Best Mattress Topper for Back Pain 2024
Chiropractic Recommended
The importance of a good night’s sleep cannot be overstated. Sleep has a restorative impact that can help you feel well-rested and energized for the day ahead. Unfortunately, those with back pain know all too well that good sleep can be hard to come by. Whether the back pain is lifestyle related or a result of unsupportive bedding, changing how you sleep and what you sleep on can lead to a better quality of life.
One of the main aspects of my role as a chiropractor is helping patients find strategies that alleviate back pain at home. There are several methods for doing so, including regular adjustment, lifestyle changes, prescribing exercises and stretches, using at home orthopedic equipment, and investing in high quality pillows and mattresses. Another avenue is incorporating a mattress topper. Many overlook the benefits of a quality mattress topper and instead look to replace their entire mattress. The good news is mattress toppers are a less expensive option that can achieve similar (if not the same) improvements for back pain and sleep quality. Here are some highlights of the best mattress toppers for back pain that I recommend:
#1 Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper
- 3” memory foam infused with graphite for durable comfort and cooling
- Elastic anchor bands for securing the topper to the bed
- Comes in a variety of sizes (Twin – King)
- Works with all Saatva mattresses and other mattress brands
- 180-night home trial, free shipping, and 1-year limited warranty
#2 Layla Mattress Topper
- Infused with antimicrobial copper gel
- 2” of plush yet supportive memory foam
- Gel beads condense under deep compression points for optimum support
- Cooling technology for calm and restful sleep
- 5-year warranty, free shipping, money back guarantee within 120 nights of purchase
#3 Plushbeds Latex Mattress Topper
- Open-celled, keeps you cool
- Made of durable, 100% natural latex (longest-lasting)
- Made for multiple sizes (Twin – California King)
- Certified organic and natural materials
- Free shipping, 100-night risk-free trial
- Made in the USA
Why Use A Mattress Topper?
I often recommend mattress toppers to chiropractic patients who have pain at night but don’t want to spend thousands on a new mattress. A quality mattress topper will keep your back in neutral spine position and supported while you rest.
As someone who has experienced back pain myself, I understand that finding the right choice can be an overwhelming and expensive process! My goal is to take the guesswork out of it so you don’t make the wrong decision. My patients can attest, these products are a game-changer!
Below, I have shared some in depth knowledge on my recommendations, but first I want to highlight the benefits of investing in a mattress topper along with the features to look for if you experience back pain. Read on for more details.
What are the benefits of a mattress topper?
For those who suffer with back pain, maintaining support throughout the night and sleeping in positions that reduce pressure on the spine are essential. A mattress topper is designed to provide either a soft or firmer surface that conforms to your shape, preventing unnecessary movement, pressure, twisting, or misalignment that can exacerbate back pain. This added layer of material can be beneficial for a multitude of reasons, namely improving support to your spine and protecting the mattress beneath from sagging or indents.
In instances where a mattress is too firm, a mattress topper can add more of a cushion to lighten the compression on your spine. In the case of a soft and unsupportive mattress, the topper can augment and add firmness that reduces strain on your muscles from lack of support or misalignment.
Bonus: Best of all, mattress toppers can deliver instant results without the higher cost of replacing an entire mattress. You can spare yourself the splurge and improve your back pain all in one. Mattress toppers can also help extend the lifespan of your mattress by minimizing premature sagging and impressions that develop over time.
What to look for in a mattress topper
Now that we’ve established the pros of having a mattress topper, let’s dive into the qualities of a good mattress topper.
For those with back pain, the ideal mattress topper is one that is going to help reduce or prevent your spine from being ill-supported, out of alignment, or otherwise under unnecessary strain. Many people who experience back pain are often not sleeping in a great position and/or they are using bedding (e.g. pillows, mattresses) that are not properly supporting them.
