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Best Mattress Topper for Back Sleepers (Top 5 Brands)

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Back sleepers have unique needs when it comes to mattress toppers. Most brands don’t provide enough support for your spine, and there’s nothing worse than having to return a topper that doesn’t meet your needs. We did the hard work of testing out the top brands. Our Editor’s Choice for the best mattress topper those who sleep strictly on their backs is the GhostBed Memory Foam Topper.

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Our Top Picks for Mattress Toppers for Back Sleepers

  1. GhostBed Memory Foam Mattress Topper – editor’s choice
  2. Saatva Mattress Topper – best cooling
  3. PlushBeds 100% Natural Latex Mattress Topper – best for all sleeper types
  4. Lift by Amerisleep – best for heavier individuals
  5. The Latex for Less Topper – best for pain relief

#1. GhostBed Memory Foam Topper

Check Current Price | Editor’s Choice | 30% Off Coupon: SLEEPLINE | Review

ghostbed mattress topper on ghostbed mattress
Ghostbed Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Pros and cons

ProsCons
True memory foam feelSlight off-gassing
Actively coolingMattress surface make take getting used to
5 zoned support

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Memory foam has long been touted as one of the best mattress types for those who suffer from health issues such as back pain and hip pain. But traditional memory foam has the tendency to trap body heat which can become a problem, especially for those who sleep hot.

As with mattresses, the same goes for mattress toppers. A mattress topper made from traditional memory foam can and will retain heat hence why mattress brands today have resorted to creating their own memory foam blends and memory foam alternatives to address heat retention.

The GhostBed Memory Foam topper is made from a proprietary cooling gel memory foam blend that offers multi-zone, head to toe contouring comfort while helping keep heat in check. Gel-infused memory foam contains cooling gel micro-beads that help wick heat away from the mattress topper, making it a good choice for hot sleepers. All the memory foam used in GhostBed toppers are CertiPUR-US certified.

Memory foam needs no further explanation in its ability to be able to offer comfort when it comes to pressure points and pressure relief. No matter the sleeping position, pressure relief is important when it comes to choosing both mattresses and mattress toppers.

The GhostBed Memory Foam topper features targeted comfort zones that are raised into grooves, swirls and waves that somewhat resembles an egg crate mattress topper in a sense. These zones sense one’s body weight and depending on the sleeping position, help provide more personalized, full body contouring while also providing proper spinal alignment. And by full body, we mean these zones target everything from your head down to your torso, legs and even feet.

While some people may be daunted by the uneven sleep surface of the GhostBed Memory Foam mattress topper, we found it to be barely noticeable when we tried it and all you can feel is that extra pressure relief that only memory foam can give. This makes it an excellent choice for those who suffer from back pain or chronic pain such as fibromyalgia.

As for its firmness, we would rate it on a 5.5 on the mattress firmness scale, making it a medium. This means its not too firm and not too soft – perfect for all sleeper types, including strict back sleepers. It does skew slightly soft though, especially if you weigh over 250 lbs, so you might need a firmer mattress topper.

The GhostBed Memory Foam topper features the same GhostIce cover as their mattresses. GhostIce is a thin, breathable fabric that helps heat stay away from the topper. The deep pocket cover is removable and machine washable, although the topper itself is not. Should you accidentally spill something on the topper itself, GhostBed recommends spot cleaning immediately. The topper also features secure elastic bands on each side to help keep your mattress topper securely in place.

Sizes

The GhostBed Memory Foam mattress topper comes in 7 different sizes which fits almost all mattress sizes, including a Split King. The topper measures 3″ in thickness.

  • Twin
  • Twin XL
  • Full
  • Queen
  • King
  • California King
  • Split King

Warranty

Since the topper is considered a personal item, GhostBed does not offer a sleep trial for their mattress topper nor does it come with a warranty.

Buy: GhostBed Memory Foam Topper


#2. Saatva Mattress Topper

Check Current Price | Best Cooling

saatva mattress topper on saatva bed
Saatva Mattress Topper

Pros and cons

ProsCons
Organic and all naturalCan be too thin for some
Greenguard Gold certifiedCan be too pricey
Comes in 3 options

Saatva is a brand name that calls to mind the words natural and organic. Centering their brand around health and wellness for both humans as well as the environment, Saatva’s products are all made from sustainably sourced, all-natural and all-organic raw materials.

