Best Mattress Topper For Hip Pain (Side Sleepers & More)
Last Updated: September, 2022 | This Post May Contain Affiliate Links
Getting a good night’s sleep does more than just make you feel more awake the next day. Sleep influences ability to work, energy levels, mental health and many other factors in our day. Yet, so many people around the world suffer from lack of sleep, especially those with chronic hip pain. While chronic pain may be making getting a good night of sleep difficult, it is possible your mattress is doing even more damage to both your sleep schedule and your aches.
In this guide, we've tested a range of mattress toppers in our quest to find the best mattress topper for hip pain. Take note of what we considered and find out what we discovered about each one.
7 Best Mattress Toppers For Hip Pain
GhostBed Mattress Topper
This 5 layer mattress topper is ideal for supporting each area of your body differently, which in turn combats stubborn hip pain.
Lift by AmeriSleep (Comfort Version)
We love how this mattress topper supports the back and hips. It has a luxury feel with plenty of support.
Nolah AirFoam Mattress Topper
The Nolah Mattress Topper delivers consistent body support that will not hurt your hips when you sleep on your sides. Its supportive AirFoam has numerous microscopic air pockets that act as shock absorbers to reduce motion transfer and limit pressure on your back, hips, and shoulders.
PlushBeds Organic Latex Mattress Topper
This plush memory foam alternative mattress topper has options for every type of hip related pain. It has the best mix of cushion and support to add to a firm mattress. It's also a hypoallergenic mattress topper option.
PlushBeds Cool Bliss Memory Foam Topper
If you’re a side sleeper, you’ll love this topper. It uses HIVE design for custom comfort. It relieves your pressure points and is good for any sleeping position.
Layla Memory Foam Mattress Topper
For multi position sleepers, the Layla memory foam topper is a dream come true for improving sleep quality. No matter how you sleep, your hips have the support they need.
Molecule Air Tec Mattress Topper
We love the zoned comfort this one has. There's a special support for you entire body. It's also great for staying cool while you sleep.
Pros
Cons
Summary
Not all mattress toppers are designed to relieve hip pain. Some cheaper ones aren't designed to do anything other than make your mattress softer (and often hotter if they're made of traditional memory foam).
Everything about this mattress topper is designed to help relieve pain, especially in your hips and back. The biggest thing that makes this topper unique is the different zones. Each zone is designed to relieve pressure in their respective areas. This means the area your back and hips touch is different than the zone your feet touch.
The generous contouring makes this mattress topper a solid choice for side sleepers who need more cushion for their shoulders and hips. As with most foam toppers for hip pain, the memory foam in GhostBed conforms closely to your body and provides excellent relief to pressure buildup around your body.
Not only does this mattress topper have unique zones, it's also THICK. 3" thick to be exact. This is more than enough thickness to make a big change in how your mattress feels. Even with this added thickness, since the topper is gel infused, it sleeps cooler than any other traditional memory foam mattresses on the market.
A premium mattress protector comes alongside this mattress topper. This means your topper is protected from sweat, spills, and any other liquids. It also helps keep the mattress topper from sliding.
When it comes to cleaning your topper, GhostBed cover is removable and machine-washable. Just ensure that you use cool water to wash it on a gentle cycle and then tumble dry it on low. You can also spot clean it as needed. GhostBed ships toppers for free for shoppers residing within the contiguous US. Their toppers come with 5-year warranties, though they're not eligible for returns.
Ghostbed is a family owned company with a great story. The brand exists because the owner, Marc Werner, struggled to find a mattress that would relieve his back pain after enduring multiple spinal surgeries. When he couldn't find a solution, he made his own. The Ghostbed mattress topper has the same build quality that Ghostbed is known for, with a similar pressure relieving design but at a fraction of the cost of a new mattress.
Pros
Cons
Summary
This mattress topper has a unique design that we’ve found does wonders for hip and back pain. To keep you from overheating at night, it has an open cell design and special materials that let plenty of air flow through. As people that suffer from hip related pain and overheating, we love the combination of the two.
