Updated on Oct. 04, 2024
As someone who deals with chronic back pain, I tested Saatva’s Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper to find some relief. Here’s how it went.
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I regularly wake up stiff and with intense back pain and soreness, and it’s only gotten worse postpartum. Having slept on many different beds, I can say confidently that a good mattress and proper bedding can make a world of difference when it comes to how you sleep—and, more importantly, how you feel when you wake up. The best mattress toppers provide extra cushion and support to your existing mattress.
I’ll be honest: I was skeptical if a mattress topper could make much of a difference. But after testing several, I found out that a good mattress topper can alleviate morning body aches and pains—even if you’re sleeping on an older mattress. If your mattress is showing signs of aging—but not quite enough that you need to replace it just yet—a high-quality mattress topper might rejuvenate your nighttime workhorse (and, if you’re lucky, alleviate some pain).
Personally, I tested the Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper in hopes of relieving some of my back pain. Here’s how it went.
The Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper is a three-inch memory foam topper infused with cooling graphite. It’s intended to make your existing mattress more comfortable and extend its lifespan. The memory foam helps relieve pressure and tension while reducing motion transfer, so it’s great for those who need a gentle, cradling cushion for joints and side sleepers who want a soft to medium feel.
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As mentioned, the graphite in the foam is intended to help keep you cool. According to Saatva, graphite is supposed to absorb heat better than other cooling elements often used in bedding. Your weight on the foam topper forces graphite particles together, which allows them to conduct heat through the foam and dissipate it quickly. In other words, the graphite layer draws heat away from the body.
The entire memory foam topper is encased in organic, moisture-wicking cotton, which is breathable and provides cooling comfort as well.
The Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper has four elastic anchor bands (one in each corner) to secure it to your mattress and prevent sliding and shifting.
Having used mattress toppers with and without corner bands, let me tell you: they’re necessary. Otherwise, your topper will slide under the sheets and off your mattress while you sleep.
Saatva’s topper is made with eco-friendly materials, including CertiPur-US-certified, high-density memory foam and renewable oils, which release fewer greenhouse gases during production. That means it’s good for the environment and your home, and there’s less off-gassing after opening.
Additionally, the topper is treated with botanical antimicrobial treatment to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew.
Like I said, I was skeptical of how much difference a mattress topper would actually make on my bed. I’ve been sleeping on the Purple Restore Mattress, which I loved initially—it was convenient, comfy and cooling. However, after childbirth, I noticed my bed didn’t quite feel the same. My once very comfortable bed felt different, almost too firm, on my delicate joints. To be fair, I have had chronic back pain for years, and it only intensified postpartum.
I didn’t want to get rid of my mattress. It was relatively new, and I had really enjoyed it when I got it, but something needed to change. A quick search told me that a mattress topper might be just what I needed, but it sounded too good to be true—and frankly, like a waste of money. Fast forward a few months, and the problem only worsened. I was waking up nearly unable to walk; my back pain was so intense, and my body was so stiff after waking up that I had to scale the wall to get my bearings.
Alas, I figured I’d try a mattress topper. A two- to three-inch topper with medium firmness is often recommended for those with back pain, while soft or medium firmness is recommended for side sleepers.
Being a side sleeper, I figured that a good middle-of-the-road topper for my back pain and side sleeping would be three inches thick with a soft to medium feel. So, I tried the Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper. It arrived at my door in a large box. I threw it on the bed, unboxed it, cut away the plastic and unrolled it. Boom! It was ready to go.
Was my mattress immediately more comfortable? Yes, actually. Going to bed on the new topper felt different and softer, but I noticed the real difference when I woke up the following day. My typical morning stiffness and backaches were gone. My body needed something a bit softer to relieve tension and pressure, after all.
As far as cooling is concerned. I did not overheat on the topper, and I tend to go to bed cold and wake up in the early morning sweating. However, don’t expect a cooling sensation to the touch—you’ll need a temperature-changing mattress or cover (like the 8 Sleep Pod Pro Cover) for that kind of effect. Truthfully, I find that the best cooling sheets do more to keep me cool.
Overall, the mattress topper is very comfortable because the foam is so contouring. It doesn’t feel overly squishy, but it has just enough cushiony softness to give my back and hips comfort and support.
Shopping Editor Mary Henn has tested multiple mattress toppers at home and on her own bed for countless nights of sleep, and she’s also tested various mattresses. In other words, she knows sleep. Additionally, Mary suffers from chronic back pain and is constantly looking for bedding to help her achieve a better night’s rest.
We also consulted one of our expert product testers, who helped us find the best mattress toppers for side sleepers. After testing many mattress toppers, our tester Lois Alter Mark rated the topper a 4 out of 5 in comfortability. Then, we took advice from Derek Hales, founder and CEO at NapLab. In the past ten years, he has personally tested 360+ different mattresses.
It’s used to help regulate body temperature by pulling away heat and providing a cooler night’s sleep.
Graphite memory foam is cooling, breathable and strong. It offers a non-chemical method of making the foam nonflammable. Plus, it has anti-allergenic properties and is resistant to dust mites.
The majority of reviewers give the Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Toppers five stars. Many say it’s great for bad backs and sore necks, describing the topper as giving a “body hugging” sensation. Most say it instantly improved the feeling of their existing mattress, and others give high marks for the product’s durability and effectiveness.
Negative reviews tend to focus on shipping delays and other shipping issues. 3-star reviewers say they expected the topper to improve the feeling of their existing mattress more than it did, that the topper only helped a little.
Saatva sells six different toppers: The Graphite Memory Foam Topper (reviewed here), High-Density Foam Topper, Down Alternative Featherbed Topper, Natural Latex Topper, Micro-Coil Topper and Organic Quilted Topper. The Organic Quilted Topper is the most expensive and resembles a traditional mattress with a plush, buoyant feel that’s great for pressure relief, while the High-Density Foam Topper is the most affordable and has a body-contouring, medium-firm feel, great for side sleepers who prefer a bit more firmness.
The Down Alternative Featherbed Topper is ultra-plush and a favorite of Lois Alter Mark, who says it’s the most comfortable topper she’s slept on. The Natural Latex Topper is responsive and buoyant; it’s also thin, so it won’t overpower your beloved mattress. Lastly, the Micro-Coil Topper is ultra-responsive and great for achy joints.
I tried the Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper, and it’s a great mattress topper overall. If you’re new to mattress toppers, it’s a safe starting point, as it offers three inches of memory foam encased in an organic cotton cover with corner straps. Plus, it has cooling technology—all the features I look for in a mattress topper.
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This memory foam mattress topper is perfect for side sleepers and those with back pain.
You can shop the Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper ($325-$650) and other Saatva mattress toppers directly from Saatva, where all toppers ship free and come with a 1-year limited warranty against workmanship defects.
