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9 Firm Mattress Toppers That Provide Sweet Relief to an Achy Back

To Get You Some Extra Zzzz's

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When it comes to mattresses, there’s a Goldilocks level of comfort between plush and firmness that makes sleeping just right. But if you tend to sleep on your back or stomach, your maybe too-plush mattress might be the culprit for the crick in your neck and an always sore spine. 

Choosing one can be a bit of a headache: There are latex, gel and memory foam toppers out there, all with a range of thickness and firmness levels. That’s why we tapped an expert—and culled reviews—to bring you the best firm mattress toppers so you can finally get some rest.

MEET THE EXPERT:

Dr. Shelby Harris,  PsyD, DBSM, a licensed psychologist and the director of Sleep Health at Sleepopolis. She also runs a private practive in White Plains, NY, and previously was the longstanding director of the Behavioral Sleep Medicine Program at the Sleep-Wake Disorders Center at Montefiore Medical Center.

How We Chose the Best Firm Mattress Toppers

First, we turned to Dr. Harris for the key criteria to look for in a firm mattress—to truly bolster a soft mattress, you'll want one that's at least 2 inches thick, she says. The material comes down to your preferences—memory foam can provide pressure point relief, for example, while latex creates more of a "floating" sensation. From there, we researched new and existing products on the market, looking for ones at least two inches thick (though ideally closer to four) in a variety of materials and at a range of price points. Additionally, we also looked at mattresses with the top user reviews, focusing on buyers who gave great reviews based on the following criteria: overall firmness of mattress, price, functionality and durability. We also gave preference to mattresses with an emphasis on padded cushioning, as padded mattress toppers offer better comfort and lumbar support.

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The Best Firm Mattress Toppers at a Glance

1

Best Overall

Silk & Snow Organic Mattress Topper

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2

Best Firm Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Saatva Mattress Topper

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3

Best Cooling Mattress Topper

Nolah Mattress Topper

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4

Best Firm Latex Mattress Topper

Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper

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5

Best Gel Mattress Topper

Viscosoft High Density Mattress Topper

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Best Overall

1. Silk & Snow Organic Mattress Topper

What We Like

  • organic
  • breathable cover
  • GOLS and GOTS certification

What We Don't Like

  • rubber smell takes a while to go away (as per reviewer)

Silk and Snow

Available in two firmness levels, the firm version of this mattress topper is a great addition for anyone looking for some extra support. It’s made of Dunlop latex, a natural material that offers some light cushioning that you won’t sink into. The reviews are great as well, with one with one buyer sharing: "I have had back pain for a few years and thought that I just had to live with it. After a week of sleeping on the mattress topper, I've noticed that my morning aches and pains are either much milder or not at all!" This durable mattress topper is a solid two inches thick that offers a just right support for most people. Plus, it comes with an organic cotton cover that’s light and breathable.

Fast Facts

  • Material:  GOLS- and GOTS-certified organic latex
  • Return Policy: Comes with a 100-night guarantee and must wait until after 30-day trial period to return
  • Warranty: 15-year limited warranty from day of delivery

Best Firm Memory Foam Mattress Topper

2. Saatva Mattress Topper

What We Like

  • multiple designs
  • 6 month trial
  • organic cotton

What We Don't Like

  • expensive

Saatva

Saatava offers three materials for its mattress topper, but the foam material is the firmest for the most support. It offers 3 inches of medium firm support for pressure point relief. Aside from the incredible relief you’ll feel when catching ZZZs, it’s CertiPUR-US certified, meaning it's low in VOCs, so it won’t have that weird mattress smell. Just take it from one shopper, who says: "I did a lot of research before finally purchasing the graphite topper. The past two weeks have been amazing, and I am finally able to sleep without excruciating pain."

The cotton cover on this topper is breathable, giving it a cool surface temperature, beyond being removable and machine-washable.