The Amerisleep Lift is built with a design that resembles a bee hive, and by that we mean it has a hexagonal structure in the memory foam. The catch is that the hexagons aren’t all equal throughout. Near your head and feet, the hexagons are farther apart, which gives a softer feel. In the middle however, the hexagons are placed closer together to give you more support where you feel pressure relief through your back and hips. As an adjustable mattress topper, the Amerisleep Lift will help you and your sleep partner customize and personalize the firmness level of your mattress.
There are two versions, and while the support version is better for back pain pressure relief, we chose the comfort version to help with pain pressure relief around the hips. Both have similar designs and construction, but the comfort option uses a different, softer memory foam. If you have hip pain, go for the comfort model because of how well it cushions.
Pros
Cons
Summary
The Nolah Mattress Topper delivers consistent body support that will not hurt your hips when you sleep on your sides. Its supportive AirFoam has numerous microscopic air pockets that act as shock absorbers to reduce motion transfer and limit pressure on your back, hips, and shoulders.
Overall Thoughts
Nolah is a mattress company known for its top-notch construction and materials, and its topper is no exception. The Nolah Mattress Topper distinguishes itself with an innovative material that provides hip-cushioning without the sinkage and excessive body heat retention that memory foam is well-known for. Unlike traditional foam, which gets a bit softer as it heats up, causing you to sink excessively into the surface, the proprietary AirFoam is composed of billions of microscopic air pockets that allow for maximum ventilation, but that can still contour and compress to relieve pressure.
The mattress topper has a soft organic cotton cover with a slightly plush quilted design to wick away moisture and keep you cool all night long. The cover is also a perfect addition for sleepers looking to incorporate hypoallergenic materials into their bedding. Below this is a 2-inch layer of Nolah's proprietary AirFoam that helps regulate temperature and support your body.
Nolah Mattress Topper is available in two models that differ in materials and firmness levels. All two options add an additional comfort layer to mattresses of various kinds and are designed to offer relief to body sections that experience painful pressure buildup.
These models also achieve a perfect balance of pressure relief and support, making them an excellent fit for side and back sleepers struggling with hip pain. Nolah offers a 120-night trial and a lifetime warranty for their mattress topper.
Pros
Cons
Summary
When you have hip problems, it’s hard to get a comfortable sleep. One of the biggest issues we’ve noticed is when it’s time to shift positions. If you move around a lot, it’s hard to get into another position without straining your hips. Thankfully, the latex blend of this mattress topper helps relieve pressure points in your hips, but still makes it easy to shift around if you need to. That’s because there’s plenty of support, and just enough cushion for your pressure points.
The ideal firmness level for any given sleeper is closely tied to their sleeping position and body type. If you're struggling with hip pain, you should settle for a mattress topper with a firmness level that offers the perfect balance between cushioning and support. Irrespective of which sleep position you prefer or how much you weigh, the PlushBeds Organic Latex Mattress Topper is more likely to meet your needs. You can choose the level of firmness that’s best for the intensity of the pain around your hips, and the exact kind of pain you struggle with. Choose from super soft to extra firm, with plenty of levels in between.
Pros
Cons
Summary
We all know it isn’t easy to sleep with hip pain. Unfortunately, whether it’s a mattress topper or the mattress itself, most solutions are more or less made with back pain in mind. That’s all well and fine, but it doesn’t do you as much good if your main complaint is hip pain.
One thing we really love about this PlushBeds mattress topper is the variable support it gives you. No matter how you sleep, the mattress topper adjusts to provide the best mattress topper support for you. It works because there are special gel memory foam infused beads in the memory foam which actually move as you do to provide custom support and cushion.
This adaptive nature makes us rank PlushBeds among the best mattress toppers for hip and joint pain.
And just like the PlushBeds Handmade Natural Wool Mattress Topper, the Cool Bliss topper is naturally moisture-wicking. So, in addition to providing softness and support, your topper will offer excellent temperature control. If you love the contouring feel of gel memory foam, but need some extra help for your hips, this mattress topper does it all. However, it doesn't come with a washable or removable cover, so if that's a deal-breaker for you, PlushBeds might not be the right topper for you.
