Hey guys! I started to have lower back pain several months ago. I'm currently doing PT to alleviate the pain, however, I think I need to make a changes with regard to what I'm sleeping on. The mattress I currently have is fairly new and firm. I'm interested in buying a topper to help alleviate back pain. FYI, I am a back sleeper. There are so many different brands to choose from. Here are some questions I have for the Reddit community.

1: Do you have experience with mattress toppers? Can they assist in alleviating lower back pain?

2: Are there any brands that you recommend for toppers?

3: Any sleeping advice in general that will help alleviate lower back pain?

Either your bed is too soft or too firm, and you need to make changes. Otherwise, you may wake up with excruciating back and hip pain.

We have listed mattress topper recommendations for lower back pain & hip pain. Mattress toppers are an easy and economical solution to make your bed worthy of a snoozefest.

We have chosen toppers that are priced a notch higher and considered premium, these can make up for a more blissful sleep. It will feel like a whole new bed and mattress altogether. So if you are having a hard time getting a restful sleep, these high-end mattress toppers will make you sleep like a baby.

Best Mattress Topper for Back Pain in 2025

• Tempur Pedic Adapt topper

• Emma Premium Topper

• Saatva Graphite memory foam mattress topper

• Helix GlacioTex Premium Mattress Topper

• Puffy Deluxe

• DreamFoam Gel Swirl Memory Foam Mattress Topper

• Bear Pro Topper

How to Choose the Best Mattress Toppers for Back & Hip Pain 2025

What is sleep if you’re just going to wake up more tired?

This can still happen if you have a bed that is either too firm or too soft. It can give you hip and back pain instead of a relaxing snooze. And here is where we based our list above.

• Spinal alignment

This is perhaps one of the more important considerations when we are speaking of back and hip pain. When you are lying in bed, it’s easy for the spine to get misaligned, especially if you are tossing and turning at night. This series of movements can make it challenging for the mattress to keep the spine in the proper form.

That’s why a good mattress topper that can alleviate and prevent hip and back pain has to be able to keep the spine in proper alignment. Once it is, it can prevent pain from the hips and back to build up. So the topper should be able to conform to the natural curve of the body and offer enough support for the parts where it is needed.

• Soft vs firm mattress topper

Which is better for hip and back pain, a softer bed or a firmer one? As with mattresses, the level and type of comfort are very subjective. Some sleep better with a softer bed while others dream heavily on a firmer one. Generally, though, most favor a medium firm bed, or something in between, this appeals to more people. That is why we have considered these things.

We choose softer mattress toppers and firmer ones as we. But the important thing is that despite the significant plushness or level of support, they should feel balanced too. We choose mattress toppers that have that perfect blend of support and your preferred softness level. Just keep in mind that softer mattress toppers suit lightweight folks and those who sleep on the side. Firmer mattress toppers, on the other hand, will benefit heavier folks and those who sleep on their stomach.

​If you're loooking for a mattress topper that can help with your back pain, it's good for you to know this.

How to Choose the Best Mattress Toppers for Back+Hip Pain

• spinal alignment

This is perhaps one of the more important considerations when we're speaking of back+hip pain.

When you are lying in bed, it’s easy for the spine to get misaligne, especially if you are tossing and turning at night. This series of movements can make it challenging for the mattress to keep the spine in the proper form

Thats why a good mattress topper that can alleviate and prevent hip and back pain has to be able to keep the spine in proper alignment. Once it is.... it can prevent pain from the hips and back to build up. So the topper should be able to conform to the natural curve of the body and offer enough support for the parts where it is needed.

• soft vs firm mattress topper

Which is better for hip and back pain, a softer bed or a firmer one?? As with mattresses, the level and type of comfort are very subjective. Some sleep better with a softer bed while others dream heavily on a firmer one.

Generally, though, most favor a medium firm bed, or something in between, this appeals to more people. That is why I have considered these things.

I choose softer mattress toppers and firmer ones as we. But the important thing is that despite the significant plushness or level of support, they should feel balanced too.

I choose mattress toppers below that have that perfect blend of support and your preferred softness level. Just keep in mind that softer mattress toppers suit lightweight folks and those who sleep on the side. Firmer mattress toppers, on the other hand, will benefit heavier folks and those who sleep on their stomach.

