunately, most companies will offer a sleep trial which allows us to test toppers. If you try a topper and don’t feel as though it’s helping, simply send it back and move on to the next one. 

Buying Considerations

With so many products available on the market, we’re going to break down some buying considerations so you can find the topper most appropriate for YOU. 

With softer toppers, it might feel as though you’re floating on a cloud, but the lack of support over the course of a night will quickly exacerbate your back pain. Additionally, you won’t have spinal alignment and you could actually do yourself more harm than good. 

For most people, they go for a topper with a medium firmness and this is because it manages to get the balance right between support, spinal alignment, and comfort. This being said, the density and thickness of your topper will combine with your mattress, so we cannot forget this relationship. If you already have a firm mattress, the last thing you want to do is add a firm topper because it will be like sleeping on the floor. Instead, you need a softer topper so that the two work in tandem and you get the support and comfort required. 

For those with a soft mattress, your topper needs to provide the support, and this is where a firmer topper comes in handy. Therefore, you can hopefully see that buying a topper is a personal consideration. Rather than asking friends and following in the footsteps of others, you need to consider your own mattress. 

Another important consideration is your sleeping position. Why? Because side sleepers will need a softer topper. Meanwhile, those who sleep on their stomach or back will be better off with a firmer product. When treating a back problem, this calls for something in the middle. Without being too firm or too soft, we get alignment, comfort, and support - the golden trio. 

What else do you need to consider before spending money? Let’s take a look! 

Material 

There are four main materials when it comes to mattress toppers: 

Latex - If you want a wide variety of sizes, styles, and shapes to choose from, latex is your answer. Also, they have different levels of comfort which is why many people with back problems have sided with latex in recent years. Not only does latex help with the back, it’s also known to assist with neck and hip problems. 

Why should you choose latex? One of the best reasons is that it keeps the body in a strong position and cradles the back with support all night. If you’re someone who moves lots during sleep, this is also a strong option because latex will continually readjust to keep you in the best position. Despite the strength of latex for back pain, these toppers also remain affordable. Considering what you get in return, it’s a very reasonable price. 

Memory Foam - Over the years, this has become the favorite for a large percentage of users, and this is normally because of the luxurious cushioning. Depending on the product, you will get between two and four inches of thickness while the material actually remembers your body to provide perfect contouring and cradling. As soon as the material warms and shapes to the body, you will get a level of comfort you didn’t even know existed. 

For those over 250 pounds, we highly recommend choosing the thickest topper. Otherwise, two and three inches will be ideal for the average sleeper. In the morning, you should feel refreshed after a night of comfort and support for the back. 

Since memory foam has an age-old problem with heat retention, the market is starting to see more and more gel infused products, and this is great news. As warm temperatures distribute more evenly, we should be able to sleep without overheating. 

Egg Crate Foam - As the third option, egg crate foam is the least expensive and therefore one of the most popular options. Produced from petroleum, egg crate foam is actually a standard polyurethane. Using a convoluting saw, the foam is cut in two so that the end product has valleys and peaks. With this design, we get softness on an otherwise firm mattress.

The problem? Unfortunately, it breaks down rather quickly because what we actually have is half of a full piece of foam. Over time, it will flatten and we’re looking for a replacement before we know it. If your mattress is already too soft, avoid egg crate foam because this will only make it softer (and exacerbate your back pain!). 

Hybrid - Finally, some manufacturers are combining down alternative with memory foam for somewhat of a hybrid product. With this design, we get all the benefits of memory foam but by laying on the softer down alternative surface. As the down layer compresses, we reach the memory foam indirectly. If you have big problems with your back, a hybrid product will provide additional pressure relief. In the past, we’ve also seen people choose hybrid mattress toppers while recovering from hip and back surgery. 

Sadly, one of the biggest problems is that the combination of materials keeps heat trapped, and this can cause overheating. 

Sleep Position 

How do you sleep? It’s a simple question, but it’s one that will split the nation into three. Generally speaking, the most populated group is the side sleepers. After this, we find back sleepers and stomach sleepers, as well as a group who combine two or even three positions. No matter what you might hear, it’s impossible to sleep incorrectly. However, you should choose bedding appropriate for your habits. 

Back Sleepers - For those sleeping on their backs, you’ll be glad to know that this is considered the healthiest position. With toppers, anything within the medium to firm range should leave you happy because it won’t sag too much and your spine should remain aligned. 

Side Sleepers - Considering lots of weight sits on the hips and shoulders, this is where most side sleepers experience pain. Therefore, we recommend a soft topper that protects and cushions the body’s curves. As the lateral body is cradled, pain should lift. 