Pros
Cons
Summary
We know that when you have hip pain, sometimes the best thing you can do to take the pressure off is moving to another position. However, we also know that hip pain can make it nearly impossible if you’re not using the right mattress. One thing we really liked about this Layla mattress topper is that you can sleep comfortably in any position. No matter whether you’re sleeping on your back or moving to your side, you still get the same great support and cushion.
Another thing we noticed is that it still has the feel and form of a memory foam topper, but it doesn’t trap heat like your typical memory foam topper would. That’s because the foam in the mattress topper is made with copper and Thermogel (gel infused foam), both of which help get heat away from you and your bed. This feature makes Layla a great cooling mattress topper in the market. All in all, if you’re suffering from hip pain, sleep hot, and like to switch up your sleeping position, this might be the change you need. However, if you're a heavier sleeper, you may need a firmer topper to prevent your body from sinking excessively on the surface. To learn more, you can read the full Layla mattress topper review we did.
Pros
Cons
Summary
When you’re dealing with hip pain, you need the right tools to get a good night’s sleep and not all mattress toppers provide that. That’s what led us to the Molecule Air Tec mattress topper. Originally, these mattress toppers were designed with athletes in mind. However, no matter how athletic you are (or aren’t, of course), you can still appreciate the hip pain relief you get when you use this.
As we realized, the more hip pain you’re dealing with, the more cushion you need to relieve it. While the company offers three different models of mattress topper, we chose to check out the Air Tec, since it has plenty of thick foam. The thick foam isn’t just good for your hips, it’s also good for your spine and lower back. If you’re a side sleeper or a back sleeper, it can make all the difference.
We love how soft it feels, but how it also doesn’t seem to sink too much. This is a great pick no matter how you sleep, or how active you are. So, if you're ready to improve your sleep quality, the Molecule Air Tec Mattress Topper will help you upgrade your room to create a more comfortable sleep environment.
How Hip Pain Affects Your Sleep
Unfortunately, since chronic pain is quite common, hip pain and bad sleep kind of go hand in hand. If you manage to fall asleep despite the pain, many find it’s almost impossible to stay asleep through the night, and you may have even considered getting a new mattress, or one of these foam mattress toppers to help with an existing mattress.
The worst part is that pain and sleep work together to create a bad cycle. While you sleep, your body should be at ease which will help in repairing your body physically for the next day. When pain from your own body weight keeps you up at night, you are missing out on the resting period your body expects and needs at night. This may make your pain worse in the morning and ultimately for the next nights to come.
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Is Your Mattress Affecting Your Hip?
While pain in your hips definitely makes a good sleep seem impossible, you may be surprised to learn that your mattress may actually be doing worse damage, with or without memory foam mattress toppers. Though many with consistent pain seem to lean towards soft mattresses, firm mattresses are usually far more conducive to a good night’s sleep.
As everybody’s body is different, this isn’t a tried and true fact for all. A study from 2015 discovered that a medium-firm mattress is actually better suited to almost everyone with consistent pain. That being said, the firmness you require may actually depend on some more factors including your weight, sleeping style and whether or not you share a bed.
Even though the feeling of “sinking in” to your mattress may be extremely comfortable, there is a very good chance these super soft mattresses will make the pain worse. Your mattress’ top layer should be firm to the touch, still cushioned of course, but your fingers should not be able to sink in.
If you tend to sleep in the same spot at night, there is a very good chance your mattress has begun to start sinking in those pressure points, even if it was firm to begin with.
Look out for unsupported or saggy edges, broken coils, or sinking spots in your mattresses as these imperfections may be affecting your hip and your sleep. Generally, it is best to avoid mattresses that trap heat as well. Heat will usually make sleeping considerably harder to sleep regardless of your discomfort.
Types of Mattress Toppers Best For Hip Pain
Memory Foam
Memory foam is the most commonly used material for making the best mattresses toppers, and the most common material you'll hear talked about in mattress reviews. While an entirely memory foam mattress is out of many people’s budget, purchasing a topper allows you to have the comfort, without the expensive price tag.