Best Mattress Toppers for Back Pain Right Now

• Saatva Graphite memory foam mattress topper

• Tempur Pedic Adapt topper

• Emma Premium Topper

• Helix GlacioTex Premium Mattress Topper

• Puffy Deluxe

• DreamFoam Gel Swirl Memory Foam Mattress Topper

• Bear Pro Topper

I hope you find this useful. If you have any question or recommendations, feel free to let me know.

Choosing the Right Mattress Topper for Back Pain

Whether your mattress is too firm, too soft, or lacking in support, it can lead to the same hassle- a bad back. Instead of feeling invigorated in the morning, you’ll wake up feeling tired and drained. Not a perfect way to spend the right?

Buying a new mattress may seem like the solution, but it can be a very expensive one. Did you know you can transform your uncomfortable mattress into a snooze-worthy zone with just a mattress topper?

Buying Guide: How we Curated our recommendations

These are more economical solutions than buying a new mattress altogether. But still, it’s a wise idea to make the proper choice. And here’s how we made ours.

• Firmness level

How soft or how firm should your mattress topper be? It all depends on the condition of your current, is it too soft or too firm?

The goal of a topper is to improve the quality of your existing mattress and to adjust the firmness level according to your sleeping needs.

Thus, if your mattress is too soft and lacks support that your back caves in, you need a mattress stopper that is firmer. This will lend your back that needed support and pressure relief.

On the other hand, if your mattress is too firm that it hurts your back, you need a topper that has sufficient contouring and enough plushness to render a more forgiving surface for your entire back.

So we picked mattress toppers with varying levels of firmness, so you can find one that fits either your too-soft or too-firm bed.

• Latex vs Memory foam

These are the two more common materials utilized in the mattress toppers we have on our list. And the better option depends on what your needs are for more relaxing sleep and a rejuvenated back. If your mattress feels the opposite of what you need, you’ll end up feeling tired with a bad back to mend

Memory foam contours the body whereas latex provides a more bouncy on-the-bed feel. Both can be effective in relieving back pain, it depends on your personal preferences.

For more memory foam toppers, we also chose those that have decent support amidst the contours, so you will not have your back caving in. For latex toppers, we chose pieces that have a soft cushion that can lend sufficient plushness, this prevents the topper from being too firm

Our Top 10 Mattress Toppers for Back Pain

• Plushbeds Latex

• Nolah

• Linenspa

• Serta Thermagel

• ViscoSoft Select High Density

• Lucid Gel Memory Foam

• Tuft & Needle

• Saatva High Density

• Brooklyn Bedding Micro Coil

• Bear PRO

Mattress toppers can significantly reduce back pain, you just have to choose well

While a mattress topper is not the only solution to existing back pain, it can downplay the discomfort. These toppers are also made from different materials, they can be made from foam or latex. Both can help improve and minimize back pain, but they offer a different experience.

Latex is bouncy and has that on-the-bed experience while memory foam can help you decently sink into the mattress while providing support at the same time. And both can be beneficial for your back, it just depends on what feels better for you. Thus, trying out a topper first before purchasing will help see which can be the most suitable solution for you.

Either your bed is too soft or too firm, and you need to make changes. Otherwise, you may wake up with excruciating back and hip pain.

I've listed mattress topper recommendations for lower back pain & hip pain. Mattress toppers are an easy and economical solution to make your bed worthy of a snoozefest. Ive chosen toppers that are priced a notch higher and considered premium, these can make up for a more blissful sleep. It will feel like a whole new bed and mattress altogether. So if you are having a hard time getting a restful sleep, these high-end mattress toppers will make you sleep like a baby.

Best Mattress Toppers for Back Pain

These premium products can make your bed so dreamy that you can’t wait to head back home and sink yourself into blissful sleep. It’s the best way to recharge from the day’s hard work.

• Emma Premium Topper

This is an extra durable and resilient mattress topper. It has that nice blend of support and plushness that can appeal to more people. So your bed will not feel too soft or too firm, it will always feel just right.

