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Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
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If you have hip pain, you may think your sleeping options are limited and that sleeping on your back is the only position for you. If you prefer side sleeping or are looking for general hip support, a mattress topper might be just what your sore hips need.
We look at four of the best options to try.
- Best mattress topper for side sleepers: Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper | Skip to review
- Best affordable mattress topper: Sleep On Latex Pure Green Natural Latex Mattress Topper | Skip to review
Pricing guide for queen-size mattress toppers
The prices listed below are for queen-size mattress toppers:
- $ = under $150
- $$ = $150 to $300
- $$$ = over $300
| Brand | Material | Thickness | Warranty | Trial period | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tempur-Pedic | memory foam | 3 in | 10 years | no | $$ |
| Saatva | graphite-infused memory foam | 3 in | 1 year | accepts returns 180 days from delivery date | $$$ |
| Sleep on Latex | latex foam | 1 to 3 in | 5 years | accept returns 30 days from delivery | $ |
- Alignment and pressure point relief: The toppers we featured specifically mention spinal alignment and pressure relief in their descriptions and customer reviews.
- Customer reviews: We sought out mattress toppers with reviews that average 4+ stars out of 5. We also prioritized toppers with positive customer reviews that mentioned hip pain.
- Safe materials: We only choose sleep products that use safe materials, such as memory foam and latex. That said, latex is not safe for you if you have a latex allergy.
- Comparison shop: Don’t buy the first mattress topper you see without investigating other options. Pick three to five choices and compare the pros and cons, costs, and other considerations.
- Decide on your deal-breakers: Figure out what’s most important to you in a mattress topper: Is it price, warranty, or eco-friendly materials? Then, determine what you don’t want, aka your deal-breakers, like a no-returns policy. If any topper has a deal-breaker, you can eliminate that option.
- Think about your sleeping position: Your preferred position can affect how much hip pain you experience. Taking your sleeping position into account when selecting a mattress topper can help you get proper alignment, pressure relief, and support.
- Consider your sleep environment: According to
research from 2012 , keeping cool while sleeping is important for sleep quality. If you regularly feel overheated when sleeping, you might opt for a mattress topper designed for cooling. Many memory foam options are infused with cooling gel to draw away excess heat. In addition, polyfoam toppers use breathable open-cell foam, which can help you sleep cooler. Learn more about sleep and temperature. - Set a budget: Decide how much you’re willing to spend, then seek out toppers in that price range. You can find toppers for less than $150 to more than $400.
A 2021 study found that sleeping on a medium-firm mattress reduced low back pain, both while in bed and upon waking, better than a firmer mattress. However, there is little research on the effect of mattress toppers on hip pain specifically.
A mattress topper can
- add some cushioning and softness to a firm mattress or another sleeping surface.
- improve and refresh your current mattress at a much cheaper price than replacing the mattress.
A mattress topper can’t
- make up for significant structural changes in a mattress, like visible sagging or permanent indentations.
- cure hip pain. While a more comfortable sleep can improve hip pain, you’ll also want to focus on your posture and exercise. Working with a doctor or physical therapist can help you improve your hip pain, too.
If you’re experiencing hip pain, you might even explore the world of pregnancy pillows. These pillows can help provide support and pain relief — even if you’re not pregnant.
Again, mattress toppers are just one way to manage hip pain. If hip pain is interfering with your daily life, it might be time to determine other ways to get relief. This may include using pillows to adjust your sleeping position and support your body.
Also, check out the following articles, which explore different ways of managing and reducing chronic pain:
Mattress toppers may help relieve some pressure on a painful hip. However, you’ll want to work with a doctor or physical therapist to get to the bottom of your pain if you’re not sure what’s causing it.
The short answer is it depends on your body. Different factors may be affecting your hip pain while you sleep.
If you tend to sleep on your side, it might be that your mattress is too firm and is putting extra pressure on your hip joint. Body weight could also be a factor in determining mattress toppers. People with less weight may need a softer mattress topper to feel supported.
You can try using a mattress topper to help with hip pain, or you can use extra pillows under your hips for more cushioning, or between your knees to keep your hips aligned.
However, it’s important to make sure your spine is in a neutral position if you decide to add pillows underneath you.
There is very little research looking into what mattress material is best for hip pain. Memory foam may be suitable for hip pain because it molds to a person’s body shape and position and is typically a soft sleep surface that cushions the joints.
Investing in a supportive and cushioning mattress topper is a quick, relatively affordable way to support your hips and potentially reduce hip pain. Our top picks include toppers with cooling properties, natural materials, and a good balance between support and comfort.
If you don’t know what’s causing your hip pain, consider working with a doctor to make sure you’re treating your pain in a safe and appropriate way.