For many, we assume that a plush and soft mattress is what is going to keep us most comfortable, but the reality is many sleepers with back pain would benefit from more of a medium-firm to firm sleeping surface. Rather than replace an entire mattress, which can be pricey and offer mixed results, many prefer to opt for a mattress topper, which can augment and improve your sleeping surface to be more supportive and conducive to reducing back pain.
As detailed below, the items I recommend vary by specific treatment needs and sleeping styles, but as a general rule of thumb, I look for the following features and materials:
- Memory foam: Memory foam contours to your spine and absorbs motion transfer. This will keep you in place and adapt to your position as you sleep. Memory foam is particularly ideal for side and back sleepers because it conforms to the contours of your body and provides support on pressure points.
- Copper gel: This offers a cooling effect that keeps you from overheating. It also has antimicrobial properties that offer a more hygienic sleeping experience.
- Latex: Latex is durable, responsive, and extends the longevity of your mattress. Look for open-celled materials to wick heat away and keep you cool.
#1 Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper
Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Saatva regularly tops out my recommendations for sleep essentials because their bedding features high-quality materials that provide optimal support. They have a proven record in reducing my clients’ back pain, and that is one of my top criteria for recommending items to others. The Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper is one of my top choices for its high-quality memory foam and cooling features.
The Saatva lineup features several different materials, but my recommendation is the Graphite for its durability and cooling properties. It offers 3” of memory foam that reduces motion transfer and contours to your body, promoting comfort and support. The graphite-infused layers draw heat away from your body for a refreshing and restorative sleep. Covered by an organic cotton layer, the mattress topper is also very breathable and won’t trap heat. It also features elastic anchor bands to ensure the mattress topper stays securely fastened and won’t budge.
This Saatva graphite mattress topper is ideal for sleepers who run hot, rest on their back and side, or are generally in search of pressure relief. Its cooling features, contouring memory foam, and durable support make it a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their sleeping experience and offload their back pain. Additionally, Saatva offers a 180-night home trial so you can shop with confidence that you are able to try their great options risk-free.
#2 Layla Mattress Topper
Best Copper Gel Mattress Topper
Layla Mattress Toppers are another of my most highly recommended options. More specifically, the Layla copper-gel infused memory foam mattress topper is a standout. Don’t just take my word for it – this mattress topper was featured by Real Simple, CNET, and Country Living as one of the best cooling mattress toppers in 2021 and 2022.
Offering 2” of copper-gel infused memory foam, this mattress topper offers a cool and clean experience. Copper is known for its cooling and cleansing antimicrobial properties, and it is what sets this mattress topper apart as one of my top choices for back pain. The copper gel beads are infused in the memory foam and interact under compression, offering a one-of-a-kind sleeping experience.
The copper gel beads in the Layla mattress topper offer what is called “variable support,” meaning the beads compress into a firmer shape under pressure, providing extra support to areas like your hips and shoulders. This is crucial for sleepers with back pain, as it reduces the pressure and strain on your spine at night. Another benefit of the gel beads is heat transfer. When the beads come in contact with each other, they carry heat away quickly and efficiently, leading to a cooler sleep experience.
The Layla Mattress Topper is another great choice for sleepers who tend to run hot in the night, along with those who desire a high level of compression beneath them. What makes this option stand out is its copper bacteria-killing properties and adaptable gel-infused memory foam which will keep you well-supported in the areas you need it most. What’s more is that Layla offers excellent customer service, including free shipping, a 5-year warranty, and a 120-night money back guarantee if you are not satisfied.
#3 Plushbeds Latex Mattress Topper
Best Latex Mattress Topper
Plushbeds is a highly-rated bedding brand, known for its natural products. Their products offer a luxurious feel with the relief of knowing their items are free of synthetics and chemicals. For that reason alone, the Plushbeds Latex Mattress Topper is a great choice, but it has even more to offer. The 100% natural latex topper also offers soothing pressure relief and outstanding support for sore backs.
Its open-cell pattern allows air into the material and aids with ventilation, though this makes the material less dense. For that reason, it may be best for sleepers who need less firm sleep surfaces.