It has that sumptuous and soft contouring, you won’t feel the bumps underneath the mattress. It makes the bed feel more even, supportive, and soft at the same time. It is thick enough to mask any uneven surface that can make your sleep less than pleasant. It is thick enough to transform your bed into a whole new mattress, you can instantly tell the difference.

The base is grippy enough so it stays in place and does not easily slip off the bed. Take note though that this is on the softer side and might appeal more to those who favor luxe plushness over a more supportive bed.

• Saatva Graphite memory foam mattress topper

Now if you need a mattress topper that is a bit firmer than Emma, I rcm this one. It boasts of a medium firm comfort that a lot of people will find comfortable. If you need more relief from pressure points and need a mattress topper that can isolate motion well, you are looking at one.

It is equipped with elastic straps that can keep the topper in place. So even if you get a bit frisky at night, you won’t wake up with the topper on the ground.

Just keep in mind that this can sleep a bit hot, it is not suitable for sweaty sleepers.

• Tempur Pedic Adapt topper

This is a great alternative if you need and crave the type of distinct comfort and support a Tempur Pedic mattress can give but don’t have the budget. You can sleep fancy with a mattress topper instead, since it will feel almost akin to the brand’s line of mattresses.

This can significantly help prevent and alleviate back and hip pain. It offers a more significant and serious relief from pressure points and aching muscles.

• Bear Pro Topper

When it comes to luxe softness and plushness, I highly vouch for this one. It is made of memory foam and one of the best toppers of this material.

This mattress topper is ultra-soft, it can transform a very firm bed into a very soft one. Surprisingly, it has enough supportive layers that will prevent you from sinking to the bottom of the bed.

This is it, no more nightmares due to bad back and hip pain. You dont have to buy a whole new mattress just to make your bed comfortable enough.

Mattress toppers are economical ways to make a bed either softer or firmer, and find a suitable partner for your mattress it might feel like you hit the jackpot, a very blissful and rejuvenating sleep.

These are also highend products, so expect a more luxe feel with all the high-quality materials and better craftsmanship.

I spent a lot of money on this thing. It was their top of the line topper and nights where I roll over on my stomach I find the pain is immensely worse. I’m also doing physical therapy for my back but I’ve been dealing with back pain for two years so I don’t think I can blame it on that. Has your mattress topper made your pain worse?

Hi all. I have 3 herniated discs in my neck and a bulging lumbar disc that have me out of work and in severe pain.

Before I learned they were herniated we were sleeping on a firm mattress with one of those 3” foam toppers with a little memory. Removing this and getting expensive ortho pillows, strategically placing extra pillows helped.

But 6 months later I cannot get in any position that is comfortable and am getting super stressed out about laying down, when bed was one of my favorite places.

I’ve been looking at the review lists for different toppers… but the prices are making me actually want to cry. Can anyone make a personal recommendation for a mattress topper that might help me make the leap?

I get very painful pressure points at my hips and shoulders and lower back pain (my neck is a whole other story), so I’m looking for something that could help with those.

Thanks

Disclaimer: This is my thoughts on my situation. Everyone’s situation may be different.

I recently reviewed my Nectar mattress. The tl;dr is that it was great in the beginning, but has heavily sagged since around the one year mark. I heavily regret not returning it. The issue is that this caused me to sleep in the mattress resulting in awful back pain. Cheap hotel beds felt a million times more comfortable than the sagging Nectar. As a result, I ordered a Sleep On Latex firm mattress topper (3 inch thickness) and it has been amazing!

I have been sleeping on my Nectar mattress with Sleep On Latex firm mattress topper for just over two weeks now. My daily back pain that I became accustomed to waking up to from the Nectar mattress is gone. That’s it! Worth every penny just for that. I’m hoping it will stay this way for at least a year. I spent $440 per year on Nectar ($1,000 and slept on it 2.25 years before almost throwing it away) so the Sleep On Latex mattress topper at $400 worked out. Fingers crossed.

If you are sleeping in your mattress causing you back pain I would definitely try a firm latex mattress topper and see if it works for you.

