Best Mattress Toppers for Back & Hip Pain

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Getting a good night’s sleep can be the difference between feeling alert and energetic during the day and feeling deflated and lethargic. However, many adults, particularly those that suffer from back or hip pain, may not be using the correct support while they sleep. As a result, back and hip pain may be exacerbated.

Using a mattress topper could be a good way of gaining additional support and therefore, some relief from pain.

Mattress Toppers Comparison Chart

	Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR Supreme 3-Inch Mattress topper	ViscoSoft 3 Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper	Layla Memory Foam Topper	Saatva Latex Mattress Topper	LUCID 4 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Thickness	3-inch	3-inch	2-inch	1.5-inch	4-inch
Materials	Memory foam	Gel infused memory foam	Copper-gel infused memory foam	Talalay latex	Gel infused memory foam
Sizes Available	Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king	Twin, twin XL, queen, queen short, king	Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king	Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king	Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Warranty	10-year	3-year	5-year	1-year	3-year
Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

Can a Mattress Topper Help with Back & Hip Pain?

When we sleep, it is important that the body is fully supported in order that pain doesn’t develop or increase. If you have ever ‘slept funny’ and woken up with a stiff neck, aching shoulders, or a sore back, you will know exactly what we are talking about. That being said, a lot of people overlook the importance of this support.

There is a lot of evidence to suggest that a mattress topper could be an advantageous type of support. When you use a mattress topper, the support will mold to the natural contours of your body. Rather than you lying on a solid surface that your body has to conform to, the surface will conform to your body’s curves and therefore, be much more comfortable and supportive.

In addition to this, a mattress topper has the ability to relieve pressure owing to how the topper more evenly distributes your weight. No one area of the body will be forced to take more weight than another which can reduce the pressure on painful areas such as the hips and back.

Using a mattress topper may be able to help better align the spine. There is no shortage of literature online detailing how the various positions we spend time in can impact our spine health. The position that you sleep in is no exception to this. However, owing to the improving support of the mattress topper, your spine may be in a more natural and beneficial position. This can go a long way in potentially reducing your back pain.

Science tells us that undergoing a spinal manipulation to improve the position of the spine could have some effectiveness in the reduction of pain. It stands to reason then that lying in a spine-friendly position to sleep may have similar effects. On top of this mattress toppers provide an intense level of cushioning, depending on the product you buy, which can result in a greater level of comfort, giving you a better night’s sleep.

Benefits of Using a Mattress Topper

There is no denying that a mattress topper has a wealth of benefits. Not only will it likely improve the quality of your sleep, but there are other considerations when looking at the advantages of using a mattress topper.

• If your mattress is used heavily, over time it will need replacing. However, when you use a mattress topper, the longevity of the mattress underneath is improved. While you may need to more frequently replace the topper, this is significantly more affordable than replacing the entire mattress.
• In line with the above point, using a mattress topper will likely increase the life of your mattress.
• As your body is better supported, pressure points are relieved. Not only will this reduce pain in specific areas of the body but it is also likely to improve your comfort and therefore, the quality of your sleep.
• Your mattress will quickly become infested with all kinds of dirt and bacteria. This is entirely normal since humans shed skin and sweat during the night. However, a build-up of these things can be unsanitary yet cleaning a mattress can be a challenging job. Typically, a mattress topper features a removable cover that is machine washable making keeping your bed clean much less of a hassle.
• These are incredibly versatile products and if there comes a time that they aren’t needed, they can be quickly and easily removed.

Types of Materials Used in Mattress Toppers

Depending on your needs and personal preference, there are a selection of materials used to make mattress toppers. Taking the time to learn more about the benefits of each one can help you to make a more informed decision.

Memory Foam Mattress Topper

There are several types of memory foam mattress topper. There is the traditional design but manufacturers are now also delivering both gel and egg crate mattress toppers. Gel foam toppers have gel-like components injected into them which can help to draw out any retained heat, making it more comfortable to sleep. However, this doesn’t affect any of the other qualities so performance is otherwise not impacted.

The egg crate mattress topper is again similar in many ways to traditional memory foam, however, it features a top egg crate-like design. This has several benefits including being significantly cooler than traditional memory foam and having slightly better weight distribution and responsiveness.