Stomach Sleepers - While sleeping on the back is healthiest, sleeping on the stomach is the least healthy position. Since the spine compresses, you need no sagging but help with alignment, and this comes with a medium to firm topper. 

Location of Pain 

Throughout this guide, we’ve spoken about back pain as though it’s universal. Of course, the reality is that lots of different types of back pain exist. While some people experience pain in the upper back, others struggle with the lower back (and some in the middle!). Typically, the lower back is the most common problem, and this is because it’s always under constant pressure. 

For many sufferers, the cause actually comes from their time asleep rather than over exercising or too much work (sorry!). With the mattress as a big issue due to a lack of spinal alignment, a topper can help exponentially. 

Lower Back - Throughout the day, the lower back can grow weary after carrying the largest load. In this case, you need your bed to make things better and not worse. We recommend either a high-density foam or latex. 

Upper Back - With the upper back, a common problem is pain radiating from the shoulders; in other words, your mattress may be lacking support in this area. With this in mind, you should opt for soft memory foams and other materials that cradle the body. As well as a topper, you can help the shoulders through a good pillow design for neck pain relief. 

Middle Back - This is a much less common case than the previous two, but it does still occur from time to time. If this is the case, you need a balance of support and comfort. More importantly, you should get medical attention since middle back pain is sometimes linked to chronic diseases. 

Firmness 

Next, we should note that the vast majority of toppers on the market have been designed to soften firm mattresses. As we saw in the examples above, not everybody needs extra softness so some will add a firmer dynamic to an already soft mattress. Unsurprisingly, our advice here is to pay attention to your needs and ensure that you buy the topper that fits them. 

For the average person, weighing between 130 and 230 pounds, a medium firmness will work perfectly. From here, those with a soft mattress should look for a firm topper while firm mattresses need a soft topper. By coupling the two up in this way, it should help to generate the balance we’ve spoken about often between support and comfort. 

Weight 

Not the weight of the topper, we’re talking about your own weight here (hopefully you’re starting to see exactly why we can’t just rely on the recommendations of others!). If you’re over 250 pounds, you need a thicker density to help with back pain. Otherwise, you just won’t get support. When somebody above this weight chooses a topper with a lack of thickness, it bottoms out. 

The larger the weight of the individual, the more compression it’s forced to handle when we lie down to sleep. For us, this target market needs to choose at least five pounds per cubic feet of density and four inches of thickness. 

What if you’re lighter? Well, you won’t cause so much compression when lying down and this means that a medium-firm topper will do the trick. With this, you’ll be comfortable, and the spine should remain aligned. In all cases, we advise staying away from softer surfaces because this won’t alleviate the back pain. Even if you’re below 130 pounds, you still need some firmness for support. 

Density 

Although we didn’t see an example in our list of products, you will actually find density of two pounds per cubic foot and this is the lowest. Ultimately, the density of a given topper decides the firmness and comfort of a product. As we saw, most products will fall between three and five pounds per cubic foot. As we’re going to see when talking about thickness, this small range is actually the middle ground that experts recommend with toppers. 

When you stick to this range, the topper won’t be overly tight or firm. When sleeping, you should have the comfort and support you need without losing life as the topper gets older. When the buttocks, shoulders, and other body parts protrude, they can sink while remaining aligned with the spine. As we’ve been pushing for throughout this guide, this should mean a break for your back. 

With the right density, your weight will spread right across the surface to alleviate those pressure points even more. 

Thickness 

Often, people will confuse density and thickness, but the two are actually very different. For example, a topper could be thick without being too dense. For back sleepers in particular, it’s important to choose the right thickness because this will determine the support you receive. For many years, it was assumed that the thicker toppers would come from luxurious brands. Instead, we’ve learned recently that thicker pillows and toppers doesn’t necessarily mean a happy body. 

As we’ve said before, a significant percentage of back pain cases actually come from poor spinal alignment when in bed. With a thick topper, this suggests better alignment and the right response to body shape. If you’ve tested products previously, you might know that comfort is often found in thinner products too. 

So, what do you need for back pain? As promised in the last point, we’re returning to that precious middle ground to find a balance. You don’t want it too thick, and you don’t want it too thin. With the middle ground, you have a balance that will hopefully help to remove back pain and discomfort. If all goes well, you get the rest you desire and can wake up feeling refreshed every morning (the dream, right?). In terms of numbers, we would recommend sticking between two and four inches. With any less or more than this, it may have an adverse effect (or at least not the one you wanted!). 

Size 

We’ve looked at density, firmness, and thickness, but what about the size itself? There’s little use getting a topper that’s too big or too small for the mattress. These days, you will find all sorts of sizes with toppers, so this step is very important. 