Fast Facts

  • Material: Organic cotton
  • Return Policy: Within 30 days
  • Warranty: offers a 1-year limited warranty against workmanship defects

Best Cooling Mattress Topper

3. Nolah Mattress Topper

What We Like

  • cooling material
  • pressure relief
  • 10-year warranty

What We Don't Like

  • runs shorter size-wise (as per reviewers)

Nolah

If you’re a back or stomach sleeper who tends to sleep hot, this is the mattress topper for you. Featuring the Nolah’s coveted Airfoam material, the Luxury Firm option has a denser foam that provides pressure relief without overheating. "We decided to level up our mattress pad and we’re so grateful that we did. The quality is amazing, soft, and keeps us warm sleepers cool," confirms one satisfied customer of their purchase. At two inches thick, it should maintain its shape over time while you sleep sweat-free. It also comes with an organic cotton cover and the foam is CertiPUR-US certified.

Fast Facts

  • Material: Organic cotton and has two inches of the Nolah's AirFoam™️ material
  • Return Policy: Can return within 30-days
  • Warranty: 10-year warranty

Best Firm Latex Mattress Topper

4. Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper

What We Like

  • year long trial
  • organic materials
  • luxurious 

What We Don't Like

  • expensive
  • heavy

Avocado

Though it’s a bit pricer than some of the other mattress toppers on the list, the organic material of the Avocado mattress topper is well worth it, especially if you can’t spring for the brand’s actual mattress. Made of sustainable and organic materials, the firm version of this latex mattress is feels supportive without being too stiff: "I'm sleeping better and feel with every move the support and firm, yet luxurious softness of this mattress. So glad I made this important purchase," a customer shares. Even better, the vegan cover is made without wool, making it a bit more breathable. Avocado also offers an impressive free shipping, a year-long sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

Fast Facts

  • Material: GOTS-certified organic cotton
  • Return Policy: All returns must be received and verified before the end of your trial or within 30 days of your first request, whichever comes first
  • Warranty: 10-year warranty

Best Gel Mattress Topper

5. Viscosoft High Density Mattress Topper

What We Like

  • thick
  • gel infused
  • durable
  • affordable

What We Don't Like

  • takes a while to get adjusted to (as per reviewers)

Viscosoft

With three or four inches of gel-infused memory foam, the Viscosoft mattress topper offers plenty of support. It’s a great option for anyone with back pain, as it offers pressure point relief, which is supposed to help align your spine. Says one buyer: "I bought a new adjustable bed but the mattress was too soft and I woke up with a back ache every morning. The Viscosoft mattress topper is perfect and my back no longer hurts. I am sleeping much better." The 3.5-pound density is incredibly durable, and that sturdy construction helps prevent motion transfer, so your tossing and turning won't wake up your partner (or your dog). Plus, the removable cover is machine washable for easy cleaning.

Fast Facts

  • Material: Gel-infused memory foam
  • Return Policy: Full refund up to 90 days after purchase
  • Warranty: Five years from date of the original purchase

Best for Back Pain

6. Tempur-Pedic Topper

What We Like

  • dense
  • portable
  • supportive

What We Don't Like

  • doesn't get cool enough (as per reviewers)

Tempurpedic

As the OG memory foam mattress, Tempur-Pedic’s unique mattress topper is designed with those struggling with chronic pain in mind. One shopper confirms they achieved this goal, saying: "I could not wait to get it on my mattress. It helped to ease some of my aches and pains that I have felt for quite some time." Its three-inch thickness will make you feel like you have an entirely new mattress, and it comes with corner straps to create a secure attachment to your older mattress. Just note that it can be a bit heavy when you first put it on, but it can easily be rolled up if you ever need to move or swap mattresses.

Fast Facts

  • Material: Tempur-material
  • Return Policy: Accept returns only if the item is damaged at delivery or if there is a product defect
  • Warranty: 10-year warranty

Best Natural Firm Mattress Topper

7. PlushBeds Natural Latex Mattress Topper

What We Like

  • natural latex
  • four firmness options
  • bouncy
  • affordable

What We Don't Like

  • some reviewers struggled to find the perfect fit

PlushBeds

You’ll be able to find the perfect mattress topper at PlushBeds as it comes in four firmness and two thickness options. It uses natural Talalay latex, which creates an almost buoyant, floating sensation while you’re in your REM cycle that’s also supportive and pressure-relieving. Just take it from this Plushbed buyer: "Natural latex mattress was marriage-saving in our house (no more waking when one partner rolled over), and the topper is the trick for recovery after long hours of dance when you need extra support on an existing mattress." Basically, it’s like a modern day water bed. Just note that you’ll have to purchase a removable cover separately.