The Saatva mattress topper comes in three options to choose from: graphite-infused memory foam, latex and high-density foam. Here’s a little breakdown on all three choices:

  • Graphite – Saatva’s graphite-infused memory foam mattress topper features Saatva’s proprietary advanced cooling technology that harnesses graphite’s natural heat-wicking ability. The graphite mattress topper features a top layer of graphite that helps prevent heat retention from both the memory foam core as well as away from the body making this one of the best mattress toppers for hot sleepers. The main comfort layer is made up of memory foam, offering maximum pressure relief by cradling the sleeper’s main pressure points. This makes it a great choice as a topper for back pain. Being of medium firmness, the Graphite mattress topper is a great option for both back and stomach sleepers, as well as combination sleepers. However, a medium-firm mattress topper may not be the best option for those who sleep strictly on their sides.
  • Latex – Latex mattress toppers are some of the best mattress toppers for those who suffer from spinal problems, due to its naturally buoyant and responsive nature. The Saatva Latex mattress topper is made from natural latex that’s been engineered to be ventilated, offering a pathway for body heat to escape. Latex is also naturally hypoallergenic, making the Saatva Latex mattress topper a solid option for those who suffer from allergies, or for those with children. Latex toppers – especially ones that are naturally sourced – tend to be a little bit on the pricier side as latex foam takes a lot more resources and time to produce. This may not be the best option for budget shoppers.
  • High-Density Foam – Different mattress toppers all feature some sort of foam within them but high-density foam is something we do not come across much. The Saatva High-Density foam mattress topper helps relieve pressure points, much like memory foam toppers do. It helps sleepers by evenly distributing their body weight, thus relieving pressure not just from the main pressure points but throughout the entire body, making it a choice from those who suffer from chronic body pain.

All types of Saatva’s mattress toppers comes encased in a soft, breathable fabric made from 100% organic cotton. Unfortunately, the mattress topper cover is non-removable nor is it a machine washable cover, so we suggest spot cleaning immediately after any spills or accidents.

The Saatva mattress topper also comes with secure elastic anchor bands to keep it in place on top of your mattress perfectly. We experienced no shifting with the Saatva mattress topper.

Sizes

The Saatva mattress topper comes in 7 different sizes and comes in different thicknesses as per topper type: Graphite measures 3″ in thickness whereas the Latex and High-Density toppers measure 1.5″.

  • Twin
  • Twin XL
  • Full
  • Queen
  • King
  • California King
  • Split King

Warranty

Saatva offers free shipping for their mattress topper. They also offer a 180 night sleep trial for you to find your perfect fit. The Saatva mattress topper is backed by a 1 year warranty.

Buy: Saatva Mattress Topper


#3. PlushBeds 100% Natural Latex Topper

Check Current Price | Best for All Sleeper Types

plushbeds latex topper on plushbeds mattress
PlushBeds 100% Natural Latex Topper

Pros and cons

ProsCons
Suitable for all sleeper typesCan be too thin for some
Greenguard Gold certifiedCan be too pricey for some
Good for those with allergies

Want to try a latex mattress but are not quite fully ready to commit to the price of a new mattress just yet? You might want to try out latex mattress toppers first. The PlushBeds Latex mattress topper comes in different thicknesses and firmness levels that suits just about every type of sleeper under the sun (or moon).

Made from 100% pure Talalay latex, the PlushBeds mattress topper contains no blends, no synthetics or chemicals. With certifications from OKEO-TEX, GOTS and Greenguard Gold – which is one of the highest and most esteemed certifications in the world, by the way – the PlushBeds mattress topper is an excellent choice for those who are also eco-conscious.

Latex is already naturally cooling but the PlushBeds Latex mattress topper feature an open-celled design that optimizes air flow and helps regulate body temperature, which helps keep the mattress topper stay cool, dry and fresh. It also acts as a shock absorber for cross mattress movement, making it a good option for those who share a bed with a partner or a pet. In conjunction with a mattress that offers excellent motion isolation, such as the Layla Hybrid, we found that it definitely helped lessen motion transfer when we tried it out.

Cushiony and comfortable, the PlushBeds Latex mattress topper offers both responsive and pressure-relieving support, especially for the main pressure points such as shoulders, hips, knees and back. This makes it one of the best mattress toppers for back pain, in our opinion.

No matter your sleep position, weight or firmness preference, PlushBeds offers a wide range of options. Strict side sleepers may opt for their soft mattress topper while strict back and stomach sleepers may opt for the medium firm to extra firm mattress topper option. Not all mattress toppers from other brands offer firmness options that range from soft to extra firm.

PlushBeds also offer thickness options so whether you need a thicker topper for a thin mattress or a thin topper for a thick mattress, you have the option to pick and choose, which technically, makes it somewhat customizable in a way that could suit your preferences. The thicker option does offer a bit more cushion and support and is recommended for those who weigh a little more than average. Back sleepers who suffer from chronic pain, in particular, could benefit from the wide range of customizable options that PlushBeds offers.

