The 8 Best Mattress Toppers for Hip Pain, Backed by Experts

Fun fact: Tempur-Pedic products are built on technology originally developed by NASA to reduce g-force on astronauts. Since then, the memory foam material has been specifically adapted for sleepers. By absorbing the body’s force, this topper helps reduce pressure on joints, which may translate to less hip pain.

Memory foam is also known for its “motion isolation,” which means it absorbs impact and helps reduce the spread of motion. Translation? If the person you share a bed with tosses and turns all night, you won’t feel it as much. We found the Tempur-Adapt Topper really works in this regard. Everyday Health editor Ashley Ziegler notes that her husband moves around in his sleep, and since using this topper, she has not woken up from his movement once.

While anyone with hip pain can benefit from a memory foam topper, Dr. So says that side sleepers “often find a memory foam topper more comfortable than a latex topper, which does not cradle as much.”

Something to consider: Memory foam has a reputation for trapping heat (those who run hot at night may not like it), but you can add a cooling topper for an additional fee. Ziegler opted for the cooling cover and appreciated the ease of the removable cover. She says that she sinks into the topper but not in a way that makes it feel too soft. “It’s really supportive,” she says. “Basically, I will never be able to sleep without one of these again.”

This mattress topper comes with a stretchy, dust-mite- and allergen-resistant knit cover (that’s easy to wash) and has moisture-wicking properties.

One of the things that sets this topper apart is that it’s available in two thicknesses (or heights) and two comfort options (plush or medium support). Plush is made with Talalay latex, which is softer and more buoyant than Dunlop latex. Dunlop is denser and tends to feel firmer, which may be more supportive for some people.

I love the plush, luxurious feel of down, but the feathers send me sneezing. If you too are allergic to down or avoid it for other reasons, a down alternative can be a great option. This mattress pad is made of recycled polyester fiber fill sewn into quilted squares that keep the fill from shifting. It adds a soft, cushiony layer to the bed, and it stays fluffy for a long time. Plus, at a whopping 4 inches, it’s one of the cushiest options on our list.

The outer layer is made of 200-thread-count cotton twill that feels like luxe hotel sheets, but it does not have a removable cover and should only be spot cleaned.

Latex offers contouring without sinking too deeply, which many people find helps alignment and could therefore reduce hip pain. Latex is also known for absorbing movement, which makes it a good choice for anyone who shares their bed.

I have this mattress topper, and I love it. At first, it felt a little soft, but it’s actually quite supportive. My back and hips feel better in the morning now. There was a slightly fishy odor when I first unwrapped the topper, but that quickly went away within the first 24 hours.

If you purchase this topper and discover it’s not for you, Silk & Snow covers the cost of returns within a 100-day trial (as long as the item is in donatable condition).

The Dosaze DreamAlign Back Relief Mattress Topper consists of three layers: a bamboo cover, a pressure point relief layer, and a “DreamAlign support layer.” There are also three zones — meaning the middle of the mattress is slightly firmer than the rest to add extra support to the midsection, which tends to be the heaviest part of the body. This helps with spinal alignment and may help reduce hip pain.

This topper would be worth trying if you experience pain from a softer mattress. A soft mattress may initially be comfy, but over time it can contribute to hip pain. “A mattress that is too soft may cause your body to sink in too much, which can misalign your spine, putting extra pressure on your hips. A lack of support can cause your pelvis to tilt forward or backward, resulting in uneven strain on your hips,” says So. But a firm topper might help without ditching your mattress altogether.

If you’re looking to replicate the luxe, marshmallowy feel of a high-end hotel bed at home while also cushioning your hips, the Parachute Down Mattress Topper is a standout. It’s covered in a smooth, breathable cotton sateen shell, giving it that soft, sink-in comfort to help ease pressure points.

At 3 inches thick, the Parachute Down Mattress Topper offers more loft than many other options, which can be especially helpful for those with hip pain who need a little more padding to feel comfortable.

Parachute uses Responsible Down Standard–certified fill, which means the down comes from humanely treated ducks and geese, and is sourced as a by-product of the food industry. The baffle box construction helps prevent the down from shifting, keeping the loft even over time.

Wool is known for regulating temperature and resisting odor while remaining breathable. If you’re looking for a wool topper, look no further than the Piglet in Bed Merino Wool Mattress Topper. The fill is 100 percent humanely sourced merino wool.

At 1 inch, it’s the thinnest topper on our list, but it still offers some soft comfort. While it may not seem like much, this topper adds a bit of cushion to a mattress that may be too hard.

According to So, mattress toppers that provide extra cushion may be especially helpful for side sleepers and those experiencing trochanteric bursitis, which is inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions the hip joint. “The inflammation over the side of the hip can cause tenderness. A topper may mitigate the force and pressure on the area of sensitivity,” So says.

Piglet in Bed is a British company, but it ships free to the United States (including any import fees); it may take up to five business days to get to you.

If your mattress is too firm, So explains, it may not allow enough pliability, especially for those who sleep on their sides, which puts direct pressure on the hips. A plush mattress topper can help with that, and toppers don’t get much more cushy than this one from Coop.

At 5 inches tall, it’s the thickest on our list. It’s made from memory foam and microfiber inside a baffle-box cover. The memory foam is a proprietary crosscut style that looks like shredded foam and allows for more airflow, which may be helpful for those who are looking to avoid standard memory foam because they run hot at night.

Because this topper is so thick, it adds significant height to the bed, which may require deep-pocket fitted sheets and may not be ideal for those who have trouble maneuvering out of bed.