Edit 1: I realized I forgot to mention the cons. What you hear about Latex being heavy and smelly is true. It’s heavy as hell and hard to get on your bed. But once you do you’re set. It also smelled for me for 4-5 days but I think that’s because I used it right out of the box and did not air it out. I put on sheets a few hours after putting it on my mattress.

Edit 2: 5 month update. It works! This mattress topper saved my sleep. I was honestly so miserable and this completely fixed my back pain instantly. Now 5 months in it’s for sure lost some durability, but it still feels like 95%+ durability. This may not fix everyone’s issue, but if you are in a similar issue as me, I would highly recommend it as of now. Also there has been no smell for a long time. The smell is completely gone.

Can you recommend a suitable mattress topper for someone with lower back and neck issues?

A bit about me: I'm 6'7" tall (people often mistake me for an NBA player, but I'm not, lol) and weigh 236 lb. Finding a good mattress has been a bit challenging, but I finally settled on the Casper Wave Hybrid Memory Foam (on my boss's suggestion). However, after 5 weeks, I started experiencing some back pain. I think I might need a firmer bed, so I'm looking to get a topper. I'd love your recommendations first, as I want to avoid any regrets later.

We tried to do the right thing and bought a nice, non-toxic mattress, but it is unbelievably firm. My lower back has been killing me for weeks.

I'm pretty sure a topper is what I need, but I really don't want some smelly slab of memory foam. I'm mostly a side sleeper.

Has anyone found a good topper, maybe latex or wool that saved you from a rock-hard mattress?

TIA.

Either your bed is too soft or too firm, and you need to make changes.  Otherwise, you may wake up with excruciating back and hip pain.

We have listed mattress topper recommendations for lower back pain & hip pain. Mattress toppers are an easy and economical solution to make your bed worthy of a snoozefest. 

We have chosen toppers that are priced a notch higher and considered premium, these can make up for a more blissful sleep. It will feel like a whole new bed and mattress altogether. So if you are having a hard time getting a restful sleep, these high-end mattress toppers will make you sleep like a baby.

How to Choose the Best Mattress Toppers for Back & Hip Pain

What is sleep if you’re just going to wake up more tired?

This can still happen if you have a bed that is either too firm or too soft. It can give you hip and back pain instead of a relaxing snooze.

And here is 2 main features you need to keep in mind before buying:

• Spinal alignment

This is perhaps one of the more important considerations when we are speaking of back and hip pain. 

When you are lying in bed,  it’s easy for the spine to get misaligned,  especially if you are tossing and turning at night. This series of movements can make it challenging for the mattress to keep the spine in the proper form.

That’s why a good mattress topper that can alleviate and prevent hip and back pain has to be able to keep the spine in proper alignment. Once it is, it can prevent pain from the hips and back to build up. So the topper should be able to conform to the natural curve of the body and offer enough support for the parts where it is needed.  

• Soft vs firm mattress topper

Which is better for hip and back pain, a softer bed or a firmer one? As with mattresses, the level and type of comfort are very subjective. Some sleep better with a softer bed while others dream heavily on a firmer one.

Generally, though, most favor a medium firm bed, or something in between, this appeals to more people. That is why we have considered these things. 

We choose softer mattress toppers and firmer ones as we. But the important thing is that despite the significant plushness or level of support, they should feel balanced too. 

We choose mattress toppers that have that perfect blend of support and your preferred softness level. Just keep in mind that softer mattress toppers suit lightweight folks and those who sleep on the side. Firmer mattress toppers, on the other hand,   will benefit heavier folks and those who sleep on their stomach.

Best Mattress Toppers For a No Back and Hip Pain in the Morning!

• Tempur Pedic Adapt topper

• Emma Premium Topper

• Saatva Graphite memory foam mattress topper

• Helix GlacioTex Premium Mattress Topper

• Puffy Deluxe

• DreamFoam Gel Swirl Memory Foam Mattress Topper

• Bear Pro Topper

Mattress toppers that can change the way you wake up

This is it, no more nightmares due to bad back and hip pain. You don’t have to buy a whole new mattress just to make your bed comfortable enough.  

Mattress toppers are economical ways to make a bed either softer or firmer, and find a suitable partner for your mattress it might feel like you hit the jackpot, a very blissful and rejuvenating sleep.