Unlike most mattress toppers made from other types of foam, the PlushBeds latex topper gave off none of that new mattress (or new mattress topper) smell. We found polyfoam mattress toppers to be the main culprits when it comes to excessive off-gassing.

Sizes

The PlushBeds Latex mattress topper comes in 6 different sizes and comes in 2 different thicknesses: 2″ and 3″.

  • Twin
  • Twin XL
  • Full
  • Queen
  • King
  • California King

Warranty

While PlushBeds do not offer a sleep trial for their mattress topper, they do back it with a substantial 5 year warranty, which is one of the longest warranties we’ve seen for mattress toppers. PlushBeds also offer free shipping for all their mattress toppers.

Buy: PlushBeds 100% Natural Latex Topper


#4. Lift by Amerisleep

Check Current Price | Best for Heavier Individuals | 30% Off Coupon: SLEEPLINE | Review

lift by amerisleep mattress topper on amerisleep bed
Lift by Amerisleep

Pros and cons

ProsCons
Comes in 2 firmness optionsSlight off-gassing
ResponsiveMay be too thin for some
Cooling

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The Lift by Amerisleep mattress topper is one of the best rated mattress toppers there is, constantly making the rounds of ‘best of’ lists and with good reason – simply because it works. Made for all sleeper types, Amerisleep Lift mattress topper features the same proprietary HIVE technology as their world reknowned mattresses.

The Amerisleep Lift mattress topper comes in a variety of thicknesses and 2 different support cores that can also be found in Amerisleep mattresses. Made for all sleeper types, the Lift mattress topper is a solid choice for staunch memory foam fans who hate that stuck in the mud feel of traditional memory foam.

Back sleepers in particular would do well with the Support Lift mattress topper. Made with the buoyant Affinity foam found in Amerisleep’s firmer mattresses, the Support Lift mattress topper offers extra support as well as a firmer feel that could benefit both back sleepers and stomach sleepers alike.

The Comfort Lift mattress topper offers a softer, more cushiony feel that is suitable for strict side sleepers, combination sleepers or those who prefer a plush memory foam feel of a softer mattress. Those who need extra pressure relief would also do well with the Comfort Lift mattress topper.

And if you’re worried about heat retention, especially when it comes to combining foam toppers with all-foam mattresses, Amerisleep’s Lift mattress topper features the same open-celled design as their mattresses. This allows for continuous air flow, letting heat escape while keeping the topper cool, fresh and dry.

The Amerisleep Lift mattress topper also features Amerisleep’s very own HIVE technology, which stands for Harnessing Intelligent Ventilation and Energy. This technology provides 5 comfort zones that target specific areas of the body that need both support and pressure relief. A mini Amerisleep mattress in and of itself, the Lift mattress topper is a great choice for those who suffer from chronic back pain and/or hip pain.

Although mattress toppers vary in thicknesses, Amerisleep believes 3″ is the perfect height for a top-rated mattress topper since 3 inches is substantial enough to make a difference without altering too much of your mattress’ construction. We found that the memory foam thickness in the Lift mattress topper provided good motion isolation, especially when paired with a memory foam bed. If your current mattress is already past its prime though, no mattress topper – no matter how amazing – can offer a long term solution.

The cover of the Lift mattress topper can be removed and machine-washed but Amerisleep recommends air drying the breathable mattress topper cover instead of drying it out in a dryer. Amerisleep also recommends the use of a mattress protector to extend the lifespan of both your mattress and your topper.

We did experience a slight new mattress smell upon unboxing the mattress topper but it dissipated immediately. We also found that it took around 4 hours for the topper to reach its full size.

All of Amerisleep’s mattress products, including toppers are CertiPUR-US certified and are made in the USA.

Sizes

The Lift mattress topper comes in 6 sizes and measures 3″ in thickness.

  • Twin
  • Twin XL
  • Full
  • Queen
  • King
  • California King

Warranty

Amerisleep does not offer a sleep trial for their mattress toppers but they do come backed by a substantial 5 year warranty. They also offer free shipping within the continental United States.

Buy: Lift by Amerisleep


#5. The Latex for Less Topper

Check Current Price | Best for Pain Relief

latex for less topper on bed
The Latex for Less Topper

Pros and cons

ProsCons
AffordableCan be too thin for some
Certified natural and organicNot contouring like memory foam
Great for pain relief

The best mattress topper is the one that works to suit one’s individual needs and preferences and each one on this list addresses the specifics overall but what if you need a topper specifically for just pain relief?

