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9 Best Mattress Toppers for Hip Pain Of 2023 + Other Helpful Remedies
![Brittany Loggins Brittany Loggins](jpg/snv3wql.jpg)
![Scott Nass, M.D., MPA, FAAFP, AAHIVS Scott Nass, M.D., MPA, FAAFP, AAHIVS](jpg/t8hej3x.jpg)
A night of quality sleep can be hard to come by, but it's especially difficult for those experiencing hip pain. While this pain can be caused by a number of issues—such as overuse, arthritis, or tendinitis—your mattress is another potential culprit.
Since investing in an entirely new mattress isn't always an option, we spoke with experts to find the best mattress toppers for hip pain. This more affordable alternative can help give your body the support and relief it needs for a restful, restorative sleep.
Find our top picks below, plus an M.D.'s insights on common causes of hip pain at night and how to find relief.
- Best overall: Saatva Latex Mattress Topper
- Best for side sleepers: Puffy Mattress Topper
- Best latex: Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper
- Best for lower back and hip pain: PlushBeds Talalay Latex Topper
- Best memory foam: Layla Memory Foam Topper
- Best on Amazon: COONP Mattress Topper
- Best for hot sleepers: Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper
- Best for hip and back pain: Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt
The best mattress toppers for hip pain of 2024:
The details: This mattress topper may immediately come off as memory foam, but think again. This is a patented material from the Tempur-Pedic brand that lasts longer than memory foam and holds its shape better.
Unlike traditional memory foam, it also runs cool with the added perks of being both dust- and allergen-resistant. Along with a cool-to-the-touch cover, it offers thick 3-inch padding, which transforms your mattress to relieve pressure on your back and hips.
How it arrives: Shipping is completely free, and the box is fairly no-nonsense in terms of wasted materials.
What customers say: Over 5,000 customers give this topper 5 out of 5 stars. One reviewer said that they "no longer wake up with lower back pain or muscle soreness as if I've been in a fight." Really, what more could you ask for?
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
- More durable than traditional memory foam
- Allergen-resistant cover
- Some reviewers had issues with slippage
The details: This topper is made of 1.5 inches of natural latex, which is the material most highly recommended by orthopedists and chiropractors (and sustainable!). It has a thinner profile than most of the other toppers on our list, but latex provides buoyant-feeling support that provides pressure point relief, making it a particularly great option for those experiencing hip pain. The latex will maintain its shape and limit motion transfer, all while providing enough support to maintain good spinal alignment. This particular topper also features perforations to help with heat transfer so you don't get too hot.
How it arrives: Although the mattress topper ships for free in a box, it doesn't need any time to fully expand. That makes this pick great for travel, as it can easily be rolled up and packed for trips.
What customers say: Reviewers give this topper 4.8 out of 5 stars, including one person who says it helped relieve hip pain by making her too-firm mattress softer. Other customers love the elastic anchor bands, but one reviewer noted that she wishes the cotton cover was washable.
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
- Incredibly cooling thanks to perforations
- Works with all mattress brands
- Thinner topper (1.5 inches)
The details: While Puffy offers firm and soft options, side sleepers looking to relieve hip pain will want to opt for the softer of the two. The 2.5 inches of plush memory foam will relieve pressure from the hip by contouring to the body—and offer an alternative firmness if you're not a fan of the softer side.
Hot sleepers will also be impressed; the bamboo-polyester cover allows for ample airflow and doesn't retain heat. Plus, the bottom of the topper is covered with grippy nubs that help hold it onto the surface of your mattress with the help of a slip-over design.
How it arrives: It comes in a box that's just large enough to fit the folded topper with free shipping through FedEx. What customers say: Reviewers rave about Puffy's topper. One person purchased this topper to relieve her hip and shoulder pain and reports that it transformed her firm mattress and relieves pressure.
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
- Hypoallergenic
- Washable cover
- Made of memory foam
- Could be too soft for back sleepers
The details: Go ahead and pick up the plush version of this latex mattress and get ready to snooze like a baby. In addition to being made of GOLS-certified organic latex rubber, it includes an organic wool cover for an added layer of durability (and cooling). Reviewers say that it maintains shape while also providing lots of cushioning, which is perfect for those who experience hip pain.
How it arrives: The brand is incredibly eco-conscious when it comes to packaging, which is recyclable and minimal, and Avocado's shipping is carbon negative to boot.
What customers say: This topper has 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 2,500 reviews. One person noted that she is pregnant and the topper still managed to alleviate her hip pain and her husband's neck pain. "I am eight months pregnant and am sleeping so well," the excited reviewer wrote.
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
- GOLS organic certified
- Free shipping
- Slightly smaller than mattress of corresponding size
The details: In addition to being 100% natural, this latex is certified by OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and GreenGuard Gold, both of which ensure quality and sustainability, as well as a lack of toxic additives. While this topper is available in 2- and 3-inch thicknesses, the 3-inch option is better for those with lower-back and hip pain, as it will provide more support. You can also choose from four firmness levels; however, the medium-firm option is optimal for someone with back pain.
How it arrives: Shipping is free and it comes rolled-up in a box with minimal packaging.
