HOW TO BUY IT Mattress Toppers for Back Pain

Snooze more easily and wake up happier.

- HANNAH JEON

If back pain is keeping you from getting restful shut-eye, your bedding might be to blame. But what if you're not ready to upgrade your mattress? A good mattress topper can help.

"Mattress toppers can provide support for the low back and help maintain proper alignment throughout the night," says Troy Wood, M.D., a specialist in pain medicine, physical medicine, and rehabilitation at Atlantic Health System. This extra layer can alter your bed's firmness level and cushioning to provide better support and pressure relief-helping alleviate back pain as you sleep and setting you up for less pain in the morning. Here's what to do when you shop.

CHOOSE A FIRMNESS LEVEL