Plushbeds natural latex is odor free, hypo-allergenic, anti-microbial, and dust mite resistant, making it a great option for sleepers with allergies. Having earned recognition as an Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and GREENGUARD Gold certified mattress topper, the sustainably sourced material is also free of chemical dyes, pesticides, bleach, and other fillers that are found in many other bedding brands.
Plushbeds is also customer-friendly, offering a 100-night risk-free trial and free shipping. The Latex topper comes in a range of sizes from twin all the way up to King and has customizable options, including a choice between 2 or 3-inch thickness and firmness, ranging from soft to extra-firm. The variety of choices for firmness allow you to select a topper that best suits your sleep position, weight, and cushion preferences. This way, you can add an extra layer of comfort to your existing mattress and reap the pain-relieving benefits of latex without the high price tag of investing in a new mattress.
Summary
Overall, adding a mattress topper can greatly benefit sleepers with back pain. They offer additional comfort and support when your current mattress and bedding aren’t quite living up to the task. They are also more cost-effective than fully replacing your mattress and can extend the lifespan of the mattress you do have.
As a chiropractor, it’s great knowing that like a spinal adjustment, a simple fix like adding a mattress topper can make a world of difference. When patients may otherwise feel like they’ve exhausted their options, it is wonderful being able to offer hope and solutions for a pain-free lifestyle.
Thanks to quality mattress toppers like these, my patients experience improved sleep, reduced back pain, and an overall better quality of life. Hearing my patients’ experiences of achieving pain-free sleep after weeks, months, or years of back pain is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work, and that’s why I’m happy to make these recommendations!
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course they can. A mattress that is either too cushy or too firm can lead to lack of support or too much pressure on the back. Because your spine has a natural curvature, the best way to support it and relieve pressure is to keep it in neutral alignment. A mattress topper helps achieve this balance of support and comfort by giving you the optimal balance. Mattress toppers can reduce back pain by better cushioning your hip and shoulder areas while also ensuring your body doesn’t sag into the mattress.
Mattress pads are different from toppers and protectors. A mattress pad is a thin quilted layer designed to protect the mattress from stains and sweat. A mattress topper is more substantial and offers additional comfort and support.
Mattress protectors are different from mattress pads and toppers. A mattress protector is primarily used to keep contaminants like mold, bacteria, and bed bugs out of your mattress. While a mattress topper also protects your mattress to some extent, it also offers around 1” to 4” of thickness.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, most mattresses have a lifespan of 7-10 years. If the sagging and discomfort caused by your mattress is due to your bed’s age, it may be worthwhile to splurge for a new one. If your mattress is on the newer side or hasn’t yet reached its lifespan, a mattress topper can make a major improvement.
Best of all, a mattress topper also keeps the mattress in good condition for longer, as it protects from dust, stains, sweat, and moisture, as well as indentations and sagging from long term use.
My Story
Several years ago I was beginning my journey through chiropractic school in a new place with no bed or furniture. Purchasing a mattress was at the top of my list. I decided to check out a “Mattress Sale” at a mattress store nearby. The first thing I noticed was that none of the best mattresses were on sale. It was either pay $5,000 or buy a $1,200 cotton mattress for $800. Not knowing any better I ended up purchasing (what I thought was) an amazing pillow top mattress. It was soft, cushiony, and so comfy!….for like two weeks. After that, the center of the mattress started sinking in. I had never had back pain in my life, and for the first year of my chiropractic schooling, I had constant lower back pain, how ironic. This was definitely not the best mattress for spine health. Shortly after realizing what the problem was and how to fix it I started looking for mattresses for back pain. I saved up my money and purchased a new mattress online that was a medium firm memory foam. It was delivered right to me and at first, I thought it was too firm, but after just one week I started noticing pain relief. My back pain was gone and never returned. I no longer had back problems or a bad back! If I had understood my body and what it needed I would have saved myself hundreds of dollars and months of pain and restless sleep.