As a word of advice, take care when ordering off the internet. In the past, we’ve spoken to plenty of people who have ordered and ended up with the wrong size, and this is because vendors are sometimes misleading. Rather than trusting the word of sellers on websites like Amazon, read the reviews of customers. Very quickly, you’ll see whether or not customers were happy with the sizing of the product that arrived. 

ILD (Indentation Load Deflection) 

Much like density, the ILD of a topper determines how firm the surface is for the sleeper. Normally used for latex, the seemingly complicated name actually describes the weight required to reach 25% compression. With soft latex, not as much weight is required to compress the topper by 25%. Therefore, you’ll find numbers similar to the following; 

• Firm Latex - 34 to 45 
• Medium Latex - 24 to 30 
• Soft Latex - 18 to 22

Certificates and Licenses 

Unfortunately, this area can get a little confusing and it all comes from the various organizations and companies that provide certifications for these types of products. If manufacturing and health standards are important for you, know that the biggest is CertiPUR. Essentially, they check that products don’t contain harmful chemicals. 

Heat Retention 

For us to fall asleep, the body needs to be at a specific temperature, and this is sometimes difficult when a memory foam mattress or topper retains heat. When we overheat, we wake up in the middle of the night, strip off our clothing, and feel awkward with damp sheets. Since proper rest is the name of the game, this is something you need to consider with your mattress topper. 

If you choose memory foam for your topper, look for gel infusion. Why? Because this will distribute body heat and keep your bedding cool. Although it’s normal for the topper to feel warm, it should never get to the stage of being uncomfortable. As well as checking memory foam, we also recommend taking care with low-quality products since they can also retain heat. 

After buying a topper and noticing the heat retention, all is not lost because the market actually holds cooling pads which act as a cover for your topper. If you live in a warmer climate or tend to sleep hot, this will prevent the dreaded overheating (and hopefully help you to sleep and rest well!). 

Warranty 

Finally, all good companies will offer a warranty with their products just in case something goes wrong with the material or design. Since latex and memory foam tend to be the most durable, many companies are confident in providing a longer warranty. Always protect your investment with a warranty. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Why do people choose mattress toppers for back pain?

Because they have the potential to resolve the problem, and this is probably the most basic answer we could provide. You don’t need us to tell you the frustrations that come with back pain, and this is sometimes exacerbated by your sleep position. Rather than training yourself to change sleep position, a mattress topper will provide the right support and cushioning to encourage a more restful sleep. 

As we’ve seen throughout this guide, there’s a host of other benefits that come with choosing a mattress topper too. As well as maintaining temperature, we could look towards the spinal alignment and other benefits. 

What is the perfect thickness with a topper?

For the majority, we recommend three inches because this offers both pressure relief and support. If you’re happy with your mattress or it has a pillow top, reduce your requirements to two inches. If your mattress is sagging and has seen better days, increase the search to four inches. Furthermore, we also suggest four inches to those who want a more luxurious feel with their topper. 

Will a topper make my back pain worse?

If you don’t consider your own needs, there’s always a risk of making your back pain worse. When too soft or too firm, your back doesn’t actually get support, comfort, or relief. If you do consider your own needs and everything we’ve considered in this guide, you shouldn’t ever make back pain worse (unless you have a serious medical problem. Don’t forget, soft and medium toppers are suited to side sleepers while firm toppers help those who are overweight. 

Will a topper offer durability?

If you’re worried about spending money and it going to waste, this is a fair concern. Our answer? Well, like all products, it depends. With a topper of poor quality, you will be left needing a replacement within 24 months. With high quality, you might pay a bit more, but some people keep their toppers for nearly a decade. 

Generally speaking, latex toppers are more durable than memory foam, and non-synthetic latex shines brighter than everything. In our experience, high-quality memory foam will last for up to eight years while high-quality latex has the potential to survive the full decade. 

Buy Your Mattress Topper Today 

With this, it brings our guide on mattress toppers to a close. We hope to have answered all your questions about mattress toppers, with a particular focus on how they assist those with back pain. With the right product, you really do have an opportunity to change your life. As sleep improves, you have more energy during the day, and this improves productivity, concentration, and overall happiness. By the end of the day, you’re tired again and your bedding allows for a rewarding sleep. 

Once you’ve considered your needs and used our buying considerations, feel free to scroll back up to our example products to see if there’s one that will work for you. This is an elite list of mattress toppers, and you won’t go wrong with these reliable brands. 

As well as listening to our advice, always check customer reviews too. Ultimately, customers have been in your position and they’re never afraid to offer honest feedback. You’ll quickly see which products are good for back pain and which aren’t. Good luck, test different products, and bring the sleepless nights with back pain to an end!