In the last decade or so, memory foam has become one of the more favored materials for bedding in the world. This is likely because of its many benefits which primarily includes the material’s ability to mold to the shape of the body’s contours. This delivers a much more intense level of support and comfort. Furthermore, if you are looking for correct spinal alignment, memory foam is an excellent option.

A memory foam mattress topper is a viable choice for people who are looking to relieve pressure on various parts of the body. This means that weight is more evenly distributed, further adding to the comfort and support you will receive from this type of topper. There is also a good selection of thicknesses to choose from so you can find a mattress topper that better suits your needs.

If you share a bed with a partner, every move they make can often be a cause of sleep disturbance. However, memory foam is able to absorb some of the energy of those movements meaning that you notice them less.

Quite often, memory foam mattress toppers are better for allergy sufferers owing to their hypoallergenic nature. This is because the memory foam material is incredibly dense and this prevents dust mites from being able to thrive here, therefore reducing the level of allergens.

There are a couple of downsides to memory foam, however, but these are typically a minor inconvenience to most users. Primarily, you should consider that this material tends to be much heavier and therefore, difficult to move. Moreover, owing to its dense design, memory foam will retain much more heat. A lot of people may find this interrupts their sleep more than it aids it. Science has proven that being cooler helps you to get a better night’s rest.

One of the most significant drawbacks to the memory foam mattress topper is that, in the beginning, they can give off an unpleasant odor. This is a process known as off-gassing which occurs as the chemicals used in production are released into the environment. This can last anywhere up to four weeks, however, many manufacturers are now aware of this problem and are attempting to tackle it by adding plant-based oils that may reduce the odors.

Pros

• Excellent for pressure relief
• Molds to your natural shape
• Good for spinal alignment
• Hypoallergenic
• Energy displacement makes your partner’s movements less noticeable

Cons

• Can emit and unpleasant odor during off-gassing
• More body heat is retained
• Heavy

Latex Mattress Topper

Latex mattress toppers are made from sap derived from the rubber tree and are considered to be a more eco-friendly option. For this reason, they have become vastly popular. They have many benefits and are particularly adept when it comes to motion transfer. If you have a partner who moves around a lot while they sleep, this material will absorb much of the energy of this movement.

A latex topper is typically much more firm than a memory foam topper. If you like a firmer support surface while you are sleeping, this may be an option to consider. Owing to this firmness, latex toppers generally offer a good level of support which may be advantageous if you struggle with hip and back pain.

In addition to this, a latex mattress topper is incredibly durable. Where you may find yourself replacing other types every couple of years, a latex topper could last significantly longer. That being said, this durability will only be evident if the user takes good care of the product. They are also anti-microbial and hypoallergenic which is great news for allergy sufferers and where hygiene is concerned. This is because they are made from completely natural materials. However, there are people who have an allergy to latex and in this case, these mattress toppers could cause an allergic reaction and should be avoided.

When you have finished using your latex mattress topper, the product is fully biodegradable. There is an important focus on being eco-friendly, and rightly so. Buying products like this can be useful for people who are looking to reduce their consumer impact on the environment.

Pros

• Hypoallergenic
• Eco-friendly
• Durable
• Excellent firm support
• Good movement transfer

Cons

• Not suitable for latex allergy sufferers

Feather/Down Mattress Topper

A mattress topper filled with feather or down can be incredibly soft so if you like a more gentle level of support and intense comfort, then these may be the right choice for you. However, owing to this, they may not be suitable for people who are suffering from back and hip pain since the product will not be supportive enough.

That being said, a feather or down mattress topper is excellent if you struggle to stay cool as you sleep. This type of material will allow for sufficient airflow to keep the body cool and comfortable. The soft nature of these mattress toppers makes moving around in the night easy and unrestricted.

While a feather or down mattress topper will typically be a lot less expensive, there are some drawbacks that may result in them not being suitable for certain people. For example, the feathers and down could cause an allergic reaction in some people and the feathers may sometimes poke through, causing discomfort. This type of material compresses a lot more easily meaning that longevity is not great.

