Get optimal support and comfort with the best mattress topper for back pain. If you suffer from back pain, you've probably tried simple exercises to strengthen your neck, back and spine, used hot and cold compresses or taken painkillers. It goes without saying that the best mattress can help alleviate back and join problems, but you've probably not thought to look into mattress toppers.
A study conducted by Arthritis Research UK found that approximately one in six adults in England has some form of back pain and while we often retreat to bed to relax, this could be doing more harm than good. The wrong mattress for your body could be causing you aches and pains in the first place.
Best mattress toppers for back pain at a glance:
• Best mattress topper overall: The Simba Hybrid Topper - Buy now on Simba
• Best value mattress topper: LUCID 5 Zone Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper - Buy now on Amazon UK
• Bestselling mattress topper: John Lewis ANYDAY Synthetic Soft and Light Mattress Topper - Buy now on John Lewis
Mattress toppers are a cost-effective way of making your bed more comfortable. They range in price from around £25 to £150. Along with the best mattress deals, you can get branded mattress toppers from Emma, Simba and Dreams on offer at certain times of the year.
A mattress topper, used in conjunction with an orthopaedic pillow helps to support proper spinal alignment and reduces pressure on the back. So, you get a more comfortable sleep without having to spend hundreds of pounds on a new mattress.
How we tested the best mattress toppers for back pain:
Choosing the right mattress topper can significantly alleviate back pain, offering a more restful and comfortable sleep. To determine the best mattress toppers for back pain, we focused on these topic areas: support and alignment, pressure relief, comfort and cushioning, temperature regulation, as well as durability and longevity.
Best mattress toppers for back pain UK:
Tested
Best mattress topper overall
simbasleep.com
Forget waking up feeling sore with the Simba Hybrid Topper. When paired with the Simbatex Essential Foam Mattress it's a match made in heaven - it's like sleeping on a cloud! As someone with ongoing joint pains, finding the right mattress is of the utmost importance. This mattress topper has allowed me to wake up without being in agony for the first time in a long time. It also has temperature-regulating properties so it stops me from overheating in my sleep.
The combination of memory foam and Aerocoil springs cradle your body, providing the perfect blend of support and comfort. I wake up feeling refreshed, and any aches or pains have become a distant memory. I also love that it's portable and easy to roll up as it has snug-fit straps - meaning I can take it away with me on my next staycation and prevent stiffness when sleeping in an unfamiliar bed. Although saying that, it is relatively heavy.
Pros
- Excellent temperature regulation
- Hypoallergenic
- Remarkable comfort
Cons
- The Simba Hybrid Topper can be relatively heavy
Dimensions: | Single: W90 L190 D6.5 (cm)<br>Small Double: W120 L190 D6.5 (cm)<br>Double: W135 L190 D6.5 (cm)<br>King Size: W150 L200 D6.5 (cm)<br>Super King Size: W180 L200 D6.5 (cm) |
Product care: | The top cover is removable and washable (washing instructions included). Wash at 40°C on a reduced spin cycle. Do not use chlorine bleach. Do not tumble dry, iron or dry clean. The base fabric can also be cleaned with a soft, damp and clean cloth using small circular motions. Using a mattress protector could help extend the life of your mattress and topper. |
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Best memory foam topper
www.dunelm.com
Love a thick mattress topper? This Memory Foam Mattress Topper from Dunelm will be perfect for you. It's filled with memory foam that will contour to your body and covered with a long-lasting polycotton, so you'll wake up feeling well-rested after sleeping in complete comfort.
This mattress topper has an average rating of 4.5 stars and has been reviewed by over 530 people. Many have said the mattress has made a big improvement to their comfort and caused them to sleep better at night. There are some reviews that mention the elastic of the mattress topper pings off the corner of your mattress easily so you may spend a bit of time putting them back every couple of days.
Pros
- Memory foam filling to contour to your body
- Long-lasting polycotton to make it nice and soft
- Nice and thick so it's comfy
Cons
- You may find the elastic that you hook around your mattress slides off from time to time
Dimensions: | |
Product care: |
Best value mattress topper
With features like the 5cm memory foam infused with cooling gel to prevent you from overheating, raised zones to reduce pressure on joints and a three-year warranty, you know you're in safe hands thanks to the LUCID 5 Zone Gel Foam Mattress Topper. With all these features at a low price, it's great value for money.