These are also high-end products, so expect a more luxe feel with all the high-quality materials and better craftsmanship. 

Whether your mattress is too firm, too soft, or lacking in support, it can lead to the same hassle- a bad back. Instead of feeling invigorated in the morning, you’ll wake up feeling tired and drained. Not a perfect way to spend the right?

Buying a new mattress may seem like the solution, but it can be a very expensive one.  Did you know you can transform your uncomfortable mattress into a snooze-worthy zone with just a mattress topper?

Buying Guide: How we Curated our recommendations

These are more economical solutions than buying a new mattress altogether. But still, it’s a wise idea to make the proper choice. And here’s how we made ours.

• Firmness level

How soft or how firm should your mattress topper be? It all depends on the condition of your current, is it too soft or too firm?

The goal of a topper is to improve the quality of your existing mattress and to adjust the firmness level according to your sleeping needs. 

Thus, if your mattress is too soft and lacks support that your back caves in, you need a mattress stopper that is firmer. This will lend your back that needed support and pressure relief.

On the other hand, if your mattress is too firm that it hurts your back, you need a topper that has sufficient contouring and enough plushness to render a more forgiving surface for your entire back. 

So we picked mattress toppers with varying levels of firmness, so you can find one that fits either your too-soft or too-firm bed.

• Latex vs Memory foam

These are the two more common materials utilized in the mattress toppers we have on our list. And the better option depends on what your needs are for more relaxing sleep and a rejuvenated back. If your mattress feels the opposite of what you need, you’ll end up feeling tired with a bad back to mend

Memory foam contours the body whereas latex provides a more bouncy on-the-bed feel. Both can be effective in relieving back pain, it depends on your personal preferences. 

For more memory foam toppers, we also chose those that have decent support amidst the contours, so you will not have your back caving in. For latex toppers, we chose pieces that have a soft cushion that can lend sufficient plushness, this prevents the topper from being too firm

Our Top 10 Mattress Toppers for Back Pain

• Plushbeds Latex

• Nolah 

• Linenspa

• Serta Thermagel 

• ViscoSoft Select High Density 

• Lucid Gel Memory Foam

• Tuft & Needle 

• Saatva High Density

• Brooklyn Bedding Micro Coil

• Bear PRO 

Mattress toppers can significantly reduce back pain, you just have to choose well 

While a mattress topper is not the only solution to existing back pain, it can downplay the discomfort. These toppers are also made from different materials, they can be made from foam or latex. Both can help improve and minimize back pain, but they offer a different experience. 

Latex is bouncy and has that on-the-bed experience while memory foam can help you decently sink into the mattress while providing support at the same time. And both can be beneficial for your back, it just depends on what feels better for you.  Thus, trying out a topper first before purchasing will help see which can be the most suitable solution for you. 

I deal with low back pain due to lordosis, and without the right mattress, will wake up with my back and sometimes hip (I’m a side sleeper, I do use a side sleeper pillow which helps) aching. I did fairly well with a Nectar mattress (has a layer of memory foam but I would say it felt it offered more firmness/support than other memory foam mattresses or mattress toppers). The issue I’m having now though is my girlfriend and I recently moved in together and we’re using her mattress (we’re away currently and not sure of the brand but it’s a memory foam mattress, Queen-sized). Some nights I do okay but others the back/hip pain wakes me up during the night and I’ve noticed my back seems to be bugging me more during the day as well. I’m also starting to have some shoulder/upper arm pain occasionally as well. We’re going to try to make it work with her mattress at least for awhile; she needs a soft memory foam, and one of those beds where each person can adjust their side may be financially feasible way down the road, but isn’t in the cards now. My plan is to try to find a medium firm mattress topper; it won’t be ideal since the bed is a queen but we’re thinking we’ll get a twin and just try to let it hang off my side of the bed. Ideally looking for something that:

1. provides good back/hip support, side-sleeper appropriate

2. has a good return policy (or something I could try out at a brick-and-mortar store before buying but this may not be realistic for a topper versus an actual mattress)

3. Has a cooling feature (a plus, but not a dealbreaker if it doesn’t)

4. $200 max, ideally $150 or less

I would love any guidance, thank you in advance!