Pros

• Soft comfort
• Better at promoting a steady body temperature
• Better freedom of movement

Cons

• Less durable
• May cause an allergic reaction
• Can be noisy or crinkly
• May not be supportive for those who suffer from aches and pains

Wool or Natural Fibers Mattress Topper

If you opt for a wool or natural fiber mattress topper, there are several benefits, however, you should keep in mind that you will typically pay a higher price for these. One of the greatest advantages of the wool topper is that it is excellent at regulating the body temperature. As a result of this, they are better suited for year-round use meaning that, while they may be more of a significant investment, you won’t need to purchase anything else.

Being made with completely natural fillings, these mattress toppers are generally more eco-friendly and are incredibly lightweight. That being said, you will also find that these fibers are much softer and therefore may not offer suitable support for sufferers of pain.

Pros

• Good for regulating body temperature
• Lightweigh
• Great for all year round

Cons

• More expensive than other types of mattress topper
• Support is less for people who experience pain

Mattress Topper Buyer’s Guide

When you are shopping for a mattress topper, there are several things that you will need to consider. We have already looked at the various materials on offer and this is an important consideration, however, you should be sure to look at the following points to ensure that you get a product that will best meet your needs.

Thickness & Density

A mattress topper is designed to sit on top of the mattress offering further comfort and support to the sleeper. However, the thickness can vary greatly and depending on your needs, you may choose something as small as one inch in thickness all the way through to the largest mattress toppers which may be as thick as four inches.

Many people choose to use a mattress topper as a way of improving the comfort of their mattress which may have lumps and bumps. The thicker the topper, the better able it will be to cover up these imperfections and provide better comfort.

You should also think about how dense the mattress topper is. This information is typically given in pounds per cubic. The denser the mattress topper is, the more firm it will be. Much of this will come down to personal preference but you should also think about the support that this density offers. If you suffer with pain, you may be better going with a density of around 4 pounds, however, you can go as low as 2 if you don’t need as much support.

Material

Earlier in this article, we looked at the various types of material that are used to make mattress toppers. It is essential to look at the pros and cons of each type as this will allow you to determine whether it will meet your needs.

If you struggle with intense pain and require a greater level of support, something like memory or gel foam or the latex topper may meet your needs much better than a feather-filled topper. However, if it is soft comfort you are looking for, those with natural fillings may be more suitable.

You should also consider the time of year that you will be using the mattress topper. In the height of summer, you may want something more breathable that will help to keep you cool. While memory foam is one of the most popular types, this isn’t good at regulating heat so going for a gel foam might be a more suitable option.

Firmness

Everyone has a different preference when it comes to how firm their sleeping surface is. Some people like a very soft surface that they sink into whereas others prefer something much firmer. Depending on how firm you prefer your bed to be, you may choose one of the various materials that we have already discussed.

Wool, natural fibers, and feather or down toppers will typically be a lot softer than latex and foam options. Again, looking at your level of pain can help you to determine the best option since firmer toppers will generally offer more support.

Type of Sleeper

Each person prefers to sleep in a different position and the way that you sleep will likely impact your decision when it comes to choosing a mattress topper. This is because the pressure points on your body differ when you lie in different positions.

Back sleepers should consider that, if the mattress topper is too soft,the level of support won’t be as great and this can cause the hips and back to sink into the material. While this position is excellent for the alignment of the spine, sleepers will need a firm support with a greater density.

Side sleepers lie in a position that does not promote a healthy spinal position. However, this is also one of the most common sleeping positions. It is important that the topper is able to support the body in places where this unnatural position puts more pressure such as the neck, hips, and shoulders. The firmness of the topper will depend on your weight with heavier adults finding that a firmer topper offers better support whereas lighter people may benefit from a slightly softer surface.

Stomach sleepers should keep in mind that, owing to the weight around the stomach, the hips will likely sink into the surface causing greater discomfort. However, if you do prefer to sleep on your front, you will need to choose a mattress topper that is firm. These toppers will help to prevent the hips from sinking which in turn can promote better spinal alignment. In any case, sleepers lying on their stomach will benefit from something a little thinner.

Allergies

If you suffer from allergies, you will be familiar with how this can disrupt your sleep. Choosing a hypoallergenic mattress topper is crucial, in this case. Things that contain naturally derived fibers such as down or wool will likely irritate allergy sufferers and should be avoided.