Several customers have noted that it's particularly beneficial for those suffering from painful conditions, such as fibromyalgia and arthritis. It comes compressed, which means you'll need to leave it a little while to get to its full size once unpacked. On the plus side, it doesn't have any smell when unpacking it, which doesn't usually happen when things come compressed.
Pros
- Supports different points of your body
- Memory foam is infused with temperature-regulating gel
- Comes compressed with no smell
Cons
- As it comes compressed, you'll need to leave it a couple of days to get to its full size once unpacked
Dimensions: | Single (90 x 190 cm)<br>90 x 200 cm<br>Double (135 x 190 cm)<br>King (150 x 200 cm)<br>160 x 200 cm<br>Super King (180 x 200 cm)<br>US Queen |
Product care: | Spot Clean Only |
Bestselling mattress topper
www.johnlewis.com
As you would expect from John Lewis, the light mattress topper from the ANYDAY John Lewis range is anything but ordinary. Available in single, double, king or super king, this will leave your old mattress feeling brand new. It's a best-seller on John Lewis so it may go in and out of stock regularly in your size.
It has elastic straps, making it a doddle to attach to your mattress. When it's time to wash it, simply stick it into the machine on a 40°C cycle - it dries pretty quickly too! Some customers found it to be thinner than expected but overall still found it to be super comfortable.
Pros
- Machine washable at 40 degrees so it's easy to keep clean
- Elastic straps to secure it to your mattress
- Lightweight so it dries pretty quickly
Cons
- Some reviewers mentioned it was thinner than they expected
Dimensions: | Cover material: 100% Polyester<br>Filling composition: 100% Polyester |
Product care: | Washable at 40°C, allowing for an effective clean that's much kinder to the environment |
Best mattress topper for retaining shape
www.dunelm.com
This mattress topper from Dunelm works to relieve tension from the pressure points, with thousands of reviews claiming it's helped with back pain, neck pain and even knee pain. It's a machine washable one too and it can be tumble dried so it's easy to clean and pop back on your bed in no time.
An amazing affordable option, this topper comes in sizes single to super king at a fantastic price. Customers have praised it, saying that it feels brand new even after sleeping on it every day and it retains its shape. Some reviewers expected it to be more cushioned and have more depth to it but overall found it very comfortable to sleep on.
Pros
- Good quality for the price
- Helps to relieve tension from pressure points
- Machine-washable and tumble-dried
Cons
- Some reviewers were expecting it to have more depth to it
Dimensions: | Single W 90cm (35") x L 190cm (75") x D 5cm (2")<br>Small Double W 120cm (47") x L 190cm (75") x D 5cm (2")<br>Double W 135cm (53") x L 190cm (75") x D 5cm (2")<br>Kingsize W 150cm (59") x L 200cm (79") x D 5cm (2")<br>Super Kingsize W 183cm (72") x L 200cm (78") x D 5cm (2") |
Product care: | Machine washable, tumble dry on a low heat setting |
Best highly rated mattress topper
Silentnight is the sleep expert you can trust. With a 4.4 star rating out of 5 and over 14,000 reviews, it's easy to see why this topper is so popular. Fans have commented on the relief they felt thanks to the airflow. Opinions are mixed on the thickness and warmth this topper provides, with some saying it wasn't as thick as they were expecting but others saying it was super thick and cushiony.
It has air mesh sidewalls, which increase air circulation around you and breathability while you sleep, to prevent overheating. It has the ability to be cleaned in the washing machine and its 6cm thickness promises to be comforting. It's also hypoallergenic and kind to skin.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic and kind to skin
- Offers increased air circulation and breathability to prevent you from overheating
- Machine washable
Cons
- Some customers thought it would be thicker
Dimensions: | 190 x 90 x 8 cm - Single<br>Double<br>King Size<br>Super King |
Product care: | Machine Washable |
Best down mattress topper
dusk.com
Create that hotel bed feeling at home with this luxury down mattress topper from DUSK. The two-tiered design combines softness with gentle support, which is exceptional at distributing your weight evenly. It's made from two layers, with the top one made from 70 per cent fluffy goose down and the other one being feather-filled. It also has a breathable cotton percale casing for that luxurious bed feeling.