What customers say: Plush Beds' topper has 4.9 out of 5 stars from over 1,100 reviews. One customer left a review about how much they loved the medium-firm option, saying that it "is hard enough for my back, yet resilient and forgiving enough for my hips and shoulders."
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
- Available in two width options
- Different firmness levels
- Sustainably harvested latex
- No trial period
The details: This mattress topper is equal parts plush and supportive, which is the ideal for those experiencing hip pain. It contours around your hips while maintaining spinal alignment for the optimal level of support. More importantly, it addresses one of the most common complaints of memory foam: heat. By infusing copper gel into the dense material, it helps keep you cool while also adding durability to the mattress, so it maintains shape for years to come.
How it arrives: Shipping is completely free, and the topper arrives in a box that's just big enough to accommodate the topper itself. While they don't allow returns, they will give you a full refund if you aren't satisfied (and they'll arrange for you to donate your topper to a local charity).
What customers say: Layla's topper has over 600 reviews, most of which are very positive. One customer said that she bought a new mattress that was simply not soft enough to allow her to sleep comfortably. This topper transformed her sleep quality starting from night one, and she says that "every night since has only been getting better."
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
- Cooling copper-gel-infused memory foam
- Comfortable for back or side sleepers
- No trial period
The details: Parachute's Down Alternative Mattress Topper is a great pick for anyone who likes the cloud-like feeling of down. This 3-inch topper is made with OEKO-TEX Standard 100-certified microfiber fill and has a baffle box sateen cotton shell that keeps the fill evenly distributed throughout. It's hypoallergenic, which is good news for allergy sufferers. However, hot sleepers might find the down alternative too warm a surface for snoozing.
How it arrives: Parachute offers free, carbon neutral shipping and returns within 60 days. The topper will arrive in a box and, because it's not foam, a good fluffing should help get it to its full shape in a snap.
What customers say: This down alternative topper has 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 500 reviews. One person writes, "This mattress topper is so comfortable and truly saved my back from a new mattress that's too firm. I have been recommending it to everyone who even hints at having sleep issues!"
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
- Hypoallergenic microfiber fill
- Plush comfort for side sleepers
- Carbon neutral shipping
- Not great for hot sleepers
The details: Another great down alternative pick at a budget-friendly price, this topper is a great fluffy addition to a too-firm mattress. COONP's topper uses three layers of fiber fill to create a 4-inch breathable, pressure-relieving surface. It also comes in a few different colors and the slip on design has extra deep pockets to fit all mattress heights.
How it arrives: Because this topper ships from Amazon, you can expect a free shipping option within a few business days. COONP advises that you leave the topper out for a few hours or pop it in the dryer to fully fluff it up.
What customers say: This topper has over 25,500 reviews on Amazon and 4.4 out of 5 stars. One person writes, "This was a perfect purchase. So soft and the hip and shoulder pain was immediately gone." While most of the feedback is positive, some people say it didn't hold up well after machine washing (which the company says you can do)—however, they also said customer service was extremely helpful in sending a replacement.
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
- Extra thick design
- Budget-friendly price
- No warranty information
- Some durability concerns
The details: This super sustainable pick from Birch uses GOTS-certified organic cotton, natural latex, and organic wool. It's a breathable, non-toxic combination that will help hot sleepers stay cool all night long. Plus, the buoyant latex is provides cushy pressure relief that will even out the feel of both extra firm or too-squishy mattresses. Just note that this is a thinner, 2-inch topper and has a medium-firm feel, which is a better fit for back and stomach sleepers.
How it arrives: Birch ships this topper for free in a box. Reviews suggest it won't release any off-gassing smells while it expands.
What customers say: With 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 800 reviews, customers have great things to say about this topper. People with hip pain and hot sleepers in particular sing its praises, including one customer who writes, "I'm a side-sleeper and I found my old mattress put excess pressure on my hip and shoulders that eventually contributed to a bad case of sciatica (no fun). Birch's topper fixed that in a jiffy. I cool on this topper even with a water-proof organic mattress protector."
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
- Eco-friendly certifications
- Temperature regulating latex & wool
- Pricier pick
- Only one 2 inch option
Comparing the best mattress toppers for hip pain:
Product | Price | Sizes | Trial | Warranty | Materials |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt Topper | From $319 | Twin/Twin XL/Full/Queen/King/Cal King | None | 10-year | Organic cotton; Tempur Material |
Saatva Latex Mattress Topper | From $245 | Twin/Twin XL/Full/Queen/King/Cal King/Split King | 180 nights | 1-year | Natural latex; Organic cotton |
Puffy Mattress Topper | From $152 | Twin/Twin XL/Full/Queen/King/Cal King | 101 nights | Lifetime | Memory foam |
Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper | From $549 | Twin/Twin XL/Full/Queen/King/Split King | 365 nights | 10-year | Natural latex |
PlushBeds Talalay Latex Topper | From $216 | Twin/Twin XL/Full/Queen/King/Cal King | None | 5-year | Natural latex |
Layla Memory Foam Topper | From $349 | Twin/Twin XL/Full/Queen/King/Cal King | None | 5-year | Copper gel-infused memory foam |
Parachute Down Alternative Mattress Topper | From $199 | Twin/Twin XL/Full/Queen/King/Cal King | 60 days | 3-year | Down alternative microfiber; Cotton shell |
COONP Mattress Topper | From $75 | Twin/Twin XL/Full/Queen/King/Cal King | None | None | Down alternative microfiber |
Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper | From $559 | Twin/Twin XL/Full/Queen/King/Cal King | 100 nights | 10-year | Natural latex; Organic cotton |
What to look for in a mattress topper for hip pain.