The Latex for Less topper is pillowy soft and offers pressure relief for those who suffer from any sort of body pain such as back pain and hip pain. This latex topper is also good for those who just want to add something of a pillowtop feel to their existing mattress.

Made from 100% single origin Talalay latex, the Latex for Less topper is hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant, making it a good option for those who suffer from allergies as well as for those who are particular about the sources of their products. Both the latex and organic cotton cover of the Latex for Less mattress topper are certified by the Eco-Institut and GOTS. 100% latex means the topper does not contain any fillers or synthetic material.

Latex mattress toppers are more responsive than mattress toppers made from memory foam. While memory foam does offer significant pain and pressure relief by cradling the sleeper’s body, it can be stifling in a way that makes you feel as though you are swallowed up by the bed. For this reason alone, a good number of people look for a memory foam alternative.

Latex mattress toppers like the Latex for Less topper can offer the pain relief without the stuck in the mud feel. What’s more is that those who sleep hot can feel doubly smothered by memory foam as it also tends to trap heat (although new versions of gel memory foam material have started to address the heat retention and body temperature issues). Latex, we have found, is significantly more cooling than gel infused foam.

The Latex for Less topper comes in 3 firmness levels: soft, medium and medium firm. For those wanting the ultimate in cushy comfort and pain relief, they should opt for the soft version – it’s definitely like sleeping on a cloud when we tried it out. That said, strict back and stomach sleepers should opt for a firm mattress topper as this gives them better hip and spinal support.

The right mattress topper for back sleepers who suffer from chronic pain is the one that can offer both comfort and support – just like what an actual mattress can provide. A firm mattress pad or topper is the best bet for those who sleep predominantly on their backs.

Latex toppers – and latex mattresses – are usually pretty pricey but the Latex for Less topper comes at a price that is surprisingly pretty affordable. We like the fact that it is. It also means that if you’ve been looking into getting a latex mattress but is somewhat daunted by the price, an affordable but good quality latex mattress topper could be the gateway to your latex journey.

The Latex for Less topper also gives you the option to choose whether you would like to include a mattress topper cover. While covers mainly act as a protective casing for your topper, it’s not really essential so if you want to save a few more extra, you could definitely do without it. Just make sure to use your mattress topper or mattress pad underneath your mattress protector.

We experienced no off-gassing with the Latex for Less topper although there was a slightly earthy smell reminiscent of most organic mattresses we have encountered.

Sizes

The Latex for Less topper comes in 6 standard mattress sizes and comes in both 2″ and 3.

  • Twin
  • Twin XL
  • Full
  • Queen
  • King
  • California King

Warranty

The Latex for Less topper comes backed with a 5 year warranty. Like most mattress toppers on the market, it does not come with a sleep trial. Latex for Less mattress toppers are made entirely in the USA.

Buy: Latex for Less Topper


What to consider when choosing a mattress topper for back sleepers

Just like choosing a mattress, choosing the right mattress topper or mattress pad if you’re a back sleeper depends on a few key factors.

  1. Weight – Heavier individuals may need mattress toppers or mattress pads that are a bit thicker. Thinner toppers may not be able to support them in the long term.
  2. Preferences – Although we always recommend firmer toppers and firmer mattresses for those who sleep on their backs, some people still may prefer something a little softer. A medium to medium firm mattress topper could still provide the same support while allowing for a little more room for fluff and cushion, if that is what you wish. The material from which the mattress topper is made from also depends on what you would like or prefer. Fortunately, most mattress brands have come out with toppers made from various types of foam.
  3. Health issues – Whether chronic or acute, most of us suffer from some sort of health issue at some point in our lives. Those who live with chronic pain might want to look into mattress toppers that address pain and pressure relief specifically.
  4. Budget – Just like mattresses, mattress toppers vary on price depending on brand, material and where it’s made. Some are more expensive than others but it does not mean that cheaper mattress toppers aren’t any good. In the end, it is always up to you and your budget.

FAQs

Is a memory foam mattress topper good for your back?

Memory foam mattress toppers can be good for your back, especially if you suffer from chronic health issues such as back pain or fibromyalgia. This is because memory foam molds to a person’s body, taking the pressure off the body’s main pressure points.

What firmness is best for back sleepers?

Mattresses and mattress toppers that range from 7-10 on the mattress firmness scale – which is a medium-firm to firm – is best for strict back sleepers.

Can mattress toppers help you sleep?

It may depend on a person’s body weight and preferred sleeping position but generally, mattress toppers can be beneficial to getting a good night’s sleep.



Michelline Norton

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