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If you have hip pain, you’re probably more than aware that it can prevent you from sleeping soundly through the night. While the right mattress can help improve your Zzzs, springing for a brand new bed isn’t always an option. Luckily, in many cases a mattress topper can serve as a happy compromise, providing cushioned support while alleviating aches and pains. And, because there are so many mattress brands out there, the options are seemingly infinite. We spoke with a physical therapist to find out what to look for, then rounded up a few of the best mattress toppers for hip pain on the market today.
The best mattress toppers for hip pain, at a glance
- Best overall: Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper, $295
- Best latex: PlushBeds Organic Latex Mattress Topper, $301
- Best breathable: Amerisleep Lift Mattress Topper, $429
- Best for side sleepers: Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt Topper, $349
- Best bamboo: SakuraHome Cooling Mattress Topper, $68
- Best gel: Viscosoft Select High Density Mattress Topper, $225
- Best for targeted support: Dormeo Premium Mattress Topper, $396
- Best splurge: Avocado Alpaca Wool Mattress Topper, $746
How does a mattress topper help alleviate hip pain?
If you’re afraid that your mattress is causing (or exacerbating) hip pain, it might be time to take a closer look at your bed. While a mattress topper can’t fix a sagging or misshapen mattress, it can help soften the feel of a bed that is too firm.
“Mattress toppers can be beneficial for sleepers with hip pain, as they can provide an extra layer of cushion that can cause the pressure points in your hip less stress,” according to Heather Moore, PT, DPT, a doctor of physical therapy and the owner of Total Physical Therapy.
What to look for in a mattress topper for hip pain
When shopping for a mattress topper, comfort is paramount. “You want to find a mattress topper that is comfortable to you,” says Dr. Moore. Although comfort is subjective, she recommends avoiding down mattress toppers or ones stuffed with feathers—“These can be too soft and not offer the support that joints need.” Another tip from Dr. Moore: “Avoid words like ‘pillow’ and ‘cloud.’ ‘Cloud’ and ‘pillow’ mattress toppers are definitely the softest, but do not provide any support for your body, and therefore are often incorrectly chosen because they feel the best when you lay down, but the feeling will not last throughout the night.”
In other words: “You are looking for pressure-relieving mattress toppers that will provide your body with support,” says Dr. Moore. However, just as comfort is subjective, factors like pressure relief and support are highly personal—which is why it’s always best to try a mattress topper in person—or opt for a brand with a trial period—before committing to a purchase.
Should you choose to shop for one online, you’ll want to note the return policy. “You should definitely purchase one that you can try because if it is not comfortable, then you need to have the ability to return it,” says Dr. Moore. Whether you decide to shop in-person or online, here’s a round-up of some of the best mattress toppers for hip pain to narrow down your choices—all of which have been personally recommended by Dr. Moore.
Shop the best mattress toppers for hip pain
Note: The prices listed below reflect a queen-sized topper.
Sizes available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, Cal King
“The Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper is one of the best,” says Dr. Moore. “It is pricey, but supportive and firm and made to wick heat and moisture away.” The three-inch topper is made with memory foam and, while many memory foam toppers have a reputation of trapping heat, this one is infused with naturally-cooling graphite and has a breathable organic cotton cover. As a plus, Saatva also offers a 180-day return policy, free shipping, and a 1-year limited warranty.
Pros:
- Graphite infusion helps diffuse heat than traditional memory foam
- Generous trial and warranty policies
- CertiPur-US certified memory foam minimizes off-gassing and VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
Cons:
- Only one thickness option
Sizes available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
If you’re hoping to avoid synthetic foams, look no further than latex. This topper from PlushBeds is breathable and supportive thanks to perforated Talalay latex foam. It’s available in two thickness options and five different firmness options, which is especially helpful if you’re trying to combat hip pain. Side sleepers will be better off with one of the Soft, Medium-Soft, or Medium firmness, while back and stomach sleepers should stick with the firmer options. You can also choose to add on an organic cotton cover or go without.
W+G contributing writer Jamey Powell sleeps on this topper every night. “I struggle with back and hip pain and wanted a little added cushion on our rather firm mattress. We have the medium-soft topper and it’s great at relieving pressure. I also appreciate how chemical-free the topper is, and that PlushBeds boasts both Global Organic Latex Standard and Global Organic Textile Standard certifications.”
Pros:
- Uses GOLS-certified natural latex and GOTS-certified cotton
- 2 thickness options and 5 firmness options
- Perforated latex is a good pick for hot sleepers
Cons:
- Pricier pick
- Smaller-bodied side sleepers should stick with the softest option
Sizes available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
If you tend to run hot while you sleep, Amerisleep’s mattress topper will ensure you stay comfortable through the night. It’s made from cushy Bio-Pur foam, a plant-based alternative to memory foam with a breathable, open-cell design. The topper not only offers three inches of targeted support for your trouble areas—it’s firmer around the head, back, and feet, and softer under the shoulders and hips—but the breathable cover also helps regulate the body temperature.
The Lift topper is available in two varieties—Comfort and Support— to suit your needs. But side sleepers and folks with hip pain should opt for the Comfort model, which aims to add pressure relief to a too-firm mattress.