TLDR: Side sleeper having back pain and hip pain with our queen sized memory foam mattress- looking for recommendations for an affordable twin-sized mattress topper to try to make work for my side of the bed- ability to try out at a mattress store or online only but has a good return policy=priority

At home, I wake up at 4am every single day in agony. My back just hurts so badly that I cannot sleep through the night and I have to get up and stretch. My mattress is quite new, and memory foam (Emma diamond hybrid) but clearly a disastrous buy. It felt ok in the store but that just shows how bad I am at purchasing beds. I honestly don't have a clue what I'm doing - and I make really bad choices despite having spent three entire days trying out different mattresses trying to get this right.

Anyway, the upshot is that I'm getting five hours of sleep a night and in constant pain and exhausted. I had a hysterectomy a couple of years ago to remove a tumour that was so large it was pressing on my spine and I had assumed it had just caused lasting damage.

However, I'm currently in a hotel and I've had my first good night's sleep for a year. No back pain for five nights. The mattress is softer and there is a topper but no brand on it. It feels like I sink in a lot more instead of being flat as a board.

I am wondering if a topper would solve my issues at home?

I've never bought one before and as we have established I am crap at buying beds. So I would really value help on the options.

I'm hoping someone might be able to give me a good recommendation on a mattress topper.

I've been looking at "best mattress toppers for fibromyalgia" and "best mattress toppers for side sleepers" and every other best topper lists I can find all night. But I've noticed that they all seem to have the same ones listed, and when you dig to find reviews, they're all 1 star or "bought"/"fake" from what I've seen.

I have fibromyalgia and am a side sleeper who's in desperate need of something. My mattress is only like 5 years old, but since I sleep in the same spot, it's got a rut that's very uncomfortable to sleep on and I'm forever waking up sore, not to mention my sleep quality is terrible, so I'm exhausted all the time too. Additionally, I've found I tend to have some breathing issues when I sleep flat, so I could really use suggestions for an inclined topper or some way to prop myself up slightly. I've been trying various combinations of pillow mountains on bad days, but it just ends up making my back and neck hurt even more than they already do.

I'm in Canada, so Canadian brands would be best. I've looked into GhostBed, Tempur Adapt, Wayfair, Saatva and Puffy, and when you filter for lowest reviews, whether on google or the company websites, they're all terrible, horrible customer service, no quality control, damaged products, no/misleading return policies, etc. The 1 star Puffy reviews are confusing because they say that its a great purchase so I feel like those are definitely faked as well. I figure this would be the best way to get honest opinions and maybe find something that will actually help me sleep better. TIA!

Edit: apparently latex toppers are a thing so I should also state that I'm allergic to latex and even touching it will cause hives so that's definitely not an option for me.

Whether your mattress is too firm, too soft, or lacking in support, it can lead to the same hassle- a bad back. Instead of feeling invigorated in the morning, you’ll wake up feeling tired and drained. Not a perfect way to spend the right?

Buying a new mattress may seem like the solution, but it can be a very expensive one.  Did you know you can transform your uncomfortable mattress into a snooze-worthy zone with just a mattress topper?

Buying Guide: How we Curated our recommendations

These are more economical solutions than buying a new mattress altogether. But still, it’s a wise idea to make the proper choice. And here’s how we made ours.

• Firmness level

How soft or how firm should your mattress topper be? It all depends on the condition of your current, is it too soft or too firm?

The goal of a topper is to improve the quality of your existing mattress and to adjust the firmness level according to your sleeping needs. 

Thus, if your mattress is too soft and lacks support that your back caves in, you need a mattress stopper that is firmer. This will lend your back that needed support and pressure relief.

On the other hand, if your mattress is too firm that it hurts your back, you need a topper that has sufficient contouring and enough plushness to render a more forgiving surface for your entire back. 

So we picked mattress toppers with varying levels of firmness, so you can find one that fits either your too-soft or too-firm bed.

