‘I’m a Physical Therapist, and These Are the 9 Best Mattress Toppers if You Have Hip Pain’

Photo: GettyImages/ Catherine Falls Commercial
With the Well+Good SHOP, our editors put their years of know-how to work in order to pick products (from skin care to self care and beyond) they’re betting you’ll love. While our editors independently select these products, making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. Happy shopping! Explore the SHOP

If you have hip pain, you’re probably aware that it can prevent you from sleeping soundly through the night. While the right mattress can help improve your Zzzs, springing for a new one isn’t always an option. Luckily, the best mattress toppers for hip pain can serve as a happy compromise, providing cushioned support while alleviating aches and pains.

The best mattress toppers for hip pain, at a glance

How does a mattress topper help alleviate hip pain?

“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 before committing to a purchase.

Should you choose to shop for one online, you might want to consider buying a mattress topper with a solid 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.

The best mattress toppers for hip pain

Overall best

Made of memory foam and replete with a moisture-wicking organic cotton cover, this Saatva option is one of the best mattress toppers for hip pain.
Saatva, Graphite Mattress Topper — $345.00

“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, according to one reviewer, it has “so much support and cushioning.” While many memory foam toppers have a reputation of trapping heat, this one has an organic cotton cover that keeps you cool and comfortable while you sleep. As a plus, Saatva also offers a 180-day return policy.


Best budget memory foam

Made with open-cell memory foam, ventAIR technology, bamboo charcoal, this Biopedic option is one of the best mattress toppers for hip pain.
Biopedic, Bamboo Charcoal Swirl Mattress Topper — $157.00

Like the overall best pick, this memory foam mattress topper comes with the recommendation of Dr. Moore, but it’ll set you back a fraction of the price. Open-cell memory foam, ventAIR technology, and bamboo charcoal work together to promote comfort, air flow, and odor-regulation. Reviewers have also attested it provides a supportive amount of cushioning for achy joints and limbs. “I have been working on sleep hygiene and pain management for a little over a year,” one reviewer wrote. “The foam topper is a must-have.” It’s available in two-, three-, and four-inch thicknesses and has a three-year limited warranty.


Best mid-range

Made with CertiPUR-US certified polyfoam and an open-cell foam design, this Molecule option is one of the best mattress toppers for hip pain.
Molecule, Triple Zone Pro Topper — $250.00

This mattress topper from Molecule has three layers of CertiPUR-US certified polyfoam—an often less-expensive alternative to memory foam—with an open-cell design that relieves unwanted pressure on sore spots. According to reviewers, the topper makes a welcome addition to mattresses that don’t offer optimal support.

“It made the bed very comfortable and provided the support I needed,” one reviewer confirmed, and another mentioned: “Perfect firmness. Not waking up all night from pain anymore!” In addition, the design helps regulate your body temperature while you sleep. Its cooling cover further adds to its breathability—and as a bonus, resists bacteria, mold, and unwanted odors. If you aren’t completely satisfied with your purchase, Molecule offers a 30-day window for returns, too.


Best breathable

Made with Bio-Pur foam, this Amerisleep option is one of the best mattress toppers for hip pain.
Amerisleep, Lift Memory Foam Mattress Topper — $299.00

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, which has an open-cell design and is said to be more breathable than traditional memory foam without sacrificing support. 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 it also helps regulate the body temperature.

Its lightweight cover offers extra breathability. The topper is available in two varieties—Comfort and Support— to suit your needs. Take it from one reviewer, who wrote: “I have a long history of chronic pain and insomnia. I no longer awaken due to pain in my hips, shoulders, neck, and arms. The Lift was the perfect addition to my AS5 Hybrid, to allow me to sleep soundly.” One trade-off: It doesn’t currently come with a return policy or a risk-free trial period—something to keep in mind as you shop.


Best for side sleepers

Made with memory foam and a cooling technology, this Tempur-Pedic option is one of the best mattress toppers for hip pain.
Tempur-Pedic, Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Topper — $335.00

According to Dr. Moore, “This offers pressure-relieving support for all side sleepers—and not just for your hip.” The Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Topper is made from soft yet supportive memory foam to relieve pressure where your body needs it most. “I have had a lot of pain on my left hip because I sleep on my left side,” one reviewer wrote. “I love this topper. The pain has virtually disappeared.” At three inches thick, it also adds noticeable plushness to your mattress while absorbing body heat, thanks to its cooling technology. In addition, Tempur offers a lengthy 90-day window for returns.


Best bamboo

Made with cooling bamboo, this Niagara Sleep Solution is one of the best mattress toppers for hip pain.
Niagara, Sleep Solution Bamboo Mattress Topper — $46.00

“I like bamboo mattress toppers because they are soft but not too soft, so they have some support,” according to Dr. Moore. What’s more? “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 Niagara Sleep Solution is one that Dr. Moore recommends—and reviewers have attested it offers the ideal amount of support for hip pain. “Very soft and comfortable. Don’t wake up with sore hips anymore!” raved one reviewer. To top it off, it’s less than $50 and has a 30-day window for returns.


Best gel

Made of memory foam and infused with temperature-regulating gel, this Viscosoft option is one of the best mattress toppers for hip pain.
Viscosoft, Memory Foam Mattress Topper — $200.00

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. “I tried other toppers, but [they] didn’t give me the support I needed,” one reviewer wrote. “I’ve found sleeping on my right hip to be painful for many years, but pain has disappeared since I purchased the Viscosoft mattress topper.”

Plus, it’s infused with temperature-regulating gel to absorb and disperse body heat. It comes in two thicknesses: a 3-inch topper and a 4-inch version for those who want more support, as well as additional lavender or charcoal-infused options. The mattress topper’s cover provides added breathability and is machine washable. You can also try it out for 90 days to see if it’s suitable for you.


Best for targeted support

Design with Octaspring technology and three densities of foam, this Dormeo option is one of the best mattress protectors for hip pain.
Dormeo, Premium Mattress Topper — $379.00

The Dormeo mattress topper is designed with zoned support, with three different densities of foam to help with support and alignment. To note, 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 is essentially “foam springs” that are said to distribute your weight evenly and keep the spine aligned.

And reviewers have reported it really works to alleviate hip pain, among other physical aches. “I have never slept so well in my life! My shoulders and hips are pain-free now,” one reviewer mentioned. In combination with its hypoallergenic Smart Performance cover, it also helps regulate your body temperature. But don’t take reviewers’ word for it: Take it for a spin with Dormeo’s 100-day risk-free trial.


Best splurge

Made of cotton, wool, and latex, this Avocado option is one of the best mattress toppers for hip pain.
Avocado, Organic Plush Mattress Latex Topper — $649.00

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 three layers: the topmost layer is made from cotton, followed by an organic wool layer that makes the topper nicely plush, and then a base of organic latex, which is springier than memory foam, but supportive nonetheless.

You can choose from two firmness options (Plush and Firm), but either way, reviewers love the way the topper feels. “Don’t be afraid to try this mattress. I ordered the topper separately so I could try it both ways [and] I like the added softness of the plush topper. My backache and hip pain is gone,” one reviewer wrote. You will also rest easy knowing that the topper is Greenguard Gold-certified, so it’s free of potentially harmful substances. Avocado also offers a 30-day trial period, so you can try it first before making a financial commitment.

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 also 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.”

Want to be the first to hear about the latest (and greatest) SHOP product drops, custom collections, discounts, and more? Sign up to have the intel delivered straight to your inbox.

Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission.

Loading More Posts...