Pros:
- Uses plant-based foam (Comfort model)
- Breathable open-cell design and breathable cover
- 5-year warranty
Cons:
- No trial period, final sale
- Only one thickness option
Sizes available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
According to Dr. Moore, “This offers pressure-relieving support for all side sleepers—and not just for your hip.” The Tempur-Adapt Topper is made from three inches of soft-yet-supportive memory foam to relieve pressure where your body needs it most. And, if you tend to sleep hot, you can add on the brand’s cooling cover (which costs an additional $60). Whether you opt for the cooling cover or the included knit cover, you’ll appreciate the corner straps that keep this topper from slip-sliding around on mattresses up to 13 inches. Added bonus: the cover is removable and machine washable.
Pros:
- Soft and responsive memory foam is great for side sleepers
- Added corner straps prevent slippage
- Option to add cooling material to the (machine washable) cover
Cons:
- No returns
- Only one thickness option
Sizes available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, RV (short) Queen, King, Cal King
If you’re not a fan of foam or latex, it can be tricky to find a plush topper that still offers ample support. However, Dr. Moore says this is where bamboo can help. “I like bamboo mattress toppers because they are soft but not too soft, so they have some support,” according to Dr. Moore. “They are able to keep you cooler, and therefore, more comfortable and will not cause you to overheat and move around a lot at night.”
This bamboo mattress topper from SakuraHome is one that Dr. Moore recommends—and many customers have attested it offers the ideal amount of support for hip pain. To top it off, it’s less than $75 for a queen and has a 30-day window for returns. Just note that it’s only two inches thick, which may not offer enough pressure relief for smaller-bodied folks and strict side sleepers if your mattress is very firm underneath.
Pros:
- Bamboo viscose is a plush alternative to foam
- Machine washable
- Has deep pockets and comes in a wide size range
Cons:
- Thinnest topper on this list
Sizes available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Queen, Queen Short, King, Cal King
The Viscosoft mattress topper is made with memory foam to cradle your body like a hug without aggravating painful pressure points for a restful night’s slumber. Plus, it’s infused with temperature-regulating gel to absorb and disperse body heat. It comes in three thicknesses: a 2-inch, 3-inch, or 4-inch version for those who want more support. Plus, the topper’s cover provides added breathability, includes adjustable straps, and is machine washable. You can also try it out for 90 days to see if it’s suitable for you.
Pros:
- 3 thickness options
- Gel infused memory foam helps regulate temperature
- Adjustable straps and mesh base keep the topper from sliding
Cons:
- No added certifications
Sizes available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split Head King, California King
If you’re waking up with achy hips, your mattress may not be supporting your body while you snooze. The Dormeo mattress topper is designed with zoned support, with three different densities of foam to help keep your body in alignment. There’s softer foam around the shoulders and legs and firmer support under your hips, waist, and lower back. Dormeo relies on Octaspring technology, which are essentially foam springs that distribute your weight evenly and keep the spine aligned. And, because the foam is spring-shaped, there’s plenty of room for airflow in this topper. Also worth noting: Dormeo’s toppers come with an 100-night risk-free trial and a 10-year limited warranty.
Pros:
- Targeted support to keep hips and shoulders in alignment
- Unique design offers more breathability than traditional foam toppers
Cons:
- Only one thickness option
Sizes available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
If you’re willing to shell out more money for a mattress topper, this one from Avocado is well worth the price. It is designed with 100% natural alpaca fibers (which are great for keeping you cool while you snooze) and GOTS-certified organic cotton.
You can choose from two firmness options (Standard and Luxury Plush), but the Luxury Plush option is softer and lighter, so may better suited for side sleepers or anyone with hip pain. You will also rest easy knowing that the topper boasts certifications from Greenguard Gold, so it’s free of harmful substances. Avocado also offers a 30-day trial period, so you can try it first before making a financial commitment.
Pros:
- Sustainably-sourced, organic materials
- Alpaca wool help temperature regulation
- Two thickness options (but Luxury Plush is better for most sleepers with hip pain)
Cons:
- Priciest on this list
- Thinner topper
Things to consider before buying
Your sleep position
If you sleep on your back (or a combination of positions), you’ll want to focus on a topper that offers pressure relief but doesn’t compromise on support (check out our latex picks, above!). Side sleepers, however, often require more pressure relief—if that’s true for you, you’ll want to opt for a softer topper that cradles you in a side-sleeping position.
Cost investment
Some of the brands on our list are more expensive than others. Those with natural or sustainably-sourced materials are typically on the pricier side, while those made with poly-foam tend to be a bit cheaper (production is cheaper for the latter). While it might seem like an investment up front, if you’re able to alleviate hip pain by adding a three- or four-inch layer of padding to your existing mattress, you’ll likely save a good chunk of cash no matter which topper you choose.
Trials and returns
Price aside, it’s important to remember that comfort is subjective and, as with a mattress, it may take a little trial and error to find the right mattress topper for your hip pain. Take note of each topper’s trail and return policy, as they vary from brand to brand.
Other ways to relieve hip pain
While a mattress or mattress topper is a worthy investment, it isn’t the only way to alleviate hip pain. “How you position yourself to sleep is very important and can affect your overall health,” according to Dr. Moore. She recommends using a pillow to help minimize unwanted aches and pains. “Having a pillow between your knees can lead to a better body position and overall better sleep,” she says. “If you are more comfortable with sleeping on your back, you can put a pillow under your knees to help put your back and hips in better positions.”
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