If you have a super-firm mattress, you want to make sure that your mattress topper is at least 3 inches thick, which will keep your hip from hitting up against your mattress. You also want to make sure it's plush enough to contour around your hips.
Typically, a topper somewhere in the middle ground between plush and firm will offer enough support and pressure relief to keep your hip bone from hitting your mattress. Remember: Too much cushioning could also offer too little support.
Additionally, there are a few key specifics that you should keep in mind when purchasing a mattress topper:
- Sleeping position: Fallon Maylack, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon, says side sleepers experience the most hip pain. But back sleepers may also find their spines out of alignment without enough support (which can also cause hip pain).
- Temperature control: If you run hot, look for latex, gel, or copper-based cooling materials to keep your bed at the ideal temperature.
- Motion isolation: This technology minimizes the amount of tossing and turning done throughout the night (and keeps you and your partner from annoying each other).
- Price: Price ranges can vary, but it's important to always pick items within your budget. We prioritized options that were under or around $500, which is still cheaper than investing in a new mattress for hip pain.
- Firmness: People with hip pain should opt for softer, more plush toppers on firm beds. On soft beds, they should prioritize firmer add-ons.
- Material: While latex is more environmentally sustainable and less likely to contain toxic materials, memory foam can also provide lots of support.
- Thickness: We aimed for mattress toppers that provide at least 3 inches of cushioning (although there is one 1.5 inch pick on this list that was worth mentioning!).
- Sustainability: We prioritized brands that don't use wasteful packaging or materials.
What causes hip pain when you sleep?
Hip pain comes in many forms and there's no single cause that can be attributed to everyone's pain. The hips are an incredibly complex muscle group that undergoes a lot of demand throughout the day—and their connection to other powerful muscles means they can easily be pulled out of alignment.
You could also be dealing with osteoarthritis, sciatic-piriformis syndrome, or even tendinitis. But one of the most common issues for many side sleepers is hip bursitis or an inflammation of the bursae, according to Maylack.
The hips have two main bursae, which are small sacs that contain fluid between the bones and soft tissues. "Typically for hip bursitis, the problem is too firm a mattress," says Maylack.
Super-firm mattresses often lack the pressure relief found in softer options. As a result, the pressure on your hips from lying on your side isn't mitigated by the mattress.
A softer mattress will cradle the hips and provide pressure relief, which is why Maylack suggests it to reduce hip pain. Otherwise, he recommends opting for a memory foam or plush mattress topper to get relief.
Of course, the opposite is also true. If there's no support in your mattress—because it's too soft or too old —then your hips may sag too deeply into the mattress, creating a similar issue. Unfortunately, it's much harder to add firmness to a mattress than for one to provide extra cushioning.
How can a mattress topper prevent or reduce hip pain?
A topper can help counteract firmness issues with your current mattress. While it won't completely transform a super firm or too-soft mattress, the addition can help with any pitfalls in your current sleep setup. For example, a mattress that's just a touch too soft can get much-needed support from a firmer mattress topper, while one that's far too firm can get an extra boost of cushioning.
Once you understand how your current mattress is falling short, it's easy to find a topper to counteract these concerns. So as long as your current mattress is the culprit behind your pain, adding a mattress topper should help reduce it. Just remember, if your mattress is sagging or misshapen, it's probably time to get a new mattress altogether.
FAQ
Can a bad mattress cause hip pain?
There can definitely be mattresses that aren't conducive to a good night's sleep for those with hip pain. In general, make sure to prioritize softer mattresses that still provide some support.
Does a mattress topper counteract a bad mattress?
A mattress topper can definitely help provide support and cushioning, which is super important when thinking about hip pain. But if your mattress is sagging or misshapen, it may be time to replace it. Luckily, we have plenty of recommendations for mattresses that are great at relieving joint pain.
Is a firm or soft mattress better for hip pain?
While Maylack notes that back sleepers are often told to look for firm mattresses, he emphasizes the importance of looking for a mattress that provides ample cushioning if you're a side sleeper experiencing hip pain.
The takeaway
A mattress toppers provides a major upgrade to your sleep setup without having to invest in an entirely new mattress—and these picks come with the added bonus of helping with hip pain. To continue upgrading your bedding, don't forget to use the best cooling sheets.
What we've updated since publishing:
3/23/23: We confirmed the availability of the products on this list and added the Parachute, COONP, and Birch toppers to accommodate more sleep preferences.
6/28/23: We added added some hands-on feedback for the PlushBeds topper.
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