While there are many excellent benefits to using a latex mattress topper, these products can cause an allergic reaction in those with a latex allergy.

Best Mattress Topper to Help with a Painful Back or Hips

There are many excellent choices when it comes to mattress toppers, but after considering all of the above points, we are confident that these are some of the best options across the board.

1. Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR Supreme 3-Inch Mattress topper

Best Overall Mattress Topper – Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR Supreme 3-Inch Mattress topper

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Tempur is a company well known for its innovation when it comes to sleep and this mattress topper is a prime example of this expertise. The topper comes in a range of sizes and is perfect for conforming to the unique curves of your body.

What’s more, this mattress topper is extremely responsive and will react to the temperature of your body as well as your weight. This means that you will benefit from a much more restful night’s sleep. The topper also benefits from improved durability owing to the new, innovative material.

It comes with a removable cover that can be cleaned in the washing machine and features a medium-firm texture which is ideal for aiding in pain relief. However, this greater firmness does mean that repositioning during the night may be a little more challenging.

Key Specs:

• Thickness: 3-inch
• Materials: memory foam
• Sizes available: twin to California king
• Warranty: 10-year

2. ViscoSoft 3-Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Best Mattress for Back Sleepers – ViscoSoft 3-Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper

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If you sleep on your back, you are going to need a firm support and this topper delivers this perfectly. With a no-sink design, your body is fully supported throughout the night. What’s more, this mattress topper features a higher density meaning that your weight is more evenly distributed, giving you relief from pressure.

The ViscoSoft topper is infused with gel that will absorb your body heat, keeping you cool as you sleep. This scientifically-tested mattress topper comes with some handy extras that make it convenient to use. This includes a machine washable cover and an anti-slip mesh to keep it in position on your bed.

Key Specs:

• Thickness: 3-inch
• Materials: gel infused memory foam
• Sizes available: twin to king
• Warranty: 3-year

3. Layla Memory Foam Topper

Best Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers – Layla Memory Foam Topper

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Sleeping on your side requires support that will perfectly contour to your body and the Layla mattress topper is incredibly adept when it comes to this. This is a thinner mattress topper at two inches in thickness, however, it offers excellent conformity to your body shape and is easily able to relieve pain on pressure points.

The Layla topper comes with straps to keep it in place and is a lightweight product that is easy to move and take off. What’s more, it boasts a copper-gel infusion that is perfect for warmer nights when you need to stay cool.

Key Specs:

• Thickness: 2-inch
• Materials: copper-gel infused memory foam
• Sizes available: twin to California king
• Warranty: 5-year

4. Saatva Latex Mattress Topper

Best Mattress Topper for Stomach Sleepers – Saatva Latex Mattress Topper

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This is a slightly firmer latex mattress topper that has a soft organic cotton cover. This cover is moisture wicking, so even if you perspire a lot during the night, you won’t wake up feeling uncomfortable. What’s more, the Saatva mattress topper offers effortless ability to contour to the shape of your body preventing you from sinking, which is essential when you sleep on your front.

In addition to this, the Saatva topper has 1.5 inches of excellent support that is beneficial to your partner if you move around a lot during the night. Reducing motion transfer is essential for getting an uninterrupted night’s sleep. The topper also comes with a strong elastic anchor to keep it in place no matter how much you or your significant other moves around.

Key Specs:

• Thickness: 1.5-inch
• Materials: talalay latex
• Sizes available: twin to California king
• Warranty: 1-year

5. LUCID 4 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Best Cooling Mattress Topper – LUCID 4 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper

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Staying cool during the night can significantly improve the quality of your sleep and while this is a very thick mattress topper, it has excellent abilities when it comes to keeping you cool. This is thanks to the toppers ability to capture your body heat and redistribute it evenly. Furthermore, it is brilliantly ventilated meaning that airflow around the body is improved.

The Lucid mattress topper offers deep sinkage which is great for those who like to feel as though they are sleeping on a cloud. However, some people may not like this intense body cradling. That being said, the mattress topper is excellent when it comes to weight distribution and will therefore relieve pressure effectively.

Key Specs:

• Thickness: 4-inch
• Materials: gel infused memory foam
• Sizes available: twin to California king
• Warranty: 3-year