Some reviewers thought this topper would be thicker but many like this mattress topper as it's not too bulky yet it's nicely cushioned to give you a good night's sleep. It's worth noting this topper is dry clean only though so you won't be able to pop it in the washing machine like some of the others on our list.
Pros
- Top layer is plump with 70 per cent fluffy goose down
- Combines softness with gentle support
- Has a cotton percale casing to make it breathable
Cons
- Dry clean only
Dimensions: | Single<br>Double<br>King Size<br>Super King |
Product care: | Professionally launder - Topper |
Best cooling mattress topper
www.argos.co.uk
Are you fed up with tossing and turning in the night? The egg crate texture from this topper contours your body, helping you get a good night's sleep. It has an average rating of 4.7 stars out of 5, with many reviewers raving about the egg-cup effect, saying it feels soft and bouncy.
Other incredible features include gel-infused beads to help regulate temperature, a reversible design so one side has a flatter texture and anti-allergy properties. Some reviews did find that it was slightly too big for their bed so make sure you check the size guide before ordering.
Pros
- Flat one side and textured on the other
- Gel infused beads inside so it keeps you cool
- Reviewers say it feels soft and bouncy
Cons
- Some users said it was too big for their bed so make sure to check the size guide before ordering
Dimensions: | Single<br>Double<br>King size |
Product care: | Not known |
Best sustainable mattress topper
pandalondon.com
Sweet dreams are on the cards with this bamboo mattress topper. There are so many sizes to choose from, so if you've got multiple rooms in the house, it's worth purchasing one for each bed. If a mattress topper with eco-friendly credentials is important to you, you'll be pleased to know that it's made from 100 per cent bamboo.
As well as being made from an antibacterial material (which is good for allergies), this topper features HydroFoam that prevents overheating, a removable, washable cover and more. We - along with many customers - particularly appreciate the gel infusion that helps to regulate the temperature as you sleep and relieve painful pressure points. There are some reviewers who found it to be firmer than expected but if you love a topper with a firm to soft support, you'll love this.
Pros
- Made from 100 per cent bamboo
- Anti-bacterial material
- Temperature-regulating
Cons
- Some reviewers found it to be firmer than expected
Dimensions: | UK Single<br>UK Double<br>UK Small Double<br>UK King<br>UK Super King<br>EU Single<br>EU Double<br>EU King <br>EU Emperor |
Product care: | Cover can be washed at 40 degrees |
Best orthopaedic topper
Your existing mattress will be transformed by adding an extra 3cm of comfort and support. Specifically designed to distribute weight evenly, this Silentnight Orthopaedic Topper with Removable Cover helps to reduce pressure and relieve aches and pains with its ergonomic contoured foam.
It's available in 3 and 5cm thicknesses, and you can purchase either a Single, Double, King or Super-King. There's also a removable cover, so you can clean it with ease. Some customers have found this mattress slips down the bed a bit while you toss and turn in bed but overall find it offers comfort and quality for the price.
Pros
- Ergonomic design to help reduce pressure on joints and relieve aches and pains
- Choice of thicknesses for your comfort
- Fully removable cover for easy washing
Cons
- Some reviewers found the topper slipped down the bed if you toss and turn while you sleep
Dimensions: | Single<br>Double<br>King<br>Super King |
Product care: | Cover is machine washable |
11.
Emma Flip Topper
Best for hot sleepers with back pain
The GRX ZeoGravitiy foam layer on Emma Flip Topper has got your back and supports you where it matters. The second layer is made with Airgocell foam, which helps to regulate your temperature by absorbing and then evaporating sweat so rising temperatures don't disturb your sleep.
The standout feature has to be the reversibility and adaptability, as you can simply flip it over to change it to a firmer or softer base, depending on your needs. Some reviewers have reported that overtime, it loses it shape a bit though. Use in conjunction with the Emma NextGen Premium Mattress, which we think is a superb mattress for relieving aches and pains.