• Latex vs Memory foam

These are the two more common materials utilized in the mattress toppers we have on our list. And the better option depends on what your needs are for more relaxing sleep and a rejuvenated back. If your mattress feels the opposite of what you need, you’ll end up feeling tired with a bad back to mend

Memory foam contours the body whereas latex provides a more bouncy on-the-bed feel. Both can be effective in relieving back pain, it depends on your personal preferences. 

For more memory foam toppers, we also chose those that have decent support amidst the contours, so you will not have your back caving in. For latex toppers, we chose pieces that have a soft cushion that can lend sufficient plushness, this prevents the topper from being too firm

Our Top 10 Mattress Toppers for Back Pain

• Plushbeds Latex

• Nolah 

• Linenspa

• Serta Thermagel 

• ViscoSoft Select High Density 

• Lucid Gel Memory Foam

• Tuft & Needle 

• Saatva High Density

• Brooklyn Bedding Micro Coil

• Bear PRO 

Mattress toppers can significantly reduce back pain, you just have to choose well 

While a mattress topper is not the only solution to existing back pain, it can downplay the discomfort. These toppers are also made from different materials, they can be made from foam or latex. Both can help improve and minimize back pain, but they offer a different experience. 

Latex is bouncy and has that on-the-bed experience while memory foam can help you decently sink into the mattress while providing support at the same time. And both can be beneficial for your back, it just depends on what feels better for you.  Thus, trying out a topper first before purchasing will help see which can be the most suitable solution for you. 

I got a new firm mattress a few months back thinking it would help my back, but its actually made things worse. I'm a side sleeper and I think the thing is just too hard on my hips and lower back. Waking up stiff as a board every morning is getting annoying as sh*t

EDIT: Thanks to everyone who recommended one, this topper has finally sorted the back pai im getting from this mattress, in love with it!

I'm thinking a topper is the way to go rather than forking out for a whole new matress. I've been looking at memory foam ones but I'm a bit worried about that sinking feeling and getting too hot. Has anyone tried a latex topper instead?

Also wondering about thickness. A lot of them seem to be around 3 inches. Is that enough to make a real difference on a properly firm mattress?

Would love to hear from any other side sleepers who've managed to sort this out

Hi r/backpain

I've recently been diagnosed by MRI with disc protrusions at my left L4-L5 and right L5-S1, with the right side L5-S1 being worse than the left. There is mild foraminal stenosis at the L5-S1 which, along with the protrusion, is severely impinging the exiting S1 nerve and somewhat impinging the descending L5. All this leads to sciatica down my right leg, usually only in my glutes and hip (I thought it was piriformis syndrome) but often making it to my knee and calf. I occasionally feel the burning or numbness in my heel and foot (during bad flare-ups).

Long story short. Has anyone had success with adding firm latex foam mattress toppers to their mattress, creating a better surface for their backs? I have a Leesa queen-size, which is a medium mattress (6/10 on a soft to firm scale). I'm a side sleeper but am willing to 'go back' if that's what's needed to fix my problem or reduce pain.

Did this help anyone? Which thickness should I get, 1, 2 or 3"? Any brand recommendations?

Any other sleep aids? I've got the Mckenzie foam lumbar roll and am considering a leg wedge.

The firmness of the mattress seems like a bigger deal than most other back-aid purchases right now.

Thanks everyone!

edit: 35 yo - Male - 6'2" - 190 lbs

I bought a Douglass Mattress 2 years ago and it was great up until recently. For the past month or so I wake up with pretty bad lower back pain. It's so bad that when I wake up my lower back is so stiff that I'm having trouble breathing and it hurts when inhaling.

I'm a pretty active 6'4 220lbs guy with broad shoulders. The pain goes away after an hour and it does not come back during the day which make me believe my mattress is the issue.

After taking a photo of my back (Warning: shirtless guy) when lying in bed it seems my shoulders are not sinking enough in the mattress which prevent my spine from aligning correctly. I don't think the warranty could apply here since there is no visual indentation in the mattress which make me believe that the memory foam just got softer at the hips over time.

Now my question is would making the mattress softer by using a foam/latex topper help in my situation or a new mattress is the only option ? I'm assuming the issue is that maybe the mattress is too firm and by not sinking much I'm not getting adequate support ?

What do you think ?

Thanks !