Memory foam is ideal for those with bad hip pain who enjoy that cozy feeling of sinking into their mattress. While a memory foam mattress topper will comfortably contour your body, the material offers the best fit, rather than a sunken in pressure point.
Even though it may feel like you are sinking it, memory foam, especially in the form of a mattress topper, is still firm enough that you do not need to worry about worsening your hip pain.
Latex
Latex is another excellent option for the best mattress topper, especially for those suffering from hip pain. Since hip pain is not the same for everyone, latex mattress toppers are available in both firm or soft support, some are even eco friendly. This allows you some customization and ultimately a topper that suits your pain.
A latex mattress topper for hip pain will help to relieve pressure, improve your circulation and simulate the feeling of sleeping on a springy surface. What's more, the cotton cover is cool to the touch and naturally breathable, meaning your topper won't trap as much heat as "body-hugging" memory foam models. However, side sleepers might want to go for a foam topper as latex toppers are relatively firm; hence sleeping on them can worsen your pain.
Pillow Top
Pillow top mattress pads are a very common and smart choice for those with serious hip pains. Pillow top toppers are constructed with unique seam placement which help to target specific aching parts of your body. As the seams are placed in selective spots, a pillow top mattress pad can be for offering the support you need to ease your hip pain, or any other aches for that matter.
What to Consider
Which mattress topper is best? Finding a quality mattress topper to relieve pain could significantly ease your discomfort by offering maximum support without putting much pressure on your joints. To ensure you find the best mattress toppers that meet all of your needs and that make sleeping easier with hip pain, you need to keep several factors in mind, such as your pain level, what's causing the pain, and your preferred sleeping position.
For instance, if you're a side sleeper, consider purchasing a soft mattress topper. Alternatively, if you like sleeping on your back, a firm mattress topper would be a solid choice. Finally, stomach sleepers should consider buying a mattress topper that is extra firm. It's always wise to settle for a mattress topper that provides in-home trials and refunds in case you don't like how the topper performs. Some other things to consider when shopping for the right mattress topper include:
Allergies
Many people fail to keep their allergies in mind when they're shopping for the best mattress toppers. Mattresses and mattress covers can be made from latex, feathers and other allergy-inducing materials. So if this is a concern, keep an eye on the labels and look for hypoallergenic materials.
Material
Along with the three materials listed above and a few more less common options, there are many choices when it comes to material for your mattress topper. One is not necessarily better than another, the material that will work best for you, really comes down to your pain. Overall, look for a supportive yet still comfortable material that will keep you cool at night. A cooling mattress topper, or a luxury mattress topper is a must for people who sleep hot.
Sharing the Bed
Another often forgotten factor to consider is whether or not you share your bed with someone else. If you often find yourself woken up by your partner’s motion, it may be useful to invest in a motion-isolation mattress topper. Some materials such as memory foam and latex, naturally absorb motion making you less likely to wake up when your partner shifts around.
Thickness and Firmness
Generally, a safe rule of thumb when it comes to the thickness of your mattress pad is the firmer your mattress is, and therefore, the thicker and softer your mattress topper needs to be. If you find your mattress is already comfortable and soft, try to stick to a thinner and firm mattress topper for your new mattress topper. You should also consider the amount of pain you have. If you're experiencing extreme hip pain, consider choosing a soft or extra soft mattress topper. On the other hand, if the pain is mild, you might opt for a medium-firm or firmer topper. Overall, to help you sleep with hip pain, try to find the best affordable mattress topper that helps your bed reach a medium firmness while still being comfortable, without the need for a new mattress. A new mattress can cost much more money, but doesn't always relieve hip pain.
Conclusion
If you are among the many who suffer from hip pain, it may feel impossible to get a good night’s sleep. However, your bad sleeping schedule may not actually all be due to your chronic pain. In fact, your mattress may be causing most of your problems. Investing in a good mattress topper can be the difference between another restless night and a great sleep, even with hip pain.