Pros
- Cover absorbs excess heat and moisture so that rising temperatures don't disturb your sleep
- Can be flipped over to be firmer or softer as needed
- Contains GRX ZeoGravitiy foam to support and comfort your back
Cons
- Some customers have reported that over time, it may lose its original shape
Dimensions: | Single 90 x 190cm<br>Small Double 120 x 190cm<br>Double 135 x 190cm<br>King 150 x 200cm<br>Super King 180 x 200cm |
Product care: | Removable and washable top cover |
How to choose the best mattress topper for back pain
Before we start covering our top choices of mattress toppers for back pain, our advice is to do your research before committing.
According to SleepFoundation.org, "The right mattress topper can help relieve pressure points and support natural spinal alignment, which could also help contribute to reduced back pain.
"Too firm of a topper may not allow their hips and shoulders to sink in enough, while too soft of a mattress topper may let their hips and shoulders sink in too much."
Here are four things to look for when buying a mattress topper.
Type of mattress topper
Memory foam, polyfoam, latex, wool, cotton or feather and down are the most common types of mattress toppers. The first thing you need to decide is what option is right for you. We particularly like memory foam mattress toppers as they mould around your body shape, often using gel technology to ensure you don't get too hot.
Thickness
The density of a mattress topper can make or break whether or not it helps to ease up your back pain. Most toppers range between two and six inches. When it comes to choosing the size, it's best to go thicker the older the mattress.
Firmness and support
Ensuring that mattresses are firm and supportive is vital if you want a good night's sleep without any discomfort. Memory foam and latex mattress toppers are brilliant for supporting your natural posture, which is fantastic for anyone who suffers from backache.
Reviews
This might seem simple, but reading reviews about how others got on with a mattress topper will give you an insight into sleeping on it. There's no better way to understand what a product is like than by getting a first-hand opinion on it.
FAQs: Best mattress topper for back pain
What thickness of mattress topper is best for back pain?
The thickness of mattress toppers varies between brand, filling and type, but they can be as thin as 2cm and as thick as 12cm. When choosing a mattress topper for back pain, you should aim for a topper that is 7-8cm, because it will significantly relieve pressure points and you will still feel all the characteristics of your mattress. We recommend reading Newentor's guide on mattress topper thickness for back pain.
Of course, you may want to choose one that is slightly thinner or thicker than that and it depends on the extent of your back problems as well as your preferences for the filling and mattress it is made from. If your back problems are more severe, you may want to go for a thicker mattress topper for extra support whereas if your back problems are milder, you may feel more comfortable with a topper that is slightly thinner at around 5-6cm.
How can I tell whether my mattress is causing back pain?
If you regularly wake up feeling sore with aches and pains, this could be a sign that your mattress is causing your back pain or making it worse. Continuous sleeping on the wrong mattress can cause your spine to lose its natural alignment and strain the muscles resulting in back pain.
We spoke to Michael Fatica, a lead consultant osteopath, who said: “I think key when considering mattresses, is that they are replaced when they’re worn out! As for sleeping, a good mattress that works for your personal comfort is going to be important, crucially one that helps you be in a ‘neutral’ position. For example, someone that always sleeps on their ‘back’ might find they like firmer mattresses because when lying in this position you tend to be a little more flat.
"Conversely, women with a more hourglass figure might find that a softer, memory foam or hybrid mattress works better, as it gives a little more at the curve helping accommodate the shape of the individual sleeping on their side. This group of body shapes struggle more on a hard mattress because their pelvis will tilt one way or another as their waist is so small, so it’s just floating ‘in space’.
“For men, the differences between side vs back sleeping tend not to be as pronounced as for women for obvious reasons, namely men tend to have less difference in the circumference of their waists compared to pelvis so the aforementioned point is not as relevant.”
If you’re not sure whether it is your mattress causing your pain, trying out one of our mattress toppers for back pain recommendations is a good place to start. They’ll add a supportive and comfortable layer between you and your mattress. If you’re still experiencing issues even after trying a mattress topper for back pain, this could be a sign that your mattress needs replacing. Luckily for you, we’ve got lots of advice on how to choose a mattress as well as some cheap mattress picks to help you feel well-rested.
Meet the experts
Michael Fatica is a lead consultant osteopath and founder of Back In Shape an online, rehabilitation program for back health.
Hannah Carroll is a Senior Home, Parenting and Lifestyle Product Writer for Yours, specialising in product testing and reviews. As a mother of three, Hannah loves finding clothes that makes her feel fabulous and products that are great for large families.