Fast Facts

  • Material: GOLS-certified organic latex
  • Return Policy: offer a 100 night-trial period and return within 30 days if not satisfied
  • Warranty: 5-year limited warranty

Best Mattress for Lumbar Support

8. BedStory Extra Firm Mattress Topper

What We Like

  • has ergonomic design
  • comfortable
  • under $100
  • constructed well

What We Don't

  • can get worn down easily (as per reviewers)

BedStory

Boosting a 4.3 rating and from over 300 reviewers, this BedStory topper from Amazon has been a hit amongst buyers thanks to its high density foam construction and ergonomic design. Described by the brand as "providing exceptionally firm support for the perfect balance of comfort and stability," this mattress topper targets pressure points while simultaneously relieving pain in your back and shoulders." Not convinced? This Amazon reviewer states: "Needed something to add height and comfort after my mother's recent hip replacement surgery. This mattress worked well for my mother in giving her a more comfortable place to sleep since the mattress underneath it is about 20-years old and really in need of replacement." Affordably priced under $100 with multiple sizes to choose from depending on which type of bed you have, this topper will have you waking up feeling amazing.

Fast Facts

  • Material: Memory foam
  • Return Policy: Within 30 days
  • Warranty: 10-year limited warranty

Best Sinkable Foam Mattress Topper

9. Tuft & Needle Mattress Topper

What We Like

  • supportive
  • cushiony
  • durable
  • easy to remove

What We Don't Like

  • has to be replaced quicker than other mattress toppers

Tuft & Needle

If back pain and equally uncomfortable sweaty nights are something you deal with frequently, this mattress topper can be a great first step towards improving your discomfort. Boosting a cooling foam design that is especially great for back and side sleepers, the topper itself features breathable supports that helps with correcting spinal alignment and alleviating pressure points, all while keeping you cool in the meantime. Adding to that, is the density and thickness of the mattress, which gives you that cloud-like sinkable feeling associated with mattress toppers. Or as one shopper explains: "Bought this topper to soften my Casper mattress and alleviate lower back pain. I immediately felt a difference in comfort level and after five weeks, the pain has the pain has decreased substantially."

Throw in the fact that it's compatible with most mattresses and we're sold!

Fast Facts

  • Material:  T&N Adaptive® foam; has a luxe cover
  • Return Policy: 100-Night Sleep Trial that starts on the date of delivery and allows you to return any products that aren't a good fit for a full refund
  • Warranty: 10-year warranty from date of delivery

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Should Sleep on a Firm Mattress Topper? 

Anyone who prefers sleeping on a firm bed would benefit from a firm mattress topper. But, a firmer mattress might benefit those who need a little more support on their sides, particularly back and stomach sleepers. 

“Firm mattress toppers are ideal for back sleepers and stomach sleepers by providing more support and keeping the spine in alignment,” says Dr. Harris. “However, side sleepers should opt for a mattress topper that is more plush and offers more pressure relief.”

She also warns that side sleepers might want to avoid a firmer mattress, as they tend to need more pressure relief around their hips and shoulders. 

What to Look for in a Firm Mattress Topper

When choosing a mattress you need to consider your needs and sleeping preferences to decide what materials and thickness to look for. Aside from the thickness range mentioned earlier, mattress toppers are made from different materials and some have the ability to hold their firmness better than others. You can choose from latex, memory foam, polyfoam, latex, and gel. Memory foam is usually your best bet as it adds enough resistance without sacrificing comfort. 

How Firm Should My Mattress Topper Be? 

How firm you want your mattress is really up to your level of comfort, and mattress toppers typically range from one to four inches thick. “If your current mattress is extremely soft and you’re wanting to make a significant change in firmness, then a thicker topper (4+ inches) is probably best, otherwise a 2- to 3-inch topper should be fine,” explains Dr. Harris. 


Courtney Campbell

Freelance Writer

Courtney covers all things shopping and lifestyle at PureWow. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Elon University and has spent more than five years of her career writing and editing shopping content. She has also tested everything from kombucha kits to standing desks for product reviews. With a passion for service journalism, she loves covering food, lifestyle and home content. You can follow her on Instagram or see more of her experience on LinkedIn.

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